TO EXPOSE THE CHURCH
When you see some discoloring under your skin and you take a
pin, punch a hole, and apply pressure you may see infection coming out. Yes, it
is not a pleasant sight. But usually you wash it out completely and put some
antiseptic on the wound. You do not just ignore it and you surely do not
embrace that infection and call it good.
And when caustic rhetoric and moral hubris and a complete
lack of humility comes forth from the church we must not embrace it. In fact,
we must clean it out and apply the conviction of God’s spirit upon the wound as
well as the healing and forgiving power of Christ’s blood. But this situation
has been building for decades and the infection within the church has only
strengthened. And when a man named Barak Obama was elected President it punched
a hole in the church and all this infection came rushing out. Barak Obama did
not cause the infection, but his election was used by God to apply pressure to
the church in order to expose what was living inside.
And in a day when the Scriptures are reprinted by the
millions and given for free online and on CDs, the church has turned her back
of Christ in order to feed in the trough of this carnal world. Taking up arms
against lost sinners and championing causes which by implication suggest we are
holy and righteous by our own means, the church has played the harlot. Turning
our allegiance over to an earthly and fallen nation we have abrogated our duty
and honor and obedience to our Great Redeemer. Can you not see just how deep
our transgression has become?
We have become moral arbitrators rather than living
ambassadors of the everlasting gospel. Our pride stinks before heaven as we
parade our political phylacteries and carry moral banners by joining hands with
those who know not Christ. This is surely the last gasp as we rush toward the
event which will bring eternal justice to this fallen race. And instead of
prayer meeting to beg for the souls of lost sinners we watch and listen to
vicious talk show hosts who are becoming millionaires by speaking self serving
nonsense. And this is what Christ died for? I dare say that is blasphemy!
But as this infection began to ooze out of the ecclesiastical
community along with it appeared an extraordinary phenomenon. Instead of
repentance we saw arrogance. And instead of shame we witnessed self
righteousness. And much if not most of the evangelical atmosphere was filled
with an air of politics, patriotism, and a spiritually offensive suggestion
that we somehow were righteous due to our moral belief system. The strength of
this clique became very strong and the qualification for membership had nothing
to do with Jesus and the gospel. And in the very crosshairs of this movement
was Barak Obama and his liberal armada.
How could such a thing happen? I mean how can those who name
the name of Jesus act and speak in such a way that is so antithetical to all
Jesus lived and taught? And in a stunning and almost inconceivable thought
process the church began to state that America was founded as a Christian
nation and that God loves this nation in a special way. That in and of itself
reveals a self serving deception that has roots so strong that most patriots
cannot even bear the thought that America is other than God blessed. And let us
be perfectly clear. When people say America is “blessed” they mean economically
and financially.
But when Barak Obama burst upon the political scene the
church went absolutely crazy. It would be impossible to reveal all the hate
filled rhetoric and invectives to say nothing of the hate that can be found in
people’s hearts. You see, where your treasure is that is where your heart is.
In other words, that which you treasure will imprison your heart and will stir
you up to defend and protect that which you find extremely valuable. And when
your heart has been invested on anything upon this earth then you will use
anything upon this earth to defend it. And the teachings of Jesus are placed
upon a shelf and only used metaphorically because your heart is American and
you feel the need to castigate and attack anyone who believe may rattle the
economic system which you believe provides the best opportunity for prosperity.
And so you feel no shame when you feel and speak hatred
toward men and women who you identify as enemies of the God blessed state. You
do not see them as lost sinners. You see them as enemies of America and
therefore they have become your enemies. And the teachings of Jesus about
loving your enemies and doing good toward them fade away into the nationalistic
ether. You see, Jesus is no longer Lord. He is now little more than a plastic
figurine placed upon the dashboard of our lives in order to guide us safely to
heaven.
Matt.23: 26 Thou
blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that
the outside of them may be clean also.
27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto
whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full
of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
And so the church polishes the outside while the inside gets
stale first and then becomes rotten. We have lost the compass which points to
Christ, and we have mistakenly picked up the world’s standard of spirituality.
Using the fallen weapons of the flesh the church convinces itself that boldness
for Christ can be found in political boldness when in fact it can only be found
in extraordinary humility and a supernatural prayer closet. The entire
Christian construct has been turned upside down. The enemy is no longer the
devil; it is now people.
And like throwing raw meat to hungry wolves Barak Obama has
made professing believers froth at the mouth and exhibit a shocking amount of
hatred and vicious vitriol all while suggesting they are standing for truth.
But what people have failed to realize is that God has used the Obama
phenomenon to expose the church and uncover her spiritual nakedness. Just one
earthly election and our sepulchers have been punctured and flowing out from
the church is all kinds of infections that were festering inside all the while.
It sounds so moral and so patriotic and so religious and yet it is nothing but
the issues of death.
It is way past time for us to repent of our wicked ways and
run back to Christ in brokenness and both devour His Word and spend uncommon
time in His presence in the sacred atmosphere of our own personal prayer closet
Until then we are little more than the world says we are…the “religious right”. Instead of "Looking unto Jesus" we now look unto men.
Posts
38 comments:
Too Awesome!...excellent!!
I've been thinking upon the same lines Bro Rick...I just posted the following on facebook -
In 1755, while visiting Methodists in the west of England, [Wesley] found Bristol all in a flame; voters and non-voters being ready to tear each other to pieces. He gathered the Methodist Society together and patiently warned them how they ought to act in this hour of temptation. Note that he saw this political inflammation of the community as a “temptation” that Christians should resist.
In a later visit to Bristol, [Wesley] records that he met those of “our Society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them.” His counsel consisted of three points:
(1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy;
(2) To speak no evil of the person they voted against; and
(3) To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side - JOHN WESLEY
Yet look at us today, brethren, separated by politics, one belonging to one party, another belonging to another, and still others that don't belong to any...look at the Body of Christ, infected by man's desires to control a world we don't even belong to...we are supposed to be pilgrims, aliens and sojourners on earth...
