I remember that back in the 1990s, according to the Voice of the Martyrs, the number of Christians martyred each year worldwide for their faith was around 50,000. The number is about double that now. Revelation 6:9 describes the fifth seal and the martyrdom of saints in the last days. Revelation 7:14 mentions the great tribulation. Are we living in those days? No matter what, keep watching, praying and preparing for Yeshua’s return! — Natan
From Russia Today — https://www.rt.com/news/372184-christians-killed-faith-study/
1 Christian killed for their faith every 6 minutes in 2016 – study
Christians are now the most persecuted religious group in the world, Massimo Introvigne, director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), told Vatican Radio.
According to CESNUR statistics, around 500,000 Christians around the globe are unable to practice their faith completely freely, Introvigne said.
Seventy percent of the killings of Christians in 2016 occurred during tribal conflicts in Africa, he said, referring to data from the Center for the Study of Global Christianity.
The large number of deaths may be explained by the fact that many devoted Christians refuse to take up arms, he added.
The remaining 30 percent, or 27,000, lost their lives in terrorist attacks, the destruction of Christian villages, or persecution by the authorities, Introvigne said.
However, he said that the number of Christian killings has decreased, compared to 105,000 deaths in 2015.
The data in the report may be incomplete as it doesn’t include India and China, where the Christian community survives in secrecy, he added.
The religious study group is due to release the full statistics on Christian persecution in January.
Introvigne also said that the Catholic Church is currently considering sanctification for Christian individuals killed by terrorist group Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in Syria and Iraq.
Earlier this year, the Chaldean Bishop of Aleppo, Antoine Audo, said that during the five years of the Syrian conflict, the Christian population of the country had declined from 1.5 million to 500,000.
“The large number of deaths may be explained by the fact that many devoted Christians refuse to take up arms, he added.”
Are we as Christians, not suppose to defend ourselves?
Hi Ladyyahsmouse….& Natan & all @ Hoshanah Rabah blog: shalom & his peace that surpasses all understanding..I’m reading all of Mathew Chapter 5 @ the moment The Beatitudes ( Sermon on the mount.) …verse 3: blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4: Blessed are they that mourn for they will be comforted.5: blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.verses 6 7 8 9 & verse 10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake..( thru the blood of the lamb) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Verse 11: blessed are Ye, when men shall revile you, & persecute you, & shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for YESHUAS name sake.
Verse 12: Rejoice & be exceedingly glad : for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you..& verses then about being salt & light verses 13 – 16. Chapter previous to chapter 5 is chapter 4 re John placed in prison…
I’m thinking re tie in verses also in the book of Revelation….re persecution etc…much to ponder re these things..
Second thought : turned to book of Revelation Chapter 3: re Spirit speaks to the 7 churches Yeshua knocks @ the door…chapter 3:verse 1 And unto the Angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that has the seven spirits of Yah, & the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead..
Verse 2 Be watchful, & strengthen the things which remain,that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect befor Yah. All verses …I’m wondering these 7 Churches existed @ the time of Yeshua in Asia Minor & what lesson they r for us today… Any more clarification or revelation ??
then chapter 4 Behold a door was opened in heaven…chapter 5: right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within & on the backside,sealed with 7 seals..
Verse 5 : one of the elders saith unto John, weep not ; behold the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the 7 seals thereof.
7 seals opened ( Thinking letters to 7 Churches & 7 seals …)
Chapter 6: Verse 1 …And John saw the Lamb opened one of the seals and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the 4 beasts saying come & see..
Verse 2 and behold a white horse: & he that sat on him had a bow: and a crown was given unto him: & he went forth conquering, & to conquer.
Verse 3: second seal opened…etc ….so much to take place between all 7 seals being opened.. Etc etc to verse 17 chapter 6.
7 th seal opened in Chapter 8. I’m thinking the persecution mentioned in the article ; could this all be birth pangs leading up to The Great Tribulation…yet to come..