Humiliation and Ridicule for Being a Christian
Hidden Enemies
Today’s Verse and Thought
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
From yesterday - These crimes against church buildings are crimes against God and His people. Individuals, as well as Church organizations have also faced threats as other factors impact their existence.
These hidden enemies of God are growing as more and more Christian institutions and the people fight for their ability to exist.
Job loss, public ridicule, rejection by family
Persecution comes in many forms. While our brothers and sisters around the world face extreme persecution, it doesn’t mean Christians in the US are exempt. Today, Christians are facing an increasing number of challenges to their faith.
In 2020 our country went into a “lockdown” due to what turned out to be an attempted power grab by globalists with an agenda to implement their “Great Reset.” In the beginning of the pandemic, when the vaccine was announced, FEMA stations began popping up around the country administering the vaccine.
Companies were pressured by the government to “mandate” a vaccine for all their workers. The federal government under President Joe Biden required that Military, federal workers and contractors, healthcare workers, and any company with over 100 employees would all be required to get the vaccine.
People began resisting the forced shots; many were Christians who requested a religious exemption. Most of these exemptions were never granted leading to thousand upon thousands of people losing their jobs. In the military, over 8000 soldiers were kicked out for their refusal. In New York alone, Governor Kathy Hochul fired around 25,000 healthcare workers, many seeking religious exemptions from the vaccine.
The people who refused the vaccine - often Christians who felt it was against their faith - were harassed, vilified, and even threatened with violence by public facing personalities. They were mocked and ridiculed by the media and many applauded an “anti-vaxxer’s” death.
The Court Process is the Punishment
“These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts…”(Zechariah 8:16)
Also in these last several years in the US there have been a number of cases where Christians faced legal action related to their faith, particularly around issues like church gatherings, religious speech, and moral objections to certain laws.
Church Services During COVID-19 (2020-2021)
Many churches were penalized for holding services in defiance of state-imposed COVID-19 restrictions.
Grace Community Church in California, led by Pastor John MacArthur, faced legal battles for holding in-person services despite state bans on large gatherings. The church was sued by Los Angeles County and fined, but MacArthur maintained that the church's right to worship was protected by the Constitution.
Pastor Rodney Howard-Browne in Florida was arrested in March 2020 for holding a large church service in violation of social distancing orders.
Pastor Mike McClure of San Jose, CA Calvary Chapel in a fight for Constitutional freedom of religion was ordered to pay $1.2 million for ignoring the lockdowns and continued to hold church services.
“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”(Psalms 15)
Religious beliefs in business also has been attacked
“‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”(Leviticus 19:15)
Several Christian business owners faced legal action in the last few years for refusing to provide services that conflicted with their religious beliefs.
Jack Phillips, a Colorado baker, refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding (a case that actually started in 2012). In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his latest appeal regarding a case involving a transgender cake request. In 2024, after 12 years of legal battle, the Supreme Court finally upheld his religious beliefs.
Lorie Smith, a Christian web designer - also in Colorado - took a case to the U.S. Supreme Court (303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, 2023), arguing that she should not be forced to design websites for same-sex weddings due to her Christian beliefs. The Court ruled in her favor, affirming her religious freedom to refuse services.
Many Christian organizations have also been de-banked, or are having difficulty getting insurance, as more insurance companies claim religious organizations are too much of a risk causing some to cease existing.
Religious Expression and Free Speech
Christians in the U.S. also faced legal challenges around their rights to freely express their faith. For instance, Liam Morrison, a 12-year-old Christian student at Nichols Middle School in Middleborough, Massachusetts, was taken out of school and ordered to remove his shirt that said, “There are only two genders.”
People have been arrested or faced legal action for pro life activities as well. Paula "Paulette" Harlow, 75, was sentenced to two years in jail for her involvement with fellow pro-life activists who blocked an abortion clinic. She was charged with "civil rights conspiracy and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances” (FACE) Act violations.
These are just a fraction of the number of people in the US - in just the last few years -whose lives have been upended due to their faith.
Persecution comes in many forms and today Christians in the US face growing threats and financial pressures. They must live each day going into hostile work environments where they are unaccepted due to their beliefs - whether its about a vaccine, abortion resistance, LGBTQ opposition, or simply words on a cake - the pressures and damage to their lives can be immense.
There are many things coming against us from outside the church, but the most disturbing to me is what is going on inside.
To be continued…
Today’s Question
Verses to Explore
“Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”(Matthew 1:19)
“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”(1 Corinthians 4:5)
“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”(Ephesians 5:13)
“Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.”(Hebrews 10:33)
Today’s Prayer
Father I pray for every person in our country that is facing some kind of persecution due to their faith. Give them the wisdom to know how to respond in a way that glorifies you. Give them courage and strength to never compromise their faith. Help them to be wise in how they conduct their lives. Thank you for the courage and public stand that some have taken at great personal expense on behalf of you. And thank you for speaking to us as you guide us to make difficult decisions when we are pressured to conform. Help us conform to your truth and never give in to tyranny. May our lives give you glory and praise in all we do. Amen.❤️