We are a people that raise our hands in victory when everything is going fine, money is coming in, the stock market is surging, jobs are available on every corner, businesses are thriving, yet let America go through a slump and look how we act; judgment, hatred, strife, unrest, accusations, anger and frustration...
Are we the spiritual giants we think we are...it's easy to rejoice when things are going great...
I wonder what John Wesley would think of the following quotes by Evangelical Christians -
- we need to overthrow the government
- Obama is no different than Hitler
- I hate Muslims / I hate Mormons
- I've sworn to protect this Nation
- because Obama got reelected, don't talk to me, it won't go well with you
- the government is run by a bunch of morons
- God needs to intervene that this Nation be under Christian Law
- Obama is destroying this Nation
- mocking decisions, belittling authoritative leaders
- we need a "military" take over of the government under Martial Law
- hatred so deep and visceral that Christians suggest a military overthrow complete
with blood, life changing injuries, and death.
- spiritual leader's heart's so given to this secular nation that they openly believe a
military coup would be good.
- we need to go overseas and wipe out everyone of those militant Muslims
What America has in office right now is what she has...the best thing would be to pray for these people, support the best way we know how and come up with solutions and send them up the chain...
But to continually "show our hearts" by venting via a social network as big as facebook cannot be bringing any glory to God, the One we represent as Ambassadors of His Kingdom...
I had posted this as a response to a question about whether or not the U.S. would be able to recover from this current government.
What difference does it make if the United States of America (Egypt) survives? Is it going to change anything that has already been written in the Bible?
Exodus 14:6 So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him.
:7 Also, he took six hundred choice chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them.
:8 And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness.
:9 So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.
:10 And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD.
:11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt?
:12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”
:13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
:14 The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
:15 And the LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward.
:16 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
The above reference to the Israelites leaving Egypt is pretty much the same today. Are we going to worry and complain to God about those that want to kill us or are we going to be on our knees pleading with God to guide us to those that have no hope and are lost. Born again believers have the hope of everlasting life, we now need to share our faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus, by dying on the cross and rising from death, has already cleared the way for believers in Him to go forward. Our task is not social reform or government reform, the task we have been charged with is spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Joel
The U.S. recovering or not doesn't concern me...it's what is coming out of the "heart" of the Christ-follower...
There has been a departure of preaching the revelation God gave to Apostle Paul for us gentiles...
God is nothing more than a "genie in a bottle" anymore...
What we are seeing is the fruit of 30 years of "make me a millionaire" gospel coming to pass...
And because the prosperity doctrine doesn't work in a bad economy, all kinds of venom is spewing from the Church blaming the government for our lack of prosperity and success...
The world is watching and looking at our testimony...it's no wonder the world sees "Evangelical Christians" as a number one terrorist threat...look at what is coming out of the mouth of those that call themselves Christians...venom, hatred, threats, malice and anything that is flesh driven.
If persecution comes to America, it will be the Christian that will bring it...our lust for politics is destroying our testimony in America...
Joel, Amen and Amen! That is what I have been saying all along.
We need PREACHING of the Gospel to the church and to the lost!!!!!
May God give us His strength to go and preach to all nations and people the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Isaiah 18:2
That sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, saying, Go, ye swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning hitherto; a nation meted out and trodden down, whose land the rivers have spoiled!
Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised
But then, Jesus said this would happen! I rejoice for His Word is true! My heart is broken for those who refuse to hear and have turned away to go their own way; the broad road which leads to destruction. May God have mercy on them and us.
Cherie c.
Here’s something not covered in the mainstream and extra stream news programs. I read this morning that the current President gets up around 5 a.m. every morning and interacts via his blackberry with a pastor for prayer and study of the scriptures and has been doing this before he was a US Senator. Yes the pastor sends him a message and scriptures for that day everyday and this activity has been going on even after being sworn in as President. He also has a number of pastors come and pray for him and with him on his birthdays.
I was invited to have dinner with President Obama when he was in San Francisco awhile back. I declined but sent an email response quoting from Psalm 46. The next evening the news played some of his speeches he gave that day in California and to my surprise he quoted the verses I’d sent him the day before. The email addressed some things about his Christianity when in Chicago and after receiving the full context of some sermons he was present to hear that were viciously taken out of context to persuade people to think evil of the President. I was encouraging and sympathetic to how slanted the news is towards him from some agencies that routinely cover him.
With all the doubts that are and have been raised about him and his faith that personal experience and what I read this morning from that pastor, who has been sending verses every morning to him with words of encouragement for years and saying he has noticed the President is more resolute that his life and the presidency is in the hands of God, I’m of the opinion God has anointed him and is guiding him as a man, as a father and husband and as the President.
True believers have a clear and uncompromising mandate from scripture to pray for all men and especially for rulers in authority that we might live a quiet and peaceful life in godliness.
The question then must be asked “how can sweet water and bitter come out of the same fount”?
Praise God!! Praise Him for this good word. This can't be said enough. I am so overwhelmed to know that at least ONE child of God, Brother Rick, is saying absolutely everything that should be said; no minister, christian blogger, that I have invested time in searching out, has actually said this with the conviction and boldness that needed to be said.
I had no idea, in 2008, where the church stood as far as 'the last days'. It seemed that the church had reached a plateau and a lot of fake ministries were being exposed. As shocking and disappointing as this was for me, I never could have imagined that the church would stoop so low as it has after the election of President Obama. Never did I envision that my christian US brethren would say and write the horrible hateful things that they did; couldn't believe it at first, I was shell-shocked. I tried to justify it as just a few deceived groups, but it spread like wildfire and the rhetoric was ugly - AND it was coming out the mouths of self-professed christians. I realized then that the great deception of the last days would happen to the weak minds of christians who would be so gullible as to give in to their small mustard seeds of racism. They are in denial. They hate. Whether it's skin color or it's superiority and national destiny, it's pride and sin.
Thank you Lord for Pastor Rick, to have exposed this. The 1 Chronicles verse that so many love to use for America, "If my people, who are called by My Name........." has been used by these christians to justify their superior worth and they quote it towards the worldly and unbelievers. This quote should be directed back at us, believers. We are the ones who have to daily repent of our lack of humility and wicked ways. I believe God is more interested in the deep recesses and thoughts of His Children's heart. Those who don't know Him yet, are not going to understand this verse. This was directed at the children of Israel, the believers and the temple priests, it wasn't directed at the heathen of the time. If the church shows no shame, how can we expect unbelievers to?
J.
I just pray that more people will wake up from Satan's grip on them.
Another big exposure in the church right now that I've noticed, since 2008, is the idol-worship from christians who put their politicians and leaders up on a pedestal. The church does this. The church stood behind the man or woman of the hour, and endorsed them fully, defended them to the hilt, paraded them, invited them to speak at conferences, paid them exhorbitant fees, patted them on the back, and when they called the leaders that God placed before them every dirty and ungodly reference, the christians fans cheered them on.
If the church is guilty of any sin today, one of them is idolatry and glorification of men. They are the golden calves of ancient Israel, that we, the church are allowing to be idolized today and NO Christian faithful leader with a voice rebukes it. Christian news sites and magazines skim the surface of what type of sin is rampant in the churches, but they don't touch the golden calves that the apostates have created.
One thing I sense, it's that this idolatry is grievous to the Lord and it's already reaped ugliness and sin. Those who are elevated on those pedestals have become more vicious and outspoken and have taken on almost a demonic intonation in every accusation, mocking condescending word they speak. Every unclean bird, described in Revelation, has been unleashed and we can see why people are upset, confused, politically-enraged, and so many are saying that they don't speak to their in-laws, children, parents because of the political divisiveness and anger stirred up by these unclean caged birds.
A great spiritual battle is happening in the US, in the heavenlies.
J.
The very opposite is happening Jackie. More people are becoming ensnared by lies!
I would like to add one thing here if I may. By no means can I see the current president or any former presidents a blessing in any manner. For this very reason:
Revelation 17:17
For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
Michael, if President Obama was convicted by the Scriptures you would know it. Just because someone reads the Bible doesn't mean they are saved. He also subscribes to Oprah's belief system too.
Pastor Rick, this post was not meant to praise the president as far as the faith did you? We need to pray for him as were are instructed to do, so that we can, as the Word says:
1 Timothy 2:1-4
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; ...
We are to pray for those in authority so that Christians may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Just because he gets Scripture texts does not mean he is a godly man.
I think people, Pastor Rick, are going to take this post in the wrong way. I pray that it isn't so.
I do not think you wrote this post in the vain that some are reading it. They make it sound like you are endorsing or praising him. I hope you are not because I do not believe any political leader can be a godly man. Too much compromise and dishonesty in their work.
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
Michael,
Sounds like you believe the current president is a godly man. And I would have to disagree with you. Your comments will only bring people to a wrong idea about not only him, but all politicians. Yes I believe God is using him as He said He would in Scripture and this does not make him a godly leader.
This kind of comment can lead people into error that is very dangerous. The media has not been unkind to the president, on the contrary, they have been very for him. Not that I am against him or any other politician, I wasn't a big supporter of the last president, but we need to be careful of what impression we give people. No he is not anointed, and I am very sad to see you write that. Anointed him?
Fulfilling God's Word is hardly an anointing.
Revelation 17:17
For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
I humbly submit that the current president along with all political leaders are not anointed but put in position only to fulfill what God has spoken. I pray for them to repent and ask to be forgiven as well as allow the church to live in peace as directed by scripture.
I am hoping Michael that I am reading your comment wrong and that you are going to come back and correct or clarify what you are saying.
Just to clarify my stance, I am not a supporter of the so called christian right either. In fact being that I am a member of the Body of Christ, my son at times to be hurtful includes me with them even though he knows I firmly disagree with them. Which I am sure they will persecute me for one day. Calling for an overthrow of the President is anti-Christ and completely against the Word of God. The church is to spread the Gospel not call for rebellion, which is what they are doing.
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
Psalm 118:8 "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Psalm 118:9 "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."
So then, where does our confidence lie; in man, or in the LORD Jesus Christ? How often have we built an alter to man, whether in our minds or in the flesh, to a man or woman who we placed in a position to lord over our lives? When did man become the Great Mediator between sinful man and our Holy Sovereign Father?
When have we trusted in man so much and relied on man with such hope, that therein, the end result is disappointment every single time?
Perhaps Gilgamesh is not one of the great myths of all time, but instead, the belief that America was founded, formed, and currently live as a Christian nation....perhaps a greater myth indeed!
So hence, when the religious walk around the city seven times and shout with a great battle cry, "We need to take back America, the great, for we are soldiers of god!"
We must then politely raise our hand in class and ask, "Please answer this question for me, What and where do we take our country back too?"
For the Bible clearly speaks truth of the hearts of mankind:
Continued....
Cherie, I'd ask you to notice I declined the invitation to have dinner. I had lunch with President Clinton and I was privy to the information first hand about his foibles as Govenor of Arkansas.
God elects presidents and births kings. Their hearts are in His Hand.
I was surprised the president quoted one day later from the very Psalm I had sent back his way. I had no idea he'd even get my email.
The Apostle Paul underscores what I'm getting in response to what Rick has written, here:
And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” (Acts 23:1-3, 5 ESV)
The work of saving a sinner is God's work by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Our work is righteous deeds:
Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. (Revelation 19:7, 8 ESV)
As for those deeds and all the deeds of man, yours and mine are not unnoticed by The Lord.
