Yesterday, we honored those who have died while serving in the American Armed Forces – those brave men and women who paid the ultimate price; that we might live in “the land of the free and the home of the brave”. God has used them to provide a hedge of protection around His church; that His church might be a light on a hill, impacting the nations for His kingdom.

As Christians, we should particularly recognize the freedom we have been given to gather publicly and worship the LORD. As Christians, we should be encouraged by their bravery on the battle field; to be brave in our battles against the enemies of our souls. This has been the history of the church in America.

But something has gone wrong.

In this land of the free, why are Christians so bound up? In this home of the brave, why are we so fearful? What has happened to our freedom and bravery? Why are Christians in America wasting the opportunities that God has given them in this “land of the free and home of the brave”? What has happened to us?

To those with ears to hear and eyes to see:

The America that was established by God to be the protection for His children; that they would have freedom to walk in the good work He prepared for them; this America has become the idol of the church. Please, think about this for a moment. Where do most in the church turn for security, prosperity, comfort and entertainment? Who influences our thinking and the way we do things? Are we counter-culture (changing the culture around us), or sub-culture (being changed by it)? Whose disciples have we become?

To those called to lead the church out of Her idolatry:

First, you must understand that leaders in the church are not just religious professionals. They are the followers of Jesus Christ whom God has placed in positions of influence throughout society. To you, I plead: Consider your responsibility. Are you being a good and faithful steward? Or, have you compromised your commitment to the good work that God prepared for you – to glorify Him and prepare His Son’s Bride? Please, consider the awesome and eternal privilege and responsibility you are rejecting for your own glory and pleasure. Please, consider the eternal reward you are trading for such meager and temporary gain.

To those with a desire for restoration and transformation:

Repent and seek first the kingdom of God. Humble yourself. Deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow after Jesus. Reject the spirit of Babylon, the great harlot, who steals the hearts of God’s elect. Love the LORD your God with all you heart, mind, soul and strength. Find your platoon – those that will stand with you, encouraging and exhorting you to be all that you have been created to be. Submit to the power that God has towards you; the power that is working in you to will and do to His good pleasure. Become a disciple of the Master, and a steward of the mysteries of God.

Finally, please, please, please, let me know how I can help you in this regard. This is the desire of my heart.

Humbly yours and forever His,