In Canada, religious freedom faces significant challenges due to persecution stemming from differing moral and ethical stances. The British Columbia College of Teachers denied a license to Trinity Western University, affiliated with evangelical groups, for prohibiting homosexual relationships in its student conduct code, though the college later prevailed on appeal. A print shop owner, citing religious reasons, refused to print materials for the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Archives and was fined $5,000 by the Ontario Human Rights Commission, which ruled that his beliefs did not exempt him from serving homosexual groups. A religious high school was ordered by a court to admit a male student and his boyfriend to the prom, with the case still under appeal. Legislation passed by the Canadian House of Commons added sexual orientation to 'hate speech' categories, potentially criminalizing public expression of orthodox moral judgments on homosexuality if approved by the Senate, which could penalize ministers for preaching on such matters. Additionally, the organization regulating pharmacists mandated dispensing contraceptives and abortifacients, overriding personal conscience by requiring referrals, rendering objections ineffective. A medical student faced penalties for refusing to perform abortions, with the case under review, highlighting the risk of medical schools punishing dissenting opinions on controversial procedures. These instances illustrate the precarious state of religious liberty in Canada, where it appears to be barely sustained.

We should not be overly concerned if persecution for our faith happens to us, for He will be with us to comfort and inspire us in our responses. The truth we will speak will be so wise and right that our persecutors will have no retort. This may incite them to greater violence, even to the point of killing us, but if we patiently endure, we will surely save our eternal life. Our entrance into God's Kingdom is what truly matters, and if we are martyred for it, our reward will reflect our unflinching faithfulness to God and His way of life. We need not fear the coming days when our religious freedom will be stolen, though they will be dreadful and dark, and some will lose their lives. If we commit ourselves to living righteously, we have the assurance of our faithful Creator that we will receive salvation and great reward in His Kingdom.

The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution ensures that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. This right, recognized as coming from God, has faced erosion over time as governments at both state and federal levels have regulated religious practices. Instances include actions against Christian businesses refusing to serve certain customers and zoning laws prohibiting religious meetings in private homes. During the coronavirus pandemic, some governors and mayors have specifically targeted religion by prohibiting the free exercise of worship within their jurisdictions through emergency orders. In Louisville, Mayor Greg Fischer threatened action against participants of a drive-in Easter service, despite compliance with social distancing by remaining in cars. Similarly, in Nevada, Governor Steve Sisolak banned drive-in services, and in Mendocino County, California, authorities mandated that churches streaming services could not include singing due to health concerns. Other states and municipalities have imposed severe restrictions on congregational services, with some preachers arrested and services disrupted. These actions exceed constitutional authority by targeting religious believers and congregations in ways not applied to other citizens. In response, U.S. District Court Judge Justin R. Walker issued a temporary restraining order against Fischer's mandate, calling it stunning and beyond all reason unconstitutional. While many anti-Christian orders have been overturned or rescinded, the persistent agenda of progressive lawmakers continues to challenge the freedom to worship, taking advantage of crises to impose restrictions on religious practice.

As America continues to move away from its Christian values and heritage, the persecution of Christians is expected to rise. Recent events highlight this trend, with backlash against a fast-food chain after its president made statements supporting traditional marriage, prompting protests and boycotts from opposing groups. Though this persecution is mild compared to historical examples, such as the struggles faced by the Hebrews who endured reproaches, tribulations, and the plundering of their goods, it serves as a reminder to prepare for potential escalation. Jesus Christ and the apostles provide guidance on facing persecution with specific attitudes. Patience is foundational, as we must wait on God for deliverance, bearing up courageously through suffering. God is at work transforming our character, and trials produce endurance and perseverance, leading us to trust in His timing for salvation from persecutors. Another vital attitude is to remain positive and glorify God during persecution. Rather than succumbing to despair, we should offer praise and thanksgiving, reflecting a desire to honor Him through our words and behavior. Examples like Paul and Silas, who prayed and sang hymns while imprisoned, and the apostles who rejoiced in suffering shame for His name, illustrate this approach. Additionally, we are called to do good even amidst suffering, showing love to all, including our persecutors. This mirrors Jesus Christ's actions during His crucifixion, where He continued to comfort others, offer salvation, and seek forgiveness for His enemies. Paul also exemplified this by preaching boldly while in chains, advancing the gospel despite persecution. Finally, an attitude of joy is essential, even in fiery trials. We are to rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings, knowing that such endurance aligns us with His glory. This joy is possible only through the strength and perspective provided by God, especially when suffering for righteousness' sake. Though no one desires persecution, it is inevitable for those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus, yet His promise remains that those persecuted for righteousness will inherit the kingdom of heaven.

