1. The Great Controversy 2 Persecution foretold by Christ Persecution foretold by Christ The History of Persecution The History of Persecution The Philosophy of Persecution The Philosophy of Persecution Persecution in the First Centuries

2. Church History-Prophecy of 7 Churches EphesusSmyrnaPergamosSardisPhiladelphiaLaodiceaThyatira Early Church that left the first love (see AA) The persecuted Church (see GC, ch. 2) An era of spiritual darkness (See GC, ch. 3,4) The morning star in the midst of spiritual darkness (See GC, ch. 5,6) The reformation that was not completed (See GC, ch. 7-16) The true Advent Church (See GC, ch. 17-41) The Church that delays Christ’s coming

3. Persecutions Foretold by Christ Matthew 5:11,12: Be happy if the persecute you Matthew 5:11,12: Be happy if the persecute you Matthew 24: You will be put in tribulation and killed Matthew 24: You will be put in tribulation and killed Matthew 24: Some will betray you Matthew 24: Some will betray you Matthew 24: There will be a time of great tribulation (see also Daniel 7) Matthew 24: There will be a time of great tribulation (see also Daniel 7) Matthew 10:34-36: Enmity even in the family foretold Matthew 10:34-36: Enmity even in the family foretold

4. The History of Persecution Heathen persecution Heathen persecution Beginning under Nero Beginning under Nero Christians were considered: rebels to empire, foes to religion (atheists), pests to society Christians were considered: rebels to empire, foes to religion (atheists), pests to society Persecution brought them nearer to Christ Persecution brought them nearer to Christ Persecution spread the message Persecution spread the message Persecution kept the church pure Persecution kept the church pure Persecution by apostate Christians Persecution by apostate Christians Satan changed tactics – from force to artifice Satan changed tactics – from force to artifice Unification between Christianity and paganism Unification between Christianity and paganism Two classes and beginning of persecution Two classes and beginning of persecution Separation of the faithful from the apostate church Separation of the faithful from the apostate church

5. The Philosophy of Persecution Is the gospel a message of peace? Is the gospel a message of peace? It is for those who unite under it It is for those who unite under it But it is hated by Satan and his agents and therefore creates war But it is hated by Satan and his agents and therefore creates war Why does God permit persecution? (We can see the answer only outside of doubt) Why does God permit persecution? (We can see the answer only outside of doubt) That the character of the wicked is revealed That the character of the wicked is revealed That God’s children are purified That God’s children are purified That the example of God’s children convinces others That the example of God’s children convinces others That God’s justice and mercy are revealed That God’s justice and mercy are revealed Why does persecution slumber? Why does persecution slumber? Because the church is conformed to the world Because the church is conformed to the world

6. Question “Trial and persecution will come to all who, in obedience to the Word of God, refuse to worship this false sabbath. Force is the last resort of every false religion. At first it tries attraction, as the king of Babylon tried the power of music and outward show. If these attractions, invented by men inspired by Satan, failed to make men worship the image, the hungry flames of the furnace were ready to consume them.” The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 976 “Trial and persecution will come to all who, in obedience to the Word of God, refuse to worship this false sabbath. Force is the last resort of every false religion. At first it tries attraction, as the king of Babylon tried the power of music and outward show. If these attractions, invented by men inspired by Satan, failed to make men worship the image, the hungry flames of the furnace were ready to consume them.” The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 976 “The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he had failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and worldly honor…Now the church was in fearful peril. Prison, torture, fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this.” The Great Controversy, p. 42 “The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he had failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and worldly honor…Now the church was in fearful peril. Prison, torture, fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this.” The Great Controversy, p. 42 Explain the seeming contradiction! Explain the seeming contradiction!