We Need to Talk About the GREEN Horse | Protecting Christian Freedom & Constantine’s Edict of Milan
While visiting Bangkok with his family and ministry team, Pastor Steve Cioccolanti reflected on an important moment in Christian history: the Edict of Milan.
As he overlooked the city from a giant observation wheel, Pastor Steve connected the events of the early Church with what he believes is coming in the future — increasing persecution, the removal of freedoms, and the rise of what he calls the “Green Horse” period of Revelation.
For Pastor Steve, the story of the Edict of Milan is not merely ancient history. It is a reminder that Christian freedom was hard won, can be lost, and may soon be tested again.
What Was the Edict of Milan?
The Edict of Milan was issued in 313 AD by Emperor Constantine and Licinius. It marked one of the most important turning points in Christian history.
After nearly 300 years of severe persecution against Christians across the Roman Empire, the edict officially granted religious tolerance and freedom of worship.
Pastor Steve quoted part of the decree:
“No one whatsoever should be denied the opportunity to give his heart to the observance of the Christian religion or that religion which he should think best for himself.”
For Pastor Steve, these words represent something revolutionary for the ancient world:
freedom of religion.
He argued that Christianity introduced into the world a radically different vision of liberty, conscience, and tolerance compared to the brutality and oppression common in many ancient societies.
Christianity and the Foundations of Freedom
According to Pastor Steve, modern freedoms cannot be separated from Christianity’s historical influence.
He pointed out that the Edict of Milan was written in 313 AD — during a time when much of the world was ruled by violence, superstition, and authoritarian power.
In his view, Christianity transformed civilization by introducing principles such as:
freedom of conscience,
the dignity of the individual,
mercy,
compassion,
and tolerance for religious belief.
He warned that many modern societies now enjoy freedoms built on Christian foundations while simultaneously rejecting the faith that produced them.
Pastor Steve believes this contradiction cannot continue indefinitely.
The Green Horse and the Return of Persecution
A central theme throughout the message was Pastor Steve’s warning about the “Green Horse” of Revelation.
He believes the world is moving toward a future period where:
freedoms will shrink,
censorship will intensify,
and biblical Christianity will increasingly be treated as dangerous or unacceptable.
In his interpretation, the Green Horse period represents a time of:
social collapse,
persecution,
economic turmoil,
and spiritual darkness.
Green Horse→Persecution+Loss of Freedom+Social Collapse\text{Green Horse} \rightarrow \text{Persecution} + \text{Loss of Freedom} + \text{Social Collapse}Green Horse→Persecution+Loss of Freedom+Social Collapse
Pastor Steve compared this coming period to the first centuries of Christianity, when believers faced imprisonment, confiscation of property, and public hostility.
He argued that many Christians today underestimate how quickly freedoms can disappear.
“Find a Goshen”
One phrase Pastor Steve repeatedly used throughout the message was:
“Find a Goshen.”
Drawing from the biblical land of Goshen in Egypt — where the Israelites found protection during judgment and famine — Pastor Steve uses the term to describe places of relative peace, refuge, and spiritual safety during unstable times.
He clarified that this does not necessarily mean “running away” or abandoning society.
Instead, he described Goshen as:
having a plan B,
building supportive Christian communities,
preparing spiritually and practically,
and positioning oneself in places where faith and freedom can still flourish.
While in Thailand, Pastor Steve explained that part of his mission is helping establish such places for believers.
Why Church Buildings Matter
Another major focus of Pastor Steve’s message was the importance of physical churches and Christian property.
He challenged the popular statement:
“The church is not a building.”
While acknowledging that believers themselves are the Church spiritually, Pastor Steve argued that history and Scripture clearly show that physical gathering places have always mattered.
He pointed to the Edict of Milan itself, which specifically ordered confiscated Christian properties and churches to be restored.
According to the decree:
Christian assembly places existed before Constantine,
Christians owned property collectively,
and authorities had previously seized these buildings during persecution.
Pastor Steve argued that this proves early Christians did, in fact, build and maintain dedicated places of worship.
He also referenced the seven churches of Revelation in modern-day Turkey as evidence of historic Christian structures and communities.
The Church as the “Pillar and Ground of Truth”
Pastor Steve further connected the discussion to 1 Timothy 3:15, where Paul describes the church as:
“the pillar and ground of the truth.”
He emphasized that throughout history:
families build homes,
schools build campuses,
and Christians build churches.
To him, physical spaces matter because they become centers for:
worship,
teaching,
fellowship,
discipleship,
and mission work.
Rather than retreating from society, Pastor Steve believes Christians should actively build communities, ministry centers, and places of refuge that can sustain both spiritual and practical life during difficult times.
Goshen Lake Thailand: A Vision for Christian Community
Toward the end of the message, Pastor Steve shared his vision for Goshen Lake in Thailand — a Christian-centered community project designed around faith, peace, and long-term stability.
The vision includes:
homes for believers,
ministry facilities,
community life,
and opportunities for both spiritual growth and economic activity.
Pastor Steve framed the project as part of preparing for the future while continuing to fulfill the Great Commission.
Rather than responding to fear with isolation, he encouraged believers to:
build,
sow,
gather,
serve,
and participate in advancing God’s kingdom.
A Call to Prepare and Build
The overall tone of Pastor Steve’s message was both sobering and hopeful.
He believes the world is entering a period where many freedoms Christians have taken for granted may increasingly come under pressure. Yet he also believes believers should respond not with panic, but with wisdom, preparation, and action.
For Pastor Steve, the lesson of the Edict of Milan is clear:
Christian freedom can exist,
Christian communities can flourish,
and the Church can endure even through difficult seasons — but believers must recognize the times and be willing to build for the future.
As he closed from Bangkok, his message was simple:
prepare spiritually,
support the mission,
build the Church,
and help create places where future generations of believers can stand strong in faith and freedom.
Discover Goshen Lake — A Christian Sanctuary in Thailand
In an increasingly unstable world, many believers are beginning to ask deeper questions about peace, community, freedom, and where they can best raise their families and serve God.
Goshen Lake is a unique Christian residential vision in Thailand designed to bring together faith, peaceful living, natural beauty, and strong community. Located near Phuket in the beautiful province of Phang Nga, the development is designed specifically with Christian values and fellowship in mind.
At Goshen Lake, you’ll find:
A Christian church integrated into the community
Beautiful lake and mountain views
Safe and peaceful surroundings
Proximity to beaches, agriculture, hot springs, and Phuket International Airport
Affordable resort-style living
A welcoming and relaxed culture
Home options for couples, families, and larger households
Pastor Steve describes it as more than just a property development — it is a vision for building spiritually grounded communities where believers can flourish, support one another, and continue serving God faithfully in the years ahead.
Whether you are simply exploring future possibilities, looking for a peaceful place to visit, or considering a long-term move, Goshen Lake offers a compelling vision of Christian community and refuge.
Learn more and express your interest:
Click Here