–Pastor Ward Clinton
God sent a warning to America and her Christians via the 9-11-2001 attack and for a brief moment He seemed to have gotten our attention. For the most part, however, that only lasted about three weeks. There have been a few more warnings since. Judgment is coming upon us if there is not a real, genuine repentance and Awakening…a Great Awakening.
In the days after 9-11-2001 Americans flocked to houses of worship to implore God’s blessing on the nation. Some thought it could be the beginning of a national revival, a massive return to God. But it lasted about three weeks. There was no revival. There was no repentance. And without repentance there could be no revival. In the years after 9/11 America’s moral and spiritual apostasy only increased in intensity, depth, and speed. – Jonathan Cahn, The Mystery of the Shemitah, Frontline publishers (c) 2014, pg 137
As we approach the 14th anniversary of the worst terror attack on America, so far, we probably should take a moment to reflect. Was it a warning? What can we do to prevent something worse? Why did it happen? Does God care?
Shortly after the planes flew into the towers Anne Graham Lotz, actually the following Thursday, was interviewed for CBS’s “Early Show” by Jane Clayson and was asked, “…how could God let this happen.” She, quite appropriately and correctly replied:
“I say God is also angry when he sees something like this. I would say also for several years now Americans in a sense have shaken their fist at God and said, God, we want you out of our schools, our government, our business, we want you out of our marketplace. And God, who is a gentleman, has just quietly backed out of our national and political life, our public life. Removing his hand of blessing and protection. We need to turn to God first of all and say, God, we’re sorry we have treated you this way and we invite you now to come into our national life. We put our trust in you. We have ‘trust in God’ on our coins, we need to practice it.”
Now it would be all too easy to claim that the whole reason God has been removing the hedge of protection from America is because of the pagans in our midst and their misbehavior. On the other hand … 2nd Chronicles 7:14 says: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” “If My people,” not someone else’s people, but the Kingdom kids.
Many countries around the world still consider America to be a “Christian” country, although that number is dwindling as they observe our collective behavior. We have almost completely lost our moral compass and, unless we find it, we are going to lose our civilization; we are well into losing it already. Generally speaking, Christendom in the west has largely become a mass of pagans masquerading as Christians. The enemy of our souls is quite happy about that.
It is, therefore, time for us Christians to face up to our responsibility to reestablish the moral compass of our nation. We have been letting the PC crowd bully us into silence by misquoting Scripture and accusing us of intolerance while they refuse to tolerate our beliefs and ideas.
We have been hoping that they would awaken to the folly of their ways and join us as we meander around in the pathway of righteousness.
There are some Christians who are, in fact, pursuing the path of righteousness. But God is calling all Christians to completely consecrate themselves and commit to following His pathway wholeheartedly. Those on the left are not His people and they are not going to comprehend that fact until they see most, if not all, Christians start acting in accordance with God’s command to be holy and wholly committed unto Him and His ways. Repentance and revival are for the Kingdom Kids first and foremost; revival can only happen amongst the Kingdom Kids. When that happens then there can be a Great Awakening, the likes of which gave birth to our once God-blessed nation.
The agnostic and atheist alike are not going to be impressed or awakened to their need to join us in the pursuit of holiness until they see us truly become imitators of the Christ as we have been called to be. We need this to happen so that God will be able to bless us once again rather than pour out the judgment that will come if we do not heed His warning calls.
Pastor Ward Clinton
Theologians whom I have a good deal of respect for have spoken of a point of grace to which all Christians are called to abide in that is as high above ordinary Christian living as ordinary Christian living is above the strictly secular state. Some of them did not openly subscribe to John Wesley’s way of understanding of the holy Scripture but they still acknowledged, in their own way, that all Christians are called to holy living in this life in the pursuit of purity which honors our Savior.
Generally speaking, Christian dominion in the west has largely become a mass of pagans masquerading as Christians.
Pagans who are openly pagan seem to be more aware of those Christian’s spiritually powerless condition than they are and, of course, the pagans gleefully use every opportunity to cast all of Christendom in a bad light. Therefore, it is all the more important for all Christians to check themselves and make sure we are correctly connecting to the power which is found with the Spirit of God and pursuing purity which is our high and holy calling.
