From Exodus to Today: The Story Behind Christian Persecution

**This podcast is taken from our Global Video Report: EMPOWER CONNECT September 2024 Edition**

RON: Hello everyone.
I hope you had a wonderful, restful summer. Now it’s back to business. Today, I want to share something that has been strongly on my heart — the rationale behind the persecution of believers around the world.

Now, I know that’s a strange-sounding topic. How can you predict or talk about what’s in people’s minds when they persecute Christians? But I think it’s necessary every once in a while to look into the Scriptures, see what history teaches us, and weave that together with what we are hearing from our national brothers and sisters around the world.

It’s important to understand how the ungodly — those following hostile governments, false religions, or systems opposed to Christ — view committed Christians. And when I say Christians, I’m not talking about those who merely have the name ​“Christian” on a birth certificate or attend church once a year. I mean people who are born again, committed disciples of Jesus Christ — followers who are totally surrendered to Him.

These are the people who face pressure, persecution, and hardship. How the ungodly look at them is worth examining.

Looking Back to Scripture

For today’s scripture, let’s go to Exodus chapter 1.

At the end of Genesis, Joseph dies at 110 years old. Jacob’s descendants had gone down into Egypt — just 70 people in all. Now, Exodus 1:6 – 14 tells us:

• Joseph, his brothers, and all that generation died.

• The Israelites were fruitful, multiplied greatly, and became strong until the land was filled with them.

• A new king, who did not know Joseph, rose to power in Egypt.

• Seeing the Israelites’ numbers and strength, he feared they might join Egypt’s enemies in war and leave the country.

• To control them, the Egyptians appointed taskmasters to oppress them with forced labor.

But here’s the irony: the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied. This only increased Egyptian hatred, leading to bitter slavery.

A Pattern That Still Exists

This same fear-driven persecution exists today.

• In communist countries, governments see the church growing and become afraid it will ​“take over.”

• In India, Hindu extremists and government forces respond to the growing Christian population with increased persecution — mirroring the mindset of Pharaoh.

It’s the same story: fear of growth leads to oppression.

God’s Purpose in Persecution

National church leaders have often told me that persecution becomes a stage for God to display the nature, character, and resilience of His church.

It’s not about bragging — it’s about showing the world the miraculous transformation that happens in believers. This is one of the greatest works of the Holy Spirit: empowering believers to stand firm in the face of suffering.

Yes, miracles, healings, and dreams are incredible. But the ongoing, daily miracle of transformed lives that refuse to deny Christ under pressure — that is unparalleled.

Past, Present, and Future

This isn’t just history from Exodus or the Book of Acts.

• It’s happening today.

• It will continue in the future.

Revelation 6:9 – 11 describes martyrs crying out to God, waiting until the full number of their brothers and sisters are also killed for their faith. Persecution has been part of the story for thousands of years, and it will continue until Christ returns.

Counting the Cost

Persecution — whether physical, mental, economic, or social — is part of what we sign up for as followers of Jesus.

In China, leaders prepare new believers for this reality from the very start. During their intensive 3 – 4 month discipleship training, they teach:

“This is what you are getting into. If you don’t want this, there’s the door.”

It’s not a threat — it’s honesty. Jesus Himself laid it out clearly in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5):

Qualities of a Christian

• Poor in spirit – depending on God, not themselves.

• Those who mourn – recognizing their need and crying out to God.

• The meek – humble, gentle, aware of their position before God.

• The merciful – showing kindness and love to others.

• Pure in heart – seeking cleansing from sin through faith in Jesus.

• Peacemakers – bringing reconciliation and peace.

Consequences of Following Jesus

• Mockery, insults, and lies.

• Resistance to the Gospel message.

• Loss of comfort and security.

• Discrimination and deprivation.

Jesus never promised an easy life — He promised His presence and the Holy Spirit’s power to endure.

Final Reminder

We don’t go looking for persecution — it will find us.
2 Timothy 3:12 says:

“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Around the world today, believers are coming to Christ, being transformed, and standing tall despite severe opposition.

And through it all — past, present, and future — the church will remain victorious. Jesus is building His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

This is the true miracle: the unshakable church, standing in the power of the Holy Spirit, no matter what comes.