THE SCRIPTURES- SUFFICIENT FOR SAINTS AND SINNERS

Welcome to this month's AGC posting.  While we usually do a new posting every month, we have left the last one concerning the death of Ty Woods for almost two months due to its subject matter and interest.  It will always be in our archives, so it will always be here for viewing if needed.  The article highlights the ministry of AGC Chaplains in times of war and peace to our military and families.
  This month's article features our new AGC President Steve Brown.  Steve articulates our position on not only ministry, but the importance of having a Biblically based service for God and country. Here at the AGC we believe in not only the inerrancy of Scripture, but also the knowledge that our Savior is the answer for all of mankind's ills.   While a theistic view of life may sound simplistic, it offers solutions to a world where modern thought believes that man has all of the answers.  This is sad, for in many ways, man is the cause of our problems.   To illustrate that concept,  LT Chris Jordan shares some of his thoughts which demonstrates this all familiar theme.  God bless!

 GIVE THANKS FOR THE WORD OF GOD- STEVE BROWN; AGC PRESIDENT

O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever (Psalm 136:1). We pause to give thanks this month to Almighty God for the gift of His Word and for its faithful proclamation by our Chaplains to the men and women in uniform serving around the world safeguarding our freedoms.

What truly sets us free is that which the Reformation consistently proclaimed:

Sola Christo - Christ alone; Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone; Sola Gracia - Grace alone and Sola Fide - Faith alone.

Irreducible #2, Scripture alone.

During the Middle Ages, only an elite group of people had copies of the Scriptures. Today the Bible is the #1 best seller with over 6 billion copies in existence. Of the 6,900 known spoken languages, portions of the Bible have been translated into approximately 1200 languages with another 1300 translations in process. There is on average five Bibles in every US home.

The heart of the issue today is not Bible access, but its adequacy. Is Scripture still sufficient? The anemic condition of the church in America is a testimony that many in our churches do not practice what they profess.

The Bible has endured numerous attacks. Some assaults on the truth are bold. The "Freethinkers" and the "Brights" (modern day titles for atheists) demand freedom from religion in the United States. They say, we can practice our faith, but only in our home or church, nowhere else. They have become militant in their effort to squash truth and silence its adherents. Cicero once said, "When you have no basis for an argument, abuse the plaintiff." In other words, silence your enemy if you cannot overcome his veracity. Recent
Status of Global Missions reports highlight the fact that while Christianity continues to grow worldwide, atheism loses 300-800 adherents every day. The Scriptures will be fulfilled. Since Truth will not be thwarted, the enemies of truth seek to censor it’s promulgation in public. This attack is a testament that truth is effectual. Hebrews 11 lists a number of people who responded in faith to the Truth (to what God said). Some were martyred for their commitment to Truth. While this made no sense to the world, this commitment to Truth radically changed the course of human history.

Some assaults on truth are more subtle and slow in their evolution. The official accreditation and certification processes in the US often relegate the Word of God to little more than mythology. One simply can't accept what the Word says unless a government funded study verifies its claims, and even then, for the world, it is the study that is authoritative, not the text. Periodically, however, the world openly confirms the Scriptures. Did you know that a modern geneticist discovered that all human beings can be traced genetically to one woman (a mother) and one man? Amazing! I wonder how much that study cost.

So in a self-avowed liberal culture we seem willing to

try anything except God's Word to fix our culture's problems. Take the issue of depression, for example. Millions struggle with it and millions have, including Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Charles Spurgeon and missionary David Brainard. The medical profession can help, but do we need to default to medication, or do we need the Word of God and a loving, caring fellowship, a local church? Regardless of how one may feel, the Scriptures teach that Jesus has promised to never leave us. He has given us a purpose for living. His sacrifice for us is of incalculable worth. No one could ever love us more, even in our pain! So, will we stand on Truth or follow our feelings? The Word is sufficient and relevant (II Tim 3:14-17).

Military Commanders today are scrambling to find new solutions to the problems their troops are experiencing as a result of an eleven-year war requiring multiple combat deployments. Christian Chaplains and local churches have what is needed, the Word of God. Our men and women in uniform need Christ and Biblical solutions to the challenges they face. What God says is always sufficient and relevant.

