…and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. – Acts 5:40-42

In these end times, persecution is sure (2 Timothy 3:12, Revelation 2:10-11) and many will crumble under its weight.

But as believers, we need to be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God in order to withstand the enemy (Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Corinthians 16:13, 1 Peter 5:8-9).

While following Christ may ultimately cost you your earthly safety, as believers, we know that Christ has paid for our freedom from sin and death with His precious blood (Acts 13:38-39, Romans 6:22).

Stand firm, therefore, because in Christ, we have been set free!