China is persecuting Christians even now, jailing them, confiscating their property and even killing some. This is documented in the book The Heavenly Man, a story about Liu Zhenying, known as Brother Yun. The world, including the United States of America does not care about such things and they even reward China by letting the Olympic Games be held there and trading with them. Money is more important than truth.. That is because, in their hearts they have already rejected God and His Christ, Jesus. Is there religion in China? Oh yes, even Christian religion. But, they are controlled by leaders who are puppets of the state.

Throughout history, it has been the religious who have persecuted the true believers. But Jesus knows them -

I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

There is coming a great turmoil in the American church in which the true believers are called into the liberty of the Spirit. The false church will react with accusations and persecution. Will the true believers be perfect? No, they will just be hungry for more of Christ and they will no longer be able to remain in dead churches.

The devil will try to weaken us with fear, but Jesus but Jesus urges us to keep our eyes on the end goal where we will given the crown of life.

These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

                 Revelation 2:8-10

This is not a message American's like to hear. Yet the Lord said, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death." - 2:11. This letter was written to Smyrna but it is intended for all the churches. We in the American church need to have our minds prepared to face persecution, because it is coming. Paul wrote to Timothy to help prepare him:

All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

                    2 Timothy 3:12

Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, was one of early brothers who was martyred by being fed to the lions in Rome. As he was being marched to Rome as a prisoner, he wrote a letter to Smyrna -

"...nearness to the sword is nearness to God; to be among the wild beasts is to be in the arms of God; only let it be in the name of Jesus Christ. I endure all things that I may suffer together with him, since he who became perfect man strengthens me."

He was prepared. He knew such scriptures as 1 Peter 2:21 -

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.

The letter to the church in Smyrna was meant to give comfort to them when they suffered. It reminds them that Jesus suffered also, but He overcame! It is a comfort to us as well, however, there is also a warning in this letter: those who give up, who fail to overcome, will lose their blessing.

Is such persecution a thing of the past? If you believe so, you do not know what is happening in our world, or the storm that is building in our own country!