These words should enlighten your heart Cherie:
Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. (Psalm 33:8-15 ESV)
The only nation blessed by The Lord is His Church made up of blood washed sanctified and justified souls separated from the nations of the world.
My article was pointing to the hypocrisy of news organizations who only report on things that bolster their agendas. Reporting to the world that Barak Obama has an early morning bible study everyday with a close pastor friend would not advance the godless agendas of news organizations. The height of hypocrisy being identified by Rick's article goes to show us we had better take heed to our own house making sure we have oil in our lamps when the Bridegroom suddenly appears!
Thus says the Lord : “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:5-10 ESV)
In Mark 7:20-23 "And He (Jesus) said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetessness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. "All these evil things come from within and defile a man."
So then, does this not describe all of mankind as stated by Christ Himself? I believe so.
We, as sheep, so desire to place over us lords with whom we put our hope, trust, and confidence in as the ages progress towards Jesus' Second Coming, all the while our Savior is standing at the door, knocking, longing for us to place our confidence in Him.
And Him Alone. "And Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:29
Praise You O lORD, for what You have done for us, mere man.
I'm thinking about the discussion here between Cherie and Michael, and the good verses and comments offered by those here.
I believe God has given Bro. Rick a truth here. It's not about the President, or about the politics; it's about the church, which has been deceived into following bullies and picking up stones to stone (figuratively) a man who was elected in a democratic society.
I was bullied at school when I was a kid. There was no reason for it. I was shy and unpopular. They just hated me based on having a parent that spoke a different language. I wasn't saved then. But, I felt the Lord's presence when I called on His Name, Jesus, help me, when a band of six boys were running after me, with intent to harm me. I'd always find a way to outrun them, or hide, and I felt that Jesus had heard my prayers.
Men who live in the secular world and serve as secular servants must abide by the laws that their former secular fathers instituted. If a secular law says that all men are created equal, and it's written and confirmed and established into law, then men must abide by it. It protects people of different religions, races, beliefs, lifestyles; as long as they pay taxes and live as law-abiding citizens, they have he same liberties and freedoms.
When the CHURCH, who is the body of Christ, and who are His ambassadors, become bullies and throw stones at unbelievers, and make accusations towards the secular workers, just because they exist, then we, as a church, are in perdition. Who gave the church the right to mock and disparage and call elected leaders the "anti-christ" or "someone not like us" or "someone who would love to destroy America" etc....etc....etc.?
These leaders may not yet be born again.....but like me, as a 7 year-old girl at school, are hated. I wasn't 'righteous' and I wasn't "born-again", but I heard about Jesus in a traditional church, and believed in my heart that I could call on him. I grew up into an adult and still lived by the world's standards, but would read scripture and the Word would come alive when I did. It planted a seed in my heart and eventually that seed bloomed. I believe the same for all men, including President Barack Obama. Instead of lifting up in prayer, the church in the US has tore down and when they tear down one man and publicly humiliate him and his wife and children, they are doing this unto the Lord. And the Lord is NOT pleased. The church is being chastened. I expect more scandals to be exposed in the near future.
When the church targets him and brandishes him as a scapegoat to make themselves feel righteous and superior, the Lord will raise him up and show the church their folly. The Lord works in mysterious ways.
J.
A true believer speaks up against the lies of Islam. Does Obama do that? Does a love for Jesus flow out of his heart? Does he wake up ever in the morning and inform Americans that He loves Jesus wholeheartedly?
Dear Anonymous,
Good questions you ask here. May I ask, "Do those who profess to be believers and followers of Jesus Christ love Jesus and a measure of that flow eminates from their hearts?"
"Do most who profess Jesus and Him crucified wake up in the morning and inform America they love and follow Jesus wholeheartedly?
Given the present state of what is called Christianity in this nation and the wretched sin/idolatry that takes place within the church system, one must confess with a resounding "No. The name of Jesus is absent from most Chrisitans' lips."
Does not Judgement begin in the house of the LORD?
The name of Jesus isn't absent from most Chrisitans' lips! We mustn't forget that God is good, incredibly good at what He does. His commitment is to transform those He saves into the image of Christ. He isn't a failure!
Loyal servants of His have discerned, owing to His gracious help, that Islam is a mouthpiece of Satan as are Hinduism, Buddhism, Humanism and Atheism. They understand that they, like brave David, can when empowered by the LORD fight against these Goliaths that blaspheme Almighty God's holy name.
God loves those whom He has chosen to dwell in His house or presence, so those who have been good and faithful servants will benefit from what the Judge has to say to them!
Dear Anonymous,
I agree with you wholeheartedly. We say "god" in conversation and the world is not offened, for we have created many gods to worship, however, when the precious name of Jesus, our beloved Jesus, becomes a natural part of the believer's conversation in everyday life, then even the faithful church goers, the lawful tithe givers, and the manipulative and controlling church committee adherents become uncomfortable, for our LORD Jesus Christ is only to be spoken of by the pastor from a man-made pulpit system, not your lower laity, every day, average Joe or Jane Doe. The whole system, thus, becomes an abomination to our LORD Jesus Christ who came to serve, not to be served.
And yes, Islam is a satanic religion, there is no doubt, but let me please address another serious concern that goes unnoticed in our churches in our area. We have yoga instructors in our local churches, we have our teens engaging in yoga in our church youth organizations, and we have yoga being endorsed and promoted, even practiced in our public schools, and there is no outcry. The silence is deafening.
And dear anonymous, when you question the deacons and deaconesses in the church system, they will tell you, the lower laity nothing, "Yoga is just fine for a Christian to practice, just as long as you do not do the meditiation along with the positions (asanas)." Do they not know, have they not researched; all of yoga is demonic, as equally as Islam, for it is the antithesis of our LORD Jesus Christ, who freely sacrificed so that we may be forgiven and have eternal life.
