In my entire life I never met a man who was ashamed to say, “In God we trust,” but our nation is rapidly changing. Our country’s new motto has become: In God we no longer trust. Our nation has come full circle from the days when we based our law and Constitution on God and His word. The founding fathers of our nation realized that all blessings and goodness came directly from God – and they looked to and relied and trusted in God.
Because of our national sins and rejection of God, He has given us a President and the leadership that we deserve as a defiant people. Is there no one today who will take a stand for God and country? Where is the man who will stand in the gap and say, “Enough is enough?!” There is no one.
On Wednesday, September 9, 2014 the United States Air Force joined the remainder of America’s military services including the Army, Navy and Marine Corp in declaring that we can go it alone without God’s help. The Air Force says airmen will now be allowed to omit the words “so help me God” from its enlistment oath.
It is another one of many politically correct steps toward rejecting God altogether. Satan has done a marvelous job of convincing almost everyone that our United States Constitution prohibits the very mentioning of God’s name in a public way. It does not!
The founding fathers of our nation realized that Government is the natural enemy to religion – so they sought to prevent Government interference in matters of Faith. The enemies of God have turned our Constitution around and made people believe that God’s name must be removed from everything: Schools, Courtrooms, Law, Oaths of office, Public buildings and property, and, before it’s over with – from this very nation itself.
The Department of Defense General Counsel, issued its opinion that the language “so help me God” can now be left out of the enlistment oath.
One time – not so long ago we were, “One nation, under God.” Now, as a result of our unwillingness as a nation to take a stand for God’s Name, God is beginning to remove the fantastic blessings of power, wealth, protection and greatness that He bestowed upon our nation. It is not our military power that is broken – we are still the most powerful nation on earth. It is the pride of our power that has become broken and ineffective. Notice what God tells us will happen when we turn our backs on Him.
Leviticus 26:
19 I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:
I remember- not too many years ago – when Herbert W Armstrong said, “By the authority of Jesus Christ, I tell you, that America has won her last war!” I remember thinking at the time, “How can that be?” But brethren, we see it unfolding right before our eyes!!! We still have the power – but we are losing the ability to use our power to defend our country’s citizens. In the next verse, God tells us that we have built up our military and defenses in vain – for they will no longer protect us (Leviticus 26:20).
Jesus Christ is the God of the Old Testament. Jesus was the first king of Israel. After receiving great blessings, Israel has had the proclivity to reject God’s rule over them. In Samuel’s day the people rejected God’s rule in favor of a king they could see. Thus said the Lord:
1 Samuel 10:
19 You have this day rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations.
1 Samuel 12:
12 When ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God was your king.
Brethren, have we forgotten that: the LORD your God is our king? We have rejected God just as our forefathers did – what do you think is in store for us?
1 Samuel 8:
7 The Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.
Brethren, our nation cannot stand without God. As we witness the prophesied fall of our nation, what should we as Christians, be doing? Should we shrink back and hide in the shadows. No! We do not find that example portrayed in the Scriptures. And God is not yet asking us to seek the spotlight of center stage. That time will come soon enough.
We should realize that these end-time events portend and pave the way for the soon coming salvation of the Lord. God tells us to take a stand for our faith and the principles of our faith and God’s way of life. When we stand for what is right – God will fight our battles for us. Moses’ advice in Exodus, some 3,500 years ago, is still perfectly valid today.
Exodus 14:
13 Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand forth, and see the salvation of the Lord…
Because it is not God’s will that any of us should perish, He insists that each and every one acquire the courage to take a stand for what is right – even if everyone else is turning a blind eye; Take a stand for what is right – even if we must stand alone and trust in God. Is there no one today in God’s Church who will take a stand for God and His truth?
No member of the Church of God is exempt when it comes to taking a stand to support and defend God’s high standards. We have no choice but to take a stand. What does it mean to “Stand Alone?”
The Bible is filled with examples of those saints who have had to courageously stand alone for God’s Word. What are we to do when Church unity disintegrates into apostasy? What do you do when the conduct of the ministry becomes political and they abuse God’s people?
From the time of Adam until the time of Jesus Christ, no one was called to spiritual salvation except those few called to perform special missions. Men like Moses and the Prophets – a very select few. God offered His Holy Spirit (eternal life) only to those called for special duty.
