By Al Felder Christians are commanded to respect civil authority. Scripture does not present believers as people who should be rebellious simply because they disagree with those in power. Romans 13 teaches that governing authorities have a legitimate role, and Christians are expected to obey laws, pay taxes, live peaceably, and conduct themselves honorably. That truth needs to be stated clearly because Christians should not confuse political disagreement with persecution. A l

By Al Felder Not every threat to Christian faithfulness looks threatening at first. Sometimes the world pressures Christians openly through ridicule, exclusion, punishment, or demands that clearly conflict with Scripture. Those kinds of challenges are usually easier to recognize because the conflict is visible. Other dangers are much quieter. They do not arrive with threats. They come through familiarity, comfort, entertainment, social approval, and the steady repetition of i

By Al Felder Christians sometimes look at the world around them and wonder how much further society can move away from God. Ideas once widely recognized as immoral are increasingly accepted, defended, and even celebrated. Biblical teaching about marriage, sexuality, modesty, the family, worship, honesty, and the difference between right and wrong is often treated as outdated or restrictive. Living faithfully in such a culture can feel increasingly difficult, especially when t