Volume 15 Issue 10 - October 2000

4 REQUIREMENTS OF KLI

The Kingdom Leadership Institute vision is designed to inspire young people to reject the "youth camp" mentality which typically produces a temporary zeal for the Lord that inevitably wanes when they return to the routine of their daily lives. The KLI seeks to move beyond this kind of hype to impart a lifetime vision, one that is intended to restructure their daily routine that will prayerfully produce a lasting zeal for the Lord and His service here on the earth. Our goal is to paint a bull’s eye for the future of each candidate and then help to equip and challenge them to hit the mark for their lives. They are encouraged with the concepts of destiny, purpose, and God’s plans. They are also solemnly warned not to be detoured, waylaid, nor distracted in the pursuit of apprehending what they have been apprehended for. The following comprise the 4 requirements of KLI.

Systematic Study of the Scriptures: One of the main goals of KLI is reformation, not just revival. Therefore the discipline of reading through the Bible each year is absolutely vital in restoring the Biblical worldview that this modern age has discarded to our own demise. The loss of a Biblical worldview and sound doctrine cannot be underestimated. It has produced a Church that is addicted to a "feel good religion" that emphasizes the presence of God but seems incapable of contending for the faith in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation.

KLI candidates are challenged with this important concept: a Biblically illiterate Church always dilutes the Church’s mission, corrupts the culture, strengthens the oppressors, and victimizes the weak. You cannot have a corrupt, oppressive State without an apostate Church who has veered from the truths of God’s Word. The two walk hand in hand. They must be changed in order for the Church to be reformed and our nation restored to the God of our Fathers, the covenant, and the godly principles that made our nation great.

Therefore, the first commitment every candidate of KLI must make is a lifetime systematic study of Holy Scripture. We make available a Bible Reading Schedule which is also posted on our web site. The righteous goal is to introduce young people to the full council of God, His divine characteristics, His manifold attributes, and His clear teachings and dealings in the affairs of men. It is a practice that we pray will not only be instilled in the life of every KLI candidate, but that they in turn will pass it on to their children until a thousand generations to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes.

The Importance of Self-Education: The second requirement of a KLI candidate is a commitment to study theology, history, and biography. Our goal here is to shatter the arrogance of the modern and to break the illusion of evolutionary thinking that is prevalent in the Church. Though most Christians reject evolution as a means of origin, we do believe that we are somehow superior in spirituality, revelation, and intellect than those who have gone before us. We foolishly think that newer means better. Thus we have squandered the costly, godly legacy of our forefathers and seem to be oblivious to what kind of world our children will inherit.

We are standing on the shoulders of giants. Without them, without a keen understanding of the past, we have very little perspective in which we can truly see beyond the limitations of our own age. Young people desperately need heroes of the faith to study and hopefully emulate. They need to be inspired by great men and women of the faith. Christians who fought battles, made incredible sacrifices, stood for God’s principles even in the face of insurmountable odds, and by their lives and martyrdom changed and altered the course of nations and civilizations.

Our young people will never know where they are going unless they first know where they have been. Without the study of theology, a firm grasp of history, and a love for learning for those who have gone before us, there is no rudder for the boat of their lives. Thus many of our children will continue to be tossed to and fro by the fads of their generation and condemned to be a prey for the "Spirit of the Age" and the idols of the land.

To help in this great adventure of learning, we have written numerous tracts to "kick-start" the KLI candidate in his pursuit of gaining knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. We have also compiled a Recommended Reading List that will hopefully inspire, equip, and challenge young people in the disciplines of theology, history, apologetics, and biographies.

Submission to Discipleship: Every KLI group established must have a leader, be it a Church leader or parents of a KLI candidate that will ensure the young people stay faithful to the 4 requirements of KLI. Each KLI group will pick one day out of the week to come together to be trained to be the next generation of leaders who are marked by courage, vision, and a Biblical worldview. The discipleship materials will start with the KLI tracts. Each week every KLI candidate will study the tract chosen and memorize the Scriptures, the historical quotes, and glean the godly principles from them.

The meeting will then consist of discussing the tract with its message and meaning. After going through each tract, the KLI group will then choose a book from the Recommended Reading List to study one chapter at a time. The weekly meeting will then consist of discussing the Scriptures, the historical quotes, and the godly principles each chapter presents. This practice should be utilized to challenge young people to start their own library of good books to leave as a legacy to their posterity. The discipleship meeting will also serve to recruit other young people to join the "Gentle Revolution" that will rescue their generation and save America’s future from the darkness of paganism.

