Unsavory Salt

The recent decision by President Obama to instruct the Justice Department to stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is only the latest salvo in the marginalization of the Church. This act, passed by Congress and signed by a previous president, is the law of the land. And yet, our president, who pledged in his oath of office to “preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States” has undermined that very document by refusing to acknowledge the right of Congress, the elected representatives of the people, to make laws. His stated reason was his belief that the law was unconstitutional. Such a statement, by the leader of the executive branch, is in and of itself a flagrant disregard of the constitutional balance of power, in which the judicial branch is responsible for making such a determination.

The fact is that the President, a long-time supporter of homosexual rights, has chosen to hold in contempt any and every person who stands in opposition to his personal views on homosexuality. With no regard for the people’s voices as expressed in the fall 2010 election, President Obama and his advisors have chosen to thumb their noses at Christians and any other group that stands in defense of marriage as it was intended to be.

That being the case, the question not being asked is, “Where is the outrage?” Where are the calls for impeachment, the demonstrations, the rallying of support for that which is morally and biblically correct? At what point is enough...enough?

In the wake of “Roe vs. Wade”, there arose from within the Christian community a movement that eventually became known as the Christian right. The Moral Majority was universally hated by the liberals and socialists, yet it stood for right and made its voice heard. You may not agree with the methods of Randall Terry, but he has consistently raised his voice and helped others do the same in defense of the innocent unborn.

And yet in the wake of President Obama’s order to the Justice Department, we hear nothing. Even when President Obama appointed two of the most liberal pro-death judges ever to the Supreme Court, we heard nothing. Back in the 70s, Christian philosopher and apologist Francis Shaeffer identified the two overriding interests of western society as “personal peace and affluence”. In simple terms, “leave me alone, and give me enough money to do what I want.” Given the silence of the God’s people in the face of vicious attacks on what should be fundamental convictions of our faith, it seems these values have permeated the church as well.

Church, we must wake up, stand up and be counted for righteousness. We must do it wherever we are; at home, at work, in the community and especially at governmental meetings on every level. Our failure to do so can only result in the fulfillment of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:15

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Trodden under foot of men… You know, if I listen carefully, I swear I can hear the sound of jackboots.

Just a servant,

Bro. Tom

The Real Christmas Story

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:1-14