Attack On The Church
In the world you will have tribulation.
John 16:33
We shouldn’t be surprised when the church comes under attack because Christ said it would happen. Because the world, the flesh, and the devil are behind such hostility, Christ instructed us to “watch and pray, lest [we] enter into temptation” (Mat 26:41). Peter warned, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8). To be prepared, Paul said, “Let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thes 5:8).
It can be difficult to maintain your Christian testimony when persecution is subtle rather than open. I remember asking a Russian pastor, “Is it difficult to pastor a church in your country?” The pastor responded, “No, it’s easy because I know where everyone stands. But how can someone pastor a church in America, where compromise is so common and subtle?” Many so–called Christians want the world’s acceptance and are therefore unwilling to take a stand for Christ.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 330). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
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John 16:33
We shouldn’t be surprised when the church comes under attack because Christ said it would happen. Because the world, the flesh, and the devil are behind such hostility, Christ instructed us to “watch and pray, lest [we] enter into temptation” (Mat 26:41). Peter warned, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8). To be prepared, Paul said, “Let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thes 5:8).
It can be difficult to maintain your Christian testimony when persecution is subtle rather than open. I remember asking a Russian pastor, “Is it difficult to pastor a church in your country?” The pastor responded, “No, it’s easy because I know where everyone stands. But how can someone pastor a church in America, where compromise is so common and subtle?” Many so–called Christians want the world’s acceptance and are therefore unwilling to take a stand for Christ.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 330). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Listen to this entry
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