Truth Told

11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mt 11:11–12). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

Paraphrasing, Jesus said “I will build my church and not the gates of hell will prevail against it.” I am continually amazed at the animosity against the gospel of Jesus Christ and against His body on earth, the Christian church. Such blatant attacks against Christians and our faith should be a sign of hope to each one of us. Do you think there would be such a culture war against Christianity and our values around the absolute truth presented in the Bible if Christianity was impotent, of course not!

How do I stand up against these attacks when they come at me, pray! The Bible teaches us that our battle isn’t against people but rather against principalities and powers of darkness. The people that war against us are spiritually blinded and know not what they do. They are being manipulated by the enemy of their soul and are but a pawn in His scheme to prevent God’s kingdom from growing. We need to be praying for those that are visibly against the values of God and the building of His kingdom here on earth.

How do I stay strong in the midst of such an all out war against the Christian faith and what we stand for? We stay in tight relationship with God by the leading of the Holy Spirit who is always leading us in the way of Christ. When things feel difficult I always remember what Jesus said…

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mt 11:29–30). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

When I find the going difficult I recognize I’m not yoked with Jesus but trying to function in my own strength. Dear friends, as Paul said let us fight the good fight, it isn’t beyond our ability if we stay yoked with Jesus!