Christians Should be Uniters; Not Dividers

The world has lost its mind, but that does not mean the Church should follow suit.  2020 was like a rerun of the early 1960's with racial tension, political aggression, and much social unrest. Add to that COVID-19, differences of opinion regarding a vaccine, and a presidential election; and you have a powder keg just waiting to blow. So, is there any hope for our seemingly broken, polarized and fractured nation? Let me answer it with an illustration.

Have you ever been in an auto accident?  I have. I was hit in the backend, while sitting still at a traffic light. You could look through my trunk and see my dashboard. Long story made short, I thought my Toyota was totaled! The insurance adjuster thought otherwise. The body shop tech (my brother-in-law at Pro-Quality Collision) said, "I can fix it." He is great at what he does, but I had some doubts. A couple of weeks later, I picked-up my car and it looked brand new. The insurance adjuster and the technician could look beyond the damage and see what was required to fix my car. In comparison, God can not only "fix" our broken nation and world; but HE said, "Behold, I make all things new."

In Ephesians 2:11-18, the Apostle Paul was addressing division in the Church at Ephesus. The Jewish converts believed circumcision was required for salvation and the Gentiles objected. The issue was settled by the Jerusalem Council in AD 49 and should have removed the division, but Paul still had to address it in the Book of Ephesians, written in AD 64. It was 15 years later and they were still divided and arguing. Finally, Paul states in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works.  He states that God has reconciled all people to himself, into ONE body, through the cross! That statement should end all division in the Church; but sadly, Christians still struggle with it today.

Let's consider a few types of divisions that harm the Church (and families)...

- Preferential divisions

• Cars - Ford or Chevy
• Sandwiches - cut horizontal or diagonal
• Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy
• Toilet Paper - over or under
• Pizza - thin crust or thick
• And don't forget sports teams!

Preferences should never be allowed to divide a church, a family, or be used to draw lines in the sand.

- Political divisions

• Republicans vs. Democrats
• Conservatives vs. Liberals
• Capitalists vs. Socialists 

One of the most faithful men I know served as the Sheriff in Darlington County, SC for 24 years. He ran on a Democratic ticket (I'm a registered Republican), but we had a mutual love and respect for each other. In fact, I was honored to serve as his Pastor for 14 years and we still remain dear friends today. Another friend of mine is a Democratic State Senator in SC. We disagree on politics, but we both love Jesus, we love each other (and that man can preach)! I have a long list of people that have different views than me regarding politics; BUT most on that list love Jesus, so that means we love and respect each other. 

Rather than focusing on our differences, we choose to focus on the mission that unites us! Christ-followers should put our trust in God, We should never let the kingdoms or earth divide the citizens of heaven!

- Theological divisions

• Baptists - Independent, Southern, Cooperative, American, General...
• Baptism - Immersion, Sprinkling, Pouring...
• Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian & more.
• The list of differences goes on -- Worship Styles, Bible versions, and more.

Bottom-line -- As long as we agree on the "7 Fundamentals of the Faith," nothing else is really significant. Far too often, Christians focus on what divides us, rather than on the mission that unites us. 

Allow me to make a few key points for your consideration on the topic of unity:

1.  Unity is powerful! 

• 1 drop of water can't do much; but put those drops together and they form a river than can carve through the rocks.
• 1 termite can't do much; but a colony of termites can take down a house.
• 1 person can't move a large fallen tree; but many people can push that tree with ease.
• 1 person can make a difference; but a united Church can impact the world for eternity!

2.  Unity is NOT uniformity!

• Bodies have many different parts; but joined together, they form & function as a whole.
• Brides & bridegrooms are very different, but you can't have one without the other and together they form a marriage.
• Families have a moms, dads, kids, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, etc. They are all very different, but together they make-up a family.

3.  Unity is NOT optional!

• An organization that does not work together will become defunct.
• A dismembered body cannot function.
• The Body of Christ must be unified.
• A Church that is divided is a terrible representation of Christ to this world.
• 2 Cor. 5:20 - ...we are ambassadors (representatives) for Christ... imploring people to be reconciled to God.

So, what am I telling the world about my God, by the way I respond to politics, racism, violence, hunger, refugees, etc.?  We must be united in our mission, rather than divided over our differences!

God, help me to see people as you see them and to love them as you love them -- UNCONDITIONALLY! 

Remembering 9/11 & Prayer for Our Nation

 

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001?  I remember it like it happened yesterday. I was in my office at Grace Fellowship Church in West Palm Beach, FL and heard a lady named MaryAnn running down the hall and shouting, “A plane just hit the World Trade Center.” People left their offices and gathered in front of the TV located in our preschool courtyard to watch the reports and witness the next plane hitting the second of the twin towers. Then came the report of the plane hitting the Pentagon… then of United flight #93 crash landing in the field.  We knew that our nation was under attack!  A sense of panic could be seen on the faces of those present. It was not long, before parents arrived to pull their children out of school, just to hold them close and retreat to the safety of their home. Fear was moving quickly across our nation.

I remember in the days immediately following the attack that patriotism was at an all-time high. American flags could be seen flying on houses, businesses, vehicles and almost anywhere they could be mounted. Demand was high and it was difficult to find an American flag in any store -- and God help the person who would dare to disrespect our flag in public! Red, white and blue colors were seen everywhere and on everything. When the National Anthem was played, it was as though every American would stand tall, puff out his chest and feel that sense of being proud to be an American.  Americans laid aside their differences and stood united against the cowardly enemy that had attacked our great nation. The enemy did not attack white lives, black lives, brown lives, Republicans or Democrats; they attacked the United States of America!

In the weeks that followed the attack, churches were full of people seeking answers and comfort to the senseless attacks.  The recruiting offices were full of people enlisting to defend our freedoms. Patriotic songs were being written, patriotic concerts were being sponsored, people were hailing the first responders (including police) as heroes, and funds were being raised for the families of the victims. There was a spirit of unity and patriotism like I had never witnessed in my lifetime.

Today, we remember the 19^th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks; but what a difference nineteen years can make!  Today, patriotism seems at an all-time low, our flag is being burned, overpaid athletes kneel during our National Anthem, the NFL promotes segregation by playing 2 national anthems; the divide of racism is growing wider by the day; anarchist thugs are rioting, looting and murdering;  politics are fueling hatred (both parties); and our nation is more divided than I could have ever imagined.  

The United States of America is not black, white, brown, blue, red or any other color – it includes people of every color! America is a nation of diversity. That diversity includes skin colors, languages, ethnicities, nationalities, political parties and so much more. We are not a 3^rd world nation nor a Communist regime that makes changes through coups, revolutions, anarchy or any other primitive means. We are a sophisticated nation with rules, laws and a proven political system that gives each citizen a voice/vote in the direction of our nation.

Today, America finds herself in a much different place than we were on the weeks after 9.11.01, but the of strife and disunity did not happen overnight. Many college professors have been indoctrinating students with Marxism for decades. Many educators have been rewriting history to suit their slant or agenda. Pro-death groups have devalued the sanctity of human life from the womb to the tomb. Helicopter parents have proclaimed their children perfect and have embraced the art of blame shifting. Authorities have been deemed evil and unworthy of respect. The welfare system has created the socialist distribution mentality. People now choose to sue, rather than resolve. The point is that we are simply reaping what we have been sowing for decades and our country is at a point of crisis.

So what is the answer? I suggest there are two, 1) the American Church must humble itself, pray, seek God’s face and turn from her wicked way (2 Chronicles 7:14). Only God can bring peace to our nation, as no political party is going to make that happen. 2) Americans must stop fighting over differences, find unity in our diversity, and rekindle our national pride. The United States of America is still the greatest nation on earth, as proven by those who sacrifice everything to come here.

Today, let us take a few moments to remember the victims, families and heroes of September 11, 2001. Let us also take a few minutes to pray for our nation, citizens, leaders and future.

God bless America!

Why are anti-Christian bigots so eager to prey on Tim Tebow?

You have got to read this commentary by Todd Starnes. He points out that we would never be permitted to treat a Muslim, or a minority, the way that people are treating Tim Tebow due to his Christian faith. Click on the following link to read the post http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/?s=tebow&x=3&y=4

Favorite e-mail I read after 9.11

I am extremely patriotic and appreciate my American freedoms, and this great nation in which I have the privilege to live. Following is my favorite read after the 9/11 attacks. We all know how e-mails change and often conveniently leave off the credit information; but to the best of my understanding, this was an editorial by Mark Meehan and published on July 12, 2002. (If this credit is incorrect, please forgive me.) I want to give proper credit to the writer for a GREAT article! Here it is...

"I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture, here in the USA. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct" crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely comprised of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand!

This idea of America, being a multi-cultural community, has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language - ENGLISH. "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, of Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is and always will be part of our culture!

If the Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. Remember, "Delta is ready when you are and they can have you there by nightfall."

This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so. But, once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE."

Remembering 9.11.01

Since 9/11, our church has remembered the victims, honored the heroes, and recognized our local heroes annually. This past Sunday, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, we did the same during our 10:30am service. Volunteers prepared and served breakfast to nearly 90 first responders, plus many family members, then honored them in our service. Following Jeffrey's baptism, Paige opened the service with "God Bless America." Comments were given by Mayor Pennington, Senator Malloy, and Representative Lucas. Music, multi-media, and all aspects of the service focused on remembering 9/11.

I preached on three spiritual comparisons to 9/11: 1) The fire at the WTC were temporary - the fires of hell are eternal. 2) Heroes gave their lives to rescue those perishing in the WTC - Jesus is the Hero Who gave His life to rescue people from hell, and give them eternal life. 3) Those perishing had to decide which way to go - We too must decide whether we will follow Jesus and be saved. Nearly 700 people heard that message and God blessed with 3 first responders and 1 college student choosing to follow Jesus. PRAISE THE LORD!

Emmanuel Baptist Church remembers the attacks of 9/11 and we continue to pray for the families of the victims. We also pray daily for our local first responders and appreciate the service you provide to our community! THANK YOU!

The Folds of the American Flag Have Meaning

Yesterday, I participated in the funeral service of a man who I served as a Hospice Chaplain, but who had also become a dear friend. He was a WWII pilot who loved God, loved his country, and set the example as a husband and father. At the graveside, the Veterans Honor Guard honored this veteran with a 21 gun salute then meticulously folded the flag. As each fold was made, a veteran described the meaning of those folds. Here is what was quoted:

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.’

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.
In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'