America – Ready To Be Judged!

October 2018

Whether Americans believe there is a Creator or not does not really matter to the existence of an All-Knowing, All-Powerful Creator God, who reigns in heaven and who is the Maker of all things and final judge of us all. What we know about the Creator is much like what we know about parental authority:  they were before us, they make all the rules and will render the final decision of our behavior to us.  The wisdom of King Solomon of the bible (Son of King David, a man after God’s own heart) told us: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted… (Ec. 3:1-2).”

We all are familiar with the cycle of life that includes birth pains, birth, maturity and death.  Solomon identified many seasons and cycles within life but mostly, he expressed the beginning and the end of all things.  It is important to know that everything under the sun that has  beginning also has a predetermined end.   Solomon went on to declare, “I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work (Ec. 3:17).”  King Solomon’s wisdom, which was a gift from God, explored the purposes of all things and concluded that it is all vanity in the end. The man who had the highest position in the land and more wealth than all men, paused to consider those that were without any.

“So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.  Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive (Ec. 4:1-2).”

After examining the power of the mighty and the lack of power for the oppressed, he determined that death was better than life.  During his lifetime he had opportunity and wisdom above any man to evaluate every aspect of life and he came to a conclusion:

For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God. If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they. Ec. 5:7-8

Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ec. 7:7-8

It behooves us all to take wisdom from someone who has had the best of wealth and wisdom and reap his lessons because few, if any, of us will ever gain his abundance  of wealth nor ever gain his wisdom.  How does Solomon sum up his exploration of life?  Here are some excerpts:

All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. Ec. 7:15

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ec. 12:13-14

We see in this book of wisdom that God gave to the highest position of His chosen people the best of wealth and ability to consider all matters pertaining to life and then allowed him to relay it to all mankind in this book.  Even King Solomon, who had the ability to understand life, had to live it out and be judged for his actions in the end.  But wisdom’s road map is revealed by God for all to follow.  He shows us the right path and advises us to take it.  The lesson is that despite the highest abilities and greatest wealth that we all strive for; our work, soul and intents will be judged by God at a set time.

We know of America’s birth, the providence it experienced to be set aside for pursuit of life and liberty under God and all the declarations made to God by the founding fathers upon its inception: “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  It is those declarations made to God by men that America will be judged by God to determine if it has complied with those vows.  Vows are very important to God:  “Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay (Ec. 5:5).”  The declaration of unalienable rights for all men to enjoy life and liberty  within American borders in devotion to God are promises America swore to uphold and is what America will be judged for.  The nation made those vows and the whole world heard them, some of whom have sought to follow America’s example or crossed waters to enjoy them who will also sit in judgment against her treachery to those vows.  America’s actions against other nations and the immigrant prove that she has lost her way!

Creator God set out a plan and put it before His chosen people that He would bless the faithful with riches and wealth and America has received riches and wealth.  He also promised that the wicked would experience deterioration and horrible punishment before final destruction.  America is now somewhere in the process between punishment and final destruction.  The mercy and compassion of God cannot be overlooked.  Even in a sentence of destruction, God gives man time to consider his ways and change his mind. God actually fights for us and with us for preservation, not willing that any should perish.  Apostles Paul and John taught us about the loving forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. The Book of Revelations, written more then two millenniums ago, reveal that the final judgment does not come without instruction, warnings, deliberations and then punishment poured out in sequential waves.  We are very familiar with the judgment of our courts but less aware of God’s judgment.  The judgments of our courts can be purchased and wrangled by wealthy men, but God cares for none of that.

At this hour where many have come to the rightful conclusion that the soul of America is being tried, there is still time to consider the nation’s sins and turn around.  “…What doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God (Mi 6:8)?  We saw that Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Amos were sent by God to warn and declare the punishment of nations.  Prophet Jeremiah was ordered by God to pronounce judgment against Judah, Israel, and the gentiles, Philistines, Moab, Ammonites and Babylon.  But before the heathen nations were to be destroyed, God first reasoned with and judged the people of promise.

The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the Jews which dwell in the land of Egypt, which dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Noph, and in the country of Pathros, saying,   Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Ye have seen all the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem, and upon all the cities of Judah; and, behold, this day they are a desolation, and no man dwelleth therein,  Because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods, whom they knew not, neither they, ye, nor your fathers.  Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.  But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods.  Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day. Jer 44:1-6

Jeremiah prophesied and grieved over his own people when he saw them fall into desolation as God promised for their disobedience.  All of these things that transpired thousands of years ago is well-known history for America who was established from the reigns and lineage of many kings but set free from bondage to follow God with her whole heart.  How has this nation fallen into the same sin when there was so much knowledge and teaching about this past?  It is because the wicked nature of mankind is unchanged even though many leaders call themselves “Christians.” Christianity has risen to the forefront in the world, where it is no longer considered weak and inconsequential and even been recognized by the White House and its presidents, where it originally found sovereignty in America.  However, it has been soften and diluted until it now oppresses the poor, immigrant, widows and children.  Some profess hatred for the foreigner, fatherless, and prisoners.  Some ranks of it call out some sin as being more hideous than others, contrary to the teachings of Christ.  They profess God while disobeying God and declaring others must obey the letter of the law they teach, much like the Old Testament Pharisees and Sadducees who Jesus declared were hypocrites.

Jesus was upset with the ungodly Jewish leaders and denounced them.  It was a just system corrupted and perverted to favor greedy rulers, who failed to guide society into justice and morality.   They had perverted God’s way and deceived the people.  Jesus rebuked these leaders in Mt 23:13 for not wanting to enter into heaven nor allowing others to do so.  He went on to accuse religious leaders for devouring the poor and widows while establishing their own self-glory.  The Jewish leaders had uncontested control over the people in governing, benevolence and spiritual matters.  They led corruption in all aspects of righteous living for the purpose of self-gratification.  For all these sins and more which did not follow God or the founding fathers, God sits in judgment to declare His verdict upon a disobedient nation.

As America has sat in judgment over nations and people, now she must stand or fall before her “Judge”.  America has long been ruled by affluent old white men “white fisted” with power that have chosen to devalue the disadvantaged that God has valued and scorned the weak, women, children, the poor, immigrants and widows.  In America, the affluent, with or without Christianity, have made a pact to stand in power against the underclass and devour them for their resources.  This is the same power of the nations judged by God before America was formed and it is the same force that Jesus came to defend the poor and disadvantaged against.  In all this, God allows America time to repent and turn around before final judgment. He appeals to the highest and least that someone might intercede for a nation gone wrong.

We see individual people and organizations pleading for America’s soul and to be relieved of its leaders’ hardened hearts.  Some white women and weak Christians who were complicit now also cry in outrage.  The conundrum we face is that leaders are appointed over people according to their nature or simplified: people get the leaders they deserve.  This dilemma reveals the requirement for the whole nation to repent.  As the people contend for the heart of leaders to change, they must also repent and change.  We saw in the story of biblical Nineveh (Jon 3:3), the whole nation repented of sin and was spared.  Daniel prayed for his people but he, too, had to confess sin.  This problem involves all of us because all of us are party to its ways and will suffer the consequences of America’s sin.  Judgment is imminent unless we turn around.  Now that God has pulled the cover off of America’s long hidden sins of genocide, slavery, abortion, prostitution, rape, greed, corruption, authority abuse in religion and government, religious idolatry or apostasy, pride, racial hatred, treachery, aristocracy, gender bias, lies, etc., and exposed it to all American citizens and placed them before the cameras of the nation and world; none can claim ignorance and must all repent and turn to Christ for salvation and deliverance.  “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (Jo 3:17).”   I pray that the nation of America will see her sin, as we all must do, and receive the conviction of sin that God grants to those that would repent in their season.  May God save America!

