"Response to Terrorism" by Thomas Lawford September 19, 2001Two concerns and a thought, related to the events on September 11, 2001. I have been concerned about "publicly visible" Christians (like a couple of tele-vangelist this week on TV), that have cast blame on both the pro-abortion and gay communities for bringing this judgment upon America. Alarm should also be sounded because of the vast number of people that are casting blame upon our security institutions like the CIA, the FBI, the FAA and Airport security in General. They cry out, "How did they let this happen? They have failed us. And why did they not detect this ahead of time?" I believe both of these approaches to this tragedy are wrong at best, and just may, in fact, be an affront to God. A person should never be against repentance. I believe the Christian lifestyle is based upon initial, specific and ongoing repentance. However, sinners are supposed to sin. Don't blame them, they are doing what they are supposed to be doing. I have lived in a small College town for over twenty years. It is a well established fact that you don't draw people to the Lord by telling them, "You are a sinner." Successful evangelism and ministry is done but showing people a better way. Evangelism is most successful when people are loved into the Kingdom. The old saying, "People don't care how much you know, until they know successful much you care, " seems to more applicable now than ever. In relation to the recent terrorist attacks, the prime candidates for receiving the call to repentance, if any, should be the members of the Body of Christ. The Church in America has failed to usher in the Glory of God's presence in America. She has failed to be the beacon of righteousness she is called to be. She has not demonstrated a commitment to Holiness. BUT, I am also not convinced that the tragedy the U.S.A. faces now and in the immediate future is just about repenting. In Scripture, whenever God was about to bring judgment upon a people, city or nation, He would send prophets to warn the people. There seemed to be a lack of such waning in regard to the specific events of September 11, 2001. There are a several explanations for this. First, the "Prophets" in America were not hearing from God. Second the Prophets were hearing and speaking, but the people were not listening to what they were saying. Finally, it is possible that God was NOT specifically calling the nation or the church to repentance - but to action. This is an opportunity let the Church "Shine." The foremost response of the Church should be to pour out. Yes in prayer, but also in tangible natural helps and heart felt compassion. For nearly 2000 years the strong suit of the Church - in fact her foremost reputation - has been on of caring for the hurting people of the world. Now more than ever, Christians should let the JESUS in them, touch the hurting. WE should listen to the words of Jesus. (Mat 2535, 36 , 40b NIV) For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, (36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. (40) . . . I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." This is what I believe is the proper response. They shall know we are Christians by our love. (Heb 121b, 7a NIV) . . . let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (7a) Endure hardship as discipline; God has given us an opportunity to prove scripture. (Rom 828 KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. The Church in America, has a time of tragedy into a time of blessing. A time when people could have wrongly cursed God into a time when God is Glorified. |