As I said, I am a simple agent of the church – standing on the steps of a poorly maintained civil authority. I am also here because I have a message for Senator Gronstal, who recently lamented to a reporter that he might not retain his job beneath this gold-gilded roof. As an agent of the church, I have come to remind Mr. Gronstal that he hath need of repentance! And his GREATEST concern should NOT be whether or not his future holds the pleasure of standing beneath this golden roof, but whether or not his future holds the privilege of standing upon heaven’s golden streets!
Having read the article again.and I will read it even more at a later time— Having read your replys thus far. I did not appreciate the Constitution until I began to read some of the sermons from the Founding Era. IMO the Northwest Ordinance —
Article III which I cite— was twice passed by Congress so I believe it reflects the three legged stool of principles they accepted as good and necessary. Likewise I believe that concept was taken directly from a sermon by Elizur Goodrich May 10,1787.Political Sermons the American founding Era,1730-1805 2 vol. set Ellis Sandoz editor p.909-940 specific quote p.915. As for our schools and State sanctioned religion. Joseph Story in his commentaries on the Constitution ,1833 -and the textbook he culled from those larger Commentaries to teach our Constitution—A Familiar Exposition of the Constitution of the United States
I find the suggestion that probably at the time of the adoption of the Constitution and the amendment to it the general if not universal sentiment in America was that Christianity ought be encouraged...an attempt to level all religions or to make it a matter of policy to hold all in utter indifference would have created universal disapprobation if not universal indignation.”elsewhere Joseph Story taught that Christianity was the unofficial religion of the Nation. I hear Sr.Wm.Blackstones Commentaries on the Laws of England sold more copies in the Colonies-and later in the States than sold in England. I believe the Founders believed our laws must reflect the Laws dictated by God Himself,else they are ill made.(As I believe James Wilson in his lectures on(American) Law- College of Philadelphia.(reflecting Blackstone) Jefferson spoke much of other religions but he always held that Jesus Christ was the most sublime and perfect man ever lived. And those religions at the College he designed seem to have all been some variation of Christian. And though he removed Theology as a school -he provided time and space for such teaching on campus. My experience suggests that the Old Testament prophets seldom—if ever directed their prophecy at any single individual -they spoke to the people-for God—If I were told by a prophet that God had declared I would be carried away.I would most probably , unless there was specific instruction to not resist the invader-I would resist-and would not consider it against Gods will-unless
told by God- I ought not resist. As suggested by E.V. generally those who opposed Gods’ will didn’t fare very well.To the best of my ability I attempt to follow Gods will.And seek Grace when I muck that up.
Cary Gordon’s church, which I think he’s pastored for at least 25 years, is non-denominational pentecostal, I’m pretty sure.