“HANDS UP”

 

Every election year, the church is visited by groups and political candidates to tell us how we should vote, who we should vote for, and the reason we should vote for who they deem qualified.  Many times using scare tactics, untruths and strategies that we need to evaluate.   We have accepted the ways of these groups without first investigating if what they are advocating is true or if it even lines up with our Christian faith.  If it is true, how should we as the Church respond?  For too long we have been conceding to the demands and tactics of ungodly organizations without knowledge and without questioning their motives or checking the background of the individuals who are leading and funding these efforts.   We are letting others tell us what to do, what to believe, how to think, who to vote for and when to speak.  We who are called to be the salt of the earth, called to influence the world are being influenced by the world.

 

Fredrick Douglas said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand.  It never did and it never will”.  The Church has the power to make change but sadly many do not understand that authority and power. If they did, then why are we bowing to those that really do not have our best interest in mind?  The world recognizes that the church has or could have great influence in the community and therefore they seek to harness that influence, control it and even squash it. 

 

Mainly, they just want our vote to secure their power and once they get what they want we are no longer relevant and are told “to be quiet”.  Case in point, recently two states are being attacked by the media, the entertainment and sports industry and the list is growing, because the Governor’s stance to protect the religious rights of believers from possible lawsuits and repercussions when the law conflict with our beliefs.  If this law is not put in place Pastors, Ministers, and others that live by Godly principles will be forced to do things that are against our beliefs.  Where is the support of the groups that courted the Christian vote?  They courted the Christians as long as it was advantageous to them.

 

“HANDS UP”

So I pose this question to these groups that come to court the church.  Organizations such as NAACP, Black Caucus, Black Lives Matter, Politicians, Presidential Candidates and social justice organizations:   Which one of you will stand up and protect our religious freedom?  “Hands up, Speak up please”.  You asked us to help you, so let’s have an even exchange. Never before (at least not in my life time) have we had to defend our right to practice our values, to defend and promote marriage between one man and one woman; to defend our beliefs in life beginning at conception; to defend our conviction that we not contribute to the destruction of life through abortion; to defend our right to practice and preach the Gospel without the threat of intrusion in the content of sermons & teachings. And what about Christian owned businesses and agencies (hospitals, adoption agencies, Hobby Lobby, Little Sisters of the Poor, Chik-fil-a, etc..).  Christian owned businesses, like most companies, have core values that guide their business culture and conduct.  Our core values are based on the Biblical teachings of Jesus Christ, yet these values are challenged by political correctness in an effort to redefine who God is and what His commandments truly mean. 

 

“STAND UP”

Let us know where you stand. Will you outwardly confirm that you will stand and actively support our Christian rights.   Stand Up!   “Power concedes nothing without a demand”.  We yet stand, will you Stand Up with us?

  

“WHAT DOES THE LORD SAY?”

“Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The Kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.  He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.”

Psalm 2:1-3

 

 

Supporting articles:

53 Percent Say Making Nuns Participate in Obamacare. Birth Control Mandate is Unfair

http://www.christianpost.com/news/little-sisters-poor-nuns-obamacare-birth-control-mandate-unfair-marist-poll-161987/

Bill to Protect Freedom of Gay Marriage Opponents Vetoed by Virginia Governor

http://www.christianpost.com/news/bill-gay-marriage-opponents-veto-virginia-governor-terry-mcauliffe-160596/

New Louisiana Gov. to Rescind Bobby Jindl Order Protecting Business Oppose to Gay Marriage.http://www.christianpost.com/news/louisiana-governor-bobby-jindal-order-businesses-opposed-gay-marriage-160484/

6 Truths About Transgender “Bathroom Bills

http://www.christianpost.com/news/6-truths-about-transgender-bathroom-bills-160487/

Obama Can Force Birth Control and Abortion Drugs on Churches, Admin Lawyer Says

http://www.christianpost.com/news/obama-force-churches-cover-birth-control-abortion-drugs-lawyer-tells-supreme-court-160019/

Franklin Graham Calls PayPal “Hypocrite of the Year” for cancelling NC expansion over Transgender Law.