Taking the Gospel to the Gates of the City: The last requirement of the KLI vision is each KLI candidate must participate with the rest of the KLI group in taking the Gospel of the Kingdom to the "gates" of their city. Once a week the local leadership must rally the group and lead them out with praise and worship, the prayers of the saints, and the proclamation of God’s word. The purpose is to provide young people with on-the-job training in the battle that is raging for the souls of men, the lives of our children, and the future of our nation. They will weekly come out of the comfort zone of their homes and churches to engage the Enemy and our communities with the crown-rights of King Jesus, the standard of His Law, and the truth of His salvation. Where the battles rages the most, be it abortion mills, the homosexual agenda, pornography shops, or any other demonic stronghold that is invoking the wrath of God upon America, there the KLI candidate will stand in the gap and make up the hedge. The ultimate goal is to give God a reason to show mercy to a spoiled, whorish, and self-indulgent nation that is literally begging for His judgment. God Save America and no King, but King Jesus!!!

DUTY

"I went to sleep and dreamt that life was ease and beauty, but when I awoke, I finally realized that life was honor and duty."

It seems that many in America have fallen asleep and are dreaming the American dream completely oblivious that it is turning into a nightmare right before our very eyes. One wonders what will it take to shake us to wake us? What will rouse us before it is too late from the spell that has been cast over us? What will inspire us to arise and recapture the virtues of honor and duty that was once the clarion call sounded forth by the heroes of the faith in times past? Should we continue to sit idle when attributes like duty are being regulated to a four letter word in America? Should it not grieve the soul of every righteous spirit made free by Christ that terms like duty, responsibility, sacrifice, honor, chivalry, and valor are being divested of its meaning in our generation? Should we not be outraged to find that these noble characteristics that once burned in the heart of every true Christian Patriot are now scorned by a people who are totally enamored with a Paternalistic Messianic State? Duty is the stuff that inspired men to heroism when times demanded it and yet this same virtue under our watch has become a casualty in a nation that is addicted to pleasure, ease, and self-indulgence. Brethren, this ought not to be.

To help remedy this dilemma, this article is dedicated to briefly reintroduce the principles of duty that will prayerfully revive its true meaning for a new generation of Christian Patriots. May it inspire those who read it with a holy passion to reclaim this neglected virtue in a nation that is in dereliction of it.

Duty is first of all obedience to all lawful authority. One of Robert E. Lee’s favorite maxims to challenge young men was, "You cannot be a true man until you learn to obey." Today that advice would be mocked in an age where Hollywood and the sickening pop-culture has made lawless rebels sheik, thrilling, and even romantic. Everywhere you look, people are being taught to question authority rather than to obey it. As a result, respect for lawful authority is becoming an endangered species in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I guess this should come as no surprise considering the corrupt state of our current crop of leadership in America, or the culture they have spawned. "The inmates are running the asylum" and that does not inspire respect for authority. In fact, it makes a mockery of it. Here lies one of the problems with obeying lawful authorities in America today.

According to Bob Dylan, "We have gangsters in power and lawbreakers making the rules." Simply put, many leaders in America live lives that do not inspire the respect their high office should demand. This translates into a culture that takes pride in rebelling against lawful authority and one that has lost the ability to blush at her perverse condition. This misuse or abuse of authority has also tempted many to believe that the authority structures God ordained are the source of evil, instead of correctly perceiving that it is the wicked leaders who hold the reigns of power. To compensate for this perceived injustice, many challenge the legitimacy of all human authority constructs. Thus we end up adopting a radical egalitarian approach to authority that seeks to destroy all notions of authority and submission as key elements to human happiness and social justice. Egalitarianism, by the way, is a pagan philosophy that seeks to remove all distinctions in humanity in order to create an "equality" amongst men. This is accomplished by demanding the elimination of God’s objective truth that is superior above all else to accommodate every philosophy, religion, and ideology known to man and demand that these be not considered inferior or a lie from the pit of hell.

Regardless, if duty is ever to see the light of day in America again, obedience to lawful authority must be reestablished. It is important at this point to emphasis obedience to lawful authority. For just as we have a moral obligation to obey all lawful authority, we also have a moral imperative to peaceably and non-violently resist unjust and tyrannical authority. The Scriptures and history are replete with many examples that affirm this truth. One example that can aptly sum it up is this statement issued by the Apostles who were threatened not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Their response to this unjust command was, "We must obey God rather than man." For centuries Christians understood this reality and that is why history has left us this legacy, "Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God."

