World News Through the Third Lens: Federal Flood Aid Denied

Individuals denied federal flood aid as reported by the Norwich Bulletin, April 28, 2010 - commentary by: Les Young

"Home and business owners won't be getting federal financial assistance to rebuild from March floods, a decision Connecticut's governor is vowing to fight. President Barack Obama has denied the state's request for individual aid to New London and Windham County homeowners, renters and employers. The White House on Friday approved aid to municipal governments in New London, Fairfield and Middlesex counties. 'This decision is not only disappointing, it's wrong, and I will appeal it," Gov. Rell said in a press release.'"

Further on in the article, after numerous town officials, business owners and homeowners voiced their consternation over President Obama's decision, one homeowner was quoted as saying, "I accept Obama's decision, especially after a Saturday tornado in Mississippi that killed 10. There are a lot of people worse off than I am," she said.

Through the third lens of Scripture: Don't worry, I am not going to launch into some comparison between the flooding in CT and RI on March 29-30, 2010 and the world-wide flood in Noah's day. Neither am I going to suggest that the flooding was some sort of judgment inflicted by an angry God on the people of southern New England. Jesus himself warned against such tactics in Luke 13:1-4. Jesus does go on to give a warning that is meant for anyone who has ears to hear. "I tell you no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish" (Luke 13:5). So the first point, whenever disaster strikes is to engage in personal judgment, knowing that we have this promise: "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world" (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

Another point is to remember the slogan of the Worth Reading blog site: "The bigger the government, the smaller the citizen." Then there are the words of Thomas Jefferson" "A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take away everything you have." I don't criticize people in our area for rushing to meet deadlines and filing tons of paperwork in hopes that they might benefit from some government help. I would just hope to remind anyone who might read this blog that in God's order of things, the help pyramid should look like this: God first, then family, then the community of faith, and then maybe the government. In Bible times, "princes" were synonymous with "government, and the Bible says: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes" (Psalms 118:9)

The next order was family, and the Bible says this: "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (1 Timothy 5:8). The next ordered source of help is to be the church. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). I don't expect that one short blog is going to change the way the country has gotten used to doing business, but perhaps someone will finally understand that God has a better way than either the Democrats or the Republicans.

World News Through the Third Lens: Ezekiel's War

The "New Hizballah" built by Syria sparks ME summer war fear;

Gates: US has no policy for stalling Iran's nuclear drive.

Thus read the headlines of two exclusive reports posted by DEBKAfile on April 18, 2010. I will attempt to summarize these two reports, followed by a biblical commentary. DEBKAfile's military sources stated that Syria has increased the flow of smuggled Syrian and Iranian weaponry across the Lebanese border to Hizballah, transforming the 25,000 man militia into an organized, mobile army.

The new Hizballah is being trained to carry out offensive operations such as capturing parts of Israel's Galilee, and launching missiles, such as the Syrian M-600, to knock out warplanes, warships, and armored units as well as the Dimona reactor in southern Israel. This new arsenal will be added to the 40,000 rockets that Hizballah has been allowed to stockpile since the 2006 Lebanon war. Iran and Syria's joint training will produce 5 Hizballah commando brigades. While Jordan's King Abdullah has expressed concern that a Middle East war will break out this summer because of the Israeli-Palestinian diplomatic stalemate (pinning the blame on Israel), sources in Israel claim that war this summer depends on 2 actions: 1) a decision by US and/or Israel to launch strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, or 2) a decision by Tehran to unleash its allies against Israel, spearheaded by Hizballah, to preempt such an attack.

In another report, the NY Times, Sunday, April 18 revealed a secret memo from US Defense Secretary, Robert gates, determining that the White House has no effective policy for dealing with Iran's steady progress towards nuclear capability. Israel's leaders have been assuring people that it was safe to line up behind the US's strategy for preventing Iran from developing or obtaining nukes. Gates confirmed that there was no strategy to line up behind.

