Monday, August 28, 2006

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!

3 Comments:

At 9:41 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree completely. AMEN!!!

 
At 9:21 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

it seems that the time has indeed come for the FairTax (www.fairTax.org) to become our way of collecting taxes (on consumption, rather than income). This way, churches and pastors would not have the threat of removal of their tax-exempt status because the way that taxes are collected would not be judged upon the compliance or non-compliance of draconian and foolish laws that increasingly govern the people and subject them under the harsh hand of a few elected officials that certainly are (by and large) not looking out for the common interest. (I think that was a very long-winded statement, but you can sense my passion also)

 
At 5:10 PM, Blogger Ed's Blogs said...

Today is April 28, 2010. Did you watch Glenn Beck today with David Barton, founder of WallBuilders - www.wallbuilders.com/ ? Bro Barton told the story or the Blackrobe Regiment. As a semi-retired Pastor/Preacher, I say, "Let's activate the regiment!"

 

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