I CAN NO LONGER JUSTIFY
BLOODSHED IN HIS NAME
Had I ever really stopped to think about it in years past? Did I just blindly accept what others told and taught me? When I was born again and ushered into a system already entrenched in itself, was I wise enough to consult the Spirit or did I just acquiesce to the acceptable and the evangelical norm? The answer is obvious. The older and wiser and ordained dictated my thoughts and ways, and very quickly I became one of them, only retaining my own name.
But as I grew in Him I began to hear and see something that became more and more distressing. How could bloodshed be the way of Jesus? Everything He lived and taught seemed at odds with the principles I had come to embrace. I entered into a season of confusion and a fresh introspection where I would hold everything I thought I knew against the specter of Scriptural truth and the gospel narratives. I had played the fool and what was presented as “sound doctrine” was in reality an open mangling of God's Word and the Spirit of Jesus. An American spirit had replaced the Spirit of Jesus and I am ashamed to say that I bought into it.
Col.3: 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Just what in God’s dear name does that verse mean? Does that mean we can drop napalm on people in His name? Does it mean we can blow the heads off lost sinners in His name? Does it mean we can drop bomb filled drones on villages in His name? As I have suggested in many posts, the Bible is no longer relevant and surely not taken literally even by the literalists. Can we throw a hand grenade and see several men become unattached to their appendages and then give thanks to God?
And yet that is EXACTLY what churches do. I remember at the beginning of the Iraq war under George Bush the first, and the church service would open in prayer for the safety of the American soldiers. Of course the unspoken part of that prayer is let others die and let Americans live. I look back on those days and it all seems so fleshy and part of the world’s system, but I could not see it back then. I assumed violence and war had to be part of the kingdom of God sometimes because we could not trust Him to take care of us, and anyway God was always quick to defend the country He created. How foolish I was.
Who will take the time and exhibit the vulnerability to search the New Testament and discover if there are allowances for violence and carnage in certain cases? And why didn’t Jesus encourage His followers to violently overthrow the Roman government, after all they were experiencing taxation without representation? Oh, you think that is absurd? You are correct. Think about it.
Line up the idols. The founding fathers, politicians, democracy, capitalism, voting, and America itself. And out of these spring an acceptable way to think and act. Do you see what has happened? We have taken the Word of God, melted it down, and poured into the Statue of Liberty and called it truth. Wow, I know the Spirit is dealing with many thousands of believers across this land. Just from the e-mails I receive I have heard many testimonies of believers who have reassessed everything they thought they knew. But it is most difficult to extricate our hearts and minds from these issues because they have found such deep places within us.
And without exception, we who are set free from the bondage of nationalism and all its accoutrements, we experience an amazing sense of freedom and a new awakening to the Word and the way of Jesus. Oh dear brothers and sisters, I beseech you in His name to ponder these things. We are no better than anyone else, but there is such living water in this freedom. You shall know the truth and you shall be set free. This is not a 1960’s form of rebellion against the establishment. No, this is a return to the Lordship of the Lord Jesus and a submission to His path of self denial.
I can no longer justify bloodshed in His name because the New Testament calls me to a different lifestyle. Oh how many lives have been lost because men have been misguided and thought they are fighting for God when in fact they are fighting against God? The story of mankind continues to be fraught with all kinds of viciousness and sin. And with all the wars that have been fought and won, has it changed one thing? Will the next war end all wars? Will the lives that are lost be nothing to God? And those who follow Jesus, can they massacre other human beings and claim to be His hands and His feet regardless if they champion an earthly cause?
I know, I know. It seems much too radical and way out the mainstream of evangelical thought. I know. But isn’t it time some of us begin to think out of the mainstream of evangelical thought and begin to think as does Our Wonderful Lord of Life? I know…I know. Perhaps we will find time tomorrow to seek His face and hear His voice. Until then let the blood continue to flow. Only honor Him in this way. Do not use His name as the carnage continues. It does not come from Him.
" Oh dear brothers and sisters, I beseech you in His name to ponder these things."
ReplyDeleteI have Pastor Rick, for a very long time now. Been verbally attacked for my stance on it too.