http://www.christianpost.com/news/franklin-graham-calls-paypal-hypocrite-of-the-year-for-canceling-nc-expansion-over-transgender-law-161028/

Pastors Sue Houston Mayor Over Sermon Subpoenaed

http://abc13.com/news/pastors-sue-mayor-over-sermons-subpoenaed/900044/

There used to be a time, not long ago, where some things were sacred, revered and off limits to the political rancor and animosity of the day.  People at least had some integrity, there was an internal moral compass that even if you did not follow it, there was a line that you did not cross.  You did not need to be a Christian to understand good and evil, right and wrong… Religion was not required for one to have respect of LIFE!

That day seems to be in the rear view mirror. 

Our culture is filled with and led by many who think that changing when we admit that a person is ALIVE somehow makes it acceptable to do whatever we wish until that threshold has been reached.

Unlike almost any other issue in recent memory, the uncovering and revelations of the inner working of the Planned Parenthood Organization has disturbed me.

Never mind the organization was founded in part to control or shall I say reduce the Black population by strategically buying the influence of certain Religious leaders and getting them to promote it as a ‘Women’s Health & Reproductive’ clinic conveniently stationed within poor black communities.  A strategy that lives on today!

Never mind that this organization is now partially funded with tax dollars from the very group it once sought to eradicate.

The activities that are routinely carried out are despicable, inhumane, callous, and pure evil.  Even if you do side with those who believe it is acceptable for a woman to abort a child (and it is a child), please tell me that you do draw the line somewhere.

Recent revelations now show numerous directors and officials within the Planned Parenthood organization admitting to harvesting the baby parts of aborted children and selling them for profit.

Several were uncovered laughing about the practice.  Even bragging of their ability to abort the child and keep the liver, lungs and heart intact because they are worth more like that.  One went as far as to describe the practice of cutting through the Face of the child to extract the brain intact.  Even extracting the children whole and thumping the chests to get the heart to beat post-abortion.  And the horror goes on and on.

Yet we have a President who defends the Organization.  He says he has not watched the numerous videos, not really interested, but he is committed to ensure the Organization will not be defunded on his watch.

A candidate for president who initially found it disturbing but later doubled down in support of the Organization because it promotes ‘women’s health’  Really?

And there’s the group that rallies, protests and has gone to great lengths to spread the message that ‘Black Lives Matter’.  Really?

If indeed they matter, take your picket to the organization that is single handedly destroying them by the thousands and doing it all in the name of Convenience and with the Government’s approval.

When All Lives Matter, regardless of race, gender, religious persuasion or AGE…. Then I will give validity to your argument... Until then…. I cannot respect your cause.  I cannot join your march.

And I can only imagine the judgement that awaits those who take pleasure in the harming of the least of God’s creation…. It is a Fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God!  He is the one who has said Vengeance belongs to me and I WILL repay!

The blood of the innocent is crying out unto God.

How many more pulpits are we going to allow politicians to stand in and ask for the church vote without knowing what they really stand for?  …Without demanding that they stop opposing Christian values with their votes?  Most churches never see or hear from politicians until they need the Church vote.

Do we as pastors, ministry leaders and people of faith examine the candidates to see if their values are in line with Christian principles?  Do we accept the hallow rhetoric or do we verify their voting record and life-style? 

When are we going to demand that candidates support our values or at the very least not fight against and oppose them?  How long will we vote for candidates just because of the political party they represent?  For too long each party has taken for granted its base constituency, assuming we will vote based on political party affiliation and nothing more.   A common response is that ‘at least he or she is better than what the opposition party is offering’.  But how do you know?  Have you examined the other candidates, those that you thought and were told are toxic just because of the alphabet behind their name?

Is our allegiance to our Political party or to the principles and cause of Christ?  In order to effect real change in the community, we must be informed, we must pray AND then we must vote.  Vote for candidates who demonstrate Christian values or at least those who have a moral conscience.  If there are none on the ballot that fit that description, identify and support (in word and in deed) a candidate who does!  Be sure to hold them accountable and stop making excuses for their ungodly voting record.

