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Prepare: Living Your Faith in an Increasingly Hostile Culture
Much like a person who has awaked from a decades-long coma to be introduced to a radically different world, evangelicals are just awakening to the reality that they have lost the culture war in this country.
We are seeing the rapid deterioration and dismantling of a Judeo-Christian culture in America - and believers are finding themselves in unfamiliar positions. Values once held sacred are being discarded. Freedoms once offered are being withheld. Biblical absolutes once embraced are being replaced by relativism. Trend lines, unless altered, point to accelerated cultural change and even greater drift from the historic roots of this country. As a result, there is a growing intolerance towards believers and their message. Increasingly, followers of Jesus are being viewed as narrow, bigoted and hateful. Yet all of this was predicted by Christ before His departure.
Prepare: Living Your Faith in an Increasingly Hostile Culture will set forth a biblical, theological, and practical approach to navigating the challenging days ahead and a reason for hope and optimism - the power of the Gospel and the possibility of societal transformation.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2015
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181 people want to read
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November 10, 2014
Prepare: Living Your Faith in a Hostile World is for Christians that desire to adhere to living out their faith according to scripture. Nyquist begins with reminding us that to be right with God often means being in trouble with men. History can attest to this. With the freedom of religion that we have enjoyed in the past and the freedom to share our faith, what has happened? How has the culture invaded the church and not the church invading the culture?
The church has lost its saltiness. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. Mathew 5:13. The church is now being trampled under people’s feet. Is it because we have not done enough –no Jesus says we are the Salt not because of what we do, but who we are. It’s not the do do, it is the who who; knowing who we are in our identity in Christ. We have embraced the culture by not living out our faith. In doing so, we have combined what man has deemed what is right into our worship with God. It is like combining salt and sand together that now the salt is no good. Nyquist brings out the issue of marriage and abortion. Why are these issues so important to the Christian and why should they be? These issues are an affront to the creator, they say that the creator is wrong; they say that we live by faith in ourselves instead of God’s design and will. When we choose abortion over life, we are putting our faith in our decision and will and not God and his purpose. We are also proclaiming there is no hope. Life is hope – Biblical marriage is hope realized. Being a Christian exposes sin. “And this is judgment; the light has come into the world, and the people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” John 3:19.
Being prepared is digging deeper in the word of God. Being prepared is to know Christ and his suffering. Suffering in this case means persecution because of our faith and our faith is based on God’s design. Not our desires.
Nyquist believes that we have lost the cultural war. In loosing this war, have we lost hope? No-for the Christian there are better things to come. We may lose all that we have but is that what our hope is based on or is it on who God is and his purpose. His purpose is to make all things right and being the creator of all; by his design.
It really comes down to knowing the promises of God and putting our faith in those promises. Along the way, we are to continue to love others by showing the same mercy and grace that God showed us while we were hostile towards Him and the gospel. Are you prepared for the day of persecution?
A special thank you , Moody Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The church has lost its saltiness. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. Mathew 5:13. The church is now being trampled under people’s feet. Is it because we have not done enough –no Jesus says we are the Salt not because of what we do, but who we are. It’s not the do do, it is the who who; knowing who we are in our identity in Christ. We have embraced the culture by not living out our faith. In doing so, we have combined what man has deemed what is right into our worship with God. It is like combining salt and sand together that now the salt is no good. Nyquist brings out the issue of marriage and abortion. Why are these issues so important to the Christian and why should they be? These issues are an affront to the creator, they say that the creator is wrong; they say that we live by faith in ourselves instead of God’s design and will. When we choose abortion over life, we are putting our faith in our decision and will and not God and his purpose. We are also proclaiming there is no hope. Life is hope – Biblical marriage is hope realized. Being a Christian exposes sin. “And this is judgment; the light has come into the world, and the people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” John 3:19.
Being prepared is digging deeper in the word of God. Being prepared is to know Christ and his suffering. Suffering in this case means persecution because of our faith and our faith is based on God’s design. Not our desires.
