"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."

- 1 Corinthians 16:13

One of the major problems Paul faced in his ministry came from the Judaizers teaching that to be saved, one must not only turn to Christ but also submit to the Law, made evident through circumcision. Paul said they did so “that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” When Nikita Khrushchev became the leader of Russia, in his opposition to Christianity, he ordered churches to register with the government and limited their evangelism. Those who compromised still faced discrimination but escaped being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Those who did not compromise faced being arrested as criminals, committed to mental hospitals, sentenced to prison or even death. The temptation to compromise the cross, as churches and individuals, is as old as the church itself. Paul wrote to the Philippians who were under pressure to compromise in order to escape persecution, “to stand firm in the Lord.” We all have a choice to make. Are we willing to pay the price that comes from standing firm for the cross of Christ and proclaim the gospel as the only way and hope of salvation, or do we compromise? “God is our refuge and strength…” We do not have to compromise. Be encouraged!

References: 1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 6:12; Philippians 4:1; Psalm 46:1