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
- Religious motives aren’t the sole reason communities face hostility; faith identity can increase vulnerability.
- Focusing only on a perpetrator’s stated religious motive can overlook real harm and delay protective action.
- Protecting faith communities requires assessing their risk and advocating for their safety, regardless of attackers’ motives.
Violence against faith communities is often complex, shaped by social, economic, and political factors in addition to religion. Christians and other believers may be targeted not just for their beliefs, but because their faith inspires actions that challenge crime or corruption.
“Religion may not explain the attacker’s stated motive, but it clearly helps explain the victim’s vulnerability.”
Minority believers around the world are sometimes at risk due to their status, even when hostility is disguised as disputes over land or resources.
Insisting on explicit religious motivation can become an excuse for inaction, leaving many faithful unprotected as debates rage over definitions.
“The central priority should be protecting vulnerable communities—not defending a classification system.”
A shift toward recognizing faith-based vulnerability allows communities to receive help based on real threats, not bureaucratic categories. By focusing on those suffering because of their faith, Christians uphold Biblical commands to care for the persecuted and defend religious liberty for all.
Stand with us as we advocate for the safety and dignity of believers worldwide, reminding leaders that faith, family, and freedom are worth protecting.
Faith Facts
- Church attendance in the United Kingdom is growing after decades of decline.
- The year ahead is expected to bring greater spiritual openness and more gospel opportunities.
- Bible engagement and interest in Christian community are reaching new highs.
Recent insights from the U.K. Evangelical Alliance reveal a renewed hunger for Jesus in British society. Families and individuals searching for purpose are increasingly turning to Christ and His church.
Phil Knox, Evangelism and missiology senior specialist for the national EA, wrote:
“2025 saw a seismic shift for the church in the U.K.”
“More people are increasingly open to Jesus and are actively exploring faith.”
“More people are being baptised.”
“Churches are growing.”
Research and church leaders point to declining atheism and a surge in Bible sales and church involvement. Parents and the younger generation are especially drawn to faith-based activities and the hope of the gospel.
He added:
“Bible sales have increased by 87% in recent years and the UK’s bestsellers will grow in popularity.”
“In a ‘fake news’, ‘post-truth’ world, younger generations are particularly drawn to good news that is true, profound and beautiful.”
“Churches that keep the substance the same but relate relevantly to culture will flourish.”
“Expect new Christians to cite reading the Bible as pivotal in their journey of exploration and decision moment.”
Churches are encouraged to strengthen discipleship and welcome new believers into loving community and spiritual growth. Compassion ministries continue to provide practical gospel opportunities, connecting faith with acts of service and outreach.
“When people come to faith, research tells us their greatest needs are in helping to establish spiritual disciplines and find new community,”
said Knox.
Now is the time for believers to stand firm on Biblical truth, nurturing faith and inviting others into the hope and freedom found in Christ.
Faith Facts
- Peter Meadows was a founding leader in modern British Christian media.
- He launched Buzz magazine, Spring Harvest, and Premier Christian Radio.
- Meadows dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel and strengthening the Christian community.
Peter Meadows, who passed away at age 84, made a lasting mark on Christian journalism in the United Kingdom.
His faith-driven approach shaped several platforms that powerfully connected believers across generations.
Despite personal challenges, Meadows started Buzz magazine in 1965 to help young believers embrace biblical truth in a changing culture.
He went on to found Spring Harvest in partnership with Youth for Christ, creating the nation’s largest annual Christian conference.
Meadows contributed to the Evangelical Alliance and played a key role in Premier Christian Radio’s founding following UK media reforms.
His creative gifts opened doors for millions to encounter the Gospel and find encouragement in their walk with Christ.
“If you add up all the people who have encountered God through Premier Christian Radio, Spring Harvest, and Premier Christianity magazine, you are talking quite literally about millions of people who have either heard the gospel for the first time or been built up in their faith as a direct result of Peter Meadows’ incredible entrepreneurial drive, talent and work inspired by the Holy Spirit,”
said Sam Hailes, editor of Premier Christianity.
Meadows’ legacy was marked by humility and devotion to God’s purposes:
“God is more interested in what we become than what we achieve. If I was remembered for being humble and kind that would do nicely.”
Peter Meadows’ story is a powerful reminder that one life, faithfully lived, can advance God’s Kingdom and inspire generations to come.
Let us give thanks for leaders who boldly stand for faith, family, and freedom.
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