How can Christians remain steadfast in a world increasingly hostile to biblical values?

Dr. Joel Beeke addresses the concerns many Christian parents face today as they consider the challenges their children will encounter in a world that often opposes Christian beliefs. In this age, where concepts like marriage and gender are frequently redefined, Christians may find themselves anxious about the future. Dr. Beeke reminds us that God is faithful and His promises stand firm. As Proverbs instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." We are called to focus on God and live above worldly influences while remaining grounded in His truth.

Dr. Beeke also emphasizes that we should not view our times as uniquely terrible. Historical contexts, such as the trials faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, demonstrate that God's people have faced significant challenges before and have endured. The church and family will not fall apart if we remain faithful to God’s Word. Psalm 128 offers assurance that those who fear the Lord will find joy in their family and community, experiencing blessings across generations. God's greatness surpasses any adversary, encouraging us to stay committed to His ways.

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Today, we live in a remarkably worldly world, a hostile world to Christians, and we'd be ostriches with our head in the sand if we didn't have some concern about how are our children going to navigate this hostile, persecuting, worldly world as they grow up. Yeah, so what do we do with our fears, with our worries, with our anxiety, maybe even with a certain measure of depression when we see what our children have to grow up with today. I mean, I think about my parents. One died 12 years ago, one died 30 years ago. But I think about even 12 years ago, What would my mother say if she saw today's world with all of its LBG, QQT, etc., etc., etc., and homosexual marriage and transgenderism and insane Stuff that is so contrary to how God made man so contradictory to man made in the image of God How do we counter that how do we not just throw in the towel and say I give up Well number one we remember God's promises God is faithful Train up a child the way he should go.

When he's old, he shall not depart from it. That's normative. God will help you. You do what you're called to do. Keep your eye on God and live above the world even as you live in the world and don't become of the world.

Number two, you need to remember that God has not only promised us to help you, but that there's been very, very, very bad times before. In New Testament times, there was a lot of homosexuality in the pagan lands. Think of the time of Daniel. You think it was a small thing for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be the only three standing in a huge multitude and knowing they're going to be thrown into a burning fiery furnace? I mean, none of our kids have been thrown into a burning fiery furnace and their lives at stake.

So let's not exaggerate and say, well, it's like we're in the worst times ever and therefore the church is gonna fall apart. The family's gonna fall apart. When you Raise your family according to the Bible. God has sweet promises. Just think of Psalm 128.

This is the man who fears the Lord. He'll be happy with his wife, it says. He'll be happy with his children. All the plants are on about his table. He'll be happy in his worship in Zion.

He'll be happy in his work. And then it concludes, thou shalt see thy children's children. You'll be happy with your grandchildren. And peace upon Israel. So it's not easy to live in a very anti-worldly world, but God is greater, greater than all the enemies, and that should encourage us.