Some months ago I wrote the following article and posted on my blog. The more recent stand made by Ted Cruz provides more reason for those that stand for righteousness to get to their feet and relent not to oppressive opposition. It is time to stand not only for a country but also the Word of God.
Taking a Stand
Recently Rand Paul, Kentucky Senator, took to the Senate floor in Washington D.C. He did not take to the floor because he had nothing else to do. In fact Paul had no plans of filibustering. But he had had enough with lies, untruths and misleading insinuations in respect to the use of drones and the prospective Central Intelligence Agency director’s view of such practices. His stand on the Senate floor was a stand to return to The Constitution and the principles which it holds.
After nearly thirteen hours Paul’s stand proved to be effective. Some have asked questions regarding the constitutionality of the use of drones at best the answers were evasive. So, Paul sought to take a stand for The Constitution and a victory was won. The report is that:
The filibuster was a tactical win. Paul delayed the vote on Brennan because he was seeking White House clarification on what limits they believe the law places on the use of drones to kill Americans. He got his answer. Attorney General Eric Holder promptly sent a response on Thursday. During his afternoon briefing, White House press secretary Jay Carney emphasized that the administration had responded to Paul. “The answer to that question is no,” Mr. Carney reiterated.[1]
With this evidence of taking a stand for what is right won out. But Paul is not the only one taking a stand for The Constitution. Many sheriffs are up in arms about the very idea that some politicians are working tirelessly to strip the rights of the people to “keep and bear arms” (U.S. Constitution, Article 2). The false premise is to protect the children in wake of the slaughter of many at one school. And while no one will argue against the tragic loss of all human lives had there been one person properly trained and armed those lives might have been saved. Nonetheless employing the Sandy Hook tragedy into the “gun control” discussion is within itself tragic. Even so many are standing for The Constitution.
A number of politicians are seeking a number of ways to greatly limit this absolute right. For instance the State of Maryland presently has in place regulations stating that one needs to prove that he needs to carry a firearm before being given a permit. With this regulation in place the courts have determined that the requirement is too stringent and needs to fall more in line with The Constitution. As of this writing necessary changes have yet to be made but some are standing for The Constitution. So, too, are the sheriffs in Nevada. They refuse to give in to the political overtures of those that seek only to strengthen their own hands of power rather they stand firmly for The Constitution. The report is that “Stating they support citizens’ right to bear arms, the Nevada Sheriff’s Association last week issued a letter signed by all 17 sheriffs declaring their intention to uphold the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.”[2]
Along the same lines Sheriff James Singleton refuses to relent to winds that would tear at the very fundamental values that have kept this nation strong for more the two centuries. He is taking a stand by upholding The Constitution and has made that very clear with these words:
That oath has not changed, nor have I wavered in my promise to keep that oath. And as long as I am your sheriff, I will continue to uphold that oath. My deputies and I “will not support, assist or condone any unconstitutional infringement of your right to keep and bear arms as set forth in the Second Amendment.
Changes in our laws do need to be made to keep criminals and the mentally impaired from being able to obtain firearms. So many times people with mental problems wind up in jail on some petty charge until someone can find a place for treatment. Jail is not the place for persons with mental issues.[3]
Many applauds are made for those that hold to the truism of a great and wonderful nation. Stands certainly need to be made and those that stand for what is right deserve utmost accolades. But whatever happened to those that are supposed to uphold the standards of Scripture? Where are those that confess that they trust in the Most High? Is there a reason unbeknownst to the general populous that would cause the otherwise brave-hearted to retreat to a world of passivity and apathy? While these are certainly rhetorical questions the fact of the matter is that it is high time for Christians to take a stand.
Ephesians 6:12-14 reads, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” In this the evidence shows that the Christian will face certain contrary winds. The winds will come from the ungodly as well as the unrighteous. Opposition comes from the spiritual realm as well as the natural. Despite this the Christian is encouraged to stand and then stand again.
Much like The Constitution the Word of God is under attack. There are many that want God out of the picture as they want The Constitution to be nonexistent. Yet God is not to be ignored. He is and will continue to be. Nevertheless Christians need to take a stand. The stand is upholding that which is true and right. It is not compromising because of the lack of popularity, or the appearance thereof, of the Standard rather it is holding fast in the face of what seeks to tear down that which is true. It is holding onto the vow to serve God even if it means our own demise. After all if the Christian is in fact a disciple of God then he is a martyr. Taking a stand means that there is none more important than that which is stood for. It is high time that passivity and apathy became things of the past and that the Christian put on his boots and take a stand!
Many in our nation wonder why there have been little to no success not only in their personal lives but also in the nation at large. The economy is worse than it has been since the Great Depression. Immorality is on the rise and violence seems to be the order of the day in many of our cities. Yet a cursory look at the spiritual condition of not just the citizens at large but also at the political leaders clearly shows that there is a pulling from God in exchange for ungodly persuasions that seek only to further the work of our common enemy.