Nyquist believes that we have lost the cultural war. In loosing this war, have we lost hope? No-for the Christian there are better things to come. We may lose all that we have but is that what our hope is based on or is it on who God is and his purpose. His purpose is to make all things right and being the creator of all; by his design.
It really comes down to knowing the promises of God and putting our faith in those promises. Along the way, we are to continue to love others by showing the same mercy and grace that God showed us while we were hostile towards Him and the gospel. Are you prepared for the day of persecution?
A special thank you , Moody Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 25, 2017
Tough but encouraging
Persecution is not a fun topic to read about but Dr. Nyquist deals with it in a very Biblical way that helped me understand that persecution is inevitable for us Christians & that God has given us all we need to endure it. Dr. Nyquist also talks about the hope & benefits that come from persecution. Those are things that we don’t naturally associate with persecution. But Dr. Nyquist explains it perfectly. A tough read but an encouraging one as well.
Persecution is not a fun topic to read about but Dr. Nyquist deals with it in a very Biblical way that helped me understand that persecution is inevitable for us Christians & that God has given us all we need to endure it. Dr. Nyquist also talks about the hope & benefits that come from persecution. Those are things that we don’t naturally associate with persecution. But Dr. Nyquist explains it perfectly. A tough read but an encouraging one as well.
February 25, 2019
I almost gave up during the first third of the book which bemoaned the loss of the culture war in America. (All I could think is Christianity is still the prevailing culture in America, plus we have free assembly, etc...) The later two-thirds more than made up for it, examining how the early church dealt with persecution from the Romans. It even included a letter from an underground pastor in Pakistan.
August 13, 2017
Excellent book written by the President of Moody Bible College encouraging believers in a time when there is a cultural shift away from Christian ideals and how believers can live in the world and not compromise their faith.
September 3, 2018
One of the stronger books on how Christians should face the cultural changes that are inevitable, seriously marred by dispensational eschatology and theology of rewards. I can’t recommend it for the theologically uninformed reader.
August 29, 2020
Great and encouraging read!
What an encouraging read ! During these 2020 times with all that is going on to be in know of the scriptures that promise us God is in control and we are to rely on His promises! To stand firm and trust His word
What an encouraging read ! During these 2020 times with all that is going on to be in know of the scriptures that promise us God is in control and we are to rely on His promises! To stand firm and trust His word
August 26, 2018
Sobering account of what will happen to believers in Jesus as the culture changes, yet not without hope.
July 31, 2021
This was a great book about living out your Christian faith as our culture continues to morally degrade.
June 26, 2016
The title was very compelling and I read it in conjunction with Russell Moore's "Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel" and have the same feelings about both books. They started with great introductions and then fell into a little more cliche material. Nyquist's book really dealt with suffering as a Christian in the last 2/3.
Nevertheless, a few highlights:
-Persecution is the global norm. Americans are the anomaly. p. 14
-Simply put, persecution is the societal marginalization of believers with a view to eliminating their voice and influence. p. 16
[After a brief introduction to Caesar and the origin of the phrase "crossing the Rubicon:]
-In our American culture war we have crossed the Rubicon. The die has been cast, the tipping point reached. Barring a gracious visitation from God, this nation is not going back to the culture and values it held in the past. The war is over, and the immediate future for believers will involve learning how to live righteously in this new environment--not pining for the good old days. p. 42
The first counterintuitive principle from Scripture about persecution: the persecution of believers is normal, not strange. p. 61
As American believers--novices to suffering--this first counterintuitive principle that persecution is normal, not strange is most important. For reasons only known in the eternal mind of God, we've escaped persecution for the first two centuries of our nation's existence. This freedom allowed the American church to flourish and take the lead in evangelizing other parts of the world. From our limited perspective, this seems not only normal, but preferable.
