In 1989, rock musician, Tom Petty, released a song entitled, “I Won’t Back Down.” In the lyrics, he affirmed that even though the world was trying its best to drag and push him down, he would stand his ground; he would be immoveable and unshaken.
Today, there are few things that remain stationary. Like a raging river that dumps its refuse into the ocean, everything and everyone seems to go with the flow – even if it leads to their demise. That’s why the world needs Christians who are unafraid to back down in spite of criticism, ridicule, and even persecution.
Consider the words of Paul who boldly declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
Can you imagine how different the world would be today if more congregations took the same stance; if instead of bowing to the critics and change-agents, we vowed to stay anchored to the Rock – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?
Yet, more and more congregations are guilty of bending and twisting the gospel to be more “politically correct” or less offensive. In doing so, they give the masses a false sense of hope and prevent them from finding true salvation in Christ.
In Romans 1:18, Paul gave a stern warning to such people. He said, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”
As members of the body of Christ at Bell Avenue, let us not be ashamed of the life-giving gospel. Instead, may we have the boldness to commit ourselves to sharing its truth with anyone we meet regardless of the consequences.
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