I am not an alarmist, nor am I a prophet. But as I listen to and read a cross-section of materials emanating from the Western (primarily American) church I am aware that there are those who recognize a trend toward the persecution of Christians in the West. The form of the persecution will be different perhaps than other parts of the world. At some point it may converge with global persecution and take on more violent forms.

VOM offices are closed today as our staff join in celebrating Independence Day in the United States. We are thankful for the country where we live and work, and we pray that God will bless our nation and draw many Americans into fellowship with Him.

Different regions of the world have different histories and also different traditions about freedom, especially freedom of religion. Some areas of the world have never known freedom, or very little of it, so society’s disapproval of people who turn to Christ or witness for Christ is somewhat expected. The idea of “tolerance” is not in their thinking. In Western thought, however, the idea of tolerance is well known, and it sometimes evokes emotion in Christians who believe it indicates turning one’s back on biblical truth.

Editor's note: The following is an excerpt from a post on Ravi Zacharias International Ministries' web site, reposted here with permission. The post was written by Jill Carattini, managing editor of A Slice of Infinity for RZIM. You can read the full post here.

A stunning new report from The Family Research Council and Liberty Coucil highlights the enormous amount of hostility towards Christians in America. This is a report every Christian and pastor, in America should read.

Earlier this week we told you about the problem with having a home bible study in Gilbert, Arizona. Today, we have yet another situation that is brewing here in Southern California in Rancho Cucamonga. Fox News is reporting on this situation. Read the full story here.

The story regarding the church fires in Texas is also now being highlighted on cable news. This morning there was a report on Fox News, which I have linked below, saying that some sketches of the possible arsonists have been released, and that we shouldn't jump to conclusions about whether this is religiously biased hate or attacks.