NOTES ON THE REBELLION OF THE AMERICAN PASTORATE: LAST CALLS TO REPAIR THE BREACH
SCRIPTURE. “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of Me; and that cover with a covering, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at My mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.” – ISAIAH 30:1-3, NKJ
PART I: ROOTS OF THE REBELLION
PART II: Consequences of the Rebellion
REBELLIOUS CHILDREN. From the Hebrew, ‘Sarar’ [סָרַר]: “To be stubborn; turn away (morally); implies the nature of a loose woman; to withdraw [from the truth]; become like an untamed animal shaking the yoke from its shoulders in order to go its own way; to slide backward; to turn a deaf ear to God; to persist with a rebellious heart; implicates a certain restlessness, lack of stability, as with a woman of the streets [i.e., spiritual harlotry].”
QUOTATIONS
“The responsible Democratic Statesman could not and should not aim to restore America as a Christian Nation such as it was in the 1830s. Such a Statesman can and should, however, seek to learn from Tocqueville what Christianity contributed to the growth and flourishing of American Democracy and how a certain kind of Religion—a Religion that reminds majorities of the limits on their just power and individuals of their duties to their fellows and to the political community—is necessary to support Democracy in general.” – CARSON HOLLOWAY, “Toqueville on Christianity and American Democracy,” ‘The Heritage Foundation,’ March 7, 2016; edited
“You can operate your business without Christ. You can make it run well. You can raise your family without Christ. You can even Pastor [the] Church without Christ. But if you do, you will find that there will be no fruit, no Christlikeness, no manifestation of that beautiful Character which arrests the attention of others. Instead, there will be a sham, a phony imitation of the real thing, which will drive people away from Christ and will produce nothing but a dull, mechanical Religiosity.” – RAY STEDMAN, “God’s Vineyard,” ‘Authentic Christianity,’ 2021; edited
RAYMOND CHARLES STEDMAN (October 5, 1917 – October 7, 1992). Stedman was an Evangelical Christian pastor, and author. He was a long-time pastor of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California, and author of several books, including his last publication: ‘Waiting for the Second Coming: Studies in Thessalonians’ (1990). Stedman worked in Montana which included being a Brahma bull rider in rodeos. In 1946, Stedman began attending Dallas Theological Seminary, befriending HOWARD HENDRICKS, and graduating in 1950. Before his move to the Peninsula Bible Fellowship in Palo Alto, California to provide pastoral care in 1950, Stedman worked alongside J. VERNON MCGEE, a preacher widely known in Evangelical circles for his radio ministry.
This, beloved, was the way Pastors used to be, but are no more. Selah.
- FIRST THOUGHTS
So, turns out that I went to Virtual Church one last time this past Sunday broadcast by an independent Charismatic Mega-church I have attended off and on for 20 years now. Since the Advent of Trump Christianity in 2016, however, I have been in a long-term, intensifying, sometimes clenched-jaw Contention with the Leadership over their sustained Silence on the matter of Donald Trump.
THREE LIES FROM THE PULPIT. For the first time ever, I have decided to ‘Go Public’ with two of these folks, after four long and painful years of spiritual arm wrestling with the Pastorate there, two others of whom I know personally. I love those two men, but you might not conclude that from what follows.
The Breaking Point for me took place on Sunday May 23, 2021, when the Senior Pastor said something that made my skin crawl. He has said many other things related to this in the past year that gravely concerned me, but this was the veritable Straw that broke the back of whatever reluctance to speak I may have enjoyed.
- 2017. In a brief discussion of my then new book with some explanation of its content related to ‘Political Eschatology,’ he responded ever so glibly: “Oh, I don’t believe any of that stuff.”