Again - Paul speaks of the "Cloud of witnesses who trusted in God in Faith.
Hebrews 11:
7 By faith Noah…,
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
22 By faith Joseph…,
Who today has the valor of Phinehas? He stood alone!
David stood alone against the Philistine, Goliath.
King Darius planned to set Daniel over the entire kingdom. But, evil men concocted a scheme whereby Daniel would have to choose between King Darius and God. At that point, Daniel could have sought some middle ground – he could have compromised a little. Daniel could have easily reasoned that he could do so much more good alive than dead. Daniel stood alone, and God delivered him from the mouths of the lions.
Can we, too, stand alone? Here’s an even more important question that we must consider: Will we have to stand alone? Will the circumstances be such that we have no choice but to stand alone or lose our salvation, as in the case of the young men mentioned above?
Daniel 12:
2 Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Some have failed the test that God sent to them. They must repent now and cry out to God:
Psalms 51:
11 Do not take your Holy Spirit from me, I pray.
The Prophet Elijah felt like he stood totally alone when he confronted the four hundred and fifty priests of Baal. He was not aware of the 7,000 who had not bowed their knee to Baal.
Women stand alone as well - if they are women of faith.
Hebrews 11:
31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Queen Esther stood alone and prevailed.
From the time that Jesus established His Church to this present time, only an extremely small portion of humanity has been called. Even today, those called by God are singularly called for a very special and unique purpose according to His Will.
1 Peter 2:
9 You, [brethren], are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a special people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
We who have been called during this church age have been called to qualify as rulers with Christ in the Kingdom of God. In addition to qualifying, we are chosen according to God’s purpose to be ambassadors of Christ who will individually and faithfully represent God’s Kingdom at this present time (2 Corinthians 5:20).
2 Corinthians 5:
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.
God prophesied that this lackadaisical condition would prevail in His end-time Church. Yes, we all need a nudge in the right direction sometimes. Whatever the harmful situation is, brethren, you and I cannot ever close our eyes to hurtful and sinful ways, or approve of, or support wrongdoing. Brethren, can you do what is right in God’s eyes: will you stand alone? God says that when you see wrongdoing, and do not take a stand against it, that is the same as condoning the iniquity (Leviticus 5:1).
Everyone has the Christian obligation to address sin openly, just as Paul was correct in withstanding Peter to his face before them all. Ministers are not exempt from the principles of Christ any more than Peter was in his day.
They must be shown where they are wrong; it is our Christian obligation. Whenever God brings a sinful matter to anyone’s attention, it is necessary for that individual to make every effort to restore his brother. It is loving and necessary for members to make an effort to turn those mistaken ministers around to a correct relationship with God. Ministers are not impervious to sin, wrongdoing and its harmful effects. We are “our brother’s keeper.” What are we to do when a brother or sister strays from the Truth?
Some would say, “God will correct any wrongdoing in the Church of God.” “It’s not my responsibility.” “I’ll put it in God’s hands.” That is a cop-out! It is easy for some to justify not taking a stand. They chalk up sin and misconduct as personality traits to be overlooked. They say, “God can use them in spite of their sins.” They have a wide variety of excuses, “I can’t change others; I can only change myself.” “We are not supposed to judge.”
“I don’t like to put people down.” “If I didn’t overlook faults, I would have no friends at all.” “We are supposed to love one another, and not be confrontational.”
Brethren, God expects each individual Christian to stand up for the truth, and expose the lies. God tells us how to handle situations like these. The answer is always the same. When push comes to shove – step up to the plate and be counted! We have a great responsibility to each other in the Church of God. Closing our eyes to a sinful problem is an inexcusable act of cowardice – it is not Christian love. When humbly approached, a true Christian should be able to accept Godly correction.
Brethren, ask yourself, “Have I ever helped turn anyone to the Kingdom of God – or do I have a life-long habit of refusing to be bothered?”
James 5:
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him.
Turn Him around [Convert] – God says that is an incredible thing to do!
James 5:
20 Let him know, that he which converts [turns him around] the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death...
For anyone to side-step this clear, Christian obligation is tantamount to rejecting Godly authority over his or her life. Are we easily swayed, or are we defenders of the faith down to the last man or woman?
