Volume 16 Issue 4 - April 2001

SOVEREIGNTY

"This decision is by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomsoever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men." (Daniel 4:17)

The word sovereignty is defined as supreme authority, supremacy, the possession of the highest power, or of uncontrollable power. A Sovereign is a supreme lord or ruler; the one who possesses this title does so with unrestrained authority. Thankfully there is only One Being in the universe who can fulfill this definition perfectly, Almighty God. He is just, merciful, holy, righteous, and true. It is He alone that can legitimately lay claim to this title and faithfully execute this kind of unlimited power. The Most High God rules in the affairs of men. He sets up kingdoms and He knocks them down. He raises up the poor and needy to reign as princes in this life and sends the rich empty away (1 Samuel 2:1-10). He is the Sovereign God of the Bible. We can’t vote Him in nor can we vote Him out. He cannot be impeached and every attempt to usurp His sovereignty, challenge His authority, or seek to undermine His Kingdom is met with defeat. He is God and there is no other.

Tragically, the world scoffs and rebels against the loving rule of God and those who should uphold this truth of God’s sovereignty, the Church, refuse to apply it in the age in which we live. Christians some how cringe to press the crown-rights of King Jesus in the face of political correctness, multiculturalism, and lifestyle diversity. We tend to shy away from proclaiming that Almighty God is in charge and that His Law is binding upon all people, at all times, and in every nation. Yet, regardless of this apparent silence and regardless of the human governing philosophy of a nation, be it a Republic, a Democracy, Socialism, Communism, Military Dictatorship, Oligarchy, or Monarchy, the truth is, the government of this planet rests upon the shoulders of the One the Bible calls Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6,7).

"And I heard as it were, the voice of a great multitude...saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.’" (Revelation 19:6)

The Bible emphatically teaches in both the Old and New Testaments that this earth is ultimately governed by a theocracy, which simply means, God rules. This statement embarrasses the Church and strikes terror in the heart of this God-denying, covenant-breaking, sin-soaked world. It is apologized for by those who should bear and uphold its truth and completely denounced by autonomous men who proudly reject its notion. Yet despite its opposition, God’s rule of this planet and the entire universe is indisputable and undeniable. One just has to ask every tyrant and dictator that has ever tried to oppose God, crush the Church, or destroy the Bible, "Who reigns in the affairs of men?" The chorus would be loud and unified, "The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool. (Psalm 110:1) Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!" (Revelation 19:16)

It is important to to clarify the word theocracy and all its implications at this juncture. Most when they hear of the word theocracy think of the theocratic state of Old Testament Israel. Many associate the belief that God’s reign must incorporate all the Old Testament ceremonial law, dietary law, case law, and moral law to be a true theocracy today. Though I do believe strongly that the New Testament in no way dispenses with God’s moral law as the standard by which all men are to live by or even the implications of those laws being applied through case law in the civil realm, it is evident that through the cross of Christ, the ceremonial law and dietary laws have been made obsolete and no longer binding upon God’s people. Paul clearly teaches this in the book of Colossians 2:16,17, "So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ."

Gratefully, Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the law of God. If this isn’t true, He is disqualified from being the spotless lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Those laws were meant to be shadows and prophetic sign posts that would ultimately point our attention to the suffering Messiah and find its completion in Christ’s atoning sacrifice. He is the substance. The believer simply becomes the beneficiary of these truths by placing their faith and trust in Him. All the redemptive ceremonies, the animal sacrifices, and the dietary requirements become through Jesus a living reality by faith, instead of a religious ceremony performed by unregenerate men. All of God’s promises that were foreshadowed in the Old covenant are now imputed to us as righteousness through the obedience of the Son of God. Thank God for His unspeakable gift that is full of glory.

I make this distinction to prayerfully reveal the true nature of theocracy and God’s sovereignty, especially as it relates to us today. Invariably when we go into different cities to confront our nation with its obsession with the culture of death, the accusation will be leveled against us that we are trying to turn America into a theocracy. Their meaning of the term however is quite contrary to the Biblical definition. Some of this is due to ignorance, most of it is due to the enemies of the cross purposely trying to misrepresent the truth to scare our nation with visions of a Christian version of Ayatollah Khomeini. I’ve actually been accused by Jewish deathscorts who march women into abortion mills as accomplices to child-murder that if we ever outlawed abortion, Christians would then set up death camps to exterminate Jews in America. Believe me, the paranoia runs deep and misunderstanding runs rampant when it comes to the revelation of God’s sovereignty and His rule in the earth.

