three areas of preparation for coming storms:

· Intellectually – “I know it is coming.”

· Practically – “I have prepared my people for my imprisonment.”

· Spiritually – “I am ready for spiritual battle.”

1. Preparation intellectually involves:

– understanding what the Bible teaches about persecution

– understanding what is God’s purpose in persecution

2. Preparation practically involves:

– practicing the do’s and dont’s so not to invite persecution unnecessarily

– knowing what programs and forms to undertake so the church can continue

to function under pressure and persecution

– knowing your rights as a citizen (Acts 22 & 25)

3. Preparation spiritually involves:

– engaging in activities that stress the importance of fighting the spiritual

battle