Thanksgiving (To whom? For what?)

Thanksgiving...

To whom? For What?

On my way to a meeting this morning, Glen Beck on the Patriot Channel on Sirius XM Radio announced that Turkey had just shot down a Russian war plane and that World War III had begun. NATO would be holding an emergency meeting in two hours in Brussels, a city still on extended lock-down because of terrorist threats. The US Department of Homeland Security had just issued a warning to all travelers to be on the alert this extended holiday weekend. And JC Penny announced that, for them, Black Thursday would begin at 3 P.M. And the verse of the day on my Bible app reads: "but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

As I reflected on this verse, I remembered that it was written as the conclusion of Paul's defense of the resurrection. He had made the point that if there were no resurrection then Christ could not have been raised from the dead. If that were true, then we (Christians) would be the most miserable of all people, still dead in our sins and trespasses. Many Christians walk around in the shadow of the cross, overlooking the significance of the empty tomb. If Jesus had only died, claiming that His death was for the remission of our sins, but had not risen from the dead, at the end of day He would have been nothing more than a dead liar.

Paul even makes the outrageous claim that if Christ had not risen from the dead, it would be better to embrace the Epicurean philosophy ("Eat, drink, and be merry; for tomorrow we die.") than to embrace Christianity. But Jesus has indeed been raised from the dead. Paul had already presented incontrovertible proof of that fact, leading to the next fact: we too shall be raised from the dead. That is both good news and bad news.

Some of us remember the old Schlitz (?) Beer commercial: "You only go around once in life, so grab all the gusto you can!" It was a modern take on Epicureanism, and at it's core was the lie that when you die, that's it. Eternal nothingness! But the truth is, all will be raised from the dead, some unto everlasting joy and some unto everlasting torment. It all depends on what we do with this Jesus. Do we believer in His atoning death; justifying resurrection? Do we confess (accompanied by obedience) His Lordship and do we believe He is coming again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

If the answer is "Yes!" then there is a glorious eternity awaiting us. Current events are not so alarming, because as we pray, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!" we understand that things on planet Earth must wax worse and worse until He does. We understand that things like wars, famines, and earthquakes will increase in both intensity and frequency. Apostasy will increase within the visible church while the true church will be purified in the fires of affliction. There is the side of our prayer that we verbalize and the side we internalize. One cannot happen without the other.

It is with that truth in mind that we can "speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," Ephesians 5:19-20 And... "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Refugee Conundrum (Pt. 2)

The Refugee Conundrum (Pt.2)

Refugee: a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

Conundrum: a confusing and difficult problem or question

This blog may seem to be a bit disconnected unless you first read the one posted yesterday (November 19, 20150). Moving on from there, I notice that many of my Christian friends have suggested that we should welcome refugees of any and every ilk based on...
     "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. ² Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same."  (Romans 13:1-3)

So let me ask a number if questions, all pertaining to life here in the USA. Who are the governing authorities? Whimsical, egotistical men or duly enacted laws? Are these men or laws operating within the guidelines of God's authority? Are these men/laws a terror to good works or to evil? Put another way, are these men/laws promoting good or evil? If our good works receive praise from these men/law, does that not assume that these men/laws are good?

While you're mulling over those questions, please allow me to introduce you to a Federal Law that, until a few hours ago, I had no idea existed. The following is a reprint of a blog from a respected friend, Bill Wilson (The Daily Jot, November 20, 2015). I have gone to the website and the pdf document. This is accurate as far as I can tell.

     "Islam, by law, is prohibited from US immigration

      The Immigration and Nationality Act passed June 27, 1952 revised the laws relating to immigration, naturalization, and nationality for the United States. That act, which became Public Law 414, established both the law and the intent of Congress regarding the immigration of Aliens to the US and remains in effect today. Among the many issues it covers, one in particular, found in Chapter 2 Section 212, is the prohibition of entry to the US if the Alien belongs to an organization seeking to overthrow the government of the United States by "force, violence, or other unconstitutional means." This, by its very definition, rules out Islamic immigration to the United States, but this law is being ignored by the White House. 

