To Vote – or Not to Vote?

October 17, 2016October 17, 2016 / Charles Cooley / Leave a comment

As you vote – think of this!

I have been asked “Who do I vote for?” and my answer is – “Vote for whom God tells you to.” But, it is imperative that you do vote! I know that from a Christian perspective neither candidate’s personal life is very appealing but, I want you to know that these candidates also represent political parties and Platforms as well as their own agendas.

Let me remind you what the main parties stand for –

I also remind you that current liberal Justices have consistently backed policies that are anti-Christian and anti-Constitution and that a Democrat Administration will likely appoint like-minded Justices. Franklin Graham who has been leading a nation-wide 40 day prayer recently also urged Christians to vote. To see what he had to say click the link below –

http://cbn.com/tv/embedplayernews.aspx?bcid=5170184619001

Then there is the issue of ‘national security’. I know political pundits all mimic the mantra “It’s the economy dummy!” but, I remind you if the country falls to terrorism or outside hostile forces – the “economy” won’t matter that much! Democrats have not a good record on national security and the present Democrat Administration has made ‘back-door’ deals with avowed enemy states that support terrorism such as Iran. They have even welcomed known terrorist supporters into the Administration and other government intelligence groups. One terrorist group, the Muslim Brotherhood, has been welcomed by Obama and Hillary Clinton into sensitive positions. CBN’s Stakelback reported in the following link –

http://cbn.com/tv/embedplayernews.aspx?bcid=1505397963001

Also, it is possible that if you vote for one of the third party candidates you will just weaken the Republican or Democrat candidate that did have a chance to win.

However, if you believe neither main-line Party is worth electing because they seldom actually do what they promise, maybe it is time to take a stand and vote for someone you respect, that has Godly principles, and be willing to build for the future because you likely will not win this time around.

No one can tell who to vote for but remember, you will answer to God for your choice and your answer will be judged by His standards – not the Democrat’s or the Republican’s.

To Vote or not to Vote?

September 22, 2016September 23, 2016 / Charles Cooley / Leave a comment

The United States is locked in political combat, mostly between Democrats and Republicans. Even though only a relatively small number of Americans are actively involved in the infighting, all will bear the consequences of the battle. It is somewhat like a mini-Civil War dividing even families. For the most part, the muskets and cannons are missing, but damage is still being done. And as it was during the Civil War, Christians are being drawn in on both sides. I believe the same events are happening all over the world. How can this happen? Continue reading →

Which King will you choose?

July 19, 2016 / Charles Cooley / 1 Comment

As the United States is laboring under the selection of a new President it would be well to remember some Bible history – the story of King Saul.

“Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?” – 1 Samuel 10:1

“And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.” 1 Samuel 10:24

Saul was outstanding among the people and God even chose him to be king. God even anointed him with His Spirit –

“And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.” – 1 Samuel 10:6

Though Saul genuinely tried to live up to the high-calling he received, we know he failed but the question is why?

“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.” – 1 Samuel 13:13,14

If you read the whole story, you will see that in a moment of stress Saul took things in his own hands –

“And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.” – 1 Samuel 13:9

He was supposed to wait for Samuel to make the offerings to God because God had given Samuel alone this authority but, in a moment of great stress, he relied on religion rather than on God’s word and it cost him the kingdom. Just like the people had done in appointing a king in the first place so Saul did – he trusted in the “arm of flesh” rather than in God!

Saul had made a good start with the Lord. The Lord had even made him into “another man”. – we would call that today a born-again experience but, it was not enough. The word of God says we must go on –

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God “ – Hebrews 6:1

“For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end“ – Hebrews 3:14

The people also failed to trust God and they looked to the world for wisdom instead of to God. They wanted a king like the other nations instead of God.

“And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, Nay, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.” – 1 Samuel 10:19

God gave them the desires of their heart and they ultimately paid a high price for it – they lost their liberty as well as the fullness of God’s blessings. God would continue working with them, but the cost was great.

Now, how does this story apply to us in these days? Much in every way. Many are looking to some political figure to solve all our problems when it is God alone who can save us. As our first President declared, it was the “smiles of heaven” that brought this nation forth and He alone can meet our every need.

But, if we continue on our politically correct rejection of God’s laws of conduct, even denying His existence or His right to impose His rules of conduct upon us, we will condemn ourselves and our country to an existence without His blessings. If you think Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, or any other leader, can lead us into the “promised land”, so to speak, without God’s divine help, you are a fool who deserves what you are going to reap.

In the United States, our vote is precious, and we should not give it without considering the lesson of Saul. We should want someone who exhibits the characteristics of a king David rather than a king Saul –

“as My servant David, who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only what was right in My eyes” – 1 Kings 14:8

If the political parties will not give us such a candidate – then we should look for a party that will!

Judgment Begins with Christians

April 10, 2015April 10, 2015 / Charles Cooley / Leave a comment

The Church Under Attack (Steve Sutherland/Flickr/Creative Commons)

The Church of Jesus Christ is under attack worldwide. In the Middle East and Africa it is under violent attack from Islam but, in the west it is also under attack from such lies as humanism, atheism, false prophets and teachers, and yes, from political correctness. The devil, knowing his time is short, has pulled out all stops in his attacks. If he is unsuccessful in attacking from the outside, he attacks from the inside with sexual perversion, the pride of kingdom building and ‘bigness’, and even the philosophy of trying to be all things to all people. Biblical standards are expendable and take a back seat to a ‘feel good’ gospel.

Jesus would not be welcome in most churches today with His message of “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” He warned about the end times – Continue reading →