Could Bible-believing Christians in America suddenly face persecution?
Yes, sudden pressure and persecution can come quickly, even in America. The warning is that Bible-believing believers may unexpectedly find themselves under intense opposition. They must be spiritually ready, anchored in resurrection hope and power, and unafraid of what may be done to this body of flesh.
Les explains that after the resurrection the apostles had a boldness no one could shake, and this was proof of resurrection power. Peter had earlier betrayed Christ, swearing he did not know Him, and the group scattered in fear for their lives. After the resurrection, nothing scared them—not Rome, not the Jews—because of resurrection power. Les applies this to believers today, saying he is afraid that even in our beloved America it could happen much faster than many think: Bible-believing believers could suddenly find themselves under pressure and persecution, and it can come awfully fast. He asks whether we are ready, so bound in the hope and power of resurrection that we are not afraid of what can be done to this body of flesh. Death is only temporary because of resurrection power.