Our pastor told us this story:
John Chrysostom was a church father in the fourth century known for his preaching.
When he was a young Christian he was brought before the emperor, who told him that if he didn't give up being a Christian he would be exiled from the country.
Chysostom replied, "You cannot banish me because the whole world belongs to my father."
Then the emperor said, "I will take away your property."
"You cannot", replied Chysostom, "because my treasures are in heaven."
So the emperor warned him that he would place him in solitary confinement.
Chrysostom responded, "You cannot, because I have a friend who is closer than a brother, I have Jesus Christ forever."
Finally the emperor threatened him, "We will execute you."
To which Chrysostum said, "You cannot, because my life is hidden with God.
There is nothing you can do to harm me!"
It was a wonderful reminder that nothing can ever really harm us, because nothing - not even death - can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:28-29).
You can find John's ongoing sermon series here.
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