‘Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ Matthew 5:10

I recently read a disturbing article which has alerted me to the times we are living in.

This was the headline: London Street Preachers Convicted of Quoting the King James Bible. Michael Overd and Michael Stockwell, two British street preachers, have been convicted of a public order offence after quoting parts of the King James Bible. The prosecutor claimed that quoting the KJV should “be considered to be abusive and is a criminal matter.” The article went on to report that the prosecutor Mr. Jackson also said, “To say to someone that Jesus is the only God is not a matter of truth. To the extent that they are saying that the only way to God is through Jesus, that cannot be a truth.” The two were found guilty under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.

Matthew 24:9 says; ‘Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.’ Jesus doesn’t need defending as he can do that himself. However, scripture is clear that a time would come when people would be openly persecuted for their faith. Matthew 5:10 supports this statement; ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’

Reading news like this could make you easy feel discouraged, especially, if like me, you already struggle to talk openly about your faith. However, the bible is full of hope: In the same book of Matthew a few verses later in both cases, we read;

‘but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.’ (Matthew 24:13-14)

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’ (Matthew 5:11-12)

Jesus is coming back sooner than when we first believed. Isn’t that great news?!

Heritage Singers sing ‘All to Jesus.” Click on the picture to listen.