A Christian’s Response to Terrorism

“But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant! They wander about in darkness, while the whole world is shaken to the core.” Psalm 82:5

Once again, Americans have been shaken by the tragedies that have happened this past weekend, particularly the mass shooting in Orlando. My heart goes out to all who have been affected by this act of terror; may God surround you as you walk through this difficult time.

To those who are mystified and even scared about how to proceed as these random acts of terror seem to go by unhindered, I want to take a few moments to remind you of a few things.

What Do We Do Now?

Paris.

The mention of this city conjures up much emotion right now—everything from heartbreak for the families who have lost a loved one to anger at the evil that triggered the tragedies. No words can describe how we should react to a situation like this. The instinct to #prayforParis as many have had is good. God truly is the only answer for a situation like this. He knows how to comfort hearts, restore families, and heal bodies.

Now, there is something you can do beyond praying for those affected by this act of terrorism: Don’t be afraid. Fear is exactly the response terrorists want. Instead, remember that God has prepared a place of peace for those who abide in His “secret place.” Take a look:

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

America Needs You

America’s President and Secretary of State have negotiated and signed a nuclear agreement with Iran. Despite coming to this agreement with our diplomats, the Iranians and their Ayatollah have made it clear they will not change their attitude about or action toward America.

It’s foolish to think that good intentions on our part to bring peace will change the intention on Iran’s end. We are an enemy to Iran just as Israel is. The determined purpose of Iran’s holy war is to bring destruction to Israel and its western counterparts, which is America.

The one saving grace we have is that this agreement has yet to be ratified by Congress. You and I can communicate with our congressional representatives and stop these dangerous initiatives in our nation.

The Election Is Done: Now What?

Another election has passed. You’re probably feeling any or all of the following:

1. Elation that the candidates you wanted were elected to office.
2. Frustration that other candidates you wanted didn’t make it in.
3. Relief that you won’t have to watch political ads for a while.
4. Election? I already forgot about it.

Although it will take a while for political pundits to wade through the implications of the election, many Americans will move on much sooner. Yet, I want to encourage you to continue to stay connected to the political realm. Here’s how:

America Must Support Israel

Earlier this week, over 5,000 Christians invaded Washington DC for the ninth annual Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Washington Summit. This summit hosted by CUFI is an opportunity for Christians to let our government know that we support Israel, and we urge them to do the same.

The Paths of Our Founding Fathers

A total of 52 of our 55 founding fathers who had a role in producing the Constitution—most of whom also worked on the Bill of Rights—were committed members of either Orthodox or Evangelical Christian churches.

America Needs to Back Israel

Our nation is facing more of a crisis at the moment than many people realize because of the approach America seems to be taking toward Israel. As our government pursues some type of accord with Iran, they are putting pressure on Israel. This pressure is dangerous not only for Israel, but for us as well. Whether that pressure includes the land-for-peace mentality or stopping settlements,  no nation and no person have the right to limit what God gave Israel or the Israelites’ right to occupy their land—yet that is what is in process right now.

Faith and Our Political Influence

Christians have a responsibility to put men or women of the Bible in office. That’s not just my words; that’s a statement backed by the Bible and many of our founding fathers including John Jay, our first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He once said:

“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.”

The Judeo-Christian ethic our nation was founded upon is the only thing that has made our democracy work and kept it from being corrupted for as long as it has been.  As John Jay and many other founding fathers knew, the only way to ensure America’s success continues is to be certain we have a government that respects that principle and develops laws accordingly.