Volume 12 Issue 10 - October 1997 "GOD IS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL" Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." (Psalms 24:7,8) One of the mandates the Lord has commissioned Elijah Ministries to be involved with is to return to the "gates" of our nation that have been long abandoned by the Church of Jesus Christ. Biblically, the "gates" represented the seats of authority within the city. Just run a reference on "gates" and you will find that the "gates" of the city is where three distinct power bases were established to govern. First, the "gates" represented the seat of Civil Leadership. In Deuteronomy 16:18 the Lord commanded Israel, "Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they judge the people with just judgment." The second seat of authority represented by the "gates" was Judicial Authority. In Deuteronomy 17:15, the Lord commanded Israel, "Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die." It was at the "gates" the Elders judged the people and executed a sentence against them, if they were found guilty of violating God’s Laws. The final seat of authority that the "gates" represented was the power base of commerce. The "gates" were where the business of the city was conducted. In 2 Kings 7:1, the Word of God teaches, "Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord, Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria." There are many other Scriptural references that will confirm these three important aspects concerning the "gates" as they relate to us biblically. By now, you may be wondering, "What do the ‘gates’ have to do with this outreach of bringing God back to school?" The answer is everything! Over thirty years ago this major gate (public schools in America) was abandoned by the Church of Jesus Christ. We were forced out by an unjust decree, by a misguided Supreme Court who feared neither God nor man. This Court, with one fatal stroke of the pen, eliminated over two hundred years of godly education, silenced the prayers of our children, and stripped the Ten Commandments from off the schoolhouse walls. The severe consequences were predictable. As a result of "protecting" the children from God, we replaced Him with condoms, metal detectors, and police officers. For many kids now, violence, sexually transmitted diseases, gangs, and drugs have become the norm in these war zones called public schools. This tragic condition stands as a monument to our nation’s foolishness, rebellion, and idolatry against God. Unfortunately, the Church has done little to reclaim this strategic gate for the advancement of God’s Kingdom and for the welfare of the children, both temporal and eternal. America’s children are being routinely savaged by an enemy that is raping their minds, molesting their bodies, and destroying their souls. One wonders when we will awaken and stop this madness that has made our children a prey to this kind of evil. This evil has been made possible by the failed liberal policies of the Enemies of the Cross and the capitulation of the Church. The sad truth is, even when Christians do dare to get involved, we are usually met with fierce resistance by the centralized powers that be. We’ve been treated as if we were the greatest threat against America’s freedoms today. Vainly, we’ve tried the political realm, the school boards, and other governmental means to correct this grievous treachery against Heaven and the betrayal of our children. These efforts have yielded little or no success to rescue this generation from the all-out assault arrayed against them. That is, until last year. Last year, God inspired Flip Benham, our National Director of Operation Rescue National, with a divine strategy to bring the Gospel of the Kingdom back to the gate of our schools, left vacant by the Church. This time, instead of putting all our eggs in the political basket, O.R.N. decided to take God’s Truth directly to the students. The following is a summary of the outstanding results of this bold offensive move. BACK TO SCHOOL RESULTS An excerpt from O.R.N.’s June Newsletter WELCOME TO THE GENTLE REVOLUTION! GOD WENT BACK TO SCHOOL THIS SPRING AND THE RESULTS HAVE BEEN ASTOUNDING! More than any thing we have done in recent memory, the "God is Going Back to School" campaign has brought the Gospel truth to the gates of hell. As God promised, when we bring the Gospel to the gates (local High Schools) they will be lifted up that the King of Glory might enter. That’s right! In the last three months, we have been privileged to touch more young people’s lives for Jesus Christ than we have in the past nine years. It has been an awesome experience to see what God can do when He is brought into the battle through the lives of His people.
All of this is happening, not because our government repented of its idolatry and rebellion against God, or changed the law of the land, it happened because Christians cared enough and had the courage enough to take the battle right to the enemy’s gate. A gate, by the way, (as with all the gates that God has established for mankind’s benefit and for His pleasure) that rightfully belongs to the Church. That’s right! Unfortunately though, many in the Church have either ignored or forgotten the full blessing of the Abrahamic Covenant as it relates to the gates of the city. Most in the Church simply do not know that we are promised of God to possess the gates of our enemies (Genesis 22:17). Brethren, this is one of the most potent promises of God’s word and yet, it is the least preached and understood by the Body of Christ. That is why that gates of hell continue to steam roll over the Church that is suppose to be prevailing against those very same gates. The truth is, when the Church rises up and returns to the gates they cannot prevail against us. Why do you think our cultural enemies love to gag us with the doctrine from hell, the Separation of Church and State? They know this battle a lot better than most of us who call ourselves Christians. Praise God though, there is a remnant that are willing to pour out their lives if need be to see God’s promises come true for the soul of our nation and for the future of our kids. To God Be