Not true. What's normal in the Christian life, starting with the first believers in the fledgling church in Jerusalem and continuing today in the global church is persecution. Once we accept that and don't chafe against it, we'll realize the spiritual benefits that make suffering preferable. p. 74
In God's economy, blessings are radically different than our American perception. This is the second counterintuitive principle we learn from Scripture: persecution means you're blessed, not cursed. p. 76
Persecution brings blessing because it allows us to know Christ more. Persecution brings blessing because it allows us to become more like Christ.
For years we've sung "God Bless America", and we've usually associated divine blessing with prosperity and freedom. Certainly that's blessing because every good gift and all freedom comes from God. But there's a significant part of God's blessing we missed in America--the blessing that comes with persecution. p. 90
The third counterintuitive principle is that believers can expect to be exposed not protected. p. 92
The fourth counterintuitive principle is that God calls us to respond to our persecutors with compassion, not anger. p. 106
The fifth counterintuitive principle concerns our destiny. God promises that if we prove faithful in the midst of persecution, we'll be richly rewarded. The fifth principle is that we'll be rewarded, not forgotten. p. 122
From the very inspiring last chapter on the history of revival:
Harold J. Ockenga once defined revival as "A condition when men give primary interest and attention to the things of God above their livelihood, above their intellectual pursuits, and above their social interests. A terror of wrongdoing descends upon them. A passion for repentance seizes them. A desire for salvation characterizes them. Men go on a search for God."
-Footnotes indicate this quote is from Ockenga's article in Bibliotheca Sacra, April-June 1947, "The Great Revival
Nevertheless, a few highlights:
-Persecution is the global norm. Americans are the anomaly. p. 14
-Simply put, persecution is the societal marginalization of believers with a view to eliminating their voice and influence. p. 16
[After a brief introduction to Caesar and the origin of the phrase "crossing the Rubicon:]
-In our American culture war we have crossed the Rubicon. The die has been cast, the tipping point reached. Barring a gracious visitation from God, this nation is not going back to the culture and values it held in the past. The war is over, and the immediate future for believers will involve learning how to live righteously in this new environment--not pining for the good old days. p. 42
The first counterintuitive principle from Scripture about persecution: the persecution of believers is normal, not strange. p. 61
As American believers--novices to suffering--this first counterintuitive principle that persecution is normal, not strange is most important. For reasons only known in the eternal mind of God, we've escaped persecution for the first two centuries of our nation's existence. This freedom allowed the American church to flourish and take the lead in evangelizing other parts of the world. From our limited perspective, this seems not only normal, but preferable.
Not true. What's normal in the Christian life, starting with the first believers in the fledgling church in Jerusalem and continuing today in the global church is persecution. Once we accept that and don't chafe against it, we'll realize the spiritual benefits that make suffering preferable. p. 74
In God's economy, blessings are radically different than our American perception. This is the second counterintuitive principle we learn from Scripture: persecution means you're blessed, not cursed. p. 76
Persecution brings blessing because it allows us to know Christ more. Persecution brings blessing because it allows us to become more like Christ.
For years we've sung "God Bless America", and we've usually associated divine blessing with prosperity and freedom. Certainly that's blessing because every good gift and all freedom comes from God. But there's a significant part of God's blessing we missed in America--the blessing that comes with persecution. p. 90
The third counterintuitive principle is that believers can expect to be exposed not protected. p. 92
The fourth counterintuitive principle is that God calls us to respond to our persecutors with compassion, not anger. p. 106
The fifth counterintuitive principle concerns our destiny. God promises that if we prove faithful in the midst of persecution, we'll be richly rewarded. The fifth principle is that we'll be rewarded, not forgotten. p. 122
From the very inspiring last chapter on the history of revival:
Harold J. Ockenga once defined revival as "A condition when men give primary interest and attention to the things of God above their livelihood, above their intellectual pursuits, and above their social interests. A terror of wrongdoing descends upon them. A passion for repentance seizes them. A desire for salvation characterizes them. Men go on a search for God."
