Stand Firm to the End
Stay True to the Faith
Matthew 24:12-13 “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Have you noticed how people seem to be growing more hostile toward God, toward the Bible and toward believers? Scripture says in the last days scoffers will come, mocking God’s promises and following their own evil desires (2 Peter 3:3)
It’s crucial that we pray for our sons’ and daughters’ protection and growth, but more than that. There is so much at stake. We are stepping into the Last Days and we see Jesus’ return ever-nearer; we must pray that our children stand true and hold fast. The world isn’t just indifferent toward God, it’s hostile. If we are believers and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, guess what...they’re going to be hostile to us as well. Friends, we are not just seeing ‘glimpses’ of this, but nearly weekly reports of hostility, aggression and hatred toward God, the church and the family of believers.
Recently, a large church was torn down in Ireland. The once-vibrant church, built to hold 3500 people, is no longer needed. Eventually, it will be replaced by a smaller building that holds 350 (1)(2). The comments following the news story were very telling…
“Good, now let’s get started on the rest of them.”
”They’ll just build another one, like Ireland needs any more churches… Wish they would spend the money they use for these places on actually trying to rebuild people’s [lives] that they have destroyed.”
“The truth must win in the end, unfortunately, the church has outgrown its use. It’s purpose is done.”
“Churches that size are not necessary any more.”
“...It’s built for 3500 parishioners. No way will the church ever recover to those numbers. Religion is dying. The majority of the nation won’t [care]. Good riddance.” (3)
Friends, back up and look at the big picture. This isn’t about denominations or doctrine. This is a much bigger picture that is representative of the hardened heart of man toward God. The hostility of these people toward church is strong. Their view that worship is unnecessary is clear. The indifference to the dwindling flock is another sign that this world is doing just what God said it would. Hearts are growing cold. People are less and less inclined to even consider God or their position in relation to Him. They have no thought for eternity. They are driven by their own evil desires, lusts and passions. They mock and rail against the Lord. ...And this is the world in which our sons and daughters are living... and in which they must decide to take a stand for Christ, no matter what may come.
“Father, I pray today for (name). Lord, this world is growing more hostile and we all will be tempted to protect ourselves from the onslaught of persecution. But Lord, you call us to lose our lives for You. Whether it be comfort, employment, friends, Lord, we know that we might have to let go of some things in order to lay hold of that which you’ve called us to- eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 says v 17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Lord, help (name) to put their hope in You and You alone.
V.18 “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” I pray that (name)’s words and actions would represent Christ well. Let them be salt and light in a world that is dark and decaying. Give them strength and boldness to to this. Yes, it will make them stand out as a believer and may bring persecution as a result, but it is what You call us to. Help (name) to do it well and for Your glory. We know the promise is sure v.19 “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Lord, I pray that (name) would choose to live for the life that is truly life. Let them live uncompromisingly for You. Give them boldness, strength and confidence that You will hold them securely. Don’t let them grow cold, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
1. News, R. T. E. (2020, February 6). Permission granted for demolition of Finglas Church. RTE.ie. Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2020/0206/1113615-finglas-church/.
2. Annunciation), (I. C. of, & Maps), (I. S. G. (2020, February 6). Demolition of iconic North Dublin Church gets final approval. DublinLive. Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/demolition-church-annunciation-finglas-gets-17701410.
3. Here Today Gone Tomorrow. Facebook. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.facebook.com/jimm1965/posts/1672502186474306.