Before long, following Jesus in the United States may actually cost believers something.  With the rights of gays making their way into mainstream America, and other radical groups making inroads as well, hard times for believers may lurk nearby.  If this happens soon, are we ready?

I once saw a movie about the 1950s or 1960s civil rights movement in America, where blacks and other activists received training on how to minimize their injuries during arrest.  Whether this movie was historically accurate, it presented an interesting idea--training for difficulty.

Some time ago when I was preparing a sermon on the persecuted church, I ran across a website that coached Christians on how to survive jail if they were arrested for their faith.  (It may still be on the web, but I couldn't find it with a basic search.)  I wonder if the American church shouldn't start thinking more along these lines.

See sermon outline, "The Persecuted Church."