The Phil Files

We live in a time of growing hostility to the Gospel of Jesus — pending U.N. resolutions to make sharing our faith illegal in any country in the world, legislation in the USA hostile to churches and religious non-profits, a hostile press, growing world persecution of believers, and a wave of public sentiment against Christianity in the culture. (The following discussion comes from my Heartlight.org article for this Monday.)

So how are followers of Jesus going to live in such times?

Can we find something to do besides whining and combatant hostility?

Look at the following Scriptures and then make a short summary statement of your convictions on how you are going to live!

Principle One: We live before five audiences and I have a responsibility to live with purpose before each audience! (John 13:34-35;  1 Corinthians 14:23-26;  1 Thessalonians 4:12;  1 John 3:13)

1. Believers, our brothers and sisters in Christ, whom we are to love.
2. Inquirers, those who are seeking to learn more about Jesus, but are not yet disciples. These we are to lead to worship and honor God.
3. Unbelievers or outsiders, those who do not believe, but who are willing to listen and visit with us. These we are to help to know our hope in Christ and live in such a way they can see Christ in us.
4. Enemies, meaning those who count us as enemies. We are to pray for them and live before them in such a way they can see our good and godly behavior.
5. God himself, our Father in heaven. We are to live to honor him and reflect his character and compassion.

How to live before a growingly hostile world is an issue addressed repeatedly in the New Testament. I would encourage you to read through the book of 1 Peter, but the following principles are taken from one central passage in this letter (1 Peter 3:9-16). In a hostile environment where our faith is not appreciated, Peter outlines several guidelines consistent with the rest of his letter:

• Honor God while loving your brothers and sisters.
• Live to be a blessing to others, because we will be blessed by God.
• Do good to others, even if they do evil to you.
• Seek peace with others without being afraid of those who would harm you.
• Always be ready to share the reason for your hope, and do this with gentleness and respect.

So what does that say about how you need to live?

Where do you need to change your focus, your lifestyle to impact those who do not know Christ and especially those who oppose Christians?

How can we help each other live without fear and with the integrity needed to display God’s character and compassion?