Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot
May 23, 2020
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…”
Did you ever wonder what “weapons” the Apostle Paul was referencing? For that matter, what “warfare” was Paul’s addressing in his letter to the Corinthians?
I’m inclined to believe the warfare we face in the 21st century is not altogether different from the battles Paul fought in the 1st century. One must surmise that poverty, crime, lascivious behavior, government, apathy, slovenly demeanors, greed, and narcissisms were not proprietary to Jesus’ time.
They may be more amplified in 2020 – but evil is evil.
The difference is the degree to which God’s Word is applied in addressing it!
The heart of man has not changed; it has just been desensitized to respond differently. We face the same warfare resulting from poor behavioral responses as Christians have faced throughout history, it’s just that our choice to apply God’s Word as the defining standard has succumb to the evolving progressive views of the world.
Liberals have obfuscated the term “progress” beyond its general application to technology to what they’ve pre-determined to be “progress” in religion. They’ve pursued making worship more “sensible” and applicable to our changing times, hence the progressive movement.
Our weapons have not changed either. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” the heavenly arsenal was opened to those who believe and follow Him. Sadly, many Christians have found it easier to “surrender” to the world, rather than surrender to the Almighty.
Unfortunately, this apathetic response by Christians in the recent years is arguably the reason the progressive movement has been so successful. Understand, if Christians united and voted every election cycle according to God’s Word, we would never lose an election. So, who is to blame?
Frankly, Christians have been given the ability to be the “problem-solvers” of the world! No, we do not profess to have all the answers, but we know a God who does! God is not looking for our ability. He’s looking for our availability! Unfortunately, many hide behind circumstance.
So, understanding the degree to which we are responsible for applying the Gospel to the world around us, where are Christians during the current COVID-19 crisis?
Let me be clear. God has not executed some sort of “divine punishment” upon the earth. He is not to blame! The Bible is clear. All good and perfect gifts” come from God! Satan is the thief, who comes to steal, kill and destroy.
But both God and the enemy have plans for you during this pandemic. God wants to take what the enemy meant for evil and make it good. The enemy simply wants you dead.
Look around you. The truth is there are more people than you can imagine that want to profit from COVID-19. But none so demonic as those who would do so at the expense of Christians being able to exercise their faith, for doing so would inevitably cripple our society.
Liberals within the progressive movement understand God’s Word is the only barrier in their way of achieving the ultimate goal of placing morality on a sliding scale commensurate with the times.
Jesus called the Word, the “rock” upon which I will build my Church” He knew an immovable faith would be prerequisite to healing a dying world.
Jesus also knew our faith and strength would be challenged. Paul, thought to author much of the New Testament, reminded Christians we should not forsake “the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is but exhort one another”. In fact, we should exhort “much more” during troubling times!
During COVID-19, the world’s wisdom sees abortion clinics, liquor stores and bars as essential services. They do not see God’s people worshipping together as an essential service, at least not in their model. But beyond that, they see it as the “dismantling” of a movement!
Trust me when I tell you this shelter-in-place mandate has absolutely nothing to do with protecting your health. It’s about damaging your spiritual well-being and resolve as a Christian.
Yes, the Bible tells us we should obey the laws around us. But it does not say we have to like it!
We can darn sure be the loudest voice in the room and show our disdain for this type of leadership during the upcoming election. I am simply amazed at how the same, feckless, inept politicians keep getting re-elected year after year. I’ve no doubt, it’s the result of Christians allowing themselves to be taken out of the game, rather than fight for their rights and fulfill the calling on their lives.
It’s OK for Christians to take advantage of this pandemic, only in a much “nobler” manner than others.
Let 2020, be the year Christians used COVID-19, the plague the enemy meant to destroy, as the catalyst for returning the Christian Voice to America!
If Christians unite and vote God’s Word, we will not fail. We can keep our country safe from the wiles of the enemy. Let’s do exactly the opposite the enemy would have us do.
Don’t succumb – but overcome. Make the Church the essential service God intended.
Free State Patriot 
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