In recent days, a wave of anti-Christian sentiment seems to be rising across the West. One of the most alarming examples has been the morbid celebration surrounding the death of Charlie Kirk, a prominent Christian and political activist.
Disturbingly, this reaction is not isolated—similar hostility has been directed toward others who profess faith in Christ.
Where is this coming from? Is it merely the work of a few disturbed individuals, or is something deeper at play?
As believers, we understand that spiritual warfare is real—but it is shocking to see it manifest so openly. Times of great turmoil on earth often point to intense battles taking place in the heavens. And that reality should call us to prayer.
Persecution against Christians has undeniably increased around the world.
🌍 Global Persecution Is a Present Reality
While in America we have long enjoyed freedom of religion and freedom of speech, many believers around the world do not share that privilege.
Open Doors, an organization that tracks Christian persecution, reports that 4,476 Christians were murdered for their faith last year, 7,769 church properties were attacked, and at least 380 million Christians endured some form of persecution worldwide.
What is persecution? It can involve slander, the loss of certain freedoms, imprisonment, or even giving one’s life for the sake of the gospel. Jesus and the apostles did not shy away from warning us of this reality:
Matthew 5:10–11
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”
John 15:18–20
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
2 Timothy 3:12
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
1 Peter 4:13–14
“But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
These passages remind us that persecution is not a sign of God’s absence but rather evidence that we belong to Him. The world’s hostility toward Christians ultimately stems from its rejection of Christ Himself.
⚠️ Concerning Trends in the West
While persecution has long been a reality elsewhere, we are now witnessing troubling signs within Western nations. Freedoms once taken for granted are beginning to erode, especially for those who hold to a biblical worldview.
In Great Britain, 12,000 people were arrested in the past year for sharing something on social media that authorities deemed “objectionable,” “offensive,” or “hate speech.”
Imagine sitting in your home when police knock on your door, question you, and potentially arrest you over a post you made online. That is no longer hypothetical—it’s happening.
Canada is also considering legislation that would silence free expression through the threat of fines and imprisonment. Similar trends can be observed in Europe, Australia, and even parts of the United States, where biblical convictions are increasingly portrayed as dangerous or hateful.
📜 Spiritual Warnings for the Last Days
Paul’s warning to Timothy paints a sobering picture of the spiritual climate in the last days:
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (NLT)
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”
Although this passage is broad, the intensity of these attitudes is clearly increasing. There is a growing cultural desire to “throw off” the influence of Christianity—often described in activist and academic circles as dismantling the “power hegemony” of “Christian supremacy.”
Terms like Christian nationalism or Christian identity movement are increasingly applied to ordinary Bible-believing Christians.
Whatever ideology Satan can use to stir up hatred toward the Church, he will exploit. This is not merely a political shift; it is a spiritual battle.
🙏 How Should Christians Respond?
So what should we do in light of these realities? Jesus has already given us the answer:
- Pray for our enemies and those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).
- Love our neighbors as ourselves, even when they misunderstand or oppose us.
- Stay grounded in a Bible-believing church community where we are strengthened by God’s Word and fellowship.
- Anchor ourselves in Scripture daily. We will need its truth for the days ahead.
✝️ Standing Firm in Shifting Times
We are living in a time when hostility toward the Church is becoming more visible and more intense. But this is not the time to shrink back in fear.
It is the time to stand firm in truth, pray fervently, love boldly, and live faithfully.
The challenges ahead may test us—but they will also refine us. As persecution increases, may we be found faithful, holding fast to Christ and shining His light in an increasingly dark world.