Saturday Before Sunday- Growing Religious Violence

You have heard me quote: “First comes Saturday, then comes Sunday.” That phrase was first used by persecuted Christians in Lebanon to describe how violence first came against Jewish communities (their Sabbath on Saturday) before it spread to the Church (our worship on Sunday). It’s a sobering reminder that religious violence against God’s people does not stop with one group but will eventually touch us all. 

This past week, we witnessed another tragic and horrific example in Michigan when a gunman opened fire at an LDS church service. Several were killed and wounded in a senseless act of violence. Our hearts are grieved, and we weep with our Mormon neighbors who are suffering. Whatever differences we hold theologically—and they are significant—now is not the time to highlight them. Now is the time to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15), to stand against evil, and to pray for healing and comfort. 

This same LDS community is showing benevolence to the attacker’s family. As of this writing, the LDS community has raised over $250,000.00 for the attacker’s family with notes of forgiveness, encouragement, and Christ-like love. In the face of violence, they chose compassion. That is a powerful example, and it rebukes the darkness. 

The wider context is the increasing violence against Christians. There are those in society who increasingly label Bible-believing Christians—especially those who are white, conservative, and male—as dangerous “extremists.” The cultural left and their political representatives push this narrative. Yet, who is it that dresses in black, masks their face, and opens fire on those they disagree with? The truth is turned upside down. Isaiah warned of this: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20). 

Beloved, the Church cannot afford to be naïve, but our response is never to meet violence with violence, but with forgiveness. The same way Christ defeated his enemies on the Cross. Violence against places of worship is growing. This is not just happening “somewhere else.” It is right here, in our own nation, and in our own neighborhoods. As the world turns more hostile to truth, the words of Jesus echo with fresh urgency: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).

Be encouraged because, at the root, this is not ideological hate. This is a spiritual war, and we are temporarily caught in the middle. But do not fear. You are making a difference for truth in your life, witness, and faith—so much so that the gates of hell are screaming. With that, be encouraged and let your light shine, especially as we worship together on Sunday.