We live in a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christ and Christianity. Religious freedom and tolerance have been replaced with intolerance and, even, hatred. Are you prepared for what could very well come in our lifetimes and, indeed, is already happening?
Back during the height of the pandemic, I heard one commentator say that some pastors, actually, want to spread COVID-19 because it furthers their political agenda. We have all heard comments claiming Christians are uncaring about others and their struggles with sexual issues and unwanted pregnancies. Many believers actually work tirelessly to help those who struggle with sin and heartache. But that doesn’t stop God’s enemies from making blanket statements that would have been roundly criticized in times past.
And try defending your faith in a university or high school classroom. Young people are regularly humiliated and even attacked for speaking the truth. Christian teachers and professors are often denied positions in the name of tolerance, a word that has come to mean anything but that.
Or watch your average movie or TV program. I cringe when they make it obvious a character is a minister of some kind. He will probably be made to look foolish, hypocritical, or mean-spirited before it’s over.
Yet, we have probably just begun to experience the hostility and persecution that the Bible tells us will come. So, what can we do to prepare?
Are there habits that can rob us of God’s blessings? Could they be things that many of us do without thinking? If so, what are they and what do they look like when they show up in our lives?
Also in today’s post, is it possible for evil and suffering to lead to good? Are there things in our lives that we need to see from an eternal perspective? And others where we must simply trust that God has a plan and purpose when we don’t understand?
And while most of us have favorite teachers and pastors, could some of us be in danger of following men and not God?
Two people will be working together. One will disappear and the other will be left behind. Men and women will be eating and sleeping and going about their business. Some will be gone in an instant and others left behind. How about you? If Jesus came back today, would you go or could you be left behind?
Finishing well … it’s probably something we all desire. No one wants to fall flat on his or her face or bring shame to the name of Christ after serving Him well. And yet, if we read through the history of God’s children, we see numerous people who started out well but didn’t end so well. What allows one person to finish well while another fails miserably? Find out what can make the difference.
In the book of Isaiah, God said we were created for His glory. One definition for bringing someone glory is to give others the right opinion of that person. How do you look to others? If you claim to be a follower of Christ, do you live in a way that brings Him glory? If, like me, you believe you could do better, here are four ways we can better give others the right opinion of God.
Also, read about what often happens when we try to share our faith with those closest to us and how to keep an eternal perspective instead of being offended by a common reaction.
