Light in the Midst of Darkness

The following is a devotion that I will be sending out in a few days. It is designed to exhort you to stand firm for Biblical truth notwithstanding the push of the world to silence the church.

The old saying goes: "there is good news and bad news, which do you want first?" Let us start with the bad news. Our country is sinking further and further into gross immorality. Abortions still average over 3000 babies a day being murdered legally in this country. Homosexual activists have done a great job turning public opinion in their favor. One of their phrases that they shout at those that oppose them is, "shame on you!" As if we have something to be ashamed about in standing for traditional Biblical values. We are the ones made to feel guilty for depriving people of their right to marry even if they are of the same sex. Some homosexuals are becoming more militant in their stand while many just watch in silence or support them aggressively. Where is the good news? The good news is that as the darkness becomes darker, it is the opportunity for the true church to stand brighter as a light. The gross immorality provides the church to return to its first century position: a scandal. The first century church was a scandal. To be called a Christian was not a compliment and it is becoming that way again today.

Acts 4:13 tells us what the ruling officials thought about the early believers: "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." They thought that they were unlearned and ignorant. That is exactly what the world is returning to again. The darkness is becoming so dark that the world will think you an ignorant unlearned person if you hold fast to Biblical truths. The "purpose driven best life now" teachings are going to be overcome by the darkness. Only those that are willing to be part of the scandal of standing for truth will be the light.

Today as you see things beginning to get worse, instead of fretting over the changes, see them as an opportunity for you to be part of the bright light of Jesus Christ. As the world gets darker, the church will get brighter. This is not a time to assimilate into the world it is a time to separate from it. Be a light today and shine in the darkness.

May we stand firm and not compromise with the world and its influences.