1. IRS Threat to Churches – “No politicking or we take your tax-exempt status.” They define their threat in that churches are not to be political action committees if they:
a. Have a “substantial” part of their activities in trying to influence legislation;
b. Having its main or primary objective attained only by the passage or defeat of proposed legislation and it advocates or campaigns for the attainment of the objective, as distinguished from engaging in non-partisan analysis, study, or research, making those results available to the public;
c. Participating or intervening, directly or indirectly, in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office;
d. What the Government knows is that most churches are compliant and unwilling to get involved in the filth of politics – this is what happens when Christian people abandon our duty – bad replaces good in vacuum of leadership (demon came back with 7 others – Matthew 12.44-45)
2. Johnson Amendment, 1954
House Resolution 235 was designed to revise the IRS code to remove restrictions placed on churches and non-profit organizations in 1954 by then-Senator Lyndon Johnson. Prior to 1954, churches and non-profit organizations had no such restrictions on their freedom of speech or their right to speak out in favor or against political issues or candidates.
The history of Johnson’s IRS gag order is instructive. It began with what some historians believe to be a fraudulent election of Johnson to the Senate in 1948. It has been maintained by both conservative and liberal historians that Lyndon Johnson’s election to the Senate in 1948 was won by massive voter fraud. Known as “Landslide Lyndon,” this aspiring politician was “elected” by only 87 votes. His challenger, Coke Stevenson, challenged his election and presented credible evidence that hundreds of votes for Johnson had been faked. Johnson, however, was successful in blocking Stevenson’s effort by the clever use of “cooperative” court injunctions.
In 1954, Johnson was facing re-election to the Senate and was being aggressively opposed by two non-profit anti-Communist groups that were attacking Johnson’s liberal agenda. In retaliation, Johnson inserted language into the IRS code that prohibited non-profits, including churches, from endorsing or opposing candidates for political office. In effect, Senator Johnson used the power of the go-along Congress and the IRS to silence his opposition.
3. Thomas Jefferson and Separation of Church and State
4. First Amendment
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
a. Freedom of press; assembly; speech; religion (i.e., Christianity) – key to our nation
b. Accountability
5. We are in a mess as a nation!
a. We have forgotten our roots – today people are seeking Freedom FROM Religion (God); not Freedom to Practice Religion
b. Founding Fathers Pointed to the Providence of God in establishing the nation
[Long Island; Battle of Trenton; Yorktown; Constitution
c. “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." John Adams
d. G. Washington: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens."
e. Today: Children cannot pray in most schools [story of teacher who observed some boys on knees in back of classroom; What are you doing? Rolling dice; O good, for a minute I thought you were praying.] Can’t bring bibles; Not allowed to post 10 Commandments; can’t speak of Yeshua (Jesus) at work; can’t speak openly, only with PC language; can’t oppose abortion on demand; can’t endorse traditional (biblical) marriage; hate speech retribution is near;
6. How can we get out? NOT by political maneuvering – by the grace of God – 2 Chronicles 7.14
4 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
I. God’s People
A. Sin Is Real
1. We aren’t surprised at the sin of the pagans
2. The surprise is that God’s people have become apathetic to sin – theirs and ours
a. Salt and Light
b. Cannot hold on to sin – If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66.18
c. [I read that Bathtubs became popular in the 1840’s and were considered by many, not only a luxury but vanity. Some cities, such as Philadelphia and Boston would only permit the sale of the tubs if a Doctor had prescribed them.
d. Too often Christians would rather put up with the stench of their own sins than do what is necessary to come clean with God – 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light Ephesians 5.3-8
B. Judgment Begins with US – For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4.17
II. God’s Spirit (Of Humility)
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
A. Humility is Essential
1. God fills Empty Vessels
2. Either God is in us or something else is – 1 demon bringing the 7
3. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5.6-7
4. SEEK Humility – Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land,
who do his just commands;
seek righteousness; seek humility;
perhaps you may be hidden
on the day of the anger of the LORD. Zephaniah 2.3
5. Humble selves or BE HUMBLED (Philippians 2.2-5 – every knee)
B. Humility is seen in Confession and Prayer
1. Burden of Sin
2. Lifted by Confession (not by cover up) – Psalm 51
C. Humility is seen in Repentance
1. Seek God in our wrongs, don’t run from him –
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite. Isaiah 57.15
2. Contrite – cease wrong – do right
D. Humility is Seen in Seeking the Face of God [PPT of Father lifting child]
22 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,
24 The LORD bless you and keep you;
25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
27 “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6.22-27
III. God’s Grace – Our Hope
A. God Does not WANT to Judge Us –
The LORD saw it, and it displeased him
that there was no justice.
16 He saw that there was no man,
and wondered that there was no one to intercede;
then his own arm brought him salvation,
and his righteousness upheld him. Isaiah 59.15b-16
1. I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just. -- Thomas Jefferson
2. Willing to Save Sodom and Gomorrah for 10 People
B. He is Willing to Forgive and Heal the Land (conditional on IF)
Conclusion
1. Imagine the room where the 56 Signers of the Declaration were waiting their turn to sign the document that would break ties with England – they sign in virtual silence
2. Their Choice was GOD over a Tyrant
As the Declaration of Independence was being signed, 1776, Samuel Adams declared:
"We have this day restored the Sovereign to Whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come."
3. After the Revolution Congress met to establish the US Constitution – although the name of God is nowhere in the document (as in the Declaration), the principles are based on scripture; those who were at the Constitutional Convention said that the document came together as a miracle
4. “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." John Adams
5. What Can WE Do?
a. Humble Ourselves; Pray; Seek God; Repent
b. Know the Scriptures and the Constitution
c. Take Action – Contact our Political Representatives – remember, they work for WE THE PEOPLE (Caesar in America)
d. VOTE!!!!! We have registration forms available in the lobby – You have until Friday to register
1) We are Accountable for Our Vote and WHETHER We Vote
Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual – or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country. ~ Samuel Adams
2) Don’t vote for Parties – Vote for Christian Values
"I have alternately been called an aristocrat and a democrat. I am neither. I am a Christocrat." Dr. Benjamin Rush
