We do not need “feel good” Christianity in 21st Century America, we need counter cultural Christianity.
I was struck tonight while reading 2 Thessalonians. The early Church suffered for Christ Jesus as they rebuked the lies and wickedness permeating their culture…their perseverance and faithfulness is what made God count them worthy of entering into His kingdom (2 Thessalonians 1:4-12).
“[We] ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering…To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
42 years ago the U.S. Supreme Court justices who represent the highest leaders in America legalized the murder of the most innocent and defenseless in our society. Have we faced persecution and affliction for publicly rebuking this barbaric violence? Would God count the American Church worthy of the kingdom of God for how we have persevered to seek justice for those unjustly killed everyday (3,500 children are aborted everyday in America)?
To be sure, if you speak out against abortion and expose the deeds of darkness you will face opposition and persecution. In fact just this past week members of Protest ABQ were attacked while conducting a peaceful overpass protest.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci7zzb3-u5s]
Are we willing to openly rebuke our nation’s sin? Or are we more concerned with our culture liking us? Does our culture hate us? Jesus emphatically stated in Matthew 10:22, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
On Friday, June 26, 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court continued their ruthless assault on biblical truth and the God designed family unit by legalizing homosexual marriage in all 50 states of America. The SCOTUS has made homosexual marriage a constitutional right.
On Sunday June 28th did your Church leaders say anything about it (the one we went to didn’t)? Did they rebuke our nation’s leaders for this decision? Did they hold a press conference and boldly proclaim that they would NEVER comply with such perversion and wickedness? One Church in Virgina boldly had a message on their marque which stated, “Remember, Satan was the first to demand equal rights.” This statement alone had people fuming mad. What if every Church in America had a message on their marque sign publicly rebuking homosexuality? Would the American Church face persecution and affliction for just doing that?
In 2013, two street preachers in Seattle were savagely beaten for holding signs at a gay pride celebration stating, “Repent or Else” and “Jesus Saves From Sin.” I dare say that these men were counted worthy of the kingdom of God that day. Is the American Church willing to openly oppose this perverse lifestyle now that it’s been deemed legal?
The fact is, our nation desperately needs bold Christianity. If we are not willing to proclaim the gospel of Jesus, rebuke sin, speak the truth in love, and seek justice for those unjustly sentenced to death what purpose does our Christianity serve?
2 Thessalonians 2 tells us that before Jesus comes again that rebellion against Him will occur. We are seeing that in our nation today, when the highest authorities call what is evil good. Can God really bless America or should we as the church be willing to be counted worthy of the kingdom by actively opposing this depravity? This rebellion, wickedness and lawlessness is nothing less than Satan’s attempt to usurp God’s authority.
I encourage you to read the book of 2 Thessalonians and pray and meditate on these questions:
Is the American Church willing to suffer for Christ…Will we be deemed worthy of the kingdom of God?
Frank Haley of KDAZ AM730 Reports 35% of Christians Under 40 Support Gay Marriage
Pastor Dewey note…The picture of Bud, Tara and the kids melts my heart! What a blessed family!