Most low-level Christians (Pagans masquerading as Christians) have no idea that they have lost their moorings, are not connected to the power source which can make them godly, and are drifting further and further away. Attempts to warn them often illicit hostile reactions rather than repentance. We find that there is a tendency towards the worse a person becomes, spiritually speaking, the less he tends to be aware of that fact. It is not unlike when frostbite and the process of freezing to death begins to settle in that the feeling of warmth replaces the uncomfortable sensitivities. Many a person who has frozen to death has been found to have tossed aside most of the protective gear and clothing shortly before death occurs.
God sent warnings to America and her Christians via the 9-11-2001 attack and for a brief moment He seemed to have gotten our attention. For the most part, it lasted about three weeks. There have been a few more warnings since. Judgment is coming upon us if there is not a real, genuine repentance and Awakening.
It appears that we have completely lost our moral compass and, unless we find it, we are going to lose our civilization; we are well into losing our civilization already.
Alarmist? I hope so but I fear not.
Our situation is not yet hopeless, but it is quickly approaching that point.
Oh? I’m supposed to be preaching “Positive Mental Attitude”?
Funny…That is NOT what God told me to preach. I was instructed, as was every other preacher who was actually commissioned by God, to preach His Scriptural truths, not what man wants to hear. (Unless that man actually desires to hear from God.)
If you do not like it, then you may call “1-800- TELL GOD” and see what that gets you.
(Be forewarned: you might not like His response, but He is God; you ain’t.)
J.C. Ryle listed seven characteristics of the messengers during the Great Awakening of the eighteenth century:
These awakeners continually cried, “No fruit, no grace.”
We must learn that God is holy. If we are to experience the manifest presence of God’s glory; we must repent. When Isaiah saw the glory of God in the Temple, he was driven to brokenness, confession, and repentance. Too many in the West desire to know the manifest love of God without the manifest holiness of God. We have lost the message of true repentance. Now the church in the West is the sleeping Giant. Alarms have been sounded but there seems to be no great or even general awakening; if it doesn’t begin soon the giant may die in its sleep.
Let us pray
Pastor Ward Clinton
There is no soul living who holds more firmly to the doctrines of grace than I do, and if any man asks me whether I am ashamed to be called a Calvinist, I answer—I wish to be called nothing but a Christian; but if you ask me, do I hold the doctrinal views which were held by John Calvin, I reply, I do in the main hold them, and rejoice to avow it. But far be it from me even to imagine that Zion contains none but Calvinistic Christians within her walls, or that there are none saved who do not hold our views. Most atrocious things have been spoken about the character and spiritual condition of John Wesley, the modern prince of Arminians. I can only say concerning him that, while I detest many of the doctrines which he preached, yet for the man himself I have a reverence second to no Wesleyan; and if there were wanted two apostles to be added to the number of the twelve, I do not believe that there could be found two men more fit to be so added than George Whitefield and John Wesley. The character of John Wesley stands beyond all imputation for self-sacrifice, zeal, holiness, and communion with God; he lived far above the ordinary level of common Christians, and was one ‘of whom the world was not worthy.’ I believe there are multitudes of men who cannot see these truths, or, at least, cannot see them in the way in which we put them, who nevertheless have received Christ as their Saviour, and are as dear to the heart of the God of grace as the soundest Calvinist in or out of Heaven. — Charles H Spurgeon
“There is a point of grace as much above the ordinary Christian as the ordinary Christian is above the world.” Of such he says: “They are rejoicing Christians, holy and devout men doing service for the Master all over the world, and everywhere conquerors through Him that loved them.” The experience to which Mr. Spurgeon refers has often been described as the higher life, entire sanctification, Christian perfection, perfect love, the rest of faith, and by numerous other names or terms. Various modes of expression have been selected by various Christians which have best coincided with their cultural and theological views. There may be shades of difference in their import, but, generally speaking, the terms mean one and the same thing. We do not contend for names. It is immaterial which expressions are employed; the main point is, do we possess the experience designated by these terms, and which is recognized and professed by Christians representing all our churches?
