Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11)

…Faithful people have found themselves conscience bound to stand up for the apostolic teaching that was set aside, often with trembling knees and deep anxiety, but with a firm resolve to be faithful to Christ and His Word.

In the early days the response to those making these confessions tended to be kind and understanding, and in many cases, still is. But as time goes on, I’m hearing more and more stories of broken friendships, accusations of divisiveness, and profound anger toward those who are refusing to accept the change in teaching. All because people have said as Luther did in 1521, ‘Here I stand. I can do no other.’ 

Our adversary, the devil, certainly seems to be prowling around with a renewed tenacity and causing havoc all around the place at the moment. The question is, how do we respond?