Introduction: Can you tell there has been a cosmic shift in our culture when it comes to CHRISTianity? From Politics to the Pulpit, there is a trend of redefining biblical doctrine. What seems to be spelled out as a sinful practice has become socially acceptable. Unfortunately, this is the case even in CHRISTian circles.

However, a steady diet of the Word of God cuts diametrically opposed to this nonsense. Only those who are “walking in the light of the truth” of the Word of God will be able to discern the error. But stop and think. Most all of the prophets faced this dilemma. Many lost their lives because of their faith in the God of the Bible. Remember. Their names are engraved in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Just like the martyred saints who will be beheaded during the tribulation because they will not worship the beast or take his mark, their time will come. They will be rewarded by being resurrected during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ while on earth to rule and reign. 

So here is the up to date question, “are you a fence straddler?” Where do you stand? Do you lovingly take a stand for truth and righteousness? How much persecution are you willing to endure?

Please note these non negotiables:

1. All Scripture is inspired of God (2Tim 3:16; 2Tim 2:15)

“16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

2. One must follow the proper method of interpretation of the Bible (2Pet 1:20,21)

“20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

3. Lordship is more important that friendship or kinship (Luke 6:46)

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

(Luke 12:53)

“51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”

 4. Prepare to be persecuted (2Tim 3:12;2:12;1:12; 1Pet 4:12-19)

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

5. Rejoice and give God glory (Rom 8:18)

“18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

6. Be humble and take your place in the cross (Gal 6:14)

“14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

Conclusion: The choice is ours. Are we going to be a friend of the world and an enemy of the Lord or a friend of Grace and hated by the world? 

“……know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4).