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MESSAGE TO AMERICA – The Real Reason Jesus Came – Unity From Division – The Big Lie!

September 2018

I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!  Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:  For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.  Lk 12:49-52  

 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?  So there was a division among the people because of him.  Jo 7:40-43

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Mat 10:34–39 

Most everyone has heard the famous Rodney King statement: “Can’t we all just get along?”  He stated this in 1992 after being beaten by police during the Los Angeles riots.  That is what we think will make life better, if we all could just get along and get over diversity and individuality and just be one.  We have seen it on television in the Star Trek Borg.  Everyone got along with no individuality.  They were a collective with one purpose, one mind. The Borg approached new nations and told them:  “You will be assimilated.  Your uniqueness will be added to our collective!”  Then they would dismantle the uniqueness of the individual as they added that nation and its characteristics into their collective.  With a single purpose and directive to be bigger and better than anyone else, they would move on to rule and destroy other nations.  That sounds like the nation of America. She wants to assimilate every other culture into her collective and make them like her as she becomes bigger and better than everyone else.  But is that God’s purpose?

Contrary to the goal of making America great and bringing us all into one people, Jesus did not come with that purpose in mind.  He said He came to bring division and a sword (Mt. 10:34; Lk. 12:51).  It sounds so contrary to our way of thinking about God.  Surely, He wants us to get along.  We must bear in mind that God said His ways are not our ways and vice-versa. Is it possible that our ways of unity is not His way of unity.

Let’s go back to the history of the bible and see what is going on.  There was peace and unity in the Garden of Eden with God until the serpent came along and deceived the first family.  After the intervention of evil into the peace of the garden, division came between God and mankind.  There had been unity between God and man prior to the serpent’s coming.  God wanted peace and unity but evil destroyed it.

We see in the story of God’s first interaction with Abraham, the progenitor of the Children of Israel, that God called him away from his family and brought separation rather than togetherness with Abraham’s natural father and siblings.  We see Jesus declaring later in Mt. 10:21:  “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.”  What could all that be about?

Evil had corrupted the earth and men were at war one against another.  God sought to bring unity back in the family through the bloodline of Abraham. There was unity among them for a time but the power of evil was a constant disruptor. We saw in the story of the biblical towns of Sodom and Gomorrah a type of unity of the people but it was a unity of doing evil together. Their unity in wickedness brought their total destruction by God (Gen. 19:24).

Why Is There a Constant Cry for Unity and Is it God’s Plan for Us?

Jesus came to do the will of the Father but He claims also to have come with a sword and division rather than unity.  How do we explain the seemingly controversial mission?  God appealed to His people, the Israelites, over and over to repent and return back to Him over a period of thousands of years, but they continually rebelled.  Yet God had mercy on His people and remembered His promise to the family of Abraham.  Looking from heaven upon the plight of His children in bondage, He heard their cry of agony and purposed to bring deliverance.  The deliverance was not to come by unity but by division and a sword as Jesus proclaimed.

A sword would come to punish evil doers and divide His people out from the evil doers. “Lk 12:51- Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division…” When Jesus came to Jerusalem, He did not come with a fighting sword of metal.  He told His follower, Peter, to put up his sword in a time of physical danger.  Jesus came with the sword of the Word of God and it would divide believers from unbelievers.  Truth would separate the lie and liars from those who held the word in sacredness.  Parents would have to choose God over their children and children would choose God over their parents.  The decision of faith over unbelief would divide families rather than bring them together.

Where Does the Lie of Unity Come From?

Just like the Star Trek movie about the Borg entity, there is an effort today for us to assimilate into one mindset and get along.  Satan led a rebellion against God in heaven to set up his own kingdom against God’s rule. He is still trying to do that today! It is the purpose of Satan still to prove that he is bigger and better than Father God.  It is Satan who wants to organize the whole earth as his domain.  He accomplished a certain unity at the Towel of Babel, until God destroyed it.  He had brought a unity in Sodom and Gomorrah too until God set those cities ablaze.  He tried again and again through unity of religion, war and dictatorial efforts to unite a people for himself; but the Sovereignty of God always intervenes.  God stands supreme over Satan’s efforts and the work of evil is always thrown down, eventually.

In our day in America where there is a theory for all citizens to serve in a democracy of unity, Satan again has a stronghold on people’s mind to bring unity through faith in democracy rather than through faith in God.  Democracy, however is failing to bring about its goal of a people living in equality and unity as the Declaration of Independence states.  The oppressive nature and history of some sectors of the people refuse to allow equality through religion.  Their unchanged hearts cannot bring all people into the fold of their pseudo Christianity.  Their Christian teaching varies from Scripture and hardliners refuse to cooperate.  Efforts to bring everyone under a democratic or republic banner has turned into straight out warfare as hardliners refuse to abandon their party principles.

We see in America an effort like the Borg to assimilate every nationality in the nation to a philosophy that unites us into one.  It sounds great except this unity is contrary to God’s righteous plan. The nations that formed America and that maintained its unity for all these years did so at the sacrifice of the individuality of their beliefs.  They fought for unity of nation over their religious beliefs. They sacrificed or compromised some beliefs to form a united front against common enemies to their unity.  Now that the unity of whites in the nation has been obtained, they cannot allow uniqueness to separate us.  The square pegs must fit into the round holes.  Unity of nation or unity of the white race has become the banner, thus the slogan of white supremacy.  Compromises continue as religions realize that the unity of nation must survive at all cost.  Christ had a different way.

Churches that were staunch opponents of homosexuality have compromised and accepted its legality for the sake of national unity.  Past separating issues of gambling, lottery, pornography, prostitution, adultery and abortion have given in to the normalcy that is called the white Christian American church.  The nation’s Christian church has settled into a tolerance of immorality rather than sanctification.  These compromised positions usher in a common unity that has brought America closer to one another in everyday decisions of life while pulling down the very concept of one’s individual right to faith and conscience.

What is the Impact of the True Gospel in America

America is not so unique.  It is a nation of multi-faceted people who are trying to promote nation and themselves.  Other nations such as Britain, France, Spain, Rome, Greece and German, etc., have had the same goals.  These nations who enjoyed past greatness arose to power and eventually encountered the Sovereign God of the universe who examined and judged their path to greatness as He will also do with America.  The nation of America started out recognizing God as Supreme over the nation but has since abandoned that belief for faith in its own power.  It, too, will have to answer to the “Sovereign One” who is greater than man.