So yes, the church system here in America has become a genetically modified seed so to speak, accepting many form of religions all the while thinking they are following Jesus. Maybe it is time to burn all of those booked bible studies written by men and women, and open the one true Bible and ask God, the Holy Spirit, to teach us the truth of His Word, verse upon verse, in context.
The church system as some call it is ordained by God! Set up by the Apostles, but corrupted by man.
But that does NOT take away the need for God's church. Whether in a building or on a street corner, the Pastor of a godly church needs to preach the GOSPEL!!!!!
Preach the Gospel is for Preachers not the body alone. (I prefer the KJV but I used the NASB for clarity)
1Corinthians 12:28
27 Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has [r]appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then [s]miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of [t]miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts.
See the order in which the church is set up? There is a church system designed by God corrupted by man, but none the less we still need Godly men to PREACH the Gospel! We as believers as well as the lost need to hear, and hear frequently preached Law and Grace!
You may have heard the Gospel so often that this message of mercy may sound in your ears as an idle tale. You may be even worse than that; you may be Gospel hardened, so as to have no conviction of your personal need of it, or be built up in a vain, presumptuous confidence in the mere letter of Truth, without any vital experience of its power. Still, the tidings are not robbed of their intrinsic blessedness by your carelessness or your presumption; still is it my place to proclaim them in your ears whether they be to you the savor of life unto life, or a savor of death unto death. It is still my office to sound the Gospel trumpet, and that with no uncertain sound; to preach the truth boldly and faithfully; and then leave it in the hands of the Lord to apply it as He may see fit.
What a wondrous way, then, has God devised in His own eternal mind, that the breach might be healed; that agreement might be made; that sinning man might be reconciled to his justly offended Maker, and yet that none of His glorious perfections should be tarnished or impaired! And what plan was this? Hear it, O heaven and earth! That the Son of God—His Son by nature and essence His co-equal and co-eternal Son—should take into union with His divine Person a pure, sinless, and spotless humanity; for “as the children were partakers of flesh and blood,” it was necessary that “He Himself likewise should take part of the same,” (Heb. 2:14). This was the will of God which Christ came to do, as we read— “Then said I, lo I come; in the volume of the book”—that is, the book of God’s eternal decrees— “it is written of Me, I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart,” (Ps. 40:7, 8). God prepared for His dear Son a body, as the apostle says, quoting Psalm 40:6: — “Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not; but a body hast thou prepared [“fitted,” margin] Me,” (Heb. 10:5). This was a pure, holy, and incorruptible humanity—the body taken in the womb of the Virgin, offered as a bleeding sacrifice on the cross, but now at the right hand of God in heaven. From a sermon by J.C. Philpot 1859.
Find the entire sermon here:
http://herescope.blogspot.com/
Church is God made as well as His appointees. Do not mock what God has put into place because man has corrupted it. The problem is you're so used to not having a godly Pastor that you wouldn't know it if you saw one. And don't get me started on women pastors, which they are NOT!
Reading above, we see some "heat" expressed over the comments. The Holy Spirit continues to do His work here. Pastor Rick hit it on the head, pertaining to the state of the Christian Church here in America. My goodness the unrepentant darkness in Christian hearts is astounding, it is disheartening, it is sad. What has been "unearthed" from the depths of these deceived believers is that somewhere in their walk with Jesus, they stopped! The Cross looked too difficult to endure and they stopped their walk in favor of worldly enticements. So now they wear sheepskin clothing to cover their wolf hearts. I pray Gods Light continues to shine bright on them, that the Holy Spirit speaks a loud, that their ears open and they see their deluded reasoning. That the strongholds of Satan be torn down out of their minds and they recover from this sourness of soul. That God's Love be restored. His church revived to reflect Jesus, back at the Cross...
Another thought here on this subject.
There is a group, or a fringe, or a 'kind' of christian out there who seem obsessed with an idea planted in their heads that they MUST judge and accuse the POTUS (not the title, but the man) that he should daily and continually make an effort to PROVE his christian walk in his press statements regarding domestic and international affairs.
There is a fringe or group of christians out there who become so agitated that this president does not acknowledge Jesus Christ in his everyday Office duties, or in his speeches. It is beyond hypocrisy that they accuse him of this.
When did any president ever acknowledge Jesus flowing out of their hearts ever? The only time I heard a President acknowledge God (and he was referred to as the Almighty, not Jesus Christ), was when he was preparing the citizens for war.
The church should not involve itself in the matters of mammon. It shouldn't put it's hope in leaders, although we are commanded to respect and obey the laws our leaders order.
What amazes me is that these groups of christians feel they are entitlled to condemn this one man (president) of not acknowledging Jesus. He never campaigned on having Jesus in his heart. At the very least, he did not EXPLOIT Jesus. He didn't USE Jesus for votes, or for lobbying, or for profit. His campaign was a secular campaign. He never promised christians a particular kind of christian utopia. He made it very clear he represented all. He was a liberal and he wasn't ashamed of admitting it. He promoted himself HONESTLY. His election was won because a majority of Americans chose to have it so.
So now, this fringe group of christians are trying to promote him as a "backslidden" christian. Because he mentions in his book that he chose the idealogy of christianity after being exposed to different religions and cultures. Not, because it's seen that he attends prayer breakfasts and quotes scripture and attends church, and says that he does pray, these accusing brethren groups buzz around him like flies trying to stir hatred toward him because he doesn't perform his 'christianity' the way the Bible asks us to or the way they see fit. THey don't say they'll pray for him and his family, they don't thank the Lord that we have avoided international conflicts, or that they are immensely blessed, they just, like the enemy of our souls, protest and place all their hatred and anger on a scapegoat of their choosing. Why aren't they trying to reach the women who feel they have no way out, but abort their babies? Why don't they reach out to their neighbors, who don't serve Jesus? All that energy could be used for good. Targeting anger on one politician is the oldest trick in Satan's book of lies. It feeds the bully christian into a frenzy of hate and this is not of God.