 For too long we have allowed the culture of the world to penetrate and influence the way we preach, vote, think and live.   Believers are called to be the salt of the earth; called to influence the culture, change the environment – how are you doing with that?  If we do not exercise our influence we will continue to be marginalized and taken for granted.

 Fredrick Douglass said, "Power concedes nothing without a demand.  It never did and it never will".  What are you doing with the power and influence God has given you?  What demands are you making?  When was the last time you voted for a candidate other than those in your party?  When was the last time you spoke out against evil in your party?  Demand more from those who want your vote.  Raise the bar, stand for righteousness and see which candidates are drawn to and driven from you – it might shift your paradigm and have you voting for those that don’t share your party affiliation!

 If we keep doing what we’re doing, we’ll keep getting what we’re getting.   Let’s raise the standard of righteousness.  Let’s see who is on the Lord’s side. Let your vote (and your candidate of choice) reflect your faith in God!

As many know, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is weighing and preparing to rule on the legality of same-sex marriage across America sometime in the summer of 2015.  The ruling, regardless to what the decision is, will be historic. Many of the Justices have revealed that they favor same-sex marriage being elevated to the level of a civil right and thus becoming the law of the land.

It’s only been two years since the current Obama Administration went before the SCOTUS to ask that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) signed into law by President Clinton to defend marriage, be struck down.  The Attorney General, Eric Holder, had publicly declared he would no longer enforce it.   The SCOTUS agreed with the Administration that the law was not constitutional and struck it down.  At that time same-sex marriage was legal in nine states; it is now legal in 36 states in the union.  The legal status in most of these states came from a Judge declaring it to be so over the objection of the voters.  The agenda to transform the American culture is swiftly progressing and not in the direction of Christian values. 

Christians will find that if the SCOTUS rules in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage across America, it will mean that practicing Christianity in certain instances will become a crime.  If it is the practice of Christians (and it is) not to condone same-sex marriage, not to use business or church resources to promote or celebrate it, then Christians very well may be in violation of the law and charged with discrimination merely for refusing to host a ceremony, cater a party or rent a facility for a gay wedding.

If that sounds far fetched to you, you have not followed the recent news.  A bakery owner in Oregon was sued and forced to close because she refused to cater a gay wedding due to her religious convictions.  The gay couple could have chosen one of hundreds of bakeries that had no such religious conviction or conflict but they decided to make an example and force the hand of this one shop.

“Already a Methodist church association in New Jersey lost its property tax exemption status because it refused to allow use of their facilities for a same-sex union. Although the church then obtained a religious exemption instead, it ceased all weddings on its boardwalk pavilion.”[i]

This is not and has never been a fight against those who choose a different lifestyle.  For God so loved the world (and all that are in it) so much so that He gave His only begotten Son.  If any name the name of Christ, they will likewise demonstrate the love of God.  This is a spiritual battle meant to blur the truth of God’s Word and intimidate believers to be silent. 

Ephesians six says that the Christian’s fight is a spiritual battle, not against flesh and blood but against spiritual wickedness strategically placed in high positions.  If same-sex marriage becomes the law of the land we will quickly come to realize just how true this is and what the underlying intent of this movement really is.  It is not about allowing two people to marry but rather destroying the foundations of a nation one pillar at a time from the inside out.  It’s about drawing new lines of morality and mocking even daring Believers to stand in opposition of the majority. 

“Martin Luther King's argument in "Letter from Birmingham Jail" considered just and unjust laws. Just laws are laws in conformity to higher law we have a duty to obey. We also have a duty to disobey laws that are against higher law but be prepared for the consequences of the wrath of the civil authorities. We still cannot obey the unjust laws”. [ii]

Be very sure, even if the SCOTUS rule in favor of same-sex marriage and make it the law of the land in all 50 status, it will in NO WAY Change the Truth of the Word of God.  If every citizen in America chooses to support the ruling it will in NO WAY degrade the Truth of God’s Word.  God’s Word is forever settled in the heavens!  What if we reach the point where some or all do not believe, will it dilute the Truth?  God Forbid, Let God be True and every man that opposes His truth be a liar (Romans 3:4).  