In light of this truth, we must be careful to distinguish between civil disobedience and Biblical obedience. I for one would never call the Church to civil disobedience. The reason stems from the fact that God has not called His people to be anarchists that create confusion and chaos. No! We as Christians are called to submit to authority in obedience to God. The question arises then, what happens if that authority degenerates into tyranny and injustice? The simple answer is that we continue to do good and trust in God regardless of the consequence. We give our lives as an offering to the Lord to suffer the persecution of an unjust government in order for God to use us as a living rebuke to their tyranny. The bottom line is, we must as Christians promote Biblical obedience rather than civil disobedience. We must exercise a different spirit than those who seek to be autonomous and rebel against God’s delegated authorities. This is the first aspect of reclaiming the virtue of duty.

The second aspect of duty is submission to hardship. This concept is almost laughable in America today. Gone are the days when men deny themselves for noble causes, refuse to shrink back in the day of battle, or continue to endure hardship without complaint. No! The pursuit of most Americans is comfort, luxury, and personal peace at all costs. Thus producing a flabby, self-indulgent people who are not prepared to bravely face any hardship, if indeed God would allow it to come once again upon this spoiled, wicked nation.

Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President who embodied the manly virtues of duty, honor, and courage, preached what he called the "Strenuous Life." This particular message was the essence of his personal as well as his political philosophy. In Chicago, in 1905, President Roosevelt made these compelling remarks, "I wish to preach, not the doctrine of the ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life, the life of toil and effort, of labor and strife; to preach the highest form of success which comes, not to the man who desires mere easy peace, but to the man who does not shrink from danger, from hardship, or from bitter toil, and who out of these wins the splendid ultimate triumph."

Clearly this sentiment articulated by Roosevelt reveals the essence of character that was demonstrated by our Lord and Savior. Jesus set his face like a flint to embrace the terrible anguish of a cruel cross that was awaiting Him in Jerusalem. He warned His disciples repeatedly that He would suffer many things from the elders, be killed, and then be gloriously raised from the dead on the third day. Peter’s response to Jesus is telling, he openly rebuked Him. Jesus’ response to Peter is even more revealing, "Get behind me Satan, for you savor the things that be of man and not the things that be of God." In other words, "No, Peter, I refuse to take the easy way out, I came here to perform the will of my Father and I will not shirk my duty." Obviously, this courageous stand by our Lord purchased the ultimate victory that President Roosevelt was preaching about in the "Strenuous Life" message.

Both, the example of our Lord and the message of President Roosevelt underscore a truth that Americans have forgotten. Calm seas do not make for skilled sailors, nor does an easy life produce proven leaders. Duty demands of men that when faced with an easy wrong or a harder right, by God’s grace, they consistently choose the harder right. Duty also demands that men solve the suffering and death issues that the enemy exploits to keep Christians silent, inactive, and in bondage as he rides roughshod over everything that is decent, sacred, and holy. May God grant us men who understand this second aspect of duty that is so vital in reclaiming a Christian heritage of sacrifice that altered and changed the course and destiny of nations.

The third aspect of duty is a thorough completion of tasks assigned. The Bible teaches a strong work ethic. It clearly emphasizes that whatever we do, we should do it with all our might as unto the Lord. It calls for the rejection of half-stepping measures, a man-pleasing spirit that just performs when bosses eyes are upon us, and a total rejection of the slothful, lazy, and sluggardly response to the duties of life. And yet, we live in a time when obedience to this mandate of Scripture has become the exception instead of the rule. Most Americans look at labor as a drudgery to be avoided at all costs. In fact, I would venture to say that most young people spend more time and effort seeking to avoid their duty and work, rather than faithfully performing it. We have forgotten that how one relates to performing tasks determines his character, whether it will become trustworthy and good or irresponsible and bad.

Booker T. Washington serves as an excellent role model as one who lived his life to thoroughly complete every task that was assigned to his care. This was a man, we must remember, who came from the obscurity and degradation of slavery to become a Christian educator that received international acclaim. How does one account for his ability to overcome what seems to be insurmountable obstacles to become a great leader amongst men? The answer is, Booker T. Washington had an acute sense of duty and an overwhelming zeal to perform tasks with a spirit of excellence. The following true story will help highlight this virtue in his life.

After a rough journey to Hampton College, young Booker T. Washington arrived to enroll looking disheveled and smelling unpleasant. This was due to the harshness of traveling as a black man under the remaiming white oppression in the South to reach his "promised land." He suffered from hunger and exhaustion, arriving penniless in pursuing his dreams. He presented himself before a Miss Mary Mackle, the lady principle, and requested to be admitted. Obviously, the sight of him caused the principle to recoil. Booker, sensing her reluctance tried to convince her of his worthiness to enter the college. Her only response was to lead Booker to an adjoining room that was in need of sweeping. Instead of being offended, especially after all he endured to get there, his heart leaped at the opportunity. He proceeded to sweep the floor, not once, but three times and he also dusted four times. He was so thorough in the assigned task that the principle could not find one speck of dust, though she used the white glove test to detect any. The rest, they say, "is history" as Booker T. Washington went on to lay the foundations of the civil rights movement and become a beacon of hope for all people, regardless of their race.