- 2020. As this same Pastor introduced the Church’s study of the Book of Revelation late last year, he said this: “Don’t worry about understanding this Book. It is more important that we appreciate it as a Book glorifying Christ. And besides, nobody really understands it at all!” Never mind Revelation 1:3: “Blessed is the one who reads, and those who hear the words of the prophecy and keep the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”
- 2021. As he continued his years-long harangue against the importance of Last Things, he flippantly declared this just last Sunday: “All you people following and studying online commentaries on the Last Days, you are wasting your time! Go instead and feed the poor, and forget about all that other stuff, and focus on what’s really important.”
NAMING NAMES. Such towering, arrogant, nearly blasphemous ignorance cannot go unchecked. After years of shadow boxing, quite unsuccessfully mind you, with the Leadership of this church, I prayerfully decided to reveal the identity of this man.
It is time, beloved, to call such men out, for what I call their ‘Soft Treachery’ against the Canon.
- NEW LIFE CHURCH. A nondenominational Charismatic Evangelical Megachurch located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. Founded in 1984 by the controversial TED HAGGARD, New Life Church currently has more than 10,000 members and 140 employees. The church has multiple congregations that meet throughout the Colorado Springs area. The church is known for its worship music, having produced and released over a dozen worship albums. Its Estimated Annual Budget as of 2020: $32,000,000.
- BRADY BOYD. He is Senior Pastor at New Life Church, preceded by the crestfallen Haggard issuing from a two-fold scandal back in 2006. BIO: “Boyd finished Simsboro High School in 1985 and graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1989 with a degree in Journalism. He has worked as a high school English teacher, basketball coach and sports broadcaster. He was a lay leader at Trinity Fellowship in Amarillo, Texas from 1997 to 1998 and the Senior Pastor of Trinity Fellowship Church in Hereford, Texas from 1998 to 2001. In March 2001, he became Associate Senior Pastor at Charismatic, multi-site Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas with an attendance of 36.000, under PASTOR ROBERT MORRIS (one of President Trump’s spiritual advisors). He became the Senior Pastor of New Life Church in August 2007, where he continues to lead today.”
- BRETT DAVIS. With an M.Div. from Beeson Divinity School, Davis serves as the most recent hire in the position of Associate Pastor for New Life Friday Night. He self-published a book entitled, ‘See the Strange: The Beauty of the Revelation’ in 2020. The church uses this book as their Prophecy Template.
From his Foreword: “I have read many books about the Book of Revelation and I have written two myself. The ‘worst’ books about Revelation treat it as a coded history of the future, predictions that we can tick off as they get fulfilled” (p. 11; edited). Making my own Futurist work, therefore, among the very Worst of the worst, as I dare to read it as the consummate Book of Prophecy ever written.
THE WORD. As the angel from God revealed to John at Patmos so powerfully: “For the substance (essence) of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy [the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose, including both mine and yours].” – REVELATION 19:10, AMPC
Can you see the Theological Impasse here, beloved? Note it well.
THE LARGER PICTURE. Now this is only a glimpse into the MINDSET of many Evangelical, Charismatic and Pentecostal churches in America today, representing an ‘Historic Shift’ away from the importance of Last Things to a new focus on Present Things.
This Shift is huge, and cannot be underestimated except at our own peril. It is nothing less than a Departure from heralding the Coming of Christ (Futurist Hermeneutic), to a vastly more Material and Practical theology (Historicist Hermeneutic), more suited to the Prosperity-Seeker Friendly Paradigm.
More to the insidious point: A New Direction toward the “Jesus is happy with you no matter what” approach, vs. the Jonathan Edwards idea of “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” (July 8, 1741), that helped, by the way, ignite the First Great Awakening that swept America back to God.
But again, never mind that. What ‘Awakening’ have we need of, beloved? We’re good to go.
EZEKIEL SPEAKS. A ‘Fear of God’ preaching paradigm is no longer acceptable doctrinal fare in today’s ‘Pillow Talk’ Churches, so despised by DAVID WILKERSON, who thundered this Classic Sermon to the American Church nearly three decades ago.
Quoted at length, as is my manner.
