Jesus spoke of the conditions that would prevail on earth immediately preceding his return, saying, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earth-quakes, famines and pestilences in various places…nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…” (Lk 21:10, 25)
But Jesus also promised that to those who seek truth, God reveals his eternal plans and purposes for good. It is his desire for men to believe in him so that none should perish but have everlasting life. When I heard that good news 38 years ago, I placed my trust in Jesus, the Son of God, who died on the Cross for my sins. Although not every problem vanished overnight, my worries and fears were replaced with peace—wonderful peace. You ask how I can believe that God is alive in such a world? It’s simple. He lives in me!
Someone once said, “If you trust Christ, earth will be as close to Hell as you ever get. If you don’t trust Christ, it will be as near to Heaven as you’ll ever be!”
Now that I know the Lord has come to rescue me, I have no reason to despair. Is there a better time than CHRISTMAS to share such wonderful news?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Christmas Truce of 1914
Some of the most interesting stories come from war.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about the amazing Christmas Truce of 1914. The British, French, and other allies were at war with Germany—it was World War I. Although both sides thought the war would be over quickly, neither was able to penetrate the other’s defenses. The fighting eventually bogged down into cold, wet and muddy, trench warfare. But something peculiar occurred in the evenings leading up to Christmas. Soldiers on both sides sang hymns!
By Christmas Eve, the combatants had decked their trenches with Christmas symbols. The Brits had their sprays of holly, while the Germans, in certain places, hung paper lanterns at the top of their trenches. For mile after mile along the front, groups of soldiers ventured out into “no man’s land,” singing Christmas carols as they recovered their dead or wounded.
And then came Christmas morning. It was cold and frosty at first light—and very quiet. Absent were the sounds of planes and bombs, cannon and rifle fire. Even though a cease fire had not been ordered, a Christmas truce was in effect. All up and down the line, enemy soldiers were meeting in the middle to shake hands and even exchange Christmas gifts. On the outskirts of Frelingheim, Germans rolled over a barrel of beer and the English brought along some plum pudding. Near Le Touquet, the Germans defeated the English—in a game of football.
Oh, that Americans should enjoy such a truce at Christmas. Imagine sharing hymns at public schools, displaying a crèche in public places without a court order, or finding sales clerks who are encouraged by management to say “Merry Christmas.”
A little tongue-in-cheek you say? Of course. But the increasing intolerance towards things that point to Christ during the “holy days,” should serve to remind us that there is a war, and we are Christian soldiers. We are not fighting for a temporary truce, however. Our Commander-in-Chief demands total surrender! At the moment of His return, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.
Merry Christmas to you, and yours.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about the amazing Christmas Truce of 1914. The British, French, and other allies were at war with Germany—it was World War I. Although both sides thought the war would be over quickly, neither was able to penetrate the other’s defenses. The fighting eventually bogged down into cold, wet and muddy, trench warfare. But something peculiar occurred in the evenings leading up to Christmas. Soldiers on both sides sang hymns!
By Christmas Eve, the combatants had decked their trenches with Christmas symbols. The Brits had their sprays of holly, while the Germans, in certain places, hung paper lanterns at the top of their trenches. For mile after mile along the front, groups of soldiers ventured out into “no man’s land,” singing Christmas carols as they recovered their dead or wounded.
And then came Christmas morning. It was cold and frosty at first light—and very quiet. Absent were the sounds of planes and bombs, cannon and rifle fire. Even though a cease fire had not been ordered, a Christmas truce was in effect. All up and down the line, enemy soldiers were meeting in the middle to shake hands and even exchange Christmas gifts. On the outskirts of Frelingheim, Germans rolled over a barrel of beer and the English brought along some plum pudding. Near Le Touquet, the Germans defeated the English—in a game of football.
Oh, that Americans should enjoy such a truce at Christmas. Imagine sharing hymns at public schools, displaying a crèche in public places without a court order, or finding sales clerks who are encouraged by management to say “Merry Christmas.”
A little tongue-in-cheek you say? Of course. But the increasing intolerance towards things that point to Christ during the “holy days,” should serve to remind us that there is a war, and we are Christian soldiers. We are not fighting for a temporary truce, however. Our Commander-in-Chief demands total surrender! At the moment of His return, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD.
Merry Christmas to you, and yours.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Elections: Why waste our time?
