Being a Christian in America ain't Easy!

Imagine a conversation between the Apostle Paul and a 21st century, modern-day, American Christian. 

Modern Christian: Brother Paul, I am so glad to meet you. I've read all your letters. 

Paul: I hope they've been helpful in your walk with Christ. 

MC: Oh, yes. Our church has been so inspired, we're starting a building program. 

Paul: A " building program"? What are you building? 

MC: Oh, our old church building is getting pretty dilapidated. It's old and the air-conditioning is faulty. 

Paul: You have a "church building"? You don't meet in people's houses and hide from the authorities ? And what is this "air-conditioning" you're talking about? 

MC: Of course, we have a church building! This is America! No more of that hiding and worshipping stuff! The government protects our right to worship publicly here. The town mayor is even a deacon.

Paul: Wait! You still have deacons? Do you have that many widows and fatherless in your congregation? 

MC: Well, no, but someone has to run the church business and pass around the communion furnishings. 

Paul: Okay, I'm already completely confused. Let's get back to that "air-conditioning" thing. 

MC: Well, of course our building has air-conditioning. We wouldn't want people sweating into the pew padding, now would we?

Paul: "Pew padding"?

MC: Yes. Even for the choir. And of course, the Sunday School rooms and the pastors chair. That way, he's more comfortable before he stands to preach.

Paul: "Stands"?

MC: That reminds me, we're very excited about our youth mission trip to the Bahamas! Even an island paradise needs to hear the Gospel.

Paul: Well, that's the first thing you said that makes any sense. 

MC: Yeah, they'll stay at the Hilton, sharing the Gospel in the morning and still have time for the beach and shopping in the evening. 

Paul: That's what you call "sharing the Gospel"? Speaking of which, are souls being saved in your "church building" and on your "mission trip."

MC: A few and we're glad for each one!

Paul: Yes, as you should be, but it must still be difficult to testify in a foreign country. 

MC: No, actually, the people of the Bahamas welcome us with open arms! It's not just because we spend a lot of money there. Besides, you don't think we'd send our children somewhere dangerous, so you? 

Paul: You have money to pay for this? 

MC: Oh, yes. Most of our members have solid savings and 401K. And if we have to spend a little extra to give our teens a good experience, we're glad to do so!

Paul: So, you're not poor?

MC: Oh, yes, very poor. Many of us have had to postpone our trips to Disney World or replacing our old car because of the sluggish economy. 

Paul: I'm still confused. You don't sound poor. You don't sound hungry. 

MC: Well, many of us are business people. Like you. 

Paul: "Business people"? I learned a good trade, like every other Jewish boy, and worked to pay my way as I traveled, preaching about our Lord. After food and travel, there was nothing left for entertainment. 

MC: But we want our children to have a good life and the best education. Like your parents did. 

Paul: Yes, my parents paid for a good education for me. The best, actually. Of course, they cut me off and completely disowned me after I accepted Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ of God. My dear friend Peter was a simple fisherman, though. He's written some wonderful letters. Have you read them?

MC: Yes, they inspire us too! He was the first pope, some say.

Paul: Pope?

MC: Yeah, the guy in charge in Rome. 

Paul: Caesar? You mean the guy who crucified us and fed us to lions? The one who made the Church suffer so much? 

MC: Oh, no, no! This is another guy...sort of...anyway. We suffer for our faith too. I'm sure I was passed over for a promotion on my job because I'm a Christian. I'm suing them for it. Yeah, it's tough being a Christian in America. 

Paul: Have you been beaten, jailed or shipwrecked yet? Has anyone in your congregation been put to death for their faith in Christ? 

MC: Uh...no...but...but we have people who are sick and we're praying for a miracle. We see miracles every day. We have miracles too!

Paul: Yes, God has always been and will always be the God of miracles. Like the time Silas and I were thrown in jail and the prison shook until our chains fell off. Have you been to prison for preaching the Good News? 

MC: Uh...no, but I have been put in Facebook prison a couple of times for my posts? 

Paul: (Looking even more confused.)

MC: It's complicated, but before you ask, no, they don't physically lock you up. 

Paul: (Looking still more confused. ) So, tell me, have you ever actually known anyone personally who died for the cause of Christ? 

MC: Well...no. I'm guessing you have?

Paul: At least one.

MC: Brother Paul, I'd love to talk more with you. Maybe I can explain things better over dinner. How about we go out to eat after church Sunday or, if you prefer homemade, we'll pull something out of the refrigerator. We've got plenty of good food at our house. You can ride home with me. My wife has some stops after church, so she'll drive herself in her car.

Paul: I suppose your "car" is air-conditioned too?

MC: Well, yes, of course. 

Paul: So, what I'm getting from this conversation is, you have a nice air-conditioned building with soft, padded pews to worship, where you don't have to hide from the authorities; you have money enough to spare for pleasure trips and two air-conditioned vehicles for transportation; you can go out and buy food or eat at home where you have plenty; you're children are educated and safe; you have no friends or family who have been jailed or died for our Savior. 

We were driven from our homes, lost family and friends. We were troubled, perplexed persecuted and cast down! We were stoned, crucified and beheaded for our faith! 

We healed the sick; we raised the dead! We turned the world upside down! 

You have never experienced anything approaching the persecution and suffering of Christians of my time. 

Yet, somehow you expect the Holy Ghost to pour Himself out on you just as He did us.

You want the power of His resurrection without the fellowship of His suffering.

Well, dear brother, do you think you can have what we had without paying the price we paid for it?

Sigh!

And all Heaven just weeps!