Should the Gov't Enforce Religious Education?

How do you think the average non-Christian in our nation would react if the Federal or Provincial government announced that they were seriously considering passing a law that would make it mandatory for everyone to financially support Christian education? Are you kidding! You and I both know that the response would be something akin to revolution in the streets. People would fight ferociously against the very idea of this law. Why should they have to pay for an education system that propagates a belief system that they do not hold to? They would view a law like this as a violation against their rights as Canadian citizens.
One woman who spoke against the government funding of religious education said this, “Is it fair to expect the taxpayer to subsidize a belief system in which they may or may not believe?” To this we must answer, no it is not fair to force people to support an education system that teaches a view of reality that differs from their own. But we must also teach that what is good for the goose is good for the gander! If the unbeliever’s hard earned tax dollars should not have to support my religious Christian education system then my hard earned tax dollars should not be required to support his religious humanistic education system. We as Christians have been deceived for too long. We have been told for so long that the public school system is neutral, that many have actually come to believe it.

Adolph Hitler, in speaking about propaganda said that if you say something loud enough and long enough you can have the masses believing that heaven is hell and hell is heaven. May we not fall for the constant stream of propaganda that is being fed to us about the public school system and its ‘supposed’ neutrality. Both Christian and Public education have clear teachings about the universe we live in. Neither of these teachings is neutral and both oppose one another. Christianity teaches that God is the Creator of all things and therefore is the highest authority in the universe. It teaches that all things must be understood in the light of God’s existence, as revealed through the Holy Scriptures.
The Humanistic teachings in the public school deny the existence of God by propagating the teaching of evolution. It teaches that man is the highest being in the universe and is therefore the final authority in all matters of life.
Christians need to wake up and smell the coffee. We can not view the Public education system as neutral just because it says it is. It is a system that is hostile towards the teachings of the Bible, from start [creation] to finish [second return of Christ and judgment day]. Humanist’s may deny being religious but in reality hold just as tenaciously or ‘religiously’ to their outlook on reality [atheistic] as Christian’s do theirs [theistic]. For this reason Christians should view Humanism as they would any other false religious system. Unfortunately it is easy to see that this is not the case with many Christians today. They would be horrified if someone were to suggest that they were to teach the false doctrines of the Jehovah’s Witnesses at one of their Bible camps for the summer, because they could not in clear conscience teach doctrines that were against the Bible. They would be equally horrified if someone were to suggest that their children should go to these same camps to learn their anti-biblical teachings and way of life. But amazingly enough these same Christians will teach in a Public School system that requires its teachers to teach according to the guidelines of the approved curriculum which is foundationally humanistic and anti-biblical. They also send their children to learn in these God rejecting institutions, not for a couple weeks in the summer, but for 12 years of their lives. Why this inconsistency? Because they view the one rightly for what it is, a false belief system and the other they have been deceived into thinking is 'neutral' in its outlook of reality. But the humanism of the Public school system is just as false as the doctrine of the Jehovah’s Witnesses or any other organization that teaches contrary to the Word of God.
The church of Jesus Christ needs to be faithful to the Word of her Lord. She needs to flee from evil and cling to that which is good. She needs to remove her support from any institution that denies her Lord. This removal of support should entail removing her children from under its teaching influence. Also by removing her men and women as being propagators of its false doctrines. And finally removing it’s financial support from any such institution.
Remember that when you opened up your Tax bill this year you were reminded of the reality that you as a Christian are forced to support the ‘religious’ belief system of another. A large percentage of your property taxes go to either the support of the Roman Catholic school system or the Government [Humanistic] School system. Neither of these choices should be acceptable for any Christian because both choices go against the clear teachings of the Bible as interpreted for centuries by the Protestant church. In reality we have received the same choice that Henry Ford gave in regards to the color for his Model T. He said that you could have any color you wanted as long as it was black. Likewise, today we are given any choice we want as long as it denies our religious convictions as Protestant Christians.
The following quote is from one of the men who led the Protestant Reformation. His insights are very wise and discerning. His words are also very timely as he seems to know our day better than millions of Christians who are living in it.

