Relativism in our society today purposely blurs the distinctions between good and evil.

Facing Evil

Relativism in our society today purposely blurs the distinctions between good and evil. Deliberate horrific actions, however, snap us to attention and bring into stark focus the great chasm between right and wrong, righteousness and wickedness, good and evil. The horrific terrorist attack in Boston during the marathon was a clear demonstration of undeniable evil. The mindless, heartless devastation and injury of innocent people reveals evil’s intended end: destruction of precious life. Evil manifests by its disregard of everything meaningful, valuable, and important to life, peace and security. Even those who doubt or even deny the existence of God, for whatever reason, all seem to acknowledge there is an undeniable force of evil present in this world.

The world has seldom faced such an insidious enemy as terrorism. It is far bigger than any one of its expressions such as al-Qaeda, serial killers, or mentally deranged individuals such as we witnessed in Newtown, Connecticut, last December. The whole world witnessed evil’s fury on 9/11 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the fields of Pennsylvania. Hollywood movies depict evil’s awful intentions just as in the recent movie Olympus Has Fallen. Unrestrained evil is the enemy of all free societies.

God’s Word challenges every believer to stand boldly, suited up in the armor of God, resisting evil’s influence on every front. Before the Kingdom to come, evil will not be destroyed on this earth, but it can be defeated with wisdom from God. Today’s enemies of life cannot always be readily identified or eliminated as a single maniacal dictator, such as Adolph Hitler. There are likely millions of demented miniature Hitlers all over the world and in our own midst we frequently refer to as “terrorists.” They are suicidal and murderous, willing to die in order to take out 10 people or 10 million. Their targets may range from large sporting events to children’s parks; from five-star restaurants to fast-food outlets; from the heart of Jerusalem to the heart of America.

Some terrorists will be very impatient, striking out in ineffective, poorly planned attacks. Others will be calculating enough to lease space in a high-rise building and deliver their weapon, even with nuclear capability, in a briefcase hidden under a rented desk after they are long gone. Hundreds of scenarios exist and there is not enough military might to completely defeat or control this enemy. Supernatural wisdom and direction is our only hope.

The Barna Research Group reports that 91% of Americans believe in a “higher power.” Americans must meet this higher power. We must know the mind, will and way of God, because it is only through God that we can find control and security.

Every great society has had to take evil into account – and decisive, principled action has been the only proven remedy. Our nation’s leaders must have the heart, the courage and the humility to lead us without the fear of men and their opinions. Decisions must be guided by the absolute, unshakable principles upon which freedom was established and will safely stand.

The principles upon which our nation was established — ideas such as justice, peace, freedom, responsibility and sacrifice — are our only safeguards. Those nations and individuals throughout the world who fail to understand these principles will never willingly make the sacrifices necessary to ensure freedom’s survival. While everyone should rightly rejoice over victories like the abolition of slavery, we should all weep over the possibility of Americans witnessing the abolition of freedom. If freedom is to survive, we must reengage the irrefutable absolutes to govern our lives and our society. Christians must steadfastly resist the forces of evil while offering comfort and counsel to those hurt by it.

President Reagan had the “frankness and vigor” to stand up against the Soviet threat. In our times of prayer together, he sought wisdom from above. He believed the verse I shared with him concerning security, “The shields of the earth are the Lord’s.”[1] He found the courage to “convert retreat into advance” and demand that the Soviets “tear down this wall” in Berlin because he knew that the forces of good would eventually overcome the cruel and oppressive forces of evil. Backed by military superiority, America and the free world presented a better idea than Marxism. Ultimately, only a better idea can prevail over flawed ideology.

Our national, local and church leaders must understand this truth today. We must recognize the depths of hatred and malevolence behind terrorist activities here at home and around the world. Good must ultimately triumph over evil. We must not fear evil; we must face it while never spurning God’s wisdom, but embracing it. Our nation needs God-given insight, power, protection, direction and wisdom at this critical moment in human history. There is no quick solution to the challenges we now face. It will not soon go away. Only those who are strong, principled and willing to sacrifice will endure and overcome. To face the evil that murders the innocent, frightens the weak and enslaves the willing, we must reach higher, seek wisdom and stand strong.

