Down through the centuries Christians have been persecuted for standing up and defending the truth of the gospel. Fortunately, in the almost 250 year history of America, Christians have faced little persecution for sharing the truth of the gospel. However, past freedoms are no guarantee of future freedoms, and in the last few years we have seen an ominous trend in our country to label many of the things Christians stand for and proclaim as hate speech. And I am afraid that many of our cherished freedoms of religion may be taken away from us as this trend continues.
For example, preaching against sin, and the need to repent, is becoming not only more unpopular, but labeled as hate speech. Since more and more moral sins have been legalized, like abortion and same sex marriage, speaking out against them may soon cause pastors and churches to lose their tax exempt status; and I can envision a day when they could suffer fines and even imprisonment.
Imagine, today we see biological men, who believe they are a woman, now allowed to compete against other females in sporting events. Or parents who strongly protest what their children are being taught in the public school arena, in the areas of morality, to leave these to the school boards to decide. Ever since they took prayer and Bible reading out of the public schools in the early 1960’s we have seen a steady decline in the morals our children are being taught. In our present woke society standing up for biblical principles are becoming more and more difficult. To do so now labels you as insensitive, intolerant, and bigoted.
As Christians we can never compromise sharing the truth even if it means increased persecution. And I am afraid that in the next ten years in America our cherished Christian freedoms may become a thing of the past. So, what are we to do as Christians? Well, we should continue to share the truths of the Bible in love, pray for discernment on how to share, and get ready for persecution.
Sharing the gospel has always been risky business but the eternal lives of souls are at stake. Nowhere in the Scriptures does the promise of a persecution free life exist. In fact, the more you want to stand for the truth the more you should expect opposition. These next few years in America may prove quite challenging for the Christian but rest assured Jesus will never leave us or forsake us.
And the Scriptures tell us that when persecution comes our way so will a storehouse of blessings, for we read in (Matthew 5:11-12): “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Great post, Curt. In this post-truth society, Like you are doing, my brother, Christians must stand up and boldly proclaim – Let God be true, and every man be a liar! The truth matters.