Volume 13 Issue 2 - Feb 1998

REFORMATION

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." (Jeremiah 6:16)

As we stand on the threshold of a new millennium, I am convinced that the Church of Jesus Christ is once again in need of a major reformation. The Church must be awakened and called back to her God and her mandated mission in the earth. In two thousand years of Church history, it is clear that there are crucial times when God must raise up bold, courageous men to confront the error, hypocrisy, and complacency of those who claim the name, "Christian." Like Jeremiah of old, God cries through the prophets to plead with His people to ask for the old paths, the ancient ways, and the time-honored truths that God established for His pleasure and for mankind’s benefit. In light of the Church’s complacency and complicity with the dominant evils of today, that call must resound once again.

The word reformation means "a return to form." It is a restoration of godly, kingdom principles, long abandoned by God’s people. It is a call to remember one’s history and to glean the important lessons of the past and to pass them unsquandered to future generations. Reformation is simply a call to the Church to think Biblically and to train others in a Biblical World-View.

Reformation, therefore, is the much-needed godly antidote for a Church that has been poisoned by the Spirit of the Age. It seeks to raise the standard of God’s Word as authoritative in the midst of the floating standards of moral relativism. It prays to bring Holy Ghost conviction upon a Church that is consumed with a man-pleasing spirit that promotes a feel-good religion, while ignoring the cultural decay that threatens us all. The bottom line is, reformation is a call back to our first love. Jesus said, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent (Revelation 2:5)."

Brethren, I write these admonishments to exhort you to not only believe, pray, and work for reformation, but to also take advantage of the Bible reading schedule, I sent you in our last newsletter. It is vital that Christians develop a systematic study of God’s Word. This will contribute greatly to the much needed greatly to the Church’s journey towards reformation.

Unfortunately, many Christian’s only contact with the truths of God’s Word comes once a week at a Church meeting. Others rely on a sporadic, random glimpse into the Scriptures to assuage any pangs of guilt that may arise for not studying the Bible as they know they should. Still others only read portions of the Holy text to affirm their denominational teaching or to "play it safe" with only the Scriptures that affirm their limited, shallow view of God and His dealings with men. All of these scenarios contribute to the weakened condition of the Church and the obvious need for "a return to form." It is high time that Christians be rooted and grounded in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation. We must know and understand all 66 books of the Bible, not just the Scriptures that make us feel good, or point out positive attributes of God. We need the whole counsel of God, if we will grow spiritually strong and be a vessel of honor that God can use (2 Timothy 2:21). Only then will our minds be renewed and we will have God’s answers for a sick and dying world that is perishing in their sin and lack of knowledge.

If per chance, you have lost your copy of the Bible reading schedule, just request another one in the return envelope and I’ll be glad to send or fax you another one. Once you have it, begin immediately to prayerfully study the Word each day (2 Timothy 2:15). It will be time well spent as you grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). The Lord richly bless you and yours!

THE TALE OF TWO LETTERS

"He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbor cometh and searcheth him." (Proverbs 18:17)

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."so begins Charles Dickens stirring novel of "A Tale of Two Cities." This dramatic love story exposes the brutality associated with the infamous French Revolution. The following letters, one by an abortionist and the reply by a godly sheriff, though not a classical novel, does pinpoint the brutality associated with the American Holocaust. It also plainly reveals the ongoing battle between the two seeds and the two worldviews that are clashing for the souls of men and the standards by which we are to live. I pray these letters expose the battlefront in our generation, expose the folly of man seeking to determine good and evil apart from God and His Holy Law, and to call you to boldly witness the truth as did this courageous sheriff. Remember, "The wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1)."

Dear Sheriff Mcdougall,

I would like to take the liberty of enclosing a Report of an incident that occurred on November 26, 1997, and a copy of my letter to the Honorable sheriff of Charlotte County. The enclosure is self-explanatory and really needs no further elaboration that I feel threatened, and am being frequently harassed and verbally abused by these barbarians (pro-life Christians).

If I am called "baby killer," I would like to know which baby I have killed—and more importantly to question the neglect of your department that is not prosecuting someone for killing a baby! If I have slaughtered a child, the same applies.

If I am not a follower of Jesus, I want to know what right a barbarian has to impose his beliefs upon me, while he would not accept my imposing my religious belief on him. In that case, he would not be a Christian, but would only agree that Jesus existed—there is no question about that I respect Jesus the same as Moses and Mohammed.