“I am much afraid that the schools and universities will prove to be the great gates to hell unless they diligently labour to explain the Holy Scriptures and engrave them upon the hearts of youth. I advise no one to send their child where the Scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution that does not unceasingly occupy its students with the Word of God must become corrupt.” Martin Luther

Sticky Teachings

Have you ever had someone tell you something...and it stuck...like glue?

I find that many of the things that I was taught...when I first became a Christian had this "crazy" ability to stick to my brain.

At one youth bible study someone raised a very serious and important question.

They asked, "Does a person have to be baptized to go to heaven?"

The teacher did not speak right away...and when he spoke he began his answer by saying, "Before I answer that question it is important to distinguish a person who hasn't been baptized and a person who refuses to be baptized."

Salvation is through trusting in the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, the God/man...Son of God...baptism is the sign of you entering into a covenant of life with God.

Jesus asked some people the question, "But why do you call Me, Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say?"

Salvation is by faith...and the Bible teaches us that saving faith begins to shape and mold our thoughts and actions...producing works of love to our Saviour and Lord!

As I thought on this old sticky teaching...I thought it was very applicable to people who profess who follow Jesus and yet do not assemble with Christ's body on earth, the church.

God's word tells professing Christians,"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not to forsake the assembling of yourselves together...as some are in the habit of doing..." [Hebrews 10:24]

We live in a culture that glories in individualism...the self needs nothing...but God's word tells Christians that they are to be shaped and molded by God's word and not by the surrounding culture and its false beliefs! [Romans 12:2]

Jesus died for His church!

Jesus trained His disciples to be the first leaders of His church!

The New Testament tells us that the church is like heaven's colony...on earth.

The church is Christ's kingdom on earth...it is governed by God's Word...it has been appointed with servant leaders...it is a place of life and hope!

Jesus gave a very serious warning! "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise Him up at the last day." [John 6:53-54]

Jesus isn't tell His followers to be cannibals...remember God's word interprets God's word. At the Last Supper, Jesus told His disciples that the broken bread was a memorial to His body that was going to be broken for them. And the wine [not grape juice] was a memorial to His blood that was going to be shed.

Life is in Christ! Jesus, the Head of church is in heaven...and Jesus body...is still on earth!

God's word commands God's people to be a part of the heavenly kingdom, to love and serve one another...to be accountable to one another...to be under the authority of godly leaders...who lead as servants...themselves submitting to the Word's of Christ...

...showing that they are partaking of eternal life...and really trusting and submitting to their Lord, by submitting to His word...and by eating His broken body and drinking His blood...at the Lord's Table!

Historically, excommunication meant that a Christian who was rebellious against God's word...and refused to repent...was dealt with by the church and its government.

The elders of the church would excommunicate this person...refusing to admit them to the Lord's Table...which the new testament says is the declaration that this person has no part in Jesus and His kingdom of eternal life...UNTIL THEY REPENT OF THEIR SIN!

How many Christians are there in North America...who call Jesus Lord, Lord...but refuse to do the things He says?

How many Christians refuse to join and intimately get involved in a church...refuse to be accountable, refuse to love and serve other Christians, refuse to submit to godly authority [elders]...

...and have excommunicated themselves!

God warns people that He will NOT be mocked...whatever a person sows...that they will also reap!

There is an almost infinite chasm between the person who can't go to church [sick, in jail] and the person who refuses to listen and obey the Lord's commands!...

...and refuses to become a part of His church!

