This sermon addresses the topic of preparing for persecution, drawing examples from personal experiences and stories of intense persecution in other countries like North Korea. It emphasizes the need to trust in God's protection and not fear men, even in the face of potential persecution. The message highlights the courage and faith of believers who faced extreme trials for their faith, choosing to remain steadfast in their love for Christ despite the severe consequences.

Thank you for joining me again. It is such a privilege to share with you from the Word of God. And the question that I have today is, how do we prepare for persecution? And is persecution really coming into the United States and perhaps even Canada? I crossed the border in Niagara Falls a few days ago to visit friends in the United States. And I was held at the border for about 45 minutes. My car was turned upside down, and then I was taken to a door. On the door, it said, safe room. It was a steel room that I was taken into and questioned by two officers. And you know, when I stood before that door called safe room, fear came upon my heart. But God tells us not to fear men, but to fear him, because he is able to relegate our soul into hell. Men can only take our bodies. They cannot take our soul. So as we believe in our almighty God, we need not fear. And yet there is a sign of persecution. I had the privilege to go with a dear brother to Ground Zero, and we were testifying at Ground Zero on the streets. And even as we were passing out tracts and little stories about Jesus, many people walked by and cursed at me quietly. And you know, I got a sense that I really wasn't wanted there. I was looked upon as an outcast. I was looked upon as someone who had lost his mind. But you know, I did it because I love. And I love the land of America. I love the American people. I only want very, very best. And I love the people. And God helped me to see that he loves all the people in this world because he died for all. And then just a few days ago, 16 SWAT team members rushed into a Christian home in Arizona. It was a Christian house meeting. And these SWAT team members, they handcuffed that pastor of that place. They incarcerated him for 60 days. They did give him a suspended sentence and a fine of several thousand dollars. And beloved, you are now classified with terrorists. If you are a true Christian, please know you're classified with terrorists. Now, I do have a story from a country where real persecution is taking place. We have not experienced it here yet. This is hardly persecution. But let me share this story with you from North Korea. A group of Christians was discovered in North Korea. They had worshiped God and his son, Jesus. Their children were with them. The adults were told by those who had captured them, if you do not acknowledge our dear leader as God, and if you do not renounce Christ, your children will be hanged. One of the children looked up at her mother. What would she do? Earlier that morning, 28 other Christians had been bound and taken before a screaming crowd of North Koreans. The guards made it clear, if you don't deny your Christ, you will die. The mother thought of her child, but she could not deny her Lord. The other Christians quietly made the same decision. Their God was real. The North Korean guards again shouted, deny your Christ or we will hang your children. The children looked at their parents. The parents loved their children, but they knew there was an eternal heaven for them. Praise God. They could not deny their Lord. One mother leaned down to her child and whispered with confidence and peace, today, my love, today, my love, you will be with me in paradise. I will see you in heaven. All the children were hanged. The adults who were still bound had to lie down on the pavement. A large steamroller was brought, which was used to flatten the road. They were given one more chance. The guards told them, if you give up your Christ, you will live. If you don't give him up, you will die. The Christians thought of their children in heaven and started to sing softly. As the steamroller started to roll over them, crushing them to death, they were singing, more love, oh Christ, to thee, more love to thee, more love to thee, my God. And you see, beloved, when we live this earthly life, it is but a moment in eternity. We are safe in the hands of God. Another part of scripture tells us that none of our hairs will be bent, and that is for eternity, beloved. That is a verse that tells us that we are safe and secure in the hands of God for eternity. Now, he might ask you to become a witness. Martyr means witness. Will you witness for your fellow man this great salvation you have, or will you keep it for yourself? Will you witness while there's still daylight, the night has not yet come? I ask you, dear sisters and brothers, I ask you in love to do so. The Lord bless you. I love you.