The Gospel vs. America

The nation of America has taken a portion of the gospel message and promoted it for self-glory.  America claimed to be Christian but white Christians promote themselves rather than Jesus.  Pseudo-Christianity poses as true Christianity but only Christ can unite us.  Some preachers purchase million dollars planes at the expense of believers and claim it is needed to preach the gospel even though Jesus never used extravagances in His ministry. Even the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem was borrowed and most likely returned to its owner after use.  Jesus accumulated money in His ministry but it was given to the needy whereas ministers in America take money from the needy to heap upon themselves riches for mansions and planes.  The gospel of Jesus in America has been perverted for the wealth of preachers.  Jesus foretold of this false gospel and its preachers so no believer should be caught off guard (Joh 10:10).

As the nation of America has become more and more wealthy, it has given itself over to the will of the rich and oppression of the poor.  As with any nation, God still watches over the needs and cries of His people and He still helps the defenseless.  America believes that God is on its side and that it has no reason to worry but God always sides with the righteous poor and defenseless.  American white Christians have not seemed to come to the realization that Jesus did not come for the rich or the religious.

Why Jesus Came

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;  To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Isa 61:1-3

Nowhere in this declared purpose of Christ does it state that Jesus came for the purpose of the rich oppressors.  America is under the rule of the rich and the oppressed are the poor, immigrants, prisoners, orphans and widows, which Jesus came to seek and to save.  These are the very people God has purposed to protect and for whom He will seek vengeance.

Jesus came to Jerusalem and preached to the poor.  He did not set up meetings with the rich or establish great temples for His ministry.  He walked among the poor, hungry, lonely, oppressed, sick and bereaved and promised them rest.  Before Jesus could start His ministry He encountered the opposition of Satan trying to deter His ministry. Christ set out in ministry to deliver His people from bondage and torment.

Christ counseled the poor, persecuted, hungry and mourners that the kingdom belonged to them.  He assured them that they were the blessed. He spoke “woe to the rich and religious hypocrites.” The poor that believed in Him were encouraged, counseled and instructed.  They were told to wait on His deliverance while He pulled down strongholds.  Christ came to tear down Satan’s unity.  People have to decide whether to enter Christ’s kingdom or Satan’s kingdom.  This decision has divided homes, cities and religious institutions. Christ came to divide the wicked from the righteous.  He came to separate the wheat from the tares (Mt. 13:30).  His light would reveal the darkness and pull the cover off it.  Jesus came to liberate the captive; not help rich oppressors.

In our nation, the rich are the oppressors but they also claim to be true Christians just as the rich and religious leaders of the Jewish temples.  Jesus did not condone them, rather Jesus called them out as greedy dog that never had enough.  He told them of their fate and eternity in hell because they destroyed those that put their trust in God.  Isaiah declared that Christ would come to proclaim “the day of vengeance of our God: to comfort all that mourn (Is. 61:2).”  We hear the religious crying for the return of Christ but Amos spoke for God when he asked: “Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light…I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Though ye offer me…I will not accept them…But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream (Amo 5:18-24).”  Amos goes on to declare that the people’s god was Moloch (to whom they sacrificed their children) and He would carry them away in captivity.  The prophet Amos declared God’s displeasure with His promised people and foretold judgment for their sin and rebellion.

Like nations pass, many of America’s religious leaders and the wealthy believe that they are the righteous and in arrogance proceed to do their own will, rather than repent.  Christ came to comfort those that mourn of the sin in the land and to bring them relief as He goes on to judge the wicked.

What Was the True Message of Jesus

Jesus brought a hopeful message to those that were to be judged.  Every soul was told to repent because the kingdom was at hand.  The righteous poor, the wealthy and the wicked had the same opportunity to repent, turn around and be accepted by God.  Every soul was told to love God with all their heart and soul and strength.  Obeying the Commandments to love God and neighbor would mean turning from selfishness, arrogance and pride, which God hates.  If the rich would love their neighbor and share with the needy, the cry of the poor would not bring God’s wrath upon them.  Like the rich young man who would not follow Christ because of his riches, they are hindered by their greed and lust for more (See Mt. 19:23).

The rich believe their joy is in their material possessions but God wants them to find their greatest joy in things eternal in Him.  Christ taught that the just shall live by faith, but the rich are dependent on their own wealth.  Jesus taught: “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these thing should be added unto you.”  The rich are seeking the things first and have little or no dependence on God.

Christ came to set His people free from the bondage and captivity they were under from the rich, oppressors and Satan’s kingdom.  Today is no different.  Believers, the poor, widows, prisoners, immigrants and orphans need deliverance from the rich oppressors and Satan’s kingdom.  However, many that oppress the defenseless today do not consider themselves as ungodly.  Just as the rich Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees thought themselves righteous, so do many religious leaders today.  Just as the rich man thought he should be acceptable to God when Christ came, many rich today think their charitable deeds (tax deductible) will make them acceptable to God.  They are like many “Christian” politicians who believe they are doing a good service for God and man though they do not have a changed heart..  The word declares that only what we do for Christ will last and God still requires a broken heart, a contrite spirit (Ps. 34:18) and works from a true heart for Christ.

Many people of our nation are as the rich young man that had too much wealth to pursue Christ.  The gospel message of the poor in spirit, the meek, merciful, mourners, persecuted and peacemakers have gotten lost in the riches of today’s American church.  People have been deceived and Satan is well on his way to bringing about a religious unity that has nothing to do with the true gospel message of Christ.

Is it too late for the church of Christ to turn around and remember Christ’s true message or will it continue to follow a false Christ and unite under a religious banner that is actually the Antichrist one world religion that is destined for damnation.  Remember Jesus has already defeated Satan!  The message of forgiveness in John 3:16 is for all mankind who would forsake the evil way and choose Christ as their Savior.  None who seeks salvation is too far gone to be saved. Every sin was put on Christ’s cross so that each of us could be forgiven of our sin and come to a Holy God through Christ.   God reaches out to every soul regardless of nationality, color, culture, sin, age, gender or race and invites them to enter in through Christ, the Lord.  Today can be the new beginning and first day of the rest of one’s life.  “Except a man’s born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).” Be born again into the right kingdom where God, the Father, is Master, Jesus is Lord; where the Holy Spirit leads and you are a child of the Most High God.  As an heir of God, all things are yours.  The Shepherd promises to provide for His sheep, and there is no lack in Jesus, who has inherited it all.  While we have joy and fellowship in Christ in this life,  Jesus says our mansions are being prepared in heaven and we will spend eternity in His presence with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Pet. 1:8).  That will be true unity!

UNACCOUNTABLE

August 2018

Multi-Layer Government

The nation of America, which was established by people who escaped European authoritarian governments, was set up with a multi-layered form of government that is answerable to the will of the people it governs.  We have a republic form of government ruled in a “multi-people rule” democracy rather than a “single-person rule” monarchy, “religious ruled” theocracy or a “ruthless authoritarian” dictatorship.  The people of our nation make their voices heard through representatives, who then select other officeholders, all of whom are ultimately responsible to the will of the people.  Because the nation is answerable to the people, it is of utmost importance that the people stay engaged in the process, has a window into the work of their representatives and holds them accountable.  It is apparent that the financial success of our nation has caused the American people to withdraw from the tedious work of staying in tune with their representatives’ action and whether or not their values, integrity or transparency is reflected in policy.  It is always easier to lie down and let someone you trust to be in charge of leadership but trustworthiness should not be taken for granted.

Unjust Government

The unintended effect of the lack of public participation in the political process is that representatives have been free to stay in office and make contacts and agreements that serve their own interests without public visibility or accountability.  In absence of the public’s continual engagement, we have come closer to the authoritarian type of government than anyone ever wanted.  Representatives, on a smaller scale in local and state politics, have taken authority to perform and enact whatever they feel is best upon the people without their participation and without concern for their best interest.  This has put the people in a position of submission to unjust laws and policies of which they may be directly opposed.  As the nation has awaken to the pressure imposed upon them by these leaders and their illegal and unjust practices, they have risen to the same realization as the first settlers who ultimately threw off European rule because of its oppression rather than sensitivity to their needs.  We have witnessed protests and uprisings in the streets because of the injustice of American leaders on people at various levels.  Leadership lack of sensitivity to the people is showing up at all levels of authority in American business, religion and politics.

Uninvolved Citizenship

What the American people may not have realized is that their own lack of protest on the lower levels of responsibility in their homes, churches, communities, cities and states have given rise to the very visible irresponsible, authoritarian and un-American positions that are showing up in the highest levels of our government.  We all have to take responsibility for our part in the failure to hold leaders accountable to the people. Many of the unethical political leaders served in positions unchecked in society before they became political leaders.  President John Adams stated: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

In defense of individual citizens of America, many may have not been taught or been misled to believe they have no power to call their leaders in check where they have gone astray.  Leaders have often tried to demand complete submission to their leadership; and the people of America, long infatuated with the glamour of movie stars, have wanted to look up to people of power.  From the times of early movies, affection developed for those who dressed up for public admiration.  As America developed popular religious, social and political leaders; lack of responsibility and accountability began to be expected as Americans looked starry-eyed at leaders.  Leaders became more important than average people. Consider the Camelot atmosphere of the President Kennedy days.  Public leaders were expected to be more intelligent and knowledgeable than those in everyday home life who were too busy with day-to-day duties to give themselves over to study of these complicated fields.  Citizens began to rely on public leaders in a blind faith.  That is why America finds herself today bound to leaders in authority to whom they must submit their will.  That is the definition of authoritarism:  blind submission to authority.  Examples of such notable personalities are: Genghis Khan, King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, Napoleon Bonaparte, Father Junipero Serra, Queen Isabella I.

Why Complete Submission to Authoritarians is Wrong?

The breakdowns of systems are often occurring over time rather than overnight. America did not arrive overnight at its present dilemma of having top government officials in questionable financial, business and personal relationships that could bring them in submission to foreign dictators.  The pattern has been practiced and perfected in American culture for many years and at various levels of leadership.  Once accepted in lower levels of society and publicized it was an easy track to progress to state and national acceptance.  Organized American systems have proven to be both an advantage and disadvantage that can be used as a stairwell for misuse of its systems.

Americans are accustomed to submitting to authority over city, state and national governance by persons who may arrive in those seats through unethical means and gain compliant subjects. The problem though is how then does one remove an unethical leader after being made acceptable through the process. We have all heard the stories and difficulties of other nations trying to remove an unjust leader and know it is a messy proposition.  We have heard of the harsh rule of King Henry VIII, (England 1772-1791), and the abrupt removal of Queen Marie Antoinette (France 1755-1793). The history lessons of other nations present warnings and wisdom for us.  We certainly see through history the wisdom of not allowing such authoritarian leadership in our society in the first place.

Why Checks and Balances Failed?

Our nation has a democratic process and a multi-layered system of checks and balances operating from local to national leadership.  The recognition of the present dilemma and fear of America coming under Russian influence through its president has our people energized to search out how it could have happened.  There are so many threads running through our government and nation that any one of them that becomes corrupt has the potential of undoing this close-knitted political process.  We have recently watched as some legislation seemed to have come up overnight to the forefront when, in fact; groups, lobbyists and political leaders had a planned strategy for decades.  Once a leader has been overcome by corrupt influence, his or her power is already established and the resistance necessary to change is like rowing upstream.  Again corruption seldom occurs overnight but people in close proximity, for one reason or another, failed to alert others in the line authority about the danger.

Failure of employees, laypersons and citizens to alert authorities of potential threats is a fault in our system that has rewarded compliance more than standing up for what is right.  We have scorned people and called them out as being a snitch, rat, traitor to the group, uncommitted, or failing to be a team player, etc.  The concept of team player has been so promoted in business and sports so that any dissenting voice is considered treasonous.  Businesses have promoted training sessions that advanced the theory of being a team player and upholding the group at all cost.  This was not based on any moral standard and has no biblical background.  Businesses are primarily geared to watching their profit margin more than protecting ethical positions.  Recently a long-standing national bank learned the difficult lesson and suffered the consequences of promoting profit over ethics.  As business strategies have infiltrated every sector of our community to gain success, moral values have been pushed back as unwelcomed.  Our moral standing in religion, community, businesses and politics have fallen victim to these business strategies.

How Adherence to Truth and Religion Should Have Protected Us?

Faith in God is a laughable concept to most in our community today because of the public failure of so many of our religious leaders, who were in fact taught by the for-profit religious institutions and schools.  Many business, legal and politically systems were actually developed through an outreach of religious systems of the church.  The Law of Moses encompassed all area of the community as he outlined how the people of faith would be governed.  Christianity, which was developed out of that faith, continued to establish godly systems that would protect and govern the people.  The outgrowth of Christian churches developed into charitable organizations, hospitals, schools and businesses that were formed from a moral foundation and system of values.  When these systems became prosperous, they began to throw off their religious foundation and moral values.  Unfortunately today teachings on prosperity, religion, business success and democracy are on a collision course; and those that try to keep them linked are compromising Christian faith.

The truth that Jesus brought was a rebuke of religious leaders and merchants who had compromised the faith.  His teaching admonishes us to go to the one that we find a fault in and discuss it one to one.  He publicly rebuked the religious leaders, political scoundrels and business exploiters.  The Jewish leaders of that day had a combined responsibility for the law, religion and collecting money. The religious leaders joined forces with their foreign leaders to exploit the people under them for profit while failing to obey biblical requirements themselves.  This is a circle of human failure that repeats itself throughout history.  We have seen the religious and political groups join forces of corruption in our past history, in our present; and it is prophesied to be the ruin of the nations in the end times as the antichrist utilizes it for his evil advantage.

When Jesus told us the love of money is the root of all evil and to rather seek first the kingdom of God so other things could be added; He was speaking to people very much like us.  The same things Jesus told His audience applies to us today and we would be wise to translate them into our times.  That is the job of religious leaders in our communities and their failure to do so is the weakness of our nation.  We are seeing some persons in public office stand up for integrity under pressure and we are seeing some fail.  The Christian gospel has always been that rock on which one could stand up for truth and believe God would preserve us as He did Abraham, Elijah, David and Hebrew boys through corrupt and ungodly societies.  The truth will eventually rise up and those that stand and wait for it will be on the right side as was Mandela through many years of turmoil and suffering while Africans fought to throw off ungodly rule over their nation.  God will always side with the righteous but who is on the Lord’s side?

