So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge. For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:18-20
When I started to write blogs a few months ago, my thought was to tell friends some of the important lessons that God has taught me over my 91 years of living. Most of the lessons I learned came during the time I was involved in Christian activities. I was a missionary, a Bible teacher, and the founder of several ministries. I had (and still have) plenty of material that speak of the lessons I learned during those times. And I could speak freely. I was not persecuted.
Then came the presidential election. I continued to write my blogs and included what the Bible says regarding some political policies espoused by some candidates. A few blog comments let me know that not all my readers agreed with me and I expected that. We all have freedom to express our opinion, don’t we? Apparently not these days. In my naivety, I did not realize that if I state what the Bible says, I could be labeled a racist or a homophobe or something even worse. Although my blogs are not widely read, they could be censored by the cancel culture. Thus far, that has not happened, but I have been informed by the social media that they have the right to do so. That is alarming.
What is more alarming to me, however, is the fear that so many Christians have of speaking about “religion” or “politics” at all. One of my relatives who worked for the government said that when we visit we should not talk about religion or politics. I said to her, “Then we can’t talk about your work or my work.” Even in the place where I now live, we are asked not speak of politics or promote religion in the dining room. In other words, we are not to speak of what is most dear to our hearts.
I intend to continue to speak out about my religion and what my Bible tells me is right and wrong. Christians are to speak out to the world about the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says that we are to go into all the world and make disciples and to teach them what Jesus commanded (Matt. 28:19-20). In some countries we do not have freedom to do that without being arrested. We still have the freedom in America to speak out, but cancel culture is making that more and more difficult.
My plea in this blog is that if you are a Christian don’t let the cancel culture stop you. You have a right to speak out. Please speak out about your Lord. Speak out the truth of the Bible. Speak out about right and wrong. Don’t be afraid. Speak out.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful that I live in a country where we have freedom of speech and freedom of religion. What are you thankful for?
Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteLets see if I succeed or share only once this time. Google sign in seems to be a problem for me! As for me and Michael your a great encouragement to speak out! Keep on keeping on! Beth
Amen, bkg! Rosemary, I look forward to your blogs every week. Like you, I am alarmed at the censorship of our culture. I am expecting persecution in America in my lifetime, and I am just one generation below yours. In fact, it is here already, in subtle forms. We must speak out and not give way to the gag order that has quieted so many of God's people.
DeleteGreat Aunt Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThis is so strong, beautiful, and absolutely needed during these times. My prayers are with our country and fellow Christians that we may have the courage, and assistance from the Holy Spirit, to speak out with confidence. I’m working through the Psalms now and they are such a source of comfort .. especially 37.
Thank you for your writings - they are so encouraging to me, and I’m thankful to call you family!
Love,
Grace McManus (Bonnie’s youngest)
Amen, dear Rosemary! Excellent and encouraging thoughts and I love the comments that other people have made also! Your blogs just keep getting better and better. This is a timely message for all of us!
ReplyDeleteRosemary,
ReplyDeleteI missed this blog as the gang was in and this week I am playing catch up. Cancel culture is real. It is surprising to see the Church unprepared to withstand the cry that science will bring normalcy to the genuine suffering that only the Word can heal.
I am thankful that my identity is not found in likes, but in Christ. I am thankful that God continues to provide outreach to the lost lambs. I am thankful that I know people who are fortified by the Word.
I look forward to reading today's blog in just a few hours.
Consider that the religious leaders of Jesus's time tried to cancel Him. Possibly the true enemy is attacking because he is afraid. Silly evil angel, he is unaware that our strength is in the One who already defeated him.
Thank you, dear friend.
DeleteI am so thankful to belong to a local church that can meet together to worship, pray, encourage each other to continue living our lives to glorify God, and to spur each other on in sharing Christ with others. As I read your blog, Rosemary, and the comments of others I am thankful for each of you. I am reminded of the many “do not be afraid” verses and those of His assurance. If God is for us, who can be against us? These are times to shine like stars. Even in the midst of all the uncertainty, praise God, He is our fortress and the joy of the Lord is our strength!
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