Results from two high profile gubernatorial races coupled with a handful of state ballot measures around the country, indicate strong voter dissatisfaction with the direction of “government” at the moment. Unless conditions change, next year could be another watershed year like 1994 when a record number of Democrat incumbents were “retired” from office. Bucking that trend during last week’s elections, however, were Washington State voters who evidently prefer status quo.
Voters in the Evergreen state were given a chance to rein in the rate of growth in state government but decided against Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1033. His measure would have helped put back in place, the essence of I-601 which limited tax increases to a formula indexed to inflation and population. I-601 was a populist measure inspired by then Senator Linda Smith in the early 1990s but scuttled by Gov. Gregoire in 2006.
The “keep things as they are” point of view also prevailed in the highly-charged race for King County Executive. The conservative former KIRO news anchor Susan Hutchinson was dismissed by 58% of voters as “not a good fit for King County”—a phrase used in her opponent’s political ads.
And in another disappointing conclusion, Referendum 71, the marriage issue, was affirmed by voters, keeping in place a new state law that grants to homosexual partners, all marriage benefits that accrue to a man and wife. Approximately 53% of voters liked the idea. But here are some interesting facts to consider:
Voters in 29 out of the 39 counties do not like the new type of “marriage”—by a whopping 62% to 38%. In counties east of the Cascades, 65% of voters rejected the new marriage law. Nine counties west of the cascades rejected the measure 55% to 45%. So where was the hang-up?
King County
The county that doesn’t think Susan Hutchinson, a committed Christian, is a good fit for their county, also doesn’t think traditional marriage is the best either. While nearly two-thirds of voters in 29 counties rejected R-71, more than two-thirds of King county voters gave the nod to marriage benefits for homosexual partners. Talk about a mission field!!!
So why do we waste our time on such issues as marriage, abortion, sex education, drugs, gambling, etc.? Perhaps we take seriously, a warning to the church in Thyatira. Jesus said: “Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and beguile My servants to commit sexual immorality…”
(Rev 2:20).
Whether we win or lose the social skirmishes that seem to scout us out, we are determined not to “tolerate” the spirit of Jezebel that has gained such a stronghold in King County and elsewhere. As Churchill exhorted, “We shall never give up. Never give up. Never, never, never give up!
Voters in the Evergreen state were given a chance to rein in the rate of growth in state government but decided against Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1033. His measure would have helped put back in place, the essence of I-601 which limited tax increases to a formula indexed to inflation and population. I-601 was a populist measure inspired by then Senator Linda Smith in the early 1990s but scuttled by Gov. Gregoire in 2006.
The “keep things as they are” point of view also prevailed in the highly-charged race for King County Executive. The conservative former KIRO news anchor Susan Hutchinson was dismissed by 58% of voters as “not a good fit for King County”—a phrase used in her opponent’s political ads.
And in another disappointing conclusion, Referendum 71, the marriage issue, was affirmed by voters, keeping in place a new state law that grants to homosexual partners, all marriage benefits that accrue to a man and wife. Approximately 53% of voters liked the idea. But here are some interesting facts to consider:
Voters in 29 out of the 39 counties do not like the new type of “marriage”—by a whopping 62% to 38%. In counties east of the Cascades, 65% of voters rejected the new marriage law. Nine counties west of the cascades rejected the measure 55% to 45%. So where was the hang-up?
King County
The county that doesn’t think Susan Hutchinson, a committed Christian, is a good fit for their county, also doesn’t think traditional marriage is the best either. While nearly two-thirds of voters in 29 counties rejected R-71, more than two-thirds of King county voters gave the nod to marriage benefits for homosexual partners. Talk about a mission field!!!
So why do we waste our time on such issues as marriage, abortion, sex education, drugs, gambling, etc.? Perhaps we take seriously, a warning to the church in Thyatira. Jesus said: “Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and beguile My servants to commit sexual immorality…”
(Rev 2:20).
Whether we win or lose the social skirmishes that seem to scout us out, we are determined not to “tolerate” the spirit of Jezebel that has gained such a stronghold in King County and elsewhere. As Churchill exhorted, “We shall never give up. Never give up. Never, never, never give up!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
What town hall meetings?
August has traditionally been a slow news month partly because Congress is in recess. Not so this year. Lawmakers have returned to their home districts to find a usually compliant constituency very anxious over the skyrocketing federal handouts and proposed government takeover of the nation’s health care system. Instead of local libraries, the solons have been forced to move town hall meetings to large public auditoriums. I tried to attend one at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in my home town and couldn’t get in. Over a thousand citizens filled the “Center” to capacity with hundreds more turned away.
