When I was a teenager, those I saw living contrary to what the preacher said formed my perception of “church”. If the preacher spoke against “smoking”, inevitably, we would walk outside and somebody would light up a cigarette. As I got older I realized that was rather silly, but also that there are some “in the church” who say they are Christians and are not (as far as I can tell).
‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:9 - 10 (NASB)
This passage indicates that there will be times we will “suffer” at the hands of those who are “not.” Our task is not to prove them wrong or to lash out at them but to “Be faithful (to Christ) until death.”
SEEK FIRST THE
