Category: Persecution

What on earth is going on? The world around us is changing quickly; we find ourselves wondering what will be next. What does the Bible say about the unique time we’re living in? As the world seems to be getting crazier by the moment, we are actually in a season of wonderful expectation for the Kingdom of God!

Todd Nettleton: Perspective Check for Comfortable Christians

by Stand Up For The Truth | Sep 18, 2020 | Christianity, Persecution, Podcast, Religious Freedom, the Gospel, Worldview | 0 |

We know that the testing of our faith produces strength and endurance. Most of us can use a perspective check as we live comfortable lives in a free republic. But we know it won’t always be this way, so how do we prepare for persecution?

Cancel Culture Comes to Church and Media Ignores Attacks

by David Fiorazo | Jul 17, 2020 | American History, Bible Prophecy, Culture & Morality, Media Bias, Persecution, Worldview | 0 |

As long as the media and political leaders choose not to address these stories, attacks on believers and churches will increase – as well as lawlessness – just like the Bible predicted.

Just a few weeks back I reported on the destruction of statues and federal monuments and the so-called ‘cancel culture’ which is a result of the anti-American programming this generation has been fed in public schools and anti-Christian universities.

And a few days ago, at least five churches were attacked by vandals or arsonists in several different American cities. A 24-year old in Florida even set fire to a Catholic church while people were inside. In Boston, another vandal set fire to a statue of the Virgin Mary. Did you hear about this in the media?

Perspective Check: Persecution, Religious Freedom, and Christ Before Color

by Stand Up For The Truth | Jun 15, 2020 | Christianity, Discrimination, Gospel, Persecution, Podcast, Religious Freedom, Social Justice | 0 |

Even though there’s plenty of chaos, division, and civil unrest, we are reminded here in America how blessed this country has been through history as we look at Nigeria and harsh persecution of Christians going on there continually. We get a perspective check in segment 1. We also look at the news and how the city of Seattle has been invaded by anarchists and radicals – and there is much public pressure to conform to the left and blindly follow the activists. We discuss why this is wrong.

Todd Nettleton UPDATE: Persecution Continues Regardless of Pandemic

by Stand Up For The Truth | Apr 3, 2020 | American Church, Christianity, Persecution, Podcast | 1 |

Even in the midst of a worldwide virus threatening our health and way of life, outside the United States, Christianity is increasing and the gospel is being preached in the face of severe opposition. The underground church grows in spite of very real government threats. There are practical ways we can help our persecuted family. Todd Nettleton says the number one thing is still prayer.

Todd Nettleton: Voice of the Martyrs, Persecution

by Stand Up For The Truth | Dec 6, 2019 | Bible Prophecy, Christian Church, Persecution, Podcast, the Gospel | 0 |

Being a committed disciple of Jesus Christ often leads to discrimination or ridicule here in the states, but in many other nations, Christians are beaten, imprisoned; some are tortured, and many are killed. In spite of this, their churches are growing. How do we explain this?

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church. Outside America, Christianity is increasing and the gospel is being preached in the face of severe opposition. We often feel helpless, but there are practical ways we can help our persecuted family. Today’s guest says the number one thing is prayer.

Just Tell Me What Makes Me Feel Good!

by Stand Up For The Truth | Nov 8, 2019 | American Church, Christianity, Discipleship, Evangelism, Leadership, Persecution, Podcast, Seeker Friendly | 2 |

“Please, pastor, tell me what I want to hear. Make me feel good. No hard truths, no tough topics, just love and grace and encouragement. Don’t get too deep. I just want to enjoy my life and not to be challenged in my faith.” Sound extreme? People may not admit it, but we might be surprised how common this attitude is among churchgoers in America.

Today’s guest is evangelist, pastor/teacher, and former Muslim, Elijah Abraham.

The Great Tribulation & Return of Christ: Matthew 24

by Stand Up For The Truth | Oct 6, 2019 | Christianity, Gospel, Persecution, Prophecy, Teaching | 1 |

Three times in this sermon alone, Jesus mentions false teachers will deceive “many.” Also, the utter destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem was a prophecy, not a “sign,” it was a judgment of God on the Jewish people for rejecting the Messiah. Persecution often reveals traitors within the Church as well as enemies outside, and the test of any age is endurance. Those who endure to the end will be saved and the gospel must first be preached as a witness to the nations, then comes the end.

The Battle for Our Hearts and Minds

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 28, 2019 | American Church, American History, Artificial Intelligence, Church Leadership, Culture & Morality, Discrimination, Economics, Education, Globalism, Liberalism, One world religion, Persecution, Podcast, Progressive Christianity, Religious Freedom | 0 |

Jesus taught that the greatest commandment was that we love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind and soul. In today’s busy, fast-paced world there are many things bombarding us, fighting for our hearts and minds; distractions that take us away from glorifying and enjoying God. What are some of these distractions? Money, social media, politics, leisure, and entertainment just to name a few. And every one of these can demand our attention, passion, or loyalty. Some will go to great lengths to assure that they become the “masters” of our lives.

John Loeffler of Steel on Steel radio joins Mike and David to look at the power behind the institutions that vie for our attention and loyalty these days.

