Unthinkable | Dr. Conrad Vine

Imagine sitting quietly at home, flipping through the channels on your TV, only to come across scenes that seem almost unimaginable. We live in a world where the unthinkable is happening right before our eyes. In countries like Afghanistan and China, the reality of persecution is a daily occurrence. It raises a pertinent question for us today: What does it mean to think about the unthinkable in terms of our faith, especially here in North America?

The Historical Context of Unthinkable Compromise

The concept of compromise in the face of persecution is not new. We see it in the history of Israel, where the political and social elites often compromised with surrounding pagan nations, leading to the persecution of prophets like Elijah and Jeremiah. Fast forward to the New Testament, and we find Jesus standing trial before various political authorities, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. The elites of His time chose to preserve their status over standing for truth.

This pattern of compromise continued through history, such as in the Soviet Union after the Bolshevik Revolution. Adventist leaders initially praised Lenin for granting religious exemptions, but gradually, under pressure, they compromised on their beliefs, leading to a schism within the church. Those who refused to bend formed the “true and free Adventists,” standing firm in their faith despite persecution.

Facing Modern-Day Compromise

Today, the church faces similar pressures. Whether it’s the influence of secular ideologies or political mandates, the temptation to compromise is ever-present. In the United States, we see institutions grappling with issues like critical theory and other social pressures that challenge biblical truth. The question remains: to what extent will we compromise our faith to preserve our institutions?

The example of the United Methodist Church, which is currently experiencing a significant division over issues of sexuality, serves as a cautionary tale. Compromise on biblical principles can lead to a meltdown of faith communities, as we witness congregations dissolving and financial support dwindling.

Principles for the Underground Church

As we consider the possibility of facing the unthinkable, we look to principles that guide an underground church. First, legal incorporation, while beneficial, can bind the church to worldly systems. Instead, we are called to live as aliens and temporary residents, not entangled in the world’s ways. This might mean reevaluating how we manage finances and assets to avoid government interference.

Second, we must resist the urge to flee or accommodate persecution. Instead, we are called to be fully Christian in the midst of it, accepting financial loss and social cancellation as part of our witness. The story of Naboth in the Old Testament reminds us not to sell out our faith for temporary gains.

Reimagining Church Life

The underground church thrives by keeping the main thing the main thing—preaching the gospel and practicing the ordinances. It does not rely on buildings but meets where people are, transforming everyday spaces into places of worship. This shift in mindset invites us to see our homes as extensions of our faith community, where daily worship and spiritual growth occur.

Furthermore, the church is a household of households, where each family unit becomes a center of spiritual life. Pastors equip members to live out their faith in their homes, making daily life, not just Sabbath worship, the focus of their Christian experience.

Empowering Amateurs and Redefining Leadership

In the underground church, leadership is not confined to a select few professionals but is shared among amateurs—those who love God’s people. This model reflects the early church, where leaders like Paul supported themselves through secular work while spreading the gospel. It challenges us to rethink the role of leadership and embrace a model that empowers all believers to serve.

Lastly, the approach to tithing in the underground church focuses on revealing God’s character through generosity. Instead of supporting institutional structures, tithe is used to help those in need, demonstrating trust in God over material wealth and serving as a powerful form of evangelism.

Conclusion: Shining Light in the Darkness

As we navigate these challenging times, we must pray for our leaders and seek wisdom and courage to stand firm in our faith. By embracing the principles of the underground church, we prepare ourselves for whatever the future may hold, trusting that the light of Christ will continue to shine through us, even in the darkest times. May we find hope in knowing that, in the words of John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Let us commit to being that light, boldly living out our faith and sharing the love of Christ with a world in desperate need of hope.