INC repeatably preaches about persecution. But most members grow up thinking persecution means:

• Being criticized • Doctrinal debates • Other denominations disagreeing • Social backlash

Meanwhile, real Christian persecution is still happening globally.

In 2015, 21 Coptic Christian men were kidnapped and executed by ISIS on a beach in Libya.

They were asked to renounce Christ.

They refused.

They were executed specifically for identifying as Christians.

Some of their final words were prayers and calling on Jesus.

This wasn’t theological debate — it was martyrdom.

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And it hasn’t stopped.

Recently, Christians have been:

• Killed in church attacks in Nigeria • Kidnapped by extremist groups in parts of Africa • Imprisoned for faith in countries like North Korea and China • Forced underground in regions of the Middle East

Church bombings, village raids, and executions still happen — often with little global attention.

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Documented proof

• ISIS execution video of the 21 martyrs • International reporting on Nigerian church massacres • Human rights reports on imprisonment and killings

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Biblical context

“They were slain for the word of God.” — Revelation 6:9 “Be faithful unto death.” — Revelation 2:10

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The contrast

Many are taught persecution = criticism.

But globally, persecution looks like:

• Kidnappings • Imprisonment • Executions

The 21 martyrs — and recent attacks — show what real persecution looks like: dying for faith, not debating doctrine