Recent news headlines about Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militias represent the harsh reality that Christians are persecuted everywhere.

These are not isolated cases. They are part of a larger wave of violence that has burned churches, attacked villages and kidnapped or killed Christians. The attacks have targeted entire Nigerian communities. Home, family and all security are gone.

And much more troubling is that what we see is only part of reality.

So many stories don’t make news. Quietly, believers tell of kidnappings, forced conversions and bloodshed which the world media ignores. Such personal stories shared by a new brother in Christ in Nigeria telling of the recent kidnap of some Christians whom he knew personally, show how real this problem is. There is suffering, and often it goes unnoticed.

Much of this violence is perpetrated by extremist groups, but the Bible gives us a deeper reality. God’s people have always been persecuted. Both secular and religious forces have opposed true Christians.

The Bible says:
Matthew 10:22 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.”

Take note that all men. It is not exclusive to any one nation, religion or ideology. It shows a broad rejection of Bible Christians.

Revelation 16:13-14 speaks of the “three frogs”, that is, unclean spirits referring to unity of false powers, gathering the world against God’s truth. It is a religious and political alliance with a common goal.

History has shown that truth has frequently been persecuted. Those who hold the truth against man-made customs and tradition has always been persecuted. This pattern is not new. But prophecy foretold a world-wide persecution will be repeated.

Church and State are joining. False unity will lead to coercion. When a faithful remnant speaks God’s Word, calling people to obedience, denouncing false notions, and living out true Christianity, the response will not be neutral. Truth will again be opposed.

What’s happening in Nigeria is a warning sign of future persecution! Christians can become a target, when lawlessness, extremism and indifference conspire together.

Christ never promised His disciples an easy way. But praise the Lord because His grace is sufficient to pass through it. He gave a promise that:

“He that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.” Matthew 24:13

Yes, endurance is the key. No matter what, the search for truth never ends.

What Should We Do?

First, let’s pray for our Nigerian brethren that they will endure this ordeal, and stay faithful.

Second, let’s pray for each other as well and examine ourselves. Would we stand firm under pressure? Are we grounded in Scripture or are we shaped by the changing world?

Finally, let’s recognize our times we are living in. The signs of the times are all around us.

Truth is, Nigeria is not just a tragedy, it is a present warning.

The question is not whether persecution exists.

The question is: Are we prepared to endure it?

Truth is truth!

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