Setting the record straight

Can You Hear Me Now?

Can you hear through the joyous noise of the enemy following the election of our new president?  We have lost a great battle, but I am still in the war.  My candle is not blown out.  If I can capture some attention for a moment, I would like to make a few statements concerning my reaction to our country's direction.

First, whenever something goes wrong in the workplace people tend to ask, "Who's at fault"?  Where does the finger pointing begin with this election?  How far down the trail of apathy and misplaced responsibility do we have to go?

For me it is simple: it is our fault.  Many blame "RINO" republicans or moderates.  Some blame the news media, but I blame us.  I am talking about American Christians.

Supposedly, we have a majority of the population claiming to be born again believers.  If all of our American Christians were involved in prayer for national revival, prayer for our leaders (on both sides of the isle), voting, and in some way supporting organizations that make a difference, then we would not have this loss on our record.  I also must say that I am disgusted with many of our church leaders who have let their spine go limp when dealing with anything that pertains to political things.  Can you hear me now?

The children of Israel acknowledged their sin and declared the justice of God:

"...thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly: Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.  For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.  Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: And it yeildeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure , and we are in great distress." -Nehemiah 9: 33-37 (Emphasis mine.)

There is an overwhelming tendency by many pastors to look down upon those who are getting their people to look into the candidates' views.  However, the church is the pillar and ground of the truth.  The pastor is the spiritual overseer of the church.  If a pastor is afraid to speak the truth, then what is going to happen with his people?

Some pastors believe that they can tiptoe around the issues without mentioning the candidates.  The reality is that the candidates are the ones promoting the issues and pushing legislation.  The issues come from the candidates' actions and beliefs.  Our founders did not list a host of grievances against the "issues,” but against the king whom they called a tyrant!  Most of our founders were influenced by their pastor's sermons, prayers, and love for God.  Can you hear me now?

What about John the Baptist?  Why was he beheaded?  Did he care about political correctness when he reproved the government ruler of sin (See Luke 3:19-20 and Matt. 14:1-10)?  What about the prophets who fearlessly stood up to many, so that God would be glorified, the truth would be proclaimed, and warnings would be given (See Elijah:1st Kings 18:17-41)?  I am tired of excuses given as because of the “separation of church and state” myth.  It is time to be Christian in our politics or we will be boxed in and give up the representative government that God has blessed us with.  Can you hear me now?

"Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited...What a paradise would this region be!" -John Adams 1756

Do we agree with this statement from John Adams?  Do we believe that the Word of God is sufficient for faith and practice in government as well as other aspects of life?  If so, then why do we compromise when it comes to politics?  We should not be afraid of politics.  It affects our neighbors, our children and us. Is it not our responsibility as Christians to preserve a nation for the sake of our families?

Have you ever heard the analogy of the man caught in the flood?  He was on the porch ankle deep in water when some people walked by in waders saying, “Come with us you'll be safe,” but he replied, “God will save me!”  A little while later, he is in the second story of the house because of the rising water and the sheriff comes by in a boat.  Again, he shouts, “God will save me!” Still yet, a little time goes by and he is on the roof.  The coast guard hovers over in a helicopter with a rope dangling down, but the man refuses to take it.  He says, “I have faith, God will save me!”  Then in heaven, having drowned of stupidity he asks God, “Why didn't you save me?”  God replies: “I sent caring neighbors, a sheriff with a boat, and the coast guard!  What more do you need?”

God has given us a representative government, religious liberties in the bill of rights, and the ability of Christians to vote and hold office.  What more do we need?  Apparently, a renewed vision and revival.  Can you hear me now?

For the point of this article, I am going to list some things that I have done over the past year to make a difference.  In no way am I trying to toot my own horn here.  I have failures as everyone else does.

First, I have prayed for my country, that we would have godly leaders that are God fearing with good character.  In addition, I have prayed for leaders that do not have faith in the Lord, that we would live a peaceful life and that they would see the error of their ways and be open to the truth of the gospel (See 1st Timothy 2:1-3).  I have also prayed that corrupt behavior would be revealed in the light for all to see.

Second, I have financially supported people and organizations that are doing great work to preserve Christian values in our land.  Also, this involves joining the Baptist Vision of Georgia in our quest to preserve our Christian heritage and renew our people's vision for Biblical principles in every aspect of life.

Lastly, I have tried to persuade individuals to come to an understanding about the types of leaders we are electing and what they stand for.  We can influence those that are in office with e-mail or hand written letters expressing our concerns for current policy issues.  In case you doubt, I have received detailed feed back from elected officials, both for congress and the senate.

I am one small, fumbling, imperfect person trying to make a difference, as I understand my Christian responsibility.  I am not a great motivator of politicians or the masses of society, but I have a little light that is burning.  Moreover, I want it on a candle stick and not under a bushel! Think if the millions of Christian Americans were doing all or some of the above things mentioned, what a difference it would make!  That is why our first prayer should be for revival.

I am one small candle, but you are too, and so is the next person that you are thinking of.  Put us all together in one nation and we can have a multimillion candle-watt powered city on a hill!  Now is the time for fire!  Now is the time to shine!

Can you hear me now?