July, 2004 Newsletter

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“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord….” (Psalm 2:1-2)

As SCVJCC hosts the General Conference on July 15-17, we look forward to welcoming the delegates from our sister churches. At the same time we celebrate this annual event, we must keep our eyes on the U.S. Senate as they vote on the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA). This amendment defines marriage as being between only one man and one woman. It’s been reported that more than 40 Senators have vowed to kill this amendment by voting against the Judeo-Christian values and beliefs. A vote against the FMA is a vote for homosexual marriages. A vote for the FMA is a vote for traditional marriages.

The FMA is not the only critical issue we face today. We are faced with issues of abortion rights, “civil rights” of the gay lifestyle, muzzling of the clergy and Christian media, etc. Jesus said we need to “be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matt 10:16) We need to be wise about the underlying issue of a relentless effort by secularists to wipe out religion from the public arena. John Leo writes insightfully in the US News & World Report that the recent non-ruling of the Superior Court on whether the phrase “under God” belongs in the Pledge of Allegiance is evasive. Evasiveness is only a tip of the iceberg. “Under God” is in line with “In God We Trust” on our currency and “God save the United States and this honorable Court” at the Supreme Court. The secular agenda is openly hostile against God and they are determined to eliminate all these religious references, most of which are, as Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and others have argued are harmless expressions of “ceremonial deism.”

The battle behind the “under God” issue is a struggle by Christians against intolerant secularists who are willing to accept religion only if it is impotent. Many secular thinkers have no problem with religion as long as it is powerless. If Christians act on their beliefs, you will see open retaliation with a phrase like "forcing" something on somebody else. In the current presidential campaign, it has been said, “Religion is something between an individual and his God.” Actually, it isn't. The Bible commands Christians to do good works and shine to shape a better society, not just to sit and worship in some corner. Are you convinced like many Americans that Religion should not enter the public arena? I pray that you’ve not been brainwashed to think that way.

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world…. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:13-16) It is God’s Will that our faith should make a difference in the world. Psalm 2 says the world system and the power behind it are determined to wipe out God’s influence in the world. It also says that God is in control: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” This struggle in the world will continue. It is far from over. This is the beginning of putting God’s Word and God’s people on the frontline of a spiritual warfare. Let your little light continue to shine in a spiritually darkened world, my friends.

— Pastor Jim Sakurai

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