11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. 2 Corinthians 6:11-12

With any relationship there is give and take. Paul poured out his heart but the Corinthians didn’t reciprocate. Presumably there were parishioners who were opposed to Paul, and they had sway over the rest. You’d think that Believers would be beyond such power struggles, but that’s not the case. While I haven’t witnessed power struggles within the churches I’ve attended recently, I know they exist. All sides will claim high moral ground and righteous indignation when appropriate.

In the next few years, the Church in the West will be experiencing many moral, doctrinal, and cultural power struggles (acceptance of homosexuality and transgenderism, as well as the legalization of marijuana are three issues that come to mind). We see quite a bit of this moral decay now in mainstream denominations.

God, however, will maintain a remnant of Believers who are sold out to His causes and who will fight “tooth and nail” to remain doctrinally and morally pure. It takes courage, though, because cultural forces will be strongly opposed to non-compliance with their “new normal.”

Take heart. When the time comes, He will give you strength and awareness. He will empower you to be bold and fearless.