Not a Popularity Contest

Christianity is liberating because of all that God does inside of us to change us on the outside (II Cor. 5:17--21; Eph 2:10).  Moreover, we get great joy in helping others and bringing good to a very mean and cruel society (Gal. 6:10) because our reward comes from God.

With all the good we do as Christians, we serve in a very hostile world.  Christians in America are beginning to feel what the persecuted church in Africa has felt for hundreds of years.  Christians in Asia, and Russia, the Arab Nations, and even in Germany, have also felt the persecution of evil men.

The reality is that Jesus told us we would not win a popularity contest because of our connection to Him.

On this beautiful Lords day when the gospel is preached more than any other day all around the world, I submit this sobering, yet instructional word from our Risen Savior:

16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.

17 "But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues;

18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

19 "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.

20 "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

God Bless,

Pastor Kennedy (MZO)