The window of religious opportunity
There should rightfully be a time of rejoicing for our country, when it comes to Trump winning the election.
Under a Trump administration, inflation will come down, and all Americans will enjoy the blessing of a prosperous economy.
The church in America, will also enjoy a window of religious opportunity. How long this window will stay open, we do not know. What we do know is, we should be thankful, for what God has provided for us NOW.
Along with the rejoicing, should also come a needful warning. That is, in times of financial prosperity, the church is always in danger of easing back and getting comfortably lazy concerning the public proclamation of the gospel.
The clear warning in the Bible is that loving money causes some to err from the faith. The love of money is contrasted with the man of God who stays faithful in the good fight of faith.
1 Timothy 6:10-12 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
We should be excited about the window of opportunity we have to spread the gospel to as many souls possible. However, we should also remember, having an opportunity is NOT the same as taking advantage of an opportunity.
Our thankfulness to God is ultimately proven, when we take advantage of the religious liberties we have.
Our example is the early church. They didn't let persecution STOP them from publically preaching the gospel. My prayer is that the modern church in America doesn't get fat and lazy with the public proclamation of the gospel because of prosperity and liberty.
To truly appreciate and understand church growth through prosperity vs persecution, consider a prayerful reading of Acts 7 and 8.
Acts 8:1-4 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.