An Arising Voice  

In Ephesians 4:13 we read about the subject of unity: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. What does this scripture mean to you? Pointing out the first statement in the verse: till we all come in the unity of the faith. If we all take a step back and look out into the world in which we live we will see a body of believers that seem to be divided into many different groups. Many of these groups will have different views or opinions on theology or doctrine. This scripture says to us that though the body of Christ may be just as we see it still today. It will in time be a body that is truly in one accord. “Unity of the faith” where or how can a body full of so many ideas and beliefs find a place to come together as one? It starts with finding our common interest. That common interest is Jesus Christ and his salvation. The church; meaning the body of Christ must soon find the way to unity for the Word of God says in Mark 3:24 and if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. We as representatives of Christ must and I declare must find a way to lay down agruements that simply do not pertain to what Jesus Christ proclaimed to teach. For such topics can cause division in the body. Such as in 2 Timothy 2:23 where it reads: But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strife’s. In man’s attempt to find all there is to know, we have ultimately caused a division within our own body. God is speaking to the Church today, on fixing that error. If a man knows all truth about God and the world, where I ask is faith? In Hebrews 11:1 it reads about faith Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. We are indeed in the end times brothers and sisters of the LORD. If the Church is truly going to be voice in the darkness it must be a whole body without divisions, and without confusions. As a body we must know what we stand on and we must all stand upon that same rock, or we appear more lost then the person that knows nothing of God. There is only one truth and we serve only one God, and we should be only one body. Yes we may have different ways, such as the way we worship, or the days we attend church, or how we preach. But the truth in which we all teach must be of the same, or there is a division. The scripture above about unity says “Till we all come”, meaning it will take each one to make the choice for unity, and though the body is broke up at this time it will: not maybe come together in the end. Our nation is in great need of spiritual help, the enemy of the church struck a mighty blow. Some by division and some by fear, but God is calling out to us today and declaring to us what needs to be done. In Pentecost the power fell when they were all in one accord. In spiritual unity the church fill find that one accord again, and the power of God can truly be seen in our churches again churches,

Is the United States of America a Christian nation? This subject is now on the mouths of our top leaders throughout the country. It has been said already by our top officials, that we indeed are not. Was the USA founded on the principals of God, or it is not? If you were asked today, how would you respond? There are those that would say we have those of the “enlightment” and those of the “faith’ within our great country, seeking each of their views of prosperity. Some simply saying the “church” meaning here the body of Christ, should stay out of the political realm entirely, and silence their voice. My fellow Christian Americans it is for this reason we face the challenges ahead. We the churches have stayed silenced to long, and gave to much ground to the evil forces working within our country. Today there is a voice crying out, calling us to stand up, and testify to everyone. We are Americans, and we are Christians. Let us go back to the Mayflower. The first ship to land on what today is the USA. Though there are many thoughts and ideas, the words on what is named the Mayflower Compact says so much. Let us look at what it briefly says: In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are under-written, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith,....
Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the eleventh of November [New Style, November 21], in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord, King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620. Let us look once again at the statement found within: it says “advancement of the Christian faith”. Showing the intentions of the very men coming to build what is the USA today. Our schools once had prayer, and the pledge of allegiance. Our television programs had boundaries on the content they pushed. Christians and the faith were a major part of our society. We were and are a Christian nation. Sadly my brothers and sisters our lacks of actions have gave an open door to those wishing to silence the church. There is indeed no time. The very principals of America are found within the Christian bible. Freedom, Justice, and equality for all man; these principals are of God. Jesus Christ came to set us free from the chains of sin, Christ is our mediator between God and Satan giving us justice, and Word of God says also quote “God is no respecter of persons” meaning he see all people as equals, giving as equality. God is asking today” will you not stand up, and speak what I have laid before you”. Find someone today, and declare to them. WE are a Christian nation.

Richard A. Kent
Arising Voice