“Ezekiel was horrified at the sight of prophets who had developed an art of making God’s people comfortable. The Lord had said, ‘My people have set up idols in their hearts; they are brazenly setting up stumbling blocks in iniquity; they are all estranged from me because of their idols’ (Ezekiel 14:1-5).
The True Word of the Lord was, ‘Jehovah says — eat your bread with trembling, and drink thy water with grieving and fainting — and say unto the people, her land shall be emptied of its fullness, because of the violence — cities will be laid waste, the land made desolate — there shall be no more vain visions or flattering prophecies” (Ezekiel 12:17-24).
While Ezekiel went about calling the people to humility and repentance, trying to prepare God’s people for the soon coming judgments, these ‘Pillow Prophets’ went about prophesying the dreams and imaginations of their own hearts. God had not spoken to them, even though they prefaced their predictions with, ‘Hear the Word of the Lord.’
God said, ‘I did not send them: they do not speak for Me.’
They carried with them fancy pillows to place under every elbow for all who flocked to hear their false prophecies. They placed handkerchiefs on the heads of every one of their disciples, a statement to others that meant, ‘Nothing but good times ahead. I see nothing ahead but peace and luxury.’ They walked among the poor and sick, with a lace kerchief on the head, as a sign of their confidence in the message of the Prophets of Self-Indulgence and Comfort.” – “Pillow Prophets,” ‘World Challenge Pulpit Series,’ updated 1999; edited
THE TRIGGER MECHANISM. Though these trends were well at work long before 2016, they virtually exploded on the American scene with the Rise of Donald John Trump to Political and, astoundingly, Ecclesiastical Power.
- THE SPIRITUAL LANDSCAPE
My reason for focusing on the ‘Spirit Filled’ Church Community, is because as an old guard Pentecostal, I am deeply concerned where their Movements have taken us. Now clearly led by a number of controversial and minimally credentialed pastors. I report, then you decide.
The following is taken from an exhaustive review by Christian Charismatic, WILL RIDDLE, of ‘Kingdom Now’ ministries, published on May 11, 2020; edited. NOTE: And no, not everyone affiliated with these churches is reprobate; I know several who are dear, but they place themselves at Great Peril by submission to them.
FIRST TIER CHARISMATIC CHURCHES. These ‘large congregations’ are a growing part of the American Christian Culture, who are in overwhelming support of the person and policies of former president Donald Trump. They are, therefore, powerful INFLUENCERS in the American Church.
What follows is, for me at least, a Hall of Doctrinal Infamy that has leaked into the normally more staid, traditional houses of the Evangelical Community.
- BETHEL REDDING. “Led by three generations of the Johnson Family, most famously BILL JOHNSON. If pushed, I would argue that Bethel Redding is the most influential and important church in America right now. These guys are really pushing the boundaries of Traditional Charismatic/Pentecostal Christianity, and they are gaining a lot of worldwide attention doing it. Some consider them to be a kind of heir to the Vineyard Movement.”
- CHURCH OF THE HIGHLANDS. “Led by CHRIS HODGES, it is one of the largest churches in America. They follow a model called the ‘Attractional Church’ which leverages Church Growth Principles to gain a large audience and introduce them to the Holy Spirit. It’s more mainstream than I am, but among pastors that other pastors follow Chris is near the top of the list.”
- ELEVATION CHURCH. “In Charlotte, NC, led by STEPHEN FURTICK. This is where Elevation Worship is based, which released the recently famous song ‘The Blessing,’ along with many great albums. Furtick is a freak of nature (sic). A young Southern Baptist who was touched by Jim Cymbala’s book ‘Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire’ and started a Megachurch from almost nothing with a few friends. Furtick is like 11 out of 10 as a leader. Sets the standard for what a Spirit-filled but mainstream church can look like and do.”
- INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER (IHOP). “In Kansas City. IHOP was founded by MIKE BICKLE of the Kansas City Prophetic Movement. OK it’s not a church, but it really is. They have a leader, a school, a full-time congregation called Forerunner Christian Fellowship, a staff, branches throughout the country and massive influence around the world. International House of Prayer is one of America’s most important movements.”
