“You must think we’re equal!”
Recently, I’ve had multiple, unrelated conversations addressing a similar theme — all beliefs, lifestyles and truth-claims are equal. However, these late discussions have taken a fresh path as I interjected, “You must think we’re equal.” (Hahaha! Their faces are arrested.)
When confronted with god-questions, these people (prisoners, guards, congregants, friends, family, strangers, old, young, etc.) respond quickly and proudly with their beliefs and conclusions about religion, God, life, and philosophy. (And honestly, the more they speak, the more they reveal their immaturity and shallowness on the issues of God.)
One young man — smug and conceited — was proudly and arrogantly sharing his primitive conclusions about why “Jesus couldn’t be the only way” because, as he put it, “What about other cultures? What about people who’ve never heard of Jesus? People-groups around the world are different and have a right to believe what their heritage has taught them. They can’t all be wrong!” And so on. I tried to reason with him, “You’re the kind of young man I like to engage because you’ve given this god-stuff some thought, but you have so many knowledge gaps. I would like to take you to lunch – my treat – because I can answer all of your questions.”
I asked him, “Are open to more info?” He haughtily responded, “Are you? Can I share my info with you and could you receive from me?!!” I flatly told him, “Ahhh. I see your problem. You’re close-minded and you don’t want to change, but your biggest problem right now is that you think we’re equal.” (LOL! His mouth was open and he stared at me in disbelief.) I proceeded, “Oh, did that offend you? Your face just fell. Shock, pride, and rebellion have taken over your face.” (Yes, I said this.)
Another young man, another a similar conversation later that week in the Friday Sxxual Integrity class: a self-professed atheist, he proposed that his views on sxx are equal to what I had been sharing from the Bible. I asked him, “Are we equal?” Without much thought, he quickly and pompously said yes. The immediate conversation went something like this:
Me: Okay, so how long have you been on island?
Him: Two years.
Me: What was your rank?
Him: Corporal.
Me: Let’s say a new, young Marine, fresh out of MOS school, just checked in to your unit. You’ve been put in charge of teaching him and showing him the ropes. Are you two equal?
Him (bloated): No! Of course not!
Me: Why?
Him: Because I’ve been here longer, and I know more than him.
Me: Let that sink in. (Haha!)
Every, single one of us is walking history. We’ve seen some things, been through some things. But honestly, the elderly get my admiration and respect. I often stand in awe of them, because when I stop and reflect, I’m humbled at the realization that you don’t get to seventy, eighty, or ninety years-old without having endured through some things. This is partially why God’s word says:
▪ “Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the LORD.” (Lev 19:32 NLT)
▪ “The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” (Pro 20:29 NLT)
I told all these people, “We are not equal!” I explained. “I’m fifty-seven. I’ve been married almost thirty-three years, raised three daughters, successfully gotten them through college (the baby girl graduates next year). I served twenty-two years in the Marine Corps – to include a combat tour in the middle-east. I’ve been retired ten times longer than you’ve been in the Corps. I’ve been volunteering my time in the Brig since you were a one-year old. I’ve been an ordained missionary for eleven years, been pastoring and teaching for almost twenty years (Lol! That’s over 2800 sermons and 808k hours). I’ve spent countless hours in prayer, in counseling, and in crisis. I have over a thousand books in my library, all of which I’ve read. I’ve planted about a dozen various ministries. I’ve baptized, married, and buried many souls. By faith, I’ve walked and talked with God and I’ve experienced His unspeakable deliverance, direction, salvation, and love. Any wisdom I have comes from Him.”
Since I have their full attention, I go on to tell these men and women, “Let’s put this further to the test.” I pose questions like:
▪ Is a PFC equal to a SgtMaj? (Not equal!)
▪ Is a 2dLt equal to a Colonel? (Not equal!)
▪ Is a child equal to their parent? (Not equal! FYI: Children shouldn’t be allowed to call their parents by their first name. For the same reason, congregants should not be on a first name basis with their Pastors. Message me if you have questions.)
▪ Is a student equal to a Teacher? (Not equal!)
▪ Is an employee equal to their employer? (Not equal!)
▪ Is a citizen equal to a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO)? (Not equal! I already know some of you are butt-hurt by this one, but that LEO has been given authority over citizens. And for good reason.)
▪ Are personal truth-claims equal to the Bible? (Not equal!)
