Smyrna was committed to the Roman emperor, and any Christian who would not worship a Roman god was submitted to persecution and poverty. There is encouragement for them in that…
Jesus said not to fear those who kill the body. Throughout history, Christians have had to take these words seriously when faced with persecution. Paul tells Timothy that all who…
Our hearts should be stirred by the suffering of Christians, as Daniel's was by this vision of terrible things that would happen to God's people hundreds of years later. He…
Daniel saw these terrible beasts but the end comes quickly. He sees the Ancient of Days; there is a higher throne behind the scenes of this world. We need to…
Why refuse to worship the image, and be thrown into the fiery furnace? These men submit themselves to God's will and purpose. Serving God means giving things up, and it…
Jesus had warned the disciples they would be persecuted. Despite the horror of God impending crucifixion, His concern is for His disciples. He knows our circumstances and trials and doesn't…
Nebuchadnezzar rejects Daniel's interpretation of his dream that other nations would rise up after him, and sets up an image that represents himself only. The text highlights the absurdity of…
These verses are like an advertisement for being a Christian: the world will hate us! Persecution is a mark of a real Christian. This is how we know we are…
Some of these people Paul greets may have been in Caesar's household. We can give thanks that God has His people in unlikely places. Things went well for Esther, and…
Here is a senseless mutiny by an ungodly coalition set against God but God uses wicked men to accomplish His purposes, as with the death of Jesus. It is senseless…