Persecution against the Christian religion is occurring worldwide at an alarming rate, with evidence showing that Christianity is the most persecuted religion globally. In non-Israelitish nations, where Christian religions do not dominate, violent persecutions are rampant, fueled by a tsunami of hatred energized by satan and prophesied by God as the tribulation advancing toward us. In Israelitish nations, however, satan employs a subtler strategy, avoiding violence and instead using a gradual approach to undermine Christianity through educational institutions and the courts. This method has been eminently successful, with humanists, who prioritize man's achievements over faith in the Creator, holding virtually all leadership positions of secular authority. In America, the decline of religious liberty is a growing concern among Christians, particularly the elderly, while younger generations show less concern. Satan's influence through humanist leadership has led to a harvest of lawlessness, as trust that should be given to God is misplaced in men who lie about true authority. The current administration is confronting the Christian faith directly, not with violence but with subterfuge, as seen in policies like the Obamacare Act, which requires employers to pay for abortifacients, violating the religious conscience of many. This has led to legal battles, such as with Hercules Industries, where owners resist being complicit in abortion services, arguing against government coercion in matters of faith. The rise of such issues signals potential threats to other religious practices, highlighting a broader conflict between God's authority and secular government.

Religious freedom in the United States has faced increasing assaults, particularly against Christianity, the primary religion of Americans. Over the past several years, the pace of these attacks has intensified, with numerous incidents demonstrating the erosion of the free exercise of religion. In New Mexico, a Christian photography company was forced to close after the state's Supreme Court ruled that the owners must compromise their beliefs by photographing a homosexual couple's commitment ceremony. In San Diego, four Christian firefighters faced disciplinary action for refusing to participate in a Gay Pride parade, enduring verbal abuse and sexual gestures, though they later won $30,000 in damages. An Oklahoma bank was compelled to remove Bible verses, crosses, and Christian Christmas messages following a visit from Federal Reserve employees. A Missouri university threatened to withhold a Christian student's degree for refusing to support homosexual adoption in a letter to the state legislature. Under Obamacare, the Department of Health and Human Services mandated that organizations offering group health insurance must provide abortifacients, disregarding religious objections. In New Jersey, a second-grade student was barred from singing a religious song in an after-school talent show, and in Florida, another child was forbidden to perform a song with religious content at a Boys & Girls Club event. A New York hospital threatened a pro-life nurse with termination and loss of license for refusing to assist in a late-term abortion, despite prior agreements respecting her convictions. Florida withheld grant money from students at Florida Christian College due to the institution's failure to meet secularity standards, though a lawsuit later reversed this policy. The Centers for Disease Control fired a Christian counselor for refusing to lie about referring clients with same-sex relationship issues to other counselors. In Texas, a third-grader was prohibited from including a religious message in goodie bags for a school party. A Cisco employee was fired for his belief in traditional marriage, expressed only in a book outside of work. These examples illustrate a widespread trend of limiting Christians' religious freedoms across federal, state, and local governments, schools, universities, institutions, corporations, and community groups. While some court rulings have recognized violations of religious liberty, many such incidents have set legal precedents. The cultural shift in America prioritizes sexual freedom over religious freedom, targeting Christians as obstacles to progress and employing efforts to marginalize, ridicule, and delegitimize their societal voice. Though current attacks are primarily legal maneuvers, they signal a growing hostility toward Bible-believers.

Persecution, as it pertains to religious faith, is a profound and serious matter, reflecting the life-and-death dedication required of Christians in their unwavering devotion to God and Christ. This external pursuit or putting to flight, often by other persons or beings such as satan and demons, starkly contrasts with internal tribulations or stresses that can arise from within. Historically, early Christians faced horrific persecutions, being thrown to lions, lit as torches, or martyred in other brutal ways, serving as witnesses before the world through their suffering. In more recent times, particularly in America, religious freedom has largely shielded believers from large-scale persecution, though individual trials persist. Some have faced jail for adhering to God's instructions on child discipline, others have lost jobs over Sabbath observance, and many have endured family conflicts or societal reproach due to their faith. These personal persecutions, while traumatic, often pale beside the martyrdom of early believers, yet they serve a purpose in building character as trials from God. Globally, severe persecution continues in Gentile nations like China, Indonesia, Vietnam, and among Muslim-majority regions, where Christians face imprisonment or worse for their beliefs. In contrast, Israelite nations tend to exhibit greater tolerance, though historical instances of persecution, such as in England or against Mormons in the United States, reveal that animosity can surface even there. The absence of widespread persecution in certain regions or times may be attributed to God's timing, ensuring that any martyrdom or suffering serves a meaningful witness at the right moment in His plan. Persecution is also seen as a divine tool, sometimes used to shock believers into repentance, particularly when they have not changed beforehand. It is a sign of God's favor, a gift of grace, when endured for righteousness' sake, indicating that He deems the sufferer worthy of such a trial. This suffering, though not to be sought out, is a pathway to a better resurrection and higher responsibility in God's Kingdom, mirroring the perfection Christ achieved through His own persecutions. The attitude during persecution should encompass patience, a desire to glorify God, a commitment to continue doing good, and even joy—not in the suffering itself, but in the recognition of being counted worthy by God. This joy, enabled by the Holy Spirit, reflects the ultimate reward of salvation and divine approval, transforming persecution into a profound honor when endured for the sake of Christ.