When Political Violence Shakes Our Faith: A Biblical Response to Tragedy

🗡️ This expository sermon was delivered at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Cookeville, TN on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 6:00 pm. 🗡️

In these turbulent times when political violence dominates headlines and division tears at our nation's fabric, how should Christians respond? Pastor Fortunato delivers a powerful sermon examining God's Word for wisdom when tragedy strikes and innocent blood is shed.

Journey through church history from the 1500s Protestant Reformation to modern-day America as we explore how believers throughout the ages have faced persecution, disagreement, and violence. Discover why Baptists have historically championed soul liberty and freedom of belief, never forcing faith through violence or coercion. This timely message addresses the hard questions we're all asking when political activism meets faith in the public square.

📖 In this compelling biblical teaching, you'll learn:

• Why God says "Fret not thyself because of evildoers" (Psalm 37) and what that means for us today

• How to trust, delight, commit, and rest in the Lord during national upheaval

• The biblical response to persecution that separates true Christianity from religious violence

• Why innocent blood being shed grieves God's heart throughout Scripture

• How Jesus himself faced the ultimate injustice and what His example teaches us

Pastor Fortunato expertly weaves together passages from Psalms, Matthew, Romans, and Job to provide biblical perspective on suffering, persecution, and how believers should respond when tragedy strikes. This isn't about politics—it's about having a biblical worldview when our world seems to be falling apart.

Whether you're struggling with anger, fear, or confusion about recent events, this message offers hope and biblical wisdom for navigating these challenging times with faith intact.

💭 "We're supposed to unite around freedom of speech and thought and belief. Nobody wants to be forced to believe a certain way."

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