What is needed in the "Dark Age" we occupy is nothing new. The creative and consistent proclamation of the Word of God is still the need of the hour. The world only offers shortcuts that afford temporary respite. Thank God this season for the gift of His Word. We must believe it and proclaim it regardless of what we feel, see, or hear. What is Needed is Nothing New!

I have more understanding than all my teachers:
for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts.
Psalm 119:99-100.


A MILLION TO ONE- by LT Chris Jordan
 

I was recently sent an article that revealed several websites that allow users to purchase fake followers on social media websites, Software that lies (so you don't have to!) by Mike Elgan, Computerworld. You can now effectively buy popularity and make yourself appear more popular than you actually are. I don’t know which is more disturbing, people buying fake popularity or the fact that the author says this, “Is all this computer-aided lying (he mentions several other ways to ‘virtually’ lie in the article) unethical? I think the answer, obviously, depends on how people use them. Any of these could be used for good or ill.” Silly me, I thought lying was obviously unethical in general, but that is a subject for another article. Let’s focus in on all this attention seeking.

Why would people want buy fake followers or ‘friends’ on social media to make it appear that they are more popular than they are? Some of these answers seem reasonable, like a political figure wanting to make it appear as though he has more supporters than he actually does or a an entertainer faking popularity to boost actual popularity. I mean there is still an element of ‘group think in our culture that drives us to want to be in the ‘in’ crowd and ‘like’ what everyone else ‘likes’. But, what about the average guy or gal that spends $10 on 1,000 Twitter fans, by the way American fans are more than expensive than overseas fans, go figure. Why do we want to be ‘liked’, even if it is by people who don’t even exist? I believe it is because we have fallen to the deception that we are unlikable. Deep down we have abandoned our true value as created beings in the image of God and we have lost our value only to search for it in fake fans and other fake things. Maybe we’ve forgotten the old Beatles song “Can’t Buy Me Love”.

So, how do we regain what we’ve lost? Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” We were created in the very image of God. The Bible says this about God, “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11.

Not only are we created in His image but He bestow such great value on us and lavished us with His love by suffering death on our behalf for forgiveness of our sins. In Ephesians 1 the apostle Paul states our worth, value and identity in Christ.

He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it to the praise of his glory.(Eph. 1:4-14)

Read through that again and reflect on your identity in Christ and the value God puts on you. A million FaceBook fans don’t compare with the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and He is your biggest fan! Instead of ‘liking’ someone maybe we should continue on in Ephesians and pray this prayer for one another:

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might  that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Eph. 1:15-23)

A CALL TO ARMS !

EVIL IN OUR DAY

  Sadly last month on September 11th, our embassy in Libya was savagely attacked.  As our fearless government leaders pontificate, make political statements and wonder about what happened, 4 fellow countrymen died.  For those of us in the military, it is not about politics; its about defending our country and the God given freedoms which guide our way of life.  For these 4 individuals, it was about fighting for what is right against an insidious evil that unfortunately has taken root in this world and threatens everything that is good and decent.
  One of these four individuals was a former SEAL named Ty Woods.  Ty and his wife went to the Chapel services at Naval Base San Diego where one of our AGC Chaplains preached.   It was after Ty's death that his widow asked our Chaplain to preach the sermon and officiate over the funeral and the internment.  Both Ty and his wife were/are professing Christians, so that made the eternal question easier to answer.  However, Ty died fighting against an evil that must be confronted.
  It is for this reason that Mrs. Woods gave permission to publish the sermon that was preached at Ty's funeral.  She wants not only the Word of God to get out to the world, but also to help America wake up as to what is going on around Her.  By God's grace and mercy, A Call to Arms is the Least we can do to protect, serve and defend this God-given nation of ours.  Amen. 


              A QUESTION OF EVIL AND WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

The Sermon Preached at the funeral of Tyrone Snowden Woods (US Navy SEAL-ret.) answering the question of evil at the hands of Muslim Savages.  While others ran to protect themselves, Ty Woods and two others confronted the angry mob and against all odds, held out for many hours. 

 

Everyone in this room who has served or is serving this country has taken an oath.  This oath says that we will fight against all enemies, both foreign and domestic.  As military members, we fight a war against terrorism.  As individuals, we all fight something more subtle and even elusive.  It is a concept which threatens our very existence, but no one is willing to call it out for fear of being ridiculed.  The weapon to fight it is Spiritual in nature and can only be resolved in the heart of each person listening to this homily.  The enemy has a name and it is called “EVIL.”

