Yes. I believe that if we go out and share not only the Good News but also the bad news, we will face persecution. The bad news must always accompany the Good News.
The bad news is that we have sinned and broken God’s law, and because of this, we deserve death. Without that truth, the Good News makes little sense. Most people believe they are good and that their goodness will earn them heaven, but when we lovingly show them that they are not good, it often offends, and that offence can grow into ridicule or persecution.
Jesus did the same. He exposed sin, and the world hated Him for it. He said, “The world... hates Me because I testify about it, that its deeds are evil.”
Yes and I think in some ways they go hand in hand. Just the idea of God and Christ illicits good and evil and sin or immoral behaviour or whatever you care to frame it. I think most people fundementally understand this.
As mentioned it makes sense as moral and rational creatures that we know this by nature or intuition and belief.
But I think culturally there was a time when I think we did base human rights on being made in Gods image or in the image of some divine nature beyond subjective ideas we allowed such diversity of belief. This was multiculutalism. Part of the progressing ideology of DEI.
That idea has progressed into a religion of sorts itself which has filled the void left by God. It is no longer a all inclusive world where all beliefs are equal and allowed in the public square.
We seen the polarisation of politics such as cancel culture and how these once accepted differences are now at war with each other. A line has been crossed into a spiritual battle. This is not just about equality or politics but a spiritual battle. Coming down to a world with or without God.
So now to a growing number just speaking belief, which could include non Christian beliefs or ideas that many people may agree with such as on marriage or family. But just speaking these beliefs and truths is becoming dangerous let alone being able to preach the full gospel.
I recall Christ saying to the disciples to go into a town and preach the word but if they reject you move on.
In John 15:20 He warns, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.”
That’s a sobering verse. Many Christians today have never faced real persecution. We say we follow Christ, but do we truly walk in His footsteps? Too often, believers stay within the safety of the church walls, hoping people will come in to hear the Gospel. But Jesus told us to go and proclaim it to everyone.
The early disciples were fishers of men. While Modern disciples are often little more than aquarium keepers.
Aquarian keepers, a good anology. And they put exotic fish species to show that their aquarian is the true fishy world lol.
I think you have identified where the culture and by extention where Christians are at in modern society. We have almost come full circle. The world is returning to the gagan days and likewise Christian now must return to the early church and other cultures where Christians are called to stand with Christ even in death.
In that sense I think we are going through a testing time and with that not only will we see evil in its full personification. But Christ within Christians. Bold Christians standing up for Christ. In that sense CHarlies death has emarked a new era that is coming to the minds of Christians.
Well said. We have been given the Holy Spirit so that we would have a drive or the strength (power) to go and preach the Gospel (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit will also give us boldness (Acts 4:31) and clarity (Acts 2).
I think there are many ways to show the gospel and truth. Charlie was in the front line and politics has become a volitile place. Charlie had his mission to bring Gods truth to the future youth who would be running society. There will be others who will carry on.
But I think theres more than one way to skin a cat so to speak. I am nit sure the political arena is the place. US politics and religion is a unique expression. Though it appears similar conflicts are happening in all western nations between progressive and conservative and Christian and non Christian.
The many good Christians who help the poor in the gutters that no one else cares about have always been a shinning example. Following Christs example of humility and quietness in the background helping and saving many.
But also across all walks of life and prfession, doctors, psychologists, the many social welfare workers who are Christians and helping practically and in some way bring God to many by their example and disposition.
I think this will all be more recognised and rise up as a good example which backs the truth of Christ.
