Blessings to be upon you!
This past Sunday, many were troubled to hear about anti-ICE protesters entering a church during a worship service in St. Paul Minnesota, disrupting the gathering, and attempting to make a political statement inside a sacred space. In addition, former CNN news host was present gaslighting and agitating believers with questions aimed at drawing a response from attending believers.
While the details of that situation are still being discussed publicly, one thing is clear and that is events like this should not surprise the Church. Even though such actions are illegal here in America and violate the freedom to worship without interference.
At the same time, we must not allow intimidation or outrage to provoke us into irrational or ungodly behavior.
From the earliest days of the Church, believers have faced opposition. Not because they were violent, hateful, or lawless, but because they belonged to Christ. Scripture repeatedly prepares us for this reality.
The apostle Paul reminds us in2 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB):
“In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
The hostility we see, whether against churches, pastors, or believers, is not merely political or cultural. It is spiritual. When the gospel shines light, darkness reacts. When Christ is exalted, opposition surfaces.
Jesus never promised cultural comfort or public approval. Instead, He prepared His disciples with sobering clarity in John 15:18–21 saying,
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also. All these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.”
Opposition toward the Church is ultimately opposition toward Christ Himself. As believers, we are called to be steady, not shaken. We do not panic, because God is still sovereign. We do not retaliate, because vengeance belongs to the Lord. We do not withdraw because the mission has not changed. We do not compromise, because truth is not determined by cultural pressure.
At the same time, we recognize that churches are protected spaces under the law, and unlawful disruptions should be addressed appropriately and wisely. They should not be ignored but not met with chaos either. Order, discernment, and calm resolve honor Christ.
The early church prayed not for safety, but for boldness (Acts 4:29). That same prayer is needed today. We must be a people who:
- Stand firm without becoming hostile
- Speak truth without hatred
- Trust God without fear
- Love even when misunderstood
The Church does not fold due to intimidation, nor does it retreat under pressure. It moves forward by faith.
If moments like this increase in our nation, and they may, let us remember to whom we belong. Christ is building His Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.
So church, do not be surprised. Do not be intimidated. And do not be provoked into irrational behavior. Instead, remain rooted, watchful, prayerful, and faithful, knowing that our hope is not in the approval of the world, but in the promises of God.
Grace and peace be with you,
Pastor Lu