Living in an Anti-Christian World: Philadelphia (PCRT24)

“Only hold fast what you have until I come. The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations" — Revelation 2:25-26

A shift has taken place in recent years that Christians need to understand: we find ourselves suddenly living not merely in a world that is indifferent to the gospel but one that is distinctively anti-Christian. Observers have noted that since the Supreme Court’s affirmation of gay marriage, Christian beliefs are often regarded in the West as immoral and dangerous. This situation is nothing new to the church, of course. But it does call Christians to consider our need for courage and conviction while living in a culture that finds us socially unacceptable. Jesus wrote his letters to the churches of Revelation in an even more hostile culture, promising to bless those who remained steadfast. The 2024 PCRT will consider these themes, seeking to make Christians aware and fortify our churches to bear witness in a hostile age.

We are delighted to be joined by one old friend and one new friend. Peter Jones is no stranger to our members, having spoken previously at the PCRT. He is one of the foremost theologians addressing contemporary trends facing the church today. Having long served as the director of TruthXchange, Peter has also written several informative books, including Christian Truths/Pagan Lies. Dr. Aaron Renn, a senior fellow at American Reformer, joins us for the first time. His 2022 article, “The Three Worlds of Evangelicalism,” has spurred massive discussion among Christians and provided clarity to the church’s challenge today.  

We are excited to return to University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan, as well as Proclamation Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. We look forward to another year of rich theology amid God-centered doxology and to seeing you again this year or – if this is your first time – getting to know you during this rewarding weekend of Christian enrichment.  

“The motto of our forebears in the faith, ‘After darkness, light,’ should encourage Christians to believe that the light will always triumph over the darkness and that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the church.” —Peter Jones