Opposition is Normal

 Deuteronomy 3-4; Psalms 36; Mark 13 

“’…the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial…say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child…All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.’”

Mark 13:10-13

The preaching of the gospel to all nations is often cited as a marker for the return of Christ. However, other markers listed alongside all nations hearing the gospel include the persecution and betrayal of the saints. We are promised that “all men will hate you because of me”. As we love, forgive, and courageously share the Gospel in the midst of persecution, we stand firm in our faith. The definition of salvation is more than a prayer. It is those who stand firm to the end who will be saved. 

Are we standing firm, or are we compromising our convictions and the Gospel because of societal opposition?

Opposition and betrayal for the sake of the Gospel are normal.

Are we anticipating the reality of opposition as clearly as the saturation of the Gospel in every nation?

“Lord Jesus, thank you for preparing me for opposition to the Gospel and the grace to love and forgive as you did, for your glory.”