I said that I'd dish out another controversial message, and here it is. But since we are in the traditional holiday season of 2007, I want to present this nicely, yet to the point. This message deals with clergy and an alarming trend that I see with them working with government ideologies. To this end, I am hoping that members of the clergy read this before their congregants do, so that there is time to change one's way and not be put on the spot. Likewise, if there are any congregants out there, maybe present the content of this message to your pastor in an indirect way, perhaps in the third person narrative, so that they have time to reflect upon it and change their ways. To put it colloquially, I don't want to catch anyone with their pants down. This is because I see a shifting trend in thinking these days, and it is so easy to get caught up in the world's system of thinking. If we catch ourselves, we can change our ways, and hence I want to present this controversial message as nicely as I can.
So, what is this controversial message about? Well, much of it is somewhat in the grapevine yet, but I am hearing more and more talk of using the clergy to settle people in the event of martial law or any other shift in government policies suddenly imposed upon the people (and this has its roots in the name of homeland security and/or other antiterrorist messages). Do an Internet search and see if you don't agree that there is more talk about this. You see, nobody wants to face the possibility that this will happen and to do so may cause an uproar in the community. After all, even the most liberal-minded of people believe in some basic freedoms and agree that government should not be in everything, let alone our private lives. The idea of martial law for example is inconceivable. There would be too much rebellion. And the government knows this. So, if there is such a law enforced, how do we control the people? Why, use the clergy of course! If they become the puppets that tell the people "It will be OK---- this is needed for our safety and security until the mess gets resolved." Most people will not question their pastors, and if these pastors lead the flock in safety before, then it must be OK. Hence, the government gets its control and gets obedience willfully using the clergy middlemen.
Let's take an example. During hurricane Katrina, police and the National Guard relocated people and this emergency was justification for mass gun confiscation. We heard the news how pastors (that were briefed by the government) were used to help quell the discord and concerns of the people. Pastors are told to preach Romans 13 to the people when they question what is going on because Romans 13 speaks about "obeying the government" in everything. So, an "emergency" contrived or real is an open door for total government control especially involving gun confiscation. And since people are not really brainwashed enough to accept that yet, the pastors become the go-between to incite willful obedience.
But is this what Romans 13 teaches? Let's check this one out. Paul said,
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation."
Wow! Paul even talks about damnation yet. So, we have our cowering congregants fearful of hell yet if they disobey. But this is not what Paul is teaching. Notice what he really said. The powers that be are ordained of God. God ordains each government, with its laws. So, what is the law of this land? The law of this land (of the USA) is God and the Constitution itself. Nobody is above these things. How do we know? It is clearly stated in the Declaration of Independence.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
According to the founding fathers, God gave us these unalienable rights. We don't have them because we say so, or because we deserve them, but because God created us all equal and by "self-evidence", this is the case (I believe the Bible teaches us this as well, considering God wants us free in Christ----- similar concepts). So we can all sit down now instead of singing with Kenny Rogers "Proud to be an American" with the lyrics to the effect that men fought "to give" those rights to me. No. Nobody gave us our cherished rights. God gave them to us and it is the government's responsibility to secure them, not give them! In other words, it is the government's duty to make sure people have their rights and nobody tries to impose any restrictions on them. What if the government does not do that? Then according to the Declaration, the people have the right to alter or abolish it! Did you hear that? This is not radical Liaf speaking. This is the founding fathers saying this!
Furthermore, the second amendment clearly states, "the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." in spite of people who would reinterpret it to fit their notions (just like they do the Bible).
This is the "Law of the Land" that God ordained in Romans 13. It is this that we must obey. What about martial Law? Or how about we give up our weapons in the name of security? No! To do so is being contrary to our constitution and thus being disobedient to Romans 13! So, according to what I am saying, such governmental change for whatever reason is really apostasy, and nothing more. They are not really the government (as instituted), but a bunch or rogue executors. Or, to but is another way, if you must "disobey" the "government" because you know they are wrong, then do as Daniel and go to the Lion's Den. Daniel did not stop praying because the government mandated it! Yet, there are wussies out there who would actually argue that Daniel was disobedient to Romans 13 if he lived today! Think about it!
First, my message to pastors. Are you going to tell your congregants turn in their guns for example because it is said so? And are you going to preach Romans 13 to get your congregants to do so? If so, you are really disobeying Romans 13! I'll give you time to think on these things. Remember that God ordained this nation because we are the tribe of Manasseh. We did not happen by accident! Therefore, when God set up this government by our founding fathers, he established everything EXACTLY the way he wanted. Even Jesus once said, "But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one." There's a time and place for it; this nation it was allowed. If we put down our swords, and let the Canaanites take it over, then we will ultimately experience the same thing ancient Israel did and become defeated. That's just what the devil wants to try to make God's Word to no effect. I'll be nice to pastors. If you think we should lay down our guns, I'll forgive you and give you time to repent from being a wussy. Now, I'll get nasty. If you do not repent after you have been adequately warned and do not see the truth presented here, you are a false prophet and nothing else. You are leading people to a wide path of destruction and are despicable.
Now for my message to the congregants. Don't hit your pastor point-blank with this just yet. Maybe present it "third person" to them by commenting, "You know, I heard stories that the government will use pastors to get the people to comply….." and continue on with the essence of this message about the constitution. Don't ask your pastor directly just yet, so that your pastor has time to think on it first. You could even direct them here to read this message. Then, after a reasonable amount of time, revisit them later to get their view. Frankly, if they still want to be government puppets, then I'd consider leaving your church and go to one that preaches the gospel. That sounds harsh, I know. However, in the long run, you'll be glad you did. It is better for your soul lest you'd be contributing to the work of antichrist.