The signs are clear. The times are changing, and not necessarily for the better from the prospective of faithful Christians trying to live out the principles of Scripture. We need to prepare ourselves for a future which will be decidedly unfriendly to Christianity and the Church.

For a long time, Christians in America have benefited from a culture that was Christo-friendly if not Christocentric. Stores were closed on Sundays, Christian holidays were observed by schools and businesses, and even government. It was “easy” to be a Christian in America.

But the Church does not thrive in a culture such as this. In many respects, the Church has become soft and bloated. Since there was no social downside to going to church, many attended with little or no commitment to actually following Jesus. Pews, over the years, have been filled by those who are “Christian” only culturally, not genuinely. Those days are pretty much gone.

Now we are faced with a much different climate in our culture. It is becoming more and more unpopular to be genuinely Christian in one’s theology, sociology, ethics and world-view. Even in the church (at least in the more liberal mainline church), holding to historic teachings on sin, transformation and salvation are being challenged and abandoned. The uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation is no longer a majority-held position in many denominations.

As we prepare for times of cultural rejection of Christianity and possible persecution of Christians in America, it is important that we hold steady and not allow fear to over-take us. After all, Jesus spoke to this directly: “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18) It is ironic (although, the enemy often twists things this way) that the word “hate” is more and more being applied to Christians who hold to historic teachings on such things as sexual ethics! The reality is, the world “hates” the Truth and those who adhere to the Truth!

Pray. Pray that we will be faithful no matter what. Let us not give in to the temptation to capitulate to a culture which is hell bent, but let us remain focused on Jesus; let us be heaven bent.

The Church is no stranger to persecution.

Faithfully,

Pastor Glen