This phenomenon is not new to mankind. Recall the books of Chronicles wherein regal recounting of the events of God’s people showed most of the kings of Israel operated outside the law of God. As a result of these ungodly actions Israel fell into sin on a number of levels. Despite the sins of a nation Solomon had enough regard that he humbled himself in prayer as he reflected on the promises God made to his father David. Yet Solomon did not pray secretly but as the leader of a nation he prayed before the people. The prayer of Solomon is recorded in II Chronicles chapter six.
God responded to Solomon’s prayer in II Chronicles chapter seven. While Solomon sought God’s blessings earlier God promises to uphold His Word. However there were conditions to God’s blessings and those conditions are noted in II Chronicles 7:14:
“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.”
One action that stands out in God’s requirements is that the people of God “turn from their wicked ways.” To turn from wicked ways means to repent of those ways. The first step to repentance is to first acknowledge that there are wicked ways. Wickedness is abominable and pulls from the holiness of God. Psalm fifty-one is an excellent example of acknowledging the evil that men often indulge in. Yet the simple acknowledgement of our sinful nature is sufficient to begin the road to healing and the ultimate turning from sin which is the catalyst of true repentance. With this it is evident that God called His people to repentance.
After the repentance the promise is that there would be a healing of the land. While many may see this healing as the healing of the earth there is no doubt that the spirit of mean dwells in earthen vessels. And if man dwells in earthen vessels and God will forgive the sin and heal the land then it can be extended to say that there will be healing in the bodies of those that seek after God while turning from sinful lifestyles. This healing can be further extended to the idea of not only bodies being healed but also reconciliation cannot be ignored as a consequence of repentance. Acts 3:19:
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
The idea of sins being blotted out might be counted synonymous with healing. When sins are no longer present then the people of God are placed in a right relationship with God. With this right relationship in place the people of God can then enjoy Messianic blessings that extend from healing refreshment.
Yet there are many that continue in sin thinking that they can simply make a verbal request for forgiveness only because they want to be forgiven for wrongdoings even while there is neither change of heart nor change of actions. But shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid! God is not fooled by pretentious words of false remorse. Neither do truculent attitudes of self-righteousness move Him. Rather God is moved by a contrite spirit coupled by humility.
Even so there are many that continue in wickedness. For instance there a number of people that see reason to lie to suit their own benefits. Repentance is necessary. Others have sought divorce against undeserving spouses. Repentance is necessary. Thieves need also to repent as well as truce breakers and gossipers. Whatever thing that is in your life that is not pleasing to God needs to be exterminated while we pull closer to the majesty of God. And when this is done there will be forgiveness, there will be right standing and there will be the healing of our land.
My prayer of Repentance
Heavenly Father, I come before you asking you to forgive me of any evil way that is found in me. Father, I want to serve you with all my heart and want nothing more than to be in good standing with you. I am truly sorry for any thought that I did not take into captivity. I did not mean to utter hurtful words to anyone. Neither did I mean to misrepresent your love. I am so very sorry for any that I may have misled. I did not mean to.
Father, I am also asking your forgiveness for not being the witness you have called me to be. Sometimes my attitude is not acceptable and there are times when I just don’t listen. I am sorry and ask that you create in me a more perfect heart.
Thank you so much for your forgiveness.
It cannot be said enough that holiness is a way of life required by God of His people. Holiness is not a mere suggestion of upright living rather it is a mandate to live outside the dictates of worldviews which are contrary to God’s Word. Even with this simplicity in explanation many seem utterly confused as to what holiness consists of and leave the matter to those clergy members who have no choice but to be holy. Yet scriptural text is not specific to clergy members alone rather the standards are required of all who name the Name of Christ.
The matter of holiness was addressed in considerable detail by Paul to the church at Galatia. He pointed out some very specific hedonistic practices that not only pull from holiness but also lend to the probability of eternal damnation if the practices continued. Galatians 5:19-21 points out “the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; 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.”
Many Christians are very familiar with some of the issues raised in this text yet many choose to overlook many of them for reason of convenience or even more sinister reasons. Most understand that the cry against adultery is a call for monogamous sexual relations in marriage yet the idea of fornication is often limited to heterosexual sex outside of marriage. This is a fallacy that needs to be debunked on every level. While fornication does include the noted definition the idea goes well beyond this over simplicity. Fornication includes all sexual sin including pedophilia, homosexuality, lesbianism and bestiality. As such the call to return to sex in marriage between one man and one woman only is a return to holiness.
However, Paul did not only address matters of sexual impurity. Matters of the heart also prove to be prominent in his admonishment to turn a people to holiness. The fact is that the hearts of some people are contentious and seek to fight no matter the situation. They choose not to live in peace and are continually seeking ways to create strife on one end or the other. Paul calls this condition “variance.” Scripture advises us to live in peace (II Corinthians 13:11) yet variance is the antithesis of peace. Sowing seeds of discord and backbiting brings about matters that pull away from the idea of holiness through peace.