A word of encouragement to our pastors, who, now more than ever, are on the front lines of the culture war given the assault on marriage and religious liberty.
John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, a lesser-known hero of the War for Independence, was a pastor and a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1775, he preached a sermon on Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Pastor Muhlenberg closed his sermon with these words:
“In the language of Holy Writ, there is a time for all things. There is a time to preach and a time to fight. And now is the time to fight.”
He then removed his clerical robes and revealed to the congregation that he was wearing the uniform of an officer in the Continental Army.Pastor Muhlenberg’s example of a man of God fighting for our God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should give increased fervor and devotion most especially to those who lead us in the fight for faith, family and freedom.
Like few times in our nation’s history, this is a time to fight for the values we cherish! — Gary Bauer
If anyone wonders whether the founding fathers thought the federal government should define marriage and not the states, and whether it should interfere with our religious beliefs, here is what Thomas Jefferson thought:
Thomas Jefferson letter to Samuel Miller
Date: January 23, 1808
I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from inter-meddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises. This results not only from the provision that no law shall be made respecting the establishment or free exercise of religion, but from that also which reserves to the States the powers not delegated to the United States. Certainly, no power to prescribe any religious exercise or to assume authority in any religious discipline has been delegated to the General Government. It must then rest with the States.
It is times like this that we need to strengthen ourselves by reading the book most hated by liberals which was penned by their greatest enemy whom they can never defeat.
1 Peter 1: 19-21 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
A word of encouragement to our pastors, who, now more than ever, are on the front lines of the culture war given the assault on marriage and religious liberty.
John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, a lesser-known hero of the War for Independence, was a pastor and a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1775, he preached a sermon on Ecclesiastes 3:1 — “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Pastor Muhlenberg closed his sermon with these words:
“In the language of Holy Writ, there is a time for all things. There is a time to preach and a time to fight. And now is the time to fight.”
He then removed his clerical robes and revealed to the congregation that he was wearing the uniform of an officer in the Continental Army.Pastor Muhlenberg’s example of a man of God fighting for our God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should give increased fervor and devotion most especially to those who lead us in the fight for faith, family and freedom.
Like few times in our nation’s history, this is a time to fight for the values we cherish! — Gary Bauer
If anyone wonders whether the founding fathers thought the federal government should define marriage and not the states, and whether it should interfere with our religious beliefs, here is what Thomas Jefferson thought:
Thomas Jefferson letter to Samuel Miller
Date: January 23, 1808
I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from inter-meddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, discipline, or exercises. This results not only from the provision that no law shall be made respecting the establishment or free exercise of religion, but from that also which reserves to the States the powers not delegated to the United States. Certainly, no power to prescribe any religious exercise or to assume authority in any religious discipline has been delegated to the General Government. It must then rest with the States.
It is times like this that we need to strengthen ourselves by reading the book most hated by liberals which was penned by their greatest enemy whom they can never defeat.
1 Peter 1: 19-21 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Good Morning everyone. People are still coming to Christ Jesus each and every day. Yes, it is easy to let all the bad news occurring all around us to lose heart and hope but those of us who are followers of The Holy One of God need to keep praying. Let each one of us begin the day with God. Let us make an appointment with our Father in Heaven and refuse to break it, especially in a day such as this.
As believers, we may often wonder if there is anything we can do to counter the attacks our enemy hurls at us. We might even ask, “Can we, as Christian couples and parents, stand in the gap for our marriages, our children, our homes, our state, our country?” Let me say a resounding, “Yes, we can, and we must stand united in the victory Jesus has secured for us.”
P – Pray
U – Until
S – Something
H – Happens
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gave us, among others, this promise:
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
Matthew 7:8 For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.
Every promise which God gives us is attached to a duty. Concerning any duty it is not enough to do it, it must be done according to the prescribed methodology.
God desires that we should have a clear understanding regarding the certainty of prayer. Never be afraid of being too earnest. “Knock.” Note that this is a repeated statement. As big as the Bible seems to be, it is actually quite concise; therefore when we see something repeated we really should pay closer attention it than we otherwise might have.
