By Tom Yerman
We are living in a time and place in which we here in America are possibly only beginning to experience and better understand the reality and challenge of something we only read about historically. The world is constantly changing and this younger nation is falling faster and further away from the One who gives it its stability. It is easy to see the evil that is rising up and challenging our faith and moral standards. The Foundation we were built on is solid, unmovable, and unchangeable, but the problem is that people in leadership positions of authority are making decisions/choices to distance themselves and our Nation from that Foundation, which we were built on, in a more evident way.
Change is nothing new to this world, but the moral issues and sinful changes that are pressing upon this nation in opposition to God is something that is becoming more intense and difficult for people to embrace or admit. People either see it, don’t see it, or don’t want to see it. In reality, the hostility toward Christianity is increasing, truth is being suppressed, our Constitution is being ignored, freedom is being stripped away, and God is being rejected. I’m talking about the true God, our Father and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ through whom He revealed Himself to the world. We cannot disregard what is clearly happening! We as a Nation are living in a time where the sinful practices of its citizens are becoming bolder, more widely accepted, and even promoted by its governing leadership.
God’s Church must be watchful, alert, and ready for every fight that is coming (laws that oppose our faith). The Church of God is called for such a time as this, making the most of every opportunity. There are three things that follow-up on sin. The first is sin’s consequences, the second is God’s judgment, and the third is the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though these simple basic truths are offensive to people they must continue to be taught and proclaimed clearly without complication. Acts 4:8-20 and 5:29-42 give us courageous examples to follow. Different times, same challenges. There are no laws that man can make that will keep us silent or inactive in fulfilling God’s call and anointing on our lives for proclaiming the truth of His Word He entrusted to us. Sin is sin, Heaven and Hell are real places, and there is only one-way out – said with a smile.
Truth is needed today as it has always been and always will be for stability in the midst of evil. Truth does not change. And people cannot change the truth, but truth can change people. The issue is not so much that people want to change the world, it’s that the people themselves don’t want to change.
Fellow pastors and leaders I’m writing this to lovingly share my heart and encourage all of us to simply remain standing firm arm in arm with each other in Christ with His Word during these increasingly challenging times.
Our unity and care for each other in Christ during these times is critical – as Jesus revealed by His prayer for us, (John 17:20-26). Be mindful that the darker it gets, the brighter we will shine. Be certain that when the enemy comes in like a flood, God is faithful to lift up a standard against him. God, also named Yahweh Nissi (God my banner and victory) is our covering and clothes us in Christ with His love. Be assured that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. I know I’m not saying anything new, but that’s the point.
Be prepared and remain standing on the truth. Take time to be intimately encouraged, refreshed, and strengthened by God, His Word, and prayer – daily. There is no greater relationship on earth than when a human being decides to take the time to talk and walk with his God, the Living God. The intimacy of prayer brings our soul and the presence of God together through the power of the Holy Spirit and His Word. God has called us to a lifestyle of intimacy with Himself. And we can all agree that we have no greater need today than knowing that our God is 100% behind us. Remember, Remain, and Be. God has touched the hearts of mankind now it’s time to touch His. Walk courageously. Walk confidently.
Tom Yerman has been an FCA Pastor and Minister for many years in the Chicagoland area.
