It's Time to Contend

The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

In a world filled with confusion, chaos, and competing voices, believers today face unprecedented challenges to their faith. Just as miners need light to navigate dark underground tunnels, Christians need the light of God's truth to navigate through the darkness of our current culture.

Why We Must Contend for Our Faith

The apostle Jude understood the urgency of his time when he wrote to believers, exhorting them "to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). The Greek word for "earnestly contend" comes from a term meaning to wrestle or struggle with everything you have - like fighting for your very life.

This sacred treasure called the Gospel has been passed down through generations of believers who sacrificed greatly to preserve it. Many gave their lives so we could freely worship and hear God's Word today. We are now the guardians of this divine truth, and there's an enemy actively working to steal it from us and our children.

What Are We Fighting Against?

Today's believers face numerous ideologies and philosophies designed to bring confusion and derail our walk with Christ:

Secular humanism and evolution that deny our creation in God's image
Identity warfare that contradicts God-given biology
Radical religious ideologies promoting antisemitism
Digital deception through online scams and false teachings
Human trafficking and exploitation
Extreme persecution of believers worldwide

The enemy wants to put out your light and separate you from the truth you need to experience victory.

Four Essential Truths to Remember

1. God's Truth Will Outlast Man's Trouble

When everything around you seems to be falling apart, remember that God's solid foundation stands firm. The messenger may fail, but the message never fails. Christianity doesn't rest on personalities - it's built on the person of Jesus Christ.

Don't let disappointment in people cause you to lose faith in God. Build your life on the message, not the messenger. On the rock of Christ, not on human personalities. When failures happen in ministry or leadership, become an intercessor, not an accuser.

Your failure doesn't have to be final. Your future can be different than what the enemy is painting in your mind. The Lord is faithful and will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

2. The Kingdom of God Is Unshakable

While everything that can be shaken will be shaken, we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Young people may have their faith challenged in universities by secular presentations, but remember - you are created in the image of God. Your value is only truly discovered in your relationship with your Creator.

The church will prevail because Jesus declared that the gates of hell will not overcome it. Even when stars fall from the heavens, the eternal kingdom and its King, Jesus Christ, remain unchanged.

3. Divine Inspiration Is Greater Than Digital Information

We are drowning in data while starving for truth. Too many people develop their theology from posts, blogs, and podcasts from unknown sources teaching things not found in the Bible.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for:

Doctrine (what to believe)
Reproof (what not to believe)
Correction (what not to do)
Instruction in righteousness (what you ought to do)

The remedy for screen-time anxiety is God's peace. Isaiah prophesied: "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (Isaiah 26:3).

Studies show that those who prioritize reading Scripture over digital media score 30% higher on emotional stability. Man's opinions cause panic, but God's Word creates peace.

4. You Can't Change the Way God Wants to Change You

God wants to change you through Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit. You cannot find a new way around repentance, humility before holy God, calling on Jesus' name, and living a Spirit-led life.

We don't need a new way to survive the future - we need new zeal to contend for the ancient paths that have already stood the test of time.

How to Be a Light in the Darkness

Protect Your Mind

Keep your mind pure and focused on God rather than being constantly bombarded by negative news and digital distractions. What you feed your mind determines your peace level.

Know the Word

Get so much Scripture in you that when you hear something contrary to God's Word, you immediately recognize it as false. Teach God's Word to your children as protection against deception.

Pray Instead of Panic

When troubles arise, get on your knees in prayer rather than getting caught up in accusation and anxiety. Prayer can powerfully change situations.

Focus on Christ's Perfections

It's Christ's perfections, not man's opinions, that will make the difference in your life. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Life Application

This week, examine what you're building your faith upon. Are you focused on God's unchanging truth, or are you being shaken by human failures and cultural chaos?

Take practical steps to let your light shine brighter:

Limit exposure to anxiety-producing digital content
Increase time reading Scripture and in prayer
Teach your family about online dangers and biblical truth
Become an intercessor for those who have failed rather than an accuser
Focus on Christ's faithfulness rather than human disappointments

Ask yourself these questions:

What am I building my faith on - the message or the messenger?
How can I better protect my mind from digital anxiety and focus on God's peace?
What steps do I need to take to contend more earnestly for the faith in my family?
Am I allowing human failures to shake my confidence in God's unchanging truth?

Remember, you are part of an unshakable kingdom. The same Gospel that has sustained believers through centuries of persecution and trials is available to sustain you today. It's time to contend earnestly for this precious faith that has been entrusted to your generation.