And there are other acts that are not conducive to Christendom. Drunkenness and dancing in the streets also pull form holiness. Paul calls the idea of dancing in the street with drunkenness “reveling” yet so many see no harm in this practice. It is true that this type of partying has moved from the streets, in most cases, into clubs and other venues. Yet the idea remains the same while the party goers honor false deities or other “icons” under the guises of having a good time. Further complicating the matter of reveling many have pulled this unholy practice into the House of God. Yes, the Christian can enjoy life but reveling and partying is an unholy alliance with the standard of godliness.
This brief overview of holiness points out the fact that God is holy. Those that worship Him must do so with not only the actions of holiness but also a life exemplifying the life of Jesus as well as an attitude that seeks only to please God. If the attitude to please God is pure in nature then the idea of holiness is not a matter for the clergy alone but is a matter for those that enjoy being an heir with Christ and being part of a holy nation.
I have visited a number of churches over the years. While I greatly enjoy spending time with the people of God I have found that many congregants lack understanding of proper church protocol. With that I am wondering if I should go on tour teaching church etiquette to those bodies wherein the pastor would welcome such an idea.
So, if you are a pastor or have some authority in your local house and desire such a service or know of a body that could benefit please let me know. If you want to contact me visit my site christianperspective.intuitwebsites.com/ and fill out the “Request Information” dialogue box.
God Speed!
Looking at the societal impact on Christianity one would think that holiness is a thing of the past. One can hardly tell the difference between the Christian and the non-Christian. Holiness has nearly become a curse word even in Houses of Worship. Moreover, the idea of holiness has become just shy of being taboo even among those that say that love God. Things have become so bad that it has become extremely difficult to differentiate between the church and the club.
The fact of the matter is that God is not pleased with this lack of holiness. God has made it known early on that He requires a high standard of His people. Exodus 22:31 points to that high standard without equivocation. The words “And ye shall be holy men unto me” is not a mere suggestion of how God wants His people rather it is a mandate that the people of God be separate and apart from the world in every aspect of life. God requires holiness of His people because of His own holiness (Leviticus 11:44). His is not in the world nor can God be part of the world system. And, if Christians are to immolate the teachings of Christ neither can they be a party to the things of the world that pull from holiness.
Paul recognized the lack of holiness in the Corinthian church. The people were found not only sympathetic with nonbelievers but that they also became party to much of what God called them out from. Among the things they gave in to was the idea of hedonistic practices which were the antithesis of the teaching of Christ. Yet the same practices are common today. The idea is if it feels good, do it. Hence we have many “Christian” entities endorsing homosexuality because the practice of this sin does not hurt anyone. It is the sexual preference of those involved and there is no one can determine who someone else will love. Still, the Scripture requires that the followers of Christ “come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (II Corinthians 6:17). This declaration by Paul is a call to holiness.
While the way some act in the walls of the church building is quite sickening it is only a type of the way they act outside the church. God never intended the church to be like the world. In fact, the word “church” stems from the Greek ecclesia which means “the called out ones.” This is to say the Church, which is the people, are called out from the world in order to promote the virtues of Christ. It means the influence of the world at best minimally impacts those that seek to please the Most High. The idea of coming out from among them that that live riotous lives means that there is no conforming to the world or the world’s ideas (Romans 12:2).
This is why the idea of “Christian” alternatives must be taken issue with. Nowhere in the scriptural text is there any suggestion that the people of God are to seek alternatives to the world. This idea of alternatives only creates double standards among what is supposed to be a holy people. The fact is that if a certain thing derived from the things of the world that very thing or idea has no place among God’s people. It does not matter if it is ungodly dress, music or even ways of speaking; ungodliness is ungodliness and has no place among the people of God. It is high time the people of God relented on acquiescing to the dictates of the world choosing rather stand on the truths of the Word of God.
The lack of holiness not only means displeasure for God but also is a certainty for eternal damnation. Hebrews 12:14 clearly shows that holiness is a prerequisite for seeing God and without holiness, no man shall see God. If anyone does not see God it means that he is totally separated from God. Holiness, then, is not a simple way of thinking rather it is a way of life. This is because “God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness (I Thessalonians 4:7). Holiness means that there are distinct differences between the Christian and the non-Christian. The two have nothing in common.
The Church needs to return the old landmarks of holiness. Christians need to be holy in where they go, holy in what they see and holy in what they do. There should be neither smell nor likeness of the world on the Christian. Christians are called to be a holy nation and if holiness is not prevalent in Christendom that it could be safely argued that those claiming Christianity may well be not Christians by reason of their lack of holiness. Yes, it is high time the Christian returned to holiness.
preachercarter 