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
- 4,000 Protestant churches closed in 2024 while 3,800 were started, according to Lifeway Research.
- Older congregations are declining most, with new churches more likely to grow.
- Churches closed this year account for nearly 1.4% of the Protestant churches noted in the 2020 U.S. Religion Census.
America is witnessing a shift as more Protestant churches close than open.
That trend affects communities and families across the nation.
This trend highlights the importance of church planting to continue sharing the gospel.
It also strengthens the foundation of faith-based values in American life.
“The future of Protestant churches in America lies in reaching new people with the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.”
“Most growth in the U.S. happens in new communities.”
“Church planting is vital to share the gospel in these new communities as well as communities in which the population is changing or previous churches have closed.”
Standing firm in faith and investing in the next generation offers hope in a time of change.
It inspires us to maintain commitment to Christian principles and community.
Faith Facts
- Sir Brian Souter, founder of Stagecoach, attributes his business integrity to daily Christian living.
- He observes a shift from institutionalized faith to a more vibrant, Christ-focused Christianity in Britain.
- Souter warns against further decriminalization of abortion and urges investment in palliative care rather than assisted suicide.
Sir Brian Souter, a prominent Christian businessman, believes that Britain’s secular drift is producing a deeper and more authentic faith, especially among young believers.
He maintains that openly modeling Christ in the workplace shaped company culture and gave true meaning to leadership.
“What I’ve tried to do is … live out my faith day by day.”
He said.
He sees the decline of institutionalized Christianity as beneficial, pointing to the growth of charismatic and independent churches as signs of spiritual renewal.
“We forgot that our best asset is our role model and our unique selling proposition is our redeemer because that’s where the dynamism and the power in Christianity comes from… I think we’re seeing a rebirth of real Christianity, you know, really Christ focused.”
Souter notes a rise in church attendance and Bible engagement among young men.
He sees this, alongside a rejection of secular ideologies, as evidence of a longing for moral clarity and lasting hope.
He sharply criticizes attempts to expand abortion access, describing them as moral overreaches that threaten the sanctity of life.
Additionally, Souter urges a focus on quality end-of-life care and warns that legalizing assisted suicide undermines ethical medical practice.
Quoting Psalm 139, he affirms:
“Life is sacred. It is special. It is significant. It is ordained by God.”
Despite cultural challenges, Souter encourages believers to courageously share their faith in public arenas, trusting in the transforming power of Christ’s name.
He remains committed to initiatives that unite Christians and enable them to serve society boldly.
Stand strong for faith and freedom by living out biblical values in every sphere, influencing our nation for Christ’s glory.
Faith Facts
- More than 73 million abortions occurred worldwide in 2025, making it the leading cause of death globally.
- Abortion accounted for nearly 52% of total deaths worldwide, based on World Health Organization estimates tracked by Worldometers.
- Since 1973, an estimated 66 million abortions have taken place in the United States, with about 930,000 in 2020 alone.
The staggering number of abortions in 2025 far surpassed deaths from cancer, infectious diseases, and other major causes.
Each abortion represents a precious, unique life made in the image of God.
Pro-life advocates continue to cite the miracle of fetal development as compelling evidence for protecting the unborn.
Events like the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. highlight the ongoing fight for the sanctity of life and greater legal protections for children yet to be born.
Stand for life.
Pray for the vulnerable.
Defend the biblical truth that every child is a gift from our Creator.
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