      The laws prohibits entry of "Aliens who the consular officer or the Attorney General knows or has reason to believe seek to enter the United States solely, principally, or incidentally to engage in activities which would be prejudicial to the public interest, or endanger the welfare, safety, or security of the United States." It also prohibits the entry of Aliens who are members of or affiliated with any organization that advocates or teaches, the overthrow by force, violence, or other unconstitutional means of the US or of all forms of law, and Aliens who publish, circulate and distribute materials teaching or advocating the overthrow by force, violence or other unconstitutional means of the US Government or of all forms of law. 

      Islamic immigration to the US would be prohibited under this law because the Koran, Sharia Law and the Hadith all require complete submission to Islam, which is antithetical to the US government, the Constitution, and to the Republic. All Muslims who attest that the Koran is their life's guiding principal subscribe to submission to Islam and its form of government. Now the political correct crowd would say that Islamists cannot be prohibited from entering the US because Islam is a religion. Whether it is a religion is immaterial because the law states that Aliens who are affiliated with any "organization" that advocates the overthrow of our government are prohibited. It also prohibits those who distribute literature that advocates the overthrow of our country, which would include the Koran. 

      In fact, there are many verses in the Koran that command Islamists to kill those who do not submit to allah and the prophet. If Congress so desired to hold the White House accountable to the current immigration of refugees (which also must comply with the law), it has the Immigration and Nationality Act to cite. The Administration is breaking that law. The question is "does Congress have the political will to do something about it?" Or shall we be a nation like that in Isaiah 59:14 where, " justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter." I think you know the answer, at least for now. But there are a handful of Congressmen who are studying this. Pray."

      To read the law, go to this link and scroll down to Chapter 2, Section 212: 

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-66/pdf/STATUTE-66-Pg163.pdf

In the vetting process, all middle-eastern people should be asked these questions:

     1. What is your religion?

     2. If the answer is Islam, the next question should be, "Do you uphold the teachings of Mohammed, the Qur'an, and the Hadith?

     3. If 1 and/or 2 are answered "yes" then admittance to the USA should be denied.

     4. If 1 and/or 2 are answered "no" then further vetting should be conducted unless reasonable proof of another religious following is provided. It is virtuous, according to the Qur'an to lie for the purposes of furthering the objectives of Islam. 

 

In the realm of common sense, just look at various sections of Europe and the USA where Muslims have gained a plurality. Suddenly "No-Go" zones are established and Sharia Law is imposed on the residents. Democracy and the First Amendment are embraced wholeheartedly by Muslims until they have the numerical strength to do otherwise.

Next I want to share with you a biblical principle which is at odds with the growing principle driving the federal government - that is that all direction and provision needs to trickle from the top down. This can be summarized in the short quip: "Big brother knows best." The Bible, however, espouses a bottom-up principle.
     "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." ( 1 Timothy 5:8 )
     The ESV Study Bible commentary says, "Provision for one's own family is a spiritual issue of utmost importance. Failure to live out the gospel in this way is tantamount to a denial of the faith.
     "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." ( Galatians 6:10 )
     While this is not to the exclusion of unsaved friends, co-workers, and people in another land, our allegiance to God and His Kingdom finds its primary focus in family and the church.

If you would like to help Christian refugees from the middle east (which the present administration has relegated to the back of the line), go to the following websites to find out how...
http://www.religiousfreedomcoalition.org/    Check out the site, go to donate and do as you're led. I know William Murray - he is a man of integrity, not afraid to tell the truth. Another one is...
http://www.mercuryone.org/ although some of you might have a problem with the fact that Glen Beck is involved with this project.

With respect to helping a veteran, I would suggest finding some place local to do that good work.

As always, cover every endeavor with prayer...
     "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." ( 1 Timothy 2:1-4 )








 

The Refugee Conundrum (Pt. 1)

The Refugee Conundrum (Pt. 1)

Refugee: a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster.

Conundrum: a confusing and difficult problem or question.

 

According to Scripture, the world's first refugee was Cain, who just happened to be the world's first murderer (Genesis 4:9-12). His status as a "wanderer and a fugitive" was the result of a self inflicted disaster caused by jealousy of his brother and disobedience to God. This is not to say that all refugees find themselves in that status for the same reasons, but it does set precedence: all refugee situations are intrinsically bound up in strife, turmoil, or pending danger.