Comments & Questions: A ‘Red Flag’ to Watch

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 16, 2019 | Apologetics, Christianity, Culture & Morality, Discrimination, Economics, Evangelism, gender confusion, Government, Homosexual Agenda, Islam, Leaders, LGBTQ, Liberalism, Listener Questions, Persecution, Podcast, Politics and Faith, Progressive Christianity | 0 |

On Fridays we discuss your comments and answer your questions – always looking to God’s Word. Several of you have written in about potential gun control laws and the possible threat of disarming the general public. Should Christians obey such a law? Also:

When pastors tell too many stories or analogies during a sermon, does it take away from God’s Word?

Christian parents needing advice for daughter with an influential lesbian friend.

The Jewish concept of “Minyan”- not “minion” as used in different contexts.

A man overhears women undermining the spiritual authority of their husbands.

Are we on the verge of Christian persecution in America and are Christians and churches prepared spiritually?

You can connect with us at comments@standupforthetruth.com or by texting speak up to 90100.

Would You Give Up Your Life for Christ? Persecution Update

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 15, 2019 | American Church, Christianity, Church Leadership, Discrimination, Evangelism, Globalism, Gospel, Persecution, Podcast, Prophecy | 0 |

In spite of all the violence in America, and a growing hatred for God and His Word, we are still very blessed as Christians to be Americans because of the religious freedoms we have. That could be changing. But we have not yet suffered to the point of torture or death for our faith in Jesus Christ.

The same cannot be said for millions of Christians suffering around the world, whose very freedom and life are in danger because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs joins us to look at our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who remain faithful to Jesus despite imprisonment, torture and even martyrdom. Will we be as
faithful to Christ if and when it comes to our shores?

Listener Questions and Comments

by Stand Up For The Truth | Aug 9, 2019 | American Church, Christianity, Church Leadership, Contextualization, Culture & Morality, Depression, False Teaching, gender confusion, Government, Humanism, Leaders, LGBTQ, New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), Persecution, Podcast, Prosperity Gospel | 0 |

On Fridays, we get to read your comments and answer your questions by going to the Word of God. This morning your topics of interest include:

Mental illness and Christians
home churches vs. mega-churches
“slain in the spirit” theology
dealing with children confused about their sexuality and gender
Is it wrong for pastors wearing $40,000 watches or driving expensive cars, etc?
Kingdom Now theology
Can we become too dogmatic about certain Scriptures pertaining to salvation?
Our daughter is engaged to a Mormon; she says they both worship the same God – advice, please!
I listen to Rick Warren’s daily podcast and enjoy it. What are the issues you have with him?

You can chime in by texting “speak up” to 90100 or emailing us at comments@standupforthetruth.com

The Church in America Must Be the Church!

by David Fiorazo | Jan 15, 2021 | American Church, Church Leadership, COVID 19, Pastor's Perspective, Religious Freedom | 0 |

As we saw in 2020, forces of darkness have been hard at work. The enemy – both human and demonic – coming against us hard. It is stunning, the speed with which our country, culture, freedoms, and very way of life have been attacked and dismantled!

If there was ever a time in American history that the Christian Church needs to be an essential, gospel-preaching, influential, faith-building, fruit-bearing, saint-equipping church, it’s now.

Mike Abendroth: Comfort for the Oppressed, Pastor’s Perspective

by Stand Up For The Truth | Jan 14, 2021 | Christianity, Pastor's Perspective, Podcast, Teaching | 0 |

Today, we catch up with Mike Abendroth and discuss how Christians can maintain a balanced, biblical perspective through all that is happening in America and the world. We also look at some lessons from the Old Testament Book of Nahum, discuss its context, and some practical points from Pastor Mike.

Steve Smothermon: We Must Never Stop Being The Church!

by Stand Up For The Truth | Jan 13, 2021 | American Church, Church Leadership, COVID 19, Leadership, Pastor's Perspective, Podcast, Politics and Faith | 0 |

Steve’s church was fined $10,000 for holding a Christmas Eve service and not following New Mexico governor’s mandates; we discuss also the battle between Christians and government, unreasonable state restrictions on churches, obeying God or man, open censorship of American citizens by Big Tech and liberal media activists, and the responsibility of pastors to lead in these dark times.

Mike Gendron: Converging Events, Prophecy, and Pope Francis

by Stand Up For The Truth | Jan 12, 2021 | American Church, Apostacy, Bible Prophecy, Christianity, Discernment, Gospel, One world religion, Podcast | 0 |

We discuss the prophetic implications of all that is going on in the world including the economic, psychological, and spiritual impact of converging events. Mike emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to be obedient to the great commission. We also talk about the apostasy of Pope Francis and his continued departure from Romans Catholic and biblical faith

Jay Seegert: Christian Youth are Leaving the Faith; Why?

by Stand Up For The Truth | Jan 11, 2021 | American Church, Christianity, Culture & Morality, Education, Government, Podcast, Public Schools | 0 |

An alarmingly high percentage of youth are walking away from their faith today. We now know it is at much younger ages when children begin to doubt what they have learned. Many studies have been done and the evidence is clear. What are we doing wrong as Christian parents and the church in general?