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RUSSELL SANDERS
12-16-2020
THE SEVEN PRAYER MOUNTAINS – LESSON 8
RELIGION PART 2
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
The idea of “separation of church and state” has been grossly misunderstood in our country, and often wrongly taught. What does it really mean?
First of all, there is no such language in the U.S. Constitution. What it actually says (Amendment I) is “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” It had been a common practice in many European countries for the State (country) to formally make a particular church the lawfully established religion, the only recognized one for that country. In order for any person to hold a public office, it was required that they be a member of that church. Non-members were discriminated against, often even persecuted.
This was written into the constitution to make it illegal to establish any particular religious organization from being made the one and only official state church. It also implies prohibiting discrimination against any church or individual expression of religious faith, belief, or convictions.
The term “separation of church and state” was coined by Thomas Jefferson’s letters (circa 1802-1803) in which he advocated a “wall” of separation between the church and governmental interference. It was expressed as his personal opinion. Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court in 1878 used Jefferson’s letter stating this to the Danbury Baptist Church almost as if it were law. A court opinion stated that his personal view “may be accepted as almost an authoritative declaration of the scope and effect of the amendment.” Upon that premise, they ruled in Reynolds vs. United States that the Mormon Church (Utah) could not legalize polygamy as it was contrary to the public good.
In the Emerson vs. Board of Education (1947) case, Justice Hugo Black wrote “In the words of Thomas Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion was intended to erect a wall of separation between Church and State.” This actually affirms that no religion should dictate the affairs of government and that government would not interfere with church matters, which is true. Unfortunately, some have made an extreme and wrongful interpretation of this.
Clarification came in the 1952 Supreme Court case of Zorach vs. Clauson. The court upheld accommodationism holding that “institutions presuppose a Supreme Being” and that government recognition of God does not constitute the establishment of a state church, which is what the Constitution’s authors intended. It is officially acceptable for the government to acknowledge God and religious faith and expressions related to faith or symbols of it. A government official expressing personal faith or belief is legal and government entities (e.g., schools) may acknowledge religious faith or symbols (e.g., a nativity scene).
The liberal forces (and Satanic forces) have had a lot of success in convincing many people and government entities that any and all expressions relating to God or faith is prohibited by our constitution and court rulings. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Yet, radical groups like the non-profit atheist organization “Freedom From Religion” tries to take out any expression even acknowledging the existence of God. The ACLU, Southern Poverty Law, and others also infringe upon our religious rights and speech.
Religious faith is the moral and ethical backbone of any well-adjusted country. Take that away and the country will eventually self-destruct. Even the mighty Roman Empire of old fell because of the internal moral and ethical corruption which weakened it.
Prayer Points:
1. We need to pray that religious convictions are respected and rights to the exercise thereof are protected by the courts.
2. The government actually should be encouraging and supporting religious faith expression, although not making laws to establish and enforce it, but also not censoring or suppressing it.
3. We need to take back “faith” in this country.
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HELEN SANDERS
12-16-2020
PREPARATION TAKES SEPARATION
In January of this year the Lord gave me two words. Preparation and Separation. I have learned that you can’t have preparation without separation.
In order to know how to prepare physically, we have to take inventory of what we have and what we need. If we know a hurricane is coming (for those of us in Florida) we get water, batteries, candles, food supplies, gas for the generator and a multitude of other things knowing that we might be without power. This is a smart thing to do. There hadn’t been a hurricane in our area for almost 40 years when three came back-to-back in 2004. After the first hurricane, the shelves were bare in the grocery stores, and some of the stores were unable to open up because they had not been prepared with a back up generator. The restaurants lost power and their food also. It was quite an experience going to the store and seeing the shelves empty.
Earlier this year we were told there would be a shortage of toilet paper because of COVID19. The shelves became bare for that, and as of this writing some stores don’t allow you to buy more than a few rolls at a time. This is a basic necessity for everyone if you don’t have a supply of catalogs and leaves to use (my humor).
But how do we prepare spiritually? We are in a season of great change in our country. I have never seen the church so split over an election and over the prophetic words that have come forth. How do we know what to do? How do we prepare if the one we voted for is not the one that gets into office? Will it affect our lives?
When I look at scripture, I see the early church coming together, praying, and then acting on what God spoke to them. They didn’t rely on the government (it was their enemy) and they didn’t rely on anyone but God. They had no choice. There were no programs in place until later that took care of the widows and the orphans. There were great needs then just like today. They didn’t have the internet and they didn’t have social media. They spent their time separated alone, praying, and listening to God. That is how they survived! Many were taken into captivity for their belief in Jesus and killed. There was a man after them named Saul that was doing great harm to the early church. I truly believe they prayed for him and that is why he had the Damascus Road experience and met Jesus face to face. What a conversion it was. From destroyer of the church to the apostle that wrote most of the New Testament. Even Saul (now named Paul) had to get alone with God and find out God’s plan for HIS life. He didn’t consult Peter, James or John. He went into the dessert and talked with God. This separation time made him prepared for what his assignment was.
If you truly want to be prepared in this season that we are in, you absolutely must spend time alone with God. Block out all the chaos around you. Just pray, listen, and then act on what God says. If you don’t get immediate instructions, then don’t do anything until you do. Hasty decisions without God in them can lead to disaster. If someone gives you a word (prophecy) that doesn’t agree with your spirit, then throw it out. Go with God my friends and you can never go wrong. Separate your self and prepare like you never have before, and you will get through the days ahead no matter what happens in your life. Keep the praise on and trust that God will see you through.
