Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died to save you from your sins. That’s the good news – but why do so many people hate to hear it? In fact that’s the one thing on which atheistic communist governments, radical Islamists, and secular progressives all agree – they are all unalterably opposed to Christ and His Church.

Now, we shouldn’t be surprised at such hostility – after all, in Mark 13:9, Jesus told His disciples that they would have to endure such attacks. And if you think about it, governments that want the exclusive loyalty of their people would naturally want to squash all talk of allegiance to any other King, even one Whose realm is not of this world (John 18:36). Just so, since all the other religions of the world teach, in one way or another, that human beings are capable of improving or even perfecting themselves, they have no interest in hearing the truth that we can only be saved by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone – no, the doctrines of God’s grace undermine all other human philosophies and strike at the heart of human pride.

Okay, so if we know that opposition to Christ and His Church is inevitable, how are we to deal with it? In verse 11, Jesus tells us not to be anxious or worried. For the good news is that all those who love and trust the Lord Jesus are filled with His Holy Spirit. And even in times of opposition and persecution the Spirit will allow our closeness to Christ, our union with Christ to shine through in our deeds as well as our words. For throughout human history it has often been in the darkest times that the light of Christ can be most clearly seen.

And the good news is that no matter how the world tries to oppose the spread of the good news, it will not be stopped. In spite of the Romans and the Muslims and the Communists and today’s Cancel Culture, the gospel continues to spread all over the world, just as Jesus said it would in verse 10. And just like those early disciples, we are privileged to be part of this eternal, worldwide movement, no matter what opposition may stand in our way.

So, instead of looking to governments or human philosophies to give our lives meaning, let’s look to Christ alone. And no matter what happens to us, no matter who disagrees with us, let’s be faithful to show and share the truth and love of Christ, the One Who died for sinners like us.

Mark 13:9-13 (NASB)

9 “But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.
10 “And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.
11 “And when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit.
12 “And brother will deliver brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
13 “And you will be hated by all on account of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved.