Six Responses of Christians To the Culture of the Last Days

How should Christians live in the midst of the present world condition of evil, same-sex marriage, lack of morality, and religious persecution? The Bible gives the answers.

1. We must be strong in our faith and beliefs. We cannot buckle under pressure to conform. Giving into the worldly ways and thinking must not be an option. Matthew 24:13 says that he “who endures to the end shall be saved.”

2. There must be reliance upon the power of the Holy Spirit. If someone is brought before government authorities for their Christian beliefs they would do well to follow the teaching of Luke 12:11-12. “And when they bring you before…the rulers and the authorities, do not become anxious about how or what you should speak in your defense, or what you should say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

3. It is necessary to be alert as to what is happening in current events and how they affect Christians. We must be particularly mindful of laws be passed that inhibit religious expression and times when Christians are being persecuted at the local, state, and federal level. Be alert to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy (Matthew 24:42 and 44).

4. Above all, we must be faithful in or daily responsibilities to our homes and families. It is specifically stated in Matthew 24:45-46, “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes.”

5. Continue to teach the Word of God as it says in II Timothy 4:1-4. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…and will turn away their ears from the truth…”

Biblical truth must continue to go forth “in season and out of season.” This means when it is convenient, or not convenient; favorable or unfavorable, and with total openness or hindrances. Reprove means to reprimand or chastise. Rebuke is defined as expressing disapproval. Exhort means to strongly encourage to do something.

Do you see what this is saying? Christians are not to be passive! We are not to allow ourselves to be bullied, intimidated, or silenced. We are to speak up and take action. However, it is to be done in a Christ-like way, with patience and instruction, and according to II Timothy 2:25, with gentleness.

6. We need to help non-believers understand what is going on and their need for a Savior. Matthew 24:38-39 says, “For as in those days which were before the flood…they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be,” so that “they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will,” as is stated in II Timothy 2:26.

In these last days we need an army of Christians who will live by these six teachings. Will you be one of them? Which of the above teachings do you need to give the most attention to? Which one could you be the most effective at?