Trending News This Week:
- The University of Missouri police are cracking down on “hate speech.”
- A UK university banned “conservatives” from a censorship conference on the grounds that their presence might “offend someone.”
- A self-proclaimed “liberal” university professor says that even he is alarmed at how “liberal” his students have become.
Will the First Amendment to the Constitution survive the increasing amount of intolerance to “freedom of speech”? Will all biblical references be banned on college campuses as more students become “offended” at the mention of God? Are Christian students at risk of jail time for standing up for their beliefs?
It is alarming how the mention of Christ is now considered “hate speech,” and now carries a threat of punishment, including being ostracized from your community, expelled from school, and even jailed.
While this anti-Christian sentiment has been the norm in many parts of the world for a long time, it is very unsettling for many in America, where more than 50 percent of the population still identify with Christianity.
In America, we have long thought that we were immune from such intolerance towards Christ as our savior, but it is alarmingly evident that Christianity is under attack in the United States, especially on university campuses.
When we come under attack for our Christian beliefs, we must remember that the world hated Jesus first.
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
John 15:17-19, NKJV
This is not meant to instill fear in us, but to remind us that we are not of this world; we belong to the Kingdom of God, and in Him, there is safety and protection.
… In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33, NKJV
And through Him, we are also overcomes, but we must be deeply rooted in the Word to endure the persecution.
When persecution comes, as it did to Peter, Jesus’ disciple, will you deny Jesus, as Peter did, or will you stand firm? Jesus told Peter in advance that he would deny Him three times. Peter swore that he would never deny Christ, but in the hour of persecution, Peter’s convictions waned.
And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26:75, NKJV
The only way to be sure that you will stand steadfast in your profession of Christ is to be rooted and grounded in the Word of God. If your roots are shallow, you will be easily toppled. So it is wise for us all to spend time in the Word daily, and commune with God in deep, heartfelt prayers, seeking His strength and guidance.
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh…
Proverbs 4:20-22
Spending time with the Lord daily will keep you strong in spirit, soul, and body, and you will be able to withstand the hour of temptation.
Say this faith declaration out loud: Lord, I commit to spending time with you daily, so that I am well-prepared for the hour of temptation. And when I am persecuted, I will not open my mouth in anger or defense, but I will yield to the Holy Spirit, as He will give me the words to say. I will endeavor to walk only in love, even towards those who do evil towards me.
Scripture Reading:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
I Peter 3:15, NKJV
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
I Thessalonians 5:15, NKJV
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:6, NKJV