Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
After seizing power is Russia, one of the things the Communists discovered is that the only way to destroy Christian churches is to infiltrate them so that they will be destroyed gradually, by church people themselves. Reinterpret Scriptures to remove the deity of Christ and convert Him into a socialist. Distort biblical sermons on charity to prove that government should confiscate property and enforce economic equality. Strain spiritual content out of Scriptures, and religion faith in people can be broken. God then becomes some kind of vague universal force and Jesus becomes merely a great man, teacher, philosopher, social reformer. Such churches pose no obstacle in the path of the socialist revolution, but indeed can become useful instruments for promoting it.
As I read history from Nazism to Russian Communism after World War II one of the things that stands out is the capitulation of the church at large to the workings of a government that wants to destroy Christianity. The state churches of Europe are prime examples of this. They stand for nothing so who wants to be part of that? The Christian church cannot blame the world for people leaving. The church must examine itself. Is it still teaching the historic faith of sin and salvation, heaven and hell, trespasses and grace? Is Christ a Savior from man’s depravity?
The world has such a hard time these days explaining the tragedies that are happening because they miss the bigger picture of good and bad, the just and the unjust. We have so many who pontificate about the wrong things when the answer is right in front of us.
There is hope. What was once a church in Russia became a swimming pool. Once Communism fell it became a church again. A pulpit in place of a diving board! I recently watched a “Perry Como Christmas Special” from 1974 on one of our cable channels. The witness to Christ was incredible. It made me think of the 1960’s and the student protests and the shootings and the riots and all manner of anarchy. Watch the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago! While I was too young, I am sure people were thinking – this is it – even without the 24-hour media coverage. But it wasn’t it. Study history and especially your Bible and you will see what the Lord can do.
The Holy Spirit can change lives and cultures. And if that is not the Lord’s will He will comfort and sustain us in the struggles. Christ’s death and resurrection assures our victory. Keep up the good fight – in Jesus.
In Christ,
Pastor