Things are certainly changing in our world and so are the attitudes of many towards the body of Christ. Christians are being considered as radicals that are intolerant of things considered wicked by God. Many followers of Christ are finally waking up to realize that they can no longer count on any form of government for support or shelter. Though this will make life much more difficult it will also help us to realize that our security has never been and never will never be in our rulers. Our security comes from our relationship with Jesus Christ alone, along with the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We, in North America, are now being faced with this when Christians all over the world have been dealing with this reality for decades and in some cases centuries.

With some of the new legislations coming about we are being weaned off of milk and are being forced to search for the meat of the Word. The church of the future will no longer be about entertainment and comfort but will instead be about those who really want to stay close to the LORD and are willing to risk much to gather and support and build up one another in faith. Our faith is likely about to be tested like never before.

Though our future may look scary we have to remember that we were born for a time such as this. None of what is happening is a surprise to God. He knew when we were formed in our mother’s wombs what the future would hold for us. He will see us through whatever comes our way. My prayer is that believers will get serious about their walk with Jesus and stop wasting time on things that really don’t matter in eternity.

If you can’t find a church that is keeping it’s doors open why not start a small group in your own home? Spend time encouraging and building up the body of Christ. Allow your home to be a place where people can hear the gospel, perhaps even for the first time. If you don’t want to preach or teach yourself there are a number of excellent preaching/teaching videos you can purchase or even watch on the internet for free and than discuss afterwards. Prayer, worship and communion can be done beautifully in a small group setting in your home. Find a way to continue to meet and grow in your faith with other believers. It is vital.

It is sad but many churches will never open their doors again. Home church is a great alternative for those who find themselves church orphans. With religious freedoms being attacked it may be the way of the future for all believers worldwide. Ask the LORD if this is something He would like you to do and if it is pray for direction on how to go about starting it. Another option is to house a small group bible study. Perhaps even tap into an online bible study through your church and have others who may not have access to the internet attend and be able to enjoy good solid teaching.

Moving forward in our new reality, it is so important we don’t isolate ourselves from other Christians. Too many have gotten comfortable staying in their own homes watching a 30 minute message from their couch and than doing nothing the rest of the week to support or build up the body of Christ. That is NOT what we have been called to do. We are to be about our Father’s business until He takes us home or we see the face of our beautiful Savior when He appear to take us home. Isolation makes us vulnerable to deception and loneliness. God didn’t create any of us to be islands. We are to function as a body with many parts, each one important in it’s own way. So ask the LORD for direction on what you can do to fulfill your part.

Hebrews 10: 23-25 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.  Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.   And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Have a blessed day!