- BROOKLYN TABERNACLE, NY. “JIM CYMBALA and the Brooklyn Tabernacle have redefined what is possible with churches in the big city. Their music style sort of dates them, but Jim and the Choir have been an important voice in the church.”
- GATEWAY CHURCH. “Gateway Church in Dallas is the first Charismatic ‘Seeker-Friendly’ Megachurch I know of. Gateway Church was founded by ROBERT MORRIS, a man sent out from the very Charismatic Trinity Amarillo. At one time it included other prophetic style Charismatics on staff like REED GRAFKE, PAUL CAIN’S former assistant.”
- MORNING STAR. “In Charlotte, North Carolina. RICK JOYNER was practically the definition of the Prophetic Movement for almost 20 years. Specializes in pioneering a prophetic vision of Christianity. Some great worship has come out of here. The church overall seems past it’s prime of influence, but is still a bellwether in what it means to be Charismatic.”
- THE BELONGING CO. “Although this church is very new, the number of Christian stars that go here or orbit around here, as well as the ‘top-quality Worship’ they are creating and connection other Charismatics, makes Belonging Co a Top Tier in my mind. Amazing story of how a couple [HENRY AND ALEX SEELEY] from Australia from Planet Shakers moved to Nashville really just to recover, and God gave them a Megachurch.”
SECOND TIER CHARISMATIC CHURCHES. Now these are also very influential churches, but no so impactful as the list above. So let’s get acquainted with these Christian leadership centers.
- DREAM CITY CHURCH. “Dream City Church, which was known as Phoenix First, is currently the Gold Standard of Assembly of God churches, the most important Pentecostal denomination in America. It was founded by TOMMY BARNETT, an evangelist famous from the revivals of the 50s, they dramatically increased their influence with the founding of the LA Dream Center by son Matthew Barnett.”
- BETHANY WORLD PRAYER CENTER. “In Louisiana, led by three generations of the Stockstill Family, most famously, LARRY STOCKSTILL. This is the church where TED HAGGARD got his start along with many others and the church that launched the G12 Movement in America [CESAR CASTELLANO of the New Apostolic Reformation]. A very important church.”
- UPPER ROOM DALLAS. “Led by MICHAEL MILLER and famous for the ‘open-ended prophetic worship style’ that has produced such worship standouts as Surrounded (‘This is How I Fight My Battles’). If you are serious about Prophetic Worship, this is who you watch.”
- FREE CHAPEL WORSHIP CENTER. “In Atlanta, led by JENTEZEN FRANKLIN. Actually, now leads one church on each coast. Has a TV ministry and has sent out others to plant churches.”
- CHURCH OF HIS PRESENCE. “In Alabama, Church of His Presence is influential because of its leader: JOHN KILPARICK, pastor of the Brownsville Revival. Like only a few church leaders have done, he has doubled his success by being part of a second (although smaller) revival in Daphne, Alabama. These events are sent more shockwaves through America.”
- MANNA HOUSE CHURCH. “Formerly known as City Bible Church and led by FRANK DAMAZIO. An anchor Church in the Northwest region, and also for the Portland Bible college, the MFI Movement, publishing house, and music.”
- WORLD HARVEST CHURCH. “In Columbus, World Harvest Church is led by ROD PARSLEY. Rod is a very unique brand. He is a Pentecostal/Word of Faith preacher who is more about faith than money. He has trained many and is known for his strong spirit. Less influential today than it was 10 years ago, though.”
- HILLSONG NEW YORK. “An up-and-coming national influencer. With their global brand, and the Charismatic leadership of CARL LENTZ, located in one of the world’s most important cities, Hillsong NY will be an anchor among Spirit-filled believers especially in the Northeast.”
