NOTE: This is an introductory note to a lengthier series I plan to write in 2026.
I was thinking this morning about the rise and influence of Islam in the United States. I know that many people refuse to acknowledge it. They do so out of ignorance or willful denial.
Every Lord’s Day, God’s people have the privilege (and it is a privilege) to worship the triune God. It is taken for granted that their church will be there, open, and ready to receive worshipers. Sadly, it is taken for granted. It is not cherished. It is not held in the highest esteem.
What will you do when Islam prevents that privilege? How will you respond? What will be your attitude?
The hard truth is that it will be worse than what it is now. It won’t be better. You won’t suddenly regard the local church as vital and essential while under threat. If you won’t regard it with the highest value now, why should you assume you will when your life is under threat or that of your family?
Is it such a terrible sacrifice to be in worship? Is the Lord not worth it? Did he not say that if he is not more important than your family, your other endeavours, priorities, and everything else, then you are not worthy of him? Do you not know that many of your brothers and sisters are under significant threat to worship their God, enjoy fellowship, be together, talk about the things of the Lord, and strengthen one another while under terrible danger? Yet some in these United States won’t come to worship for myriad reasons, most of them woefully inadequate. Some have a take-it-or-leave-it attitude. Some treat it as nothing more than a night at the movies — we will go if the urge strikes. For some, it is not the most important, indeed, essential time of their week.
It is past time for some to take stock in how they view their church, the labors of their pastors and elders, the fellowship of the saints, and, most importantly, the joy that comes from a God who calls us together to honor and adore him. It may not last.
