Saturday, October 12, 2013

Pilgrim's Progress in America

I will continue with a parallel between Pilgrim's Progress and our Country.

The Hard Road or the Easy Road?

Any road that is followed takes time, but there are many types of roads. Often they are separated into two parts. John Bunyan’s classic, A Pilgrim’s Progress, is a vivid picture of the verse in Matthew 7: 13. ‘Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

The road that Christian follows is not easy, and he is tempted to leave it many times. The road to the town of Morality looked so inviting, that he left the narrow road and went on until he found himself in trouble. Once he discovered that he had been deceived, he called for help. Evangelist came right away to help Christian, but it is not always that easy to extract ourselves from the broad road.

The Broad Road is easy and wide. Once on it, one feels comfortable, and lazy. This is exactly what the Enemy wants. He would like for us to think that everything is going our way, and that we can do anything we want, regardless of the consequences. 

A good example of a broad road in a modern sense, would be America. Americans sing songs that speak of a beautiful country, free of hardship and toil. While most know it as an illusion, they nevertheless strive to achieve this utopian society.  Why? Because they have become accustomed to the ease that came from being a Christian society, losing the respect most have for poverty.

This has done nothing less than slowly destroying our nation. While building up the façade of a golden state, with impenetrable marble walls, our nation is rotting inside. A remarkable amount of statesmen and government agents are seething in a sea of wickedness. America appears to the rest of the world as a rich and glorious country. To those that live in the country, it seems like a perfect place to live. No matter if you have money; any American citizen can get what he wants.

Not too long ago, the average countryman acknowledged that there was a God, and an opposite force, namely, Satan.  Now, there are more atheists in America, than anywhere else in the world. This is a direct result of a country leaving its’ roots, its’ morals, and its’ God.

The only hope lies in the following verse: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14 The narrow road is never easy. Rather, it will be the hardest think we will ever attempt.  While the narrow road is dangerous, difficult, and discouraging, the rewards are worth every bit.

America does not naturally follow the narrow road, but with perseverance and faith, anyone can. This does not mean that we should immerse ourselves in poverty, far from it! More that we should reach out to those in need, and minister to them as Christ did.

 We as Christians, are called to follow the narrow road. Not for some religious worship, ‘for we walk by faith, not by sight’; but because it is the best thing for us. God did not assign us a task we would like, or an assignment that would be too hard for us. Rather, he gave us a way to salvation, and then showed us how to live it out. The narrow road is difficult, but not impossible; we are to die to the flesh, but we cannot die forever. The path is strewn with thorns, but our reward is beyond anything we can imagine.

In both Pilgrim’s Progress, and modern America, there is a narrow road, and a broad road. Man may follow either, depending on his choice. Christian chose the narrow road, and though he encountered many tribulations, at the last he arrived in the Celestial City. What road will America choose? That is for each citizen to choose for himself. One person can influence a few, but many people make up a republic, and that people will dictate what the government will do.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Republic vs. Democracy

I want to begin with a series of posts concerning the American Government. This first is an explanation of what the difference is between a republic, and a democracy. We have all heard both terms used in speaking of our Country at various times, and it is important for us to understand the difference.
 
A republic is a state in which the supreme power resides in the body of citizens entitled to vote, and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them. The republic is based on the idea that man is the supreme power, and a monarchy is looked upon by such with horror. The word ‘republic’ comes from the Latin ‘res publica’ meaning ‘the people’s thing’.  
 In contrast, Democracy comes from the Greek words ‘demos kratos’ and means rules of the people. There are two different aspects of democracy. There is a direct democracy, and a representative democracy. Direct Democracy is where the people come together and make plans to the end of what the country should do. (e.g. when the colonies were first joined together, there wasn’t really any particular ruler of congress, but everyone voted upon what should be done politically.)
 A Representative Democracy is where the people choose a particular person that they consider capable of ruling, through popular vote. The problem with a Representative Democracy, is that the polls can be rigged to elect an individual. This is evidenced in The People’s Republic of China, and The Democratic People’s Republic of [North] Korea.
The American Government is a mix of them both, with a decided leaning towards a republic. Americans are proud of their heritage, and want to keep it at what it was originally, but are deceived if they think that it has stayed the same. As Election Day comes around again, let us all remember from where our Country came, and how we want it to proceed. So I leave you with these questions: What do we really want the Government to be like? What are you going to do about it?
in Christ,
Marissa

Blog Post Number One

Welcome to our blog! We are so excited that you are here and that you are reading this! Marissa and I met on a Journey to the Heart. Which is a ministry of IBLP, (Institute in Basic Life Principles) organized by Mr. Bill Gothard. Their goal is to help young people have a wonderful relationship with most importantly God, and also their parents. The Journey begins at headquarters, which is located in the beautiful town of Oak Brook, IL. A few minutes south of Chicago. After a few days you team, which is a group of about 13, travels to the Northwoods of Michigan. Where your Journey really begins. A journey to your heart to learn how to come close to God. All of the girls who were on our blue team, are now very dear friends. We have plenty of stories that I am sure we will share sometime!
Though Marissa and I may not have a lot in common on the external surface, but we do have a lot in common in what we believe. We both desire to share the word of God with our generation. While many have walked away from the church, we want to prove that not all is lost, and there is something real to believe in. Which is what we desire to do with this blog. Our first and foremost priority is that unbelievers and those that are questioning their faith would read this, and that we could help those that are confused. We want to help you get to know God personally.If you ever have any questions about how to do this PLEASE feel free to email us at marissaandannakatherine@gmail.com and we would be delighted to talk to you!
While, neither of us are perfect, and sometimes we still struggle with our relationship, it is our desire to grow in leaps and bounds. If you are a believer, then remember, if you have had an encounter with Christ it should show. It should show on the outside. But don't be discouraged, there is hope, and though that last sentence seemed harsh, we really want to help you.
Most Americans are looking for answers, and we want you to know that God is on our side!
We would love to pray for you in any way we can! Email us or follow us on google+. If their is anything we can do to help you to further your relationship with God, please let us know! We will be recommending resources that we are reading, and have learned from. 
Thanks for reading, and may God bless you! 
Rejoicing In Christ!

Anna Katherine and Marissa

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

A Chocolate Hero

'Every true soldier is a hero! A soldier without heroism is a Chocolate Soldier. Who has not been stirred to scorn and mirth at the very thought of a Chocolate Soldier? In peace true soldiers are captive lions, fretting in their cages. War gives them their liberty and sends them, like boys bounding out of school, to obtain their  heart's desire or perish in the attempt. Battle is the soldier's vital breath! Peace turns him into a stooping asthmatic. War makes him a whole man again, and gives him the heart, strength, and vigor of a hero.

Every true Christian is a soldier of Christ, a hero "par excellence"! Braver than the bravest--scorning the soft seductions of peace and her oft repeated warnings against hardship, disease, danger and death, whom he counts among his bosom friends.'
--The Chocolate Soldier C. T. Studd