-Footnotes indicate this quote is from Ockenga's article in Bibliotheca Sacra, April-June 1947, "The Great Revival
April 18, 2015
Is Christianity under attack? Yes and No. Yes it is starting to be attacked, but no, much of the western world has not face the same level of persecution that our fellow brother and sisters in other parts of the world has.
Crucially, there is a need to be prepared to be ready to suffer. As such, J. Paul Nyquist has written a book that calls christians to be ready to suffer, perhaps in the near future.
Nyguist first sets the picture for the reader. He shows how the society has slowly changed and now, the society is no longer friendly for christians to live out their faith, in fact, it has slowly but surely turn hostile towards those who wishes to live according to what the bible says.
Having listed down the changes that led to what is happening today. Nyguist then shows the readers that the comfortable lives that christians enjoyed in the west is not what should be expected as normal.
In fact, Nyguist then lists 5 characteristics that christians should be familiar about. First, he tells the readers that persecution is the norm, not the exception. Next, persecution is blessed, not a cursed from God. Third, christians has long been exposed in the society rather than the specially protected group. Fourth, what we should response in these situation should be compassion towards our enemies, not outburst of angry. Lastly, there is a reward that awaits for those who suffer, God has not and will not forget His people despite what is happening.
Having reminded his readers the basic truths of christianity, Nyguist then gives the readers hope that we can have when we are suffering. First, he points the readers to God, the source of our help and hope. Next, he shows us what is happening to our fellow christians in Pakistan, how despite their suffering, people are turning to Christ. Lastly, he brings us with a deep longing for a supernatural work of God - Revival. He reminds us that God can, and might work in a supernatural way, causing many hearts to turn towards Him. With that, he leaves some advice on how Christians can handle persecution should it ever comes to us in the near future.
I found that this book has very helpfully reminded today’s christian by highlights points that many of us might have conveniently forgotten. We are to expect persecution, it has come on many of our brothers and sisters, and it may found unto soon too. We should be prepared for that. I also found the advice by Nyguist to be very well-balanced, he does not push to either extreme and tells the readers that at times we might have to suffer for it, yet at times we can defend ourselves form it.
This book is really suitable for any Christian who would want to be reminded what Jesus means when he says that following him means taking up our cross to follow him. I enjoyed reading this book, and recommend that you read it too.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Crucially, there is a need to be prepared to be ready to suffer. As such, J. Paul Nyquist has written a book that calls christians to be ready to suffer, perhaps in the near future.
Nyguist first sets the picture for the reader. He shows how the society has slowly changed and now, the society is no longer friendly for christians to live out their faith, in fact, it has slowly but surely turn hostile towards those who wishes to live according to what the bible says.
Having listed down the changes that led to what is happening today. Nyguist then shows the readers that the comfortable lives that christians enjoyed in the west is not what should be expected as normal.
In fact, Nyguist then lists 5 characteristics that christians should be familiar about. First, he tells the readers that persecution is the norm, not the exception. Next, persecution is blessed, not a cursed from God. Third, christians has long been exposed in the society rather than the specially protected group. Fourth, what we should response in these situation should be compassion towards our enemies, not outburst of angry. Lastly, there is a reward that awaits for those who suffer, God has not and will not forget His people despite what is happening.
Having reminded his readers the basic truths of christianity, Nyguist then gives the readers hope that we can have when we are suffering. First, he points the readers to God, the source of our help and hope. Next, he shows us what is happening to our fellow christians in Pakistan, how despite their suffering, people are turning to Christ. Lastly, he brings us with a deep longing for a supernatural work of God - Revival. He reminds us that God can, and might work in a supernatural way, causing many hearts to turn towards Him. With that, he leaves some advice on how Christians can handle persecution should it ever comes to us in the near future.
I found that this book has very helpfully reminded today’s christian by highlights points that many of us might have conveniently forgotten. We are to expect persecution, it has come on many of our brothers and sisters, and it may found unto soon too. We should be prepared for that. I also found the advice by Nyguist to be very well-balanced, he does not push to either extreme and tells the readers that at times we might have to suffer for it, yet at times we can defend ourselves form it.