Where is God’s Church?

Jesus came to bring restoration of the righteous ways of God, the Father.  He taught disciples who were to teach the nations how to follow God in righteousness.  Jesus died for the healing and transformation of nations through the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit was sent by the Lord to lead and guide us into all truth.  Godly leaders have the responsibility to teach God’s ways to society but some have been diverted or corrupted along the way and chose to serve their own needs rather than the people committed to their charge.  Some became powerful in authority like the European leaders that the first settlers fought against to form a free nation.

America, born of European descendants, has slipped back into that old European pattern of corrupt religious and government leaders who conspire against the people.  The people of Europe were subjects of the king but Christians are subject to their God, who is King of Kings.  The authority Jesus left His disciples is the authority to uproot and throw off the devil’s power, wherever it is found.  The Christian church should not allow the devil to sit on the throne of authority in the church or civil government, which both originated in a Righteous God.  Righteous indignation should rise up against the devil’s seat in the church and the godly layers of authority in the church provides a method for removing ungodly leaders as Paul did in 1Timithy 1:20 – “Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”  Christ is in authority of the true church and He has given authority and empowerment to His people to occupy in righteous authority until He returns.  We hold that power and authority for His namesake.  This power is biblical truth, not a form of dominionism that distorts truth.

When the church rises up to cleanse and purify itself, then the saints can be a positive force in cleansing the land of corrupt political leaders through a stand for truth that will make the devil sit down or leave town.  God told His people that they would be the head and not the tail but God’s people are not acting like they are the head or walking in Christ’s authority. God is holding His disciples accountable for the state of the earth and He has declared that judgment would begin at His house. The world cannot cleanse itself.  Timothy taught:  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2Ti 3:16-2Ti 3:17).”  If the church would throw the devil out of the House of God then we could proceed to throw him also out of authority in our nation.  But the truth is that the corrupt government learned and gained power through a corrupt church.  Consider how the religious leaders promoted Rome’s judgment to crucify Christ.  That is where repentance and change must begin.

God has revealed to America in the daily news that corruption is found in every layer of American society and authority and a cleansing is needed.  Correction must come to God’s church first.  Shake it off saints!  Throw off the devil and his work.  Let your voice be heard.  Stand up and God will stand with you.  We are not to be found hiding from the devil but instead standing up and fighting his tactic until Jesus comes.  We are accountable to Christ for the power He has invested in us to heal, deliver, set captives free and establish His righteous Kingdom on earth; not through unrighteousness or violence, but by love.  Christ’s blood was shed for our victory and His power is left with the true church.  Where is God’s church and what is it doing?  Stand up Church!

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.  Lk 9:1 

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Lk 10:19 

WE, THE PEOPLE

July 15, 2018

The words, “We, the people” have been so common to the American people until they seem to have lost the true meaning.  It was a unique idea that was formed in the minds of the settlers in the New World who framed the Declaration of Independence.  It was a concept that was new and full of hope for a people that desired to be free.  After having lived entirely under monarchs, tyrants and aristocratic governance, the people desired their freedom as individuals.  They formed a new government in America that would permit the voice of the people as a determining factor in their governance.  It would protect the people from ever being oppressed again by the will of monarchs and tyrants.  It was an excellent concept, one that they committed themselves to under the authority and help of All Mighty God in whom they believed and trusted to help them to keep their vow.

Historic Reference

“We, the people,” is an expression in the preamble of the Constitution of the United States of America that helped establish the purposes and guiding principles of a people that would be self governing in a democratic society.  The thoughts and laws set out in the document were to guide the people as they sought to form a “more perfect union”.  The document written by forefathers set forth guidelines to show present and future citizens the reasons why it was necessary to abolish European rule over a people fed up with unjust, self-willed rulers or monarchs in governing their every day existence.  They resolved to be a free people who could make their own decisions about religion and daily life.  The new nation has had times of progress and recession as it has continued to move forward among other nations who envied its success.

America in Decline

Freedom for expression, financial growth, and religion has run its full course in America until it has overrun the boundaries of decency and common sense.  Where the founders had intended that common sense, law and religion would be boundaries to contain the will of the people from running amuck, they might not have foreseen a people set free from tyranny desiring to return to such bondage.  Nevertheless, America is set on a course to return to monarchical rule because she has refused common sense, law and true religion to bind her to the original intent to the founders:

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness….”

The greed and prejudice of men led them to oppress people in the European nations from which Americans descended.  Bondage and oppression are still evident in nations around the world and is also evident in American governance.  America who has fought against bondage and oppression in nations across the world now has its own struggle with internal and external bondage where some persons are led by greed and set on the rule by a few. The boundary lines of common sense, law and religion have not restrained the pressure of a few to oppress the many for their personal desires.  Stone by stone the foundations and boundaries of America have been weaken in plain sight until people convinced it is for their own good have been willing to relinquish control of their lives and submit to someone they believe is stronger and wiser than they- -a monarch.

Watching and waiting in the borders has always been the “Restrainer” of unjust and wicked men, Who waits to be called upon to restore the boundaries, laws and righteous concepts for people.  The “One” Who led this people to understand they had a right to be free and flourish, Who has made Himself known to this people and Whom they purport to worship and celebrate; waits to be invited back into partnership for just control over the nation.  The “Creator” acknowledged in America’s infancy seem no longer desired in its mature and prosperous state, while leaders are busy forming their own ways to lead the nation forward.  Along with the warnings of America’s founders, past presidents, and spokespersons were the warnings of the Creator.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. Psa 33:12 

For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?  And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Deu 4:7-9

And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.  As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God. Deu 8:19-20

Warning Given to the First President of America

“‘Son of the Republic,’ said the same mysterious voice as before, ‘look and learn.’  At that moment I beheld a dark, shadowy being, like an angel, standing, or rather floating, in the hollow air, between Europe and America. Dipping water out of the ocean in the hollow of each hand, he sprinkled some upon America with his right hand while with his left hand he cast some on Europe. Immediately a cloud raised from these countries and joined in mid-ocean. For a while it remained stationary, and then moved slowly westward, until it enveloped America in its murky folds. Sharp flashes of lightning gleamed through it at intervals, and I heard the smothered groans and cries of the American people…`Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted: Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful is the third, but in this greatest conflict the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land and the Union.” – Wesley Bradshaw, National Review, Vol. 4, No. 12, December 1880.

America is the only nation where the people have had total liberty to worship God and His Son, Christ, in biblical truth. Christianity was not forced on the American people by any monarch or dictator.  The people who came to America chose to serve the True God and He has blessed the nation of America above any other.  The bible has been a guidebook providing wisdom and instruction from God for the American people but the people have recently voted to cast off its guidance and their God.  The words of the “Creator” still apply to this people.

