Join us for – Rising Tide: Persecution in America

By: American Decency Staff

Persecution.  It’s not a question of if it will come, but when.

Of course our Middle-Eastern brothers and sisters know so much more of persecution that we comfortable Americans.  Yet we would be naïve to think that we won’t face increasing forms of persecution here in the United States.  It’s already coming to bakers, florists, and wedding photographers who not only are being fined huge sums of money for choosing to obey God rather than man, but are the targets of death threats and vicious verbal attacks. 

And then there’s the example that has been all over the news of late – Kentucky County Clerk, Kim Davis – who has been bombarded with hate-filled attacks and found herself thrown in jail for refusing to endorse homosexual “marriage.”  I encourage you to read Pastor John Piper thoughtful and biblical response to the question:  Is Kim Davis Right to Refuse Marriage Licenses?

Piper closes by stating:  “… She is, of course, just one prominent case of what will be hundreds in the months and years to come as Christians and others draw a line of conscience beyond which they will not go. And the upshot for us, all of us, is that we should all be pondering now what that line is in our vocation, in our schooling, in our civil life, in our finances, and in our friendships. Because if we are not fixed and strong in our resolve and we are taken off guard with the threat of loss, we will cave in. Now is the time to be clear and resolved — before they knock on your door.” 

This is only the tip of the spear of what will come to all Christians.  We know it is coming because Jesus told us in Matthew 24:9 – “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.”

As Piper tells us, “now is the time to be clear and resolved – before they knock on your door.”

So what should we do when persecution comes to us?  What can we expect?  How should we respond?

These are questions we will strive to answer at our upcoming weekend conference – The Rising Tide:  Persecution in America – on October 16 -17 (Friday evening and Saturday morning) at our American Decency headquarters in Fremont, MI.  (see below for further information).

This conference will offer unique perspectives from four area pastors who will bring practical teaching/preaching from God’s Word on how we Christians should respond and live bold lives for Christ in the face of growing persecution in America.

Listed below are the topics and presenters:

–          “The Rising Tide:  Resilient Living in a Culture of Persecution”– Pastor Greg Johnson of Fremont Wesleyan Church

–          “Discipleship 101 – The Motivation, Cost and Blessing of Following Jesus”– Dr. Steve Witter of First Baptist Church
 

–          “Bless Those Who Persecute You”– Pastor Vern Picknally of Fremont OPC

–          “Sheep in the Midst of Wolves”– Dr. Ron Workman of Interim Ministries Inc.

This promises to be a power-packed conference that not only will inform about the rising tide of persecution in America, but will prepare us and strengthen us to boldly stand for Christ.

In Matthew 24 Jesus goes on to tell his followers:  “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.   And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.   And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:10-13)

What camp will we fall into when persecution comes to our door?  Will we fall away, betray one another, be led astray?  Or will we be one who endures to the end? 

By God’s grace, I desire to be one who endures and perseveres – even at the risk of great loss.  I believe that describes you, as well.

Mark Friday evening, October 16 and Saturday morning, October 17 on your calendar and plan to join us here at American Decency for The Rising Tide:  Persecution in America.

What:  The Rising Tide:  Persecution in America

When:  Friday, October 16 – 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Saturday, October 17 – 9:00 am – 11:30 am  (breakfast available 8:30am – 9:00 am)

Where:  American Decency Association
203 E. Main Street, Fremont MI

There is no cost to attend, however a free will offering will be taken.
Register in advance or at the door, however your pre-registration will help us plan.
Call us at 231-924-4050 to register or for more information.

 

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American Decency Association is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

 

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