The Glory! "GOD IS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL" FALL CAMPAIGN October 28th-November 17th 1997 The Schedule 1) Tuesday, October 28th, 1997, at Waco High School. We will arrive at 7:30am. and return at 3:30pm. 2) Monday, November 3rd, 1997, at University High School. We will arrive at 7:30am. and return at 3:30pm. 3) Monday, November 10th, 1997, at Waco the Ninth School. We will arrive at 7:30am. and return at 3:30pm. 4) Monday, November 17th, 1997, at La Vega High School. We will arrive at 7:30am. and return at 3:30pm. Beginning Tuesday, October 28th, 1997, Christ in Action, our local outreach ministry in Waco, will water the seeds of the Gospel that were planted at the beginning of this school year. I pray for those of you in Waco, or anyone that receives this newsletter, that you will be moved by this vision, God’s Word, and Spirit to come and participate in the privilege of bringing God and His redemptive message back to the kids who desperately need Him. Let’s face it, brethren, for thirty years, we have silently stood by while a whole generation has been given over to a godless education. Will you join with me to say, "Kids, we repent, and here is the fruit of our repentance, the truth that will set you free." Brethren, we will go with a big sign of Baby Malachi, a sign of a live baby, Gospel tracts, life saving literature, and the love of Jesus Christ in our hearts for these kids. A generation of kids that is not aware that 1/3rd of their generation has been wiped out by the grisly practice of abortion. Please give me a call at (254) 836-1037, if you desire to make a difference in Waco or the city you’re from. God bless you! "LET MY PEOPLE GO!" RESULTS The following is a letter I sent to the participants of "Let My People Go!" The Lord used this event to have a them to God’s Law. In Luke 10:26, for an example, Jesus witnessing to a lawyer about eternal life made this statement, "He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou?" Now, I don’t know about you, but that question from Jesus just doesn’t sit well with our modern day approach to evangelism. Why didn’t Jesus present the Gospel of the Kingdom, instead of pointing this man to the Law concerning eternal life? How come His consistent message to the hard-hearted Pharisees and lawyers was "Go and learn" about the Law? On the other hand, when we see Jesus dealing with those that were broken and contrite, He always presented the Gospel of the Kingdom and extended the grace and mercy of God to them. His message dramatically changed from "Go and learn" to "Come to me." The Lord richly bless you and yours! Thank you so much for supporting the "Let My People Go!" Conference. It was truly an anointed time as God's people took ownership and responsibility for the four key issues that were highlighted at this glorious event. A mighty seed of God's Kingdom was planted in good soil and we are still hearing reports of good fruits being produced. We are so grateful to God and to you, His people, who had the courage, vision, and the willingness to obey God's commandments to make this event successful. We believe Waco will never be the same again as a result. This letter is an update to inform you of all that has transpired and the opportunities that are available to apply the truths and carry out the mandates that were articulated at the conference. Two souls have made peace with God by surrendering their life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and one precious baby and her mother were spared the horrors of abortion. All this happened because Christians like you showed up at the "Gates of Hell" (the local Planned Parenthood) to give God an excuse to show Himself strong. There was a powerful altar call given at Planned Parenthood for God to raise up intercessors that will faithfully pray for the workers at Planned Parenthood, the babies scheduled to die, the moms that are being deceived, and for the Church who, for the most part, shows know response to the innocent blood that is being shed in our city. We had many women respond to become Sidewalk Counselors who will be faithful watchmen upon the wall to pray, evangelize, and help women who are being deceived at the Planned Parenthood located at the Kate Ross Apts. The Lord also birthed the team that will rise up and bring the Gospel of the Kingdom back to the schools in Waco. Our desire is to reach the young people with the Truth before they become ensnared by the lies of the Wicked One through Planned Parenthood. The last altar call was for the Pastors to come out every Wednesday when Planned Parenthood kills babies to "stand in the gap" and "make up the hedge." Last Wednesday, 9 Senior Pastors came out and more have promised to join in. We thank God for all that was accomplished and we pray that God will continue to fan the flames, bring an awakening, birth ministry, and call His people to battle the forces of darkness that is savaging this generation. If your heart was touched or challenged during the conference and you have a desire to serve in some way, please feel free to contact me at 836-1037. The harvest is indeed ripe, but like always, the laborers are still few. Please consider becoming a partner with us with your time, talent, and a little of your treasure to advance the cause of Christ in Waco. Many hands make light work and your willingness to help will bring down strongholds, save lives, birth souls into God's Kingdom, and establish righteousness and justice once again in our city. "ACCEPT THE TRUTH, TEXAS" TOUR Sunday, November 16th, 1997, 6pm. at Church on the Rock Waco has been chosen to kick off a statewide Gospel tour that will expose Texans to the horrors of abortion and present the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as the only legitimate and lasting solution to the American Holocaust. Please make plans to join us at Church on the Rock at 4720 N. 19th St. on Sunday, November 16th, 1997, at 6pm. Invite your church, family, and friends to come out to this rally to hear an inspiring message (by yours truly) and to help prayerfully send off our brave brothers and sisters to confront the "Culture of Death" with the Gospel of Life. This will