MOVING THE ANCIENT BOUNDARIES

Reflections existed before time began when the Spirit of God reflected the glory and power of God as He hovered over the face of the waters. And the Son of God gave glory to the Father, when He enunciated the magnificent dawn of creation, “Let their be light; and there was light.” And there was evening and there was morning, one day” (Genesis 1:2-3, 5 NAS). God’s created light illuminated the brilliance of the sun and placed the soft glow of the moon over all mankind reflecting His glory back to Him. And reflections have grown and multiplied through corridors of time to today. Right this moment, whose image do you reflect? The holy or the profane? Jesus left two perpetual instructions for all generations—God’s truth—how to have the reflection of God’s glory in us. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40 NAS). But we have failed. Failed to love Him with all of our hearts. Because if we had loved Him as He commanded, we would have obeyed Him. In all things. And would not have refused to love our neighbor, unless they were just like us. But you can’t do or teach what you don’t know. And many, even in the church have no knowledge nor appetite to study and learn God’s Word. Many tiptoe through the scriptures picking and choosing what to believe and throwing out the rest. And the reflections they mirror are muddied, rebellious images. Incorrect representations of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Is it any wonder the growing majority of mankind turns their backs on hypocritical religious rites? They can’t see. Their eyes are blinded. They don’t know God’s truth. And many have chosen to reflect other images. Images of chaos. Images of pride. Even images of death. Before Jesus was crucified, He prayed for those who belong to Him. Yes, for you and me, and for all generations who claim the name of Jesus, and He asked: “…I come to Thee, Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, the name which Thou has given Me, that they may be one, even as We are. I do not ask Thee to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst sent Me…I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me” (John 17:11,15-17, 20-21, 23 NAS). Church are we one? One crisp, clearly defined image, reflecting His Word, His love, His forgiveness, His grace (salvation), His peace, His joy, His righteousness, His holiness? Are we standing firm, as He commanded, in the foundational truths of His Word? Or are we a muddled mess? Or have winds of deception, ripples of discord, and murmurings of boastful pride stirred the reflections of the churches into grotesque, false representations? Do you really think there’s going to be an Episcopal, Catholic, Baptist or Presbyterian or Church of God or countless other congregations in eternity? Separated by their own special quirks? I’m afraid that’s where many congregations find themselves today. Choosing to walk in their own understanding rather than the truth of the Word of God. Picking and choosing what they perceive to be popular. Divided. Deceived. Doomed. Or will this eternity purchased by the perfect Son of God, born of a virgin, who was sent—fully God and fully man—to shed His blood as God’s once for all sacrifice, then three days later resurrected, just like God said, so you and I could be forgiven and live forever with Him—will this eternity ring with one unanimous voice of praise and glory? Saying: “Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. And Thou has made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10 NAS). Then why can’t we praise Him with one accord now? Why can’t we speak in one accord the Truth, known from the beginning? There’s only one answer, “there are enemies in the camp.” Unbelievers who don’t know Jesus. But like the first century church, the refining fires of persecution are heating seven times hot in the Middle East, Africa, Afghanistan, and these fires will rage across the globe, across America, purifying God’s people. Until God’s people return, repent, and obey our Father’s commands. Or until the appointed day when God says, Son go get My children. Or until the moment of Christ’s return catches many by surprise? What image does your heart reflect today? Images of a world gone mad or images of our Lord Jesus Christ? I wish I could say my reflection was never muddy. But as my mama used to say, wish in one hand, spit in the other and see which gets full first. Trials have taught me to depend on the Lord Jesus. Tests have given His strength when I ask—when I choose peace—rather than grumbling. Tribulations teach me to trust Him…even in death. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy. If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:13-19 NAS). Now it’s your choice. Which image will you reflect? Christ Jesus as Lord of your life, regardless of your circumstances? Or images of whatever you’ve chosen to worship? Christ tells His own people: “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:10-11 NAS). God promises to transform you, from faith to faith, into a clear, concise, mirror reflection of His only Son. If you will let Him. Forever.

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How long has it been since you prayed for your children? Your grandchildren? The children in your neighborhood? America’s children?
How long has it been since you’ve realized God answered your prayers?
How long has it been since you’ve prayed for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven?
“So,” you ask, “…what’s the big deal about praying that old rote sentence about God’s will? That’s just rhetoric—right?
Well, millions of school children prayed that prayer every morning in public schools—for generations. And America prospered. While children were schooled in the Word and in the faith of their fathers. But that part of their schooling has been snatched away and we are reaping the consequences of mocking God.
Children now play act in public school about being a Muslim. And we allow them to be taught about Islam, but not Christianity. Can that in any way be construed as God’s will?
Several generations of public school children now suffer from a void of God’s Word and His name being totally removed from our educational system. And your tax dollars fund what has filled that void.
I wonder if the parents of the young lady who was gang raped on that Pensacola Beach during Spring Break 2015—that they paid for—are suffering from a massive attack of the if onlys this morning? Or how about those who suffered multiple gun shot wounds on that same beach? These parents don’t get a do-over and their kids’ lives are forever changed, perhaps forever ruined.
Drug dealers, thugs, and vermin of every nature and description weave themselves among our children, in public schools, and we sit—doing nothing! Folks, the foxes are in the school house gobbling up our little chickens. Do you think that’s God’s will?
1 Peter 4:1 tells us:
“…he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”
There’s nothing like a huge dose of realities consequences to capture one’s attention. And that works if the kid, the parent, or responsible adult has any knowledge of Truth. But what if they don’t?
If we don’t stand up and speak the truth of God’s Word, we are as guilty as those who perpetrate evil.
I have prayed for the past number of years for God to raise up men of His own choosing. Godly men like the men of Issachar. Men “…who had an understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32 NKJV). If we look at the nation of Ancient Israel we should feel a very close kindred ’cause we’re doing the same stupid, evil stuff they were doing.
Israel turned their backs to God’s instruction for them to be a holy nation. They determined to be like the world around them. For goodness sake, they even brought false gods into the temple and tried to blend these idols with their worship of Jehovah.
And here’s how it worked for them.
God sent sufferings on His people—floods, famine, disease, captivity—to turn their hearts back to Him. But, they were stubborn and stiff-necked—just like us. However, when they finally humbled themselves and cried to God—in His mercy, He delivered them.
As I prayed the other day, pleading for our children and our nation, it occurred to me God has answered my prayer. And in places of authority on the national scene, He has raised up godly men. Men unafraid to proclaim the truth of His name. Men who stand ready to lead this nation back from the brink of disaster, back to the foundations America was built upon. Just like those men of Issachar. Wise men. Courageous men. Godly men.
The question we must each ask ourselves is the same question Israel had to answer—do we really trust the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Or will we continue leaning to our own understanding?
I’ve heard comments like “He could never win. He’s too conservative.” Or “I don’t want to waste my vote on someone who can’t draw the independent or liberal voter.” “To have any chance of winning, we have to have a middle-of-the-road guy.” I’m sure you’ve either heard or maybe even said those words.
Yet, correct me if I’m wrong, “God + you = A majority.
In all but two elections in my lifetime, I’ve always voted against someone rather than vote for someone.
How long has it been since you’ve voted for a candidate?
God has provided several men Christians could vote for in 2016. But you and me, we get to choose. Like God waited for Israel, could He be waiting to see if Christians have had enough heartache and lies, enough corruption, enough lawlessness?
Are we ready, regardless what others say, to repent, return, and stand firm in God’s Truth?
Many good Christian people chose not to vote last time because of their limited choices. Do you realize when you refuse to vote you give the other party two votes—yours and theirs?
You may not like my words this morning, you may choose to punch delete and dismiss them from your mind. But I know, according to His Word and His character, if we hide in the shadows evil will overtake this land I love and God will judge America and just like Israel, we don’t get to choose His course of judgment.
I believe these men of godly principles have been led to sacrifice themselves to lead this nation. And they well may be our last hope. You hold America’s future in your hands.
Will you vote according to your faith or your skewed understanding? God moves when His people pray and determine to act with courage and stand firm in Him.

Will you seek God’s will for America and hear Him say:
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14 NKJV).

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