Prepare: Living Your Faith in an Increasingly Hostile Culture

This on e and "The Sifted Generation: Tested, Tried, and Found True" (http://www.amazon.com/Sifted-Generation-Tested-Tried-Found/dp/1490870903)Concerning them both, the apostle Peter wrote endearingly to the dispersed Christians throughout the lands surrounding Jerusalem and his words still speak to us today.Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.(1 Peter 4:12-14 NKJV)The message of being reproached or even persecuted for the being a Christian is a message that most Christians fear. It's tough. It hurts. It can drain every ounce of strength to make a stand and if family, friends, or even your job is at stake it is always easier to just zip it up and be quiet. But is that what we have learned about Jesus? The apostle states: "But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:20-24) It is here that many American Christians balk. This "New Man" is the regenerating and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. But this "New Man" is also an affront to those who do not believe or are simply carried away with the cares of this life.A truth often overlooked in Scripture is that we are not our own. We were bought at a price, (cf. 1 Cor. 6:20). Since it is Christ who purchased and redeemed us is it too much to ask that we live so that the "Fragrance of Christ" (2 Cor. 2:14-15) is exuded wherever we go? Is it too much to ask that as servants of God we identify with Him in His sufferings?I think there is a sifting going on in the American church, one that is God ordained and will prove out those who truly belong to Jesus. Not only so, it will expose those false teachers and pastors who have delivered a false hope to church-goers that is not based on the true gospel. I also believe it is based on the nearness of the return of Christ. I am a pre-trib believer but I do not find it far-fetched to believe that Christians will go through some form of persecution prior to the coming Tribulation (something that is not only sifting in nature but will draw us together in unity to stand for Jesus our Lord).Just recently the UMC followed the PCUSA in a preliminary ruling to approve of same sex marriage and gay ministers. According to the UMC news, they did so to avoid churches and ministers coming under persecution. (see:http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/church-body-seeks-greater-openness-on-human-sexuality) Dr. Nyquist brings the question of what is facing the church in this well-written book.Again, another book of the same topic that was just published is "The Sifted Generation: Tested, Tried, and Found True" (http://www.amazon.com/Sifted-Generation-Tested-Tried-Found/dp/1490870903) which delves into the some of the same issues but is written more from from a Pastoral point of view and from a pastor who has had to endure separation, being well-acquainted with the anguish and joy of identifying with Christ when it hurts. If you are concerned about the future of the church or if you are a believer both of these are a must read.

I'm so grateful for this book. I never understood that suffering and persecution is a way in which most members of the American church do not understand Christ. While I'm glad for the covering I'm also glad that if it comes reading the Bible and standing on God's word will be enough for us. Even if we falter in our stand God will prop us back up. I also love that Nyquist talks about revivals and that they are brought about by prayer. I know understand how I can be a part in requesting a revival from the Lord if he sees fit. Either way I have hope in the Lord moving forward. No matter how I feel I can stand on God's truth and he will keep his word. When corporeal life ends we will be in perfect peace and fulfillment with our Lord.

What an encouraging read ! During these 2020 times with all that is going on to be in know of the scriptures that promise us God is in control and we are to rely on His promises! To stand firm and trust His word

Persecution is not a fun topic to read about but Dr. Nyquist deals with it in a very Biblical way that helped me understand that persecution is inevitable for us Christians & that God has given us all we need to endure it. Dr. Nyquist also talks about the hope & benefits that come from persecution. Those are things that we don’t naturally associate with persecution. But Dr. Nyquist explains it perfectly. A tough read but an encouraging one as well.

Great book that everyone should read. Life in America is being changed before our eyes, from which there's probably no turning back the clock. What we can do, however, is to take advantage of the new ministry opportunities all these changes are opening up to the church. We have the choice of being angry about all the bad things happening, or to let God open our eyes to new levels of ministry that only persecution can bring to us. This book can help us rise up the next level in Christ, in the midst of a hostile culture.

This book is a wake-up call for people faith. The idea that we (Christians) in the United States have been living out our faith in an environment that is abnormal in history is a idea that shook up my thinking. I believe that the author is correct is seeing the current and coming changes (the normal) that we are experiencing in our culture will align us with believers throughout the world and those that have come before us.Easy to read for the any believer and a must read for church leaders

If you have been looking for a guidebook that will help you when the persecution arrives. We in the United States are starting to see it creep in various forms of political correctness, opening the door wider for a hostile culture. J. Paul Nyquist has given us much food for thought to "Prepare" us for the inevitable, so read, take notes...and enjoy!

★★★★★ This book was very sobering as Dr. Nyquist advised Christians to prepare for fallout from a cultural war against Biblical values. His warning that there would be persecution with the goal of marginalizing and silencing Christians. This book was thought-provoking, taking me several weeks to read it in sections. I appreciated his reasons for hope, possibly through a major revival in America. As current events are unfolding in our culture, I think Dr. Nyquist's book merits a second read. Highly recommended!