This day and age is not an easy one for true Christians to live in, but... has it ever been easy? There is always persecution for those who truly believe. I believe honest Christianity is under attack, and maybe it's more than usual, but the Christian faith has survived much more than social unpopularity. The early disciples suffered under the tyranny of Nero and the relentless Roman Empire. Even today, Christians are hunted in the Middle East because of their faith. At least we have the privilege of living in our own homes without the threat of secret police knocking down our doors coming to arrest us.
Maybe the American church needs some persecution. Anyone or anything that is popular for too long tends to get an over inflated sense of self and maybe its due time we get a major lesson in humility. We are supposed to be persecuted, aren't we? I Peter 4: 12-14 says "12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you" (biblegateway.com). I think that if the church stands firm on it's foundation in Christ and not back down from persecution, we will weather this storm and come out better than we were before.
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