But even amidst the ever-roiling political developments, I have been wonderfully reminded that God is still placing His people in key positions of influence.
This month I was invited to join several pastors and elected officials for dinner with a high-ranking Vatican official who was visiting Seattle. While we enjoyed some small talk in the realm of state and world politics, I was delighted that this official really only wanted to talk about JESUS. There is no doubt in my mind that both he and his wife have experienced a life changing encounter with the Lord of lords and the King of kings!
Another special event on my calendar for August was the ordination of a long-time friend to the Anglican priesthood. I first met him through our countywide jail ministry. For some years following his retirement as an Air Force colonel, he had felt God’s call to full-time ministry. I can’t say I know any other pastors or priests who first served thirty years in the military in preparation for such a calling, but I can say I believe this particular man is certainly called.
And, I just met a (Nigerian) brother in the Lord that attends a local Calvary Chapel. He and his family will be returning to his homeland in a few days to plant churches. But things are somewhat tenuous in Nigeria because of recent political changes—the former president was Christian and the current leader is Muslim. My friend well understands that elections have consequences. Even so, he also knows God is still on His throne.
What struck me is that all three: the Vatican official, the Anglican priest and the protestant missionary, serving on different continents in quite different capacities and expressions, are totally onboard with you and me on local and world issues. They hold the same views on most social issues, tax and spending issues (even the Obama administration) and most importantly—they are hoping for the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
How great it is to have so many brothers and sisters in the Lord around the world who don’t need to watch FOX News to be of the same mind and purpose. Makes one forget what the town hall meetings were about.
But even amidst the ever-roiling political developments, I have been wonderfully reminded that God is still placing His people in key positions of influence.
This month I was invited to join several pastors and elected officials for dinner with a high-ranking Vatican official who was visiting Seattle. While we enjoyed some small talk in the realm of state and world politics, I was delighted that this official really only wanted to talk about JESUS. There is no doubt in my mind that both he and his wife have experienced a life changing encounter with the Lord of lords and the King of kings!
Another special event on my calendar for August was the ordination of a long-time friend to the Anglican priesthood. I first met him through our countywide jail ministry. For some years following his retirement as an Air Force colonel, he had felt God’s call to full-time ministry. I can’t say I know any other pastors or priests who first served thirty years in the military in preparation for such a calling, but I can say I believe this particular man is certainly called.
And, I just met a (Nigerian) brother in the Lord that attends a local Calvary Chapel. He and his family will be returning to his homeland in a few days to plant churches. But things are somewhat tenuous in Nigeria because of recent political changes—the former president was Christian and the current leader is Muslim. My friend well understands that elections have consequences. Even so, he also knows God is still on His throne.
What struck me is that all three: the Vatican official, the Anglican priest and the protestant missionary, serving on different continents in quite different capacities and expressions, are totally onboard with you and me on local and world issues. They hold the same views on most social issues, tax and spending issues (even the Obama administration) and most importantly—they are hoping for the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
How great it is to have so many brothers and sisters in the Lord around the world who don’t need to watch FOX News to be of the same mind and purpose. Makes one forget what the town hall meetings were about.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Pushing Back the Darkness
“The mighty heroes of the world...conquered nations for themselves and made them miserable, the apostles conquered them for Christ and made them happy.” --Matthew Henry
We are witnessing great social upheaval in America. Long-trusted private institutions are being nationalized at a breathtaking pace. It seems history is moving at warp speed.
But noted historian Dr. Marshall Foster says that without the Church, there is no history! He argues that history is linear, not cyclical. It is cosmic in purpose, and God-centered, not the chance accumulations of a series of unrelated events. Each generation advances or attempts in vain to inhibit the growth of the Kingdom of God.
Great battles are raging in our communities that cause many Christians to shrink back from either confronting our “cultural” opponents or ministering to their needs. In some ways, we have allowed resignation to creep into our sermons and our mindset, conveying that we should remain inside the walls of our church buildings and just “hold on til Jesus comes.”
But history bears witness to the fact that the work of the Church has always been hindered. Following the Roman era, missionaries to Northern Europe confronted some of the most barbaric practices imaginable—often resulting in their death—yet they overcame.
