Though the Blasphemy Law that previously raised concerns was
abolished in 2008, former head of the Department of Religious
Studies, John Davies, said Christians are once again in the crosshairs from these hate laws.
Because the term "hate crime" is not clearly defined, Christians'
actions and words are under attack.

Evangelist Sammy Tippit believes the manipulation of these
laws is part of an alarming trend throughout the secular world. He said, "There's
a spirit (and it's very difficult to understand) that has come with secularism
that has really been against Christianity. It's a darkness that has been growing, and
it's been very antagonistic towards Christianity. But the interesting thing and
the thing that makes it so difficult to understand is that this does
specifically target Christianity and not other religious groups."

This spirit is spreading throughout the U.S. and throughout
Europe, as Christians can say less and less without offending someone. It has become more
prevalent.

In the last decade, Tippit said Western Christians have grown accustomed to not having
to face opposition or persecution. However, "The truth is: if you're going
to live for Christ, there's going to be some form of persecution."

So what can be done? Since this attitude toward Christians
only seems to be worsening, how can Western Christians respond?

Tippit said our first and most important step should be
prayer. As he works with numerous Christians throughout persecuted lands, Tippit
said he has seen people derive amazing power and strength from their dedication
to prayer.

However, "When I talk about praying, I'm not talking
about praying that God would smack our enemies. I'm talking about drawing
close to God. I'm talking about walking in His spirit and the nearness and
intimacy with Him. When you do that, you'll be able to respond as Jesus
said to 'love those who hate you and pray for those who persecute you,'"
Tippit said.

After prayer, Tippit said our second response should be "to make sure that we don't give people a reason to target us. In
other words, if they are targeting us for righteousness, that's one thing. But
if they are targeting us because of attitudes–things that we are doing that
are not right, then that's another thing."

Finally, Tippit said our response should be to continue to
reach out, even to those opposing us. Just because we are facing persecution
does not mean we should stop shining the love Christ wherever we go.

Ground yourself firmly in Christ today, and visit Tippit's Web site to receive encouraging devotionals.