Ramblings of a Sinner

Just about every day I read the ‘letters to the Editor’ in my local paper.  When I do so I read it online so that I can read the responses from other readers as well.  I have noticed that whenever a writer mentions their beliefs in the Christian faith the responses are fast and furious and the majority is always negative towards the Christian faith. There are responses from pro-Christian people as well but we are always accused of ramming our beliefs down their throats.  I find that curious since whenever the subject comes up it is usually non-Christians telling us that we can say this or do that.  Christians are told what they can and cannot display in full view of the public even on the grounds of our own churches.  My family is lucky that we live in an area that still has a moderate religious influence but that does not mean that God and references to the Christian Faith are not being cleansed from sight.  Are your children singing Christmas carols at school this year? 

On the 20th of November 2009 leaders from different denominations of the Christian faith released a declaration of faith and values for the Christian faith.  Called the ‘Manhattan Declaration’( http://www.manhattandeclaration.org ) it is being touted by some as the most important Christian declaration since Martin Luther nailed his Ninety Five thesis to the door of the church.  It calls Christians to stand firm in their faith even to the point of civil disobedience.  Civil disobedience was a common practice used during Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s fight for civil rights.  It speaks against all actions currently being taken by society today that go against the pillars of the Christian Faith.  This document tells all Christians that it is okay to stand up for your faith and to defend your beliefs.

I for one will not shut up in matters of my faith.  I am not looking for a ban on anything anti-Christian, that would be unconstitutional.  I am not complaining about all the anti-God things I see and hear even in my local community.  Freedom of expression is a constitutional right, I am taking advantage of my constitutional and God given right to express my beliefs.  This country needs a re-awakening of Christians and their beliefs.  Like it or not it was Christians that founded this country and they did it for everyone seeking freedom.

     When Abraham walked the earth with God he was promised that his descendants would make up a great nation in land that was promised to them by God.  God promised this to Abraham for his faithfulness and obedience.  Both of Abraham’s offspring became the foundation for nations of people.  Following a man named Moses the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son, were led to the land that was promised to them and through their obedience the nation of Israel was born.

     Two hundred and thirty three years ago a new nation was formed.  Among the people that came to inhabit this new land were scores of Christians that were seeking to escape persecution in their homelands.  Many of the homelands hand state endorsed religions having the policy that the national religion must be followed.  Many political reasons can also be sighted for the creation of this new nation but the foundation of laws were based on Christian-Judeo values and religious freedom was established.  Through writings and recorded events we know that the faith of the founders played highly in their every day life.  Prayer was a must at the beginning of every meeting with requests for guidance and blessings from God.  By all accounts the military force formed by this fledgling nation was no match for the forces of the homeland and there was confidence that the superior forces would quickly put down the rebellion.  Much like Joshua leading the nation of Israel to their promised land, the leaders of this aspiring new nation prayed and sought the blessing of God to give them this nation to save them from oppression.  There are reports from numerous sources that General George Washington prayed before battles seeking the favor of the Almighty God, there is even a painting commemorating this event.  Against all odds this new nation was formed and independence was gained from the former homeland.  Within the last few decades their has been a push to remove the influence of God from the nation that He blessed two hundred and thirty three years ago.  The misguided thoughts and beliefs of a few are letting this happen.  What is the cost of removing God from the life of a nation?

     After time past the people of Israel came under the influence of other nations and strayed from God and did not seek His blessings and at such times God gave the people over to their enemies.  Repentance brought redemption but straying would bring punishment.  After generations of this behavior the nation of Israel was routed and scattered throughout the lands.  The nation of Israel did not exist from about 70 A.D. until 1948 when the nation was reformed by the international community following World War II.  Almost one thousand eight hundred and eighty years without a country.  What would that mean to us today?  Could you imagine being just a visitor no matter where you went because you country no longer existed? 

     I wonder if the people of the United States of America could learn anything from the story of the nation of Israel.  Could you imagine the United States ceasing to exist?  Yes it can happen, anything is possible.  Learn from the past.  Learn what had happened to a nation that turned its back of God.

12/09/08

            Here we go again, another Christmas season complete with attacks on Christ.  Christmas literally means “Christ’s Mass”, a celebration of Christ and God’s gift of grace for us. 

            In the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church the celebration of Christ’s Mass was joined in with the winter celebrations of those the church was attempting to convert to Christianity.  All well and good, this may have helped express the importance of celebrating Christ as native celebrations were.

             Flash forward the present, Christmas has been fighting being over taken as a secular gift giving commercial holiday.  In recent years Christmas has been under attack from those who wish to remove Christmas from the holiday season.   As Christians we need to examine our understanding of the reason for Christmas.  Are we in it to celebrate and glorify Christ or for presents and decorating trees?  Don’t get wrong, I to will be exchanging presents with loved ones and friends.  However, I will not forget the reason of Christmas and remind others of that reason. 

            For God loved us so much that He gave us His only son, the spirit of God in the form of man.  Man on his own could not achieve forgiveness for his sins against God.  God knew this; He had to intervene to give man a way to return into fellowship with Him.  Jesus is that way.  Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus “the” central figure of Christianity.  Without Jesus there is no Christianity, more important there is no path to salvation and restoration to a right relationship with God.

     While you are doing your shopping, holiday planning, and gift exchanging take time to remember and perhaps share with others the true meaning of Christmas.