Billy Graham is warning American Christians to prepare themselves for unprecedented persecution. It has been possible in the United States to profess Christianity without paying much of a price for that profession. Such freedom is unusual, both in the broader world and throughout history. That veil of protection around the American church is about to lift, according to Graham. From The Christian Post:
“As a whole, our nation does not know what privation is. We do not know what sacrifice is. We do not know what suffering is. Suppose persecution were to come to the church in America, as it has come in other countries,” wrote Graham.
“Since we have experienced little religious persecution in this country, it is likely that under pressure many would deny Christ. Those who shout the loudest about their faith may surrender soonest.”
Graham went on to list “five ways to fortify yourself so that you will be able to stand in that day.” These included making sure of one’s relationship to God, walking with God, regularly reading Scripture, praying always, and meditating on Christ.
“Today our nation ranks as the greatest power on the face of the Earth. But if we put our trust in armed might instead of Almighty God, the coming conflict could conceivably go against us,” continued Graham.
“History and the Bible indicate that mechanical and material might are insufficient in times of great crisis.”
Graham’s sense of impeding persecution is shared by others throughout the church. As the legal and cultural environment continues its radical shift toward militant secularism, increased social pressure will sort out the proverbial wheat from the chaff. Who will continue to stand for biblical teaching when doing so will carry a cost?
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