Its time to be strong…

Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. (Daniel 11:32-33)

Recently I engaged in a communication with a dear friend about politics and speaking out against social evils. His concerns were centered around taking stands and speaking out on what Christ’s teaches. Although I believe there are times we should exercise restraint on public issues and should always let what we say be tempered with mercy and grace, I also firmly believe, this is not the time to remain silent. My response to him is below.

“The issue is not and never has been about politics or ranting... the issue is about promoting what our Master teaches through what we do and say. That Kingdom we want men to turn to, is categorically against the teachings of this world and we must be seen as standing with Him. (As He is in Heaven... aren't we to be in the earth?)

American culture and government has begun stating that Christians can believe whatever they want, but will not be allowed to put those beliefs into practice. Walking in and speaking what our Master teaches can land you in American prisons. His teachings will be labeled as 'intolerance, bigotry, hate speech and a host of other derogatory, inflammatory rhetoric.

Yet our choices will become increasingly simple... follow the ideology promoted by American culture and government or... follow Christ. If we choose to follow Christ then we will be ostracized and persecuted. Because ALL who desire to be godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. If all we offer our fellow human beings remains in the realm of what we think and not what we do and say... then we offer them nothing.

Consider American beliefs on promoting such things as ....the validity of homosexual lifestyles or pursuing the 'American Dream', etc. . Just as you can deny Christ by what you do just as well as denying him with your mouth. You can also deny Christ by what you don't say. If our lives aren't reflecting what we believe through what we do and say, then again, we offer the world nothing.

There is a vast difference between warning the world of the coming judgment and 'ranting', though many times they appear the same. Throughout history the Holy Spirit spoke openly against public leaders and cultural evils from the religious ones to the political ones and He always used His people to speak them. (see Ezek. 13:18, Zep. 2:5, Mat 23:13-29, Isaiah 23:13, Luke 13:32). If He is the same yesterday and today then He will cause His people to speak against the social evils of today as well. 

This is not a time to be quiet.

The effects of American Christianity remaining silent and enjoying the cultural norms are being manifested today. May God have mercy on us all. I write this not wanting to be argumentative, but because I know others will read this and I believe... need to consider what it means.

From your forever friend, David.”

The effects of Christians in America (or most Christianized nations) remaining silent amidst the disintegrating condition of Christianity, while enjoying the cultural wickedness in this age is now being manifested. Our Father has always moved His people to address wickedness in every age and I believe, even now, there are a few addressing this condition and it will cost them dearly to stand with Christ. Yet progressively today’s Christians are being told by culture and government … believe what you will, but don’t you dare talk about it or put it into practice.

It is time to be strong, instruct many on the words of Christ and do great exploits. The result will be persecution from government and ostracized by our culture. (See Daniel 11:32,33) Yet… what is the alternative?

Like Joshua of old… our Father wants to lead us into the next level of things and He is again telling us … only be strong and courageous. We are to make disciples of the nations teaching them everything He teaches us. May we never forget the fate awaiting those who ignore His word.

Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage." (Jos 1:6-7, 18)

The StoneHouse Family