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If God is in our boat, what do we have to be afraid of?
holypost.com
I think there's definitely real concerns to be had by some, and I will not pretend that everything is hunky-dory or that there isn't a very real danger of Christian persecution becoming a reality in the world, because it can and has many times throughout history. We should keep a vigil for such dangers, for sure.
HOWEVER... we also need to remember that Jesus said His kingdom of is not of this world; and therefore, remember why discernment is so important, as lacking it can and WILL lead any astray (John 18:28-40).
It is also undeniable that so much of what is going on speaks of a spirit of fear that has rooted itself throughout so many American congregations and those who worship within them. They are afraid of a loss of power, of influence... but also a fear of a loss of freedom of worship, freedom of association, and so on and so forth. But anger, insults, extremes and the like? It screams of fear and anxiety... and I fear that many have become blind to what evil has been allowed to creep in while hiding behind, and are now also ignoring that ultimately, such things reflect of bad fruit (Matthew 7:15-20).
Sadly, many are proving to be totally driven by worldly concern, and not spiritual.
We should not say that everything is grand and a shining age is upon us - that is simply not true. The Bible itself warns of how the evils of the world will worsen in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-9). But we need to remember whose ship we are on if we are of Christ; if the King of creation is with us, then despair, anxiety and fear shouldn't be in the driver's seat (Matthew 8:23-27). That doesn't make them go away, but we should remember Christ also offers these words of comfort to those who suffer from them:
"These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”" - John 16:33
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