When you think of persecution, what comes to the forefront of your mind? Are you reminded of those who have been murdered mercilessly for the name of Christ? I think any of us, once we knew what the early church experienced--and, indeed, what Christians in other parts of the world are experiencing now--would find ourselves looking a bit sheepish if caught complaining about our mistreatment. However, is this persecution necessary for to keep the Christian faith alive? I believe the persecution imputed on the early church laid the foundation for the religious freedom we have today. The question is this: Is persecution of the church still needed to keep the church in existence? I believe persecution may not be needed, but it will pave the road for the generations to come.
             I will prove this fact by first pointing out the effectiveness of early persecution. In the 19th century, the United States was the setting for new developments in religion. Sects and movements of many types arose, inspired variously by new interpretations of the Bible, the teachings of new prophets and thinkers, the expectation of Christ's second coming, and the social, scientific, and philosophical questions of the time. Because of their beliefs, many were beaten and even murdered. In his book, Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus: The Ultimate Jesus Freaks, Toby McKeehan gives the story of a man named Robert J. Thomas. Thomas was the first missionary to Korea; however, he only survived a few short months in that country. Thomas and his wife were ordained on June 4th of 1863 in Hanover, Wales. They were sent out to Korea by the London Mission Society in July of the same year. Soon after arriving at Shanghai, China, Thomas' wife died. Thomas continued the journey to Korea alone, but not long after the ship he had boarded took off, they struck a sandbar and ran aground. Korean soldiers on shore became suspicious, boarded the ship, and began to kill the foreigne...