"We must go through many hardships for the Gospel"

We must always remember that when we serve God it will not be an easy 
journey. Some of us will face trials, persecutions, and even rejection from our 
own family because of the Gospel.

Jesus warned us in (Luke 21:12-13)
read also Mat.24:9, Mark 13:9-13, 1Pet.4:12-16, Acts 14:22
* Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated
   by all nations because of me.
* They will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues
   and prisons, and you be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of
   my Name. This will result in your being witnesses to them.
   You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will
   put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of Me. (Luk.21:16)
* In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service
   to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.
   (John 16:2-3, 15:18-25)
* "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you
    will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  (v.33)

We need to persevere and stand firm in our faith for all the trials that will come 
upon us to those who follow Christ. But God has promised us:
* He who stands firm to the end will be saved.  (Mathew 24:13, Mark 13:13)
* Not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life. (Luke 21:18-19)
* He will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
   (James 1:12, 1Pet.4:4, Rev.2:10)
* Great is your reward in heaven.  (Mathew 5:10-12, Luke 6:22-23,1Pet.1:4-7,1Tim.1:12)
* You will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
   (2Thes.1:5)
* Every good and perfect gift is from above. (James 1:16)
* Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though
   something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in
   the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
   If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit
   of glory and of God rests on you.
   If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal,
   or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed,
   but praise God that you bear that name.  (1Pet.4:12-16, Acts 5:41-42)
   So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to
   their faithful Creator and continue to do good.  (v.19)

* For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because
   he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing
   wrong and you endure it?
   But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
   To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example,
   that you should follow in His steps.  (1Pet.2:19-21,15,4:1)

        "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth."
         When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate;
         when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted
         Himself to Him who judges justly.  (v.22-23)

* Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this
   you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  (3:9)
* But even if you suffer should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.
   "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened."
    But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an
    answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
    But do this with gentleness and with respect, keeping a clear conscience,
    so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may
    be ashamed of their slander. (1Pet.3:14-16)
* It is better, if it is God's will to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
   (v.17)
* You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,
   you will receive what He has promised.  (Heb.10:36)
* The man who does the will of God lives forever.  (1John 2:17, John 8:51)
* Here a trustworthy saying:
                         If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
                         If we endure, we will also reign with Him. (2Tim.2:11-12)

A Call To Persevere:
* Remain true to the faith. "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom
   of God."  (Acts 14:22)
* Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner.
   But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
   (2Tim.1:8, Phil.1:14)
* Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  (2Tim.2:1)
* Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (v.3)
* Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.  (Phil.127)
* That you will stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel
   without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
   This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--
   and that by God.
   For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him,
   but also to suffer for Him. (v.28-29,1Tim.1:18)
* Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
   looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know
   that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
  (1Pet.5:8-9)
* Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,
   because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  (1Cor.15:58)
* So dot throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (Heb.10:35)
* Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
   (v.23)
* And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you
   have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and
   steadfast. This is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
  (1Pet.5:10,12, 2Tim.2:9, 2Thes.1:6-10)
* Rejoice in the Lord! It is a safeguard for you.  (Phil.3:1)

You tube: I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lmm6EQWHS0o&feature=related