08-19-2025 PART 1: Ferocious City: Standing Firm When “Many” Fall Away
Section 1
Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24 sharpens at verse 9: his followers will be arrested, persecuted, killed, and hated “all over the world” for allegiance to him. The call is not to escapism but preparation—daily cross‑bearing, service, and a readiness to suffer for Christ rather than treat Christianity as a cultural accessory. The persecution Jesus describes is global in scope, not localized, and the world’s march toward frictionless identification and commerce (once unimaginable) makes such worldwide pressure easier to envision than past generations assumed. Steadfastness now means setting our resolve before the trial, not after it begins.
Section 2
Not every slight counts as the persecution Jesus foretold; social‑media snubs aren’t the bar. Costly, relational losses for choosing Christ can be real, yet Scripture’s portrait of persecution often runs far deeper. Meanwhile, severe oppression already advances faster outside the U.S., where whole congregations are targeted simply for gathering. Our response is willingness, not worry: the Lord does not abandon his people—think Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—and fear of tomorrow is misplaced when we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Even industry shifts (like AM radio changes) are more about revenue than repression; the issue before us is faithfulness, courage, and trust in God’s nearness in the fire.
Section 3
Next, Jesus says “many will turn away,” betraying and hating one another, while false prophets mislead multitudes. The repeated “many” signals breadth: under pressure some prove shallow soil (the second seed), whether you label it apostasy or exposure. Christ’s warning is for every generation—including eras when church institutions themselves oppressed Bible‑faithful believers. The antidote is not speculation but confidence: trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding, walk by faith and not by sight, for without faith it is impossible to please God. Let nothing—society, mountains leveled, or a single voice—shake your steadiness in Christ alone, through whom everything is possible and nothing too hard.