While Americans and freedom loving people around the world openly express their horror at the heartless destruction of the innocent, should we not examine our own hearts as a people? Our great nation has silently allowed the termination of more than fifty million little innocent lives to be taken in the wombs of their mothers. Hitler murdered over eleven million people in the Holocaust, and Stalin almost twenty million. America has doubled that and the casualties are still mounting.

Right now, the trial of Kermit Gosnell is quietly unfolding. His unconscionable taking of life puts the most murderous criminals to shame. The charges include the death of Karnamaya Mongar, a 41-year-old mother, and seven babies born alive, then cruelly put to death. Last week, a former clinic worker testified that he witnessed about 100 babies born and then killed by Gosnell and his staff. The media is largely ignoring this spectacular trial because it reveals the truth about their sacred “right” called abortion.

As the prophet Haggai implored the people, “Surely it is time to consider our ways!” While seeking protection from terrorism and other forms of evil, we must diligently seek God’s divine enabling to recognize it in our own hearts and turn away from it. We must cease moving away from the hedge of protection offered by God’s eternal Word and allowing principled walls of absolute truth to be torn down. Our crumbling foundation must be restored if we expect to stand safely with the protection our founders recognized, appreciated and depended upon: Divine Providence.

 



[1] Psalm 47:9 NAS

 

As you know we experienced a tragedy this week with the explosion of a factory in the small town of West, Texas which is south of the D/FW area. Please pray for the families and loved ones who were affected. Our LIFE Outreach team is on the scene seeking ways we can offer meaningful assistance.

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9 comments

  1. Laurence St. John

    Jesus clearly and firmly told Nicodemas in John 3, “Except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
    Nicodemus asked him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Truly; Truly, I say to you, Except a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said to you, You must be born again…”

    This is the setting we are facing today on a global scale, total blindness and complete deception by sinful leadership. It is impossible for men or women who are not “born of the water and of the Spirit” to have divine wisdom or see (understand) the divine character and principles of the kingdom of God. This is why this nation and the world are experiencing the travesties and evil we see so vividly. It is the “blind leading the blind”, blind leaders leading blind followers. Jesus said without a new birth the revelations of wisdom, life, peace, healing, deliverance, and restoration cannot be understood or experienced. This is why Nicodemas asked the question he asked, he was spiritually blind and walked in darkness and this is the same reason today the wrong questions are being asked as they relate to the world’s condition.

    Spiritual blindness causes the wrong questions to be asked, the wrong leadership, and the wrong understanding. The finite best mortal man can accomplish without the new birth are “empty words, unfruitful works of darkness, and be alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who have given themselves over to lasciviousness (excessive unbridled lust), to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4 & 5). However, The Apostle Paul stated, “That he (Jesus Christ) might sanctify and cleanse his wife with the washing of water by the word, That he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that she should be holy and without blemish” (Ehesians 5). This is the “water” Jesus was speaking of, ‘his word’.
    Paul continued, “And you has he quickened (by the Spirit in the new birth), who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world (spiritual blindness and ignorance), according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan’s leadership), the spirit (Satan’s unholy spirit) that now works in the children of disobedience: Among whom also, we all had our conversation (our lives) in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened (by the Spirit in the new birth) us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (we see, understand, the kingdom of God): That in the ages to come (even today in this last age) he might manifest the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2).

  2. Brian Anthony Bowen

    Lots of common ground we could stand on, Brother James!

    I agree that evil (in all it’s forms) is a threat to free societies everywhere. I don’t think anyone would disagree with that. I would question whether a woman terminating a pregnancy through legal medical procedures is comparable to what “Dr.” Gosnell did to living, sentient, living babies. I don’t believe women who choose to legally terminate pregnancies of a non-sentient fetuses do so with evil intentions. I think it is clear to anyone that what “Dr.” Gosnell is evil. I think it’s important not to blur those distinctions.