The hateful atmosphere is inviting a demonic spiritual fervor that many christians (real) haven't felt in their lifetimes. Christians are now becoming afraid of other christians. Who would have thought?
J.
As with texting, writing can somehow askew someone's expression. If Chris you are referring to me I am not angry nor am I a wolf in sheep's clothing or deceived.
My passion is for the True Word of God and the doctrine He has decreed.
If my comment sounds other than a sister panicking for her brothers and sisters in Christ, please forgive me. It is hard to convey the voice of a crier in written words which I am being, without it looking like an angry comment. An exclamation point can be used when some one is angry, shouting or in surprise or to express urgency. I have used it to express my urgency in the matter I spoke of.
Because man has corrupted what God has ordained, does not mean we should abandon it.
The church needs godly men to preach the Gospel which is not being done. Those who are so vehemently again church as a gathering of brothers and sisters in the Lord with a godly Pastor due to the corruption perpetuated by others is not only sad, it is heartbreaking.
If you could point out who you are referring to would help in correcting error. If it is my, please, I am sincerely asking, please point out where using Scripture so I can repent and seek forgiveness. Others may attack you for doing so, but I fear God more than man and if not corrected I could be on the broad path and I'd rather not travel that road.
I have only ever decried the Gospel in love. If it offends someone, I hope it does so to their benefit. And to God be the Glory.
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
I think his name is spelled Barack, not Barak.
George Bush professed to being a Christian and according to God's Word we are to see fruit in a person's life as a Christian. What was his fruit? A false war? A lie about weapons that could not be verified? Because someone belongs to a certain secular party does not make them godly because they associate themselves to a particular so called Christian group or entity. Christian is a word that is fast losing its identity. Everyone says they are Christian, but look at their behavior and what they say out of the other side of their mouth.
J, how is it that pointing out error is speaking evil?
1 Peter 2:1
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
I have not said anything malicious, or of guile or hypocritically. And I am certainly not envious of political people. I have only said that God is not necessarily who professing Christians pray to. Even those in government. And the evidence, as Jesus told us, is in their fruit. I don't judge the world since I was once them. I do however hope they repent. But how can they when no one preaches the Gospel anymore.
The Word says that satan comes as an angel of light. Um,church.... test the spirit. Take the only authority we have, God's Word, and hold that up against what they are saying and doing. That is how you measure truth, with the only truth there is. I too once believed we had godly founding fathers and that the USA was a Christian Nation. The only Christian Nation is what the bible declares is one. The seed of Abraham, the descendents of the last Adam, none other than Jesus Christ the Only begotten Son of the Father. Glory to God!
See what happens when we do not hear the Gospel preached. No wonder we have all gone our own way. Very few comments here are of one mind as we are supposed to be as outlined in Scripture. Such a sad state the Bride is in. But God's will will be done. The Bride will be ready:
Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
With a heavy heart, I still have hope.
your sister in Christ Jesus,
Cherie c.
J, No wonder that one is fearful of another who say they are Christian.
The Bible clearly says that this will happen. Persecution will come from the apostate church. Some will defect to the apostate church.
Does no one feel the impact of the time in which we live? When is the invisible church going to appear? When will we be:
Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Romans 15:6
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Philippians 2:2
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Oh how I long for the Lord's return and the brethren to be of one accord. Perhaps if the Gospel were preached we would have such a revival of the church.
This article so spoke to my heart. As an African American female and a Christian, my heart has sank many times when I hear some of the rhetotic regarding the current administration. I am not a Democrat or a Republican.... I vote for who ever has the best ideas and solutions. I voted for Pres. George W Bush both times and stand by my decision because at the time I thought he would be a better president than those running against him. I voted for Bill Clinton and have voted for both D's and R's in state elections for many years. I just want it to be clear that because I am Black I am not an automatic liberal or Democrat. My heart has been so saddened to see many of my brothers and sisters in Christ decide their allegiance to America is more in more than the their allegiance to Christ. I have lost several friends because of the vile and hateful things they have said about the president without much regard that many other politicians have done the same or worse things than Obama. Or in some cases, they would send out racially charged emails about the president, Blacks, etc often forgot to remove me from their email list. And some of these people were friends from church. I know Blacks are often accused of using the race card all the time and in all honesty there are times the race card is used and it shouldn't be. When that happens its like the little boy who cried wolf. When real racism is encountered the habitual use of the race card desensitizes people and nobody believes it happens because of all the times its been used but not really happening.
I remember having a conversation with a former pastor of mine( who also is Black) that was talking about all of the division Obama was causing in the church. And I told her I disagreed with her. He was not causing division in the church...much of that has been going on for centuries before Obama ever came on the scene i.e denominationalism, etc. But I told her instead, his election exposed some deeply rooted issues in the church such as nationalism, patriotism and sadly in some cases, racism..... These things were already infections in the church's blood, as Rick noted. It took the election of this president for it to rise to the top. I have 3 kids ages 16, 13 and 9. During the 2008 election, my middle son was about 8 at the time. He had so many of his little friends telling him how their parents hated Obama and what he was doing to America. 8 Year olds!! My older son was about 11 back in 2008 and his best friend's parents stopped speaking to us because they heard we maybe supporting Obama. You can only imagine how difficult it was for my husband and I to have to break down huge complex issues on race, religion and politics to kids in elementary school. And I forgot to mention, my older son's best friend's parents were pastors. They literally stopped speaking to us which caused a rift between our boys that was never quite mended. It was heartbreaking and very difficult and led us to have some real heavy discussions on topics we had hoped to have with them much later in life. Much of same thing happened with the last election as well. I even had teachers in class spouting off their ideas on the president and how he was ruining the country. Really? How disheartening... But when this happens in the church what do you do? Many churches and Christians believe in the ideals of America as much as they believe in Christ or they believe that Christ, the Church and America are all intricately tied together. And its hard to try to tell some of them that its not.
