Faith Under Fire – Attacks On Christians In The U.s.

Faith Under Fire – Attacks on Christians in the U.S.

Text: John 15:18–20; 1 Peter 4:12–14; Romans 12:21 (KJV)

John 15:18-20 (KJV) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

1 Peter 4:12-14 (KJV) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Romans 12:21 (KJV) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you...

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial...

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

In recent days, America has been shaken by the assassination of Christian leader Charlie Kirk. His widow, Erika,

clutched his cross necklace in grief yet vowed to continue his mission.

His story reminds us that faith which shines brightly also draws the world’s opposition.

Big Idea

Following Jesus publicly will invite spiritual resistance,

but the Church must face hostility with truth, holiness, and courageous love.

Point 1 – The Pattern: Hostility against churches is real and rising

Family Research Council (FRC) reports:

• 1,384 incidents of hostility toward U.S. churches (2018–2024)

• 436 incidents in 2023

• 415 incidents in 2024

Types: vandalism, arson, bomb threats, shootings, disruptions

The trendline reveals an undeniable rise in hostility toward churches in America.

Point 2 – The Timeline: Notable U.S. Attacks on Christians & Christian Places

Major Church Attacks (last ~20 years):

• • 2007 – YWAM & New Life Church, CO: 5 killed, 5 wounded

• • 2009 – Reformation Lutheran, KS: Dr. George Tiller killed

• • 2012 – World Changers, GA: Prayer leader killed

• • 2016 – Dayton, OH: Pastor William Schooler killed

• • 2017 – Burnette Chapel, TN: 1 killed, 7 wounded

• • 2017 – Sutherland Springs, TX: 26 killed, 22 wounded

• • 2019 – White Settlement, TX: 2 killed before gunman stopped

• • 2019 – Pelham, NH: Bishop and bride shot, wounded

• • 2019 – Louisiana: 3 Black Baptist churches burned

• • 2022 – Vestavia Hills, AL: 3 killed at potluck

• • 2022 – Laguna Woods, CA: 1 killed, 5 wounded, hate crime

Attacks on Christian Schools:

• • 2006 – Nickel Mines, PA (Amish school): 5 girls killed, 5 wounded

• • 2023 – Nashville, TN (Covenant School): 3 students, 3 staff killed

• • 2025 – Minneapolis, MN (Annunciation Catholic): 2 children killed, 17+ injured during Mass

Christian Leaders Targeted:

• • 2015 – Charleston, SC (Mother Emanuel AME): 9 killed during Bible study

• • 2023 – Los Angeles, CA: Bishop David O’Connell killed

• • 2025 – Orem, UT: Charlie Kirk assassinated at campus event

Point 3 – The Theology: Why opposition intensifies

Jesus warned His disciples: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18).

Following Him means we cannot expect the approval of the world.

Instead, our devotion will often be misunderstood, opposed, or even hated.

1. Holiness exposes sin.

Living a holy life is not simply private

—it shines a light into the darkness.

Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19).

A believer walking in purity becomes a living reminder that sin is real

and accountability before God is inescapable.

This unsettles those who prefer to live without restraint.

2. Holiness rebukes compromise.

Nominal Christians—those content with outward religion but lacking inward transformation—often feel confronted when others live wholeheartedly for Christ.

The apostle Paul wrote: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2 Tim. 3:5).

A holy life makes lukewarm faith appear shallow,

and many would rather silence the rebuke than change their ways.

3. Holiness disrupts cultural conformity.

A consecrated believer does not laugh at crude jokes,

bend to immoral trends, or compromise to fit in.