    Having said that, 50 (or some estimate 60) million abortions is a national travesty. I do indeed believe God will judge our nation and the murder it commits. I do not, however, believe it is an effective approach to simply lament the tragedy while never mentioning the fathers involved. I often say that if every father of every aborted fetus was castrated, that indeed the abortion rate would dramatically fall. While I don’t believe that is going to be a solution proffered anytime soon, I indeed believe one of the things the church can do is to at least voice the possibility. It would prick the consciences of men who otherwise abandon their responsibility to their unborn children, and would begin to move Americans away from placing all the responsibility on the mothers, or the laws of our country that recognize the legality of terminating pregnancies.

    Another thing the church can help do is to recognize the born eunuchs Jesus mentioned during His discussion on heterosexual marriage in Matthew 19:11-12. As a Christian, and as born eunuch, I recognize that about 10% of all abortions shortchanges the Kingdom of God by depriving is of the prophetic role born eunuchs play in the return of Jesus Christ, the spiritual life of the Christian Church, and the revelation and preparation of Messiah to the Jewish people. In other words, I have a vested interest in seeing abortions being reduced (if not eliminated)….and so does Jesus….and so too, therefore, does every person who bears the name of Christian.

    I obviously see the situation from a bit of a different angle, and believe that as new revelation emerges regarding born eunuchs, and the unique purpose we serve in God’s Kingdom, the church will come to one day see us as a vitally important partner in the reduction of abortions as well…

    …for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven…

    …and for the sake of the United States of America, and peace loving people the world over.

    For a more thorough take on my views, folks can follow me on Twitter @TheBedKeeper.

  3. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”

    While the media has a tremendous potential for good, it can also have some very negative effects. Christians need wisdom and discernment to utilize the positive aspects of media and to guard against its negative effects. WAKE UP CHURCH.

    Here are some suggestions for action.
    First, control the quantity and quality of media input. Parents should set down guidelines and help select television programs at the start of the week and watch only those. Parents should also set down guidelines for movies, music, and other forms of media. Families should also evaluate the location of their television set so that it is not so easy to just sit and watch TV for long hours.

    Second, watch TV with children. One way to encourage discussion with children is to watch television with them. The plots and actions of the programs provides a natural context for discussion. The discussion could focus on how cartoon characters or TV characters could solve their problems without resorting to violence. What are the consequences of violence? TV often ignores the consequences. What are the consequences of promiscuous sex in real life?

    Third, set a good example. Parents should not be guilty to saying one thing and doing another. Neither adults nor children should spend long periods of time in front of a video display (television, video game, computer). Parents can teach their children by example that there are better ways to spend time.

    Fourth, work to establish broadcaster guidelines. No TV or movie producer wants to unilaterally disarm all the actors on their screens for fear that viewers will watch other programs and movies. Yet many of these TV and movie producers would like to tone down the violence, even though they do not want to be the first to do so. National standards would be able to achieve what individuals would not do by themselves in a competitive market.

    Fifth, make your opinions known. Writing letters to programs, networks, and advertisers can make a difference over time. A single letter may not make a difference, but large numbers of letters can even change editorial policy. Consider joining with other like minded people in seeking to make a difference in the media.

    The bottom line is that if you don’t like what Hollywood is selling, either on the tube or movie offerings, don’t watch and don’t buy. Don’t waste time watching sitcoms or other programs that are nothing but social engineering.
    Refuse to be a consumer of propaganda and put money into corporations and networks who promote immorality, destroying Christianity in America.

    We don’t need their products, but they need our money, …which they’re not getting from me.

  4. You are absolutely right, Mr. Robison.
    We are willing to send tens of thousands of our young men and women to kill terrorists and thereby prevent another 9/11–in which a little under 3,000 sinners died–from happening. Where is our similar zeal in protecting the potential millions of innocent babies that could be murdered by abortionists? Sure the former atrocity pales in comparison the latter.

