Faith
Guidance for Christians in a Hostile World
Jesus Christ delivered a stark warning to His disciples about the hostility they would face from the world, as recorded in John 15:19: “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.” This profound statement underscores the inevitable conflict between followers of Christ and a world that often shuns the light of truth.
The hatred that the world bears for believers stems from a deep-seated aversion to the light of Christ, which exposes the moral failings and spiritual void in those who reject Him. As Jesus explained, “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light lest his deeds be exposed” (John 3:20). This illumination not only reveals individual sins but also highlights the general estrangement from God.
In today’s political climate, though the winds may shift, the spiritual challenges facing Christians remain constant. The call to be both salt and light—preserving godliness and illuminating the path to salvation—demands active engagement rather than retreat from societal participation. How, then, can Christians navigate their role as ambassadors for Christ without succumbing to passivity?
Addressing this crucial question, Natasha Crain, in her new book, When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the Common Good as Christians in a Hostile Public Square, offers vital insights for standing firm in faith while advocating for righteousness in an increasingly dark world. Her work aims to equip believers with the knowledge necessary to effectively engage with contemporary issues in a manner that honors God.
Throughout her book, Crain delves into several contentious topics, providing guidance on how Christians can respond with both conviction and grace. Her approach is not just about defense but about positive engagement in the public square for the common good.
Later in our program, we will explore further dimensions of Christian engagement with society. Pastor Jamie Bambrick, Editor-In-Chief of Clear Truth Media, will discuss in the second part of our interview how misprioritized love has contributed to the decline of Western civilization. This discussion aims to shed light on the cultural shifts that have distanced society from its foundational Christian values and how believers can respond to these changes with informed compassion and unwavering faith.
This conversation is crucial for any Christian seeking to navigate the hostility of today’s culture while maintaining a firm commitment to the principles of the Gospel. It provides a roadmap for living out the Christian faith boldly and effectively in a world that often opposes it.
Faith Facts
- In 2024, 4,000 Protestant churches closed while 3,800 new ones began, leading to a net loss of about 200 congregations.
- The data reflect a trend of both resilience and challenges within US Protestantism, with closures representing just over 1% of all congregations nationwide.
- Younger congregations, especially those planted since 2000, have shown stronger growth compared to older churches.
The American Protestant church landscape in 2024 saw more closures than new church plants, indicating continued changes for faith communities. Though church numbers declined overall, the gap between closures and openings was much smaller compared to previous years, suggesting a measure of perseverance and hope among God’s people.
While many congregations press on with fewer resources, faith leaders emphasize that planting new churches is vital to ensuring the gospel reaches future generations. The Southern Baptist Convention, the nation’s largest Protestant denomination, saw the smallest decline in recent years, supported by church planting in new and changing communities.
Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, highlighted the slow but steady shifts taking place, affirming the importance of reaching people with the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
“Church planting is the most significant engine for evangelistic growth that we have in the world today,” Ed Stetzer noted, reminding believers that new ministries create opportunities for outreach and transformed lives.
The future of the church depends on courage, unity, and obedience to the Great Commission. Christians are called to invest in discipleship and generously support efforts to plant and sustain gospel-proclaiming congregations for generations to come.
Faith Facts
- The UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart launches at the end of January through a partnership between AStepFWD and The Official Charts Company.
- The StepFWD Awards 2025 recently honored standout artists such as Elle Limebear, DC3, IMRHAN, Rend Collective, and Gaise Baba.
- Tim Jupp received recognition for his role in founding the Big Church Festival, the UK’s largest Christian music gathering.
A fresh wave of encouragement is coming for UK Christian and Gospel musicians as an official singles chart is set to launch, spotlighting faith-inspired artistry throughout the nation.
This move will give Christian musicians a platform of greater visibility, uniting believers and music lovers around messages of hope, faith, and family values.
Organisers believe this advancement builds on ten years of passionate work supporting Christian musicians across every genre, reinforcing the impact of faith-driven music in society. The StepFWD Awards 2025, celebrated at Hackney Church, highlighted this growing movement by honoring artists whose work uplifts families and glorifies God.
“My faith shaped every note I sang,” shared Elle Limebear, who was awarded Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, expressing gratitude for God’s grace in balancing family and ministry.
Rising star DC3 was celebrated for his outreach through rap, while Rend Collective and Gaise Baba received honors celebrating the collaborative and international influence of Christian music.
Industry pioneers were also remembered, such as Tim Jupp, whose leadership helped establish the Big Church Festival, drawing 30,000 believers to worship in unity.
Closing the event, founder O’Neil Dennis reminded attendees of the critical need to support Christian creatives, launching a fundraising campaign for future growth in the Kingdom sphere.
Faith-driven music continues to expand its reach, testifying to Christ’s enduring light across generations and genres.
Faith Facts
- Richard Harvey Cain, a renowned Christian leader, passed away during this week in history.
- Spain dissolved the Jesuit order, marking a major moment in church-state relations.
- John Bunyan was appointed as a pastor, influencing countless believers through his ministry.
The journey of the Church is filled with both joyful victories and somber losses, each shaping our faith and legacy. Every anniversary reminds us of God’s continual work throughout the centuries, calling believers to trust in His providence.
Let these milestones inspire you to honor the faithful servants who went before us and to uphold the values of faith, family, and freedom in your own walk.
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