Today (June 28, 2017) in the news we are hearing about a man who ran his car into a monument of the Ten Commandments that had been placed less than 24 hours prior at the State Capitol of Arkansas after a legal battle was lost by those trying to prevent it. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-arkansas-commandments-idUSKBN19J1XX
Please pray for this narcissistic man who claims to know God yet he shows it by breaking laws, favoring “separation of church and state” (where do you find that in the Bible?) over “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16 This man just wants attention. He is NOT a true believer, as we can see by his bad fruit. (Galatians 5:16-26)
But please also pray for those utterly lost souls who are celebrating the man’s actions (even while many of them claim not to endorse vandalism, they are still happy the monument has been destroyed). They have rejected the existence of God in favor of their own supremacy. They disapprove of the Ten Commandments because they reject that they are accountable for their behavior–that there is such a thing as right and wrong and that they will have to answer to Someone. They want to be their own “god” by determining right and wrong according to their own “wisdom,” opinion and preference. They are “tolerant” of everyone who agrees with them.
God lets people rebel against Him go their own way when they insist upon it. He doesn’t force us to believe or obey. (Romans 1) The founding fathers’ intention was that we should not be forced to be a particular denomination (or any at all), such as Roman Catholic, Methodist, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Baptist, etc. They believed in ONE true God who gave us freedom to choose Him for ourselves. They were not atheists, nor were they Buddhists, Hindus, etc. If any of them at some point rejected God, that does not change the fact that God still does exist and our freedoms come from Him, just as every good thing does. (James 1:17, Psalm 89:11)
Breaking a monument does not change anything. The laws of this country were based on the Ten Commandments. God has shown evidence of His existence in our consciences and in nature, as well as in the Bible. (Romans 1, Romans 12:14-16) When people who reject Him as Lord stand before Jesus for sentencing, they WILL understand that they condemned THEMSELVES. (John 3:18, Matthew 12:33-37) This is why we need to pray for them, that God will have mercy and grant them repentance while there is still time, despite their having wasted so many chances already.
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:23-26
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
We have been so blessed here in America to be free to worship as the founding fathers structured our society, based on the freedoms with which God gifted us. These people are working hard to change that, not knowing they will be the ones hurt by it in the end (as we can already see by so many “freedoms” that have been made the law of the land)–this is all temporary, but afterwards is forever. When their appointment with God comes, and no one knows when their own will be, they will wish to go back in time to give up these “freedoms” they are demanding now and gladly embrace the freedom God offers. They put all of their trust in the wisdom of men, but the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord and so they prove themselves to possess less common sense than innocent children who have the sense to recognize authority over them.
For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 2 Peter 2:18-19
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:34-36
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-20
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! Psalm 111:10
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire." Matthew 18:1-9
They can “play god” now if that’s what they think they want. It won’t change anything in the end (at least not the way they hope in their ignorance that it will), but our job is to love even our enemies.
But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” Romans 9:20
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21
Let me just end with this, though. Those of us who go along with them and call it “love” will also answer to God. We were told to shine our lights, which is speaking the TRUTH in love. We were told to expect to be persecuted by those who don’t know God, not to blend in and compromise.
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:12-13
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17