be considered a follow-up gathering of "Let My People Go!" Conference. Please make plans to come and support this statewide outreach. For more information, you can call me at 836-1037 or the Church on the Rock at 753-2402. Thank you! WACO CELEBRATE LIFE SERVICES Christ in Action will host a monthly meeting the 4th Tuesday of every month. On Tuesday, October 28th, 1997, the celebration will commence. The meetings will be held at Church on the Rock at 4720 N. 19th St. at 7pm. This gathering is designed to encourage all those who are committed to labor in the streets of Waco to make a righteous difference in our city. It will be a time of intimate worship, a time to pray for our city and one another, a time to share testimonies of the great things the Lord has done each month, and a time of encouragement and challenge from God's word to be faithful in the struggle for men's souls. We pray you will take advantage of these anointed meetings to invite your friends and family to join with you. For more information, contact Rusty Lee Thomas at 836-1037. Thank you! WORDS TO LIVE BY "The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:..." (Psalms 19:7) Enclosed in this month’s newsletter is a Gospel tract (Words To Live By) that I wrote based on an idea from Ray Comfort who authored a powerful book called, "Hells Best Kept Secret." I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a genuine desire to see souls truly converted to Christ. We will be handing out "Words To Live By" along with a Pro-life tract called " the Right to Enslave, the Right to Kill" at our local High Schools. We hope to pass out about two thousand pieces of literature that will prayerfully save the souls of students and also save the precious lives of babies waiting to be born. Feel free to copy the tract and put your local information on it instead of mine, if you would like use it as an evangelistic tool. The chief purpose for "Words To Live By" is to restore the Law of God as the God-ordained instrument to lead men to Christ. Unlike the modern day Church with its seeker friendly emphasis, Paul understood the significance between the Law of God and its convicting power upon the souls of men. Paul states in Galatians 3:24, "Wherefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." Paul went on to teach in Romans 4:14, "Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression." According to Paul, if the Law of God is not proclaimed, then there is no such thing as sin. Obviously, if people don’t believe they are sinners ,who, in their right mind would see the need for repentance or a need for a Savior to save their lost condemned souls? As Christians who have a heart for souls, this truth is absolutely essential, if we are to be proficient in winning the lost to the Lord. We must understand like the Reformers and Revivalists of old, that our first step in effective evangelism is to get people lost. Only then will they perceive the need to cry out to be found. Charles Finney, the great revivalist preacher in the nineteenth century who led tens of thousands to the Lord, made this perceptive directive, "When dealing with an unrepentive sinner convict him with God’s Law. When dealing with a convicted sinner convert him with God’s grace." Just a cursory view of the Gospels verifies Charles Finney’s statement in the ministry of our Lord. When our Lord was dealing with the Pharisees or crooked lawyers who were always trying to trap Him in His words to prosecute Him, He would always refer to the law. Perhaps our Master knew something that Charles Finney discovered centuries later concerning the use of God’s Law and grace as it relates to the conviction and transformation of the souls of men.. The truth is, the Law of God is to be a hammer to break the stubborn rock of resistance. It is a fire to burn up the lies and self-deception that mankind clings to to justify His pride, arrogance, self-righteousness and rebellion against God. In fact, Paul said one of the purposes of the Law was to silence the mouths of men and to make the entire world guilty before God (Romans 3:19). You can always tell when someone is coming near to the Kingdom of God; their mouths are stopped. They reject the excuses and justifications that reinforce them in their sins. They come to understand that the Law was the harsh doctor that discovered their sickness of sin, but then refers them to Doctor Grace which prescribes their cure. The Law drives home the undeniable condition that man is drowning in a sea of perdition and is in desperate need of a life-saver called the grace of God. Brethren, the Church in America would do exceedingly better in our evangelistic zeal, if we would return to the revelation and the proper use of God’s Law in the lives of men. We try arguing sinners into the Kingdom by appealing to their intellect. We attempt to scare them into heaven with our never ending end-time scenarios and our 666 campaigns. We try to seduce them into the Kingdom with our feel-good religion and the promise that Jesus will make them happy and enhance their lives. We use every marketing technique and emotional appeal known to man to win the lost, except the one God has ordained, His Law. Brethren, we must realize that when we entice sinners with only the benefits of salvation, without mentioning none of the cost, our misguided efforts not only call into question the integrity of the Gospel, but ultimately does a grievous disservice to the souls of men. Many "Christians" today came to Christ in this manner. As a result, there are many in the Church today who came with an impure motive, void of repentance. The soft-selling of the Gospel may build large churches, but at what price to the souls of men? When will we awaken to the massive casualty rate of multitudes left in the "lukewarm " bracket that are languishing in the Church? When will we repent of souring the untaught to the true commitment that it takes to follow Christ? God help us to remember that the Gospel is not just an invitation that can be politely turned down without fear of reprisal, but it is a command to repent of breaking God’s Law which is called sin (1 John 3:4). IN KING JESUS’ SERVICE, Rusty Lee Thomas |