Religion is a personal belief, and I have faith, but there is freedom of the same in this land. Which religion is the right one? Who knows, except that each person believes that one is his own. Why are there so many different religions and even different branches in almost every sect? All of them cannot be right, but of course everyone feels that the religion he was taught and raised with is the right one. Religion is not a congenital matter, but rather an acquired knowledge and feeling. One person imposing his belief upon another is against the constitutional rights of the other person.

As I stated in my letter to sheriff Worch, my first intention and preference is to avoid any and all interference with the duties of law enforcement. The legal authorities know how to handle various situations and if I do something wrong, the same applies here—that I will not overpass your authority and jurisdiction unless I am forced to do so by not being helped and protected.

In the past, most of your deputies of your department were very helpful to us, but not all. Not too long ago, a patient of mine who felt her civil rights had been infringed upon and that she had been harassed, wanted to file a formal complaint. The deputy who responded to her call ignorantly refused to do so. I felt that the foregoing is necessary for your information.

Sincerely,

Ali A. Azima, MD. (Abortionist)

Dear Dr. Azima,

Acknowledging your certified letter dated December 1, 1997, I have read with great interest the questions set forth.

You specifically asked me the question, "If I am a baby Killer, I would like to know which baby I have killed? More importantly to question the neglect of your department that is not prosecuting someone for killing a baby! If I have slaughtered a child, the same applies."

Let me begin by saying loud and clear, "the only reason you have not been prosecuted for killing babies is because the United States Supreme Court which by the way is the same court that once legalized slavery, prevents me from carrying out my duty since they legalized baby killing (abortion)." Come on doctor, let’s call it what it is, every living baby you abort takes away their life and the lives of their children and all future generations.

You mentioned that as a result of these abortions you and your staff feel threatened by "barbarians" who would protest and question what you do. Tell me doctor, did those tiny defenseless babies feel threatened when you ripped them out of their mother’s wombs? Were they fighting for their lives when you began your slaughter? Did these tiny defenseless children feel threatened when you dumped their lifeless bodies in the trash behind your Abortion (Baby Killing) Clinic?

The Office of Sheriff, Lee County, Florida, must and will carry out its Constitutional duty, to protect and serve everyone, even a baby killer like yourself. Rest assured, we will also protect the rights of all persons who wish to

to exercise their First Amendment of Free Speech as they protest and confront you for the atrocities you have and are committing against God and Humanity. We will also do everything within our power to assist the protesters who wish to protect misguided mothers at your clinic of death. I can only hope and pray that God gives you wisdom to see what you and your staff are really doing before it is too late. I’ll pray for you and pray that God gives you the insight and wisdom to stop the horrible life that you have chosen.

Sincerely,

John J. McDougall
Sheriff

HATE CRIMES?

"He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord." (Proverbs 17:15)

As the homosexual juggernaut continues its perverted rampage throughout our sin-soaked, blood-stained land, some serious considerations need to addressed. We are witnessing an unprecedented assault on the mores of the American people. It seems every power base is bending its knee to the demands of the homosexual agenda. From President Clinton to Corporate America, from Hollywood to our public schools, from some segments of the Church to the mainstream media, many are being seduced by the idol of tolerance to make straight what God has called crooked. In the name of love we are condoning not only that which destroys those participating in its unnatural lust, (the average homosexual only lives about half as long as a heterosexual) but we are literally forging the chains that will condemn this nation to a state of moral anarchy, perverse barbarism, and cruel violence. Daily we are being "forced" according to Vice-President Gore to not only tolerate this abhorrent practice, but to actually accept and celebrate it as perfectly normal.

Brethren, we must understand that there is a very good reason why homosexuality has been banned from civilization for nearly five thousand years of human history. As 2 Peter 2:6 warns, God not only destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah based on the vileness of their sin, but also to serve as an object lesson to future generations. By reducing these cities to ashes, God was sending a strong, distinct message to those who would be tempted to follow in their pernicious ways, "Don’t you dare do what these cities did, or be prepared to suffer a similar fate." I pray this nation will soon make a connection between the unprecedented string of "El Nino" natural disasters that have struck this nation of late and the revelation that the cry of America’s sin is reaching Heaven just as surely as Sodom’s did.

With the lowering of our moral resistance to this grave evil, there are legal matters that are looming in the future that we must face or else they will jump up and bite us. The truth is, Biblical Christianity cannot co-exist, tolerate, or condone homosexuality. To do so is to invite the wrath of God upon America, condemn homosexuals to hell, and to foolishly squander our children’s future because of our moral cowardice. Very soon this nation will be forced to outlaw and prosecute someone as homosexuality marches on, unopposed by the Church. There are many questions that must be answered. Which world-view will prevail? Which lifestyle will be made illegal, Biblical Christianity? Which lifestyle will be made illegal, Christianity or homosexuality? In the not so distant future this nation will be driven to decide.

