It is so good to be back with you all. 2021 seems to be in competition with its predecessor for craziest year of ever. Presidents, pandemic, and protests continue to dominate the headlines. More anxiety, uncertainty, fear, and frustration grip the minds of hearts of people. Is there a remedy? What should we do? What should we expect? It is so good to be back with you all. 2021 seems to be in competition with its predecessor for craziest year of ever. Presidents, pandemic, and protests continue to dominate the headlines. More anxiety, uncertainty, fear, and frustration grip the minds of hearts of people. Is there a remedy? What should we do? What should we expect?
I have an answer that may surprise you…Trust the Lord! Yes,, it the same answer that always has, is, and always will be. Jesus warned us that things would only get worse as time marches on towards his glorious return. No, I am not some Doomsday prophet. But we must not be blind to the truth revealed in Scripture. We should celebrate and rejoice in the truth of the second coming of Christ. But with that celebration comes humility and somberness. I have an answer that may surprise you…Trust the Lord! Yes, it the same answer that always has, is, and always will be. Jesus warned us that things would only get worse as time marches on towards his glorious return. No, I am not some Doomsday prophet. But we must not be blind to the truth revealed in Scripture. We should celebrate and rejoice in the truth of the second coming of Christ. But with that celebration comes humility and somberness.
We should not be shocked to learn of more conflict, plagues, or unrest. Nor should we be shocked about increased persecution and hatred of Christians. As Jesus said in John 15:20 (NIV), "Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also."
The persecution has been here since the time of the Apostles and has continued throughout the ages. We hear about our dear brothers and sisters in the faith facing exile, torture, and death in places in the Middle East, Asia and parts of Eastern Europe. We in the West, specifically in America, have been onlookers. We pray for them, donate funds for their relief, and offer refuge. But persecution is at our doorstep now.
I am not singling out the current administration. I want to highlight that God commands us to pray for our leaders, both the godly and ungodly ones. May we continue to pray for the peace and unity of our nation as well as wisdom and safety for all of our leaders. Hatred and violence towards them or those we disagree with is unacceptable. However, I am not naive nor should any of you be. The culture is moving more and more towards godlessness. This means hostility and hatred towards anything associated with Jesus Christ. I am not singling out the current administration. I want to highlight that God commands us to pray for our leaders, both the godly and ungodly ones. May we continue to pray for the peace and unity of our nation as well as wisdom and safety for all of our leaders. Hatred and violence towards them or those we disagree with is unacceptable. However, I am not naive nor should any of you be. The culture is moving more and more towards godlessness. This means hostility and hatred towards anything associated with Jesus Christ.
Businesses and individuals who refuse to comply will be silenced with force. This force includes censorship on social media, lawsuits, unjust legislation, or closing of business. All of these instances have happened in recent years and will continue to rise. I must be honest. Unless people in the current administration have a change of heart through an encounter with Jesus Christ, these instances will not only increase but be encouraged. The secular worldview calls for it. As the culture hungers for more pleasure, more freedom from virtue, and more freedom to do whatever feels good, godliness will face attack. Businesses and individuals who refuse to comply will be silenced with force. This force includes censorship on social media, lawsuits, unjust legislation, or closing of business. All of these instances have happened in recent years and will continue to rise. The secular worldview calls for it. As the culture hungers for more pleasure, more freedom from virtue, and more freedom to do whatever feels good, godliness will face attack.
So, what do we do in the meantime? We do what Christians have always done. We proclaim the gospel. We bring others to our precious savior. We speak out for our values and virtues in love but with boldness. We will not be succumb to pressure or intimidation. God is for us and is with us always. May our love for God and others compel us to fight on. May we have a burden for the salvation of souls and for the proclamation of truth. May we love without limit, pray without ceasing, and serve without fainting. Come Lord Jesus. So, what do we do in the meantime? We do what Christians have always done. We proclaim the gospel. We bring others to our precious savior. We speak out for our values and virtues in love but with boldness. We will not be succumb to pressure or intimidation. God is for us and is with us always. May our love for God and others compel us to fight on. May we have a burden for the salvation of souls and for the proclamation of truth. May we love without limit, pray without ceasing, and serve without fainting. Come Lord Jesus.
“If Christ is not all to you He is nothing to you. He will never go into partnership as a part Saviour of men. If He be something He must be everything, and if He be not everything He is nothing to you.”
― Charles Spurgeon
I look forward to joining you all again soon. Please comment, like, and follow to join the Take It In community. Peace and grace be with you all.
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