When thou shalt beget children, and children’s children, and ye shall have remained long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger: I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. Deu 4:25-26

Even though the boundaries of common sense and law failed to contain this people from falling into this destructive scenario surely the religious boundaries would not fail!  With the superfluity of religious knowledge and freedom to access biblical guidance, America has speedily headed into the prophesied danger.  As in the days of biblical Israel’s decline, it was not for lack of knowledge but rather because of an arrogant spirit in disobedience to God.  Unlike in the days of biblical Israel though, the words of God are available for every American to hear, read and consider.  The abundance of Christian ministers, rather than advance this knowledge to churchgoers, has in many cases closed their ears to truth through misguidance.  Every believer, however, is responsible for reading the word and knowing their God by the Spirit, Word and deed.

Just as individual citizens have risen up through public marches and rallies to raise their voices against America’s unjust laws and behavior; God expects His children to reject false leadership.  Jesus decried the unjust religious leaders in their cities and spoke the truth to those in captivity.  He warned His followers against wicked civic and religious leaders who would try to lead the people astray from God’s word.

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. Luk 20:45-47

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Mat 24:24 

Worldly Prophets

American news reporters and newscasts have been very vocal in declaring the unjust behavior of laypersons and clergy, citizens and politicians, congress and president.  They have in many cases stood in a role played by the prophets in the Old Testament, while the Christian church has compromised truth for wealth and settled in the background. The media doe not have the authority of God to serve as the moral voice of God to the people like the Old Testament prophets.  After reporting the sin, they have no power to bring healing or resolution.  The New Testaments give authority to the church as God’s moral guidance and authority for the layperson, clergy, citizens and political leaders.  These leaders are to seek guidance,  healing and forgiveness through the church.  Every level of authority originally established under the law of God through Moses was established as ministries to the people and were responsible to God for just behavior or were subject to His discipline and punishment.  While the founders and early leaders of America had a profound understanding of the bible and its guidance, unlike today’s civic and political leaders; the clergy has always been a source of moral guidance for those with specialties in other areas such as law, business and politics.  There was a time when these professionals revered church guidance.

In America, the authority of worldly leaders has surpassed the authority of the church because the church has relinquished it authority in lieu of tax benefits and for fear of persecution, which is evidence of our relationship with Christ. The bible apostles rejoiced when they suffered for Christ.  The church has become silent as moral authority in America so the government has run amuck without moral restraint.  There is no moral standard to call them on the carpet for their behavior and silence has been bought and sold for personal advantage.  The true church with power and authority needs to take authority in this wicked generation.  The evangelical guidance that has taken forefront for the president has compromised the word of God  and  given credence to racism, oppression of the poor and immigrant, church submission to the worldly, privileges for the rich, and pursuit of wealth over the knowledge of God (all contrary to the principles of Christ).   These evangelicals give the image of moral guidance for the U.S. president while it is instead seeking an advantage for it religious piracy through the gospel and promoting wealth for self and others.  The greatest threat they present is to the real church willing to follow their guidance.  Our nation has been successful in making a mockery of both democracy and Christianity. The reality is that the principles of both systems compel its citizens to stand up against evil and throw off false leaders.  The people of both systems have been led to believe that they do not have this power because they have failed to become knowledgeable of their rights as citizens and have been deceived by false religious leaders to believe that scriptures require them to submit to the disobedience of leaders.  Christ gave very strong warnings against false leaders.  God, who ordained the church and righteous government, never intended that people would submit to oppression and bondage without a fight.  Christ taught and illustrated how to overcome Satan’s devices and provided tools for Christians to stand up for the  liberty He purchased for all people. Though Christ purchased our liberty, He also stated that the blind leading the blind would cause both to fall into the ditch.

The present reality of the statement “We, the People” is the power of people to rise up and take back their liberty by the authority given through man’s government and the government of God. America was founded on a strong foundation of faith in God with prayers and covenants made on its behalf.  The authority is still there backed up by a righteous God but it is up to us what we do with it.  Individuals in our society are free to take a stand for what is right.  We do, of course, have to turn from sin and back to God in order to prevail.  Christ has provided salvation for each individual and God will hold us individually responsible for our obedience and response to Christ’s sacrifice for us.

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:  Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.  And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem? Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seethe not.  And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head.  And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me. Eze 9:4-11

1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Gal 5:1

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Joh 8:36

INEQUALITIES AND IMBALANCES

May 2018

With a focus on the purpose of Pentecost, it is important for us to remember that Jesus Christ came to set the captive free. He did not come to give us another religion or purpose for social gathering.  Those people who were hopelessly in bondage to oppressors were now going to have an opportunity for freedom through accepting Christ as their Savior.  Powerful men of stature had used their power to bring the average man into bondage to their authority through debt, illicit transactions or coercion.   Neither did Jesus come to make void all of those illegal agreements.  Prisoners and criminals did not get released immediately from jail when Jesus came to Jerusalem.  Some believers that actually were free went to jail for the sake of Christ.  Jesus made it known to the people that His kingdom was not to this world.  Yet Jesus did come to do something important about the bondage of people.

Jesus came to Jerusalem when men, women and children could be enslaved to others because of debt and they were brought into captivity by an oppressive conquering army.  He came for the purpose of  liberating the hearts and minds of all people from captivity to the evil one who causes fear and oppression.  People motivated by greed for money were bringing others under their power in many illegal ways.  Citizens and the religious were unable to deliver themselves from the oppressive and illegal practices of the strong.  To liberate these people, a stronger power had to come on the scene and Jesus brought the power of heaven and Father God against the devil and his followers.  The rein of wickedness was to be broken by the all-powerful rule of God.  The wicked were to learn that there was a power greater than theirs.

Diminishing Christian values

America was established as a nation under God and it promoted righteous laws governing the people after being delivered from the tyrannical aristocratic rule of European monarchs and a corrupt and oppressive religious system.  Christian values and expressions of liberty were prominent in the making of America’s laws because of the oppression experienced in their previous homelands.  So the righteous rein of God and deliverance from oppression were powerful considerations in setting up fair laws that declared all men equal under God with a right to personal liberties.  God’s law had provisions for the release of debtors from servitude after seven years and the restoration of property.  As long as Christian values prevail in a nation, righteousness prevails and the force of law protects citizen rights.

With today’s diminishing Christian values and putting away of the Ten Commandments as a guide for correct behavior in the nation, corrupt opinions are establishing unfair laws that aim at again oppressing people.  Much like the people who were under the monarchical rule in European nations, America is experiencing similar times where oppression and corruption are prevailing against the average citizen and there is again a need for true Christian values to stand up against injustice.  The once-Christian nation is now giving authority to a new god, where wealth and elite status prevails as power supreme.  European-style aristocracy which worked secretly underground is now arising to control the once Christian, democratic, free nation. Where church leaders fail to hold up the standard of righteousness, God’s authority is weakened and wickedness replaces it with coercion and fear.  Godly religious leaders were expected hold on to and progress the mantel of righteousness that they inherited from their forerunners.  They, however, became relaxed and comfortable in a land of  ease and allowed the enemy to get the upper hand.  But God is still expecting His Spirit-filled believers to make a difference in their spear of influence and reclaim righteousness wherever possible in the land.  Pentecost brought the power of God in earth to believers to stand against all forms of evil through faith in the preached word, prayer and the believer’s intervention.  The small band of early Christian followers made an eternal difference in the known world.  They upheld a Christian standard in difficult times and were a challenge to unjust laws.  Previous believers established systems that their heirs are merely asked to uphold and maintain.  Every believer will have to answer to God for his or her own role and responsibility in holding up the gospel light.

