When A Nation Forgets God | When An Individual Forgets God

As we begin 2017, Trump is now our President. Whether one voted for him or not, agrees with his agenda or not, or even likes him personally or not, he is still President of the United States (our President). As individuals, specifically Christians, we can choose to love him, hate him, accept him, reject him, simply tolerate him, or perhaps (better yet) pray for him. According to Scripture, we owe that to God (first), but also to our fellow man.

Paul writes in 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; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

If we would pray for our leaders, perhaps we would have better leaders. Maybe we would see them make the right choices, the best choices; perhaps even the most biblical choices. We look to a President, but think of the many minds, hands, and feet that move about to make our government, our laws, our definition of liberty. Do we find ourselves discouraged in seeing a shortage of godly men and women in public office? What then do we say of the lack of godliness in our men, women, and children of society (even Christian society)?

Erwin W. Lutzer wrote a book entitled “When A Nation Forgets God”. Within its pages, Lutzer gives the reader “7 lessons we must learn from Nazi Germany.” This book has a copyright of 2010, so please do not take it out of context in trying to apply it to the current administration. The thoughts contained herein surpasses administrations, in that it should speak to each individual of any nation.

• When God is separated from government, judgment follows.
• It’s always the economy.
• That which is legal may also be evil.
• Propaganda can change a nation.
• Parents—not the state—are responsible for a child’s training.
• Ordinary heroes can make a difference.
• We must exalt the Cross in the gather darkness.

To be (or become) a righteous, Christian nation, we must be (or become) righteous, Christian individuals before God. We cannot expect our nation to become something we are not. It must start at home.

Thoughts | Presidential Election 2016 & Aftermath

Today is November 11, the third day after the 2016 presidental elections.

My initial thoughts on the morning of November 9 were:

Well Christians, it looks as though America voted in Trump (“the lesser of two evils”) even without the “self-righteous” voters like myself who voted for neither top candidate. Whether this is mercy amidst judgment or further judgment to come, let us remember that we promoted 2 Chronicles 7:14 and now have the responsibility to live it out in obedience to the One who is worthy to receive glory and honor and power.

These comments were directed toward Christians because (1) I am a Christian, (2) it was from Christians that the phrases "the lesser of two evils" and "self-righteous" (to toward those who would vote third party) were used, (3) by the promoting of Trump (whether him personally or for the platform he stands for) Christians will be responsible to hold him accountable, and (4) as Christians we are bound first to God and must therefore adhere to our quoted verse (2 Chronicles 7:14) while being obedient to the whole of God's Word.

Since the election we have seen the outcry of disagreement from many. There is no doubt that there would have likewise been an outcry had Clinton won. We have the freedom of election and we have the freedom of voice, and every American citizen should have spoken by personal vote and can now speak concerning the outcome of the populace vote. 

However, I do not understand why some college classes (deemed "higher education") feel as though they needed to cancel classes due to an election. Should all of America shut down the day after the election so that families can gather around to cheer or mourn for their candidate? Were classes canceled in the history of our nation when other candidates have won or lost the presidential election? Have we become a country or people where we cannot accept that we did not win or our candidate did not win? What happened to the cry of "tolerance" and "coming together" after the election? Is it not still relevant? 

I saw a tweet that I would like to share here:

I hope Donald Trump is a good president. Wanting him to fail, is like wanting the pilot to crash the plane that we ALL are on. REMEMBER THAT -- @ClipperKyle

This speaks volumes. Regardless of whether one voted for Clinton, Trump, third party, or not at all, this tweet should remind us that the choices Trump makes will affect us all, so why would not all of us pray and desire for Trump to be a godly, moral President? Again, we have free speech to share why or where we disagree with the vote or even Trump, but what is rioting (the harm and destruction brought upon people and property) in the streets doing to help America or one another? It shows that each of us must first examine ourselves, to ensure we are not merely hypocritically judging Trump (or others) by the same sins we carry deep within our own hearts. 

Its called repentance, and we as Christians and Americans need it.

May God show mercy and grace to a people and a nation worthy of his wrath and judgment.

Year of the Bible

Tom Hayden, the mayor of Flower Mound, has declared "2014 the “year of the Bible.”"

Hayden said, "There's so much benevolence on helping your fellow person. And the morality that helped build our country is based on the values that are found in the Bible. And as we look at problems, maybe we're getting away from those values. And in my little small way, I want to encourage people to get back into those values."

I agree with Tom Hayden, and further believe this is something we - especially as Christians - should promote and live not only in 2014 but every day of our lives.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 states "...the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Imagine what we as individuals, families, churches, and a nation could become if we were to determine to walk daily in the wisdom of God's holy Word.

