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.
Instead, holiness calls us to be “a peculiar people” (1 Pet. 2:9).
To a world that prizes tolerance of every lifestyle except God’s,
this “peculiarity” feels threatening, even offensive to the world.
4. Holiness demonstrates another allegiance.
When Christians live by God’s standards rather than society’s,
it reveals where our true loyalty lies.
“We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29).
Such allegiance can be viewed as disloyal to worldly systems,
sparking hostility from those who demand conformity.
5. Holiness is the Spirit’s witness.
The Spirit-filled life carries authority and conviction.
Stephen, the first martyr, stood before the council with “a face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15).
His testimony pierced the heart, and the enraged crowd stoned him.
When the Spirit testifies through holy living,
the hardened heart reacts with fury.
Application:
Living a holy life may cost us friendships, promotions, or even safety.
Yet holiness is not optional—it is our calling.
“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Pet. 1:16).
While it may be appalling to the nominal and offensive to the unbeliever,
to God it is precious.
And though the world may scorn us, heaven applauds.
Point 4 – The Call: How should we live now?
God does not leave His people without instruction.
When the Church is under fire, our task is not to retreat in fear
but to live faithfully, wisely, and courageously in Christ.
A. Be grounded in truth (Acts 2:42)
In a culture that questions truth, we must be people of the Book.
This means daily Bible intake, sound teaching, and deep discipleship.
Illustration: A tree with deep roots may bend in the storm but it does not break.
A Christian deeply rooted in Scripture will stand when cultural winds rage.
B. Be wise and prepared (Matt. 10:16)
Churches should develop safety plans, cooperate with local law enforcement,
and train ushers/greeters to recognize threats.
Families should prepare children for a world hostile to Christ
—not with fear, but with wisdom and discernment.
Modern example: Many congregations now balance locked doors with a welcoming heart—wise as serpents, harmless as doves.
C. Be bold but gentle (1 Pet. 3:15)
We must not hide our faith in the shadows.
A Christian who never speaks of Christ is a silent witness.
Yet our boldness must be marked by grace.
People may be offended by truth, but let it never be because we were rude or harsh. Illustration: Daniel stood boldly in Babylon, yet with such integrity that even his enemies admitted, “We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” (Dan. 6:5)
D. Be compassionate (Rom. 12:15)
When tragedy strikes a congregation,
the Church should be first to respond with comfort, meals, counseling, and prayer.
A hurting world cannot argue with compassion.
Example: After the Charleston AME shooting (2015), the surviving family members shocked the nation by publicly forgiving the killer.
Their compassion became a sermon the whole world heard.
E. Be prayerful (1 Tim. 2:1–2)
Prayer is not the last resort; it is our first line of defense.
Pray for revival, for your enemies, for your leaders, and for the persecuted church.
Story: In Acts 12, when Peter was imprisoned, “prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (v. 5)
God answered with an angel and a miraculous deliverance.
Application: Living faithfully in hostile times means Christians must be both courageous and compassionate, bold and gentle, prepared and prayerful.
The world may despise holiness,
but when believers live with integrity, grace, and unshakable hope,
their witness cannot be ignored.
Point 5 – The Hope: Our certain victory in Christ
“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” (1 John 3:13)
We do not answer hatred with hatred.
We answer evil with good; lies with truth; fear with faith.
We remember the fallen, comfort the grieving,
fortify the Church,
and lift high the cross of Jesus Christ—our only hope and certain victory.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, KJV)
