Persecution, is it real?

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In Matthew 24 and 25 Christ answers his disciples by alluding to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and also tells them about the end of the world. Clearly, that it will be difficult times considering the mark of the beast of Revelation 13, in which, buying and selling will be forbidden. Having learnt of these times in advance; one should have taken in this knowledge to remove oneself from the cities and to move to areas of lesser risk to being in the line of fire should one be sought. Elijah was persecuted by Ahab via requests of Jezebel. Malachi confirms this. Mal. 4: 5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” Christ confirms that John the Baptist was the first prophetic Elijah and Herod persecuted him via Herodias! The dreadful day of the Lord has not arrived so there will be an end time Elijah … people who will be persecuted by the forces represented by Rev 13. The first part thereof will be by request from the church represented by Rev 13, and the last part will be from the alternative religious power of Rev 17 … the whore riding the beast! We should take strength and courage from Rev 14:4 “These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” We are required to know our Bibles and to allow the Holy Spirit to direct and instruct us in the walk with Jesus in our lives.