This book is really suitable for any Christian who would want to be reminded what Jesus means when he says that following him means taking up our cross to follow him. I enjoyed reading this book, and recommend that you read it too.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2015
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials…” James 1:2
“The verb used means we are to make a deliberate, conscious and careful decision to experience joy even in the midst of suffering. We are not to complain, shrink back, or express despair. Instead, we are to greet suffering with joy!” — J. Paul Nyquist
Having already seen and felt the persecution that is now upon us, this book was both convicting and like a soothing balm. How quickly our country has fallen from the basic, Biblical principles it was founded on. We are like the blind slowly being led to our deaths. Social changes come and embed in our thinking until we find that we are questioning the very idea that God must have meant something different when He blatantly opposes sins. We warp Him to be a God that we can understand and agree with. By doing this, the church is inviting persecution. It will be time to stand up for Him or flee. We think that won’t ever happen in America, but let me tell you, friends, it is here. It is now.
“When we suffer unjustly, we expect others to defend us. As we prepare for persecution from a hostile culture, we expect to be lovingly supported by family members and ably defended by our government, but the third counterintuitive biblical principle is that believers can expect to be exposed, not protected. This may not be true in every case, but as a general principle we shouldn’t rely on family or government to defend us when persecution comes. Often they won’t.” — J. Paul Nyquist (Bold is added by me)
Unfortunately, I know this too well. Standing firm in the beliefs of the Bible is not a popular thing to do. In fact, it is considered hateful. It will divide families, friends and neighbors. This book shows you how to prepare, how to pray and how to rejoice in it. Wonderful read. Please pick up a copy!!!
Thank you, netgalley, for this wonderful read. As always, I have given my honest opinion. Here’s to many more!
“The verb used means we are to make a deliberate, conscious and careful decision to experience joy even in the midst of suffering. We are not to complain, shrink back, or express despair. Instead, we are to greet suffering with joy!” — J. Paul Nyquist
Having already seen and felt the persecution that is now upon us, this book was both convicting and like a soothing balm. How quickly our country has fallen from the basic, Biblical principles it was founded on. We are like the blind slowly being led to our deaths. Social changes come and embed in our thinking until we find that we are questioning the very idea that God must have meant something different when He blatantly opposes sins. We warp Him to be a God that we can understand and agree with. By doing this, the church is inviting persecution. It will be time to stand up for Him or flee. We think that won’t ever happen in America, but let me tell you, friends, it is here. It is now.
“When we suffer unjustly, we expect others to defend us. As we prepare for persecution from a hostile culture, we expect to be lovingly supported by family members and ably defended by our government, but the third counterintuitive biblical principle is that believers can expect to be exposed, not protected. This may not be true in every case, but as a general principle we shouldn’t rely on family or government to defend us when persecution comes. Often they won’t.” — J. Paul Nyquist (Bold is added by me)
Unfortunately, I know this too well. Standing firm in the beliefs of the Bible is not a popular thing to do. In fact, it is considered hateful. It will divide families, friends and neighbors. This book shows you how to prepare, how to pray and how to rejoice in it. Wonderful read. Please pick up a copy!!!
Thank you, netgalley, for this wonderful read. As always, I have given my honest opinion. Here’s to many more!
December 19, 2016
This book addresses of topic which is deserving of more conversation given the spiritual climate in which we live. Will we, as the church, stand firm in our faith as the environment becomes increasing hostile? The author challenges us to change our mindset about persecution by examining the role it played in Biblical times and the scriptural truths on persecution found within the Bible. Our economic prosperity can make persecution seem like a curse instead of a blessing, but that view doesn't align with scripture. If you're concerned about the future of America and the role of the church, this book is worth a read.
November 10, 2014
Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of "Prepare".
