We’re all facing a lot of censorship and rampant disinformation and propaganda these days. If you’ve been a sincere follower of the Way of our master, Jesus the Messiah-the Christ for very long, you’ve likely been reminded of the answer of Peter and John to the Sanhedrin in Acts 4:19-20. Do you remember it? Dr Luke records it this way.
“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
Honest people can’t help when confronted to give a straight-forward testimony of what they have personally witnessed. This applies not only to our testimony of what our Lord has done in our lives. It is a principle that applies to every area of what we know to be true, especially if that knowledge can make a life-saving difference in the choices that someone else will make, even after making a chain of bad choices.
Would you agree that the People of American society are able to be the effective core of our civil government, only when we participate in the process of informing, educating, and training our families and fellow citizens to live as the true “We the People?” But for us as Christians, that raises an even more basic premise. How can we be ‘salt and light’ to civil society, if we are not actively asserting our role in filling our assignments in the body of our Messiah’s Ekklesia? And by using that word – “Ekklesia” – I’m not talking here about just attending ‘church’ on Sunday. Yes, it’s true that the Greek word “Ekklesia” is translated in English Bibles as the word church. But we all know that most people think of “church” as the building we go to… or the name of the event we attend on Sundays. Oh yes, they might think of “church” as the institution of our denomination with all its hierarchy and programs. But these are not what Jesus said He would “build” when He commended His disciple Peter for the declaration that Jesus is “the Messiah (or Christ), the Son of the living God” (Matt 16:16).
The “Ekklesia” that Jesus deliberately said HE would build was to be HIS version of a pattern that was well-known in Roman culture of the first century. Caesar, king of Rome, had a system that was well defined 2,000 years ago. After conquering neighboring territories, how did the Empire establish the authority of Roman policies and cultural shaping in new communities?
In studying the subject, I discovered that ambassadors from Rome would find trusted elders in every locality. Those elders would be trained how Roman society works. They would be assigned to indoctrinate or inculcate Roman customs into the fellow citizens of their own local community. They would function as “an assembly” or “congregation” of local people. And that is exactly the meaning of the word “Ekklesia” – “assembly” or “congregation.” It was a process of a kind of evangelization and discipleship training on a secular level. They would teach their “assemblies” of people to live like Romans… adopt Roman customs… know and be responsible for following Roman laws. Nothing less than complete transformation was expected of these groups of local assembly leaders …and they were corporately referred to, in the Greek language, as “Ekklesia.”
Jesus didn’t say “I will build my Synagogue.” He didn’t say He would build His “religion.” And He didn’t announce to Peter that He was going to build His “temple” or “cathedral” on the man named Peter. He clearly had something else in mind when He spoke those memorable words… and it wasn’t any of the things that most of us in modern times associate with the word “church.”
Let’s unpack the vital synergy of that assertion.
John Adams, America’s first vice president, serving with President George Washington, has famously been quoted for proclaiming that… “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
We would be fair to observe that to the culture of his day in the late 1700s and early 1800s, in English speaking culture, he was asserting the focus of his statement held godly and righteous people to be responsible for the preservation of our constitutional, republican form of governance. Knowing the nearly unanimous Christian disposition of the signers of our Declaration of Independence, and how the American constitution was crafted upon the principles of the Holy Bible, is it not clear that our current situation stands almost completely devoid of the…
…Two primary pillars that supported our Republic?
It takes Christ-honoring voters,
…electing God-fearing representatives.
And both must actively demonstrate their sincere desire to reflect the truth of the Almighty Creator in every aspect of their social order. Without those pillars, you have no means to support our constitutional structure.
If we claim to be followers of the light of truth, but don’t take appropriate actions to inform and defend those around us from the dangers of enemies seeking our destruction, does a righteous judge (Almighty God) hold us accountable for not doing good when we had the opportunity?
This raises the Biblical “watchman” principle of Ezekiel 33. But it takes the concept of being a watchman to a much higher level of responsibility. You could say that the assignment of being a watchman or a sentry is a civic or military duty. But at the same time, this passage in Ezekiel leaves no doubt that such a duty for our fellow countryman is a spiritual expectation as well.
