Some are buying guns but what I/we need is the Sword of the Spirit

By: Chris Johnson

“… So little do we know how we shall act in a particular position until we are placed in it! So much do present circumstances alter our feelings. We need humility and the sustaining grace of God to keep us from sin. …”

Personal note:

A couple of days ago I read in the mainstream media that there was an increase in citizen gun sales throughout the U.S. in response to the election. It seems there is a lot of uncertainty as to what an Obama Presidency will mean.

There is a lot of speculation on what is going to be unfolding in the days ahead – that is true. I do a fair share of speculating myself.

For example:

If our culture becomes increasingly godless, what will that look like? If it is – that same-sex marriages one day become shoved down our throats as it is and has been, what will it be like for those of us who oppose lesbianism, homosexuality, same-sex marriages, homosexuality adoption?

We have taken bold stands many times in this ministry. By His grace, we will continue to do so.

This ministry has launched and been a part of a number of boycotts over the years.

I have personally led pickets against sex shops – including a number of DeJa Vu sex shops throughout Michigan. At one of those pickets, which was actually a picket primarily oriented toward standing together and praying for those inside the place, we were picketing (DeJa Vu on Martin Luther King Drive, Lansing, MI). While my eyes were closed, a male came up and tried to kiss me on the cheek – mocking our time of prayer and mocking me.

I have debated the ACLU in my state on more than one occasion, a so-called “First Amendment” professor out of Wayne State University, etc., etc.

However, much of this involvement has been in a time of civility and
for the most part mutual respect. How will I respond (how will you respond) if things turn suddenly uncivil?

I read a devotional this morning that spoke to this question. I share it with you below with this word – I desire that I will be growing stronger and stronger in my love for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I don’t want to ever forsake Him.

Reading from a devotional entitled: “Daily Readings from all Four Gospels” by J.C. Ryle

This scripture leads into Ryle’s words:

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out unto the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered abroad. Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou to-day, [even] this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice. But he spake exceedingly vehemently, If I must die with thee, I will not deny thee. And in like manner also said they all.
[Mark 14:26-31]

The Lord well foreknew the weakness and infirmity of his disciples. He tells them plainly what they were going to do (v. 27). He tells Peter in particular of the astounding sin which he was about to commit (v. 30). Yet our Lord’s knowledge did not prevent his choosing these twelve disciples to be his apostles. He allowed them to be his intimate friends and companions, knowing perfectly well what they would one day do. He granted them the mighty privilege of being continually with him and hearing his voice with a clear foresight of the melancholy weakness and lack of faith which they would exhibit at the end of his ministry. This is a remarkable fact and deserves to be had in continual remembrance.

Let us take Comfort in the thought that the Lord Jesus does not cast off his believing people because they have failures and imperfections. He knows what they are. He takes them, as the husband takes the wife, with all their blemishes and defects and, once joined to him by faith, will never put them away. He is a merciful and compassionate High Priest. It is his glory to pass over the transgressions of his people and to cover their many sins. He knew what they were before conversion – wicked, guilty and defiled; yet he loved them. He knows what they will be after conversion – weak, erring and frail; yet he loves them. He has undertaken to save them, notwithstanding all their shortcomings, and what he has undertaken he will carry through.

How much ignorant self-confidence may be found in the hearts of professing Christians! The apostle Peter could not think it possible that he would ever deny his Lord (vv. 29,31): The other disciples were of the same opinion (v. 31). Yet what did all this confident boasting come to? Twelve hours did not pass away before all the disciples forsook our Lord and fled. Their loud professions were all forgotten. The present danger swept all their promises of fidelity clean away. So little do we know how we shall act in a particular position until we are placed in it! So much do present circumstances alter our feelings. We need humility and the sustaining grace of God to keep us from sin.

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Maybe you think you know what you would do under hostile fire. I don’t. I’d like to think I know, however I don’t.

However, as I grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that He is preparing me for whatever lies ahead. With the Sword of the Spirit in my hand in heart, I am well-equipped. He will never leave me nor forsake me. That is His promise, and I believe it because I have experienced His faithfulness even this past summer through tragedy.

May I not forsake Him! Help me God.

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Lest you think this far fetched, a friend of this ministry just sent me this email and link to worldnetdaily.com

Have you seen this? Shows why your ministry is needed.
http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=80743
Dottie
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Is ADA a losing proposition? Perhaps to some if not many. But what about in the eyes of Christ?

I believe He sees us as “more than conquerors through Him who loves us.”

I remind you of a small year end match challenge that was extended by a friend of this ministry. It seems we are having a rather rough time meeting it. If only a 100 of you or so who look to this email regularly would get behind our efforts with a sacrifice of $25 or $50 or a $100, we could yet make this match challenge.

It’s an extension of an earlier one that we were not able to meet earlier in the year.

Quoting: “I will match all new (from anyone who has not given to ADA in 2007 or 2008) gifts received from June 1- August 31 up to a total of $15,000. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for all you do to uphold purity and holiness.”

This match challenge had already run for three months. Here are the results through that time frame. There were 88 gifts totaling $5,911.00.

So our anonymous donor graciously sent us a check for $6,000 and proceeded to yet challenge us again. Stating: “We will give you $6,000 now and we would like to extend the offer for an additional $10,000 for new money collected by 12/31/08. Keep up the fight…”

Those of you that follow closely know that these year end match challenges – as they are met – have been used significantly to strengthen us to start the new year on solid financial ground!!

If you benefit from our email alerts, I encourage you to show your tangible support. Your gift of any amount will be doubled. We will continue by the grace of God and the help of His people.

Bill

To donate online:
https://americandecency.org/folder.php?f=donate
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American Decency Association
Bill Johnson, President
P.O. Box 202
Fremont, MI 49412
ph: 231-924-4050
https://americandecency.org

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