When a person comes to correctly perceive God’s sovereignty in their life, then the light of understanding illuminates their souls. At once, the Christian empowered by this revelation see themselves as agents of divine purpose and instruments of divine will. This is the secret of those who went before us that changed the course of history by their indomitable courage. -Rusty

The main reason for all this confusion and struggle over the word theocracy comes down to the fact that those who oppose Christianity define theocracy as an ecclesiacracy. Ecclesiacracy is the rule of the Church over civil government. The Bible forbids this and history condemns it. And rightly so, it was the ecclesiacracy of England that compelled the Pilgrims to escape the tyranny of the Church of England that was utilizing the sword of civil government to coerce people to worship God contrary to the Scriptures and their own conscience. God’s Kingdom is not advanced by the sword of civil government but by the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. However, civil government does have the duty to uphold God’s law in the civil sphere, but the State can never be an instrument of God’s salvation, only a restrainer of evil as God defines evil. Christians must never advocate an ecclesiacracy. It is tyranny and unjust. This distinction is critical. Our enemies have redefined the terms to dupe our nation and the Church to refrain from declaring and implementing God’s immutable, unreviseable, and irrefutable standards by which men are to live by. One look at our culture reveals just how successful this strategy has been. God forgive us!

Once a nation loses the revelation of God’s sovereignty, His rule over all things, what options remain concerning who then is the rightful sovereign? Historically, man has adopted only two other possibilities. Number one, the State is sovereign, the ultimate arbitrator in the affairs of men. Unfortunately, every time men are seduced into believing this lie that civil government is sovereign, the way is paved for wicked regimes to kill, steal, and to destroy the very people they claim to serve. What about "We the People" are sovereign? This notion leads us down the primrose path where every man does what is right in his own eyes. The consequences are predictable, anarchy, chaos, and confusion rule the day.

The book of Judges is a great resource to verify this dilemma over sovereignty. It reveals what happens to a nation that rejects God’s rule and the revelation of higher law that every one is accountable to, including the governing authorities. They start off with the knowledge that God is King and His law is the standard by which men are to live by. The Scriptures then declare a generation grew up that knew not the Lord (Judges 2:10). (Sadly, that is an accurate depiction of America today.) The Bible declares as a result, "In those days there was no king in Israel; and everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 21:25) This predicament was always the precursor for Israel to be oppressed by her tyrannical enemies. The pattern is unmistakable and inevitable. Once a people reject or refuse God’s sovereignty, they immediately think that they are a god and a law unto themselves. Anarchy breaks out which always invites tyrants to rise up and oppress lawless rebels. Proverbs 28:2 spells it out for us, "Because of the transgression (lawlessness) of a land, many are the princes; (huge suffocating bureaucracy, large freedom-denying government) But by a man of understanding and knowledge right will be prolonged."

This truth is why our Founding Fathers warned our nation that our Constitution was only suitable for a religious and moral people. True freedom was the power to do what is right and not what ever our wicked hearts craved; and that a lawless people can never remain free, because they lose the moral fortitude to correctly handle those freedoms. Therefore, In order for freedom to flourish in America once again, we must return to the revelation of God’s sovereignty. We must become a self-governing people under God’s rule and laws. This is the truth and no variation of it will long keep America free. The only other options are anarchy and oppression. America choose wisely!

Keep in mind, brethren, that when we discuss God’s sovereignty, His central rule over all things, it is not an attempt on our part to usher this in through manipulation of the political process or the revolutionary subversion of human government. In fact, this not something we are waiting for. The Bible is absolutely clear on this point. God is on His throne, ruling and reigning in the affairs of men right now. There is nothing above or on earth below that escapes His notice or is beyond His jurisdiction. America will realize this one way or another. Our challenge is to have the courage to simply believe and agree with this Biblical revelation and then live our lives accordingly. May God grant us the grace to do it in Jesus’ Holy Name!

On the following page there will be a test to determine whom you believe is the true sovereign (Adapted from a brochure by Understanding the Times). It is important that Christians first settle this matter, in order to disciple our nation to understand that ideas have consequences. For if we are not convinced of God’s sovereignty, then what will happen to the world that Christ died to redeem?

WHO IS SOVEREIGN?

Check Your Perspective

If you believe that government is sovereign:

Your commission is to submit to tyrannical taxation in order to ensure governmental policies and programs succeed. Civil government is the ultimate authority in your life and will provide for you from the womb to the tomb. Your main obligation is to exchange your God-given freedom for the security that government promises. Man and his culture evolved to what it is today. Man is now in control of that evolution. Christian culture is a hindrance to putting in place the controls necessary to run an efficient and effective government. Church activity is counter productive to the common good and creates division. It must be controlled and eventually eliminated. Government is the instrument of reformation. It’s policies will dictate personal, family, and social behavior.

If you believe that man is sovereign:

Your commission is to eat, drink, and be merry. Hedonism, the "Good Life," and material comforts are ultimate values. Man and his culture evolved into what it is today. Christian culture is relevant only when it come to mercy ministries and social programs. The Church’s relevance decreases as man takes control. Church activity is confined to making men happy and relieve stress. Reformation will be performed by the wealthy, ruling elite. Man is now in control of all evolution.