Give it a try...

Racism Cannot Be Allowed to Control Us

One of the things alive and well in America is racism. We saw that recently in the case of the Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman trial (July 2013). And, interestingly, one can see racism differently looking at the same case.

How so?

Many protestors came out to supposedly give support for Martin and to his family, because they felt they were disrespected by the “not guilty” verdict granted Zimmerman and that Zimmerman profiled Martin – because of race rather than Martin’s actions and apparel, which Zimmerman claims to have associated with gangs of previous crimes in the area – with the intent to do him harm.

In the article here, it is claimed by Imani Henry, “We want to show love and respect to them,” but look at what some of these supporters and protestors did:

•  threw rocks at police
•  acted with disorderly conduct
• said “the whole system is racist”
• vandalized numerous buildings and cars
• set random fires

I understand being upset and wanting to voice it, but I don't understand how these things show love and respect. How is the whole system racist? Can we honestly believe that the judge, jury, and defense are all racist? Hardly.

If we go back to the call Trayvon Martin had with Rachel Jeantel at the time if the incident, it has apparently been recorded that Trayvon Martin called George Zimmerman a “creepy a– cracka.” Is that racist? It seems that ““cracka” is a common term used to describe whites.” Could it be that when Martin noticed Zimmerman he became racist against Zimmerman, and thus wanted to do him harm? I am not suggesting he did or didn’t, but merely showing that “possible signs” of racism can be concluded from anyone on either side of the issue.

Kevin A. Thompson’s article “What if Trayvon Martin was My Son?” shows how we can easily see things short-sighted, one-sided, our-sided. He makes a great observation:

“It’s a funny thing about truth: we are so biased by our experiences it is nearly impossible for us to know the whole truth. Yet we are unaware of these biases so we are deceived into thinking we know it all. So when someone disagrees with us we claim they are either ignorant or evil. But often they are neither. Often when people disagree with us, they simply see a different part of the story which we don’t fully see.”

Jesse Lee Peterson’s article “Black Racism Killed Trayvon” shows racism is not contained to one race, but rather every ethnic group battles the inward churning of racism. Also, that there are those who live and are empowered merely because they keep racism alive and well for their gain. He makes the valid point:

“If Jackson, Sharpton and the NAACP hadn’t jumped on the Trayvon Martin case and made it into a racial matter, nobody would have heard of it. His death would have gone unnoticed, just like the more than 500 black youths that were murdered in Chicago in black-on-black violence last year. The attention on the Zimmerman trial is not about justice for Trayvon; it’s about intimidation and dividing the American people along race.”

Racism will govern us as long as we allow it to. In the words of Jesse Lee Peterson: “Whites have to overcome the fear of being called “racist.” Blacks have to be on the side of good and stand for what is right, regardless of race.”

A Vote for Obama was a Vote for the Democratic Party Platform

On November 6, America voted to reelect President Barack Obama, and therefore stand behind (or in unison) with the 2012 Democratic Party Platform. Whether one agrees with every line of it or not, a vote for Obama is an endorsement of the ideals presented by the party. With that in mind, let’s discuss a few of the conflicts the word of God has with such a platform.

[1] The absence or removal of “God” from the platform [n]

Although the language “God-given” was added (or added back) to the platform, it was not there when it was originally presented. Concerned that they might be called “godless” or worse, as the apparent deletion was being shared in the media, they called for a two-thirds vote to reinstate “God” into their platform. Interestingly, the voice vote had to be called three different times, and, even after it was determined that the “yes” votes had won the majority, many even in the very party questioned its validity and were upset about the amendments (even booing [n]). In all fairness, it has been noted that President Obama questioned the missing reference of “God”, but it must be dually noted that it was not until after it had come to light in the media. Had he previously read the platform? Perhaps he did not know it had changed from 2008.

Mark 7:6:

This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

[2] The absence or removal of “Jerusalem the capital of Israel” from the platform [n]

Although including language that states “Jerusalem the capital of Israel” into a platform does not make Jerusalem the capital of Israel – even as removing it does not discredit it – it can be seen as a support or lack of support to a nation we have chosen to stand behind for many years. Taken in conjunction with Obama’s perception concerning Iran and his lack of desire or inability to make time to meet with Israel's leadership in such a time as this seems rather odd. Of course, in all fairness, we may not have been given all of the reasons why, but from the outside it draws scrutiny because of its removal from the 2008 platform and the discontent of party members for its reinstatement into the 2012 platform.

