Matthew 24:9-13 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
As I was reading the verse above, the word "all" seemed to leap off the page. In America, Christians have been fairly well protected - the atrocities we hear about in other parts of the world seem harsh and extreme to us. In recent times we have started to feel a little persecution and we are somewhat still disoriented - almost as if we just ignore it that it will simply "go away".
Over the past 30 to 40 years there has been a huge shift in America away from Christianity, we seem to be determined to separate God from our country. After reading Matthew 24 are you surprised? It is a necessary and part of the "birthing process." It does not mean that we have to accept it, matter of fact we need to stand firm in our beliefs and convictions. We must guard our hearts and remain true to our God. I think as Americans we have a huge sense of entitlement and we have been lulled into a sense of security that is rapidly eroding around us. Look at the protests on the news, the people not allowed to pray in certain areas, the continual shift away from God.
When someone questions your faith or asks what you believe, will you stand strong or collapse? Will you be able to convey the Biblical truths with love, or will you fall victim to a false teaching? By reading your Bible daily and continual prayer, you build your relationship with God which allow you to endure the tests of our times.
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