Unless you live in a cave, you are most likely aware of the atrocities being played out against Christians around the world, but most horrendously in Iraq at the moment.

The Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS, has taken control of the city of Mosul, with Baghdad next on its list.

This past week, the Sunni Muslim group forced Christians out of Mosul, where they have lived for the past 2,000+ years. This is the ancient city of Nineveh. They had no choice but to either convert to Islam, pay a large tax or be killed. Those that were allowed to leave were robbed at the border, anything of value taken from them.

Now, they are doing something that is reminiscent of Nazi Germany, marking the houses and doors of Christians.

The symbol is an Arabic N,

ن

and it is the symbol the Islamic State is using to pinpoint and identify who is a Christian. It is a derogatory name, Nasara or Nazarene, as they are calling them.

They will not stop in Mosul, or in Iraq, but they will move across the Middle East and around the world, quickly, and with terror. Even Al Qaeda keeps their distance from this group of Muslims; they are so fierce and determined to do whatever it takes to accomplish their world domination goal.

They have blown up the tomb of Jonah, desecrated cathedrals and are now worshiping Allah in them instead.

Women are not excused from the violence. They are being forced into marriages with the militants, sold into slavery, raped, beaten, and forced to be completely covered, if they are brave enough to venture out into public. They have been warned to have their faces veiled or risk severe punishment. The announcements have been given over loud speakers in the city and enforced, with horrendous consequences.

“Anyone who is not committed to this duty and is motivated by glamour will be subject to accountability and severe punishment to protect society from harm and to maintain the necessities of religion and protect it from debauchery…” Islamic State.

It doesn’t matter to these extremists if you are Baptist, Methodist, Church of Christ, Pentecostal, Nazarene, etc., it matters if you are Christian. Do you believe in the God of the Bible and are you willing to say the same when your life is threatened?

Shari’a law has been in place for several weeks now in Mosul.

This past couple of weeks, there has been a rallying cry of Christians coming together, and against, the torture and murder of innocent Christians in Iraq. Thousands are joining together on Twitter, spreading now to Instagram, with the hashtag

#WeAreN

standing for We are Christians, demanding an end to the violence and asking for help from leaders around the world.

 

They are using what the Islamic State intends for persecution with the meaning of the N, and showing their support through social media, in solidarity, to help bring awareness and end the persecution of Christians.

Peaceful demonstrations, walks and rallies have been held on four continents, in fifteen countries and over forty cities so far, showing support for the Assyrian Christians in peril. Many have placards, posters and t-shirts with the #WeAreN symbol of support.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is also pushing back. The Jewish people have been under fire, targeted, embattled and persecuted for centuries. Many say they are killing innocent civilians, when in reality they are doing what any other country would do; defend, protect and preserve.

The Palestinians have tunneled their way under the earth to bombard Israel and will stop at nothing to get what they want. They would not be happy if they regained complete control of Gaza, it would not stop there.

They want Israel annihilated, completely.

Netanyahu has a formidable task ahead.  He has little support from the world community and is daily condemned for his attacks on Gaza. What should you do when you are being attacked?

These are just a few of the examples of heartache, turmoil and injustice in the world right this moment.

It is easy sometimes, as life goes on in our corner of the globe, to think that things like this do not affect us. Friends, this DOES affect all of us! This is persecution, and yes, the Bible did say persecution would come, but we must bind together and not sit idly by as our brothers and sisters are slaughtered across the pond.

Israel and Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, South Africa…the list goes on. And on.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:12, 13.

What can we do?

We can pray.

We must pray!

Pray for your persecuted Christian brothers and sisters.

Pray for their children, for rest and peace from the terror that fills their bedtime dreams.

Pray for the mothers and fathers who are struggling to find food for their families.

Pray for those that are being tortured, for deliverance and God to intervene on their behalf.

Pray for leaders to rise up and to condemn the massacres. It has to start somewhere.

That doesn’t mean things will miraculously get better, all wars will cease and peace and harmony will reign in the world. No, if we read and have knowledge of our Bible, we are aware that these are all end-time events. Many of these things must come to pass! But we can pray for wisdom and look for ways to make a difference, to touch heaven.

We still enjoy freedom in many countries in the world. We are able to gather in houses of worship, to pray, to choose.

While we obviously pray for deliverance and these atrocities to end, the reality is that they may not because of the time we live in. We pray for grace, boldness, strength…and courage in the face of adversity.

If the roles are reversed, and some day they come for US, we would hope that our brothers and sisters around the world would bombard heaven on our behalf.

Back before WWII, people never dreamed Hitler would be able to accomplish what he did. The innocent slaughter of MILLIONS of Jews, Christians and others that they decided were not worthy to live, was unthinkable and yet, if some of those souls were with us today I wonder if they would be warning us to wake up.

Are YOU N?

Pray.

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