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
- Studies show almost half of young children now own tablets, while teens spend an average of 9 hours daily on screens for entertainment.
- Digital dangers such as bullying, immoral content, and exposure to predators persist even within the home, making vigilant, God-honoring parenting essential.
- Christian author Joe Wells encourages parents to set boundaries, communicate openly, and prioritize prayer to guide children’s hearts toward righteousness.
Modern families face serious challenges as children become attached to screens at earlier ages. Author Joe Wells offers a biblically centered guide for parents aiming to raise children with strong faith amid digital temptations.
“You cannot approach it with … laziness.”
Wells urges parents to take an active role, stressing that leadership, setting an example, and open dialogue are necessary for protecting young hearts and minds.
“In parenting faithfully, it’s not just us making demands — it’s us trying to win the hearts of our children.”
The approach combines technological safeguards with spiritual formation, reminding parents that prayer and connection are key for their family’s strength.
Equipping our families with conviction, love, and wisdom can help raise a generation grounded in faith, even in an age of constant connectivity. Stay strong in your godly calling as parents and lead your children with courage and grace.
Faith Facts
- A nationwide month-long prayer vigil is underway in the UK, uniting Christians from all backgrounds to seek spiritual renewal and unity for 2026.
- The National Day of Prayer and Worship (NDOPW) is leading coordinated efforts, offering daily online prayer rooms and local gatherings to encourage believers to intercede for their communities and nation.
- Last year’s Shine Your Light outreach mobilized thousands of churches, reaching millions through diverse events, showing the UK’s growing hunger for faith-driven engagement.
Christians across the UK have been invited to begin 2026 in prayer, joining a national initiative dedicated to seeking renewal and God’s direction for the country. Guided by the conviction that prayer changes nations, the vigil draws believers from every denomination to stand together for spiritual unity and peace.
Throughout January, participants will gather online and in person, lifting up heartfelt intercession for communities, national life, and the global church. This movement is rooted in the Biblical call for believers to be united in persistent prayer, serving as a light to the nation.
“We believe the Lord is calling His Church to pray as one: one cry across the land, one heart before God, and one continuous offering of prayer. This is not about one ministry or movement, but the whole Body of Christ, churches, prayer networks, denominations, and independent intercessors, intentionally connected in prayer,” said Pastor Jonathan Oloyede.
Ongoing prayer efforts reflect a broader awakening, as churches work together in local outreach and share resources for the sake of the Gospel. Recent months have witnessed Christians boldly sharing their faith, demonstrating courage and a renewed sense of mission shaped by biblical convictions.
This month-long vigil encourages all believers to seek God together, pursuing a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and building unity across denominational lines. Let us equip ourselves in prayer, trusting God to transform families, communities, and the nation for His glory.
Faith Facts
- Scripture teaches that darkness cannot overcome the light of Christ, as seen in John 1:5.
- The sufferings of the innocent persist throughout history, echoing both the story of Christ’s birth and current events in places like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.
- Christians are called to stand in defiance of evil, witnessing to hope and wholeness through their faith and prayers.
As troubling headlines about war and suffering fill the new year, believers are reminded that only the unchanging light of Christ can defeat the shadows in our world.
Even as tyrants and violence threaten peace, faith teaches us that prayer and courage are acts of holy defiance and hope.
“While darkness doesn’t recognise the light, it has not overcome it.”
Now is the moment for Christians to boldly witness, speak truth to power, and champion wholeness and holiness in every sphere of life.
Let us pray for godly leadership and steadfast voices to rise in these uncertain times, trusting that God’s light will prevail.
Embrace your calling to bring faith, truth, and hope to your community, standing for Christian values and freedom. Let your life shine as a testimony that the darkness will never win.
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