Persecution

And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.—Revelation 13:5-6

The two beasts of Revelation 13 are the anti-christ and false prophet who will bring about a 42 month long period of trouble that Jesus referred to as the great tribulation. This 42 month period begins with the anti-Christ desecrating the rebuilt Jewish temple and ends with the return of The Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul mentions in 2 Thessalonians that this anti-christ is revealed to the world after the church’s departure from the earth.

The anti-Christ will be blaspheming The Lord Jesus Christ and his Church which is in heaven. He will also be persecuting the millions that will be coming to Christ during the great tribulation. The false prophet will be promoting a mark to be worn on the forehead or right arm that denotes allegiance to the anti-Christ. There has been much speculation about the anti-Christ and his mark, but he will not be revealed until the church has departed from the earth. However, it is important to note that the spirit of anti-Christ is prevalent in the religion of Islam and it’s Koran. We have also witnessed radical elements of Islam promoting jihad and requiring allegiance from its followers by wearing a badge on there right arm or forehead.

There is no other religion that is intentional and systematic about persecuting Jews and Christians. Islam will play a role during the tribulation hour. Many today in the 10/40 window experience suffering and persecution because of Islam. One such person you probably heard of in the news is Pastor Saeed Abedini, an Iranian/American citizen suffering torture and imprisonment in one of Iran’s worst prisons. Click here to view his testimony and pray for him and all those who suffer persecution in Islamic nations that God would sustain them and deliver them from their trial. Remember the words of our Lord,

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

(NEWS REPORT: Pastor Saeed’s wife before Congress last week.)