As a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, let me set some things straight.  Despite what politicians and the media would tell you, anyone who kills others in the name of their god is wrong.  Be it Muslim or Christian.  The Bible calls it wickedness and murder.  PERIOD.  To use one’s religion as an excuse to murder others is twisted and perverted.  Furthermore, According to the Scripture, the only exception to kill others is when defending one’s right to live in fighting evil.  We did not start this war and God does not need to be defended by anyone.  A Holy, Pure and benevolent God is self evident.  He does not need to have people kill for Him.  In short, He will always have the last word.

We are gathered together today to honor a man who fought a physical fight against the manifestation of evil.  Some want to blame some stupid movie for what happened.  However, the Scriptures tell us that “it is not what goes into a man that defiles him, it’s what comes out.”  In other words, we all have things happen to each of us.  From that experience, every person must make a choice.  Some have a heart full of hate and because of that hate, manifest their twisted evil by killing others who disagree with them.  In truth, they murder for their own petty causes.

What should be the response to such evil?  Let me tell you first of all it begins with the spiritual realm and in a person’s heart.  There is a God and there are spiritual laws, just like physical laws.  The Bible warns us about such people and gives us a mandate to not only protect ourselves, but also to use the sword to eliminate evil.  If you don’t believe me, read Romans 13:1-5.  The Judeo-Christian God of the Scriptures is not only a God of love, but also of justice.  It is this axiomatic truth which guides our beliefs as a nation and culture.

What we believe in our hearts comes out in our actions.  For the sick and twisted evil mob, it was destruction and murder.  For Tyrone, it was protection and justice against an evil foe.  Some may ask “Why” did Ty go into the fight?  The answer is best summed up by Dr. David Grossman in his book “On killing.”  He wrote that there are three kinds of people in this world.  98% of people are sheep and just want to be left alone.  1% are sick, twisted, pathological wolves and wants to prey on the 98%.  The other 1% are also pathological, but are sheepdogs and are wired to PROTECT the 98% from the evil wolves.  Ty was a sheepdog who died protecting others.  While others ran away, he ran towards the conflict.

In my book, he is a true American hero!  Unfortunately, he paid the last full measure, much to the detriment of Mrs. Woods.  Mrs. Woods, for what it is worth and I know I speak for every man, woman and child in this room, HE DID NOT DIE IN VAIN! Because of his death, many have gathered together today to understand the spiritual message that God will never leave us or forsake us in our most difficult moments.  Perhaps his death was for a purpose of reminding all that Jesus paid the penalty of our sins to satisfy God’s justice.  Most of all however, I believe, TY died to get us all out of our complacency against evil, both foreign and domestic.

Ty’s actions against the rage of a terrible mob with the sole purpose of saving others, reminds me of the words to a song, found in the play “Man of LaMancha”

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe
To bear with unbearable sorrow
To run where the brave dare not go

To right the unrightable wrong
To love pure and chaste from afar
To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star

This is my quest
To follow that star
No matter how hopeless
No matter how far

To fight for the right
Without question or pause
To be willing to march into Hell
For a heavenly cause

And I know if I'll only be true
To this glorious quest
That my heart will lie peaceful and calm
When I'm laid to my rest

And the world will be better for this
That one man, scorned and covered with scars
Still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable star

The fight against evil starts with each and every one of us in our hearts.  Ty gave his last ounce of courage and it cost him his life.  Where do you as an individual stand in this war we must fight? We wrestle not against flesh and blood.  Ty fought his battle, May we do no less for HIM and for our Heavenly Father against evil, whether foreign or domestic.  AMEN.

Benediction:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We know in your Word you promise that for those who mourn, they will be comforted.  We specifically ask comfort for Ty’s family and friends.  Give them the peace that passes all understanding.  I also ask special prayer Lord for those who are fighting battles against both the physical and spiritual realms.  May they find a safe place within your loving arms and strength to go through any burden. 

While the military is at war, America is at the mall and so help us God to wake up from our lethargy against the insidious enemy of evil men who wish us harm.  Protect our nation; protect our fighting men and women.  Give grace to those who are left behind to fight the daily battles on the home front.  Lord, we ask these things in the Holy and precious Name of you Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.