Thank you for sharing, Barbara. Perhaps you on a path which I have also travelled. In 2000 I came to realize that politics has nothing to do with the kingdom of God. We have not been called to make this country better or more moral. We have been called to follow Jesus, and His path does not go through Washington D. C..
Cherie, you asked, "How is it that pointing out error is speaking evil".
Well, I hope I can explain what I meant. We've been discussing the examples on news and tv and internet to the unexplained hatred of the man, President Obama. We, as christians, don't rejoice to hear our brethren elsewhere calling him racist names, and mocking his family.
I guess I react (and I have much work to do on that) negatively when I hear christians pick on and call someone names, especially those that aren't aware, nor nor trying to exploit Christ. We as christian should expect persecution and we know christians get lots of attacks. But, when the christians start doing the attacking, I get afraid. Maybe I have a need to "defend" those who are bullied. We're not to just love our own brethren, but those who may still need Christ in their lives.
I noticed a comment here, "a true believer speaks up against the lies of Islam". I'm of the mind that it's the responsibility of parents to teach their children at home the biblical principles, and pastors preach the Word about anything that goes against scripture. I just don't see why a self-professed christian cares whether the President publicly defends or rebukes other religions, A christian should love those people who follow Islam, and personally I believe that if I befriend a muslim, I will do my best to reach them for Jesus, but I don't call them liars; I was once lost and now I am saved. Christians came to me IN LOVE and spoke to me. I wasn't publicly humiliated and written about how unsaved I was. Besides, the church today lives in "lies". A christian judging Islam and expecting the President to speak out against it, does not glorify the Lord. Why are christians so preoccupied with a secular leader's necessity to declare a war of words on someone else? Why don't they get upset when Miley Cyrus or Britney Spears doesn't speak out about certain sins? Why aren't christians upset about the great sports athletes who don't speak out against any evil? Why aren't the same christians calling out the preachers who are committing adultery? why are they offended by this one man, who they don't even know, why are they insistent on demanding that he confess with his mouth who is sinful and who is not?
What is the absolute preoccupation of it? If any of our children, some still living in the world, unsaved, were treated the way President Obama was, would we relish it? If it was our son who had taken the presidential mantle, with risks involved, and had not publicly confessed Christ yet, and was attacked by my fellow christians relentlessly because he didn't renounce this or renounce that, and they never told him that Jesus loved him, nor told him that he was being prayed for, would I react? Yes I would. Just like President Obama said about Trayvon Martin.......(paraphrasing) he could be my son".
I feel the same way about President Obama and all those in the world like him, "he could be my son".
J.
Jackie, as soon as someone understands that it is not about emotions but about the need of man to be saved they will speak up against the lies of Islam! What I am doing does glorify God. It's not about hatred but about truth.
Do you really think that the LORD is silent about those who lie in the Bible? I encourage you to look for the word lie and liar and study the passages more closely.
There is much for you as there is for me to learn from God's active stance against hypocrites!
Jackie, it is not that I am insistent on demanding that Obama confesses with his mouth who is sinful and who is not, for I understand that a man or woman can only speak and act subject to what is in his or her heart.
Only someone who has a love for the Lord Jesus Christ can daily hallow His name. Jesus said you will know them by their fruit.
Does the President of America preach, like Paul, Christ and Him crucified?
Does he warn the world that Allah is a false god? Does he point out the errors in Atheism, Humanism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Communism and Nationalist Socialism?
Let's not allow ourselves to be hoodwinked by a person who from time to time says something of merit. Let's examine his deeds.
Hi Anon.
I don't have any major disagreements at all with what you said.
I believe we are supposed to teach each other, as christians, we exhort, correct, rebuke, each other, or our pastors and ministers, like the bible teaches. The minor disagreement I have is when christians expect a secular leader to take on the role of christian leader. A secular leader shouldn't be expected to teach the church. If a leader is not in tune with the bible's teaching, why would we be concerned if he addresses the world's sins or not? Why should I expect a secular leader to represent me, and represent the Church of Christ? It just seems strange when a portion of christians want a secular man to confess with his mouth things that he may not even be convicted about? If he's not convicted about certain things, why would we, the Church, be concerned? It's up to us, the church, to speak bible truths and spread the gospel.
It's our duty to try to keep ourselves unspotted from the world and there are some gifted in the Body, like Bro. Rick (IMO) who, as a discerning teacher, corrects the errors in the Church. He isn't calling out those who don't yet know Jesus, but rather he's calling out believing leaders who are leading their sheep astray. That's the job I think, of a christian. I think we, as christians, live in a day where we have to live as an example, and wasting our time kicking against the pricks (resisting conviction) of unbelievers is IMO a waste of energy.
But each person must live by what he feels convicted to do, and I respect your view, Anonymous. Like I wrote before, if I had a family member that still had not received the full gospel message and he/she was being publicly humiliated because he/she didn't live right by my christian brethren, I'd be hurt. Yes, I confess, I'm using emotion here, but Jesus wept.
Jackie, the fact that Jesus wept shows the calibre of God those who trust wholeheartedly in Him have. I'm proud to follow such a compassionate Creator.
But let's not lose out of sight of the real situation. He is a God of wisdom with a heart that desires to seek and save the lost! Let's not lose out of sight the current situation that the vast majoriy of the 7 billion plus inhabitants of this world are lost.
Let's weep but don't let's stay weeping but start "fighting", for all these various groupings of unsaved people need us to become more active at sharing the gospel of Christ.
Reine Gnade
Jackie wrote:
The minor disagreement I have is when Christians expect a secular leader to take on the role of Christian leader. A secular leader shouldn't be expected to teach the church.
That's true Jackie. Neither Bush Snr, Clinton or G.W. Bush could do that for their hearts in my opinion were not fully submitted to God. Obama inspite of all his verbal skills is in my opinion a very weak President. He is a contributing factor in the plunging of America into chaos.