Ezekiel heard the word of the LORD that came to him, saying,
“Son of man, speak to the sons of your people and say to them, ‘If I bring a sword upon a land, and the people of the land take one man from among them and make him their watchman, and he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows on the trumpet and warns the people, then he who hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, and a sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. ‘He heard the sound of the trumpet but did not take warning; his blood will be on himself. But had he taken warning, he would have delivered his life. ‘But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, and a sword comes and takes a person from them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require from the watchman’s hand.’ “Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so, you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me. “When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand. “But if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life.” Ezekiel 33:2-9.
For Righteousness to regain dominant influence in America, or any society, ‘we the people’ must assertively refresh the spirit that ignited the founders to declare a new nation would be free by declaring their independence from tyrants.
Just as that premise became the catalyst to fuel the American Revolution, can we really believe that a similar revitalization of Christian society can happen with any less commitment? Should not ‘We the people,’ as representatives of a civil society, also assert ourselves as a body of ‘we the people’ as members of Messiah’s Ekklesia? How can compromised leadership, on the level of civil government, result from anything less than compromised leadership on the level of Ekklesia government?
And if we take the attitude that we’re somehow exempt from actively influencing and serving our civic community by at least voting, if not serving in active duties, it’s no wonder that many of us who think we are following Jesus, somehow expect professional career people to do all the work of ministry in places we call church.
God’s Word reminds us often to “do good.”
Prov 31:9 “Open your mouth, judge righteously,”
Psalm 34:14 “Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
Psalm 37:27 “Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever.”
Isaiah 1:17 “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Eccl 3:12 “I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;”
1Peter 3:11 “let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.”
Jeremiah 4:22 ““For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.”
Galatians 6:10 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
James 4:17 “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
We’ve all noticed that the devastating global events of the years following the bio-weapon attack on humanity called ‘Covid-19’ have produced an historic result. It’s perhaps the most notable awakening in history. No one denies it now, that the pervasiveness of evil literally controls nearly every aspect of the many systems that govern our modern lives. The governments of all western nations have exposed to their citizens how thoroughly corrupted they are. Their complete subservience to global corporations has devastated public trust. People are fed up. The vast majority are now wise to the disgraceful behavior of politicians who have no moral compass or concern for the safety of humanity. Meanwhile, at least half of the population in America has not only awakened to the total depravity of mainstream media, they have also begun to lose trust in every institution that’s governed by university-educated, immoral, Bible-rejecting haters of anyone who’s not part of their modern aristocracy.
To understand better just how desperately corrupted is our U.S. system of justice, including many policy-makers in the DOJ, FBI, the courts and their related agencies, just consider the plight of cattle rancher, Ammon Bundy.
His 5-minute recap of what his family has gone through to defend his constitutional civil rights as a businessman and land owner in these united states is appalling. Listen to his testimony in the bonus segment of today’s broadcast at Reclaim Your Legacy.com, where you’ll search for the title “A Free Society Requires a righteous people…” at: https://youtu.be/J1rJogfCJdM?si=NSQcVU98WXR0V-ep
Most Christian leaders in institutional churches today do not take the time to publicly stand up for righteousness and regularly exhort their parishioners to be even minimally informed on matters of this kind. If they did, they would be sufficiently equipped to teach their children how to maintain a society governed by the precepts of the fear of God. We cannot expect that condition to change unless we urge our leaders to be informed and to live by clear Biblical principles.
Can it be possible that God is stirring the pot… disturbing the apathetic complacency of many of His children… challenging them to do the uncomfortable tasks of discipling a new generation of world-changers?
Pastor Dutch Sheets shared a profound message on his daily “Give Him 15” podcast.
Larry Tomczak was born again during the Jesus Movement of the 60s and 70s. He and I would certainly picture the mavericks of that era who were “rounded-up” and led to “independence.” (See yesterday’s post here to read The “Mavericks” Are Coming.) In a recent article, Larry speaks of his dream of a transformed America, and the 10 requirements for turning our nation around. Here are Larry’s 10 points and explanations:
“Reconsecrate ourselves to the Great Commission given us by Jesus. The Pilgrims prioritized this in the original Mayflower Compact – to proclaim the ‘gospel of the kingdom’ (not some ‘He Gets Us’ distortion!) to see lives transformed, not merely affirmed, by the power of the living God.
“Renounce and reject complacency. This has brought about the decline and demise of civilizations throughout history. We must repent and return to the values that made us great in the first place, refusing to succumb to the seduction of affluence and leisure entertainment as substitutes for hard work.
“Cast off D.E.I. (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) mandates. These criteria for our institutions are inherently racist, giving people preferences and positions that should belong to achievers applying themselves to merit advancement. Our nation affords ‘equal opportunity for all’ who are willing and able to work for it!
“Replace destructive Marxist, Globalist elements. These have poisoned our government, schools, media, and corporate boardrooms. In their places, we must put leaders of integrity and conviction, mirroring those of our truly great and revered statesmen and stateswomen. Though they, like all of us, had flaws, they deserve honor because of their overall character and achievements.
“Put an end to propaganda and promotion of unbiblical socialism. We must return to a Constitutional Republic that has undergirded us successfully for close to 250 years – longer than any nation in world history. Anti-American activists are entitled to their opinions, but I agree with former Prime Minister of England, Margaret Thatcher, who said: ‘The problem with socialism is that sooner or later you run out of other people’s money.’(1) Check out our unsustainable $34 trillion debt!
“Accept the sacred responsibility to expose and eradicate tyranny. We must replace oppressive government in all its forms and contend for freedom. Let us take seriously the warning of President Ronald Reagan: ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling them what it was once like in America when men were free.’(2)
Note… do you find many older saints already beginning to reflect that forecast?
“Pastors once again must arise to the urgency of the hour. Just as in colonial America, they must courageously lead the way to embrace the directive of Jesus to be ‘salt’ (holding back decay), accept the responsibility to equip their congregations with relevant truth, and refuse to be silent in our current cultural battle. May they heed the sobering words of pastor/martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who stood against Nazism in a similar situation. ‘Silence in the face of evil is evil itself. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak, is to speak. Not to act, is to act.’(3) We must reject fear of man and follow in the footsteps of Billy Graham, who stood openly against segregation, Apartheid, same-sex ‘marriage,’ and nuclear expansion, telling us, ‘Courage is contagious!’
Note… though many across the country might be discouraged because of the cowardice displayed by their church leaders during the plandemic, it’s encouraging to see how that very lack of godly leadership is causing a new remnant to arise… even to start new congregations… new Ekklesias that are earnestly seeking to embrace the virtues of our Pilgrim forefathers.
“Unapologetically affirm man/woman marriage and the nuclear family. ‘One man and one woman’ is the explicit design for this sacred institution recognized worldwide and honored for thousands of years as the divinely ordained foundation of a stable society. Biology and science have recognized male (XY chromosomes) and female (XX chromosomes) genders throughout history, so we’ll simply stay the course and stay safe from ‘Woke’ moral insanity and societal instability.
Note… inherently, this axiom for reclaiming the legacy of principle ideals that American was founded upon… rests solidly on the indestructible foundation of the truth of the Genesis Record of Creation and the Flood. The inerrancy of Scripture and the truth of Biblical Creation must be fundamental to the principle scientific demand to “test ALL things, and hold fast what is TRUE.” The truth can be established because of the primary revelation of Romans 1:20 which proclaims that everything God made clearly shows his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature – so all men are without excuse.
“Sound the alarm and stop the massive invasion of law-breaking foreigners into America. Millions of cartel-driven illegal aliens are disregarding our established immigration laws to unlawfully secure healthcare, food, housing, education, costly benefits and privileges at taxpayer expense. THIS MUST STOP IMMEDIATELY BY EXECUTIVE ORDER (not by Congressional debate). America represents 4% of the world’s population, and we cannot allow this unprecedented and unmitigated disaster to bring about our country’s collapse!
Note… this cornerstone of national sovereignty and existence is championed by rational humans, no matter what is their political or religious persuasion. If you’re part of a Christian congregation that does not embrace this, you must ask yourself what good reason do you have not to change that status or find a new congregation that firmly and publicly endorses that position?
“Expose as demagoguery the leftist tactic of regularly dismissing valid opinions and perspectives as ‘destroying democracy,’ ‘racist,’ and ‘authoritarian tyranny.’ Traditional conservatives, Christians, pro-lifers, and patriotic Americans are slandered as ‘right-wing extremists,’ while government agencies are weaponized to run roughshod over basic civil liberties, censor free speech, violate the Constitution, and use Soviet-style kangaroo courts to indict political opponents (so they can’t run for office). These agencies and tactics represent America’s real threats and must be exposed!
If enough of us who love America stand in solidarity with these 10 points, we can trust God to successfully bring His people through the conflicts ahead. Every flawed and corrupted institution of man or works of carnal wisdom that CAN be shaken… WILL be shaken. But many Scriptures confirm with Psalm 37:18-20… “The LORD knows the days of the blameless and their inheritance will be forever. They will not be ashamed in the time of evil; and in the days of famine, they will have abundance. But the wicked will perish… they vanish – like smoke they vanish away.”
Freedom-loving, patriotic, traditional Americans are still the majority. And though we may not control the levers of power, there’s still hope if we repent, pray, meditate in His promises and proclaim His Word as we act courageously to turn America around.
I implore you to watch the new documentary movie, ‘Letter to the American Church,’ inspired by author Eric Metaxis; and do everything to be sure your pastor shows it to your congregation on a Sunday!
Father, thank You for seasoned and bold leaders like Dutch Sheets, Larry Tomczak, and Eric Metaxis. Bless their families and ministries with great favor, health, and provision. Use them greatly as they labor to see America transformed; we share their dreams and agree with the needed changes they lay before us.
We ask for a reconsecration in the church to the Great Commissions given in Mark 16 and Matthew 28, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom. We renounce complacency and laziness, and ask for an awakening of passion. Give us Your heart for the lost, for truth, and for justice.
We pray against all forms of racism and mistreatment. A true revival that changes millions of hearts will include a revival of compassionate and sacrificial love. Give us this. Break the influence of Marxism, socialism, globalism, wokism, and other anti-biblical philosophies invading our nation. Awaken the “mavericks” to the insanity of these dogmas.
Transform our government. Remove those who desire to weaken us. Help us close our borders and minimize the damage. Break the back of the wicked forces energizing this evil. Expose the evil distortion of truth, law, and justice in America.
And awaken the church. Forgive us for not being salt and light to our nation. Convict leaders of their silence regarding truths in Your Word. Break the fear of man off them and help them find their voices. Motivate them to be the watchmen You have called them to be, and to sound the alarm. We ask all of this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
The spirit that prompted President Abraham Lincoln’s famous wartime address aptly describes the spirit prompting today’s watchmen to make a solemn declaration of commitment. As he said, “we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Indeed… a new birth of freedom can only arise from the hearts of today’s patriots who are willing to boldly declare their reliance on Almighty God to awaken and restore the gift of freedom in this generation. That’s why, every chance we have, we should boldly make…
Our decree:
“We declare that a great awakening is coming to the church of America, and to America itself.”
Thanks to Dutch Sheets for the content from his post that was contributed by Larry Tomczak. You can find out more about Larry at LarryTomczak.com.
Now, let’s listen to the testimony of rancher, Amon Bundy. If you know anyone who doubts the fact that our government has long been rogue, remember that God’s prophet says “MY people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6). Perhaps this knowledge will turn them from continuing their blinded path to destruction. This is the link to Ammon Bundy’s report: https://youtu.be/J1rJogfCJdM?si=NSQcVU98WXR0V-ep
To learn about the “Baby Cyrus” case that Ammon Bundy refers to in his recording, you can access the webpage that has been made by my friend, Diego, who is the grandfather of Baby Cyrus. Go to: https://freedomman.ws/cyrus/story/
This takes you directly to the 90-minute presentation given by Diego Rodriguez (Baby Cyrus’s grandfather) on May 10th, 2023, about Government Subsidized Child Trafficking. It not only describes the entire Baby Cyrus Story, but explains the reasons WHY Baby Cyrus was kidnapped in the first place. This EYE-OPENING video presentation can change your paradigm completely and can save you and or a loved family member from every suffering the pain and anguish of having your child kidnapped by CPS! (The presentation begins at the 4:10 mark, if you’d like to skip the introduction.)
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