I warn you now, if the homosexual agenda wins the day, we may be forced by law to censor the sound teaching of the Scriptures as it relates to homosexuality and to muzzle our preachers. Men of God who refuse to bow the knee to this tyranny will be fined and imprisoned, while homosexuals will be free to trample under foot everything that is decent, wholesome, and honorable. Preaching the truth that has the power to save the souls of homosexuals will become a "Hate Crime" if the Church does not get involved in this fray. Is that what we want to have to face in the near future? Is this the legacy we want to pass to our kids? I pray your answer is a resounding Nooooooo! It is imperative, therefore, that the Church arise now with the love and truth of Christ to beat back this hellish, perverse ideology. We must warn this nation of the peril it will face if it criminalizes Christianity and codifies this brutal perverse behavior with legal protection.

By the way, this article is a forerunner of a letter, I will be sending to each Congressman, Senator, Supreme Court Justice, and President Clinton. In a small way, it is my Declaration of Independence. I know for sure this will mark me by the Powers that Be. If the homosexual agenda prevails, my family and I will be marked. If not, we may have in a small way helped to turn the tide of wickedness and to restore our nation in righteousness. Either way, be it known, that as for me and my house we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)!

NESTING

"Lo children are an heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." (Psalms 127:3-5)

By the time you receive this latest addition of the Elijah Ministries newsletter, we may be receiving our newest addition to the Thomas family. Liz is great with child and we are patiently awaiting the blessed event. To those of you who are not aware, our 7th child is a boy. His name is Josiah Justice Thomas. Our latest due date is February 12th in the year of our Lord 1998. Please be praying for mother and child as we enlarge our hearts to receive another blessing from our faithful, loving Heavenly Father.

In an age that has been marked by such a twisted and ungodly view of children, I’m so grateful the Lord has blessed our union with many children. There used to be a time in this nation when parents had a Biblical view of children. The consensus was that a fruitful womb was a sign of God’s blessing and a barren womb was a sign of a curse. That notion has been completely reversed in this self-centered, hedonistic age. To many, a fruitful womb is the curse, while a barren womb is the blessing. Unfortunately for the Kingdom of God, that philosophy is not only flourishing in the world, but is also prevalent amongst those who name the name of Christ. In other words, the same reason why the world and so-called "Christians" abort their babies, is the same reason why other Christians prevent children from being conceived. Most of us have swallowed the lie that children are a burden and an inconvenience that we can’t afford, instead of the Biblical revelation that teaches us that children are a blessing sent by God to favor parents and to defeat His enemies at the gates. In many circles within the Church, children have become the least favorite blessing sought by blessing-hungry Christians. God forgive us and change our minds!

As a result of having to nest in preparation for the birth, I will not be traveling as usual. This usually means there will be less finances to help support the family and our ministry. Would you please consider doing something a little bit extra to help this month? As you know, we don’t harp a lot about money or the lack thereof, but the need this month is very real. Please remember us in your prayers and giving to the Lord’s work. Thank you! much!

Christ in Action, our local Waco outreach, will begin a new campaign strategy to deliver Waco from the heinous practice of abortion. The weakest link in Planned Parenthood’s pursuit of shedding innocent blood for gain is the abortionist. It took them over three years to secure a doctor from Oregon to come and kill babies in Waco. I am convinced, if we can reach out to women who may have been harmed by abortion in this area, we can take two important steps in making Waco once again abortion-free. Number one, we can reach these women who have suffered the horrors of abortion with free medical, legal, and most importantly, the spiritual help they need to find healing in Jesus’ name. Secondly, we can use this to hold Planned Parenthood and the abortionist accountable for misleading and harming these women. Just a couple of lawsuits and the formidable Planned Parenthood that arrogantly flaunts with glee the killing of the innocent will be reduced to desiring abortion with no doctor to perform one. If you’re from Waco, and you desire to help deliver our city from this grave evil, you can make a monthly investment to help this vision become a reality. Make checks to Christ in Action and let’s pray that God will hasten the day of victory.

Christ in Action will be holding our "Celebrate Life Service" at Church on the Rock on Tuesday, February 24th, at 7pm and all our welcome. I will also be teaching every fourth Friday of each month for the Spirit of the Wind ministry. On Friday, February 27th at 7pm, I will be sharing on the Sovereignty of God and a Biblical World-View. The location is at 716 S. 11th St. For more info, call me at (254) 836-1037 and hope to see you there!

IN KING JESUS’ SERVICE,

Rusty Lee Thomas