Greetings in the name of our majestic King Jesus, the Reconciler of men. It was with great sorrow that I heard of the attack on our brothers and sisters in South Carolina. Devils don’t often have human pawns through which to manifest so ferociously in American churches. Still, as we are witnessing, Satan has maneuvered many human pawns and puppets to launch aggressive maneuvers against our nation. One such strategic act has sent us back to revisit one the most horrible times of our history, slavery.
The Civil War was one of the greatest attacks of Satan on our country there has ever been. It almost divided us permanently as a nation. I am a southerner who was brought up in the capital of the Confederacy, so I understand what the Confederate flag means to some. I also understand what it means to others. To some, it may represent hatred, but to others honor and heritage.
This was a civil war, and President Lincoln wanted to bring this country back together. After the war, in the spirit of reconciliation, the South and its generals were embraced instead of shamed for their cause. This allowed them to have some pride in their valiant efforts even though their cause was less than godly. It seems forgiveness played a part in bringing our country back together, so why entertain these issues 150 years later to fuel the fire of division?
Simply put, the Confederacy could have never won the war. If they had, our country would have been forever divided. God was not going to let that happen! We chose Him as a nation, and He gave us assignments as His nation (my CD entitled, “America in Prophecy,” can help you understand those assignments in more detail). We could have never continued to fulfill these assignments if the South had won. It is the grace of Almighty God that held our nation together.
We must keep ourselves from playing into Satan’s hands when it comes to division. It is vile, and it plagues our country in many ways. People have let their politics, race, and thoughts about sexuality decide how they will feel about issues. If you are a true disciple of Jesus, you will let the Word of God decide for you. It’s called renewing your mind.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
—Romans 12:2
As Christians, we need to renew our minds and come together on these issues based on the Scriptures. The unity of less than 5% of the U.S. population achieved passing same-sex marriage by putting all of their money toward their cause. They sold houses, cars, and anything they could they sacrifice. What could the Church do if we just united and put our money where our mouth is? I will tell you. It would be exceedingly more than you could ever ask or think.
For where your treasure [the money you spend] is, there will your heart be also.
—Matthew 6:21
Renewing our minds means moving forward and putting off the conversation of the old man, who is now a new creation in Christ. We cannot allow past offenses to cause a root of bitterness that will hinder the plan of God in our lives or nation.
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
—Ephesians 4:22-24
Jesus never murmured about the atrocities being committed by the Roman Empire. He just walked in love as a righteous and holy man and went about doing what His Father called Him to do. He looked not at the things that were seen, but at the things not seen (II Cor. 4:18).
Consider Israel and their slavery to Egypt. As a people, the Jews have been one of the most persecuted races throughout history. However, because the Jews are God’s chosen people and His covenant with them, they continue to survive and flourish in the midst of their persecution. As Christians, have we not a better covenant with God through the blood of Jesus? We do not have to succumb to the lingering effects of slavery. We have been made one man in Christ Jesus. No Jew or Greek, black or white, nor bond or free—just one new man (Gal. 3:28).
The Time of the End has much division—Jesus said it would be so. Such division is not just between good and evil, but there are also divisions among mankind. Jesus states:
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
—Matthew 24:7
The word “nation” is ethnos in the Greek, which means race. We get the word “ethnic” from this word. Jesus says races will be against races, and kingdoms (countries) against kingdoms. Just because these clashes will happen does not mean we, as Christians, have to jump in feet first. We should use all the restraint possible, loving those around us.
It has been said that anger is rooted in fear. I believe this is true most of the time, and remember, fear is another tool of Satan. It is anger that spurs most people to go to war or commit hate crimes. So, if anger is rooted in fear, then fear is present. However, when we walk in love, we cast out fear. A heroic example of this godly principle can be seen through those of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina, who have walked in love after the vicious attack on their congregation.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
—I John 4:18
In fact, one way to protect yourself in these last days is to walk in love. When we do so, we abide under the shadow of He who is Love, and He will be our refuge and strong fortress (Ps. 91:1-2).
We are taking this message of love to as many as possible, and letting them know that God loves them and that Jesus is coming soon. We are also letting them know that there is a band of believers, called the Body of Christ, who will be of great service to them in the coming days.
Praise God, we have many meetings coming up from Virginia to Texas, so your prayers and financial support are greatly appreciated. We could not do this without you, and we thank God for you and your family.
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