Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)
The Bible prophesies a time when Christians will be beheaded for their testimony of Jesus Christ. This is beginning to become commonplace today in the Middle East and Northern Africa, especially since the rise of ISIS. Though this had been happening prior to ISIS, it was not happening as frequently as it is now. We are witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecy today. However, I believe that this type of persecution will only continue in the coming years. As can be seen in the verse above, the mark of the beast is also mentioned. Evidently this persecution will still be occurring when the mark of the beast in the scene. We must pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, because we may one day be in their position and needing prayer.
