Quarterly Newsletter: Summer 2008

Mike and Sandy Swagerty Is it just my imagination, or does it seem to you with each passing year that the foundational principals that made this nation great are being eroded away? I listen to the news, and especially this year, hear the politicians give their speeches, and I can’t believe what has happened to our priorities. Let me cite a few examples to illustrate what I am saying.

It is now an unspoken rule that you can’t bring God into a public discussion. It is no longer the “politically correct” thing to do.
If you insist that Jesus is the only way to God, more and more people are offended. This includes increasing numbers of professing Christians.
Moral values that used to be the norm have largely been pushed to the side. I would cite three: 1. Save sex for marriage. 2. Be faithful to your mate and marry until “death do us part”. 3. Marriage is by definition “one man and one woman”.
The government seems to insist on being involved in everything. What happened to personal responsibility first and the government only as a last, desperate option?
A two way street of loyalty between employer and employee. Longevity on one job used to be an asset. Now it seems to be viewed as a liability.
Isolation replacing community. How many of our neighbors do we even know, much less have regular fellowship with?

As I pondered the above points, a scripture came flooding into my mind. It is from Psalm 11, written by David. In verse 3 he laments, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The implication of the Hebrew word translated “foundations” is interesting. It means “political or moral support; foundation or purpose”. What is our purpose in this nation? We seem to have no moral compass that we can agree upon.

But let’s not stray from the question David raised. What are the righteous to do? People like you and me? The answer to me lies in the very next verse which reads, “The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, his eyelids test the sons of men.” Okay, so the nation is losing its purpose, God is still in charge. He hasn’t left His throne. So from God’s perspective, what should our response be? Let me share some thoughts that have come to me as I have pondered this question.

Verse 4 says that troubling times are a test. Will we react in a Godly way, or forget that God sits on His throne?
God never promised Christians a “bed of roses”. Jesus stated that all who desire to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. So if we become a marginalized and persecuted minority in this country, it is what was promised us!
Being a follower of Jesus is characterized as the “narrow and straight path that few find”. So don’t be surprised if you just don’t fit into the generally accepted way of viewing and doing things.
This is Satan’s world. Even though Jesus will never fail us or forsake us, that is still in the context of this Satan dominated world we live in.
The only permanent cure for what ails us is the second coming of Christ and the setting up of the fullness of His Kingdom.
Following the directive of Hebrews 10:23-25 about living in difficult times, we should pursue community with our brothers and sisters in Christ, to encourage and assure each other.
And finally, be a light to all you encounter. You may be the only positive example some folks will see. Always love, serve and pray for others, in our out of the body of Christ.

About the time you receive this letter about 100 young people and their counselors will be going to Word of Life camp. Please be praying for their safety, and that the camp experience will have a positive impact on the kids in their relationship with Christ.

In closing, I know we are all in an economic squeeze with the price of practically everything we commonly purchase going up. But please continue to do what you are able in support of our local congregation and the ministries we have.

With Christian love,
Mike Swagerty,
your pastor and brother in Christ

Main Contact Person for WCG Sacramento, CA: Pastor Mike Swagerty
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