Endure Cancel Culture for Christ

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Luke 12:49-59.

King Jesus is the only solution to violence and division. Only Jesus can so transform the heart of a person that they can truly love anyone, regardless of their differences.

That is not to say that Jesus only brings unity. In fact, in Luke 12, He tells us He came to bring division, but this division is not by force or by coercion. It’s neither sought nor invited by believers. This division arises between those who love Jesus and worship Him alone, and those who have rejected Him altogether.

For two thousand years, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has divided humanity into two categories: those who are saved and those who are lost; those who are redeemed and those who live under the curse; those who will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus and those who will spend eternity in hell with Satan. This division is not imposed on people; it is created through individual choices.

Jesus said, “I have come to bring fire on the earth” (Luke 12:49). Fire has a dual purpose: It burns up, but it also purifies. It reveals how combustible a thing is. For example, hay ignites rather quickly and is consumed in seconds. Not so with gold, which does not burn but instead is refined by fire. The same is true with the Gospel: It either consumes or purifies a person based on that person’s response to Truth.

You see, Jesus took the judgment—the fire—upon Himself when He went to the cross. That is the Good News. All who put their trust in Him and turn from their sin have freedom because Jesus was judged on their behalf. He paid the price. But for those who reject Jesus, a day of judgment remains.

When Jesus said these words in Luke 12, He wanted His disciples to understand that the very mention of His name would bring them trouble, hatred, and persecution. He was trying to warn and prepare them. The choice to identify with Jesus would create strife between His disciples and those who scorn His name. All these years later, nothing has changed for Jesus’ followers.

Trusting Jesus is costly. You will be hated, despised, and yes, canceled. But the peace He brings is greater than any trouble that this world can throw your way.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for calling me out of darkness into Your light. I know You have saved me from the just judgment I deserve and have clothed me with Your righteousness by Your amazing grace. May I stand firm on Your Truth whatever challenges I face, calling the lost to taste and see that You are good. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division” (Luke 12:51).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Enduring Wisdom: WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
View All


Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.