John 15:18-19 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
So late last week, the Department of Defense announced that Evangelicals and Catholics have been added to the Extremist list (here). They have since then issued an apology and retraction to this power point slide from the briefing.
I am a little shocked that so many Christians were so surprised by this move. This should not have been a surprise to anyone who reads his or her Bible. Jesus clearly prophesied that these days are coming. It is still something to be upset about.
I am outraged because I am a patriot. I love my country and I love God and I have been branded as an Extremist equal to those who would destroy our freedom such as Al Quaeda, according to this article. I served in the United States Army as an Infantryman. While serving in the Army I earned my ranger tab, airborne and air assault wings. In 1996 I was honorably discharged from the Army so that I could pursue God’s calling on my life to full time ministry. After getting out of Bible college I returned to Fort Campbell where I continue to serve God and the US ARMY as a Combatives Instructor teaching hand-to-hand combat to America’s finest men and women- warriors who have sacrificed life, limb and time with family so that we can live in peace, security and freedom.
Yet in light of that outrage I find a deep peace in knowing that my God and my Savior told me there was coming a day when the world and even the US Government would hate me on behalf of Him.
I am reading a great book right now called “It Cant Happen Here” by Sinclair Lewis. It was written in the early part of the last century about Socialism and Communism. There are some awesome parallels in it that can be drawn with our Christian faith.
