This American Moment: A Call to Courageous Christianity

This American Moment: A Call to Courageous Christianity

As we enter the year 2023, we find ourselves in the midst of a cultural moment that demands courageous Christianity. This is a moment in which the church is called to stand firm in the face of an increasingly secular society, to boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel, and to offer hope in the midst of despair.

But what does it mean to be a courageous Christian in this moment? How can we stand firm in the face of cultural pressure and persecution?

The Call to Courageous Christianity

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of men and women who stood firm in the face of adversity, who refused to compromise their faith, and who were willing to suffer for the sake of Christ. From the apostles who boldly proclaimed the gospel in the face of imprisonment and death, to the early church fathers who defended the faith against heresy and persecution, to the martyrs who willingly gave their lives rather than deny Christ, we see a pattern of courageous Christianity.

Jesus himself called his disciples to take up their cross and follow him, to be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel, and to be salt and light in the world. In Matthew 5:13-16, he says:

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

We are called to be salt and light in the world, to make a difference in the lives of those around us, and to bring glory to our Father in heaven.

The Challenges We Face

Despite the call to courageous Christianity, we face many challenges in this cultural moment. The secularization of society has led to a rejection of traditional Christian values and a hostility toward those who hold them. We see this in the legal battles over religious freedom, the attacks on conservative Christian organizations, and the cancel culture that seeks to silence any dissenting voices.

At the same time, we also face challenges within the church itself. The rise of progressive Christianity has led to a watering down of the gospel message and a rejection of biblical authority. This has caused confusion and division within the church, and has weakened our ability to stand firm in the face of cultural pressure.

The Path to Courageous Christianity

So how do we navigate these challenges and become courageous Christians in this moment?

1. Ground Yourself in the Word of God

The first step is to ground yourself in the word of God. As Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

By immersing yourself in the Bible, you will gain a firm foundation for your faith and a deep understanding of God’s character and his plan for the world. This will equip you to discern truth from error, to stand firm in the face of cultural pressure, and to offer hope to those in need.

2. Pray for Courage and Boldness

The second step is to pray for courage and boldness. In Acts 4:29-31, we see the early church praying for boldness in the face of persecution:

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

By praying for courage and boldness, we invite the Holy Spirit to work in us and through us, empowering us to proclaim the gospel and to stand firm in the face of opposition.

3. Engage in Meaningful Community

The third step is to engage in meaningful community. As Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

By surrounding ourselves with other believers who share our commitment to courageous Christianity, we can encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and find strength in numbers.

4. Seek to Understand and Love Those Who Differ from You

The fourth step is to seek to understand and love those who differ from you. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

By seeking to understand the perspectives of those who disagree with us, we can better engage in meaningful dialogue and build bridges across cultural divides. This does not mean compromising our beliefs or watering down the gospel message, but rather seeking to love our neighbors as ourselves and to offer hope in the midst of despair.

The Future of Courageous Christianity

As we look to the future, we can be confident that God will continue to call his people to courageous Christianity. He has promised that he will be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20), and that nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:38-39).

But the road ahead will not be easy. We will face opposition, persecution, and cultural pressure. We will be called to stand firm in the face of adversity, to boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel, and to offer hope in the midst of despair.

May we be faithful to this call, knowing that our reward is not in this life, but in the life to come. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7-8:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

May we too fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith, knowing that our reward is in Christ alone.

Conclusion

In this American moment, we must be courageous Christians, standing firm in the face of cultural pressure and persecution, proclaiming the truth of the gospel, and offering hope in the midst of despair. By grounding ourselves in the word of God, praying for courage and boldness, engaging in meaningful community, and seeking to understand and love those who differ from us, we can be faithful to this call.

May we be salt and light in the world, making a difference in the lives of those around us, and bringing glory to our Father in heaven. May we be courageous Christians, knowing that our reward is in Christ alone.