- NATIONAL COMMUNITY CHURCH. “Led by MARK BATTERSON, author of bestselling book, ‘The Circle Maker.’ This church is mainstream enough that you could miss the fact that it is Spirit-filled at the core. Many influential Christians inside the Beltway consider this church home.”
- THE VILLAGE CHURCH. Led by MATT CHANDLER in DFW. Matt is probably the current icon for being Reformed and Charismatic. As I’m not Reformed, he’s not someone I follow or those in my circle do, but for this sub-segment, Matt is an icon.”
IN SUM. I see these centers as BREEDING GROUNDS for much Spiritual Error with an emphasis upon ‘Signs’ rather than sound doctrines. Thus they are wide open to the recent demonic infiltration by such groups as the QAnon, and Alt Right White Nationalists.
Again, these developments have been occurring for at least 25 years, but since the Election of Donald Trump, they have accelerated at light speed. All of which has, in my assessment, powerfully ‘Triggered’ the Biblical Prophecy of what is called by Christ Himself as, ‘The Great Falling Away’ [Apostasy]that would occur at the End of history, just prior to Christ’s Second Advent.
“At that time many will be offended and repelled [by their association with Me] and will fall away [from the One whom they should trust] and will betray one another [handing over believers to their persecutors] and will hate one another. Many false prophets will appear and mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold. But the one who endures and bears up [under suffering] to the end will be saved.” – MATTHEW 24:10-13, AMP
We have arrived, beloved of the King; we are in the very thick of it.
- TEACHING FOR THE RIGHTEOUS
“Behold, the Lord’s eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” – PSALM 33:18-19, AMPC
TWO PROMISES. Before we get to the very harsh news contained in the Scripture governing this entire two-part series aimed directly at The American Pastorate, let us first consider the Joys and Benefits of those who Obey God rather than Rebel against Him.
- DELIVERANCE FROM DEATH. Taken from the Hebrew term, ‘Natsal’ [נָצַל]: “To be snatched away or drawn out [suddenly or forcibly from some danger]; to tear oneself away; to rescue from enemies or trouble, even death; deliver from sin and guilt; to defend; to recover; to be set free; to escape; to release as from a great restraint or captivity; to disburden.”
- KEEP THEM ALIVE. In the context of severe Famine or Want, this completes the Promise. From the Hebrew, ‘Chayah’ [חָיָה]: “To have, remain and continue in (true) life; to live prosperously [in the spiritual sense]; to be quickened, revived or restored to life (from sickness, discouragement, or faintness, or even death); to enjoy life again; evil men cannot have access to this life [without full throated confession and repentance].”
COMMENTARY. “All human devices for the Salvation of our souls are vain; but the Lord’s watchful eye is over those whose Conscientious Fear of His Name proceeds from a believing hope in His Mercy. In difficulties they shall be helped; in dangers they shall not receive any real damage. Those that Fear God and His Wrath, must hope in God and His Mercy; for there is no flying from Him, but by flying to Him. ‘Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us; let us always have the comfort and benefit, not according to our merits, but according to the promise which Thou hast in thy Word given to us, and according to the faith thou hast by Thy Spirit and grace wrought in us.” – MATTHEW HENRY, ‘Exposition of the Old and New Testaments,’ 6 vols., 1708-1710; edited
Beloved, I cannot imagine moving toward the End of Days without ‘Divine Cover, Strength and Courage.’ And yet, so very many are unwittingly doing just that, unprepared by the steadiness of Sound Doctrine and life or death Commitment, choosing instead, ‘The Great Lie., straight from the Desk of Donald Trump.
- DANCING WITH DARKNESS
Nearly unbelievably, there are those Pastors, like Brady Boyd, who are wittingly or unwittingly leading their congregations straight toward Gertrude Himmelfarb’s dreadful and possibly fatal Abyss.
BUT WHY? It differs from Pastor to Pastor. For some its Pride, for others Fear, still others Ignorance, and for too many, sheer Power and Material Gain. God will judge that, and He has already begun.
