Warm hellos to you dear brethren, co-workers, and spiritual family here on the Coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and scattered children of God from here in Charleston, SC.
My wife and I are again privileged to be visiting several scattered members of the body of Christ. What’s so encouraging is how the many parts of the body are connected to Christ, the head of His church through the indwelling of His Spirit and each other. This same Spirit unites us with God the Father.
I find it fitting to focus on this positive aspect when we look at what just happened here in the United States. President Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives. The process next requires the vote to go to the Senate. It is very probable he will continue as president until the next upcoming election in 2020, and it may buoy up his position to be elected to a second term. Democrats who enthusiastically voted for his impeachment could well face a backfire in their own bids for reelection. From what I’ve read, this is what some political pundits are discussing.
The example we’ve just witnessed thunders loudly about much of the leadership in this nation. This whole process has proven beyond question that the United States is a severely divided nation. In our discussion in the History and Background of the Gospels, we’ve discussed where Jesus said “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” {Mark 3:25}.
The late president Abraham Lincoln used these same words at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois on June 16, 1858 when he accepted the nomination by the Republican Party to what became his unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate. The speech became the launching point for his unsuccessful campaign for the seat, held by Stephen A. Douglas; the campaign would climax with the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858.
The House Divided Speech became famous throughout history for multiple reasons.
Lincoln’s remarks in Springfield depicted the danger of slavery-based disunion, and it rallied Republicans across the North. Along with the Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address, the speech became one of the best-known speeches of his career.
The best-known passage of the speech is this: A house divided against itself, cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved — I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other. Either the opponents of slavery will arrest the further spread of it, and place it where the public mind shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction; or its advocates will push it forward, till it shall become lawful in all the States, old as well as new — North as well as South.
The parallels are very similar with outcomes.
Whether the United States remain unified or as ‘one’ in the future has an uncertain answer.
We all live in very unstable times my friends!
The future of our nation seems to run parallel with the rest of the world; there is trouble everywhere, and this world or age seems to be on the verge of coming apart at the seams.
Based on God’s Word, and what we see around us presently, this world is on a fast pace to WWIII. We’re living in a time when the 2nd heaven or outer space will be the new battle ground for nations. It is no secret that future conflicts and wars will be fought with both humans, armaments and robots. The very real blood of multiple thousands of soldiers and civilians will be ultimately shed.
At first glance we might think all is bright and cheery right now as many run here and there with “holiday cheer” here in Charleston and across the nation. Both the traffic and stores are extremely busy with hustle and bustle. The music rings and most are lulled to sleep. As I mentioned last Sabbath in my weekly letter, I was glad to return to the peace and quiet of my home.
Here’s what I’d like us to consider. As God’s children, His Spiritual family claiming to Worship Him in Spirit and Truth, are we? Are we too divided over which fellowship we are part of, or which political position we stand for? Do we reflect God’s mind or our own? (Phil. 2:5).
Is God’s House Unified or Divided? God’s Spirit is One. A “Spiritual House Divided Can Not Stand”.
Many claim to be unified, reaching out, or building bridges. Are we? God sees our hearts and our fruits. Amos 3:3 conveys to us all that agreement is paramount, but we must not forget that speaks of both loving God and each other and not being spiritually divided. Some sobering thoughts for you and me to consider.
We can be happy and have peace and unity on this beginning of God’s Sabbath even though we are surrounded by a world with division, confusion, consternation, and deception in many areas.
It’s important to remember that the primary way we can be freed from these is by knowing and living the truth.
Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) God’s Word brings us truth (John 17:17) and that coupled with obedience and a humble fear and awe of God leads to a good understanding. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments.” (Psalm 111:10). Godly Wisdom, Understanding, Truth and Unity are only possible through yielding to God’s Spirit.
Let us truly rejoice in the truth of God, and be about living this calling and doing the work He has given us to do. Let us not be divided, but unified in Spirit as we live to serve the Living God and each other. Time may well be much shorter than we’ve realized.
As I close this letter, as I do every Friday, as we enter His Sabbath…reflect on this evening’s missives with me, will you?
May God continue to richly bless you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you daily. Please do pray for us as well.
