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As Christians we are facing a growing sentiment in the world that demands a change within the church. More than any other time on earth there are now more Christians who are enduring persecution. In America, I believe that we are seeing only “the tip of the iceberg”. Meaning we are seeing only a small part of the hateful sentiment that is still largely hidden. The shootings – targeting Christians is just the tip of the iceberg of a growing evil sentiment in America.
Our country has undergone a vast change within the last 10 years. There are those who have come from other nations to escape persecution. Yet there are hundreds of thousands who have come into our country with their gods, and have worked to turn our nation away from Christianity; the roots of our foundation in America.
Before landing in New England, Gov. John Winthrop, in his1630 A.D. sermon told his fellow passengers to “live lives of justice and mercy. To do otherwise was to face God’s wrath.....if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world.” We have fallen from the greatest nation on earth to one that God has withdrawn His present help.
Our land is now divided. Although we were a Christian nation at our birth, we no longer. President Obama proudly declared in a speech 7 years ago that we are no longer a Christian nation. Again, 6 years ago he made the same statement before Muslims, while giving a speech in Turkey. Just because he made those statements doesn’t make it so, but unfortunately there are many confirming signs across our land that this is correct.
Christians have been targeted in mass shootings over the last few years; in Colorado Springs, Fort Worth and Charleston.” During the mass shooting in Roseburg, Oregon, the killer asked his victims if they were Christians. When they declared that they were, he shot them in the head. Our current government representatives did not issue outrage in the media when this hate act was aimed at Christians. The Christian Post wrote that the armed shooter, “demanded that any of the students who were Christians stand up.” That act was a hate crime against Christians!
If it were Muslims being shot, you can be sure there would have been outrage from the White House. Instead, the White House used the shooting to bring up the need for stronger gun laws. It is not stronger gun laws we need. It would only leave Christian’s open prey. Hitler did that in Germany, disarming the public put him in charge to proceed with his atrocities against Jews and Christians.
I cannot help wondering if some of the mass shootings would have been different if the victims had let our a war cry and rushed the shooter together. The thought of how those brave people in the 4th plane on 9/11 who rushed those hijackers and thwarted the destination they wanted to strike. They gave up their lives, but the White House was spared.
David Barton, the Wall Builders founder in speaking about the right of bearing arms said the original intent of the Founding Fathers when writing the Second Amendment was to guarantee citizens “the biblical right of self-defense.” “Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794), a signer of the Declaration of Independence, who helped frame the Second Amendment in the First Congress, wrote, “... to preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use.” “The goal of the Second Amendment is to make sure you can defend yourself against any kind of illegal force that comes against you, whether that is from a neighbor, whether that is from an outsider or whether that is from your own government.”
After the Roseburg, Oregon shootings Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey warned that Christians, who are “serious about their faith, should consider arming themselves with guns.” Some Christians consider it wrong to arm themselves for protection. The Bible does not oppose “bearing arms”. The disciples were armed with swords. Jesus told Peter to put away his sword: “For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Jo 18:1 That Scripture simply means we should not pick up a sword or other weapons against others, except in self-defense. While saying farewell to His disciples, Christ told his disciples to “sell your cloak and buy a sword” Lu 22:36. Jesus did not tell them to attack anyone.
Many heroes, that we look up to in the Bible, were known for their courage in battle against their foes. The Bible states, “I have found King David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.” Ac 13:22.
During Queen Esther’s time on earth, the Jews were threatened with a plot by Haman to wipe out the Jews. Esther sought the King’s favor so that the Jews could arm themselves and fight off their enemies. The Jews did arm themselves and the plot was put to rest. And, Haman was executed for his vicious plot.
Christians, this is not a call to arms. Although I believe in the right to bear arms, the answer to this growing concern in our country will not be solved with bearing arms. This is a trumpet call to commitment to be courageous, faithful, and victorious to the end of your life. The answer for these times for Christians is to become victorious and don’t shrink back. This is the time to fix in your hearts that no matter what, you will not renounce your faith, but you will be brave and courageous. And, you will remain solid in your faith, no matter what threat comes before you. Cowards do not go to Heaven. God is calling forth His army for He is coming for a bride fit for a warrior.
As Christians, in a fast changing country with anti-God sentiments growing, what should be our stand? Some Christians, moved in fear for their very lives, are stocking guns and ammunition. Some are considering moving out of the country. Is this really the stance Christ would have us take? Jesus told His disciples to buy a sword, not to stockpile weapons. If God leads you out of the country that is one thing, but to run in fear is another. Christians must never be moved by fear. The Bible says 365 times, “Do not fear!” We must be lead by the Holy Spirit through these times. The Holy Spirit is with us and will lead and guide us as we walk hand in hand with Jesus.
This is our finest hour Christians, to stand up and be counted! It is time for Christians to rise up and let out a battle cry that will be heard among the nations. My husband was reminded of his service training while we were talking about this article. He said when he was in boot camp they trained the men to let out a battle cry that would throw the enemy. Then they would run to the battle.
Will America come to point of persecuting Christians? I believe the tip of the iceberg is all that we are seeing right now in our beloved nation. Remember, if you are a Christian…live like one and if God wills it, be willing to die like one.