As Christians, are we strong enough to be able to live and to stand for our true faith? Godly love is helping one another into the Kingdom of God. Non-intervention on our part is the same as approving of people’s sin, and it ensures that they will not inherit the better resurrection. No one wants that on their conscience! Some people will justify their inaction by saying, “We are supposed to be peacemakers, and not busy bodies.”
We interact with brethren who trust and forgive each other, and who share the same hope of eternal life. We are to congregate with those who put their Christianity into practice in the things that they say, and in the things that they do and in the way that they look out for each other. Is iron sharpening iron? Are we practicing our faith?
People today are going from pillar to post. I think they are looking for the glory days of the Worldwide Church of God – but they do not know what they are looking for. Not knowing what they are looking for – if they do happen on a group teaching God’s Truth – they do not recognize it because they lack foundation.
We have too many Sunday Christians who go to church on Saturday. Saturday attendance does not make anyone a Christian. We should be going to church services to learn how to be true Christians – the Christianity the Jesus taught! We do not go to church to fulfill a roll call, to pay our dues, or to be seen by the minister and somehow stay in his good graces. That counts for nothing as far as God is concerned.
Neither do we go to church to stay in some far off headquarters’ good graces. That too, counts for absolutely nothing as far as God is concerned.
Putting on a coat and tie does not make anyone a Christian. We do not go to services for show or to be seen by people. People from all over the country tell me the same thing: “Nobody wants to talk about the sermon or spiritual things at church.” Singing in the church choir does not make anyone a Christian.
Taking a stand for righteousness as Christ did – that makes you a Christian…
In the same way that our US Constitution has been flipped on its back – Satan causes the Church to go through a metamorphosis. Metamorphosis means that one thing transforms into another thing. Our Faith morphs when it is left unattended – it transforms into substitute forms of worship – which are not acceptable transformations.
The Church of God today does not even realize that it has accepted a substitute form of Christianity – and has forgotten the true Christianity that Jesus brought. Brethren begin to look for organizations and heroes to worship – large groups, and seemingly strong church leaders they can applaud and look up to. That is “Barking up the wrong tree,” as they say down south.
In the absence of living men to idolize, they hearken back to Mr. Armstrong as if to consecrate him as the Catholics do their saints – rather than looking to God and His son, Jesus Christ.
We seek to worship God in sincerity and truth – and the first thing you know – our faith is about our hair, our physical food becomes more important than our spiritual food, our IPhone6, our clothes, our make-up, our health products, - the list goes on and on – but there is not a stitch of true Christianity in the lot. It always happens.
Being willing to die for a taste of that delicious soufflé at a church pot-luck is not the same thing laying our lives down as Christ gave us example. Fellowshipping with friends and buddies is not the same thing as “provoking one another to love and good works...” ...which is what we are supposed to be doing on the Sabbath Day. God tells us what to do when we get together for in Hebrews.
Hebrews 10:
24 Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Let’s ask ourselves: “When was the last time I really provoked – stirred someone up to truly help somebody in need?”
We are not laying down our lives for the brethren if we do not reconcile, if we do not come to their aid, if we do not open our hearts and minds to them, if we do not share our deepest concerns with them, or when we do not provoke them to good works. We need to awaken a desire in others to tear down the walls that separate brethren. Do we greet and welcome others – and make them feel appreciated and wanted? Not being scared to death to enter into dialogue with others. There are so few opportunities to really have a meeting of the minds with like minded brethren.
1 Peter 4:
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Is our hospitality reserved for our family and our clique’ of close friends – or do we reach out to others as a Christian should? When new people come into our midst, do we take full advantage of those opportunities - or are we shrinking violets - shying away from encounters that are difficult? While it may be cozy to sit in a large congregation, surrounded, seemingly protected in a cocoon of safety; we need to remember that our safety comes from faith in God, not from lots of people.
If on the other hand, someone seeks anonymity and obscurity for the very purpose of not having to take a stand, there exists a serious spiritual problem. We need to ask ourselves, “Are we in the best place to work out our own salvation?”
Philippians 2:
12 … work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, we should be exhibiting the highest standards of Godly conduct. We are living in a time, however, when the principles within God’s Church have been watered down to the point that they are not that much different from the world’s standards.
Being open and involved with others is difficult at first for some because it makes us vulnerable; but Jesus set the example for us by sharing of Himself.
It is also the little things – phone calls, prayers, flowers, comfort for those who have lost a loved one, helping someone with a sick child, etc. That, too, is laying down our lives for the brethren!
Brethren, do we constitute a true Christian congregation? Do we cry together, laugh together and pray together? We interact with each other in a real, meaningful, and substantive way when we consider one another’s spiritual needs and physical needs.
Brethren, the world is falling down around our ears. We are in a Christian battle for our very spiritual lives.
Ephesians 6:
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand:
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Brethren, take a stand! We must make sure that we are in good stead with God, and with His saints. We are to be faithful to the Body of Christ, the Church of God, the called out ones. Brethren, we are the Church of God!
We do not belong to the self-satisfied Church of God.
1 John 3:
17 Whosoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?
God’s love is not in us when we care more for ourselves than we do for others. This it the “Me” generation. Everyone is looking out for their own comfort. In previous generations people sat on wooden church pews and never knew that they were supposed to be all comfy.
God says that we are missing the mark when we have to have the cushy seats while we shut up our bowels of compassion for other saints and neglect our responsibilities toward them.
Talking about caring is not the same thing as getting around to caring. God says. “Quit talking about it – and actually do something about it. Talk is cheap – actions speak louder than words.
1 John 3:
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Do something Christian! We are not as on-target, as we should be. We know that God’s plan is coming to fruition. God through His Spirit is bringing it about. We know that it is going to be worked out – but will we personally meet Christ’s standard of loving one another? Ours is not a “You and me, Lord” faith.
1 John 4:
21 This commandment have we from Him, That he who loves God love his brother also.
Love our brother also is not a sentiment. Do we help him or her? Do we truly care? Do we communicate with them in a timely manner? We must be willing to stand alone, be tested alone, and be tried alone. We learn collectively, but we are tested individually. Notice how this scripture says it so clearly:
Romans 14:
10 …for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ…
12 so then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Do we ever take a stand for God’s righteousness today, or do we close our eyes? Are we crowd-pleasers, preferring not to rock the boat or make waves?
Are we willing to stand alone? When we “put it all on the line” for God’s Truth, it is likely to cost us a great deal. We must be willing to pay a big price. Sometimes the prophets would say, “Even if God does not deliver me, I am going to stand in faith.” That is what we have to say; we must be willing to lay down our lives as Jesus Christ gave us example.
Christ says we cannot even be His disciples until we make that commitment, till we make that decision. Are we too fearful to make a decision for righteousness? We will not go into the Kingdom of God until God knows that we will always take a positive stand for Him.
Standing alone will not make you popular with the majority of people. Those who take a stand for righteousness sake will be considered the black sheep - ridiculed - persecuted - and shunned - even among God's people. Do not expect people to come and support you when you stand up for God’s way of life… You will be ostracized and punished – whey will withhold their affection and friendliness from you.
Matthew 5:
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
When there is an unchristian situation going on, will you excuse yourself and follow along with the crowd, being a part of what is clearly wrong in God’s eyes simply because no one else is willing to stand with you? Or, will you stand on your own two feet and follow Christ no matter what?
Children see the hypocrisy even when their parents close their eyes to it. This causes great harm and injury to the children.
We do not have the option of whether or not to take a stand. We must take a stand for Godliness. No one qualifies for the Kingdom of God without standing strong. We must prove ourselves and qualify. We must overcome. We have to stand up and be counted.
Brethren, you and I are warned of the seriousness of our Christian calling. John tells us that genuine involvement with one another is a matter of salvation.
1 John 3:
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loves not his brother abides in death.
We’re all scattered; we’re all shattered. But this question of our Christian practice, interaction, love and concern for one another is a major salvational issue that cannot be overlooked.
Let me present a point of view and then ask you the question of where this attitude can be found in God’s Church today?
Interacting with the brethren as though they were truly “family” members is a good reason to assemble together. We should assemble and interrelate as often as possible, and not just for an hour or two at Sabbath services. God desires sincerity, and He desires truth. He is not fooling around! God has gone through a great deal to bring about His magnificent plan. We must not be afraid to plunge right into each other’s hearts and minds. Let’s close with this example of the first-century Church brethren after just having received God’s Holy Spirit.
Acts 4:
32 The multitude of them that believed was of one heart and of one soul.
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"So Help Me God" |
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