For as long as there have been Christians, there has been persecution. Truth be told, persecution has always existed. Ever since sin entered the world, men cannot help but to exert their power over those with whom they disagree ideologically or who are different from themselves. Nonetheless, as Christians we are called to trust in the Lord, live out our faith in holiness, and share the gospel message far and wide. The sharing of the gospel fulfills the two great commands upon which all the law and the prophets hang: Love God with all that you are and love your neighbor as yourself.
Looking at this week’s Decency Minutes (DM), we readily see how persecution is being played out currently and, if nothing stops the trajectory laid out in our third DM, in the near future.
Our first DM reminds us that the persecution of Christians is strong around the world; Islamic and Communist ideologies are so incompatible with the Word of God and Christ’s teachings that a strong hatred is perpetrated against those who believe and practice them faithfully. Yet the love of God constrains them to not only live holy and faithful lives, but to be open about their faith and share the truth about Jesus. This opens them to the persecution which readily comes their way. When asking others to pray for them, they do not ask that the persecution stops; they want prayers for them to stay faithful, being a good witness of their Saviour. Their desire is for others to be saved by their life witness. They do not think of themselves; they love God most and love their neighbors, even those who do them harm.
We see persecution hit closer to home in our second DM as the worship of the one true and holy God was desecrated at the Cities Church in St. Paul, MN, as a group of anti-ICE protesters practiced their own form of godless worship. Of course, this is not the first persecution to come against a Christian church in America; there have been many. Some might even consider the government’s shut down of churches or limitations on worship during COVID to be a form of persecution. The list of “persecution” is long in America, though not as intense nor as frequent as our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world must endure. Yet, we also are called to be faithful and to be a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to care for the souls of others more than the comforts that our “rights” ensure. After all, this world is not our home; it’s easy to say, but not always so easy to live out in a broken world that is deceived by darkness.
Our third DM this week reminds us that persecution is likely in the future of America. It may be that future CCP-controlled “citizens” will bring an invasion to our shores, along with the persecution which already defines their homeland. Or perhaps persecution will come from the increased number of faithful Muslims and their burgeoning influence in federal and local governments; their ideology calls for the persecution of Christians or any who do not submit to the teachings of Allah. Regardless of how persecution may come to America, our response, as Christians, should emulate the lighthouse keeper in the following story.
There was a certain man visiting a lighthouse; he couldn’t help but see both the beauty of its surroundings as well as the potential, imminent dangers which could arise at any moment in such a setting. He said to the keeper, “Aren’t you afraid here? It’s a dreadful place in which to constantly live.” “No,” replied the keeper, “I am not afraid. We never think of ourselves here.” The man was astonished, “You never think of yourselves! How is that possible?” The reply was a good one. “We know that we are perfectly safe, and only think of having our lamps burning brightly, and keeping the reflectors clear, so that those in danger may be saved.”
Christian, this is your call; this is your task. We are safe in Christ, in a house that is built on the Rock which protects us in any storm. Our light should shine brightly across the dark waves of sin in order to bring those who are in peril safely to Jesus. Let us walk in holiness, keeping our own sights set on Christ, keeping our reflectors clear so that Jesus can be seen through you. Rather than looking at our present dangers, let us look upon the greatness and faithfulness of our God. Those who forget themselves in living for God, are of great benefit to His Kingdom and to those outside His harbor.
Have you ever heard the hymn Let the Lower Lights Be Burning? You can listen to it here.
Christians in West Michigan have generally been safe from harm, particularly when considering what our brothers and sisters in Christ must endure in other countries. One may wonder, “Where is it most dangerous to be a Christian?”
Here’s a short list according to Global Christian Relief:
Nigeria is the country where the most Christians are killed; China has the most arrests; Mexico tops the list regarding abductions and assaults. Rwanda has the most building attacks, and Mozambique the most displacements.
Open Doors World Watch List reports: “The number of Christians exposed to persecution and at risk of suffering violence worldwide rose by 8 million people compared to last year – reaching a record 388 million.”
It’s hard to believe the atrocities they face. As fellow believers, we’re also part of the Body of Christ. Please pray for them with compassion and empathy.
Pray for Repentance… and Prosecutions
When believers gather to worship, we come into God’s holy presence. But that sacred gathering was desecrated when a mob of anti-ICE protestors invaded a Minnesota church and began harassing churchgoers and traumatizing children.
Storming a church is a new tactic by leftist agitators, but one we can expect them to use again. As Al Mohler wrote: “The left is now willing to invade and intimidate Christian congregations that violate their progressivist agenda.”
Not only were the mob’s actions wicked, they were unlawful. The Department of Justice has promised to investigate, but will they actually prosecute? The government has a God-given mandate to punish evildoers and we must demand such action.
As Christians, our mandate is to pray for those who revile us. Pray that those who desecrated the worship of God will seek repentance and salvation, and find peace to quell their strife.
NOTE: This Decency Minute is taken from an article coming out in February’s Frontline newsletter (p. 6). To subscribe to this free publication contact us at kimberly@AmericanDecency.org.
Chinese Babies Growing Up to Vote in US Elections
What makes an American? Heritage? Mindset? A test? Or just the hospital where you’re born?
The Supreme Court will weigh the legality of birthright citizenship later this year.
Peter Schweizer’s new book, The Invisible Coup, exposes how the policy is being exploited: up to one and a half million Chinese nationals born here (via birth tourism or surrogacy) are growing up in China, indoctrinated in CCP schools with no real ties to America. Many are elite kids who’ll turn 18, vote, and sponsor parents here.
Saipan, a US territory in the Pacific, sees over 70 percent of newborns from PRC birth tourists. Surrogacy rings run by Chinese nationals churn out more U.S. citizens with zero allegiance.
This isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening, along with the millions of illegals still here raising hostile kids. Our only hope is divine intervention through the court or otherwise. America needs an act of God.
NOTE: This Decency Minute is taken from an article coming out in February’s Frontline newsletter (p. 8). To subscribe to this free publication contact us at kimberly@AmericanDecency.org.
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