Take a Stand!

by Pastor Ken Gooch                                                                                                                              Vol. XXIII, No. 1, January 2010

This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School , Kingston , Tennessee , by school Principal, Jody McLeod

"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country." Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law.

As I understand the law at this time,

I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate life style," and if someone is offended, that's OK..

I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex...." If someone is offended, that's OK.

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable! means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem...

I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology.."

I can use literature, videos, and presentations in the classroom that depict people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment.."

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.

This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments.

Nevertheless , as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.

For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time.

"However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray.

They prayed in the stands.. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box!

The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America - the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD."

Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee, remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains!

Personal commentary added by Pastor Ken:

Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States of America, Amendment I

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

JESUS said in Matthew 10:32-34 "Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. {33} "But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. {34} "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (NASB)

Perhaps it is time to remember what Peter said to the Religious leaders and be willing to pay the price necessary to take the stand he and the Apostles took! It is time for Christians to get out of the closet and to take a stand for Christ and the Bible and for us to claim once again the true history and heritage of our great nation and call it back to faith in God so that we will truly be "One Nation under GOD!"

And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, {28} saying,"We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." {29} But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We must obey God rather than men. {30} The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. {31} "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. {32} "And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." (Acts 5:27-32 NASB)

If you love God, and you have believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, God Himself and the Only way to heaven, then TAKE A STAND! Get off the sidelines and let's reach our nation with the TRUTH!!!

Pass this one if you dare.

In Christ's Service,

Pastor Ken Gooch

(if you are offended by this, I am sorry that you are but I praise the Lord because, perhaps this will awaken you to your lost state and force you to go back to the Holy Bible and as you do, the power of the Holy Spirit of God will have opportunity to bring you under conviction and to salvation!! )