The question is When you Stand, Whose Side Will You Stand On?   It’s not just enough to Stand within the comfort of your four walls, but we must Stand with those who are targeted.  The enemy will come to destroy them.  Just as hundreds of thousands maybe even millions stood with Chik-fil-A when they were targeted and with Hobby Lobby when they were targeted and we watched God turn what was meant to be their defeat into their victory, we must be prepared to stand – not based on race or gender or political parties but based on the only question that matters, Who’s on the LORD’s Side?



[i] &[ii] Mat Staver, “Sobering Message to the Supreme Court” Breaking Christian News April 9, 2015.  http://www.breakingchristiannews.com/articles/display_art.html?ID=15761#

 

ID Please….

How have we made a racial debate over something so benign as Voter ID? Nearly everything we do requires an ID. Is this just an excuse to allow voter irregularities and tampering? There is no objection to showing your ID to buy alcohol. No objection to showing your ID to cash a check, no objection to showing your ID to board an airplane, no objection to showing your ID to take your child out of school early or even to purchase certain medications…. But somehow, when there is a law asking you to show your ID to participate in one of the greatest privileges of every citizen of America, we call it racism, we call it suppression, and we call it a tactic… I call it your reasonable service and a sensible, a practical, a NEEDFUL request.

Instead of joining in with the multitude of voices who choose to complain when the sun is shining because it’s too hot and they complain when the clouds are hovering because of the overcast, I challenge you to take self-introspection and consider the situation as a rationale person. You don’t let repair men into your house without proper identification. There is no guarantee that the identification is authentic, there is no guarantee that you will not still be duped or deceived, but the identification provides an additional layer of validation and helps to weed out at least some of the bad seed.

No election is fool proof. No process is perfect. In a nation that has removed border enforcement; a nation where activist judges are ruling that some states must issue identification to those who have violated the nation’s laws to gain access to the country; a nation that has a jaded history when it comes to voter fraud… why would anyone be against reducing the possibility of more fraud. Why wouldn’t every citizen want to ensure the integrity of the process and do whatever can be done to ensure that only American citizens with a legal right to vote are casting one vote per person in an election?

IDs are so common place that there is no weight to the argument that poor people cannot afford an ID. Some states have even offered free IDs for the poor. The truth is, the poor have IDs and the poor use them during the course of the daily lives all of the time. That is not the true objection. The objection is more deeply rooted in opposing laws that seek to ensure that elections are not only fair but void of the type of irregularities that seat the unelected and turn away the one that is not in agreement with the progressive movement of the radical minority. It’s not about race, it’s about doing what is right. It’s not about disenfranchisement, it’s about integrity. It’s not about suppression, it’s about ensuring one vote per legal citizen.

And it’s about time to stop politicizing and scaring the uneducated and the poor into believing their votes will not count. Those who demagogue this issue understand that knowledge is power. They prefer to keep the voters ignorant, dependent, and under control.

God forbid a voice rises up with an opposing view. That person is called racist and if they are black the vitriol is even greater. The black voice of opposition is called an ‘Uncle Tom’, ‘House Nigga’, ‘Oreo’, ‘Aunt Jemima’ and the list of derogatory names go on and on. Sure the names are insulting but when you know who you are, the names do not define you. And this I know…. I am a Spirit-filled, Blood bought, Born-again, Forgiven Child of God. I choose the empowerment of knowledge. Running with the herd has never been my thing, so no need in changing course now.

The question is do you like where you are, do you like what you see, do you like the divisive tone in the country? Are you pleased with the elected officials in office? Most people are not. If you are one of them, the challenge is – are you willing to educate yourself, listen to an opposing opinion, run the risk of separating from the pack... and if you want a change, you have to make a change. If you keep doing what you are doing, it is sure, that you will keep getting the results that you are getting!

Remember, every illegally counted ballot negates or nullifies one legal ballot.  Fraud is not only illegal, it is the one sure way your vote will be cancelled or suppressed.

ID Please…

 

 

 

 

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