Preparations for Suffering

The apostle Paul often taught young converts to the Christian faith that 'we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God' (Acts 14:22). For first-century Christians suffering for Christ was an inevitable accompaniment to a life of serious discipleship. In many parts of the world little has changed since those early days. But in the West, Christians have long enjoyed a period of unusual rest from such troubles. However, there are ominous signs that change is on the way. Suffe...