Preferential Treatment to Those of Power

Inequalities and imbalances prevail in the land when gender, social status and wealth are preferred and granted power at the expense of others.  These practices have been know to progress into iniquity that causes the oppressed to cry out to God because the powerful will not alleviate their pain or show mercy.  While the powerful increase their gain through corrupt and evil practices, the poor sinks into greater poverty with little hope of recovery.  The cries of the oppressed are always heard by God on High Who is the Defender of the poor and afflicted: Job 34:28 “So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted. “  God hates unjust balances and we can expect His intervention when the wicked of the land seem to prevail.

Eze 45:9-10  Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD.  Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath. 

Psa 12:5  For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

Lev 19:35-36  Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.   Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. 

The Overthrow of Wicked Power

We have seen recently on the world stage notable men who have been overthrown or exposed for their insatiable appetites that consumed the weak.  Many have been amazed at these exposures without considering that it is the Hand of God that pulls down the mighty to spare the defenseless.  Those in authority have the means and advantage to conceal their misdeeds and maintain their estate but there is a God Who is higher than the most powerful men on earth, who sees what is done in the dark and has the ability to pull down powerful curtains, move mountains of oppression and unleash burdens of captivity.  When God decides to move and show His power, no man can withstand it.  He moves by His  sovereign power to cleanse the earth and release yokes of bondage.

The bible remarkably records for our learning the overthrow of many powerful leaders and tyrants.  Foremost of these examples is the Egyptian pharaoh who oppressed the poor Israelites that put their trust in the God of heaven.  They went through generation after generation of abuse but God did arise eventually to miraculously deliver them.  Because God is an unseen Entity and can seem slow to respond in some situations, some people tend to believe that He does not exist, does not care or will not respond.  They count the long-suffering and merciful nature of God as indifference or inability.  Holy scripture tells us that God is not willing that any person should perish but is long suffering for the benefit of man’s repentance.  He sends warnings to provoke mankind to repent of sin before releasing His wrath.  Divine warnings are being given today through notable incidents that are brought to national and international attention.  God is showing us gross sin and arrogance at the top levels so that we do not put our trust in man that will ultimately fail us.  We marvel at the things that are breaking out in the land but does it merely cause outrage or does it cause personal repentance as we remember God promised consequences for individual and national sin.  In what are we placing our hope?  Devastations are causing some to declare that God must surely be coming soon while others are merely enjoying their liberties!  One prophet wrote:

It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. Lam 3:22

A Long-Suffering God

The long-suffering nature of God can cause the wicked to operate in assumption that there is no force capable of preventing their greedy pursuits.  This very nature of arrogance promotes the wrath of God to come even the sooner.  Prophecy tells us that times will continue as normal and men will be unsuspecting until Jesus comes:

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.  But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Mat 24:36-39 

The 23^rd Psalm reveals the nature of God as a “Good Shepherd caring for the needs of His sheep.  Other scripture refer to Him sending rain on the just and unjust equally and being a caretaker of the birds of the air and the flower of the field.  God is known to be a loving and compassionate God but He also takes vengeance on wickedness to protect His inheritance in the land.  God will eventually judge the wicked for their offense against His word.  He is a just God when He blesses the righteous and when He brings wrath against the wicked.  Warnings that come to the believer and unbeliever gives mankind time to consider the consequences of their actions before wrath comes.  Arrogance and pride discounts even those warnings.  The long suffering and patience of God often causes the wicked to ignore God’s presence and power.  We are living in such days when wickedness is having free rein to do what it wants seemingly without repercussions.  These are the days that await the intervention and judgment of God to show up in defense of the weak because He is their Lord.  It is God who restores balance to the land and exercises His rule over all mankind.  Because God hates imbalance and unjust weighs, we can expect His intervention into the wickedness we see in the land.  But do we still have the ability to recognize when God is moving?  Evil ways have become so dominant that they are now being called normal and acceptable in our society.  Believers must make sure they are found doing the will of God when He comes rather than being caught in agreement with the wicked that are to be punished.  Remember Lot!

The long suffering of God in the preaching of Noah before the flood was intended to bring mankind into repentance but only eight people heard, believed and were saved from destruction. Too many of God’s ministers are failing to sound the alarm so we see God speaking through other medians of news reports, social media, unbelievers, the weather, economy, politics and challenging our own hearts to make a change.  God is showing His hand in the earth but many cannot distinguish the source of the power or know the reason because they do not know God’s word.  People heard and responded to John the Baptist’s plea for repentance and preparation for the coming King but in today’s society people hear and continue doing their sinful deeds because their ears are dull of hearing or hearts are hardened.

Care for the Weak

God is concerned about the needs of the poor, women, children,  immigrants, imprisoned, persecuted, widows and orphans. Because men are given authority over their home and lead in so many authoritative positions, they will have to answer for their use of authority, whether it is just or abusive.  They are given authority to defend the weak, not oppress them for personal gain or pleasure.  They are to represent the good shepherd practices revealed by the Father, who is to be their example.  They will have to answer for those that come under their authority:  Col 4:1  “Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.”

The overarching darkness and chaos of the earth caused God to create daylight and establish order in the earth before He made the first humans.  Shall the chaos of today’s earth escape God’s attention?  Jesus was sent to earth as an intercessor between God and mankind.  The love of God was so great for all mankind that He made a way of escape from sin and destruction through the atoning death of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  The price has been paid for the sin of every man, woman and child that will accept the sacrificial punishment placed upon Jesus Christ as payment for our sin.  Believing Christ delivers one from the wrath to come upon a wicked earth.  The love of God reaches out to every soul to say come into the ark of safety and receive His cleansing love.  The prophets of old declared that even in the last hour, God’s hand still would be out stretched for mankind to repent and come into the ark of safety.  God is the great equalizer and He will give balance to our life and bring it into conformity to His will. We are totally set free from bondage and captivity through our relationship with Him.  God is too good to let evil prevail and His righteousness demands justice.  It is a loving God that teaches us His ways and allows each of us the opportunity to willingly choose whom we will serve and how we want our life to be rewarded. Joshua declared: “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Resurrection Sunday: The Mercy of God

April 1, 2018

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Joh 3:16

The eyes of the Lord are always upon the earth because He made the earth and cares for it.  What about man? God made man and says every soul is His. So imagine God looking at the earth in its present corrupt state and how He must feel in seeing everything He made for His glory and left in the hands of man as caretaker.  If you are thinking anger, you are wrong.   Before the foundations of the earth God had redemption in mind (Ep 1:4) for His creation.  Looking through the portals of time God knew what man would do and set out plans for a solution.  He even looks at you and me in a perfected state like He saw fearful Gideon and called him: “thou mighty man of valour.”

What is it about a parent that looks at a child and knows it has done wrong and still sees his own image in that child and shows compassion toward it.  Before the foundation of the earth God knew.  He saw man sin again and again and yet had devised a way out for him.  He sent preachers like Noah, prophets like Elijah and servants like David to show His everlasting love for mankind. When none of these could restore His people to righteousness, God was still not through.  Determined to save His lost ones, God decided He would send His final and best to save His creation.