Jackie writes:
If a leader is not in tune with the Bible's teaching, why would we be concerned if he addresses the world's sins or not?
If you are concerned about the condition of his soul you would be very interested that he should for example oppose and not support abortion, for his decisions effect the lives of so many other people.
Jackie wrote:
Why should I expect a secular leader to represent me, and represent the Church of Christ?
That's exactly right. That's why America under this wayward leader is plunging deeper and deeper into impurity.
Jackie wrote: It just seems strange when a portion of Christians want a secular man to confess with his mouth things that he may not even be convicted about?
He can't, nor can anyone do that, until God empowers him or them to do that.
Reine Gnade
Reine: You incorrectly quoted me from my post at 6:17 pm.
In your 12:40 am post, as Reine Gnade, you wrote as follows:
"Jackie writes: If a leader is not in tune with the Bible's teaching, why would we be concerned if he addresses the world's sins or not? If you are concerned about the condition of his soul, you would be very interested that he should for example oppose and not support abortion, for his decisions effect the lives of so many other people."
May I ask for you to correct that?
In that paragraph, it makes it appear as though I, Jackie, wrote the following: "If you are concerned about the condition of his soul, you would be very interested that he should for example opposed and support abortion, for his decisions efect the lives of so many other people". This sentence was not said by me. These are your words.
I know it's just semantics, but if you could please put quotation marks to the words you quote me with, and then apply your thoughts in a separate paragraph. The way you structured it, it would appear I wrote those words that you created.
I hope you don't mind correcting it. We must be careful, and I should too, to properly quote, and I actually don't know all the legalities of it. And of course in this instance, I know you just forgot to put quotation marks. But I don't ever want to be misrepresented. I have a few thoughts on your reply and will post on a separate comment, if Rick allows. Thanks Reine.
J.
Hi Reine:
Me again. OK, so I want to return the discussion, if you will.
In your post at 12:40, you were asking me about what I wrote earlier to the question: "Why should I expect a secular leader to represent me, and represent the church of Christ?"
You then wrote, "That's exactly right. That's why America under this wayward leader is plunging deeper and deeper into impurity".
Reine, please correct me if I misquoted or made a grammatical error here, using your quote.
OK, I need more coffee here to get my thoughts moving. I would love for any christians in the US to tell me why this leader is more wayward than any other national President, or why christians think that HE can plunge us deeper and deeper into impurity.......doesn't each one of us serve our Lord individually? Just because my boss is 'wayward' and a womanizer and a curser, does that mean that I, an employee, will be plunged into impurity? If I love Christ and serve Christ, no man or man's ways can influence me or nothing can separate us from God. So, I don't understand why christians get all riled up that their leader has some kind of supernatural power to destroy their souls or something. God says, He is pure to the pure. If I understand correctly, the Lord doesn't put us under a curse because our employer, or governor, or leader is not following him. God's holiness can never be removed, and it's up to each individual to pursue His holy ways, and we can't rely on a man who leads a temporal nation.
Unless the christians believe that their nation is not just a "temporal" nation. If they think it has some exclusive heavenly covenant and has been dubbed with God's sceptre as "Pure", then no wonder people are all riled up. But I don't read anywhere inthe New Testament where Jesus spoke of a special land where his people would govern out of and become the world's utopia of goodness, righteousness and prosperity.
I believe this is the crux of the whole thing with christians berating President Obama. Either it's because he is a colored man, or it's that wolves have been whispering in christians' ears that unless they topple an "impure" man, through prayer, or just deliberate nastiness, that their circumstances will be all glorious. Am I wrong here?
J.
Another thought. I live in a country that legalized abortion. The thought of it is very disturbing. But, I never once thought that perhaps we were under a curse because of it. Maybe we are. Who knows? But, I believe it doesn't matter whether a secular government declares it "legal" or "illegal", the killing of an unborn child will fall onto the mother and father who allow it. And, if there are thousands of such women who live as my neighbors in towns and cities across the country, isn't it my responsibility as a christian to try to befriend a young person who is confused and pregnant? Whether the unborn child is destroyed under a ruthless dictator or under a wonderful christian leader, that woman will still have to give account to God and will if it's illegal to perform such, she'll find out where to go somehow, somewhere. What difference does it make to Christ's Church whether the act is legal or not? In God's eyes it's sin. It's been done throughout history and it's murder, and it's sin and we are all under the curse of sin everywhere we go. We can't shake it off just because we live under a peace-maker, who claims he's a christian.
I don't recall anyone talking about "impurity" when Bill Clinton was president, or when a handful of christian politicians left their wives and young children and pursued mistresses, etc. I don't recall any christian worrying what kind of example they teach to those they slander and mock. They slander and mock and tease and provoke, in the Name of Jesus? and this isn't IMPURE? The lies we hear on both sides of the aisle in politics is beginning to affect everyone of us. Lying is increasing and from what I read, personally, the majority of it is coming from the side (which claims it's King is Jesus). Is lying impure?
I believe that if the Lord returned today and sat us all down to judge us, that the first he'd judge is the Church. How did we act, how did we talk, how did we forgive, how did we reach out, how did we do like Jesus would have done? Did we follow the attack dogs like the radio and TV personalities?
THe church is so busy trying to drive out any semblance of the anti-Christ, it's actually doing the anti-Christ system a service, by opening up avenues for it to creep in unawares.
I pray I'm wrong.
J.
Jackie, I need to go to the LORD to be refreshed.
Thank you for your keen contributions. I've lost interest in posting on this website as I find the commentaries too inexact!
Josef
To give you more of an idea of how conditions have become, in the past year I've encountered two different Catholic priests (one on cable TV and one in a blog) who have implied that President Obama has somehow acquired omnipotence over Christ and His Church and will crush both unless folks vote him out or overthrow him, or the Lord returns.
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