In A.D.432, [Saint] Patrick confronted Ireland, a nation lost in the worship of the gods of darkness. Defiantly, he lit huge bonfires on hilltops and invited the people to worship the God of light. Much of Ireland was converted by the time Patrick died in 461. Similarly, in the eighth century, Boniface, an English Benedictine missionary, found people in Germany worshipping their god, Thor, under a great oak tree near the city of Geismar. Some historians say he took an ax to the tree and used it to build the first tabernacle in Germany. More-to-the-point, fear of false gods among the people was broken.
Certainly, each generation has its Goliath or Thor. The great evangelist Charles Finney became president of Oberlin College in Ohio and from that platform became one of the first national voices to speak out consistently against slavery in America.
Like the Apostles before them, they turned their world right side up through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to his commands to ...teach all nations...to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you... (Matt 28:19, 20)
What wonderful purpose illuminates us and moves us to action when we realize we have not been appointed to ride out the storm. We are commissioned to push back the darkness.
We are witnessing great social upheaval in America. Long-trusted private institutions are being nationalized at a breathtaking pace. It seems history is moving at warp speed.
But noted historian Dr. Marshall Foster says that without the Church, there is no history! He argues that history is linear, not cyclical. It is cosmic in purpose, and God-centered, not the chance accumulations of a series of unrelated events. Each generation advances or attempts in vain to inhibit the growth of the Kingdom of God.
Great battles are raging in our communities that cause many Christians to shrink back from either confronting our “cultural” opponents or ministering to their needs. In some ways, we have allowed resignation to creep into our sermons and our mindset, conveying that we should remain inside the walls of our church buildings and just “hold on til Jesus comes.”
But history bears witness to the fact that the work of the Church has always been hindered. Following the Roman era, missionaries to Northern Europe confronted some of the most barbaric practices imaginable—often resulting in their death—yet they overcame.
In A.D.432, [Saint] Patrick confronted Ireland, a nation lost in the worship of the gods of darkness. Defiantly, he lit huge bonfires on hilltops and invited the people to worship the God of light. Much of Ireland was converted by the time Patrick died in 461. Similarly, in the eighth century, Boniface, an English Benedictine missionary, found people in Germany worshipping their god, Thor, under a great oak tree near the city of Geismar. Some historians say he took an ax to the tree and used it to build the first tabernacle in Germany. More-to-the-point, fear of false gods among the people was broken.
Certainly, each generation has its Goliath or Thor. The great evangelist Charles Finney became president of Oberlin College in Ohio and from that platform became one of the first national voices to speak out consistently against slavery in America.
Like the Apostles before them, they turned their world right side up through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to his commands to ...teach all nations...to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you... (Matt 28:19, 20)
What wonderful purpose illuminates us and moves us to action when we realize we have not been appointed to ride out the storm. We are commissioned to push back the darkness.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Same-sex whatever. Is it your concern?
By: Rick Forcier, Christian Coalition of
Sometime ago we launched a statewide referendum calling for the legislature to defend existing laws on marriage, and, if necessary, pass a constitutional amendment defining and permanently preserving marriage between one man and one woman.
Perhaps you were among tens-of-thousands of
As a result of the referendum, a group of legislators drafted a resolution calling for a state marriage amendment. So far, no Democrat in either state house has signed the resolution. This means that we will need more than a referendum to prevent the legalizing of same-sex “marriage” in the State of
But, if you are on record as supporting traditional marriage, may I ask why? What is wrong with same-sex couples that love each other and want to get married? Why do you think that affects you, your family, and your community? Why is it any of your business in the first place?
If you have difficulty articulating your understanding of the matter, you are not alone. Many don’t know how to respond when long-held moral beliefs are challenged, especially by friends and family members—and more so—when the subject is homosexuality. Besides, as Christians, we don’t want to be in the uncomfortable position of “judging” others.
Right?
Following the horrifying events of 9-11, President Bush told Congress that
The Apostle Paul said, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God.” (2Cor 10:5) To help you do that, I would like to send you our monthly briefing that deals with contemporary issues affecting you and your loved ones. It has become a staple for many pastors, lawmakers, and those seeking to “understand their times.” (1Chron
To receive our complimentary monthly briefings, write to us at info@christiancoalition.us and I will also be delighted to send you several back issues that might help you develop “talking points” when discussing same-sex marriage with co-workers or writing letters-to-the-editor. I hope you will do both in an effort to change the hearts and minds of those who “hold the truth in unrighteousness.”
Meanwhile, we are comforted, knowing that GOD is raising up people like you for such a time as this.
Sincerely,
Rick Forcier
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