PAROUSIA SECOND COMING of JESUS CHRIST:  ARE CHRISTIANS THE MOST PERSECUTED RELIGION?

The Pew Research Center released a report in 2018 on the state of religious persecution, restriction and harassment in the world.

The report demonstrated that there was a measurable increase in governmental restrictions on religions globally. One of the key findings is that in 2016, Christians experienced significant harassment by governments or social groups in the largest number of countries (144 countries), slightly ahead of Muslims (142 countries). Is religious persecution globally for Christians Bible believing real? Are Christians being persecuted worldwide?  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzdrN4ZnrM5bzpCUfnCeWkqjVq0JHKoAT

Headlines such as “Religious freedom getting worse around the world; Christians remain most persecuted group: Pew”

“Christians most persecuted religious group in the world”

“Pew: Christian, Muslim persecution most widespread”.

The frank reality is that Christianity is under attack, and it is under attack here in the United States of America. Being a Christian in a very secular, liberal world meets with significant challenges and resistance.  https://secondcoming.org

A secular society is generally described as centered in self-love. It can be thought of as breeding narcissism. It enjoys the abundance of wealth, personal freedom and liberty to choose. It has free access to entertainment and amusements. It does not have a need for the gospel teaching of other-centered care and love. A cultural war is taking place before our very eyes, and Christianity is currently losing the battle. Will it lose the war? What can we expect here in the United States? Will there be a decree against Bible keeping Christians? Will this herald the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

“When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof.

The people of God—some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains—still plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. It is now, in the hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliverance of His chosen. Saith the Lord; “Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth … to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel. And the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of His arm, with the indignation of His anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.” 

With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God’s covenant and long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness.

By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying, “Look up,” and lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven and see the glory of God and the Son of man seated upon His throne. In His divine form they discern the marks of His humiliation; and from His lips they hear the request presented before His Father and the holy angels: “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” Again a voice, musical and triumphant, is heard, saying: “They come! they come! holy, harmless, and undefiled. They have kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the angels;” and the pale, quivering lips of those who have held fast their faith utter a shout of victory.

It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Everything in nature seems turned out of its course. The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up and clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying: “It is done.” “

Great Controversy 635-636