The world's entire population following the great flood was centered in Babel. God dispersed them to the for corners of the earth by confounding their language. For the most part they continued to migrate into unpopulated areas of the globe, some staying and building cities as they went. Centuries later, Abraham, "Father of the Faith" (Romans 4), left Ur of Chaldea, not as a refugee, but as part of a family pilgrimage. They camped out in Haran for a while, and then God spoke to Abraham, saying, "Go... to a land that I will show you." (Genesis 12:1). Shortly after reaching that land (Canaan) a famine broke out and Abraham and company became refugees as they travelled into Egypt. The story is filled with perceived danger, lying, and deceit. Ultimately Abraham left Egypt a blessed man - no doubt due to the unconditional promises God had made to Him.

Two of the world's largest refugee and resettlement scenarios involved the Jewish people. In 722 BC Assyria utterly defeated the northern kingdom of Israel, deported all of the people and resettled the land with foreigners (2 King 17). Later, over a period of 20 years between 605 BC and 586 BC., Babylon thoroughly defeated the southern kingdom of Judah. Most of those who were not killed were deported to Babylon.

We could go on and cite other biblical examples. Each one makes for interesting reading, but we find it difficult to come up with a biblical mandate as to how to treat refugees. Some have gone to the New Testament citing the parable of the good Samaritan, or Mary and Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem. Neither of those are refugee situations. Mary and Joseph and the Christ child did sojourn in Egypt as refugees for a season until it was safe to return to Nazareth. That is more a story of a father being obedient to God for the protection of his family than it is a story of refugees. 

To develop a biblical response to the refugee crisis the world is facing, it requires one to be as wise as serpents and as gentle as a doves (Matthew 10:16). It also requires one to view the situation from both a national perspective and from a personal (Christian) perspective. From a national perspective it is very difficult to ferret out the truth from the lies, the different political agendas from Constitutional duty. The Declaration of Independence includes these words:

     "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by   their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

The government of these United States of America, as presently constituted and functioning has all but forgotten the Creator and has undertaken such policies and practices over the past fifty-five years to remove Him from public discourse. Furthermore, the three branches of Government have made it possible to legally murder and eradicate from our midst some 57 million of it most vulnerable citizens. The genocide has not stopped, in spite of scientific advancements confirming the biblical fact that human life begins at conception (Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5). It has not stopped because one political party or the other is in the majority. It has not stopped in spite of the public display of the ugly horrors which take place in the abortuaries. So I have little faith in a government when it parades the refugee crisis as something which requires our humanitarian response, that they are not just leading us into the inevitability of Divine judgment.

I have little faith in a government which has imposed unbearable burdens upon its citizens by running up debt that not even three generations could pay, and by deceitfully increasing the cost of essential services, calling it the Affordable Care Act (which includes, unless one is able to successfully fight it, provisions for abortion). I have little faith in a government which disregards nature and nature's God and begins to meddle with the fundamental building block of an orderly society - the family, which includes at its core the marriage of one biological man and one biological woman united in the covenant of marriage. Pandora's box has been opened and there is no telling what perversions will become normalized before Almighty God says, "Enough!"

We have never been perfect, either as individuals or as a nation, but for decades there was always an effort to honor God. As long as we did, it was obvious that God was "shedding His grace on us." Now, in wholesale numbers, even people who profess to be of the household of faith have adopted and sanctioned practices which are clearly abominable to God (Romans 1:18-32). So I believe that what may appear to some as a humanitarian act [opening our borders to the floodgate of people, most of whom are adherents to a religious/social/political system (Islam) bent on world domination through virtually any means possible] would be to invite terror to our very doors. I would try to prevent this using the same effort with which I try to prevent abortion on demand.



That said, if a Syrian refugee were to settle in my village, or even in the house next door, I would do my best to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them, always looking for fruit indicative of genuine repentance. In the meantime, I'm not going to just rant about the government being willing to spend billions for refugees while ignoring the plight of many of our veterans. I'm going to look for more ways to help veterans, including bringing the Gospel to them. And... I'm going to place an order for Gospel Tracts written in Arabic and Farsi.
     "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:3-4