Through the third lens of Scripture: The prophet Ezekiel spoke of a day when a coalition of nations to the north of Israel, along with some North African nations (Ethiopia and Libya) and Persia (the name by which present day Iran was known until 1935) would attack Israel. The prophet speaks of Israel as being a land recovered from war and whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations. The land would be made up of unwalled cities and be living in relative peace. (Ezekiel 38:1-11) In spite of tensions, 2009 was one of the most peaceful years Israel has experienced in her 62 year history. One of the objectives of the attack would be the looting and plundering of goods. (Ezekiel 38:12-13) The prophet also foresees God sovereignly involving Himself in behalf of Israel, supernaturally defeating her attackers. (Ezekiel 38:18 - 39:6)

As a nation, Israel has been fighting against a numerically superior enemy since day one. President Harry Truman, against the counsel of his political and military advisers, was the first head of state to acknowledge the fact and right of Israel's existence among the nations of the world. Since then, Israel has (understandably so) sought the love, affection and support of the nations, especially the USA. In their desire to be like the USA and to be liked by the USA, God has this to say: "You say, 'We want to be like the nations, like peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone.' But what you have in mind will never happen." (Ezekiel 20:32)

While it is not this writer's objective to state that the war, prophesied by Ezekiel, will occur in the Summer of 2010, it is clear that things are heating up. It's as thought many prophecies yet to be fulfilled are rushing towards a period of convergence when they will be fulfilled within a very short time span. Events and nations are lining up on the world stage to play their respective roles at the Director's command. Israel is about to become extremely wealthy due to the discovery of resources beneath the surface, namely oil and natural gas. God has a purpose for Israel to fulfill, and it will be fulfilled. Despite all of the power the enemy can muster to destroy her; despite all of the deception the church can purvey through replacement theology, God's purpose for Israel will be fulfilled. It will not be easy for Israel. Continue reading in Ezekiel 20 and and you will see that Israel goes through a judgment and a purging (v. 35, 38).

We must continue to pray for Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalms 122:6). Pray that God would raise up leaders like David - men of prayer AND action. Pray that the USA would not abandon Israel, perhaps the one remaining strong reason for God to bless our nation. And let us keep our eyes on Israel, that we would not fall asleep during these critical days.

World News Through the Third Lens: Voluntown honors Marine's sacrifice

"He loved Voluntown. This was home to him, and he would have loved seeing the patriotism and the pride that has been on display in this community and in your hearts this week in his behalf." Words spoken by Rev. Franklyn Ward at the funeral of Marine Lance Cpl. Tyler Owen Griffin in Voluntown, CT Wednesday morning. Griffin was killed in Afghanistan on April 1 during combat operations, after being in the country just 30 days. He will be buried Monday in Arlington National Cemetery.

The center of this town of 2700 people was closed to through traffic for 5-6 hours Wednesday, as the Baptist Church and Constitution Field across the street were dedicated to paying respect to its 19-year-old hometown hero. The field was outfitted with two large tents and scores of picnic tables brought in from several organizations in the region. Several fire department members were on hand, either in dress uniform at the funeral or doing fire police duties to control traffic. Hundreds, if not thousands of volunteers were involved in an effort of excellence to honor this young man who made the ultimate sacrifice. Volunteer efforts ranged from official duties, to erecting tents, to making sandwiches and cookies.

At the service, two memorable comments (among others) were made. U.S. Navy Chaplain Don Biadog said: "The highest tribute we can give to Tyler is not grief, but gratitude for making the ultimate sacrifice. His memory of sacrificial service to our God and country will always brighten our dreary days." And then Rev. Ward said that Tyler left behind an important message. "It is not how long we live, but how meaningfully we live that matters. It is the donation, and not the duration, that adds eternal significance to our lives." Connecticut Governor, M. Jodi Rell, and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal paid their respects in person. Mr. Blumenthal was quoted as saying, "Seeing the flags and firemen, police and townspeople was a very powerful tribute. It brought tears to my eyes. This town is united for one of their own. They helped nurture him and he did them proud."

Lance Corporal Tyler Owen Griffin's body will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, 19 April, 2010.

Through the Third Lens of Scripture

Because the big picture of a military unit venturing into a combat zone is that of personal sacrifice for the purchase or preservation of liberty in behalf of others, the first Scripture that comes to mind is something said by Jesus. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) I think it can be said that Tyler Griffin loved his family, his friends and his country. Some people demonstrate this sort of love without ever experiencing physical death in the process. They do this by becoming living sacrifices, denying their own ambitions and taking up their crosses, ministering to the needs of others as they follow Christ.

"Then Jesus said to them all: 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23) Jesus was not talking here about physical death, for that could not be experienced daily. That's a one shot deal (Hebrews 9:27) He was talking about daily dying to self-ishness. Paul put it this way: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1) I spent 4 years in the Army myself, so I'm not going to romanticize this, nor am I going to portray everyone who ever put on a uniform as a saint. Even the Band of Brothers of the 101st Airborne Division, after distinguishing themselves in battle after battle across northern Europe, were engaged in some rather despicable acts while acting as an Army of Occupation. Nevertheless, when a manor woman puts on the uniform, they are in principle denying themselves. They no longer go where they want, but where their orders command. Their mission is no longer to achieve personal pleasure and comfort. For these and many other reasons, I honor and respect the military - veteran and active duty alike. Those people who launch protests at military funerals are barking up the wrong tree. Unfortunately, many of them portray themselves as Christians, which only gives Christ a bad name.

The motto "for God and country" is familiar to most people, but is it biblical? Yes! For millennia God has identified Himself with nations and countries. This subject alone could comprise a rather extensive Bible study. Suffice it to say here that for the last 4000 years, God (YHWH) has identified Himself with the people and nation of Israel. The following is a portion of His promise to Abraham: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you" (Genesis 12:2). About 3000 years ago, these inspired words were penned, which could apply to any nation: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34); "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."(Psalms 33:12a). Then about 2000 years ago, the last book in the Bible was written, in which we find these words concerning the New Jerusalem, which is a yet future reality: "The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it." (Revelation 21:24). In addition to the Bible, I would recommend that you read two books by Peter Marshall: The Light and the Glory, and From Sea to Shining Sea. If you don't already, after reading those books I think you agree that God Almighty had a hand in the founding and formation of this nation.

Without getting into the politics of wars, or even whether the engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan are even constitutional, I'm sure Tyler did not portray himself as a politician, a lawyer or a bureaucrat. He was a Marine (generically a soldier). God has always validated soldiers who conduct themselves with integrity and bravery. From what I know, Tyler griffin was such a soldier. The Scriptures say: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3). I have a 21-year-old grandson, Andrew, who is also a Marine, and who arrived in Afghanistan about 10 days after Tyler. Andrew graduated from Griswold High School a year before Tyler and went to boot camp a year before him also. I pray several times a day for his safety and protection, and that Andrew will conduct himself with honor. Andrew lived in Voluntown for a few years, and his connection to Tyler will continue. Last night the Three Rivers Young Marines collected a lot of deserts that did not get eaten at the reception - and they are sending them to Andrew and his unit.

As the return of the Lord Jesus Christ draws ever closer, we have been told by Him that one of the signs would be "...wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pangs" (Matthew 24:6-8). (for a teaching series on this whole topic, go to www.endtimesencouragement.blogspot.com) In the meantime, Voluntown - we did a noble thing. Let us remain humble in our pride, for God was in it, motivating and enabling us to do His will. (Philippians 2:13) For He tells us to give honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7).

One day all of this will end. "He (God) will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). Until then, rest in peace Tyler, and thank you for what you have given. And may the Lord bless and keep Andrew; thank you for what you are giving.

by: Les Young, a proud grandfather, a blessed resident of Voluntown, and a humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

World News Through the Third Lens: Tiger Woods

Woods at 4-under after first round; received well in much-anticipated return read the Associated Press headlines this morning. A more up to the moment report on ESPN this afternoon had Tiger at 6-under par and the debate continuing about his immoral behavior/poor role model and his positive reception by golf fans at Augusta National. One of the commentators was saying that people just don't care about his morals; all they want to do is view and admire a good game of golf. Others want to see Tiger at least booed with every swing of the club, or banished from public life altogether at worst. His every move on the course is being scrutinized for signs that his anguish might be affecting his golf game. In the end, the conclusion was, "....Woods looked every bit the same golfer Thursday when he opened with a 4-under 68 - his best ever first round at Augusta National..."

Through the third lens of Scripture: Several things come to mind when reading today's paper and when checking in on the mid-afternoon standings in the Masters. Included in the mix are a jumble of thoughts stemming from keeping limited tabs on the Tiger Woods saga since last November. First, there is the dangers that accompany a successful/popular life, lived in the spotlight of public opinion. Jesus pronounces three woes on such people. These are pronouncements of judgment to those who continue therein and warnings to get out. "But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets." (Luke 6:24-26) Speaking of people who have been given much (and certainly Tiger has been given much) the Bible says, "...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48b)

Secondly, to all of those who rush to judgment (and here I am not talking about the spiritual man who judges sin as sin - see 1 Cor. 2:15), there is this warning: "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (1 Corinthians 10:12) "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive,and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37) Thirdly, do not be surprised, for the Bible gives an accurate picture of the moral climate in the last days. "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

I have no idea how many of these indictments apply to Tiger, and frankly I don't care. Even if he had lived within the bounds of marital fidelity, and even if he gave half of his fortune to the poor, he would have had to come face to face with the same fact that you, me and every person on planet earth has to: "...There is no one righteous, not even one......for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:10,23) Tiger has by no means been reduced to poverty, but God has allowed him to see a multi-million dollar shrinkage in his fortune. It may be His means of grace in getting this message to him: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God..." (1 Timothy 6:17) Perhaps this will open Tiger's heart, not to some false hope of Buddhism, but to the fact that "...the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

One thing seems certain: that Tiger Woods has not lost his golfing skill. Two things are certain: 1) great golfers like Tiger, Arnold and Jack and duffers like me are all sinners, and can never earn our way into heaven (even if we have millions to pay); 2) "[God] wants all men (including Tiger Woods, whose sins have been so well publicized) to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:3-4) I don't know about you - maybe you find golf boring, or the waste of a good walk - but as for me, I intend to watch a few rounds of the Masters and pray for Tiger's salvation. Who knows, maybe he'll stumble across this blog.

World News Through the Third Lens: Easter

"Churches join to follow Jesus' footsteps" reads the headlines of one local newspaper: by Les Young

To say that the secular media has been full of reports concerning the events and celebrations of Holy Week would be a misstatement. Oh, there has been an article here and another one there. Please understand, my aim here is not to criticize the secular media for incomplete or inaccurate reporting, nor is it my intent to lampoon churches for bringing secular (perhaps even pagan) rituals into their celebrations of this season. It is not the job of the secular media to preach the Gospel; that mission was given to the church (Matthew 28:19-20). And who am I to say when a church has crossed the line where the bait once used to fish for men has become an object of worship by means of tradition?

Valerie Schultz, blogging in the Bakersfield Californian, tells of a conversation she overheard recently in a local mall. "Now that the kids are gone," one woman said, "Easter hardly matters." "I know what you mean. My kids are too big for baskets. I don't even dye eggs anymore," said her companion without blinking. It is a "no-brainer" that bunnies and colored eggs have nothing to do with the real meaning of Easter, and the events that led up to it. To some extent, the most important event in history has been hijacked by Madison Avenue and K-Mart. To a lesser extent, but perhaps more dangerous, the real meaning has been hijacked by the church as well.

On this day in history, our president, who claims to be a Christian, gave his Easter Address. While he mentioned the Jewish observance of Passover, and the fact that he and his family, will join other Christians around the world in marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So far, so good, but as happens all too often in the church pulpit, so it is with the president's bully pulpit: essential truths are left out and erroneous elements are mixed in. The president went on, trying to build unity between "Jews and Christians, Muslims and Hindus, believers and non=believers alike." "On this weekend, let us hold fast to those aspirations we hold in common as brothers and sisters, as members of the same family - the family of man," he said. For the complete address, go to www.whitehouse.gov

A biblical (third lens) perspective: The commercialization of Easter is best understood by looking at one of the most frequently Scriptures in the Bible. "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10) Come to think of it, that may be a reason for watering down the Gospel in the churches, trying to appeal to the masses. Nickles and noses are important to church business to. But are they important to God - I mean important enough to change the message just for the sake of a big following. The answer to that is a resounding "No!"

Just think of some of the things Jesus said. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are MANY who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). (emphasis is mine). I can still remember as a kid being deeply moved by black and white depictions of Jesus' death and resurrection, but I never had any idea why it was necessary, and what would be involved in really partaking of its benefits. Again, the words of Jesus: "...Who is My mother and who are My brothers?....For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother." (Matthew 12:48, 50) Without being brought into the family of God by accepting the grace of Jesus' death and resurrection for us, we are still dead in sins and trespasses and are of our father, the devil. (Ephesians 2:1-9; John8:44). No matter what the common aspirations are of the family of man, apart from Christ, man is doomed, and no government, no religion, no economic policy can save him.

The words of Paul: "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached (i.e., don't let it be replaced by some other gospel or tradition) to you. Otherwise you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living..." (1 Corinthians 15:1-6) Christ died for our sins. He died in our place, receiving the just punishment that each of us deserves. This is great news, but it would be nothing more than a warm sentiment if He were not raised again on the third day. Paul goes on to say: "...if Christ has not been raised your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." (1 Corinthians 15:17)

Tomorrow morning you may hear people greeting one another with the proclamation, "Christ is Risen!" followed by the response, "He is risen indeed!" This comes from "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:20) Let us not get lulled into thinking that Easter is just a cute holiday to be celebrated with bunnies, colored eggs, and chocolate crosses. Let us not get lulled into thinking that the various religious beliefs don't matter because we are all just part of the brotherhood of men, with the same hopes and dreams. Good Friday (which should be renamed Good Wednesday or Thursday - but that's another story) happened because sin is awful and demanded an awful price. Easter, (better labeled as Resurrection Sunday - a fixed day, not one that can vary by almost 30 days - but that's another story) happened to validate what happened on Good Friday. Those who believe are of the family of God, and are on the narrow road to life. Those who don't..........

World News Through the Third Lens: Socialism and Christianity

Socialism and Christianity by: Les Young

Normally the religious moniker of "Christian" is connected with the political label "Right Wing Conservative." This is not necessarily accurate or flattering. Take, for example, the group named "Hutaree," which means "Christian Warrior." The Bowling Green Daily News today labeled them as bad as the terrorists we are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The problem with all of this is that real Christians don't fight this way. On the other side of the coin, "Christians" have been formally connected with socialism for decades. As far back as 1966, in hearings before the U.S.A. House Committee on Un-American Activities on February 26, 1966, Richard Arens, general counsel to the Committee, declared: "Thus far, in the leadership of the National Council of Churches, we have found over 100 persons in leadership capacity with either Communist-front records or records of services in Communist causes. The aggregate affiliations of the leadership is in the thousands."

In the late 1970's, as an independent insurance agent who also had a Master's degree in Forestry, I had put together a special workers' compensation safety group, designed to improve safety and lower insurance costs for loggers. A contact was made with the "social justice" department of a well-known Protestant denomination, headquartered in New York. One of their projects at the time was to try and unionize loggers in Mississippi. Suffice it to say that in dealing with these people, there was nothing "Christian" about their strategies or their language.

As a nation, we have been moving in the direction of socialism for a long time. The biggest steps in that direction seem to come in times of crisis. (The New Deal during the Great Depression, the Patriot Act following 9/11, Federalization of banks, auto manufacturers following the economic crisis of 2008). If the passage of Health Care Reform sticks, we will have made another giant step in that direction. Religious groups seem to be lined up on both sides of many issues, earning them political labels such as: "Progressive Liberals" or "Tea Baggers." Just what are the politics of Christianity when it comes to the economy, labor, management, and profit and what tactics should be employed to effect reform? I can't thoroughly answer those questions in this blog, but I can put forth a few Scriptures that should at least cause us to think.

A Biblical (Third Lens) Perspective:

Concerning management and labor: "Servants, respectfully obey your earthly masters but always with an eye to obeying the real master, Christ. Don't just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ's servants doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God. Good work will get you good pay from the Master, regardless of whether you are slave or free. Masters, it's the same with you. No abuse, please, and no threats. You and your servants are both under the same master in heaven. He makes no distinction between you and them." (Ephesians 6:5-9, Mssg)

Concerning rewarding everyone equally, regardless of effort/results: "...his work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss..." (1 Corinthians 3:14-15, NIV)


Regarding being able to earn from investments as well as labor: "The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more...The man who had received the five talents brought the other five....See I have gained five more. His master replied, 'Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness." (Matthew 25:16, 20-21)


Regarding being able to enjoy the fruit of your own labor: "A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too I see is from the hand of God, for without Him who can eat or find enjoyment?" (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25). And under the perfect rule of the Messiah: "They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands." (Isaiah 65:21-22)


All of this seems to be closely akin to the spirit of the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self evident; that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." And while Christians of good conscience have always been willing to take up arms to secure and defend such rights, the normal method of Christian combat (or reform) can be described in these two Scriptures: "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). Christian! Fight the good fight of faith!