INTRODUCTION

I am putting forth my pen to exhort, enlighten and prepare the hearts of those who are open and willing to listen. You will notice there is some repetition in this exhortation, but it is there for emphasis and teaching. What is about to be written will in it change no one, but thou, O Lord, the great Shepherd of the sheep, bring us to awareness and preparedness.

What you shall confront in this writing is not intended to bring fear nor dread. Remember, many before you were told by the Spirit of God what they were going to face. Acts 21:10-11; Rev. 2:10

Be assured, brethren, that I am not setting forth doom and gloom. Scripture never presents Christ's suffering from that point of view, as we shall see. Neither am I being negative concerning the true church's future. In fact I am positive. Do I seek to pervert the way of joy and peace? In truth I seek that you may have it and keep it through all things. American Christians have known for some 216 years, liberty and very little hostility for their faith in Christ. From the founding of the constitution there has never been any nation-wide law in America, which opened the doors of persecution. Before we became a nation we were only a British colony. Those who left the persecution of England began to persecute those in the colonies who differed from them. Isn't that what a religious spirit would do with all its legalism. Many meant well and had some good things to give, but that was the dark side of Puritanism in that day.

Precious have been these many days of freedom my brethren, but I do believe this shall change for a season. I also believe this nation shall return to God in the suffering season.

The true church In America is facing a spirit very much hostile to her and that hostility is expressing itself more and more. Don't be amazed that righteousness has never met the favor of any man in whom there was not the excellent spirit of the Lord Jesus. I John 3:13 says, "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." I want you to realize that if you aren't willing to face reality you won't like what you are about to read, but Jesus is going to have a tough church, a bold church in the days ahead. If you are called and chosen, then be among the FAITHFUL in the hour that is forthcoming. Rev. 17:14; Note Matt. 22:14; Isa. 48:10. The pressure of these days will certainly try the reigns of the heart, but precious to the Lord is the trial of the faith that presently exists in our hearts. See I Pet. 1:7.

It is a very enlightening thing to read the New Testament and see from the very beginning of the gospel of Matthew to the end of the book of Revelation how much is said about persecution using four basic words as affliction, tribulation, suffering and persecution. I challenge you to get your concordance and follow these words through the New Testament. It will greatly help you to see that the early church lived and served God in that hostile atmosphere.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto all true seekers of the way, truth, life, and wisdom of the Lord, whether you are in the fire or not. I do not write as one who has already attained, or as one who knows everything. I submit that without GRACE I can both be and do nothing, apart from His GRACE I have nothing.

A DREAM CONCERNING PERSECUTION

In April of 1989, shortly after a return trip from Israel and Greece, the Lord gave me a dream. In Israel I saw some of the remains of the Roman occupation that spoke of the carnal activity of days gone by. One relic in particular stood as a monument to twisted minds and feelings of pleasure over human suffering.

As I lay down for a short period of rest I began to dream. I found myself in a large arena like unto the Roman Coliseum of old. In these arenas Christians were executed in various ways before bloodthirsty crowds who hated them.

The thing that struck my attention in this arena was that there were no spectators or executioners, only a large execution machine. While I was looking at this apparatus, I was feeling the emotions that would go with such an occasion. Another aspect in this dream as I was standing there, was the presence of other Christians directly to the right, but a little behind me. There was one common thing in our hearts in those moments. We knew that the stage was set for giving our natural life for Jesus. We knew the decision was made and fixed. The scene was like standing in the eye of a hurricane. Everything was quite calm, and there wasn't anything happening. In our spirit there was the anticipation of the impact of persecuting winds that were forthcoming. It was as though we were there, yet it was future. When the dream ended I was instantly awakened with no time to think, and this is what the Lord spoke to me with His voice so clear and authoritatively.... MARTYRDOM IS AHEAD! These three prophetic words still ring in my ears so unforgettably, and I took them ever so seriously. When I heard these words I understood why the stage was set for persecution, yet in the dream nothing was happening, it was yet to be. No time factor was given unto me, but in my spirit it did not seem to be afar off. What I am about to write is born out of this dream and prophetic word. There are those now living who have walked in the fiery winds of persecution in the past, and there are those now who are yet to experience it. Before these winds blow I believe you will see some signs saying it is growing nearer. Do you realize some of those signs are here?