A thing about persecution. I have to say: If it weren't for persecution, I would not have read the entire Bible.

I grew up going to church. I have always had access to a Bible, and meant to read it. But I never did. Over the years I had read some parts of the Bible. I knew what was good and moral. When I was presented with a choice to do what would be good for my career, which meant living an immoral life, I chose God.

Now at that time I only knew it from my upbringing but never knew what God's word exactly said. But thankfully persecution came along and I was afforded the time and desire to read the Bible.

So to all of you out there who hate Christians and want us to stop reading the Bible, thank you for your persecution. I would not have read the Bible if it were not for you.

Since then I've read the entire Bible several times and in different translations, including researching and studying original texts in their original language.

My knowledge of the Bible has increased because of that initial persecution.

James 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.