Rise Up!

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We are living in a time of deconstruction, where the foundations of Christendom and Western civilization are being torn down. Postmodernism, relativism, individualism, and pride have eroded the faith and values that have guided our societies for centuries. Sin and rebellion against Christ and His Church are rampant, leading us down a path of destruction.

But we do not need to despair. We have a choice to make. We can continue down this path of destruction, or we can return to Christ and His Church in humility, confession of sin, repentance, faith, and obedience. We can stand in the ways and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and we shall find rest for our souls (Jeremiah 6:16).

We must not be like the stiff-necked and hard-hearted Israelites who refused to walk in the good way. We must rise up and take a stand for Christ and His truth. The time for playing games is over. We must get real and be willing to take up our cross and follow Him.

As the apostle Paul wrote, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). We must put on the whole armor of God and stand firm against the devil's schemes.

Let us also remember the words of the prophet Micah: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). Let us strive to live out these words in our daily lives, seeking justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

May we be encouraged by the words of Jesus: "Take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Let us rise up as Christians and be the salt and light that our world so desperately needs.

In Christ,

Rev. James Brown Jr., Pastor
Holy Trinity Reformed Church

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" –Ephesians 5:10-19