January 8, 2009
So many issues are going on right now. It's difficult to pick and choose as to what I need to focus on next - but the Holy Spirit keeps bringing me back to the issue of Rick Warren and his invitation to speak at Barak Obama's inauguration as President of our land. Of course, we know that Mr. Warren has accepted the invitation, and I am deeply troubled by this. Of course, I plan to tell you why.
First, let's take a quick glimpse at Obama's position on Christianity, the subject of which Rick Warren represents.
Going back to June 22nd, 2008 Obama stated, "I think that the right might worry a bit more about the dangers of sectarianism. Whatever we once were, we're no longer just a Christian nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation and a nation of non-believers”.
Previously, on April 10th, 2008, in a sit-down interview with the gay magazine, The Advocate, Obama promised the strongest support possible for the G.L.B.T. Agenda. He went on to say that he would be "more vocal" for them than any candidate in history.
On June 27th, 2008, Michelle Obama told the Democratic party's Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council that her husband will repeal federal policies that she says limit the rights of homosexuals.
In addition, on record Obama, is opposed to any and all restrictions on the killing of unborn children and has pledged to work against the few that remain. In fact, as a state legislator in Illinois, he pushed a law that would require the killing of babies born alive after unsuccessful abortions.
Now, if that doesn't get your full attention, this one should...
With voting just hours away in "Super Tuesday II", some remarks by then candidate Obama linking same-sex relationships to Jesus' famous "Sermon on the Mount" raised some eyebrows in the Christian community. When he was challenged on this, Obama referred to the speech by Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew, as well as some anti-homosexuality statements made by the Apostle Paul, which he called obscure.
He stated, "If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans." -- An obscure passage in Romans?! It's in the first chapter with eloquent clarity. Paul condemns homosexuality as a challenge to God's created order. Sadly, Obama's statement is from deep Biblical ignorance. That said, Jesus neither supported nor condemned civil unions in the Sermon on the Mount or elsewhere.
Continuing, just this past week, the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission stated that Barak Obama is not a Christian by any Biblical or historic measure, even though he claims to be. Why? In a 2004 interview with Cathleen Falsani, a popular religion columnist for the Chicago Sun Times, Obama said "I believe there are many paths to the same place." He also said, "All people of faith, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Animists -- everyone -- knows the same God."
Wow! Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me."
Continuing with the Commission's report, at a meeting of Evangelical leaders in 2008, Obama was asked if Jesus was the only way to salvation? He replied, "Jesus is the only way for me." In a stunning example of diabolical deceit, Obama affirms Christ as his own savior, the negates Christ as the only savior of the world.
Jesus warns us not to be deceived by those who would lead us astray. Matthew 7:13 says, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Jesus is the narrow gate and the only way to Heaven.
In essence, Obama and those who hold his position suggest that Christ's death on the cross was unnecessary since there are multiple ways to God. The "many paths" to God are in reality, just a broad road to destruction.
Enough for now on Mr. Obama. Let's move on to Rick Warren. Remember the presidential debate hosted by him? I think we can all agree that he did a good job overall. But how many remember what I believe to be the most revealing statement of the evening? "I, and all of us here at Saddleback Church believe in the separation of church and state." It was pretty much over for me right there! In what has become a common statement in the American Christian community today, have any of you stopped and thought about what it really means?
I want to know how many true Christians can separate God and His Son from anything?! Is God only allowed in our church buildings on certain days and then exempt from everywhere else? I think not!! In fact, I believe that our real problems began in this country when we began to separate God from our daily business. To put it plainly, if we were doing everything ethical and above board, there would be no reason to remove God, would there? What would be the point? We are either for Him or against Him. We can't have it both ways.
Getting  back to the issue of Mr. Warren accepting the invitation, we know that Obama has been attacked for choosing him, but my disappointment rests with Rick Warren's decision to accept. Because of the aforementioned issues with Mr. Obama's Christian views, I think it sends a confusing message to the Christian community. Acceptance in many cases appears as endorsement or, at the least, neutrality. Christians can't be neutral in any dealing with the world.
I know that we are commanded to pray for our leaders (I Timothy 2). But there is no suggestion in the Bible that we are ever to be used as political pawns by praying at their events, especially when they are promoting an agenda that in many cases is contrary to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Homosexuality, abortion and the wholesale corruption of scripture is no longer seen as sin, especially when you have the vast majority of church leaders unwilling to proclaim Biblical truth.
I have no problem speaking out against perversion because I know that judgement day is coming. Any leader who decides not to deal with the sins of our society will have to answer to the Lord of Heaven.
Those of us in the Christian community must never separate our Lord from any part of our lives. We need to continue to uphold one another and YES, we need to pray for Mr. Obama and Mr. Warren. Pray that the veil be removed from their eyes. Imagine what could take place if that were to happen!
Until next time,
Red