Tag Archives: religious freedom

When the Presence of God is Unrecognizable

In the colonial days of America, colleges were established for aspiring preachers. The British who settled in America fled England to find religious freedom after being forced to comply with the church of England. The early college graduates were inspired to fulfill the Magna Carta, like the disciples who sought to complete Jesus’ Great Commission, Acts 1:8.

And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers, and there arose another generation after them who did not know (recognize, understand) the Lord, or even the work which He had done for Israel, Judges 2:10.

Benjamin Harris first printed the New England Primer in 1690. After publishing a similar volume in London, this book became the single most influential Christian textbook in American history. Young students were introduced to the English alphabet by memorizing a verse from the Bible for each letter. This was used for more than 150 years before schools transitioned from Bible based curriculum toward a secular emphasis.

And the Israelites left there then, every man to his tribe and family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. 25 In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes, Judges 21:24-25.

When you read articles, current events and updated changes to public education, the presence of God has disappeared. While the Pledge of Allegiance is still practiced in some school distracts, the Bible verse of the day, prayer and the Ten Commandments have been removed. The complaints from atheists continue today, seeking to erase the presence of God from America’s founding. Until leaders like Joshua rise up to take a stand, America is about to experience a Judges like era when the people of this nation will not recognize or understand the God of the Bible.

by Jay Mankus

Evicted

After retiring from his Lutheran church, a pastor and his wife felt called to begin a ministry for seniors, for people their own age.  The most logical place to start was a local retirement home.  Ken and Liv Hauge reside at the Evergreens, a senior living community in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  A suburb of Washington D.C., this area has strict regulations, something the Hauge’s found out when they wanted to start a Bible Study.

The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion, Proverbs 28:1.

According to the civic association, the Hauge’s were required to call their meeting a book club.  Initially, they agreed even though this event was in fact a Bible Study.  To avoid this rigid restriction, this couple decided to move the group to their own apartment.  When word got out that the Hauge’s were hosting a Bible Study, they received a letter from their residential complex stating “stop holding Bible studies or face eviction.”  Why you may ask?  The apartment complex defines a Bible Study as a business which is illegal in a private residential unit.

Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance, Acts 28:31.

The Hauge’s have turned to a lawyer to fight this legal battle.  I haven’t heard an update on this battle for religious freedom, but this case is an eye opening for the kind of persecution active Christians may face in the future.  The apostles endured similar threats during the first century.  Paul was arrested, beaten and nearly killed a couple times during his ministry trips throughout the Mediterranean.  Despite these trying times, Luke implores believers in Jesus to boldly proclaim the kingdom of God whatever the cost, even if it means eviction.

by Jay Mankus

The God Hypocrisy

Earlier this week an elderly man destroyed a brand new statue of the ten commandments.  Initial media reports suggested that this might have been part of a car accident.  After further investigation it was uncovered that this destruction was posted on Facebook Live.  In fact this was the second religious statue this man had destroyed,  If this attack was aimed at any other politically correct religious symbol, the liberal media would have been outraged.  Unfortunately, the God hypocrisy caused this story to be buried or omitted completely.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! – Revelation 3:15

Prior to the attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. on September 11th, 2001, God was being pushed out of American culture.  The Bible, prayer and religious freedom were being kicked to the curb, discarded like old possessions at a garage sale.  Following 9/11, Major League Baseball decided to let God back in by singing God Bless America during the seventh inning stretch.  Meanwhile, more people attended worship centers on the Sunday after 9/11 than ever before or since.  Unfortunately, when good times return God is usually one of the first relationships to be placed on the back burner.

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth, Revelation 3:16.

If God would have a letter commissioned to the United States of America today it would be similar to the church in Laodicea.  At some point, individuals develop an on again off again relationship with God.  This unhealthy habit breeds a lukewarm spirit where people use God as a crutch leaning on Him in times of trouble.  Anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ yet exhibits an inconsistent faith results in another God hypocrisy.  Thus, unless individuals begin to live out the Christian faith, church attendance will continue to decline.  You shouldn’t have to wait until the next 9/11 like event to turn your life around.  May this blog or the Darryl Worley song Have You Forgotten inspire you to dial up your faith by trusting and obeying an invisible God.

by Jay Mankus

 

Change Your Name or Change Your Direction?

Alexander the third of Macedon reigned from 356 Before Christ to 323. Alexander spent most of his time as ruler sweeping through Asia and Northeast Africa on an unprecedented military campaign. One story I recently heard about Alexander makes him the great as history remembers him. During one battle, a fellow solider fled the scene, retreating from the action. Observing from a distance, the ruler couldn’t help himself, addressing this coward, quickly catching him on his horse. The Great confronts this man, “what’s your name Soldier,” Alexander he replied. Disturbed, Alexander looked this man straight in the eyes yelling, “change your name or change your direction?”

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ, Romans 10:17.

When the United States of America was founded in the late 17th century, pilgrims fled England for religious freedom. In the centuries that have followed, immigrants left their home country to discover and live the American dream. Unfortunately, groups like the ACLU have embraced spirits of disrespect, encouraging a new generation to burn and trample the flag which so many have died to protect. If Alexander the Great returned today to lead this country, I’m sure he’d lead a passionate plea to change your name or change your direction.

That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God, 1 Corinthians 2:5.

Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the ice berg. As Christians go full steam ahead, the name doesn’t mean what it use to. A lack of biblical understanding, years of compromise and worldly influences have turned the faith of many in a different direction. Blending in like a chameleon, its hard to tell Christians from ordinary people. Perhaps the Amish are right, trying to hold on to biblical values without being corrupted by modern conveniences. Whatever the reason, I feel an urgent sense to profess the words of Alexander the Great to those floundering in their faith, “change your direction or change your religion.”

by Jay Mankus