LESSONS FROM THE CHURCH IN INDIA
What do the two largest democracies in the world have in common? Obviously many things, but the one I am noticing is their treatment of Christians. In both India and the USA the powers that be are siding with those who oppose Christianity.
In the USA Christians are condemned for their “intolerance” of LGBT life styles. Because we believe Jesus is the only way, we are seen as going against cultural norms. In India Christians are condemned for their rejection of Hinduism with all its gods and idols. Because they believe Jesus is the only way they are seen as going against their cultural norms.
In India the oppression is social, economic and often physical. In the USA persecution hasn’t turned physical yet, but is certainly economic and social. Since this has been going on in India much longer than in the USA, what can we learn from them? What will the future look like in the USA?
For one thing, in a democracy the majority rules. It does not seem likely that Biblical Christianity will ever gain a majority, not until Jesus returns. When Christianity did control government by its majority, it was a diluted form of Christianity and the government often wasn’t much better than other governments.
Nowhere do we read in the Bible that we will win the world to Christ, or become the majority. Not until Jesus comes back. In fact, the Bible says over and over that persecution will grow worse as time goes on (2 Timothy 3:1-12; Matthew 10:17; 24:10-12; Jude 18-19; Luke 21:12; John 15:20; 16:2; Revelation 2:10; etc.). So it looks like this is the new norm for Christians in America. It’s always been the case for Christians in India.
However, God’s power has ways of being seen more clearly during times of persecution. We know what it has done to the church in China, North Korea and Muslim countries. Quality replaces quantity. It’s been said the church can stand anything but success, so maybe what’s coming will help prune and strengthen the true Church. I pray for my grandchildren to stay faithful for they will live in a different country than the one I grew up in.
Remember, the battle will continue until Jesus returns. Don’t pray for God to stop the battle now, for He won’t override man’s free will. Do pray for strength to remain faithful in the battle. Read the end of the Book – we win! (January 18, 2020 Hyderabad, India)
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith (2 Timothy 4:7)
Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against … the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
What is your attitude to the changes in our country? Do you fear for the future? Or do you ignore them and go about your life as if they aren’t happening? Ask for wisdom and courage so you can faithfully stand for Jesus and His Word in all you say and do. God has put you on earth at this time so carry out your duties in the army of God as a good soldier of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3).