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8 Responses to “Are We “Powerful” or “Paralyzed”?”
Which one is the correct answer?
I’m not really sure…I’m still trying to figure out what this quote means….
bald pastor say what?!
If it’s in relation to our church (Sovereign Grace Church of Fairfax), then it would be insulting to all the Christians in countries where Christianity is against the law. So, I believe that we are the Church patronized. In VA we don’t experience persecution for our beliefs, at least nothing comparable to the persecution that Chinese Christians endure. If they were to confess belief in God, then they would most likely be killed, if we do, people might look at us funny.
-j
well said, jonny. though i wonder, though we are certainly not truly persecuted, to what extent can we say that we are patronized? we are not supported in any way by our government and it is not uncommon for things such as evangelism, creches and the gospel in the public realm to opposed. though not killed, we are opposed.
so, is there a place in between? i agree with jonny, we certainly aren’t persecuted, but i would question whether we are patronized either…
I agree with Jonny; it can’t really be said that our church is persecuted. At the same time, we are not patronized to the point where we have outright government support, as the early church eventually had.
Steve, is there somewhere in between that our church would fall? If so, what would that place be?
An interesting discussion, to be sure. I think it is helpful to distinguish between persecution and opposition. I have never been persecuted for my faith, although I have occasionally experienced mild opposition to the message of the gospel. People making fun of me, that sort of thing.
Though we don’t experience the sort of governmental favor that the church has experienced at certain points in history, we do enjoy certain privileges. For instance, the church enjoys a tax-exempt status as a religious organization.
And we are certainly patronized by our culture. Has anyone ever said to you, “I’m glad you found something that works for you.”
So let’s be alert to our cultural setting, grateful that we don’t experience persecution, being courageous when we encounter opposition, and faithful to preach the gospel when we are patronized.
Well said Steve… Thanks for clearing that up.
Care to comment?