This country really was founded on Christian principles, if a little imperfectly. Because of this, up till now we as Christian citizens of the United States have been able to proclaim our faith boldly with the wind, it could be said, at our backs. Now the wind is blowing the other way, yet the gospel has not changed. Nor has our mandate to declare it.
Hebrews 11 speaks not only of the heroes of the faith, but the martyrs of the faith. “Women received back their dead through resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- ” vs. 35-37
You have probably noticed over the past few decades that voices have risen which trumpet the rightness of tolerance in matters of abortion, right to die, gender confusion, dress, and animals. Yet these same voices have once again proven themselves utterly intolerant of anyone who dares declare an alternate viewpoint.
The same who sneered with disgust at one presidential candidate’s declaration that he would refuse to accept any other outcome than his election, are now rioting in the streets refusing to accept the outcome of the election, and signing petitions demanding the Electoral College reverse their votes to put their preferred candidate in the White House. Blindsided by the fact that society-backed political correctness caused dissenting voters to simply keep their opinions to themselves and bide their time, they seek to reassert their dominance concerning what is and is not permissible.
There is coming a time and now is when we, as believers once did and as our brothers and sisters in China do even now, will be forced to proclaim our faith in underground churches if we are to survive. There is coming a time, and even now is for our brothers and sisters in more hostile lands, when we will be backed to the wall and must expect that if it is demanded we proclaim our faith openly, to also expect to die for it.
Daniel 7 tells us that we are going to lose this battle with the world, that war will be made against the saints and the world will prevail against us until the Ancient of Days (the Lord) comes and the court is called in our favor. Until then we must be prepared to lose and lose boldly.
This will not be an easy thing to do. Already the wind has shifted against us. We are expected to put away our faith in public places, so as not to offend those who offend our Lord. Yet as standard bearers for the Lord we must resolve to be tolerant of the intolerant: Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you and spitefully use you. Bless those who curse you. When someone strikes you, don’t strike back, turn the other cheek. (Matthew 5:38-44)
Start today while they do no more than sneer at you, and in your stance you will strengthen your faith for the future. Jesus asks us, “Do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in once house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.” (Luke 12:51-52)
He’s not talking about mere political divisions which are simply symptomatic of our culture at large, but rather the foundational question: Are you for or against Christ? The winds are shifting and the world is turning against him. Rather than the wind being at our back, we will soon be facing gale force winds. I pray that you, the believer, will seek to stand even to the very end, and so receive your reward.
Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- ” vs. 35-37
You have probably noticed over the past few decades that voices have risen which trumpet the rightness of tolerance in matters of abortion, right to die, gender confusion, dress, and animals. Yet these same voices have once again proven themselves utterly intolerant of anyone who dares declare an alternate viewpoint.
The same who sneered with disgust at one presidential candidate’s declaration that he would refuse to accept any other outcome than his election, are now rioting in the streets refusing to accept the outcome of the election, and signing petitions demanding the Electoral College reverse their votes to put their preferred candidate in the White House. Blindsided by the fact that society-backed political correctness caused dissenting voters to simply keep their opinions to themselves and bide their time, they seek to reassert their dominance concerning what is and is not permissible.
There is coming a time and now is when we, as believers once did and as our brothers and sisters in China do even now, will be forced to proclaim our faith in underground churches if we are to survive. There is coming a time, and even now is for our brothers and sisters in more hostile lands, when we will be backed to the wall and must expect that if it is demanded we proclaim our faith openly, to also expect to die for it.
Daniel 7 tells us that we are going to lose this battle with the world, that war will be made against the saints and the world will prevail against us until the Ancient of Days (the Lord) comes and the court is called in our favor. Until then we must be prepared to lose and lose boldly.
This will not be an easy thing to do. Already the wind has shifted against us. We are expected to put away our faith in public places, so as not to offend those who offend our Lord. Yet as standard bearers for the Lord we must resolve to be tolerant of the intolerant: Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you and spitefully use you. Bless those who curse you. When someone strikes you, don’t strike back, turn the other cheek. (Matthew 5:38-44)
Start today while they do no more than sneer at you, and in your stance you will strengthen your faith for the future. Jesus asks us, “Do you think I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in once house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three.” (Luke 12:51-52)
He’s not talking about mere political divisions which are simply symptomatic of our culture at large, but rather the foundational question: Are you for or against Christ? The winds are shifting and the world is turning against him. Rather than the wind being at our back, we will soon be facing gale force winds. I pray that you, the believer, will seek to stand even to the very end, and so receive your reward.
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