Last week we started on a new series of messages that address the changing culture in America and its impact on the church. What we hope to bring to light is both a Biblical understanding of these times and our response to them. As we address the concept of persecution we will be stretched. How we choose to handle our new reality will have a big impact on our effectiveness as Christ followers to advance the Kingdom in troubling times.
The sermon text from last Sunday helps us understand the roots of these perilous times. Paul tells us the reasons that Christians will be persecuted in troubled times grow out of the distorted values of people around and among them. Paul lists characteristics of people who often unintentionally create a climate of trouble for those who would take Jesus seriously.
2) “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3) without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4) treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God- 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power.”- II Tim. 3:1-4
May we truly be “lovers of God” and may that love shine through even as the days ahead get harder to navigate. It will be worth it all.
Blessings,
Rick