Dear Brothers and Sisters

The words of our Lord Jesus Christ are as true today as when He first spoke them: "If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own, but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you." (John 15:18-19)

We live in a time when the message of Christ and His cross is not merely ignored but openly despised. Our culture increasingly calls what is evil "good", and what is good "evil". To stand unashamedly for Christ, for His word and for His truth will mean opposition. And yet, our Lord has not left us without comfort. In John 16:33 He says, "In the world you have affliction, but take courage, I have overcome the world."

What a glorious assurance this is! Christ has triumphed over sin, death and satan. The world may rage, but its hatred cannot overcome the victory of Calvary. Because He has overcome, we too can endure and press on, knowing nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.

But let us be honest: this assurance does not mean that our path will be easy. Our profession of faith may well be tested. The question comes to each one of us: are we willing to give Christ everything? Are we prepared to stand firm even when it costs us dearly? This has been the calling of beleivers ever since the beginning of the church age.

Think of Polycarp, the aged bishop of Smyrna in the second century. When commanded to deny Christ and save his life, he famously replied, "Eighty and six years I have served Him and He never did me any wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" He was burned at the stake, giving his life as a testimony to the worth of Christ.

Polycarp's courage was not unique. Countless saints throughout history have stood firm, many at the cost of their blood. And today, in parts of the world, our brothers and sisters continue to suffer imprisonment, loss and even death because they will not deny Jesus. Their faith puts the question to us afresh: will we be faithful where God has placed us - in our families, our workplaces, our communities - though the world mocks and despises?

Dear brothers and sisters, the call is clear. Stand firm. Keep your eyes on Christ. Do not be surprised when the world hates you, for it hated Him first. But also do not lose heart, for Christ has overcome the world. Let us be a church that gladly confesses Him, whatever the cost, trusting that our Saviour is worth far more than anything this passing world could ever give.

Yours in Christ,

Francois