Christian persecution isn’t coming to our world: It’s already here.
In a report by Fox News, it was noted that a retired pastor will appear in court on Wednesday after being arrested for simply preaching the gospel.
Retired pastor Clive Johnston, 76, was preaching a sermon centered on John 3:16 near an abortion buffer zone in Northern Ireland. For this infraction of telling others that God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son so that we would not perish but have eternal life, Johnston is now facing two charges per the Abortion Services Safe Access Zones Act in the country.
As the outlet noted, Johnston is being accused of “influencing a protected person, whether directly or indirectly,” through a “protest” after being asked to leave. This specific law does not allow for “anti-abortion protests or behaviors” within close proximity to an abortion clinic.
The Christian Institute in the United Kingdom pointed out the absurdity of Johnston’s arrest.
“Prosecuting Pastor Johnston for preaching ‘God so loved the world’ near a hospital on a quiet Sunday is a shocking new attempt to restrict freedom of religion and freedom of speech…” The Christian Institute’s Simon Calvert said.
In a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to the gospel, it is evident that even the Western world is now opposed to the very faith that built its social system. Who else is likely to oppose immoral stances like abortion, transgenderism or the rise of atheism than Christians? What is happening in our world is not a targeted attack against all religious systems: It is against one. It is opposed to the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus never promised His followers a path of cultural acceptance or worldly applause. In fact, He warned plainly, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). The arrest of Pastor Johnston serves as a sobering reminder that these words were not metaphorical, nor were they reserved for a distant future. As the gospel confronts darkness, resistance follows. Scripture makes clear that opposition to believers is ultimately opposition to Christ Himself. Yet Jesus also urged His disciples not to be surprised or shaken when persecution comes.
Still, the story does not end with hostility or hardship. Jesus offered His followers a greater promise: “In the world you will have tribulation; but take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The temporary pressures of this life cannot compare with the eternal glory that awaits those who remain faithful (Rom. 8:18). While laws may change and societies may grow colder toward biblical truth, the kingdom of God remains unshaken.
The hope of the gospel stands far above anything this world can give or take away. Our greatest reward is not found here in this life, but eternity with Him.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
