The recent incidents at Jesus Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, and the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in western Sydney serve as stark reminders that Christians are at war whether we acknowledge it or not. The attempted shooting of Pastor Glenn Germany and the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel underscore the need for self-defense training and a strategic plan for our churches. We must recognize that we are living in a time of war – a war against our faith, our values, and our way of life. To effectively navigate this tumultuous period, it is essential for pastors and churches to adopt a wartime mindset, as opposed to a peace time one that many currently hold.
Do I need to remind you of what has been happening over the past year? How “Christ is King” has been labeled “antisemitic?” Or how Resurrection Sunday was mocked by the Biden White House with a declaration of “trans visibility?” Or how about our elected representatives passing “hate speech” legislation that effectively outlaw parts of the Bible? Not to mention how quickly we forget the horrific massacre of six Christians including three young children at a Nashville school. Being winsome and “nice” won’t cut it anymore, Christian. It’s time to get serious.
