It seems utterly incompatible, about as ridiculous as preparing for a crisis by studying gardening and botany. If persecution is coming to those who live godly in Christ Jesus – if a distinction is going to appear between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world in a way that requires we take sides – then what is the place of living in community: of being the church, the alternative culture shining brilliant hints of the patriarchs’ “better city”?
Yet this paradox lives, and has lived throughout the history of the church. It is when the people of God do life together that they are perceived as a threat to be persecuted. And it is under the threat of intense suffering that the people congregate, realizing that they need each other more than for a religious ceremony once a week – and that if time is short, the priority of life is all the more to live faithfully and investing in the eternal things: people.
To God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn
Lisa of Longbourn 
‘under the threat of intense suffering’
are there believers in north america that come to mind when you think of this level of suffering? feels like we create our own drama more than anything else.
I was thinking ahead. Threat as in, I sense it coming. Freedom is getting smaller and enemies of Christianity are emboldened to be more antagonistic. But, yeah, sometimes I’m in a more pessimistic mood!
To God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn
Totally didn’t look at the picture on here when I replied. Surprised to realize I was talking to someone I know! No changes to my comment above, but an addition:
2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
To God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn