by Terry Laughlin | Aug 20, 2016 | Pastoral Appreciation
Keeping Biblical Integrity in Ministerial Ordinations
God ordained ministers of the Gospel present a high level of integrity in conduct of life, in proclamation of Biblical truth, and loyalty to the calling God has placed upon those who serve Him. The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy, “…set the example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. …devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:12b-16)
According to First Nation Church and Ministry, Kansas does not maintain a central registry of members of the clergy, and you are not required to undergo any specific formal training. People have seen this freedom presented by Kansas law on ministerial ordination as an opportunity to cheapen the pulpit. Thus, anyone can get on line, log onto different on line ordination websites, make their way through the on line process, after paying a minimal fee, have ordination papers enabling applicants to perform marriage ceremonies, do baby baptisms, and other religious ceremonies. One on-line sites writes, “Your complete ceremonial minister credentials package… includes all of the documents you’ll need to legally perform all life’s celebrations including weddings, etc. Ordination as ceremonial minister is valid and accepted anywhere in the world.” Most on line ministry ordination services do not inquire about the doctrine the applicants are teaching, examine the candidate’s conduct of life or if he/she is living in a reverent fear of the Lord. Whenever compromise is allowed in ministry ordination, people embrace false teachings, accept lifestyles that break God’s heart and continue to mislead the spiritually blind.
Holy Spirit anointed leaders take serious the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy. They spend years doing the hard work of study, so they can determine their Holy Spirit given gifts. These ministerial candidates allow themselves to be examined by spiritual leaders who have proved themselves faithful to God in the exercising of their Spiritual gifts. After three to five years of study, preparation and examination comes the school of hard knocks. For a determined number of years, set by the overseers of the ministry a candidate desires to be ordained with, the candidate must prove himself/herself to be faithful: 1.) Can the ordination candidate be found faithful to exercise his/her gift through sacrificial love in trials, through the temptations of success and for the glory of the Lord. It is about Jesus, not the candidate. 2.) Can the ordination candidate pray through to a healthy completion his/her gift through “prophecy” (prophēteía) which is Holy Spirit revelation or direction in the call God has set before him/her. (Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary: New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers; Acts 13:1-3) 3.) Can the ordination candidate get others to join hands with him/her in ministry in hopes to influence others to respond to their work in the Lord? (Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 139). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.; Numbers 27:18-20; Deuteronomy 34:9) This time tested system has kept the church of Christ in line with the Apostle Paul’s instructions, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands.” (1 Timothy 5:22)
Ordinations embraced by the conjuncture of mankind have no influence on God called, Christ purchased, Holy Spirit anointed men and women sold out to the Glory of the Lord. Which one do you look to for spiritual nourishment, for performing religious ceremonies and Biblical truths?
by Terry Laughlin | Aug 6, 2016 | Patriotism
Often during elections we hear national leaders claim to have faith in God, yet live a life that is in contradiction to the whole council of God’s Word. In His teachings about false prophets, people who teach false doctrines which are contrary to God’s Word He said, “You will know them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16,20) These are words of truth that should cause us to examine our lives, the fruit it produces and the very words we speak.
It is amazing, people will allow themselves during the election process to be enamored by leaders who have ability or skills, who are able to communicate and inspire – while purposely ignoring the character of the candidate. In evaluating character you may start from their past to gain a baseline on what to search for today. In elections it seems candidates employee their critical abilities to analyze others weaknesses, thus, much time and money is spent in tearing others down so as to build themselves up. Politicians who are truly sold out to the Lord are kind and tenderhearted toward each other. (Ephesians 4:32) When Samuel grew old he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The Bible says, “they turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” (1 Samuel 8:3) The results of their corrupt leadership moved the people to want a king like all the other nations had. God had Samuel solemnly warn the people – the king who rules over them would not be a blessing to them. And when the people wanted relief from the king they had chosen, they would cry out to God, but He would not answer the people. (1 Samuel 8)
Placing people in governmental leadership who are dishonest, who are controlled by special interest groups and feel that political party rites are more important than the people they serve rites are, the political process become adulterated and corrupt. It is foolish to appoint a fox to watch over the hen house – it equally foolish to appointment a person of low character to watch over the house of governmental rule. To appoint poor character to leadership positions is like having a King Saul, the people’s choice (1 Samuel 8-9) who was always sorry for the circumstances he and the people of God were in, but never produced the fruit of repentance.
Fortunately character can be strong with out being perfect. King David, the man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22) had many faults, yet he was a leader who showed the fruits of repentance when confronted. America needs people in leadership like King Hezekiah, he confessed the sins of the people, he reintroduced worship to God, he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 29)
Napoleon said, “the most dangerous general was one who fought based in fantasy. So it is with a person trying to lead based on fantasy or ignorance of the character of his or her associates.” To vote for a leader of this country based on how they impress you, while ignoring their character is an unwise thing to do. The heart of a leader that please the Lord is that of Solomon, “Now Lord… Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who can govern this great people of yours.” (2 Chronicles 1:10)
Political Character Matters – The character of the person you vote into office, will be a blessings or a curse to the people of the United States of America.
by Terry Laughlin | Jul 16, 2016 | Second Amendment
An elderly lady declared, “No one would ever carry a gun in our church!” These words were heard by a pastor of a mid-size church in a rural community. The pastor engaged the older lady in conversation, “There are likely several concealed handgun license holders present in the congregation and their presence [is] reassuring, should anything happen which might require a response of force.” After a few minutes of dialog, the woman gained a new understanding, it was the very people she had worked with, gone to church with, people she knew and trusted, who have taken seriously the responsibility of carrying a firearm (Luke 22:36) for defense of self and others. (The Concealed Handgun; Volume 12, Number 1 February – March 2008 – Official Bi-Monthly Publication of the Texas Concealed Handgun Association). In recent years there have been ten shooting in churches, alongside an increase of misuse of firearms and other harmful weapons – such as knives – in public places. Shootings we hear about have occurred in all parts of the country and have little in common. The common denominator in these shooting is this, they are happening in places were people are least likely able to defend themselves against those who desire to kill and destroy.
In an article written by Bill Titus, I read something that got me thinking about the times we are living in. His article was eye opening and it thrust my thoughts to think about of how bad things can get, and about what the Bible says about the end days (2 Timothy 3:1). He wrote, “Nine years ago, Larry Gene Ashbrook entered the Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas and opened fire. He carried nine loaded magazines for his weapon, emptying three before taking his own life. Those three magazines contained enough ammunition to take the lives of four teenagers and three adults in the unarmed crowd. A peaceful Wednesday evening church service had turned into a killing field with no warning.
A different outcome in Colorado Springs, Matthew Murray entered the New Life Church carrying three weapons and over 1,000 rounds. When he began his attack, he was confronted by Jeanne Assam, a church volunteer. With help from other church-goes, Ms. Assam distracted Murray and shot him, bringing his intended killing field to an end. After being disabled by Assam’s bullets, Murray took his own life, as was his likely plan all along. Two young women were killed and their father wounded, but had Assam not acted, how many more would have died at the hands of a man who had come prepared to kill as many people as he could?” (The Concealed Handgun – Bill Titus – Volume 12, Number 1 February-March 2008)
There are some important truths that need to be considered as one thinks on the times we live in as the issue of carrying some kind of protection arises amid controversy, such as “concealed carry” in public places, even in church.
What Jesus Said
The Bible holds a teaching of Christ that prepares us to live in these present days. Luke 22:36 says, “…But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” (Luke 22:36, New International Version). This passage of Scripture is found in the conversation of Jesus with His disciples during the Last Supper. He is about to be taken from them (Luke 22:37) and He is giving them instructions so they can carry on the work of the Lord. In Luke 9 Jesus sent the twelve disciples out saying, “Take nothing for the journey–no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.” (Luke 9:3) However, after the Lord’s death and resurrection things were going to change.
“…But now…” what He teaches the disciples then is also for us today. They would – and we today – need a “purse” (βαλάντιον balántion), a moneybag for support to live. At this time in history ministries, businesses, and people need finances to survive. They would – and we today – need a “bag” (πήρα pé̄ra) in which to carry provisions. Today, you need a bag to carry your provisions if you travel; a safe place to store tools, equipment, supplies, and important documents. Additionally, they would – and we today – need a “sword” (μάχαιρα máchaira) for personal protection. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary; A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory; The Bible Exposition Commentary; Thru the Bible Commentary) A “sword” (μάχαιρα máchaira), originally a large knife for killing…was a curved weapon for close combat. (Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament; Theological Dictionary of the New Testament; Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains) The sword in Luke 22:36 is not for a vigilante style of justice, but for provision and protection in this life. In contemporary society, a “sword” relates to owning a gun, or other similar weapon, to use for provision and protection of life.
In Luke 22:36 they were living in perilous times. Obedience to God’s counsel, to be well armed was just as important as obedience to the rest of His Word, to show their love for God and Jesus Christ. Today, if Christians want to enjoy walking in step with the Holy Spirit, they must desire to obey all of Jesus’ teachings.
What Theologians Teach
Jesus and the Apostle Paul told their disciples the world will become increasingly worse. Christians and other responsible human beings still have the right to protect themselves. Jesus’ instruction, “if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” is a good one to follow. On his teaching of Luke 22:36, Preacher/Teacher James Vernon McGee wrote, “You had better pack your suitcase and get your traveler’ checks if you are going out for the Lord today… You had better be prepared to protect yourself and your love ones. We are living in difficult days. The Lord said, ‘He hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.’ (King James Version) Why? For protection, of course. They were living in days that required a sword. We need to recognize that fact also.” (Thru The Bible Commentary, Page 347, paragraph 2 and 3 Copyright 1983) Jamieson, Fausset and Brown wrote, “[you] will now need support, provision and the usual means of defense.” We live in days that require a “sword” (a gun, or something) for protection.
The fact is the walls of religion will not stop bad men from entering an institution to dish out harm upon unarmed people. On March 6, 2008, a terrorist entered Yeshiva (religious school) during a seminar in Jerusalem. He opened fire on people wishing to learn more about their religious beliefs. This gunman had killed several students before Yitzhak Dadon – a student attending the seminar – responded with his weapon firing two rounds into the terrorist’s head, ending the bloodshed. The director of the Seminary, Rabbi David Simchon, was quoted by the Israeli News Service saying, “No terrorist will succeed in stopping our faith, our values, the justice of our cause of what we teach here at Yeshiva [Seminary] (religious school).” (Bill Titus – Publication of the Texas Concealed Handgun Association)
2nd Amendment
Our Bill of Rights, the Second Amendment states. “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” The Founding Fathers of the United States of America knew the Word of God, and had a reverent fear of Him. I am convinced that God in His Sovereignty employed these men to use His truths to rightfully govern a Nation Under God. Men who said or wrote:
- The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people… that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; (Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824. Memorial Edition 16:45, Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.)
- [W]whereas, to preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them…” (Richard Henry Lee, The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788.)
- Zachariah Johnson argued that the new Constitution could never result in religious persecution or other oppression because, “[T]he people are not to be disarmed of their weapons. They are left in full possession of them.”
- Roger Sherman, during House consideration of a militia bill (1790) said, “…It to be the privilege of every citizen, and one of his most essential rights, to bear arms, and to resist every attack upon his liberty or property, by whomsoever made. The particular states, like private citizens, have a right to be armed, and to defend, by force of arms, their rights, when invaded.” (14 Debates in the House of Representatives, ed. Linda Grand De Pauw. (Balt., Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 1972, 92-3.)
Others have understood the truth of needing people around us who take seriously the mandate of being able to protect themselves and others around them:
- Robert Heinlein’s observation is “An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his actions with his life.”
- John R. Lott, Jr. states, “With the largest increase in gun ownership also have the largest drops in violent crimes…” “Criminals are deterred by higher penalties. Just as higher arrest and conviction rates deter crime, so does the risk that someone committing a crime will confront someone able to defend him or herself. As more law-abiding citizens obtain permits there is a greater decline in violent crime rates… Concealed handgun laws reduce violent crime for two reasons. First, they reduce the number of attempted crimes because criminals are uncertain which potential victims can defend themselves. Second, victims who have guns are in a much better position to defend themselves.”
- Take note of this voice from the past, “The right of self-defense is the first law of nature; …when the right of the people to keep and bear arms is, under any color or pretext whatsoever, prohibited, liberty, if not already annihilated, is on the bank of destruction.” (Henry St. George Tucker, in Blackstone 1768 ‘Commentaries on Laws of England.’ Judge of the Virginia Supreme Court & U.S. Dist. Court of Virginia)
Studies Indicate
Studies indicate that “Conceal and Carry” is a good way for good people to follow the Lord’s mandate to be prepared for the times in which we live. A new study, Crime, Deterrence, and Right-to-Carry Concealed Handguns, by John Lott, Jr.; School of Law, University of Chicago; and David Mustard, Department of Economics, University of Chicago determined that “allowing citizens to carry concealed weapons deters violent crimes and it appears to produce no increase in accidental deaths.” The study shows:
- American citizens use these weapons in self-defense up to two and a half million times a year; with up to 400,000 of these citizens indicating that having the means to defend themselves had saved a life.
- The study repeats the findings of surveys, in which convicted felons indicate that they have more fear of meeting an armed citizen during the commission of their crimes, than they have of running into the police. Many avoid late-night burglaries because of the danger of getting shot by a legally-armed citizen.
- The study also seems to point to the fact that legally armed citizens are more familiar with guns, and therefore have fewer accidents.
- The study concludes: “Allowing citizens, without criminal records or histories of significant mental illness, to carry concealed handguns deters violent crimes and appears to produce an extremely small and statistically insignificant change in accidental deaths.”
- For each additional year that a concealed handgun law is in effect the murder rate declines by three percent, rape by two percent, and robberies by over two percent. (John R. Lott)
- From a separate study: “One thing the national news media will always ignore is the practice of lawful self-defense. For example, most people are probably not aware of the fact that American citizens use a firearm to defend themselves more than 2.4 million times every year. That is more than 6,500 times every day. This means that, each year, firearms are used 60 times more often to protect the lives of honest citizens than to take lives. Furthermore, of the 2.4 million self-defense cases, more than 192,000 are by women defending themselves against sexual assault. And in less than eight percent of those occasions is a shot actually fired. The vast majority of the time (92%), the mere presence of a firearm helps to avert a major crime from occurring.” (http://www.akdart.com/gun3.html – updated November 27,2012)
- From an article in EIN News: Us Politics Today, by Ethel C Fenig (November 28, 2012) I came across this statement, “Gun-related violent crime in Virginia has dropped steadily over the past six years as the sale of firearms has soared to a new record, according to an analysis of state crime data with state records of gun sales. The total number of firearms purchased in Virginia increased 73 percent from 2006 to 2011. The total number of gun-related violent crimes fell 24 percent over that period, and when adjusted for population, gun-related offenses dropped from 79 crimes per 100,000 in 2006 to 57 in 2011.”
Personal Testimonies
Our Lord gives us clear directions, get prepared to defend ourselves. The 2nd Amendment gives us the right to obey Jesus’ teaching. Studies show the value of being well armed for the defense of ourselves and others. In addition, personal testimonies bring this truth to heart.
- 12-Year-Old Defends Herself with Gun. This past Wednesday [10/17/2012] a young 12-year old girl in Bryan County, Oklahoma was able to protect her life when an intruder kicked in her back door and entered her house. Frantically, she called her mother who advised her to grab their household gun, hide in the closet, and call 911. The intruder made his way through the house, and as he was opening the door of the closet, the young girl shot him through the closet door. The intruder left the house and the girl was found unharmed. The police arrived and took the man into custody.” (http//www/akdart.com/guns3.html November 27,2012)
- “On Sunday, December 16, 2012, two days after the CT shooting, a man went to a restaurant in San Antonio to kill his ex-girlfriend. After he shot her, most of the people in the restaurant fled next door to a theater. The gunman followed them and entered the theater so he could shoot more people. He started shooting and people in the theater started running and screaming. It’s like the Aurora, CO theater story plus a restaurant! However, there was an off duty county deputy at the theater. She pulled out her gun and shot the man 4 times before he had a chance to kill anyone. This true story makes the point, ‘The best thing to stop a bad person with a gun is a good person with a gun.’” (http://www.mysanantonio.com – Sunday, December 16, 2012)
- LOGANVILLE, Ga. — “A woman hiding in her attic with children shot an intruder multiple times before fleeing to safety. The incident happened at a home on Henderson Ridge Lane in Loganville around 1:00 p.m. The woman was working in an upstairs office when she spotted a strange man outside a window, according to Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman. He said she took her 9-year-old twins to a crawlspace before the man broke in using a crowbar. ‘The perpetrator opens that door. Of course, at that time he’s staring at her, her two children and a .38 revolver,’ Chapman told Channel 2’s Kerry Kavanaugh… ‘My wife is a hero. She protected her kids. She did what she was supposed to do as responsible, prepared gun owner,’ Donnie Herman said. ‘Her life is saved, and her kids’ life is saved, and that’s all I’d like to say,’ Herman said.” (Before Its News, January 04, 2013.)
In Closing
Simple observation reveals to us, that from the time of the Lord’s Last Supper and into present day, we live in perilous times. It is clear; the police cannot protect everyone from evil forces, often they arrive after the fact. It is clear; the Armed Forces cannot camp on every doorstep to protect the masses in times of disasters or civil unrest. The fact is, in Luke 22:36, “Jesus gave us truths we desperately need to know as we live in a sin-cursed, hostile world” (Wiersbe, W.W. 1996, c1989).
Obedient Christians and responsible people strive to gain finances, work for provisions, and purchase what is needed for protection. How much clearer can the Lord make it? The New American Standard Bible translates Jesus’ teaching as, “And He said to them, ‘But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.” For those who believe that the English Standard Bible is the most accurate modern day translation, “He said to them, ‘But now let the one who has a money bag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” Eugene Peterson’s translation, “He said, ‘This is different. Get ready for trouble. Look to what you’ll need; there are difficult times ahead. Pawn your coat and get a sword. (The Message Bible) Lastly, the New Living Bible gives us this insight, “’But now,’ he said ‘take your money and a traveler’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!.’”
As long as churches, schools, post offices, and government buildings are perceived as “soft-targets,” assailants who are intent on killing as many people as possible will continue to attack such places. Now is not the time to reject the teachings of Jesus Christ and put trust in the conjecture of mankind. Considering the six Bible translations quoted in this teaching, you should allow the Holy Spirit to prick your heart with these questions. Do you have the proper finances? Do have the proper provision? Are You Packin?
by Terry Laughlin | Jul 4, 2016 | Patriotism
Truths for the Healing of America
When the medical world takes on the battle of developing medicine for treating a medical disorder, it must consider some things. What is actually being afflicted? If it is heart disease, they must understand the heart, its function and its make up. What keeps the human body healthy? What causes the human body to become unhealthy? What cures the disease, and how is the person going to be restored to good health?
For the sake of bringing this train of thought into today’s theme and as we think about the health of this nation, there are things that must be considered. What is actually being afflicted? What has caused this nation to become so spiritually unhealthy? What is the cure for the spiritual decay of America? What is her restoration process?
“When Solomon had finished the temple of the LORD… and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the LORD…, the LORD appeared to him at night and said: ‘I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if My people, who are called by My name, will 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. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:11-15)
I would propose to you that Solomon was a great prototype for all those who desire to govern the people of God. He once said, “O LORD my God… I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong…” (1 Kings 3:7-9)
First step to applying medicine for America
The first step to applying medicine for America is to grasp the application of our key text. Titus 2:14 says, “[Christ] …gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” The King James Bible says the Lord will purify unto Himself a “peculiar people.”
“Peculiar people” (periousios) are God’s chosen people in whom He has a special interest. The phrase can be translated as “His treasured people.” (The Complete Word Study of the Bible)
The Holy Spirit so powerfully expounds this truth in 1 Peter 2:9-10, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
Christians are a chosen people, called by the Name of the Lord and they have authority in Christ’s name to stand before the throne of grace and petition the Lord to bring a spiritual healing for America, but they must petition the Lord on the basis of confession and with a heart of repentance.
He rules right now over nations
Applying medicine for America begins with Christians understanding their position before God as a chosen people. Christians who the Lord uses to apply medicine to America grasp the fact that He rules right now over nations. Psalms 22:28 says, “for dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations.” The King James Bibles says, “…He is the governor among nations.” Romans 13:1 says, “…for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1
It is God’s will that all of mankind come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:9) Psalms 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He chose for His inheritance.” The noun “nation” (haggoyim) is used to mean nations other than just Israel. The application is that all nations can enjoy the blessings of God only as they allow Him to be Lord. (The Complete Word Study of the Old Testament)
Government is overseen by people. Therefore, Christians must join together in prayer and beseech the God of heaven to raise up statesmen who have enlightenment on how to Biblically govern a nation with the motto, “In God We Trust.”
The Lord raised up faithful servants from among the Jews to govern the people of God and Christians can pray in confidence that the Lord is fully able to raise up men like Abraham Lincoln who wrote on April 30, 1863, “It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures, and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
God can restore our Supreme Court system to making decisions like the one made in 1892, “Our laws and our institution must necessarily be based upon and embody the teaching of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and institutions are emphatically Christian. This is a religious people. This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making affirmation. We find everywhere a clear recognition of the same truth. These, and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial utterance that this is a Christian nation.” (Justice Brewer delivered the opinion of the court on February 29, 1892)
The fact is America has enjoyed the blessedness of having statesmen who fear God from its early foundation up into the late 1950’s. The former Chief Justice Earl Warren, addressing the annual prayer breakfast of the International Council of Christian Leadership said, “I believe no one can read the history of our country without realizing that the Good Book and the spirit of the Savior have from the beginning been our guiding geniuses. Whether we look to the first Charter of Virginia or to the Charter of New England or to the Charter of Massachusetts Bay or to the Foundational Orders of Connecticut, the same objective is present: A Christian land governed by Christian Principles. I believe the entire Bill of rights came into being because of the knowledge our forefathers had of the Bible and their belief in it: freedom of belief, of expression, of assembly, of petition, the dignity of the individual, the sanctity of the home, equal justice under the law, and the reservation of powers to the people. I like to believe we are living today in the spirit of the Christian religion.” (America’s Christian History, the Untold Story, in the introduction)
What is being afflicted upon this nation
Christians can trust in God who is in full control over the government of the world to raise up people with Godly character to once again govern this nation. However, they must understand what is being afflicted upon this nation. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 says, “If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 28:15 says, “However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all His commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.”
Daniel Webster wrote, “History is God’s providence in human affairs.”
The Book of Deuteronomy contains promises of blessings or curses. The effectiveness of a nation is determined by God’s blessings or curses coming upon a nation’s armed forces, economic systems, families and especially whether or not that nation is called by the name of the Lord. (Deuteronomy 28)
Biblically examining the rule of kings who oversaw the nations of Judah and Israel reveals the truth, God blesses obedience and He chastens for disobedience. Instead of hanging onto this world’s view, Christians can come to understand the Lord’s view of the reign of kings by reading the two Books of Chronicles. 2 Chronicles 17-20 reveals God’s view on the reign of Jehoshaphat. Understanding how God worked in the life of Jehoshaphat helps us understand how the Lord wants to work in America.
Jehoshaphat ruled over Judah in Jerusalem for twenty-five years. (2 Chronicles 20:31). The Bible says, “[Jehoshaphat] did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” (1 Kings 22:34; 2 Chronicles 20:32) Holy Spirit illuminated Christians will be praying for an earthly ruler of whom God will say, “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” “The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways… [King] David had followed.” (2 Chronicles 17:3) “His heart was devoted to the Lord… (2 Chronicles 17:6) “The Lord established the kingdom under his control.” (2 Chronicles 17:5)
Christians who apply the medicine of prayer for America’s healing will ask the Lord for a leader like Jehoshaphat, “In the third year of his reign he sent… five officials out “to teach in the towns of Judah. With them were…” nine Levites and “the priest Elishama and Jehoram. They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the Lord; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.” (2 Chronicles 17:7-9) “The fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat… Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful; he built forts and store cities in Judah and had large supplies in the towns of Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:10,12)
The United States of America enjoy the same blessings that God’s people did because of the Biblical conviction of her Founding Fathers. The University of Houston, Political Science Department researched the sources our Founding Fathers used most frequently in forming our present system of government. From the pool of nearly 15,000 documents from our founding period, the researchers selected 3,154 documents they considered most significant to our Founding Fathers. After 10 years of investigation, the researchers determined that the Founding Fathers quoted heavily from three intellectuals. They were Montesquieu, Blackstone, and Locke.
However, the most interesting conclusion from the research was that the Founding Fathers were even more dependent upon the Bible than they were these three intellectuals. The Bible was quoted 4 times more than Montesquieu, 16 times more than Blackstone or Locke. Ninety-four percent of the quotes of the Founding Fathers were based on the Word of God. Thirty-four percent of those quotes were direct from Scripture and the remaining 60% were taken from quotes where they had used the Bible to arrive at their conclusions. The Book quoted most often by the Founding Fathers was Deuteronomy.
The great theme of Deuteronomy is “Love and Obey.” Jesus, based His statement “If you love Me, keep my commandments” from the truths found in Deuteronomy.
The whole teaching of the Book of Deuteronomy is, “obedience is man’s response to God’s love.” (Thru the Bible) “God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16) Christ came willingly to die for our sins because He loves us.
God working in His absolute sovereignty molded out the design He wanted to govern this nation through our Founding Fathers, thus showing us today how we as a nation should respond to His sacrificial love.
In applying the medicine of prayer for the healing of America, Christians must ask the Lord to raise up statesman who are not ashamed of the Word of God. So explicit was the Word of God in the lives of men in this nation’s early years, Charles Finney, the Billy Graham of the 1800’s, came to Jesus Christ by reading “Blackstone’s Commentaries on Law.” He unashamedly used Scripture, referring to chapter and verse for every principle of law he cited.
Simple research reveals further examples on how the foundation of the United States of America was birthed from the Word of God. For example, the Three Branches of Government came from Isaiah 33:22. For Tax Exemption for Churches our Founding Fathers looked to Ezra 7:24. And for the inscription on the Liberty Bell, the Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly asked that a portion of Leviticus 25:10 be used.
In applying the medicine of prayer for America, Christians must understand that our Founding Fathers had a reverent fear of God, great knowledge of the Word of God and they, like Jehoshaphat, wanted the people in the land to know the Word of the Lord.
Sadly, like all men, Jehoshaphat’s reign had its moments that brought severe consequences to the spiritual, social and political life of Judah. 2 Chronicles 18:1 says, “Now Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.”
