“‘Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.’” (Matthew 24:9)

A pastor in Canada was arrested last week for having church services and encouraging people to go to church. Artur Pawlowski was arrested an hour after holding his church service for “organizing an illegal in-person meeting, which includes demanding, inciting, or inviting people to join, as well as supporting and attending an illegal public gathering.” Over in Great Britain, a pastor lost his job after being accused of being a terrorist for preaching on religious freedom. “Rev. Dr Bernard Randall, 48, preached that religious convictions are protected by law and that students are not required to follow the LGBTQ ideology.” Randall was quoted as saying, “I never thought a sermon would lead to me being reported as a terrorist.” This is the world we live in: in the name of tolerance and acceptance, the Christian view of homosexuality is neither tolerated nor accepted.

“What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinking wine and boast about all the alcohol they can hold. They take bribes to let the wicked go free, and they punish the innocent.” (Isaiah 5:20-23)

Christians have been facing persecutions and arrests since the beginning of our faith but we usually hear about those arrests and persecutions coming from countries that have outlawed Christianity. We are not used to hearing about the arrests of Christians in free countries that claim to support and defend the freedom of religion. Jesus said we would be hated all over the world for being His followers, which, of course, includes countries that claim to protect speech and religious freedoms. We have been warned about times like these so we must not be blind to them when they happen around us.

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

“‘Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.’” (Matthew 10:32-33)

We are living in times unseen in countries that claim to be free and protect religious freedoms and freedoms of speech. Do not shut your eyes to it or hide behind your politics. In times like these we Christians must face the question: Will you acknowledge Jesus publicly if it means arrest or being branded a terrorist? Pray for strength and pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who face persecution, arrest, and death every day, simply because they speak the Truth.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed