Monday, April 27, 2020

Pastor's Ponderings, April 27, 2020

Speak God’s Word to the World

William J. Broad and Dan Levin wrote an article entitled, Trump Muses About Light as Remedy, but Also Disinfectant, Which Is Dangerous. There was a great hue and cry about these comments.  The article went on to say, “Apparently reassured that the tests he was proposing would take place, Mr. Trump then theorized about the possible medical benefits of disinfectants in the fight against the virus.”

The major issue is that the leader of the Free World said something that many found outrageous, but its impact was broad. Poison control calls for bleach and Lysol have increased across the country.  What he says impacts the economy, world opinion, politics and everything in between. While the president has the power to impact the world, our words should also have an impact. 

Jesus declared to the body of Christ that all power in heaven and earth has been given unto Him.   As a result, those in the body of Christ are to go out through the world declaring the Good News (Matthew 28:18-20).  We must say what God says about the world (Job 22:28).

We are not, must not, and cannot be simply passive observers of world events. The Bible declares that we have the power to declare things lawful and unlawful (Matthew 16:19).  We don’t simply have to bemoan our fate, we can pray for our leaders that God will change their hearts (Proverbs 21:1, 2).  

Our fight includes actions such as voting, petitioning, protesting, and letter writing which are all important tools in a democracy.  But we also have the right and responsibility to struggle on the spiritual level against evil spiritual rulers who attempt to dictate men’s affairs (Ephesians 6:12).  

When your friends, neighbors, and relatives are complaining about this or that comment or policy, we can be comfortable knowing that all ruling authority has been established by God (Romans 13:1). He will raise those who He wants in His time (Psalm 75:6-7) and all things will work together for good for those who love the Lord God (Romans 8:28). In this frightened, worried and anxious world, let us speak God’s word of victory.!

Matthew 28:18-20
New International Version (NIV)
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Job 22:28
King James Version (KJV)
28 Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.

Matthew 16:19
Amplified Bible (AMP)
19 I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth will have [already] been loosed in heaven.”

Proverbs 21:1, 2
New International Version (NIV)
In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.
2 A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.

Ephesians 6:12
New International Version (NIV)
12 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.

Romans 13:1 
New International Version (NIV)
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Psalm 75:6-7
New International Version (NIV)
6 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.
7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.

Romans 8:28
New International Version (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.






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