Faith Under Fire: A Conversation with Michael Henderson on Modern Christianity
As the host of Conrad Rocks, I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Pastor Michael Henderson, author of the timely and thought-provoking book "The Sifted Generation." Our conversation delved into the challenges facing Christians today and how believers can stand firm in their faith during trying times.
The Sifted Generation
The title of Henderson's book refers to the process of separating wheat from chaff, and he believes we are seeing a similar sifting in the church today. True believers are being exposed and tested as cultural hostility towards Christianity increases.
Henderson explained, "We're seeing that in the final days before the Lord's return... Satan is working his hardest to get as many people as he can to come up against God." This spiritual battle is manifesting in practical ways, as Christians increasingly face pressure to compromise their beliefs or stay silent about their faith.
A Decline in Christian Influence
One of the key points Henderson addresses in his book is the decline of Christian influence in American culture over the past century. We discussed how society has shifted from a biblically-based moral foundation to a more secular humanistic worldview.
Henderson noted, "America was founded on godly principles. We were a nation that had morals. Common sense comes from morality, which comes from the scripture." He argues that as society has moved away from these foundations, we've seen an increase in hostility toward Christian beliefs and values.
The Kim Davis Case: A Modern-Day Rosa Parks
One of the most striking examples we discussed was the case of Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Henderson sees her as a modern-day Rosa Parks – someone willing to take a stand for their convictions, even at great personal cost.
"Kim Davis is, to me, a modern-day Rosa Parks," Henderson stated. "She's one that said 'no' to the system and said, 'I'm going to stand firm on the beliefs that I have.'" He emphasized that Davis's story demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel, as she turned to Christ with her brokenness and was saved.
The Church at a Crossroads
Our conversation touched on the alarming trend of denominations compromising biblical truth to appease cultural pressures. Henderson shared how some major Protestant denominations have shifted their stance on issues like same-sex marriage and abortion, often citing concerns about losing tax-exempt status or ministerial credentials.
This capitulation stands in stark contrast to the early church, where the apostles willingly faced persecution rather than water down the Gospel message. As Henderson put it, "The scripture says if any man desires to live godly in Christ Jesus, he will suffer persecution. Why in the world are people that are Christians not willing to stand up and suffer?"
A Call to Action
As our interview drew to a close, I was struck by the urgency of Henderson's message. We are indeed living in a "sifted generation," where nominal Christianity is being exposed and true faith is being tested. The question for each of us is: How will we respond?
Henderson's book "The Sifted Generation" serves as both a wake-up call and a source of encouragement for believers. It challenges readers to examine their faith and equips them to stand firm in the face of opposition.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of "The Sifted Generation" on Amazon (available in paperback and Kindle formats). You can also visit Henderson's blog at truthinspires.com for more insights and to download his free e-book "25 Reasons to Believe."
Let's take Henderson's closing prayer to heart: "Father, I pray that as we see these things happening, that our eyes would be open... that there is a gathering of darkness that's occurring that the scripture talks about in the final days... I pray that you would let them know that you have died for their sins, you sent Jesus to die for their sins, that he defeated death, that he rose from the dead to give them eternal life."
May we be found faithful, standing firm in our faith, when Christ returns.
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