Standing Firm When the Culture Feels Like It’s Losing God

Brothers and sisters, as we continue our journey as rogue disciples, we are called to be disciples everywhere—in the quiet moments before we even think about our next mission call. We are called to be internet missionaries, disciples in the public square, and disciples in our living rooms. It takes spiritual muscle, the kind that comes from consistent study and heartfelt testimony.

Recently, I spent some time pondering a message from Jonathan Cahn regarding the spiritual forces at play in our world. It was sobering, to say the least. He spoke about ancient powers, about spiritual forces that seem intent on driving God out of every corner of culture—the schools, the entertainment, the very public square.

It’s easy, when we hear talk of 'the return of the gods,' to feel overwhelmed, to feel like the battle is too big for any single individual to handle. But that’s where the beautiful, persistent work of the Spirit comes in. We aren't called to fight this battle alone; we are called to be faithful, to keep the Book of Mormon open, and to keep the covenant promises alive in our own hearts.

Keeping the Light Lit: A Disciple's Perspective

What struck me most was the pattern he described—the turning away from God, the apostasy. It’s a timeless struggle, one that has played out in ancient Israel and, as he suggests, echoes in the challenges facing us today. It makes you pause and really examine your own spiritual foundation. Are we treating the gospel like the essential, life-giving source it is, or are we letting the noise of the world drown out the quiet whisper of the Spirit?

This isn't meant to cause fear, but rather to spur us toward deeper discipleship. If the culture is struggling to acknowledge God, our job, as disciples, is to be the living testament to His reality. It means being prepared to share our testimony with conviction, whether we are in a formal missionary discussion, or just sharing a scripture insight in the social scripture study layer of LivingBook with a friend.

This reminds me of the power of focused study. When I'm feeling spiritually adrift, I head straight back to the foundational texts. I’ve been spending time reviewing some insights from the Iron Rod authors on how to approach difficult doctrinal questions, and it’s reinforced that our greatest weapon is knowledge coupled with charity. It’s about being ready to answer those tough questions—the ones an investigator might throw at you.

If you’re looking for a way to sharpen that skill, I highly recommend checking out Davee. He’s been doing some incredible work walking people through those hard questions using his AI Investigator role. It’s like having a seasoned district leader right there with you, helping you polish your answers before you ever step into the field.

This entire discussion, while heavy on prophecy, circles back to one core principle: our personal covenant keeping. We must be ready to *be* the gospel in our daily lives. That’s the heart of being a disciple, whether you're in the MTC, serving a mission, or just running errands with your family.

Where to Focus Next

If you feel the weight of this cultural challenge, I encourage you to anchor yourself in the study of the scriptures. If you haven't already, dive into a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. These are sacred spaces where we can learn together and feel the collective Spirit lifting us up. For those who want to keep learning on the prophetic side, the material Jonathan Cahn covers is intense, so I’ve left the source video below for you to watch and ponder.

Let’s keep the momentum going. For those who are feeling the pull toward more structured learning, I’ve linked a few resources below. And remember, we are always learning, always gathering Israel, and always making sure that every member knows they can be an internet missionary, anywhere, all the time.

What are your thoughts on how we can best apply these principles in our local wards or online? Drop your insights below!

P.S. If you want to dig deeper into the foundational principles of the restored gospel, check out some recommended readings from the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. Keep pressing forward!