No, Europe and America—and indeed, the world—will not be better. Not because the devil has become more powerful, but because Christians have become weaker. Many Christian preachers in America, Europe, and other parts of the world no longer take delight in soul-winning or organizing crusades in parks, stadiums, and theaters. Instead, they are content to sit in large temples or preach through social media.
Some justify this by saying platforms like YouTube provide wider coverage than a crusade held at Madison Square Garden, which can only host around 10,000 attendees. So, why not preach on YouTube where the outreach is larger and costs almost nothing?
Others believe their popularity is now so great that no stadium can accommodate the crowds they would attract, so they prefer to address their “massive” audiences via social media and other virtual platforms.
Still, some have the desire to hold crusades, but lack the financial resources to organize such large-scale events. Rather than lower their standards and preach in marketplaces or public squares—as Paul and the other apostles did—they remain confined to temples and social media. They argue that Paul and Silas only preached in public places because their era lacked today’s technology and tools like public address systems and social media. They forget that there were temples, synagogues, and theaters even in Paul’s day. Paul and the others chose to go into the streets, not because they lacked alternatives, but because they prioritized reaching the people.
Studies show that in secular politics, politicians—even when insincere—gain influence by connecting with ordinary people. Donald Trump, for example, demonstrated this by serving food to customers at McDonald’s. The secular world understands this principle, but Christians often prefer to remain in “Jerusalem,” preaching from the comfort of temples and receiving reports, rather than engaging with the lost directly.
Some argue that conversion is solely the work of Jesus, who draws sinners through His word, and that their only responsibility is to preach from a distance. Others are genuinely concerned about their physical safety. They fear going to public squares, where the sick and sinners—those whom Jesus specifically came to save—are most often found. Because they cannot guarantee their security, they choose to remain in safer environments.
Yet Paul went to Jerusalem even after the Holy Spirit revealed he would be arrested and handed over to the Gentiles. This revelation came through multiple people, but Paul was not deterred. He chose physical danger over disobedience. If Paul were one of today’s Christians, he might have thanked God for the warning and “wisely” avoided Jerusalem, quoting, “God reveals to redeem.”
Today, the situation has become so dire that it is almost a crime for an athlete, artist, or coach to pray or thank Jesus publicly before or after an event in America or Europe—ironically, the very regions where many of the world’s most powerful evangelists once came from. Why have we come this far? Is it because the devil has gained more power? Or is it because Christians have lost their boldness—unlike in the days of Billy Graham and William Branham, who preached in parks and stadiums and influenced national policies?
Many of today’s preachers are entangled with politics and guided by the ideologies and philosophies of men rather than the Holy Spirit. They now think like the world—concerned with what to eat, what their children will wear, what schools their children should attend, the kind of house they should live in, and so on. And when it appears that the Lord is delaying in relieving these concerns, they take matters into their own hands—like Saul did when Samuel delayed.
The story of Job is now treated like a fable, not a real-life example of faith and perseverance. Christians today are afraid to lose social status or comfort. They are more concerned about the kind of clothes they must wear to be respected or the neighborhoods they must live in. Many Christians, by their lifestyle, are hastening the coming of the Lord—not by preaching the gospel but by abandoning the faith and falling into idolatry. Today, more Christians are being converted to worldly thinking and demonic faiths than sinners are being won to Christ.
The desire to share Christ with coworkers, classmates, neighbors, friends, employers, children, and parents is often there—but the cost feels too high. The embarrassment, rejection, bruised ego, insults, job losses, and even physical harm are all too much for many to risk. These fears discourage believers from witnessing.
Yet every day, followers of the devil boldly promote their messages and businesses both online and in our communities—without shame or fear. They actively solicit support and boldly advertise their sinful products and services. Christians, instead of resisting, often begin to admire these things. Eventually, some even participate—then seek forgiveness, only to later find heretical teachings to justify their continued involvement. Over time, many become silent on holiness, having compromised the very things they were called to speak against.
We must wake up and return to Christ. The Bible clearly states that for those who have tasted the gift of salvation and then turn back to the world, the judgment will be more severe than for those who never believed.
Soul-winning is the number one discipline that keeps a Christian alert, pure, and focused on Christ.
May God have mercy on us as we yield to the call to win souls and transform our societies through the power of His Word.