God, Himself, decided He would pay the cost of man’s redemption. He would pay the price to redeem lost man.  We are told that His word became flesh and we came to know of the man named Jesus who would save His own.  We read that Jesus went to the cross and was willing to suffer, bleed and die an undeserved death for our sins.

God had asked Abraham for the life of his only son, sacrificed by his own hands. As difficult as that would be for any human to do, Abraham was willing to kill Isaac in obedience to his God.  But God must have thought how can I let this one that I love suffer such hurt and so much pain.  He chose that He would endure that suffering and gave Abraham instead a ram to offer as a substitute sacrifice.

Unwilling to let Abraham sacrifice his own son; God, Himself, endured that pain as His only begotten Son made the supreme sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the whole world.  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”(Joh 3:16).  That scripture may have become too familiar for some people and lost its meaning because of its familiarity.  But just imagine if it was you asked to kill your only child.  Regardless of how or why it was done; it would bring unbearable pain. God’s love spared Abraham that suffering and He endured it Himself.  God did it for all of us.

Neither Abraham nor his son could pay the price of the world’s sin because they were sinners too.  Just like you and me, he had no sinless life or blood to offer for redemption.  Jesus shed His sinless blood to make a pure sacrifice that was acceptable to God as atonement for the sins of the world.

Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.  Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,  I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Ps 40:6-8

Not only does God command us to love but He has illustrated perfect love in His willingness to sacrifice Christ for a world full of sinners who were undeserving.  “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (Jo 15:13).  Now that He has paid the penalty for our sin, Christ only asks that we take His life and power to live in righteousness.  It is ours for the asking.

In this sacrifice is a valuable lesson for us: a lesson of sacrificial love.  If we only quote the scripture or celebrate the Easter holiday without meditating on what God did in Christ, we miss the whole purpose of Christ’s great sacrifice for us.  Not only that but we also miss the opportunity to help fulfill the work of Christ to restore mankind back to God.  Love is the weapon that defeated Satan at the cross and love is the weapon that defeats him in our lives as well.  When we look at the world and wonder where God is, remember that Christ died so that the Spirit of God could live in us.  It is now our job to dispel the darkness and bring God on the scene by letting Christ’s light shine through us.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Right or Wrong, Good or Evil?

Have your ever heard the expression: “It’s a gray area”? It means that something is difficult to define within a category or rule. That may indeed be the case when referring to colors neither purely blue nor green; neither black nor white, etc. But when it comes to truth, there is no gray area. One plus one still equals two, not 2.25 or 2.5, just two. Some things are universally accepted truth, an exact science. A matter is either true or not. If it is not true, then it is false. Some things have no gray area. If you are connecting a car battery, it makes a difference whether the post is positive or negative.

Things used to be simpler, more direct or specific. But today we have what are called gray areas: a person may not want to be considered male or female. In simpler days, this was not a gray area; either you were or were not. Ethical codes have changed too. In this new culture, some things are said to be neither right nor wrong; they are either politically right or politically wrong. It is a cultural expression; but does it change the true essence of right and wrong?

In America, we have gone from political correctness to political corruption. Political correctness put us on a sliding scale that slid progressively into what was obviously wrong without consequence or complaint. The conscience had become silenced to speaking out about things that were controversial and put into a numbness that fell into a deep sleep about speaking up at all. People that once practiced doing right were told they were wrong or inconsequential so they stopped speaking up. That, of course, made more room to fill up the void with what was actually wrong until it became the norm or status quo.

In American politics, the two political parties of democrats and republicans, liberals or conservatives, the left or right, were based on the political view of issues. The Republican Party, party of Lincoln, the “Right,” the party that sided against slavery in the south during the Civil War to set blacks free; had always been seen as the “moral” party or religious right. However, the Republican Party of today fights against the rights of blacks, immigrants and the poor; positions that oppose biblical guidelines. The Democrats now have a more supportive position for blacks, immigrants and the poor. The  political party positions are still evolving and it can be difficult to decide which party to support. Children born within the last several decades cannot depend on parents, church or the law to be the final authority on right or wrong because core values have changed substantially.

We have arrived at an alternate reality where what used to be wrong is now right and what was right is now wrong. There is no longer a general standard for judging anyone anymore because the foundation of our laws was founded on the moral value system derived from the Ten Commandments and Christian faith. With the rejection of the Ten Commandments and the bible as guides, there is no way to measure wrong or right; and anything and everything is rated by public opinion.

We live in an alternate reality now where things are spewed in the wrong direction and there is no way to turn it around based on its present trajectory. The bible tells of a time when every man did what was right in his own eyes (Jdg 17:6). “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts (Pro 21:2). Fortunately there are still some people around who are old enough to remember when things were normal and are bold enough to speak out. Those of us left from prior generations know the results of the present course because we have seen it before. Some of us are old enough to remember or have heard about the Stalin and Hitlers of former generations that were determined to have things their way. We know they got started by silencing the objections of those that knew better. We saw that regardless of how determined and powerful they were in their day, they were overthrown by a greater force than they. They failed to figure in that there is a “Right” that never changes and that will always overthrow the wrong in the end.

Many of today’s strong voices are discounting the power of a Righteous God, Who is still in control. Like some old folks who stand back in silence and watch for the change because they have seen it before; there is a God that watches and waits for His time to speak. He waits to see if anyone will stand up against wrong before He intervenes. Time is witness that He will eventually speak to all those that defy Him and their names too will be recorded in history books along with the Stalins and Hitlers of the past who fell to the righteous power of God. The “all-powerful” Pharaoh of Egypt, who declared that he was a god, had to bow his knee to the True God of heaven, who brought down Pharaoh’s kingdom.

In times of moral quietness, when people are afraid to speak up for what is right; there is a boldness that comes to the wicked that causes them to believe they can do anything and get away with it. There is little resistance to their assumption of power. They project evil and command others to follow. The land seems overtaken by the wicked with little hope of help. The people mourn and feel hopeless. It seems as if the wicked will prevail and overthrow every ounce of good. But there is a word that God has sown in the earth.

When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: Psa 92:7

There is another word that God speaks to those that mourn at the wickedness in the earth while they wait on Him.

Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Psa 37:1-2
For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. Psa 37:9

When it seems wickedness has taken over; it is just a sign of God allowing the wicked time to seal its own fate. Even wicked men are given time to see themselves and repent. God is merciful even to the Sauls (Paul) of the earth who may not realize how wicked they are. Sometimes people cannot determine if a person is good or evil because good and evil deeds are intertwined. Some people may have thought Hitler had pure motives at first but his wickedness eventually blossomed almost too late to save onlookers.

God never changes His concept of right and wrong. When we choose to learn His ways and walk in truth, we will not be confused by the masquerade of wickedness. There is a discerning of good and evil that God gives to His children and they are taught to examine the fruit of a tree to judge what type tree it is from.

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Mat 7:17

People today seeing evil fruit are calling the tree good. They are foolish and do not know the word of God. We do not have to be deceived at this hour because the Word of God teaches us to discern good from evil and right from wrong. The foolish may fall into deception but the wise will know the truth.

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.  Dan 11:32