Genesis 12:3

I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

According to President Obama, himself, he is in support of:

[3] A woman’s right to abortion

In the eyes of scripture, abortion (the killing of an unborn baby) is murder. Please see my post [here] for information concerning whether one can hold Christianity in one hand and abortion in the other.

[4] The homosexual’s right to marry

All through the scripture [1] marriage is defined as between a man and a woman, and [2] homosexuality is seen as an act of immorality. We cannot simply overlook this for the sake of “unity”; for “unity” can never be defined by the acceptance of all things.

Isaiah 5:20

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

We cannot call out to God to bless our nation while we do deny His name, shy from support of His people, and approve acts against His word. We must repent America, and choose God’s platform.

Partially Pro-Life is Partially Pro-Choice

In light of the opposing views of Pro-Life and Pro-Choice – also termed by some as Anti-Choice and Anti-Life – can there truly be a mixing of the two, of which one could be labeled as Partial Pro-Life or Conditional Pro-Life?

Although some would like to call themselves Pro-Life, by definition, their stance does not grant them this right. To be Pro is to be “in favor” of a particular position, not merely “in [partial] favor” of a certain belief; therefore, to be Pro-Life is to be “in favor” of life over abortion (death). It is the life of the unborn baby in the womb of their mother which those who are Pro-Life are in favor of ensuring has equal rights [i.e. Choice] to life. When one adds the words [except] to a position, they are no longer completely pro but rather partially (or conditionally) pro to the ideal.

Scripture gives us proof that God sees unborn babies as persons, before they ever come forth from the womb of their mother. Some examples are: [Jacob and Esau] Genesis 25:23 – “And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.” [Jeremiah] Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”[John the Baptist] Luke 1:41 – “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.” Not to mention [Christ], which would take more space than is permitted to even remotely consider the biblical truth of God manifest in the flesh.

To call upon God to bless our nation, we must first acknowledge our lukewarmness when it comes to the biblical truth of abortion. We cannot expect our holy God to bless a people who call Him Lord with our lips, while slaying innocent blood with our hands. “Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” [n] And also said, “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” [n]

As difficult as it may be to go through a situation such as rape or incest, we must remember we cannot allow one sin to lead us to another. God has told us in His Word that life begins at conception and how important children are to Christ. We must hold strong to the truth, even when the trials and tribulations hit so very close to home. 

There is a generation... pt. 4

The fourth part of “There is a generation…” series comes from verse 14 of Proverbs 30 [n].

[vs 14] There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

There is a generation... pt. 3

The third part of “There is a generation…” series comes from verse 13 of Proverbs 30 [n].

[vs 13] There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

Again, there is little doubt to the fact that we live in a day when “every way of a man is right in his own eyes”. [n] From the Christian to the non-Christian, the theist to the atheist, the republican to the democrat, the pro-lifer to the abortionist, the hetero to the homo sexual, there are many varying ideals which encompass America. And while some riot, demand, debate, or merely claim to agree to disagree, the conflict remains ever increasing. I just read an article this morning about persons getting labeled as racist simply because they voiced their right to vote for a white candidate (and they are not white).

Why can’t we just all get along? Simple –

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”[n]

What do I mean by fool? I mean, by looking only to ourselves – our own ideals, presuppositions, selfishness, and limited knowledge – we become foolish in our thinking. By denying God (whether by voice in our unbelief or by action in our lack thereof), refusing to adhere to the core principles and doctrines of scripture (both in word and deed), all the while seeing ourselves in a right standing with God –calling on Him to bless us – is the height of hypocrisy!

Are we not as those who Christ said unto, “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men”?[n] Scripture declares, “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [n]

If we want the blessings of God upon America, then we must “remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works” [n] – i.e. turn from our sin and return to the wisdom of scripture.

There is a generation... pt. 2

The second part of “There is a generation…” series comes from verse 12 of Proverbs 30 [n].

[vs 12] There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

There is little doubt to the fact that we live in a day when “every way of a man is right in his own eyes”. [n] And furthermore, we are easily justified (or pure) in our own eyes. We fail – or even refuse – to see ourselves as unclean or our righteousness (all of our works) as merely filthy rags; [n] for we are “lovers of [our] own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” [n]

America (even within the Church) is full of the works of the flesh; namely, “Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” [n] These are in direct conflict with the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance.” [n]

As Christians, we are told to “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” – BUT this does not mean to be silent or complacent, and allow sin to go unquestioned and not brought into accountability. The passage continues, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” [n]

We, no doubt, find it easier to condemn (and blame all of America’s problems on) those who promote atheism, abortion, fornication, homosexuality, and the things we see contrary to scripture, but the fact remains God has said, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” [n] “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” [n]