With tears of relief and hurt, I respond to this post. Back in 2003 when G. Bush Jr was President, I was so against the war. I was so against it my kids were ashamed of me. That is until they learned the truth.
Pastor Rick, this "evangelical" spirit of bloodshed in His Name is one of the deceptions. You must know this. My son who claims to be atheist told me the country wasn't founded on Christianity. An unsaved person showed me the lie I was believing all these years. Then he apologized for my berating me earlier for my stance against this blood shed. We all know from reports that the taking out of Sudam Hussein was just "texas justice" for the so called hit Sadam Hussein put out on George Sr. There were no weapons of mass destruction, but plenty of distraction. We lost over 4000 young men and women so that this "justice" could be done. Just like now with the issue in the Ukraine. From the radio program, Stand Up for The Truth, they interviewed a missionary with ties to the Ukraine. He said neo-nazies started this uprising. Synagogues have been set on fire since the start. But we don't hear about that in the news do we? I am sure Putin is not innocent in this either, but I can't help but wonder if this might have something to do with the Snowden issue, even if on a small scale.
Whatever the case, it is all distraction. And the cunning idea is to get the visible church to back it with commercials on so called Christian TV regarding military, and the sentimentality of it all. These poor men and women who have come home maimed and injured for life, all so people in high places exact their agenda. We must love and support the soldiers, but I put the blame squarely at the feet of those who send those kids to battle. They fill their heads with all kinds of things regarding duty for "god, and country".
This is what happens when people do not read their Bibles. READ, Seek, Ask, Knock. I am nothing great, but in retrospect, it was in 2003 that my journey towards God and truth began. The realization that this country is not what it seems. You only have to watch an episode of Dr.Quinn to see what the country did to the natives here. Mass murder of the native Indians became Manifest Destiny.
Part 2
ReplyDeleteExcerpt from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manifest_destiny.......
In the 19th century, Manifest Destiny was the widely held belief in the United States that American settlers were destined to expand throughout the continent. Historians have for the most part agreed that there are three basic themes to Manifest Destiny:
The special virtues of the American people and their institutions;
America's mission to redeem and remake the west in the image of agrarian America;
An irresistible destiny to accomplish this essential duty.[1]
Historian Frederick Merk says this concept was born out of "A sense of mission to redeem the Old World by high example [...] generated by the potentialities of a new earth for building a new heaven".[2
Read the excerpt then go read the entire article. highlight the link description and right click your mouse and open in a new window to get to the page.
It is utterly chilling. It has some spiritual meaning to it. It was another great deception! And so it goes today. It is no different whether Republican or Democrat. No difference whatsoever. Did you know the Democrats of the 1860s are the Republicans of today. Yes, go research it for yourself. It switched right after the civil war. Bloodshed in His Name, a great, and powerful deception. Oh, and be prepared to be persecuted for it. It is coming, do not be deceived. It is coming. Study the Word to show thyself approved brothers and sisters. Pray, fast and pray, and drink in the Word for all its worth. For your edification and knowledge and strength. Pastor Rick, do you know what it is you have stumbled upon? Did you not know it is frowned upon as unpatriotic, not to support the shedding of blood in His Name in this country? My stomach hurts and I know it is fear. May God have mercy on me.
Very eye opening and revealing post. I pray people heed its message.
your sister in Christ Jesus
Wow, Cherie, your words are right on. I think we're witnessing a separation of goats and sheep, the ugliness of the legalistic brand of christianity has been exposed. I never knew how bad it was. A few years ago, I wondered why so many christian spokespeople were making such anti-biblical and almost insane statements. Their words are full of anger and vengeance and pride and complete lack of common sense. I even wondered if some kind of physiological event (like viral insanity) had taken over some in the church). But we know it's the principalities in the air.
ReplyDeleteHere too, Bro. Rick; I was caught in with church members and pastors who prayed for the US. And, there's nothing wrong with that, but, at the time, we were made to think it had a special last-days divine plan, and because it was the friend of Israel, it would continually be blessed. I can't even go into all that, or even understand anymore. All I seem to know, is that the New Testament Word is the guide that keeps us glued together, and as soon as we stray into Old Testament Law, we lose it.
