Rev. Franklin Graham strongly believes that true Christians need to take a bold stand to proclaim their faith, even to the extent of sacrificing their own lives.
On his Facebook page, the evangelist asks: "What would you take a bullet for? What are the principles and beliefs that you would not compromise under any circumstances? Even if it meant putting your life on the line?"
He then shared the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, who reigned over Babylon and demanded that everyone in his kingdom bow down and worship the golden image he has made. While many of his people obeyed without question, there were three brave men who refused to acknowledge the king's idol because they only believed in one God.
These three men were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Nebuchadnezzar was furious because of their disobedience and even threatened them: "But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace."
The three men were not afraid and replied, "'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up' (Daniel 3:16-18)."
Graham says Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their obedience and faithfulness to God.
He hopes that Christians today will display that same bravery and stand up for God's truth, even if it means putting their lives on the line.
"I want to call on every Christian and every pastor to stand firm like these patriarchs of old and not bow to the secular, increasingly godless culture in which we live—even when (not if) we're criticized, mocked, and labeled intolerant," he says. "The God of the Old Testament that delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from their fiery execution is the same God today—and He is still more than able to save."
