THE KIND OF FAITH that saves cannot be forced or coerced. A person must willingly believe in Christ and submit to his lordship in order to be a Christian. That’s one of the reasons we should pray that our government, as well as governments around the world, will protect the free exercise of religion. Such freedom does not necessarily lead to agreement among religious groups, but it does respect some of the basic rights that should be afforded to all individuals. It also paves the way for the proclamation of the gospel.

It is tempting to get angry or to panic as it becomes more difficult to live out our faith. However, Scripture teaches that opposition to the gospel is to be expected. In fact, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world face intense forms of persecution for their faith. We have much to learn from these believers as they continue to confess Christ in the face of social, economic, and physical persecution. We need to seek God’s help so that we too will persevere until the end.