A time of spiritual warfare and watchfulness.

• Power of various idols:
  • Ancestors and household gods
  • Good luck & prosperity
• Pressure to stand by the Christian faith
• Temptations abound
• Internal struggles (loneliness, discouragement)
• Stress to evangelise
• Happy atmosphere must not distract us from God’s purpose
• Be set apart and vigilant

<Ephesians 6:18> And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 

<2 Timothy 4> 

2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

<1 Peter 2>

11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 

Also a time of opportunities.

1) To demonstrate Christian love.

2) To share the gospel.