There are many questions a pastor should ask himself about his ministry. Here are two:

1. Am I preparing my people to die well?
2. Am I preparing my people to suffer well if they should face persecution?

These questions are related. Are our people prepared to die? Not are they eager to die, but are they comfortable with the idea of death? Young or old, are they trusting enough in their Savior that death is not something that stands as a Great Unknown or Mighty Enemy against them? If death is still an enemy, are they ready to face persecution for their faith?

I am no prophet but I believe hard times are coming for America and the world, and I believe hard times are coming for Christians. Will we stand in the face of persecution? Can I suffer for what I believe? Am I training my children to suffer? Am I preparing my people to give their lives in brutal ways in order to glorify their Savior? If I do not make this part of my work, I am failing. What in our lives is so great it is worth betraying the Savior for? What are we putting before him so that we would cast him off in order to hold on to it? Money? Comfort? Family? Our lives? Am I ready to trust God with all of that? To cast it all off and sit under the executioner’s blade? Am I willing to suffer that He might be exalted?

And, pastor, are you helping your people be ready for the same?