How Should the Church Respond in Perilous Times?

There is no doubt that you and I live in perilous times. Wars and rumors of wars, global economic crises, challenging foreign relations, racial tension, and the recent terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and Paris are a few indicators of the times in which we live.

The question remains: how should the church respond? The apostle Paul was no stranger to peril. He wrote in the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians:

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58, KJV).

Instead of allowing the storms to sway us, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ needs to stand firm more than ever before. We need to unite! We need to pray, and we need to spread the gospel of Jesus.

There will be a great temptation in this season to quit; many will be inoculated by the spirit of apathy. We must be awake, aware, and sensitive to the voice of God. It is very important to remember that God is still on the throne. He is still in control! There is no social campaign, terrorist attack, or Supreme Court ruling that can overthrow His power.  

God knows exactly what is going on and we need not fear. The more we abide in His presence and His Word, the more we will be able to stand strong and resist the onslaughts of the evil one. May I remind you that homosexuality, racism, terror, and fear did not just arrive on the scene; they have been here for quite some times. These things only provide a greater opportunity for the church to arise and be what God has called us to be.  

Unfortunately, the answers we are looking for in this season will not come from any presidential candidate or political figure; they will only come from the Word of God. We have been called to shine brighter and brighter in the midst of increasing darkness.

God has called us to walk boldly and to fear not. I recently wrote an article about miracles, signs, and wonders breaking out in Israel. This is simply another indicator that Satan is not the only one who is busy in this season; the Spirit of the Lord is moving mightily. This is further proof that where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.

Don’t be moved in this season. Don’t fret the work of evildoers; hold on to the promises of God. Stand on the authority of His Word and ultimately we will prevail. I heard someone say that “the government is going to take away all of our rights!” Remember, the government did not give you your rights as a believer—those rights come from God! 

Is the government more powerful than God? No! Many of the things going on are simply the trial of our faith, but if we will persevere and keep the right perspective in the midst of the fire; we are guaranteed to come out as pure gold.  

Kynan Bridges is the senior pastor of Grace & Peace Global Fellowship in Tampa, Florida, where he lives with his wife, Gloria, and their three children. He is the best-selling author of Possessing Your Healing and the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Prophetic Prayer.