The Warrior King

The warrior rolled on the ground with his several opponents, his powerful arms rippling as he skillfully thwarted each aggressive attack from his multiply attackers. The man’s three boys continued to dive at their dad, arms unsuccessfully trying to get him into a choke hold, trying to pin his arms down, trying to tangle up his legs, trying to do anything to win this new wrestling match. The backyard was filled with grunts of exertion, mixed with the medicine of deep and hardy laughter from all participants involved. The boys knew that the power they were facing was being restricted by their father’s loving self restraint, that he could pulverize them in a moment of time with his massive body and his years of training as a warrior. But this was a time of fun, a time of bonding, a time where their father was strengthening their minds, bodies and future fighting skills. Suddenly, the shrills of laughter was cut off, all wrestling instantly stopped, and the father and his boys lay frozen on the ground. The warning horn blared throughout the fortress town! The enemy was back! The horn ended it’s warning blast and silence filled the void. Next, the sound of the back door of the house was heard, creaking open. A beautiful woman stood in the doorway, her eyes of concern meeting the eyes of her husband, who was getting up off the ground, no longer laughing. The warrior walked towards his wife, put his arms around her, caressed her back gently, and kissed her deeply, knowing that it may be the last time they ever touched in this life. The warrior motioned for his boys to come, and the family stood in silence, hugging one another, drinking in the comfort of each other’s presence. Then, the man, broke away from his family and walked purposefully into the house, returning back out into the yard minutes later with his sword, shield and armor. He looked at his family and smiled in such a way that filled their hearts with encouragement, a smile that said, “I will see you shortly”. Then the smile was gone, as the warrior quickly strode to his awaiting steed, mounted, and headed towards the front gate. The courtyard was filled with worried faces, thoughts of imminent battle wore heavily on the people’s faces. The warrior king spoke to his people from his throne of flesh and muscle, encouraging them with his words of courage and strength. Then he raised his sword and shouted the call of victory! At this the gates of the fortress opened, and the warrior king and his army rode out in a fury. The wife watched as her husband left the safety of the fortress. The man who had dedicated his life to loving her, serving her, putting her needs above his own, and she hoped beyond hope that he would return. The boys watched their father disappear, the man who always had time for them, who loved them and who constantly poured his life into theirs, and they longed for their next wrestling match. The people watch their king leave the city, a man who was honest, caring and just towards them, a man who led to serve and not to be served, and they prayed for the quick return of their king.

As the king approached the oncoming enemy, they could see a blaze of fury pour forth from his eyes. The enemy had sworn to destroy this king and all that he held as dear, and the King knew this in the deepest recesses of his heart. The enemy would not taste the Warrior kings gentle caresses today. They would not feel the strength of his battle skills restrained. And the only serving they would receive from the king, was his serving them his anger and wrath, unmixed with mercy, to protect those he loved dearly, so that peace and justice could prevail throughout the kingdom.

Get Rid Of The Bride!!

How would a husband respond to someone who really treated him well...but at the same time acted totally indifferent towards his wife...and at times even showing open distain to her?

If he was a man of honor and integrity...and a man who truly loved his bride...then it wouldn't matter how polite and kind the person was towards him...if he rejected the man's bride...then the husband of that bride would not be endeared towards that person.

If someone came to me...and said I really like you Dale...but I can't stand Bonita...or if someone said that they wanted to hang around with me...but really couldn't stand Bonita...that person would be shown the door...and...in a hurry.

I love my wife...she is one with me...if you don't like her...then you don't have a relationship with me...period...its that simple.

The only husband that might let you hang out with him...have a good, solid relationship with him...and yet at the same time show open contempt towards his wife...would be a man who really didn't like his bride that much either.

The Bible tells us that the picture of marriage...of a husband and a wife...is mirroring a greater reality...of Jesus Christ [husband] and His Bride [the Church]...the Bible also tells us that Jesus loves His Bride so much...that even though He knows all of her faults and flaws [because He is the all-seeing God]...He was willing to come and suffer and die...so that His Bride could be totally forgiven and cleansed from her sins...and over time...have all of her spots and blemishes removed...because of His great love for her!

But many Christians today want to have a relationship with Jesus...the Husband...and yet want nothing to do with the Bride [the church]...

How do you think that makes the husband feel? Do you think he doesn't see His wifes little quirks and many flaws? Yes, He sees them all...and yet His great love for His Bride overcomes all these quirks and flaws.

If you ignore a man's bride, speak evil of her, or even show open contempt towards her...do you think the loving husband will be waiting for you with open arms?