The last principle concerning duty is laying aside self-interests for the benefit of others. Obviously, to live out this aspect of duty consistently, one would of necessity need to become a blood-bought, born-again, child of God. Though pagans and heathens are capable of an occasional act of duty, decency, and even heroism, they are still prisoners to a sinful nature which is addicted to selfishness and a depraved heart. Only Christianity with its call to deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow hard after Jesus can truly empower someone to fulfill this call to duty. For the truth is, only the love of God that can transform a soul and break the chains of selfishness. It alone has the power to turn the prevailing spirit of lust which demands self-gratification at the expense of others to a godly love that sacrifices self for the benefit of others. That is why Christianity, with its call for self-denial in order for God’s purposes to be accomplished in the earth can alone restore the meaning to duty, valor, courage, and honor amongst a people who are void of its meaning and purpose. I’ll leave you with a paraphrase from C.S, Lewis, "We make a mockery of virtue, honor, and duty, and then we are appalled that there are traitors amongst us." May this treachery cease and may these principles of duty find a new dawn in the life of America once again!

ELIJAH MINISTRIES ITINERARY

Gospel/Pro-life mailer to the Church in Waco. The mailer will consist of post card pictures of aborted babies that are sealed in a separate envelope with a warning of its graphic nature. "I packaged this mailer so you can avoid the horrific pictures of abortion by simply throwing this envelope away. But I pray you will open it, because ignorance sustained by denial is crippling this nation’s response to abortion. And if something is so horrifying that we can’t stand to look at it, perhaps we shouldn’t be tolerating it." Two tracts will also be included, one is called "Sing a Little Louder" and the other tract that I wrote called "Am I My Brother’s Keeper." The final item will be a response card with opportunities for the Church to be involved in Gospel/pro-life ministries. If you would like to help with the expense of this mailer to challenge the Church to become involved in rescuing those who are unjustly sentenced to death, please send an offering in the return envelope. Thank you!

God is going back to School campaign: Thursday, October 26th, Waco High School at 7:30 AM and return in the afternoon for follow up ministry. Friday, October 27th, University High School at 7:30 AM and return in the afternoon for follow up ministry. We need a team of laborers to hold signs and pass out literature at these locations and times. This is one of the most fruitful ministry opportunities that you can possibly participate in. If you are in the Waco area, please contact us to get involved in a preventive strike that will prayerfully save the lives of children and the souls of men.

McClennan County Truth Tour, Nov. 8th-Nov. 10th. Starting on Wednesday, Nov. 8th after Operation Full Court Press at Planned Parenthood from 8-10 am, we will set up near Baylor on public property to hold up signs and pass out literature from 10:30-Noon. We will then break for lunch and then go to the Bellmead area near Church of the Open Door from 1:30-3:00 PM. We will then break until we set up at Valley Mills and Waco Dr. from 4:30-6:00 PM.

Thursday, Nov. 9th, 9:30-11:00 am, we will set up in Woodway (suggestions needed on busiest location) and then break for lunch. We will then proceed to Hewitt and set up there at busiest location from 1:00-3:00 PM. We will finish the day in Mcgregor from 4:30-6:00 PM.

Friday, Nov. 10th, 9:30-11:00 am, we will set up at Robinson’s Circle and then break for lunch. In the afternoon, we will set up and pass out literature at Robinson High School. From 4:30-6:00 PM, we will set up and conclude the tour in China Spring. We need laborers to hold signs and pass out literature to expose the unfruitful works of darkness. Please contact us and make arrangements to join us in this powerful opportunity to be salt and light in our county. Jesus said, "The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few."

Kate Ross Sidewalk Counseling Teams. We need 5 teams consisting of two people to commit 2 hours a week on a set day to pass out literature and pray for the ladies going into Planned Parenthood’s referral center at the Kate Ross Apartments. This strategy serves as another preventive strike. If we can reach them there with the Gospel/Pro-life message, they will not make it over to Columbus Ave. to kill their babies. How many will commit to a day a week for 2 hours and recruit a prayer partner to help fulfill this vital Gospel/Pro-life ministry? Surely there is 10 righteous in the city of Waco who will take 2 hours a week to spare the lives of little ones and minister to lost souls in a crises situation? Please contact us soon so we can get the life-saving literature into your hands and set a day for you to storm the gates of hell to set the captives free.

IN KING JESUS’ SERVICE,

Rusty Lee Thomas