Date: Sat, 11 Oct 1997 09:38:44 0500
To: Rob Weinberg
From: Frank Grose
Subject: Re: Birthdays
When I read about the Pilgrims and all the hardships they endured, and how much they relied on God to watch over them and to preserve the colony, and I think how we as a nation have become "self reliant" and are pushing God out of society, I weep for my nation. I've tried reading parts of it aloud to my family, and I break up. To see where we once were in our reliance on God to where we now are as a national society is very upsetting to me. I love my country that much. The Pilgrims saw themselves in much the same role as the Children of Israel coming to "The Promised Land."
After reading that section, take a Bible and read Deuteronomy chapter 28 and look for the parallels with our own country. It is frightening to see and to know that God is true to His word. Now read 2 Chronicles 7:14. I think you can get a better understanding of where I am when I see the erosion of religious freedom in our country. That means prayer (without coercion or any negative connotations to those who may not believe in Jehovah God) in the schools, in the courtroom, or where ever. I don't want Christianity to be an "in your face" or "you're going to hell if you don't do this" situation. I just would like to see those who happen to not believe the way I do be tolerant with those who want to continue to ask God's blessing and guidance on their lives and their endeavors. It is a tradition that has been held to since the colonial era, both in private, government, and public situations. It is indeed troubling to see the God who established and preserved and prospered this nation now treated with such disdain by the government and society. Reading the OT, one marvels at how the Israelites would go from serving God (who performed miracles before their eyes) could fall away so quickly into idolatry. Their cycle was about 400 years. We've done it in less than 200!
As a Christian, I believe there is only one way to Heaven (That is why Judge Moore cannot invite a Buddhist to pray in his courtroom, and would lose the respect and support of Christians if he did.), but I prefer to present the Gospel to others in a gentle and loving way. They must believe it to accept it. But it is always the option of those with whom it is shared to simply say, "No, thank you." That is where my responsibility ends. I don't push it.
All Rights Reserved
0 comments:
Post a Comment