▪ Are your personal beliefs equal to the the Bible ? (Not equal!)
▪ Is your personal lifestyle equal to the Bible? (Not equal!)
▪ Is milk-based Christianity equal to meat-based Christianity? (Not equal! FYI: Read Heb 5:11-14)
▪ Are indifferent, passive Christians equal to engaged, hands-on Christians? (Not equal! Baby Christians — of all ages — tend to be my biggest critics and challenges.)
▪ Are Christians that only read about history equal to Christians that read and make history? (Not equal!)
▪ Are milk-based churches equal to meat-based churches? (Not equal!)
▪ Are other nations equal to America? (Not equal! )
(And the list goes on.)
Bottom-line here: All beliefs, lifestyles, and truth-claims are not equal! The Word of God is the only true measuring stick for all beliefs and morality. Given to us by God, the bible is true whether people believe it or not, know it or not, and like it or not. When Christians yield, or remain immature, a form infantism and immaturity will rule.
▪ Isaiah 3:1-5 “The Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, will take away from Jerusalem and Judah everything they depend on: every bit of bread and every drop of water, (vs.2) all their heroes and soldiers, judges and prophets, fortune-tellers and elders, (vs.3) army officers and high officials, advisers, skilled craftsmen, and astrologers. (vs.4) I will make boys their leaders, and toddlers their rulers. (vs.5) People will oppress each other—man against man, neighbor against neighbor. Young people will insult their elders, and vulgar people will sneer at the honorable.”
▪ Jeremiah 6:16 “The LORD said: My people, when you stood at the crossroads, I told you, ‘Follow the road your ancestors took, and you will find peace.’ But you refused.” (CEV)
I end all these conversations with the million-dollar question: “Who’s gonna pay for your sins?” Does your lifestyle, beliefs, or truth-claims provide an answer to this dilemma? Nope! So, call upon the name of the Lord for salvation. (Read Romans 10:13)
AGREE WITH US IN PRAYER:
a. For the Brig/Prison: I continue to ask God for all the souls in the Brig… even the Guards. Pray for the inmates, guards, and their families. Bind up spirits of bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, and restoration!
b. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant). Pray for mature, qualified families and permanent personnel to co-labor with us in the northern-most, remote area of Okinawa.
c. For Zebulun Worship Team. We’re in a building stage. Pray for our Leader, Singers, and Musicians, that a true, deep desire for worship and the presence of God is our goal!
d. For our Believers, that they walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit!
e. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits (on base and off base). Bind up demonic spirits of lust, division, strife, envy, competition, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, and faith among Believers.
f. For our current schedule, i.e. finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength:
– Sun: Share/Report Christians In Action ministries
– Mon: Radical & Relevant (R&R) @7pm
– Wed: Brig Christian Fellowship (BCF) @7pm
– Thu: Publish Think On These Things Newsletters
– Thu: Publish YouTube Videos (Channel: YahwehHasASon)
– Fri: Sxxual Integrity & Restoration (SIR) @9am
– Sat: Zebulun Christian Discipleship Center (ZCDC) @6pm
FYI:
I’ve found that the degree to which you seek God, is the degree to which He will reveal Himself to you. If you only want 5% of God, that’s all you’ll get. But, if you want all of Him, His revelation flows! Our God speaks! (Isa 45:19; Amo 5:4) Seek Him with all of your heart! (Jer 29:13)
IN CLOSING…
Saints, Sandy and I have been under tremendous pressure over the last two months. It has been demanding, worrisome, and almost unbearable. But honestly, in the midst of all this, even as we press on, there’s been so much Kingdom fruit and increase. Salvations, baptisms, healings, and restorations are the norm. Disciples are being made and released into the fields. Our people here are being equipped and emboldened, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and they are effectively engaging in this battle for souls!
Again, we covet your prayers. They are vital to our success and strength. Also, we ask that you consider partnering with us in these ministries with monetary donations and support. Financial gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below.
I declare, according to God’s great mercy, He has caused you to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! (1Pe 1:3)
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In His life,
Pastor Nick & Sandy Guerra
Contributions can be sent to:
Dominic Guerra (Acct# 426)
c/o Christians In Action, Missions International
1318 E. Shaw Avenue – Suite 308
Fresno, CA 93710-7912
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