Ahab was that king who had done more to anger the Lord than any other king had done in Israel. His marriage to Jezebel highlighted the consistent link of Biblical narrative between idolatrous practice and immoral behavior. Ahab’s skilful foreign policies are interpreted negatively by Biblical writers because of the severe religious consequences of mixing true worship with false worship. His negative influence had such a drawing effect, Jehoshaphat’s son, who was married to King Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah, was drawn away from the true worship of God. Not only was Jehoshaphat’s son affected, but his grandson as well.
The Bible says this about Jehoshaphat’s son and grandson, “[They] walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the eyes of the Lord, for [they were] related by marriage to Ahab’s family.” (1 Kings 8:18,27) Christians who will apply the healing anointment of prayer for America fear the disaster that can come upon their children when their country enters into unholy relationships with wicked leaders, men who do not fear God.
Jehoshaphat was weak and he easily slipped into unholy alliances that compromised His relationship with God. When he should have learned his lesson, at the end of his reign he allowed himself again to be allied with the family line of Ahab. Instead of war it was a business deal with the wicked king of Israel, Ahaziah. They had agreed to make a fleet of trading ships, but the Lord wrecked the ships and the deal fell through. (2 Chronicles 20:35-37) Jehoshaphat’s alliance in war with King Ahab about cost him his life and put the nation of Judah at great risk, (2 Chronicles 18:30-32)
A Biblical examination of the reign of Jehoshaphat shows us blessings of walking in the will of God as well as the dangers of walking in the flesh and according to the ways of the world. It is a dangerous thing to join into friendships and society that have views that are not God and Christ-centered. Our national leaders have too often been on friendly terms with and adopted the world view of the ACLU and the PAW. Our Biblical-Anemic preaching churches have failed to produce enough men and women who can be statesmen, people of God who are full of the Word as Ezra was. The Bible says, “Ezra, had devoted himself to the study and observance of the law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10)
Ezra was a priestly scribe who led major reform when he was sent back to Jerusalem after the Exile in Babylon. Ezra held a place of leadership probably because of his priestly lineage. His office while under the authority of the King of Persia is unknown but we do know that he used the Word of God, fasting, and prayer to God’s work completed. (Ezra 7:10; 8:21)
I thank the Lord for every Christian statesman we have. However, they find themselves fighting a great battle because the people of God and the people who live in a country that has a motto, “In God we Trust,” fail to spend time in God’s Word, fasting and prayer before making decisions regarding governmental affairs. Thus, they find themselves being miss-led by politicians who are fighting over party control, rather than being governed by statesmen who have a reverent fear of God. Instead of being influenced by the Word of God in making laws and interpreting law, we see politicians being intimidated by that unconstitutional phrase “Separation of Church and State.” According to our key text today healing for America must start with confession and repentance on these matters.
The two Books of Chronicles reveal to us God’s view on men whom He has chosen to govern a nation. 2 Chronicles 17-20 reveals to us the blessing and chastening of God on the reign of King Jehoshaphat.
Healing for America lays in the ability of leadership to produce the fruit of repentance after being rebuked by men of God. In 2 Chronicles 19, we read of Jehoshaphat safe return to Jerusalem after being saved by the intervention of God in a battle he was not supposed to be in. (2 Chronicles 18:31) On his way back he is met by the prophet Jehu and is rebuked, “When Jehoshaphat king of Judah returned safely to his palace in Jerusalem, Jehu the seer… went out to meet him and said to the king, ‘Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. There is, however, some good in you, …you… have set your heart on seeking God.” (2 Chronicles 19:1-3)
Jehoshaphat was a national leader like King David, a man of God willing to produce the fruit of repentance. After the rebuke of Eliezer and the hand of God coming against him, we read of Jehoshaphat rejecting King Ahaziah’s fresh proposal of uniting in another business venture.
In applying the medicine of prayer for American’s healing, Christians must ask the Lord to enable leaders to produce the fruit of repentance upon the men of God who deliver the Lord’s Word and who can see the God’s chastening hand. We need our government, schools, and families to have the heart of Jehoshaphat, produce the fruit of repentance and do what is right.
After returning home Jehoshaphat was concerned that his alliance with wicked Ahab through marriage and war may have enticed the people of Judah to engage in unholy worship of God. Thus, he sets out a second reformation for the people of Judah.
2 Chronicles 19:4-10 says. “Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. He told them, ‘Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.’ In Jerusalem also, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the LORD and to settle disputes. And they lived in Jerusalem. He gave them these orders: ‘You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD. In every case that comes before you from your fellow countrymen who live in the cities–whether bloodshed or other concerns of the law, commands, decrees or ordinances–you are to warn them not to sin against the LORD; otherwise His wrath will come on you and your brothers. Do this, and you will not sin.’”
