1. Reactions to Religion We get comments!
We are living in an increasingly secular world that is antagonistic toward our Faith
“Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13)
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19).

2. The Christian Faith is Under Attack!
Comments I will note came in response to a video I posted to FB
Note: Video available on the West Side church of Christ Facebook page. Above graphic is a screen shot of the beginning of the video.
It appears in the feed of people who live 10 miles or less away from our building
It appears in the feed of people who may be antagonistic toward faith.
The Video refers to the expressed desire of secular progressives to change what Christians believe on Abortion and Homosexuality
Hillary Clinton Quote: ““Laws have to be backed up with resources and political will. And deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed.“
Three comments from people who in some way objected to the video (May not have even watched it).
The Christian Faith is Under Attack!

3. Attitudes Toward Religion - 1
We founded this country on FREEDOM FROM RELIGION just as much as we founded it on FREEDOM OF RELIGION. Look at how messed-up the middle-east is because they can't separate the government from the religion. We don't want or need that here. Don't be a religious bigot. We can all coexist. – E.R.
My response:
In effect, how is it religious bigotry to defend my right to hold my own beliefs. Establishment clause works both ways.
Government should not compel you to believe
Government should not compel you to alter your beliefs
Regardless, we are not the government…
We can coexist (Glad for freedom of religion)
That does not mean that there are not consequences in refusing to obey God!

4. John 14:6
Jesus said to him [Thomas], “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
While we can all co-exist, such tolerance will not be shared by God. Those who do not follow Christ, and submit to him will be lost…

5. Attitudes Toward Religion - 2
Religion needs to be out of politics.. Churches should pay taxes like everyone and businesses !! We would be a better place if people would just mind their on business and let everyone live and choose their on way.. Fight harder to keep killers, rapist, child predators, thieves and hard drug dealers off the streets . I don't think religion should be thrown down some ones throat. – B.M.
My response:
Political campaigning certainly should not be found in Church (Note: my use of Clinton was not an expression of political opposition, but religious objection)
The tax thing is Government’s choice. If the gov’t. says churches must pay taxes, we will!
Last point – mind own business, don’t throw religion down my throat
Gospel is persuasive – Jesus says not to cast pearls before swine
Physical danger/Spiritual danger parallel
Next Slide (My response as a spiritually minded person)

6. James 5:19-20
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins..”
As Peter and John said to the Sanhedrin, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.“ (Acts 4:20)…

7. Attitudes Toward Religion - 3
Religion is a cancer on this planet. – T.B.
i'm an atheist and i think all religion is evil including christianity on some level. i do have respect for other peoples' faith as long as they don't try to force it on me with laws or other ways.
My response to first:
False religion is indeed a cancer…
If you believe in a God, isn’t it possible that there is true religion in the midst of all the evil false religion?
(James 1:27), “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this:to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
Nothing cancerous about that…
But, he is an atheist, so… (Next slide)

8. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life.
Hard to convince the atheist, secularist, worldly of the precious truth of the gospel…

9. Our Response to Theirs? Preach the Word! (2 Timothy 2:20-22)
(2 Timothy 4:2), “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”