Cathy Miller, owner of Tasteries Bakery in Bakersfield, California, refused to make wedding cakes for a lesbian couple due to her Christian beliefs. The California Department of Fair Housing and Employment sued Miller, claiming it was discrimination under the Civil Rights Act. A judge ruled in Miller’s favour, allowing her to deny the service based on her religious beliefs. This ruling has significant implications for religious freedom and discrimination laws.

Long before contemporary persecutions of Christians, the early church endured significant hardships as the gospel spread to regions governed by oppressive rulers. In Thessalonica, new believers faced intense persecution, much harsher than what might be encountered today. When Paul preached there, the message resonated with the people as divinely inspired. He encouraged them to seek strength from the churches in Judea, which had been suffering similar trials at the hands of their own countrymen, who had previously persecuted Jesus and the prophets.

The church is currently facing significant challenges due to increasing persecution for adhering to traditional biblical values and standards. In numerous countries, those who uphold these beliefs are labelled as fundamentalists and haters, while actions deemed sinful according to the Bible are gaining recognition as human rights. This climate of intolerance has led to military chaplains being pressured to conduct homosexual marriages, public school teachers being terminated for refusing to promote diversity, doctors being censored for refusing to perform abortions on demand, and the potential loss of accreditation for Christian institutions that do not support LGBT. Furthermore, there are reports of pastors in many nations being arrested for preaching biblical teachings on homosexuality.

So, we are headed for increasing persecution if we faithfully hold to what the Bible teaches about these moral issues. The question is, “Will you persevere and hold on to the Bible teachings on all issues, like the Thessalonians? Or will you capitulate and bow to the present godless culture to avoid persecution?” The choice is undeniably yours.