Tyrants have persecuted Christians throughout history. We often forget that all of the Apostles except John died violent deaths. The first one is described even within the time of the Bible: "About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword" (Acts 12:1-2). Yet, persecution has never destroyed the Church; it has only made her stronger. Eventually, the Christian faith overthrew the pagan religion of Rome, and became the religion of the empire.
However, the tyrants of China seem to have ignored history (a common fault among Communists), as they have started a new persecution of Christians there. But the Christians have not capitulated. Rather, they have been empowered. We may live to see the day when China, too, becomes a Christian nation.
These events make me think of another thing, though - the somnolent, flabby, and ineffectual church in America. Will god see fit to reform her through persecution? My hope is that He will not. Rather, may she instead be revived to the duties and power she has from Christ her Head.
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