Pipe Bomb Found Behind Church
As society continues to darken, violence against Christian churches are rising and becoming more dangerous to parishioners.
Recently, a passerby in Philadelphia found a homemade 18-inch pipe bomb outside St. Dominic Catholic Church around 1:40 p.m.
Authorities proceeded to shut down the streets surrounding the church while disabling and removing the bomb. They then transported the weapon to police headquarters for further analysis.
The discovery of the pipe bomb has launched an investigation into the potentially deadly scenario.
This attempted bombing of a Catholic church comes on the heels of the murder of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell. O’Connell, a Roman Catholic bishop, was gunned down in his home in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles, California, around 1 p.m. on Feb. 18 and pronounced dead at the scene.
As reported by CBN News, “O’Connell, 69, was a native of Ireland and a priest for more than four decades, with his work in bridge-building over the years making a difference in his community. He was also known for helping the poor, according to those familiar with his work.”
With the leadership of America turning their backs on God, there has been a large uptick in Christian-targeted violence across the country.
The Department of Justice has been experiencing symptoms of malaise when it comes to finding, much less charging, those responsible for the firebombing of multiple pro-life pregnancy centers.
Not to mention their fervent desire to arrest and charge pro-life protesters with trumped-up charges that local authorities decline to press.
Yet Christians should not grow weary from these attacks, because Jesus warned His followers that the world will hate them because it first hated Him.
The world beat, spit on and crucified Jesus for spreading the truth of who He is, and Christians should expect whatever the modern version of persecution is as well.
According to a report by the Family Research Council, “between Jan. 2018 and Sept. 2022, at least 420 acts of hostility against U.S. churches occurred. The types of acts identified include vandalism, arson, gun-related incidents, bomb threats and more. There also appeared to be an increase in frequency over the course of the reporting period.”
Contrary to how the world reacts to persecution, Paul writes in Romans 5:3-5 how Christians should act during times of persecution:
“Not only so, but we also boast in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces patience, patience produces character and character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
As Christians rise to the challenge of persecution and engage the enemy equipped with the sword of the Spirit, God’s power is released, and darkness stands no chance against His light. {eoa}
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