But we are to EXPOSE False Teachings and Teachers, which is what I do here today. May God help us all to honor this Sober Commission:
“Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them. For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret.” – EPHESIANS 5:11-12, AMPC
- EXPOSE. From the Greek term, ‘Elegchó’ [ ἐλέγχω]: “To expose, convict, reprove. Usage: (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. To convict, refute, confute; to chasten, punish; to reprehend severely, chide, admonish firmly.”
- THE PRINCIPLE. “For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders (non-believers)? Do you not judge those who are within the church [to protect the church as the situation requires]? God alone sits in judgment on those who are outside [the faith]. Remove the wicked one from among you [expel him from your church].” – 1 CORINTHIANS 5:12, AMP
AN AMERICAN REICH. Over 80% of our Pastors, Leaders and Teachers are in some sort of ‘Mass Denial’ that Donald Trump is Satan’s ‘Agent Provocateur,’ the Great Inciter-in-Chief, America’s Gas Lighter-in-Exile, preparing for his Second Coming somehow between now and the end of 2024, with his Nationalist Promise of what author, activist and web developer SHANNON HANSON unabashedly calls, ‘The Fourth Reich.’
“What he is really saying is If the Mexicans and Muslims don’t see fit to leave the country, If the black people continue to protest racism, If the women don’t stop telling on men for sexual assault, if the press continues to report on his hateful rhetoric and lies, if the Democrats continue to use procedures set out in the constitution to hold him accountable, if the poor don’t stop asking for a more equitable economy then there will be a major event.
Hitler used the ‘Reichstag Fire’ to begin his consolidation of power. The murder of a German Diplomat in Paris was exploited by Hitler to move the policy toward Jews from primarily non-violent to murderous and brought about ‘Kristallnacht.’ What major event will trump use to send his disciples into a murderous rage?”
Her story was filed on JANUARY 6, 2020 – precisely one year to the day, before the January 6, 2021 Christian Insurrection against the United States Government in Washington, DC.
BY WHAT SPIRIT? And yet our Pastors are in near Unanimity of Support for (or cowardly Silence concerning) something and Someone so seditious, so darkly sinister, and to be blunt, violent, that it defies both Reason and the Canon.
Here is just one example of this ‘Spirit’ of America’s New Alt Right spawned by Donald Trump.
- THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST. “If they take [Trump] out, there is going to be Violence in America. There are people in this country, veterans, cowboys, mountain men, guys that know how to fight, and they’re going to make a decision that the people that did this to Donald Trump are not going to get away with it and they’re going to hunt them down … If these people in Washington think that they are going to get away with it, it’s not going to happen. The Trump supporters are going to hunt them down. It’s going to happen and this country is going to be plunged into Darkness and they brought it upon themselves because they won’t back off.” – RICK WILES, reported by Caleb Ecarma, “Far Right TV Host Rick Wiles,” ‘Mediaite,’ October 23, 2019; edited
- DEFINITION OF THE ERA. “The Bible teaches that the world will eventually produce a World Ruler, called ‘The Beast’ in Revelation, who will wield great power and demand worship of himself. He will have ‘a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies’ (Revelation 13:5) and is empowered by Satan (Revelation 13:2). He is called ‘The Man of Lawlessness … the man doomed to destruction’ in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. This final Antichrist will be the culmination of the evil workings of Satan throughout the centuries. The Antichrist of the End Times will embody all the deception and perversion of Truth that the Spirit of the Antichrist has always promoted. Today, ‘The secret power of lawlessness is already at work’ (2 Thessalonians 2:7). The same Spirit that will empower the Antichrist of the Last Days is currently operating in the world to bring confusion and deception to the issue of Jesus Christ’s person and work. ‘This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world’ (1 John 4:3).” – EDITORS, ‘Got Questions,’ updated April 26, 2021; edited
THE TAKEAWAY. ‘‘This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” It is here, beloved. ‘He’ is here, and I have already dared to tell you that only one man, based on overwhelming doctrinal, historical and political evidence, fills the Job Description of Antichrist:
Donald John Trump.