If you believe Satan is sovereign:

Your commission is just to concentrate on "saving souls" and then stack them up at a spiritual bus stop waiting for Jesus to get us out of this mess. You see Christian culture as a counter-culture. The Church is an isolated, persecuted minority in an evil world. You have no problem with the Christian ghetto mentality that pervades the modern-day Church. In fact, you believe it is God’s will and a sign of the times. Church activity is primary and "spiritual," while "worldly" pursuits are secular and to be dealt with only as a necessity. Reformation is impossible since things must get worse because Satan is in control.

If you believe that God is sovereign:

Your commission is to fulfill the Great Commission. You will give your life to subdue the earth and build godly nations through evangelism and discipleship. You see Christian culture as leavening all areas of life, replenishing the earth, and blessing all mankind. All of God’s world is His and every lawful activity is to be seen as a spiritual work that should glorify God. Not only is reformation possible, but is consistently expected by the Church who pours out its life to disciple the nations with God’s Word.

I’ll end this hopefully thought-provoking article with a profound quote by A.A. Hodge. It aptly sums up the intent of this month’s newsletter. "If Christ is really king, exercising original and immediate jurisdiction over the State as really as he does over the church, it follows necessarily that the general denial or neglect of his rightful lordship, any prevalent refusal to obey that Bible which is the open law-book of his kingdom, must be followed by political and social as well as moral and religious ruin. If professing Christians are unfaithful to the authority of their Lord in their capacity as citizens of the State, they cannot expect to be blessed by the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in their capacity as members of the Church. The kingdom of Christ is one, and cannot be divided in life or in death. If the Church languishes, the State cannot be in health; and if the State rebels against its Lord and King, the Church cannot enjoy his favour. If the Holy Ghost is withdrawn from the Church, he is not present in the State; and if he, the only "Lord, the Giver of life," be absent, then all order is impossible, and the elements of society lapse backward to primeval night and chaos...I charge you, citizens of the United States, afloat on your wide sea of politics, THERE IS ANOTHER KING, ONE JESUS: THE SAFETY OF THE STATE CAN BE SECURED ONLY IN THE WAY OF HUMBLE AND WHOLE-SOULED LOYALTY TO HIS PERSON AND OF OBEDIENCE TO HIS LAW."

Hosanna!

You are cordially invited to attend a special presentation called Hosanna. Church on the Rock, Waco and Harvest House of Prayer have collaborated to make this drama possible. There is a strong evangelistic anointing that we are praying will bring many to the saving grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. This will be a wonderful opportunity to those in the Waco area to compel lost love ones and friends to come and experience the ministry of reconciliation that God so freely longs to bestow.

Location: Harvest House of Prayer, 5201 Steinbeck Bend Rd., Waco, TX 76708

Date: Palm Sunday, April 8th, 2001

Time: 11 am

For more information contact Rusty Lee Thomas at (254) 836-1037 or Harvest House of Prayer at (254) 759-1800. Hope to see you there!

UPDATE ON RACHEL’S PARK MEMORIAL

"And Joshua said to them: Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come saying, What do these stones mean to you?" (Joshua 4:5,6)

Rachel’s Park Memorial will hopefully fulfill this service to future generations that will one day wonder, "What meaneth this Memorial?" Throughout the Scriptures, God would direct His people to build altars and memorials to remind them of the great revelations and deeds performed by the Almighty on Israel’s behalf. It was also to serve as an object lesson to educate their young concerning the godly heritage and righteous legacy that preceded them. It was God’s intent that Israel never forget her history nor God’s dealings with their nation. For righteousness cannot long survive in the land of forgetfulness (Psalm 88:12).

What was true for Israel in ages past certainly rings true for America today. America has forgotten vital truths, lost our godly heritage, and spurned the principles that made us a blessed nation. Our prayer is Rachel’s Park Memorial will be used in whatever measure God deems fitting to help jar our memories to hopefully restore that which abortion has stolen, namely our posterity and the good hand of the Lord upon our nation.

Please continue to pray, support, and spread the vision concerning this vital Christian/Pro-life project. We recently finished clearing the land. We need a draftsman to help draw up the plans for the entire Rachel’s Park Memorial layout. As soon as we can accomplish this worthy task, we can get a permit from the city to actually build the park. If you or someone you know can help in this matter, please contact me at (254) 836-1037. Many hands make light work. Let us all work together to see this place erected for the glory of God, to powerfully present the Gospel of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, to restore the humanity of the unborn, and to minister God’s forgiveness and deliverance to post-abortive families.

MEXICO LETTER

Find enclosed in this month’s newsletter a request from my pastor to help me go to Mexico for a week. The trip will be used to help drill three wells for villages without clean running water. Our intent is first to establish the natural and then the spiritual. Our desire is to quench both their physical as well as their spiritual thirst through the living waters of Christ. I was initially scheduled to be in St. Louis during this time, but they called me to reschedule for a later date in May. I took this as a sign that God wanted me to go on this short-term mission trip. Whatever you can do to help sponsor me would be a blessing to God’s work abroad. If you make out a check to Elijah Ministries, please mark the memo Mexico Mission. Thank you and may God richly bless you in return!

IN KING JESUS’ SERVICE,

Rusty Lee Thomas