CHAPLAIN’S PAGE – “STAND FIRM”
The previous Archbishop of Canterbury, now Lord Oystermouth, was reported to have said in 2009, ‘It would not be the end of the world if the Church of England was disestablished.’ As we have previously pointed out in the Ensign Message, this matter has been ongoing for many years. There is little doubt that the government, under pressure, no doubt from Brussels, will bring in a Bill which will finally sever Church and State. Historically, Church and State in Israel have always been joined. The rank and file were the ‘Congregation of Israel’. (Exodus 12:6 and verse 19, Leviticus 4:13.) Thus Church and State in God’s eyes were, and are, the whole nation. We may be certain that Satan will employ his old tried and tested formula, ‘divide and rule’.
It was wisely pointed out in the British Church Newspaper several years ago, that should Church and State separate, we will be in a similar situation as the USA which cannot officially, as a nation, petition God in times of national emergency. Our Queen on the other hand, when led by the Holy Spirit, can respond by calling the nation to prayer, as did her father during World War II. The whole nation is therefore petitioning the Almighty to deal with a national emergency.
Your chaplain has previously mentioned that we, as individuals, prayer groups, or churches, may earnestly pray about any matter which affects the nation; however, this is not the same as national corporate prayer. The church is blind as to its true identity, and the unique and responsible position it holds in the nation. Today we stand at the threshold of the Kingdom Age, and at the same time both Church and State are soundly asleep. They both court Europe, Islam, Rome and Communism to be our partners in order to bring into being Satan’s counterfeit, the One World Order. Of this we are certain, it is not of God.
Two thousand years ago, our Lord had a face to face confrontation with His arch enemy, Satan (Matthew 4.) The key to understanding the present world situation is clearly seen in this chapter. As Church and State go about their daily business in sleep mode, they have no concept of the power and authority which Satan is wielding in every area of life. Some will say, surely Satan cannot possibly have such power and authority, God would never allow it. Then how was it that Satan was able to say to Jesus, “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me?” (Matthew 4:9) Satan had the authority to offer all the kingdoms of the world , and the glory of them to Christ (v8) Why did he have such power? Because he is prince of this world (John 14:30.) Not was, but is! He is a prince with a passion, not the passion of Christ, but a passion for power, and will not cease until he becomes king. Although he actually knows this cannot come about , nevertheless, in his blind arrogance he still operates as if he will become king. This concept is difficult for many Christians to comprehend. Why worry they say, we believers will be raptured before the world situation reaches crisis point. This subject has been dealt with in previous articles, and we confirm that The Ensign Message does not accept pre-tribulation rapture.
How is it that Satan is having his own way at this end time? This is a fundamental question which could occupy several articles. The short answer is because our heavenly Father wants us to be His constant companions in the ages to come. However, He has arranged it so that only those who have been tried and tested in the fire of affliction will qualify for that momentous privilege. That affliction is supplied by Satan who was raised up for that purpose. “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil; I the Lord do all these things” (Isaiah 45:7)
In the ages to come, the Mighty Creator God will not be surrounded by those who are only there for the ride! He only wants those who have made it their business to show their love when the chips are down! Consider how our wonderful Saviour gave His all because He loved the Father unto death. What greater example could there be? Today, in over fifty nations around the world, thousands are willingly giving their lives because of their great love for their Saviour. Out of every kindred and every tongue, there will be those who have shown their love to their last breath. What an amazing example to those of us who still have freedom to worship.
We dare not take this freedom for granted. Already there have been many cases in Israel lands where those who have stood for Christ in public have been punished. Such cases will increase as more legislation is passed to take away our freedom to preach God ‘s Word. This is the time that we have known would surely come. This will really sort out those who are truly Christ ‘s from those who are Christians in name only. The nominal Christian will slink away and hide just as did Peter, “But he denied, saying, I know not, neither understand what thou sayest. And he went out into the porch: and the cock crew.” (Mark 14:68) Will we have the courage to stand and openly declare our love for our Saviour. and Redeemer when that day comes? We dare not forget those telling words of Jesus; “He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matthew 12:30) There is no half way, there is no longer time to sit on the fence and idly watch as all comes crashing down.
This is our final chance to roll up our sleeves and fearlessly proclaim that Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords will soon return and rule over this world . May that day come soon. Amen.
