Tag: Freedom

The Real American Dream

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Christendom, FreedomLeave a comment

In light of some of the problems that plague the United States many have either forgotten or have never know what the “American dream” is really about. There is a considerable lack of understanding of why our founding fathers fled the oppressive hand of one, King George. Well, there is little sense in rewriting the history books. However, it serves great purpose to examine two points of interest in respect to the founding of the United States as it relates to the American dream.

Item one – The matter of religious freedom under King George was much less than a misnomer. One had to essentially celebrate his way or no way. This is to say that King George preferred a State religion. It was, in a manner of speaking, a type of the bondage held by the Romans over the Jews. The Israelites were not allowed to worship God as they desired. They had to worship predicated upon the desires of the ruling authority. This was the problem between King George and those that sought freedom.

The real American dream had much to do with religious freedom. The preamble of the Constitution of the United States points to our Creator. It is our Creator that affords us the freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights. The chief freedom is that of religion (or Christianity) as seen by our founding fathers. The 1st Amendment says in part that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” Hence, part of the American dream is one that allows the free worship of God without interference from Government. Note, the Amendment says nothing about freedom from religion, as some purport. Instead, the Christian need not hide or celebrate in private. He has every right to worship God publically without fear of governmental retaliation.

Still, there are those that seek to destroy Christianity. Christians are the only group of people wherein it is politically correct to offend and attack. Christians are the only ones forced to acquiesce to things contrary to the teachings of Scripture. Moreover, when Christians stand for godly virtues they are called everything but the children of God. Well, this is not what the founding fathers had in mind and this is not pleasing to God. The question, then, is where is the American dream for Christians desiring only to please God?

Item two – Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution discusses taxation. This is important because King George had no trouble imposing high taxes on the people. Among the taxes imposed on the young Colonies were the Tea, Quartering and Stamp taxes. None of these taxes did anything to aid America (not yet the United States) but served only to bolster the British desire. This was, in essence, theft of labour. This is why taxation, as outlined in the Constitution, was designed to be limited in scope and for the specific purpose of defending the homeland. The exact verbiage in part is, “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States.”

Now, some argue that taxes should be high. Some even seek to biblical reason for such actions. While it is good and wonderful for the people to be generous and give of their labour it is not encumbered upon the Government to force such generosity. This is tantamount to slavery. Instead, part of the American dream is a dream to work and be successful. Some will fail and others will not. This really does not matter; the pursuit of happiness means there will be a struggle and that struggle comes in many forms. Financial stability, without an oppressive tax system, goes a long way to securing the American dream.

Many things can be addressed and the Constitution can be juxtaposed with Scripture on many fronts. And that is the point – freedom and the real American dream is a dream of worshipping God, even with our money, away from the oppressive hand of King George and the like.

 

Yet Another Vote

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Christendom, Vote1 Comment

Yes, it is true. Today I went and took advantage of early voting in Texas. There is no surprise that once again my vote was for freedom. Honesty must prevail when I say that I did not recognize all the names on the list. It was a rather extensive list. That only goes to show that I perhaps should have done a bit more homework. Be that as it may, I did enough research to know that freedom was my ultimate motive for voting. Freedom is an issue that I chose not to overlook and is a matter that I made paramount as I pulled the lever. Freedom is a matter that deserves one vote and then another.

It is for this reason that voting should be done in more than one way. Yes, one can go to the polling place and carefully select issues that are important to him. This is part of what is called the democratic process. However, it is not enough to simply pull the electoral lever in favour of freedom. Freedom must be lived no matter where the voter is. This means that one action must be in line with the vote he made. Let me explain.

As a minister of the Gospel I implore people to live a life complimentary of scriptural teaching. This is a vote not so much in the proclamation of Christian virtues as it is in living out those virtues. The same is true when one casts his vote for freedom. One cannot simply say that his vote is for freedom. He must have a lifestyle emblematic of that freedom. He must know when to evoke such freedoms and know when not to evoke them. The fact is there is more than one way to vote and one such way is in action.

Some might recall the time I left Baltimore a couple years ago. The State of Maryland has proven to be oppressive and not wanting to adhere to the Constitution. I had had enough. So, when the opportunity presented itself I decided to vote with my feet. And, vote I did. I voted for freedom on a number of fronts. I did not use the ballot box; I used another freedom. I am free to live in any State in this union so I decided to vote with my feet. I used actions that afforded me the ability to live as a free man should. I made yet another vote.

Those calling themselves Christians also have opportunity to vote. The votes, though, are not made under the watchful eyes of state election judges. Instead, this vote is looked upon by a Holy and Righteous God. You see, there are many that make votes on Sunday mornings. They vote to let Jesus into their lives while they choose to lay aside the sin that separated them from God. They realize that “He who the Son has set free is free indeed (John 8:36). There is a longing for the freedom and words of repentance are made to that end.

Unfortunately many choose not to vote for that freedom by reason of their lifestyles. Some try to live a double life, secret service saints, as it were. There is a tendency to Christianity on Sunday mornings and one for hedonism during the rest of the week.  The true vote is not for the freedom provided by Christ. The vote is for diabolical celebrations proving only to widen the way of destruction. This is a dangerous double standard which only pulls from freedom.

Yes, in these United States we are in the midst of a heated presidential election. There is fighting on every side. Some are fighting for freedom while others seek forms of certain slavery. Yet, there is another vote. That vote has more to do with our lifestyles. This vote has to do with how we choose to live our lives. If we live for Christ and His standards then our vote is freedom. If we cave in to the sultry, seductive world of what feels good for the moment then our vote is for bondage. Choose you this day whom you will serve. As for me, I and my house will serve the Lord. We have cast our vote and we will live in such a way as to please the Lord.

Freely Speaking

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Freedom, Salvation1 Comment

From the time I heard of the incident outside Dallas, Texas I became a bit more incensed concerning the attacks on freedom of speech in this nation. Freedom of speech is a thing I freely use not only for political reasons but also as I speak concerning the things of God. I have said many times that I will not relent to the overtures of those that seek to silence opposing thoughts and I will not cease to stand now.  The 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America guarantees that we can speak freely without consequence from the government. If adherents of Islam take issue with the pictorial contest in Garland then perhaps they should move to a land wherein free speech is reserved only for those in power.

In these United States the right to free speech is unabridged. Despite that there are some that seek to silence those with whom they disagree. Consider, for instance, the “Fairness Doctrine.” With some, dissenters to certain view points are nothing less than bigots or suffer with some sort of newly discovered phobia. The problem is that the Constitution does not limit speech; instead it limits the government from controlling speech – especially religious and political speech.

With that let me say clearly that I have had my fill of Islamist coming to this country in an attempt to change it. We welcome all, including Muslims, with open arms in this country. Yes, it is true that Christians would love to see the adherents to Islam, as well as others, come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ and accept Him as Lord and Saviour. However, if individuals choose not Christ Christians do not seek to chop off the heads of those who will not follow. Lovers of Christ seek only to love dissenters to Christianity with the hopes of someday winning them. No, there is no desire to chop off the heads of non-believers from the Christian world. There is no desire to force acceptance of Christ by way of forced contrition.

With that I will freely speak because, first and foremost, I have been provided that freedom, not because of the Constitution, rather because of the freedom that rests in the Word of God. I am tired of those that attach Christianity and its tenants, yet I do not seek to destroy those who disagree with me. I believe, not just by reason of head knowledge, that the Word of God brings with it deliverance. That deliverance means that I do not have to succumb to things that pull from the truth. Additionally, as a Christian I have the choice (freedom) to live as I desire. Yet my desire is to please my Father. I rest in the comfort of the gifts of the Spirit and have no problem employing them in my life. How can I deny so great a salvation?

Some would dare say the recent events in Baltimore and Ferguson had much to do with free speech. Somehow it seems to me that free speech has little to do with vandalism. I am not certain what free speech has to do with theft. I fail to see how one can speak freely with the intent of disobeying laws that are intended to protect the rights of all. Well, dare I freely speak and say that those committing these crimes were not exercising their constitutional rights. They were not standing for justice wherein injustice had raised its head. Instead they took advantage of a situation and allowed the thug nature of criminal acts to spring forth. Yes, it has become politically incorrect to call thugs thugs as now it is racist. Well, if it walks like a thug, acts like a thug and sounds like a thug then it must be a thug: if I can say so.

The thing about freedom is that it impacts all that embrace it. Interestingly, it also impacts those that oppose it. Freedom is not limited to those that purposely walk in it. Instead, freedom reaches to all; even those that seek its destruction. With this I will continue to freely speak. I will continue to cry loud and spare not the truth of the Gospel. I would that all come and embrace the freedom of the Gospel whilst they lay down the vitriol that pulls from freedom. If there is to be destruction let us tear at the old man so as to be renewed in the Spirit of Love. If there is to be theft let there be stealing away to Jesus. If we must succumb to anything it might be best if we succumb to the freedom of the Word of God.

Are We Yet Slaves?

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Freedom1 Comment

The annals of history show the early days of the United States fraught with slavery.  It was a time that tainted the flag of freedom showed as a cloak of burden. The slavery in the United States presented an institution that was anti-Constitutional, yet many fought to keep certain of the citizens downtrodden by hatred and selfishness. Slavery meant that segments of the population were under the control of the masters with no freedom to choose or live any other way except as instructed. The ever-present bondage meant that the slave was beholden to his master no matter the slave’s desire.

There were also instances wherein slaves were freed. The freed slaves were no longer beholden to their masters. However, some slaves chose to live in a state of slavery except they were often counted as indentured servants. They chose to stay because in the master’s house there was comfort. There was a place to sleep, and food to eat. There was no need to buy food because the master took care of everything. As long as they stayed with the master the master made sure they were well.

Not much has changed in these United States. There is still slavery except that the slaves are not bound by chains. Some have been freed from the harsh taskmaster, yet they have given him allegiance because of the things he provides. Often these taskmasters present all the comforts that can be had. Fame and fortune sometimes come with giving in to a taskmaster that loves only what can be done to further his own mission. However, there is no true freedom. There is nothing but constant appeasing of the thing that seeks only destruction.

The fact of the matter is that there is no reason for anyone to be enslaved. This is particularly true when it comes to sin. While it is true that the sin nature of man is natural it is more natural for the Son of God to come and provide a path of freedom from the sin. His vicarious death on the cross meant that no one has to give in to the bondage of the yoke of sin. All one needs to do is accept the atoning death of Christ as atonement for his own sin. However, there are those that choose to live in the bondage of sin, even though the Messiah has shed His blood so that sin can no longer have mastery of its subjects.

Galatians 5:1 shows Paul encouraging the church at Galatia with the words “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” The yoke Paul refers to is sin. Sin is a relentless slave master that promises all the world while doing nothing more than pulling the slave deeper into the abyss of death and destruction. Are we yet slaves to sin? Must we give our lives for a few comforts and a little pleasure?  Must we remain in bondage so as to seal our eternal fate out of the presence of a loving God?

The fact is that Christ did make us free. In His freedom, the liberty is without bounds. All we need do is shed the robes of sin and replace those robes with the garments of praise. The praise will serve only to keep sin far from the one singing praises while building that relationship between God and man. And then there are those that choose not to walk in the liberty provided by Christ. There are some who chose to stay with the slave master who will only use them until they can be used no more. Are we yet slaves? Must we where the yoke of bondage that serves only to choke the life out of us?

Living as a slave to sin is living to fulfill the lust of the flesh. Adultery, fornication, and uncleanness are tools of the slave trade. Must we give in to lasciviousness and idolatry? Are witchcraft, hatred, and variance so important that we must relent our freedom? Are we yet slaves to wrath, strife, and seditions? Must we give in to Envyings, murders, drunkenness, and reveling? Do we have to lay down our freedom for the temporary fulfillment of desire?

The death of Jesus served to set man free from the power of sin. Sin enslaves and separates while salvation joins and liberates. If Christ died for our sin are we yet slaves to sin?

Stop the Divide

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Freedom10 Comments

Many may remember that then Senator Barack Obama took to the campaign trail and ran in great part as the President who will finally bring everyone together. There would be no more divisions predicated upon the idea of “race” as this half Black (perhaps true African-American) and half White man would understand the plight of all and be able to find ground whereupon all would be on a level playing field. Many voted for this future President because they thought him to be the one uniquely able to unite all and that he would be the very one for the downcast, downtrodden and the broken. Many of the same voters have since had buyer’s remorse.

However this nation has not been so divided since the Civil War. Some might recall the feigned war on women fighting against those who see every human life as precious; even the unborn children. This divide was not to be outdone by those who touted the unfairness of the riches of the so called one percent causing deeper and widening divides among the populace. Our President has also weighed in on divides among the people groups of the land turning young against old and Black against White. Some might recall how one set of police In Massachusetts were said to have acted “stupidly” in one case and how Travon Martin might look like the President. Now the police are under attack by not just the President but also Attorney General Eric Holder and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Of course we can’t leave race baiters Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson from the equation. Additionally to ignore SEIU, which might be behind some of the latest protests would be remiss.

The fact of the matter is that this country cannot be destroyed from the outside. It must be destroyed from within. In order to fundamentally change this country there must be multiple divides and attacks against the very founding of this country. The pretense that our Founders were racist from the onset and that equality for all meant leaving out certain others does very little to bridge real gaps in this wonderful country. Most people in this nation are not racist rather are a loving people that want nothing more than to live peaceably with all in as much as possible. This sentiment has been made evident by many yet there are those such as Sharpton that make a living by dividing an otherwise loving people.

It is past time this country began to lay aside the resounding hateful rhetoric of those that seek only riches by dividing the masses. It is time that all men, women, boys and girls reach for the reality that they, as individuals, are fearfully and wonderfully made. These United States are one nation under the True and Living God and this nation cannot and should not lay down its Judeo-Christian founding and values. Instead individuals need to reconcile with God and serve God without fear of a tyrannical government that further seeks to divide a Christian nation from the God of all. As a nation mere idiosyncratic ideologies need to give way to the freedom provided by the Constitution with a limited government. This is to say this nation needs to return to the roots of freedom provided by biblical and constitutional standards.

The fact is that divides seek only to destroy a people. Consider, for instance, divorce. This is among the most hateful divides against any people. It tears at all involved normally because of selfish reasons. The hurt and pain can last for years while tearing at the family economic status. Things are not much different when a nation is torn apart. Very few prosper when a nation tears from itself. The converse is that when a nation comes together many good things happen. Love begins to abound while those that seek hatred are minimized. People work together no matter the complexion of their skin. Peace becomes the order of the day while families and communities grow stronger because of a diminishing divide.

So, Mr. Sharpton, Mr. Jackson, Mr. de Blasio, Mr. Holder and Mr. President you are urged to stop the divide. Your words and actions have been divisive at the very least. This country needs leadership that will strengthen the common factor we all enjoy. That factor is freedom. We need the freedom of the law, which is the Constitution to let this nation stand. We need the freedom of worship. We need to be free from the false narrative of all things racist so that we can all join hand-in-hand as a people indivisible standing for the liberty that Christ has prepared for us all.

Again I Voted for Freedom

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Freedom3 Comments

Yes, I did it again. I found my way to the early voting polling place recently. You have heard the story of how I did this very same thing in Baltimore a couple years ago. Yes, I voted early because I bemoan those long lines and loud people. What I bemoan even more is the lack of freedom that some seek to impose on this wonderful nation. With that I had no choice but to return to the polls as had been in the past in order to cast my mark for freedom. Yet before my vote was cast I paid attention to what was going on. I listened to the arguments of the contestants and knew that again I had to vote for freedom.

This is another matter that had to be taken personally. This is because there remain some in these United States of America that choose not freedom. Consider the many fights over individuals flying the United States flag on their property. This is a flag that resembles a free land. The red stands for the shed blood of those before us while the white stands for the purity of a free people and the blue for the loyalty of same. Well, I have had my fill of those who attack those choosing to express patriotism by flying the flag of the United States of America. That is a flag that I joined the Marine Corps to fight for. It is that flag that I learned to respect as a boy scout. It is because of the flag that I again voted for freedom.

As important as that flag is there is one thing more important than the flag that some want to trample upon. You see not only I am a natural born citizen of the United States I am also a staunch Christian to which I make no apologies. The Bible is in fact the Word of God and it is upon that Word that I stand. And when some tell me that I have to keep my Christian worldview to myself my freedom is greatly infringed upon. Even more Romans 6:7 declared that “He who the Son has set free is free indeed.” Well, I choose to walk in that freedom. I choose to wear that freedom on my sleeve and I will not hold back the truths of the word of God simply because some choose not freedom. While I love my country I love my God even more so once again I voted for freedom.

There is another document that affords me freedom. In fact much of the freedom by this document comes from the freedom of the Word of God. The Constitution of the United States of America specifically affords the citizens (not illegal immigrants) specific freedoms and specifically limits the government. A big government is not the mark of a free people rather a small government that allows freedom to live and breathe without the hand of a tyrannical government making and forcing decisions that have nothing to do with freedom. My vote went toward a small manageable government not one seeking to dictate my every move. Yes, I enjoy the freedom to worship and all other freedoms afforded by the Constitution so that again I voted for freedom.

In order to have freedom one must first have life. If life is prematurely snuffed out then there is no freedom. This is why I stand for those who would be killed before they are born. These people are not choices rather that are human beings that have been formed in the wombs of their mothers. How dare we decide who should live and who should die? How dare we abort simply because that new life would be an imposition? That unborn person deserves to be free and for that unborn person I voted. Life and freedom most definitely go hand in hand so again my vote was cast for freedom.

Economic freedom is another that only builds a strong people. The idea of raising the minimal wage (for which no such idea can be found in the Constitution) serves only to push some out of employment while raising the costs of goods and services. That is not freedom. That will only pull freedom from some and redistribute wealth to those who were pushed out of the work force. Instead I voted for the freedom of the free market wherein businesses are not over taxed. I voted for the freedom of hardworking people setting the course for their only lives. I voted for the freedom of energy independence. I voted for a nation to be prosperous and competitive in every possible way. I will not give in to the idea that economic freedom is tantamount to the love of money. So because I want economic freedom for me and mine again I voted for freedom.

The list of freedoms I voted for are nearly endless. I love the Lord Jesus Christ and the entire Godhead and I will fight for the freedom to worship until I can fight no more. I love my country and vowed to defend it against all enemies foreign and domestic. I voted to secure the freedom of a free loving people so I encourage one and all to join me in not just a right but also a responsibility as again I voted for freedom!

Voting With My Feet

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized3 Comments

There is no doubt that Maryland is a beautiful State with some wonderful attractions. The mountains in the west are spectacular and Fort McHenry in Baltimore cannot be compared with any other monument. There are also some wonderful people and things to do that causes one to simply enjoy life at its fullest. And, it is true that life can be greatly enjoyed until the State government intervenes and takes away freedom and enjoyment.

Consider for a moment the outrageous taxes and fees in the State of Maryland. It is the only State in the union with a rain tax. Moreover the toll fees are steadily climbing to the extent that the citizens are being limited in travels only because of the fees. This just flies in the face of freedom. While on the subject of freedom, in the matter of  taking taxes Baltimore is not to be outdone with its bottle tax which has forced businesses such as Santonies to close because of the lost business. So freedom has been taken away from those who have chosen to work yet cannot because of taxation. And now Mayor Stephanie Blake and the City Council are considering a ten cent bag tax. For real?

Also for consideration are the attacks on the United States Constitution. The Bill of Rights clearly provides freedom for citizens to “keep and bear arms” yet the State of Maryland, Governor Martin O’Malley and many State delegates seek to disarm the law abiding citizens and, by extension, arming the law breakers. One must nearly be dead by reason of attack in order to obtain a permit to carry.  It just seems that this is not freedom and not what the founding fathers had in mind.

However, freedom was not the idea of our founding fathers rather it was and is the principle of our heavenly Father. Throughout biblical text the idea of freedom screams from the pages stemming from the freedom to decide to serve God, to worship Him or to live contrary to the principles of our Creator. No matter what one decides, freedom to make decisions (whether good or bad) is because God affords His people freedom.

This is why I voted with my feet. While I love my home State and city of Baltimore I detest the idea of the lack of freedom. I could not even get my company growing because of the lack of freedom to grow. Not only that, it was nearly impossible to find a great income source because of the multiplicity of regulations hindering a freedom loving people. So, I had no choice. A change had to be made. Freedom must be had and the freedom I will have. So, recently with my feet I voted.

Yes, I was called and offered a rare opportunity in the State of Texas. When called my hesitation level was a negative zero. I knew I had to make the move. I knew that running to freedom was far better than abiding in bondage. Texas, where everything is big except its income tax because it has none and a free people don’t need freedom taken by removing the rewards of labour. Texas, a State where the Second Amendment is encouraged rather than frowned upon. Texas, a State where the people enjoy this little idea called freedom.

I am not ashamed to say that the other day I voted with my feet. I answered the call to come to Texas and so I took a train bound for freedom. Yes, there are some things and some people that I left behind. The things I will recover and the people can choose as I have; vote for freedom.  Freedom, the God-given idea given to a people who will not let the rudiments of the enemy squash what God has provided. So, Governor O’Malley; see here Mayor Rawlings-Blake, let it be known far and wide that you would not hear my cry so I voted: I voted for my God given right of freedom. I voted with my feet.

The Gettysburg Address

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Executive Mansion, Washington, , 186 . Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that “all men are created equal” Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for those who died here, that the nation might live. This we may, in all propriety do. But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate — we can not consecrate — we can not hallow, this ground– The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; while it can never forget what they did here. It is rather for us, the living, to stand here, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that, from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people by the people for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Fight the Fight

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized1 Comment

     It seems that everywhere we turn there is one squabble after another. This is evident in the United States today as there are more fights than can be repeated here. There are fights against and for homosexuality, abortion, capital punishment, immigration and many more subjects. A major fight taking place even as these words are being penned is taking place in the United States Capital in respect to the financing of the country. There are some that that argue that the Affordable Healthcare Act is anything but affordable while it heavily taxes the people while intruding into their personal lives. These are the ones that are standing and fighting for what they see as right and lawful.

     But fighting is no new thing in this country. Recall, for instance, the Revolutionary War. After that was the Civil war and then the fight for the rights of the Constitution to be equally applied to all citizens without regard to skin tone. Each of these fights was hard and many lives were lost because the fight was not for mere ideology rather the fights were for freedom. That freedom was to be recognized in the unabridged worship of God, the right to be free in a free land and the right to be free in the fundamental democratic processes. Of course there were objections yet the tireless fighting of those that stood for right prevailed over oppressive governments and Godless people.

     Such is the case for Christians today. We are being attacked from every angle for every reason. Christians are told that they are bigots and hate mongers merely because they have chosen to stand on the Word of God without compromise. Even worse some Christians are being killed and otherwise abused and tortured throughout the world for no other reason than the fact that they are Christians. Despite this Christians are not called to a life of apathetic acquiescing rather we are called to stand in the face of the petulant oppressors that seek only the demise of the righteous.  

     Paul had similar problems. He had to fight and contend with some that chose to ignore the Word of God and oppress not only Paul but also others that chose to follow God. In this vein Paul found reason to encourage Timothy. There was unrighteousness going on at every hand pulling from the faithful teachings of Christ. With this Paul encouraged Timothy in I Timothy 6:12 with the words “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” This fight meant that Timothy was not to give in to the immorality of the day rather he was to stand and hold up the blood-stained banner with all boldness and confidence.

     As such I argue strongly that those of us that name the Name of Jesus to strap on our instruments of war as described in Ephesians 6:12-17 which 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;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

     Nobody said the fight would be easy neither is there any indication that there will be no casualties. Still the fight is for freedom for by freedom we live and without freedom we die. We must fight because freedom, on many fronts, is on the brink of collapse. This is something that is the antitheses to the Constitution and more importantly the Word of God. Yes, we must lay down the clothing of apathetic acquiescing and put on war clothes so that we can be prepared to fight the fight.

Lost Causes

On By Dr. William James Carter, IIn Uncategorized6 Comments

Some of you may have had the opportunity to see the movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington starring James (Jimmy) Stewart. In the movie, Stewart’s character is a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed honest man full of honest ideals. His world is nearly crushed when he finds out that honesty was a rare trait. His desire to help young boys was seen as a lost cause but that the help of an initially reluctant quintessential aid propelled “Senator Smith” to take a stand on the Senate floor bringing attention to the worthless lost cause despite all those that sought to destroy this upright man of integrity. In the end, victory was had because in the mind of the young senator the only causes worth fight for were the lost causes.

Today we have like problems in Washington. There is so much evil that one can barely keep up with the scandals. Lies on top of lies are being told while the freedom of a people is slowly but surely being placed in jeopardy. Christianity is now the enemy of those that disdain freedom while The Constitution is treated as though the articles written therein are nothing more than suggestions rather than the law of the land. Freedom, as it seems, is a lost cause. The United States government is becoming larger and larger and the people are enjoying much less freedom. Yes, it seems that the freedom of a people is nothing more than a lost cause.

However, this is a lost cause that is not being ignored. It is a cause worth fighting for because freedom means that individuals can worship God as they see fit, speak their hearts, live where they choose and the list goes on. Yet the very idea of freedom is troublesome to some as indicated in the Affordable Care Act which is somewhat of a paradox because it is far from affordable and has little to do with health care. It has more to do with collecting data on the United States citizens and stripping freedoms from them. Even so, there are some that are standing and fighting this lost cause. Some seek to defund it while others seek to eradicate the law by other means. Either way, to many fighting the mammoth intrusion on the lives of a people is a lost cause. This is the reason it is worth fighting.

And there are other attacks on the freedom of this great nation. The government is collecting data in phone records. Emails are subject to scrutiny even if the authors are breaking no laws. Property rights are being impinged upon and attacks on free speech seem to be the order of the day. It is all a lost cause because the apathetic bow down to the powers to be simply because they will do what they want no matter what the people say. Well, there are some that will not give in to the freedom takers of this nation. One such person is Mark Levin. He constantly rails against the anti-constitutionalism and makes legal fights through his law firm against those that dare come against freedom. Moreover, Mr. Levin urges people to fight lost causes with him. One such way is through his most recent book The Liberty Amendments. [1] It would seem that Mr. Levin fights because freedom is a lost cause worth fighting for.

Just as there are attacks on the constitutional freedom of a people the attacks are just as great on those that name the Name of Christ. Christians are being attacked on every hand. To stand for the Word of God now means that Christians are insensitive bigots. However, before the dawn of Christianity, the Word looked down through the annals of time and saw countless lost causes. He saw people inundated by sin and that they stood no chance of enjoying communion with the Father. Even more, those that knew not the Father would be damned and forever separated from God. He saw lost causes that could not be ignored. With that, the Word became incarnate (John 1) and allowed Himself to live as a mere man. Christ knew that if He did not reach out to man then man would never know the freedom salvation brings. For these lost causes not only did Christ dwell in an earthen vessel but became the ultimate sacrifice for all so that reconciliation could be made with the Father.

There remain many lost causes on earth today. The disciples of Jesus were instructed to go into all the world and preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15). That command is no less significant today. The lost causes are still worth fighting for. In fact, because they are lost causes they are the only ones worth fighting for. With that, it would be wise to use the tenacity of Senator Smith while honoring the Word of Christ to fight for the lost causes.