If the flesh thinks it's justified and 'special' in God's eyes, that can be dangerous. We are not Israel. There will never be another covenant nation with Yehovah. Whoever placed a divine status on the United States was wrong. Individuals from every nation are part of Christ's Body and it has nothing to do with what particular church or nation they belong to. It's so freeing to know Jesus is the only mediator between us and the Father, and it's all through Him. No man, no Founding Father, no Congressman, no celebrity, no politician, can ever add one item to the shed blood of Jesus. No flag, no army, no administration, no leader, can add one speck to the finished work on Calvary.
It seems to make some christians in cyberspace angry when they come against this truth. They dig in their heels more and make unbiblical claims that they're justified by men's works and men's laws and decrees and that God only gives physical liberty and freedoms. They don't seem to care about other nations. They do lip-service about their overseas mission's work, but don't seem to care about the plight and hard lives of people who are not so blessed as they are. They give the impression they deserve blessing more than any other nation, for the fact that they are divinely special. They pride themselves on that fact, and love to have it so; so God sends a strong delusion and here we are, right in the midst of that delusion, and it's burdensome on true christians who seek (wherever it's out there) Christ's Body that doesn't succumb to this delusion.
On the other hand, I know that we all live the way we do because of the sacrifices of many who fought back the armies of darkness during the first and second world wars, and so on. We are all sinners, either doing the killing, or living abundantly off the killing. So, we all are guilty and that's why we need Jesus. I could never judge the young soldiers or military who do their part. They all have to work out their salvation just like I do. It's so hard for all of us to live in a world where the only way we can enjoy peace is be defensive, in order to keep it. Jesus, I think, understood this. He knew the only way any citizen can survive on this earth is to obey our governors and leaders. So, we must; but that doesn't mean we have to exude hubris and pride and make the rest of the world fear us. That is not Christ.
J.
ReplyDeleteChrist's victory at Calvary changed everything!
Prior to His victory over Satan the situation was very different. David fought Goliath in a certain way and God was with him.
Because of Christ's victory we ought to rely totally on Him, and His victory over Satan, sin and death.
In the new Covenant God doesn't call His children to go to war with weapons of warfare.
He calls us to pray for our enemies. He gave us an example of this on the cross.
One of the men who was in the throes of dying beside Him had been God's enemy, yet He graciously and lovingly taught him the truth.
So wonderful a teacher is He that the man acknowledged Him as His King who had done nothing wrong.
Dear readers, only the Giver of life can teach man to reject the way of violence.
Satan is the way of violence. He deceived Hitler to think that he could shed blood.
God's Word is: Go ye into the world and preach the gospel, not go ye into the world and shed blood in His name.
God calls those who love Him to Bible study, prayer and peace making.
This involves "arming" ourselves with His word and trusting fully and thankfully His perfect, finished work on the cross.
Lovers of the only true God, the triune God of the Bible, God calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves, not to run them through with swords or blow them to bits using bullets.
Those who treasure God's gift of body, soul and spirit will be peacemakers following the Prince of Peace.
Our pure Prince brandished no weapons whilst He wore human flesh and neither should those who love Him!
Josef Sefton
I'm not saying Pastor Rick and the others are wrong, but let me ask this:
ReplyDeleteConsidering all the wars America has ever participated in to the present time...Are you saying the Lord Jesus Christ was unable and unwilling to ever extend grace, mercy, power, protection from harm, and provision for needs towards anyone in those wars, whether they were in them willingly or unwillingly? During and after their service?
Is America so Satanic that Christians should (as a few are actually saying now) commit suicide to get out of it, on the grounds of "God being dead in it"?
I was always taught that this present world was NOT Hell.
Thank you.
DeleteLook at the fatalities. Have you ever been to a cemetry? Have you ever met a young man who lost limbs or his sight? Hidden bombs do a lot of damage not to mean bullets and poisons!
Open your eyes to what happened during WW2. That should answer your question.
