REACTIVATE THE BLACK ROBE REGIMENT

In the early days of our nation “Election Sermons” were preached each year on, or before Election Day. The pastor-preachers, often the most educated and influential citizens in the community, instructed the congregation on the major issues of the day, and where the candidates running for political office stood on those issues. They would tell the people which of the candidates demonstrated virtuous Christian character. There were no IRS or FEC restrictions. Preachers weren’t afraid to preach politics. In fact, they understood it to be one of their primary responsibilities as part of preaching the whole Gospel. They regularly told their congregations who was worthy of their vote and who wasn’t.

It wasn’t until Lyndon B. Johnson decided he wanted “pay back” for some Texas clergy who spoke out against him because of his immoral character. In 1954 Johnson attached a rider to an obscure bill that had the affect of literally silencing the church for almost 50 years. Well, today there is a “Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act” HR 235, introduced to liberate clergy from the muzzle imposed by Johnson’s vindictive actions. It will enable preachers, once again, to speak out on all vital and moral and political questions of the day without fear that the IRS will revoke their tax-exempt status.

There should be no reason why the clergy should be the only ones deprived of the right to free speech. In fact, it was the clergy, and their pulpits “ablaze with glory” that gave birth to this new nation, because they weren’t afraid to “get political” and speak out against injustice when they saw it. Oh, how things have changed!

Our pastors and our preachers must demonstrate the boldness to preach about the issues of the day to educate the Body of Christ concerning godly civic leadership. Jethro told Moses to choose men who fear God, and who hate dishonest gain to rule over Israel. In the same way, we must choose men and women who will lead this nation in such a way that we will remain “One nation Under God.”

Our pulpits must be “ablaze with glory” once again as preachers tackle some of the most challenging issues of our time. They must once again preach and teach about the sovereignty of God in the life of our nation. They must preach about the evils of:

• Godlessness in our public schools
• Atheistic Socialism
• The radical homosexual agenda and sexual immorality
• The increase of big government and higher taxes
• Corruption in politics and public service
• Addiction to gambling, pornography, drugs and alcoholism
• …and so much more…

When was the last time we heard a sermon on any of these topics? We live in challenging times when preachers must get out of their comfort zones and begin to preach righteousness once again.

The “Black Robe Regiment,” as the clergy were known by King George before the War for Independence, must, once again, be a force to contend with, or we will continue to lose the favor of God, and our children will be forced to live under the curse of bondage, because we failed to proclaim the Lord in the land.

I recognize I may be ruffling some feathers, and perhaps, even lose a supporter or two, but I cannot remain silent when there is so much at stake. I recently found out I am going to be a grandfather next January. That news compels me even more to be sure I do all that I can to pass on to my grandchild the nation that my Father passed on to me.

I encourage all pastors to prayerfully consider preaching an “Election Sermon” for 2006. It’s still legal to preach about the issues. The only thing a pastor can’t do is to advocate the election or the defeat of a particular person or political party. I will be preaching in various places around the state before the elections, but I can’t be everywhere. The Black Robe Regiment must be “re-activated” if we are to see our children enjoy the same liberties our forbears passed on to us.

Charles Finney told us, “God will bless or curse this country according to the course Christians take in politics.” It begins with the leaders. Let’s lead!

CONNECTICUT PRIMARY

The outcome of primary election in Connecticut resulting in the Democratic selection of Ned Lamont as their choice for U.S. Senate demonstrates, more clearly than anything else in recent times, the new direction of the Democrat Party in America toward Atheistic Anti-American Socialism. Is this a far stretch? I don’t think so. First of all, the terms “liberal” and “Democrat” can now be used interchangeably. The term, “conservative Democrat” has become an oxymoron. There is no longer any such animal. No more “big tent”, unless of course, you’re talking about a big “liberal” tent. It is true, as first stated by Zel Miller, they are a “national party no more.”

The legal arm of the Democratic Party, the ACLU, is busy expunging every vestige of our Christian heritage from the public square --and now even from private property-- wherever they can get away with it. Democrats are power hungry and unwilling to share it with anyone, even God! (That’s for the few who believe there is a God).

It’s interesting to hear Democrat consultants interpret the results of this contest suggesting that it means that if a Democrat wants to be elected they’ll have to oppose the war in Iraq. In other words, a decision about what is the right thing to do for millions of people in Iraq and ultimately for our own liberty in America will be decided by what will gain them political power. It’s as I’ve always said about Democrats: To them, all politics is politics! Their standard for right and wrong is determined by what will get them into power.

They drool at the prospects of failure in Iraq, as it suggests for them the taste of political victory and power.

Ned Lamont ran on a Socialist platform promoting national health insurance, just like Hillary Clinton and so many other Democrats. You can probably substitute the word “Socialist” for “Democrat” as well.

Perhaps it’s time to rename the Party for what it is: “The Atheist Socialist Party.” That says it all. Unfortunately for America, if there was any question before, the Connecticut Primary has now made this perfectly clear.