In this sermon by Basilea Schlink, titled "The Way of the Cross," she discusses the current state of persecution and hatred towards Christians. She emphasizes the importance of having a deep love for Jesus in order to endure suffering and martyrdom. Schlink explains that those who love Jesus will receive the crown of life and be conquerors even in the midst of deep suffering. She encourages believers to be willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of following Jesus on the way of the cross, as He offers eternal life and will repay them abundantly.

God lives and works today. This motto should be written over every life, especially in view of the dark and ominous future which lies before us. However, God can only intervene and demonstrate His all-conquering power under a certain condition. What is this condition? The answer is in today's meditation by Basilía Schling called The Way of the Cross. Today, we're approaching the time of martyrdom. Men are hated and persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. And even in the so-called Christian countries, the spirit of the Antichrist is on the march. This spirit not only ridicules God and Jesus Christ, but also seeks to use violence against believers and to exterminate everything Christian. Soon, the atheistic Antichristian wave will roll over all countries, just as Jesus prophesied for the last times. The times in which we're now living, you will be hated by all nations for my namesake, Matthew 24. That's why there's nothing so important in our time as the love for Jesus, exclusive love which has known something of the fellowship of His sufferings. Otherwise, we're lost. Otherwise, we have no strength to endure suffering for His sake. Many cases could be mentioned of believers who had not entered into the fellowship of His sufferings. In the hour of trial, they either denied the Lord or forsook Him. They were people who earlier had not been willing to suffer or sacrifice for Jesus' sake. They didn't want to sacrifice their position or income, their honor, livelihood, or family. Such people, when they had no opportunity to escape martyrdom, broke down completely in despair. They had nothing of the joy of the first Christians. It wasn't written in vain that those who love Jesus will receive the crown of life. Those who love Him are conquerors even in the deepest suffering and martyrdom. If, therefore, one should sell all his possessions to attain this love, Song of Solomon 8, verse 7, he would still have given too little, for it's such a precious treasure. It's worth everything. Because Jesus knows the treasure He's offering, He can justly call us to take up our cross and to follow Him in the fellowship of His sufferings. He knows that He is offering eternal life. He knows that He will repay us a hundredfold for everything we forsake out of love when we follow Him on the way of the cross. He will repay us while we're on earth, and even more in eternal glory. Who can measure the great treasure suffering and grief hath brought? Who has sight and understanding for the good that pain has brought? Heaven is ringing, all are singing Round the throne the sounds of pain There Christ's glorious stars are shining Show how grief can victory gain You have been listening to a program written by Basilia Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org That's K-A-N-A-A-N.org If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please write to God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North Fortieth Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099, USA. God bless you.