BGEA: September 13: Do you think the world is getting more and more hostile toward people who believe in God and in Jesus?

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Do you think the world is getting more and more hostile toward people who believe in God and in Jesus? I see so many movements and people today that seem to be opposed to God. I even wonder if the Christian faith is going to survive. — C.N.

You don't need to worry about whether or not the Christian faith is going to survive -- because God has promised that it will, and He cannot lie. Jesus declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Matthew 16:18).

Is the world becoming more hostile toward Christ? At times it seems like it is; compared with a generation or so ago, our world is certainly more secular. And admittedly, some people today are aggressively hostile toward those who have faith, and are trying to take God out of our public life. I'm reminded of the Bible's prediction that some day our world will be populated by "hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2).

But before we get too discouraged we need to remember two important truths. First, God is sovereign, and He is still in control. Others may fight against Him -- but in the end, He will win. Second, God's work still goes forward in many parts of the world. Millions of people today realize the emptiness of life without God, and are searching for an answer to their spiritual hunger -- an answer that is found only in Christ.

Pray for our world, that those who oppose God will be defeated and God's Kingdom will advance to the ends of the earth. And pray, too, that you will be faithful to Jesus Christ, even if others oppose Him.

12 Comments

Janice says 9.14.2011, 1:00 p.m.

The Bible says the kingdom of God is like yeast working in dough. We don't see it until the lump rises. The Holy Spirit is working in many places in the world, among people of Muslim culture, sometimes Jesus has appeared to individuals in visions or dreams, brought them from death to life in places where Christians are forbidden to work; n darkest jungles among tribes like the former Auca Indians of Ecuador; in Brazil where Christian missionaries work with a great many street children, giving them new life for this world and the next through faith in Jesus as their Lord in Savior. In countless places and among many people He is doing a work: Samaritan's Purse is a wonderful example of the Christian faith, vibrantly alive and well. If we focus on the work of Christ, His body and the exciting Kingdom He is building rather than all the problems and troubles, kind of like tuning our radio to a different, stronger signal, we will have that faith the church will never fail.

sanjay vishal says 9.14.2011, 09:04 a.m.

Thanks Mr. Graham for this wonderful message, all Glory to GOD!

John says 9.13.2011, 5:43 p.m.

Some people like to think that God is dead, or that He simply doesn't exist. What they don't realize is God has always existed, and always will, and no amount of deception will change that fact! The heavens declare His glory, as does the varied life on this beautiful planet. All praise belongs to Him. Keep up the good work of spreading the Good News!

Bridget says 9.13.2011, 1:07 p.m.

The devil fights hard in these last days. Either he doesn't know he will be defeated or he knows and doesn't care. There is much evil in the world today, and always. But, we can keep a humble heart towards God. God does reward the meek, humble, and poor in Spirit much more than He rewards the proud and haughty. So thank God that you are a believer and cherish it to the end. :) I try to do this. :)

Linda Lassiter says 9.13.2011, 12:39 a.m.

PRAISE GOD ! GOD IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY and FOREVER !! Nothing and nobody can change this fact! No matter how many ways is tried and what it said by whoever, "God is God and one day every every knee shall bow and every tongue confess to GOD!" Romans 14:11

Jean says 9.13.2011, 12:26 a.m.

I loved the video. I wish this very video could be played in Times Square every day until Jesus comes. I have watched Billy Graham and now have heard Franklin also. What a blessing to God and the world you are!

LEE says 9.13.2011, 12:04 a.m.

FATHER GOD I PRAISE AND HONOR YOU AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE MIGHTY AND WILL BE THE WINNER IN THE END, I PRAY FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT WANT TO KNOW YOU OR MAY BE IGNORANT TO YOU. MAY THEY SOFTEN THEIR HEARTS AND SEEK YOUR FACE. YOU ARE TO BE WORSHIPED AND I LONG FOR THE DAY I WILL SEE YOU FACE TO FACE, IN JESUS NAME. AMEN

Trish says 9.13.2011, 11:12 a.m.

Lord Jesus, Praise you and Thank You for listening to our prayers Guide us and deliver us from evil. Heal those afflicted and sick; and guide each of us to live in YOUR image DAILY. Thank you for your love and kindness, Your child

Carol says 9.13.2011, 11:09 a.m.

Folks who choose to live apart from God tend to create a god to fit their life style. Christians remind them of the "true way." Therefore, we are rejected by them. So it was with Jesus in His day.

Lori says 9.13.2011, 11:04 a.m.

Thankful to God for this message in Jesus Christ precious name.

Henry Tuchez says 9.13.2011, 10:57 a.m.

A great answer I know that the world wants to take God out of their lives, I have seen it with my eyes but God is in control and our faith is not surviving, our faith is more alive than before GOD Blessings to Billy Graham.

Eric says 9.13.2011, 10:49 a.m.

You have been a great inspiration to me Mr. Graham. I thank the Lord for such devoted elders as yourself. Thank you for doing as Jesus asked you and sowing seed. You have made an impact on my life.