Jesus gave us the model prayer and then on the night that He was betrayed He gave us a strong guarantee regarding the efficacy of prayer. Some people wind up wondering why their prayers don’t seem to be as effectual as those of some other individuals. For those who wonder why their own prayers don’t seem to have much of an effect as they should according to promise perhaps this particular blog entry may be of assistance.
Watch in prayer to see what comes. Foolish folk who knock at the door but then fail to stay till someone comes to provide a response will fail to see the door opened but the desperate soul will tend to persist in knocking and will see an answer. Some don’t believe in prayer because all they have ever done is to knock and run.
Ask, whom? Not of angels, not of saints but make your request to the only One who is everywhere present.
Ask, when? Anytime; some times are better than others. For most, morning is best. Daniel prayed three times a day at set times. George Washington followed the example set by Daniel and would not permit anything to interrupt his prayer times. He knew to ask of the One who is every when present.
Ask, why? That is the methodology that God has chosen. In His economy if we don’t ask, He won’t act.
Ask, How?
a. Orderly; think about what you are going to ask. Forget that “prayer language” stuff, because if you don’t actually know what you prayed for how will you know if it has been answered?
b. Earnestly.
c. Repeatedly: until you receive an answer. In your own style – you’re talking to your daddy. If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your personal Savior then God is not yet your daddy. Popular foolishness says “We are all children of God,” but that is not backed up by the Holy bible. First, one has to petition for adoption because we are all, in fact, children of Adam and, as such, alienated from His Kingdom biologically whether we be Jew, Gentile, and especially the Ishmaelite. He desires that each one of us become a part of His forever family whether we be Jew, Gentile, or Ishamaelite.
d. In faith. In the name of Jesus; see John chapter fifteen … that is not a magic phrase – it is a privilege extended to us by the Savior and a recognition of whom it is that has guaranteed our ability to have a right relationship, and communication, with the God of the universe.
To pray is to put the understanding in motion.
To pray is to put the affections in motion; to open the heart.
To pray is to put the will in motion.
Praying is frequently thought of as a passive activity and when it is merely a rote recital of the model prayer or some other one without any real thought or effort put forth that may be an accurate description. However, when the three above ingredients are all put into the mix it becomes a real work with a special dignity of its own.
Prayer, proper prayer, places the soul face to face with facts of the first order of solemnity; with its real self and with its God.
It is noble, because it is the work of man as man, it quickens the interest of man to that which is beyond the range of petty daily and material interests while enhancing proper interest in them by igniting higher enthusiasms into life, and of man becoming more aware of his being and destiny with a vividness which is necessary to him as no other occupation may. The nobleness of a man’s best form of toil falls infinitely below that of a spirit which enters consciously into converse with the eternal God. However that toil, no matter how mundane, may be elevated to an almost sacred level once the work of prayer has consecrated it.
If prayer is to be persevered in, it must be based on the conviction that it is heard by a living being. If God exists, if He be a Personal Being, then surely we may reach out to Him if we actually want to. If God be not merely an infinite intelligence, but a moral being, a mighty heart, so that justice and tenderness are attributes of His, then surely we may appeal to Him with some concern that we may have. It is upon this solid ground that God is said to hear prayer in the Holy Bible. That He should do so follows from the reality of His nature as the one true God.
The laws of nature are not self-sustained forces; they are God’s laws and God can use His own laws. They have not escaped His control.
Prayer is a forseen action of man, and is embraced in the eternal purpose of God.
Probably the biggest barrier to effectual prayer is found in a person’s perception of his own self-sufficiency which is frequently demonstrated in the attitude and practice of, “When all else fails, pray.” No, no … no. Prayer should be our first resort, not our last.
2nd Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
The President of the Southern Baptist Convention has a message regarding the looming Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage: We will not obey.
“The Supreme Court of the United States is not the final authority nor is the culture itself,” declared Ronnie Floyd, the elected leader of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. “The Bible is God’s final authority about marriage and on this book we stand.” Read More
Titus 2:7 In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified.
Rev Franklin Graham accurately stated that the Word of God says that cowards will not be able to enter heaven (Rev 21:8). Therefore all those who claim to be Christian must stand firm according to the truth espoused by the one and only God no matter if it is popular or not.
pastorwardclinton 