The Holy Spirit wants you to grasp that the healing of America also comes when government appoints “judges” (sapat) who have the conviction that they are judging for the Lord. They will give an accounting of their faithfulness and of their life lived before God. They can live under His wrath or enjoy His blessings, which will be passed down to the people they govern. The government must allow places where the people who live in the land can worship the Lord and learn the Word of God, have opportunity to follow His commands, and live by His ordinances. To inhibit the free exercise of the Christian faith is to sin against God and the people they govern.
Before Christians can apply the medicine of prayer for America they must understand that the governmental process is replete with politicians who think only of party control. America needs statesmen who have the same convictions of our Founding Fathers.
Christians must understand that the only cure for the spiritual decay of their national government is to trust God to raise up statesmen who have the heart of Jehoshaphat, leaders whom God will say, “they do right in the eyes of the Lord.” America needs leaders who respond to the Word of the Lord, whether it be a spoken blessing or rebuke. These leaders must produce the fruit of repentance, make proper changes so we can have judges who fear the Lord and make judgments for the Lord rather than for man. Christians must pray that God would intercede, raise up preachers of the Word of God, allow places where Americans can have the opportunity to hear God’s Word and be given the opportunity to obey the commands of Christ. Christian must pray for the restoration process of American leadership, churches, and family members.
We are blessed to have a president who prays and calls the people of America to pray. The President and the leadership of this church are joining with the National Day of Prayer Task Force. We are asking you to fast and pray as the Holy Spirit of Christ leads you. The door of the sanctuary of CrossRoads Church will be open. They have put together wonderful prayer guides, supported with Scripture so you may pray for governmental leaders, schools, communities, churches and families.
Make time to join us this Thursday, May 03, 2007 to humble yourself, confess your sins and the sins of this nation, and to pray to our loving Father who is in absolute control of the governmental affairs of this county.
by Terry Laughlin | Jul 4, 2016 | Patriotism
Truths from the Signers of the Declaration of Independence
It has been well said, “If we do not know the foundation on which the Founding Fathers laid for this nation, then we as a nation have no understanding on what we are to be today, thus we are a nation that has no clear vision for tomorrow.” (Author Unknown) There is a lack of understanding of the Biblical truths on which the Founding Fathers of this nation laid our foundation. That ignorance has enabled this nation’s values to drift off her course for which she was sent. Therefore, God’s elect are to be prepared to give a testimony on how we believe God has raised up this nation, how He has blessed this country and how He will deal with us, depending on the choices we make.
There is a lot of historical facts about the belief’s of the men who laid down the foundation of this country. This forth of July season it is good to gain an understanding of the heart of many of the men who signed The Declaration of Independence. Men who knew the Bible says “This is what the Lord says, Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the First and the last; apart from Me there is no God.” (Isaiah 44:6) Isaiah 45:5 says, “I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from Me there is no God.” In regard to Jesus being king, Pilate asked our Lord if He was the King of the Jews? Jesus said, “Yes, it is as you say,” (Luke 23:3) Many of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, had a firm conviction, there is one God and Jesus is the King of kings. Two signers, John Adams and John Hancock on April 18, 1775 said, “We Recognize No Sovereign but God and no King but Jesus!”
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to approve a complete separation from Great Britain. On July 4, the early draft of the Declaration of Independence was signed. Four days later, July 08, 1776 – members of Congress took that document and read it aloud from the steps of Independence Hall, proclaiming it to the city of Philadelphia, after which the Liberty Bell rung. The inscription around the top of the bell, a key truth found in Leviticus 25:10 – “…proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants.” Compared to many war torn nations, we have independence, freedom and opportunity to pursue dreams. The turmoil in other nations, their struggles and multiple revolutions, have yet to see the stability and blessings that we have here in America, even considering this nation’s many faults.
John Adams wrote to his wife in a letter about the day America declared her independence. He wrote, “This day will be the most memorable time in the history of America. …it will be celebrated by succeeding generations…” Mr. Adams said, “The general principles the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.” The Founding Fathers had a reverent fear of the Lord. A truth God still honors today. John Adams, concerning Independence Day celebrations said, “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.” (Wall-Builders, David Barton)
The questions must be asked, Does our school systems teach these historical facts? Do are youth live by the truths laid down by the signers of The Declaration of Independence? Does our government have the same convictions as our Founding Fathers? This fourth of July, Do you live by the general principles of Christianity?
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