I have been searching for a book about this topic for some time now, and I count myself lucky to have had the chance to read it before it hits the shelves. This is a very relevant subject and one that will get the reader to thinking. Christians have a tough road ahead as the world's moral standards are eroding, and freedom of speech is becoming less free. This book will strengthen and fortify the believer and assure you that living in the faith is still possible.
I have been searching for a book about this topic for some time now, and I count myself lucky to have had the chance to read it before it hits the shelves. This is a very relevant subject and one that will get the reader to thinking. Christians have a tough road ahead as the world's moral standards are eroding, and freedom of speech is becoming less free. This book will strengthen and fortify the believer and assure you that living in the faith is still possible.
September 3, 2015
This book was very sobering as Dr. Nyquist advised Christians to prepare for fallout from a cultural war against Biblical values. His warning that there would be persecution with the goal of marginalizing and silencing Christians. This book was thought-provoking, taking me several weeks to read it in sections. I appreciated his reasons for hope, possibly through a major revival in America. As current events are unfolding in our culture, I think Dr. Nyquist's book merits a second read. Highly recommended!
August 22, 2015
It is coming. One way or another American Christians are leaving the abnormalness of lack of persecution and moving back into what the rest of the world has know for centuries which is following Jesus is costly and will involve persecution. This book is timely and very encouraging. It is not a doom and gloom book, it does address the persecution and what it could look like, but it spends a lot more time on encouraging believers to stand fast through a bible study on persecution. It is very well done. Recommended
July 25, 2015
One of the most timely books I have read
This book is a wake-up call for people faith. The idea that we (Christians) in the United States have been living out our faith in an environment that is abnormal in history is a idea that shook up my thinking. I believe that the author is correct is seeing the current and coming changes (the normal) that we are experiencing in our culture will align us with believers throughout the world and those that have come before us.
Easy to read for the any believer and a must read for church leaders
This book is a wake-up call for people faith. The idea that we (Christians) in the United States have been living out our faith in an environment that is abnormal in history is a idea that shook up my thinking. I believe that the author is correct is seeing the current and coming changes (the normal) that we are experiencing in our culture will align us with believers throughout the world and those that have come before us.
Easy to read for the any believer and a must read for church leaders
September 24, 2016
As a resident in the UK, and very little interest to visit the USA, I was surprised how readable, interesting and engaging the first part of this book was, documenting the historical biblical and spiritual decline of USA society, politics and laws.
the second section looking at facing persecution, as an excellent Biblical treatment of the subject. very challenging, and thought provoking!
the final section looking at persecution of the church in Pakistan and considering post revivals in America / UK was also engaging and challenging.
An excellent read!
the second section looking at facing persecution, as an excellent Biblical treatment of the subject. very challenging, and thought provoking!
the final section looking at persecution of the church in Pakistan and considering post revivals in America / UK was also engaging and challenging.
An excellent read!
June 20, 2016
If you have been looking for a guidebook that will help you when the persecution arrives. We in the United States are starting to see it creep in various forms of political correctness, opening the door wider for a hostile culture. J. Paul Nyquist has given us much food for thought to "Prepare" us for the inevitable, so read, take notes...and enjoy!
October 23, 2016
I had to take my time with this book. In light of world difficulties today, especially for Christians, it is wisdom to prepare for such things in this country. No one is exempt from persecution in a climate where anything goes except principles and commons sense. I recommend everyone read this. It's time to prepare.
November 8, 2015
Although Dr. Nyquist writes extensively about the history of persecution, and the state of the persecuted church today, I wanted to see more than a short chapter on specifically HOW to prepare. Otherwise, an easy read on the subject.
January 1, 2016
This is a good introduction to the idea of persecution and how Christians should not be surprised by it. However, I was hoping for something a little more detailed and with more real-life examples of how to respond.
October 15, 2015
This book explained persecution well and very informative.
Great read and transformational.
Great read and transformational.
April 18, 2016
Essential reading for every American Christian.
September 5, 2015
Wow, Paul really hits the mark about the changing times. great book well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews