What’s My Hashtag?
If I were to hashtag a couple of phrases that identify the ministry of Jake McCandless, they would be #spiritualprepper and #standfirm. And since they are not copyrighted, I am tempted to apply them to my own ministry. That is just one small indication that Jake and I are like-minded when it comes to the state of the world, the church, and Israel, and the biblical view of how they converge in the future. So, as you read this blog, please keep in front of you the question, “What’s my hashtag?” You may discover that more than one applies.
I pray that you don’t wind up with something like #whatever, or #whocares, or even something more spiritual like #itwillallpanout, or #Godsincharge. So that we end up with the right conclusions we must start with the right premises. So here are a few things which I consider non-negotiable:
- Man is inherently sinful (Romans 3:10-20, 23)
- Death is the just payment for sin (Ezekiel 18:20a; Romans 6:23a)
- Salvation is a gift which comes through faith in the work of Jesus the Christ (Ephesians 2:5, 8-9)
- When the gift is received by faith, a new creation is born (2 Corinthians 5:17)
- The new creation is empowered by grace to do righteous works (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 2)
Faith and Works
If you’re like me, you can use a gentle reminder from time to time of works which grace empowers us to do; the Word directs us to do, and faith requires us to do. If our faith is all talk and no action, it will eventually prove to be disingenuous and dead (James 2:14-26). Jesus said, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Jesus equates the keeping of His commandments with love for Him and the Father (John 14:21, 23).
Just to be clear, we are not saved by our works (as good as they might be), but the saving faith which receives the gift of salvation produces works of righteousness. Rather than give you a checklist, may I just direct you to an oft-forgotten passage of Scripture.
“Examine yourselves [as to] whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Warning
In today’s culture (which often affects the church rather than the other way around) we are encouraged and even forced to be tolerant and accepting of all sorts of ideologies and lifestyles. Some denominations have wholeheartedly accepted such unbiblical practices as abortion and same-sex marriage, often under the guise of love. However, let’s be clear about this: condoning or embracing anything that is not biblical is not love, no matter how popular it may be.
The Bible’s own self-commentary declares itself to be truth (John 17:17), and it is only by hearing and trusting in this Word than men are saved (Ephesians 1:13). So what are we called to do? Preach the Word (truth). Teach the Word (truth). Speak the Word (truth) in love. Sometimes this will encourage; sometimes it will admonish. Often it will stir up opposition and persecution. You can expect that, especially when your lifestyle matches up with the Word.
Blessed [are] those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great [is] your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.(2 Timothy 3:12)
And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting [them] to continue in the faith, and [saying], “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 1421-22)
Application
Fear not! What follows is not a long, complicated “to do list.” Jesus removed complication when He gave us the Great Commandment (Mark 12:30-31) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Simple? Yes! Easy? No! Yet there must be an application of these two passages. Someone once said, “Impression without expression produces depression!” We are exhorted to be doers of the Word and not just hearers (Luke 6:46-49; James 1:22-25). Yes, it’s hard, but what’s your hashtag? #greaterishethatisinme? #morethan a conqueror? #overcomer? #spiritfilled? Jesus promised us the power to do His bidding (Matthew 28:18; Acts 18).
With that settled, let me give you one simple application, accompanied by a new hashtag #voiceforthevoiceless, or maybe #defenderoftheweak, or #silentnomore. I’m talking about getting involved in the righteous work of abolishing abortion. Maybe your place is on the streets in front of an abortion mill (persecution bootcamp), or maybe God has called you to establish a ministry whose goal is to abolish abortion. Or maybe you are called to do what anyone can do: Pray to God and Plea with Government. It’s simple and you have help available. As the Nike commercial says, “Just Do It!”
Please check out Devoted to Life: A 365 Day Devotional to Restore America’s Greatness by Les Young for inspiration on standing against abortion in America.
Other books by Les Young include:
“4 X 4 Love for Life’s Off-road Experiences”
“Revelation – A Guide to Unravelling the Mystery”
Les Young is an ordained minister of the Gospel with a rich and varied background, ranging from firefighter/EMT to CEO of a large insurance agency; from commander of a Combat Engineer Company to pastor of a local church. He is married to his best friend Barbara, and they have three children and six grandchildren. Les has a masters from Duke University, a Doctorate in Biblical Studies from Master’s International, and a PhD from Covenant bible College & Seminary. He has been involved in the Pro-life movement for three decades, working with Life Chains, Operation Save America, and 40 Days for Life. He is the founder of the Facebook Group “Defund Planned Parenthood” and is the initiator of the 3.1.10 initiative. He has a passion to see personhood rights given to the unborn from the moment of conception.
