In many ways it's harder to be a convicted Christian today than it used to be. Years ago Christian churches had a privileged place in communities and in American culture. Despite being the most populous religious group, American Christians haven't stopped the popular culture from going secular. At times Christians feel that government and courts discriminate against them. All that and more can make it harder to have and practice sincere Christian faith.
Not that it was ever easy. In any generation true faith is the work of God's Spirit. Martin Luther wrote, "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him, but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel." But it's so easy to breath in the air around us. "You have your opinion; I have mine. Who are you to tell me I'm wrong?" "All roads lead to heaven." So easily influenced, so tempted to become lackadaisical, we need church, need Bible, need prayer, need association with other believers. "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) Or have you been drinking the Kool Aid?
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