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12-13-2020 -----CHURCH ON THE NET
God's Timing - This message helps us understand why things don't happen in our timing but must be left to God to bring them about in His timing. Click to watch
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EQUIPPING THE SAINTS -
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1:00 p.m. EST
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REVELATION BIBLE STUDY
TONIGHT
Tuesday evenings at 7:p.m. EST
This week is Session 24 - chapters 17
The Scarlet Woman and the Scarlet Beast
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TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION - |
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What describes the form of government of the United States of America?
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YESTERDAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION
What is the current salary for most Senators and Representatives?
The correct answer is:
$174,000 a year
33.3% answered correctly with
$174,000 a year
33.3% answered incorrectly with
$85,000 a year
16.7% answered incorrectly with
$220,000 a year
16.7% answered incorrectly with
$56,000 a year
We do not share these polls with any other sources. They are for your enjoyment and benefit only.
Answers must be in by 6 p.m. to be counted in the poll
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Have you ever heard the voice of the Holy Spirit speak to you?
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YESTERDAY'S SURVEY:
Is attending church (In person or virtual) a priority in your life?
100% answered:
Yes
We do not share these surveys with any one. They are for your enjoyment only.
All poll answers must be submitted by 6:00 p.m to be included in the next day results
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TEACHING AND EQUIPPING THE SAINTS THROUGH:
Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers
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Apostle Pat Murray
12-15-2020
Don’t fret and don’t you worry when you see the place where you’ve been start to dry up. The truth is that sometimes things simply have to change and dry up; Or wild horses could’ve never pulled you away from where you’d become comfortable and content...In order for you to be free to move on into all that God had awaiting you for the upcoming season. We’re all quite aware of how God will sometimes use nature or the common things around us to get our full attention. Remember the story of the Prophet Elijah in I Kings 17:7a. “After a while the brook dried up.” So pause for a moment and ask yourself these questions: “Am I prepared to accept the fact that things just aren’t the same anymore?” And...”Can I fully commit to letting the past season go; Releasing all that used to be and just move on...Can I? Will I?” The truth is you can rest assured and be at sweet peace; Knowing there’s a place just ahead that awaits you...And it will be not only the best place; But it will also be God’s blessed place for what’s ahead of you. Don’t ever forget that God really does know what’s best for us all...And He knows when one season is over and when it’s time to cross on over to the other side.
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JEREMIAH JOHNSON
12-13-2020
“As I was preaching this morning in Georgia at Christ Fellowship Church of Dawsonville, a prophetic word spontaneously erupted out of my spirit and it was this...
“Because the American Church has refused a Great Awakening in 2020, behold a Rude Awakening is coming in 2021. Rejoice knowing that a remnant will arise from her slumber next year like never before but also mourn and weep knowing the deception and falling away from the truth will be like nothing you have ever heard of or seen before.”
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HELEN SANDERS
AUGUST 17, 2020
A PROPHETIC WORD
Here you are my child in the secret place. Yes, I have bid you come, and you responded to the call. Let me shower you with my love saith the Lord, for I love you with an everlasting love that no one can take away from you. Come rest by my side and let me hold you close. For soon things are going to change on the face of the earth that will cause you to want to lose hope, but you will have hope when you come here and rest by me. I would say that the hours ahead will test your faith, but surely you shall pass the test as you wait in my presence and hear the plan I have for you. I shall alter things that would bring harm and move things out of the way for your sake because of my love for you. For my child the enemy has asked to sift you and I have prayed for you not to fail. Yes, you have come to this hour and this place, and this is your place of safety and peace. I will show you the plan. I have a plan that will bring you comfort in spite of the things going on around you. For the trial that is to come is as great as the trial I had in the garden of gethsemane. You might even ask me to remove the cup that I have for you, but I will be with you through this trial, and I will help you drink the cup. I am going to guide you into the sweetness of my presence that shall sustain you. Oh the cup will be heavy, but it must come. It will come upon all those that have put their trust in me. Easy and painless is the way of those of no faith. The way is wide for them. Narrow is the way for those that are of true faith my child. Narrow, and tight, but I will guide you every step of the way as you come here and listen to me. For there is great darkness to soon come and you must not let my light slip from you. You must be willing to carry the torch and shine for me saith the Lord. I will sustain you in the hours ahead. I will comfort the wounds and remove your fears as you come here and listen to my voice. Now let me dry those tears and let me touch you saith the Lord. Let me hold you close and tell you the plan saith the Lord, here in the quiet place.
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What was Mary Magdalene's occupation before she met Jesus?
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YESTERDAY'S
BIBLE QUIZ QUESTION:
What was the name of the thief that was released and in his place Jesus was crucified?
The Correct answer is:
Barabbas
100% got it right with
Barabbas
We do not share these polls with any other sources. They are for your enjoyment and benefit only.
Answers must be in before 6 p.m. to be counted in the poll
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SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY
...Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Acts 16:30b-31 KJV
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TODAY'S BIBLE TRIVIA QUIZ |
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What man was married to his half sister in the Bible?
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ
What country is Ur of the Chaldees presently known as?
The correct answer is:
Iraq
33.4% answered correctly with:
Iraq
33.3% answered incorrectly with Iran
33.3% answered incorrectly with
Syria
We do not share these polls with any other sources. They are for your enjoyment and benefit only.
Your answers must be in by 6 p.m. of any given day to be counted in calculating the answers.
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