War is the most dangerous activity that man can get extricated in! Even a tank is blown to bits when a massive "hidden" bomb explodes.
Hidden bombs do a lot of damage not to mention bullets and poisons!
DeleteLet' join Rick in speaking up against the shedding of blood!
Let's demonstrate that we understand the Word of God.
Josef Sefton
Someone wrote:
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
I'm not saying Pastor Rick and the others are wrong, but let me ask this:
Considering all the wars America has ever participated in to the present time...Are you saying the Lord Jesus Christ was unable and unwilling to ever extend grace, mercy, power, protection from harm, and provision for needs towards anyone in those wars, whether they were in them willingly or unwillingly? During and after their service?
Is America so Satanic that Christians should (as a few are actually saying now) commit suicide to get out of it, on the grounds of "God being dead in it"?
I was always taught that this present world was NOT Hell.
Thank you.
1:54 PM
Are you for real? Do you actually not comprehend the English language? Where did this come from? If you can find in the NT anywhere in the pages where Jesus said it is okay to fight in wars, or to support them, please show me. Because I have read the NT and have yet to find anything even close to what you are saying. Unless you have a special bible that the rest of us don't have access too.
I know I shouldn't let this comment get to me, but it does. May God have mercy on me.
Anonymous 3:50, what you wrote makes sense. Only one thing. There is only one Bible and as you say its author is a peacemaker!
ReplyDeleteMan's capacity to be deceived is not only recorded in the Bible but in the pages of history! It is helpful to remember that the god of this world is Satan! He is a warmonger. He seeks to rob, kill and destroy ,whilst Our precious LORD desires to restore, save and bless.
In any activity in life if someone willingly endangers themselves they face very real dangers. If someone willingly walks around at night dressed only in dark clothes even though God is loving and gracious the chances of them being injured or killed go up astronomically compared to someone who is wearing brightly colored clothing. The question is does man want to behave wisely or foolishly?
I also had to struggle out of the deception. I grew up in Christian schools, where the history textbooks were so whitewashed to favor America, I actually believed we were the most special people on earth. What started me on the path to truth was that biblical phrase, "God is no respecter of persons." And just like you said, when I embraced the Sermon on the Mount as truth to be obeyed, I was set free--freer than I'd ever been. I am so thankful Jesus opened my eyes. Thank you for your willingness to speak truth.
ReplyDeleteMat 8:5 And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him,
ReplyDeleteMat 8:6 and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented."
Mat 8:7 Jesus *said to him, "I will come and heal him."
Mat 8:8 But the centurion said, "Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
Mat 8:9 "For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it."
Mat 8:10 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.
Just like we will always have the poor, there will be rumors of wars, and there will always be military. May I be called out as having such faith by Christ.
Rich
ReplyDeleteWelcome Rich! Isaiah 2:4 is a verse worth studying!
Isaiah 2:4
And he (the LORD) shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Josef Sefton
Thanks for the welcome Josef. I look forward to Christ return, when we shall not learn war any longer. I'll try to stay on the narrow path not going to the left view or the right, but I'll mess things up I'm sure. :)
ReplyDeleteRich Kelley
ReplyDeleteOnce man understands that Christ is committed to us, he will respond more consistently by being committed to Him.
Rich, I encourage you to desire to love Lord Jesus each day more deeply and be of good cheer, for He keeps those who love Him safe so that they prosper in His perfect care.
The most wonderful thing is that you are looking forward to Christ's return. It is true there will come a time in human history when God's creation shall not learn war any longer. What a phenomenal time that will be!
May God continue to bless your life and increase your love for Him and His Word!
Josef Sefton
After much pondering, I have decided that I will no longer vote for President, US Senator, US Congressman, Governor, State Senator or State Representative. This is because 1) they stink with corruption. 2)A vast majority support the right to slaughter unborn children. 3) A vast majority have embraced the sodomites as if they were a gift instead of the scourge they are.
ReplyDeleteI decided that I didn't want to lose rewards in heaven just so I could "tick off a box". My citizenship is in heaven, not any earthly location.
I will continue to vote in local elections, but as for the rest, they are gone with the wind.