I’m close to wrapping up chapter 29 of the Bridge from OneDayBow – really. But I admit, as I read about the Mayor’s reaction (page 131) to a peaceful gathering in the Park, I’m stunned. Not surprised, given the world that we live in – and even the free country of America – but stunned. I’ve lived a long time, seen a lot of things, but I’m dismayed by the growing antagonism to the Gospel, and specifically to those who believe and proclaim it.

Okay, you say, I thought we were talking about a fictional book with characters that aren’t real. Why are you taking this so seriously? Because we are living this! And actually, this is tame compared to most of what is going on in the world. People are calling right wrong, and wrong is championed as right. Wake up people, wake up Church! We are living in the last days, Jesus is going to return. And I believe it’s soon. While we still have the right to speak His Name and proclaim the Gospel, let us not be silent.

The apostle Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are like the nightly news:

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.  For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

I know this isn’t the cheeriest subject, but we must be aware, awake, and attentive. And, do what? Hide? No! I know that it is getting to be a scarier world, but the light of Christ shines brightest in the darkness. Paul goes on to write (verses 12-17):

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Don’t give up, speak up! There’s a world that needs to hear about Jesus!