Think through this possibility (Copied).  You are on an airplane about to return from vacation.  Two radical militants take over the plane and say, “If you are not a Christian, you may get off the plane.  If you are a Christian, but will renounce Christ, we will allow you to get off the plane.  If you stay, that means you are a Christian and we will kill you.”  Your children are at home, you’ve made plans, what will you do?  Do you stay on the plane or fulfill one simple requirement to live?

Think through another possibility (Dr. Lewis Drummond): WHAT IF God revealed to you that you would be the person He would use to bring a world wide, global reformation and revival… that through you he would bring literally hundreds of millions of people to faith in Christ?  But at the end of that year you would be a broken shell of a person.  You would lose your family… all your friends… all your possessions… all your money… and be confined to a bed for the next 20 years, then you would die.  Would you volunteer?

In the safety and comfort of our homes we say we’re ready to follow Christ… to die for Jesus.  So why then don’t we spend more time in prayer and reading the Scriptures?  Why is it so difficult to witness to those who don’t know Christ?  Why is it we’re so stingy with our money and refuse to give abundantly to reach those for whom Jesus died?  I’m not sure we’re being honest with ourselves all the time..

Consider from Fox’s Book of Martyrs…

   (Early Christians)  Stephen was stoned to death.  James the Great was beheaded.  Philip was scourged then crucified.  James the Less, at the age of ninety-four, was beaten and stoned by the Jews; and finally had his brains dashed out with a fuller’s club. Matthias was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded.  Andrew was crucified on a cross, the two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground.  Peter was crucified, his head being down and his feet upward, at his own request because he was (he said) unworthy to be crucified after the same form and manner as the Lord was.  Paul was beheaded.  Jude was crucified.  Bartholomew was at length cruelly beaten and then crucified.  Thomas was thrust through with a spear.  Luke was hanged on an olive tree.  Simon the Zealot was crucified.  

   (Under Nero, 67 AD) Nero even refined upon cruelty, and contrived all manner of punishments for the Christians that the most infernal imagination could design. In particular, he had some sewed up in skins of wild beasts, and then worried by dogs until they expired; and others dressed in shirts made stiff with wax, fixed to axletrees, and set on fire in his gardens, in order to illuminate them.

   (Under Domitian, 81 AD)  Among the numerous martyrs that suffered during this persecution was Simeon, bishop of Jerusalem, who was crucified; and St. John, who was boiled in oil, and afterward banished to Patmos. Flavia, the daughter of a Roman senator, was likewise banished to Pontus; and a law was made, “That no Christian, once brought before the tribunal, should be exempted from punishment without renouncing his religion.”  

I Peter 4:12-19…

     Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Hebrews 13:12-14…

     So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

Matthew 5:10-12…

     “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

John 15:20…

     (Jesus) Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 

Philippians 1:29…

     For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake…

Are we ready for that?  It one day very well may come… even in America.  Thus one last Scripture that is found recorded Luke 21:12-19…

     You will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.