CHRISTIANITY: The NEW Counter-Culture

It has been taught that the world has been at odds with God and His followers for centuries. But there was a time when Christianity was more widely accepted as The Norm. Christianity had spread to worldwide status rather quickly, due largely to the rise of Catholicism. This belief system would become the foundation for what would later become The United States Of America. This is not to say that Christianity is populated by perfect people, as is visibly evident in our historical records. But there was, at the very least, an understanding that the Gospel had to be an integral part of the forming of this nation. The very idea of freedom stems from biblical teachings. America would go through upheavals, trials, and changes throughout its life.

As America struggled in its growth, breaking free from the curse that would be known as slavery, the realization that women deserved equal rights as men, the pursuit to make freedom available to all regardless of race, religion, social position, and so on would continue, even to this day. And through it all, Christianity would play a huge role. Yes, there have been MANY who would attempt to manipulate the Word and the teachings of Jesus to further some ulterior agenda or use the faith of the believers to garner money and power, but the core of what Christianity is about remains the same today, as it did 2,000 years ago.

It has only been in the last decade or so that people have strived to push out God and His commandments, citing inequality, bigotry, and injustices committed by imperfect men. Today, many have pushed Christianity to be the new COUNTER-CULTURE. America once deemed bikers, punk rockers, artists, and free-thinkers as outside the norm, groups that did not have America's (as a whole) best interest at heart. Now, the opposite has become the norm. Now, Christianity is condemned as outcasts, radicals, the next REBELS OF SOCIETY.

Being a Christian in this day and age has put many believers in a position where FAITH and COURAGE are marks of rebellion, an anti-authoritarian ideology, almost criminals. Which makes it that much more important that we, as believer, stand our ground. Because in the end, we don't answer to man, we answer to God, and God alone. Our faith is rooted in

TRUTH, not feelings and opinions.

And the truth is simple...

All have sinned in the eyes of God. And YES, God desires to save humanity and bring us back to Him. But because of our sins, He cannot have us in His holy and righteous presence. Therefore, atonement had to be paid, and this was done with the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His blood paid the debt of our sins. Jesus is the ONLY way to escape the judgment we all rightly deserve! Without Jesus, there is no hope. Without Jesus, there is no forgiveness of sins.

To ALL Christians, stand firm in the promise that your Heavenly Father has made through His Son, Jesus. Stand your ground so that the world can see the GRACE and MERCIES that can be available to all. The judgment of man is weak, without merit, and holds no real weight. But the judgment of God is final and eternal.

Where will you stand on that day?

FORGIVEN or CONDEMNED?

It's your call.