  5. You are so right James. Where is the news media when innocent babies are being slaughtered everyday?? Where are the preachers?? Without Jesus Christ in our lives, as a nation, we have completely lost our way. How is it that we can call ourselves a Christian nation and turn our heads away from the abortion atrocities going on? What more can we expect when we ourselves turn a deaf ear to the cries of the innocent babies?? We ourselves have let the hedge down. God have mercy on us. It is time for “judgment (decision) to begin at the house of God”.

  6. dear james: your article was very good and it was based on the truth. thankyou for writing it. i think we are living in the days of hitler, where people hate people. but Jesus said because inquitity shall abound the love of many shall wax cold how true. somewhere else i heard was hitler a christian? he had his own church his own bible his own hymn and he denied the deity of Christ. so no i dont believe hitler was christian. but the hate killings that are happening in america remind me of the hatred of hitler. the only difference with the terroist of the day they are not out to kill the jews in the us. thanks for your wisdom. love connie

  7. I wouldn’t be surprised if the government themselves is behind some of these terror attacks. They may be staging some of these false flag events in order to promote their political agenda, which is to implement a New World Order/globalist/antichrist/one world communist police state. At very least they are guilty of exploiting tragedies such as Sandy Hook to impose draconian gun controls on the law abiding citizens and shred the Second Amendment to pieces. Now I’m no “conspiracy theorist,” but since govenments are composed of sinful men like the rest of us, they’re just as capable of doing evil as the common criminal on the street. History proves this. Nero burned Rome and then blamed it on the Christians, Hitler and the Nazis burned the Reichstag and blamed it on the communists. Those are just two such examples of the government committing crimes and then blaming it on somebody else. The Bible itself also has such examples, such as Jezebel falsely accusing Naboth of something he did not do, and then having him murdered in order to take his vineyard. Granted, there are a lot of “lone wolf” nut cases out there who commit atrocities against their fellow man, but government conspiracies are also very real. None of us will ever know the full truth, only God knows that, so it is our duty as individuals to do the best we can to do right by God. It’s all we can do.

    • I would like to say that James & Betty have lost a precious daughter, but we have a mission of helping little children behind bars. James & Betty are so compassionate & loving that I can sit and cry like a baby listening about the horrible conditions in this world…>I am not a conservative but I love Jesus…I would like to tell everyone that when you support politicians that others KNOW are evil then you are lending your spiritual validity to them and causing some of the unsaved to never see Jesus because they see the kind of people that you support.>(I don’t wish at this time to go into basics on this) I will say this much, when I told a southern baptist authority that their missionaries tried to force me to have an abortion overseas…I was confronted with anti-liberal propaghanda (that is what it is) totally unscriptural…I was almost murdered & likewise my baby. I still am being blackmailed. DON’T TALK ABOUT ABORTION BEING LIBERAL IF YOU CANNOT STAND BEHIND SOMEBODY THAT WAS ALMOST fORCED INTO ABORTION AGAINST THEIR WILL…>>>Also,I was called at my home one evening about l4 years ago & told us over the phone that our son would probably not be alive when we got there. A policeman stop us down the road a bit & ask were we going to the hospital.My husband got out of the car & talked to him. Policemen waved, honked, made signs of the cross & held hand up as in prayer through two states. We received messages from ORU, Dr. Adrian Rogers in Tennessee, churches that we had been to…BUT GET THIS GOD HAS HIS PEOPLE IN THE PENTAGON–I have also found that God can use foreign dictators, like the late Sha of Iran to bless someoneBonnieParvino Avinger,Texas

  8. James, it is time for the men in America, especially in the church, to sober up. It it shocking when I hear jokes about the president that are crude and even vile. What is more shocking is when I hear them come out of the mouth of a so called brother; one who claims that Jesus is his Lord. If there ever was a time to call the church to repentance, it is now. America is suffering because, as the saying goes, ‘Evil rules when good men do nothing’. It is time to speak out. It is time not to be a judge over others, but to call our brothers into account. Let it start in the house of The Lord. Let revival fire start first of all within our own heart and when it burns hot enough, everything around it will ignite. Let it be so Lord Jesus. Have mercy on America!