Summary: <br> <a href="https://i0.wp.com/radicallychristian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Persecution.png?ssl=1"></a><br> <br> <br> <br> This discussion on persecution is part two of a two-part series. If you haven’t already done so, you may want to listen to the first episode in this series: “<a href="https://radicallychristian.com/is-political-privilege-harmful-to-christianity-part-one">Is Political Privilege Harmful to Christianity?</a>“<br> <br> <br> <br> Last week we began considering the question, “Why is Christianity growing in some countries but declining in others?” In that Bible study, Wes and Travis discussed <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/may-web-only/christian-persecution-political-privilege-growth-decline.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an article by Nilya Saiya</a>, who argues that state support that is one of the biggest threats to the growth of Christianity. Saiya’s research indicates, “As governmental support for Christianity increases, the number of Christians declines significantly.” <br> <br> <br> <br> Saiya outlines three paradoxes: pluralism, privilege, and persecution. In part one, Wes and Travis discussed pluralism and privilege. In this episode, they discuss persecution. What does the Bible say about times of persecution? How should Christians think about persecution? Is it possible for the church to thrive and grow when persecuted? <br> <br> <br> <br> We hope this Bible study and discussion is an encouragement to you.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Links and Resources:<br> <br> <br> <br> * Video: <a href="https://youtu.be/FDTt859UU0M" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watch this episode on YouTube</a>* Article: <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/may-web-only/christian-persecution-political-privilege-growth-decline.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christianity Today article</a> by Nilya Saiya* Audio Book: <a href="https://radicallychristian.com/audible" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beyond the Verse</a> by Wes McAdams<br>