CODICIL. Consider this fierce indictment by former conservative and now progressive journalist THOM HARTMANN of the Independent Media Institute, “Trump and the GOP Have Thrown Evangelical Christianity into a Full-Blown Crisis,” ‘Alternet,’ April 7, 2021; edited.
“Prominent among The Mob that attacked the US Capitol on January 6 were ‘Jesus 2020’ flags and Christian iconography. One group carried a large wooden cross, and hundreds of people knelt to pray before attacking the Capitol on that terrible day.
The day before, January 5, a group of Religious [Christian] Trump supporters held a ‘Jericho March’ in DC, carrying oversize crosses and singing hymns as they paraded in circles around the capital as if they were Joshua circling the ancient city of Jericho so its walls would supernaturally collapse.
This is ‘not’ what Jesus would have done; supporting politicians was anathema to His ministry. He preached morality, not politics!”
DK’S TAKE. I should very emphatically say to all this, without hesitation: No! No indeed! Why is it that Brady Boyd and the entire Pantheon of Christian Pastors are not decrying this Savagery at the top of their lungs, beloved?
I have already told you.
- LAST THOUGHTS
I frankly don’t know what else to say at this late point in God’s Final Calendar. More sadly, I don’t expect many, if any, Pastors are reading these columns, but if they are, I plead with them, indeed, beg them toward heartfelt Public Contrition.
CHOICES, AGAIN. So, my dear friends, what can we do in the face of this massive Transfer from ‘Faith to Feelings’? From honoring the God of the Eschaton to groveling at the foot of a New Golden Calf?
An ancient Scriptural Principle comes to mind, perfectly suited to our Present Condition of American Apostasy.
“For see, the wicked are bending the bow; they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they [furtively] in darkness may shoot at the upright in heart. If the foundations are destroyed, what can the [unyieldingly] righteous do, or what has He [the Righteous One] wrought or accomplished?” – PSALM 11:2-3, AMPC
JOHN GILL offers us rich and practical Biblical Wisdom as Response to this age-old Question. I give it a full hearing since it sets us up for the second and final installment next time.
“Something the Righteous ones may do, and should do, when men are attempting to undermine and sap the Foundation Articles of Religion; they should go to the Throne of Grace, to God in His Holy Temple, who knows what is doing, and Plead with Him to put a stop to the designs and attempts of such subverters of Foundations; and they should Endeavour to build one another up on their most Holy Faith, and constantly Affirm it while others Deny it; and should CONTEND EARNESTLY for it, and ‘Stand Fast’ in it.” – ‘Exposition on the Old and New Testaments,’ 1746-1763; edited, emphasis my own
That is, they ought to Fight, beloved! Consider the Passage alluded to by Gill.
“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I was compelled to write to you [urgently] appealing that you fight strenuously for [the defense of] the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints [the faith that is the sum of Christian belief that was given verbally to believers].” JUDE 1:3, AMP
The Greek word for “Contend” is ‘Epagónizomai’ [ἐπαγωνίζομαι], translated as: “To fight strenuously for; strive earnestly [zealously]; as with a great competition or contest; to struggle upon with skill and commitment, opposing whatever is not of faith (by God’s persuasion); to quarrel; to dispute fiercely; to wrangle.”
Is anyone feeling this, beloved? God knows, I am!
CODA. I shall leave you and especially Pastors with this final, irreversible and indelible thought about ‘What is Coming’ as a Consequence of the Foundations being utterly destroyed.
It is the Scripture I cited at the open of this Study, that we will return to in my Second Installment concerning what Errant Pastors may expect in the Days Ahead.
“Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of Me; and that cover with a covering, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at My mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.” – ISAIAH 30:1-3, NKJ
Selah, my friends. See you all next time for our Conclusion. And do focus intently on the Prophet’s Phrase: “That walk to go down into Egypt.”
Ever your servant, DK
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