Dear New Hope,

There is no doubt that in Jesus’ day, Rome held supreme authority in the known world and Caesar acted as supreme “lord”. Even on their coins (as we saw last Sunday in Mark 12) Caesar Tiberius was known as both “High Priest” and “Son of the Divine God”. Rome ruled with an iron fist. They subjugated people under an oppressive system of taxation. They viewed their authority as ultimate and their rule over the people was to be obeyed without question. The alternative was imprisonment, or worse.

In other words, when the “church” was founded, it started in an anti-church culture. It grew up under a 1st century oppressive regime who tried to stamp its teachings. The church began to thrive where it was a hostile place to be a Christian. Perhaps most remarkable is that as the gospel spread, it spread towards Rome, not away from Rome. The good news of Jesus as risen King and true Lord of the universe was even received by people within Caesars’ own household (see Philippians 4:22)!

In many parts of the world, this type of opposition to Christ and His Kingdom is still a very real threat. A news report came out last weekend indicating how badly Christians are being persecuted around the world. Quoting Hungary’s Minister for Human Resources, this article said: “Today, Christianity has become the most persecuted religion, where out of 5 people killed for religious reasons, 4 of them are Christians. In 81 countries around the world, Christians are persecuted, and 200 million Christians live in areas where they are discriminated against.”

Read that again! In 81 countries around the world, Christians are persecuted! There is only about 200 countries total! The report goes on to say that in the top 50 countries where Christians are most under attack, 40 of them “are majority Muslim or have Islamist non-state actors at work.” For these reasons, the nation of Hungary is taking action as the “first country to officially defend Christians” being persecuted by Isis. This is something we need to pray for as we lift up our brothers and sisters in the world facing opposition for their faith.

Since 1776, the United States has been largely insulated from such opposition. Our culture has been historically open to the gospel. The laws of our society have a rich tradition of upholding religious liberty and allowing expressions of religious freedom. In other words, the Christian church has historically not felt threatened by the laws of Caesar. This posture is changing in our time and it is clear that our children will be facing significant pressure on their faith that none of us older Christians ever thought about. Take for instance a recent report issued by our own US Commission on Civil Rights (called, Peace Coexistence.) An online article on this report (dated September 20th) reads: “The Commission Chairman Martin Castro wrote some very hostile words in his personal statement in the report:

“The phrases ‘religious liberty’ and ‘religious freedom’ will stand for nothing except hypocrisy so long as they remain code words for discrimination, intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia, Islamophobia or any form of intolerance. …today, as in past, religion is being used as both a weapon and a shield by those seeking deny others equality.”

Read his statement again: “The phrases ‘religious liberty’ and ‘religious freedom’ will stand for nothing except hypocrisy so long as they remain code words for discrimination, intolerance, racism…” In other words, if we are to look behind the veil of this statement, it appears that the historic freedom of religious liberty is being categorically assaulted. This has mind-blowing implications for the future of our country if this type of thinking ultimately drives Caesar to redefine religious freedom and assault Christian liberties that have long preserved our nations’ history.

But, I am not without hope! As I consider Christians in 81 countries of the world being persecuted and the shifting winds of our culture, I am reminded of the great cloud of witnesses from the 1st century. I am reminded of the promise Jesus made to “build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” I am reminded of the power of Jesus’ resurrection, that even death itself could not defeat the true Lord. I am reminded of the eyewitnesses who saw Jesus ascend bodily into glory, indicating that He (right now, today) is “universally present and absolutely sovereign” over the rulers of men. And I am reminded that though we may pass through seasons of adversity and affliction, we have been born again into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.

It has never been safe to be a follower of God. The parable in Mark 12 showed that. In times past God sent messengers…lots of them. They spoke for God, and were persecuted for it. In these last days, he spoke by his beloved Son, and they crucified him for it.

This Sunday, when we gather together in the house of worship and bring our Bibles, may we remember what a high privilege it is to still have such freedoms in our country. They may expire in our lifetime. Take courage – God will build His church regardless of what Caesar does.

In his commentary on Mark, RC Sproul writes: “The state does not own us. God owns us; He has the supreme right to claim our lives as His own.” Indeed, He does own us. And to Jesus our Lord we affirm total devotion and undivided allegiance. May His name be praised forever. Amen.

You are loved,

Craig Trierweiler