The Mind of God in Society

Arguably, the mind of God to a society seems to be best represented through the public display of the Ten Commandments, a just government, and a faithful church. I remember as a young man, that I had a Bible, which collected dust for years. I never opened it. I would look at it and at times treat it with superficial reverence. But never did I consider it's life changing power because I did not understand or know the One who inspired it. And many others are in the same circumstance. They go about life, trying every other option, when the best option has been available and ignored. It has been right under our noses.

With that said, I realize that many are ignorant to biblical truth, both spiritual and practical. So, from God's perspective, societal sins need to be addressed. One method He uses to confront it is to put His mind out there. In fact, if He did not, then we would be much more challenged in coming to a conviction that we need Him. Another fact is that the Bible and civil law have both historically underpinned our society.

A. The Mind of God in History:

Even though American history records the injustice and hypocrisy towards minorities and the under privileged, a just moral code was still available for consideration. What do you think the end would have been if some, like Abraham Lincoln, who believed the Ten Commandments, did not see this hypocrisy and work with others to abolish slavery? What if Abraham Lincoln had become an unrestrained tyrant? I really believe that a Holy and Just God, works against such injustice. It is He that corrected the oppressive nightmare, He who continues to correct and heal it's consequences, and He who works against those who wish to hypocritically gain political advantage by exploiting it for the profit of other ideologically godless agendas. He wrote the Ten Commandments. And He reveals to nations the better path.

B. The Mind of God Towards Atheism:

And I ask today's society, if there was no power to convict the sinner, then why do atheists fight the public display of the Ten Commandments so vehemently? It can only be that the God-sized ideas of the Ten Commandments hold such influence, that the atheist conscience is confronted and a choice is required. Just like Adam and Eve, after they ate of the forbidden fruit, so the atheist mind wishes to deny God and hide from Him. This is evidenced by a Federal Judge, who recently suggests that the Ten Commandments be reduced to six. This would effectively remove God but leave a human moral code that was less offensive. (Google: Federal Judge Suggests Downsizing 10 Commandments or follow blog link to see Article - The Mind of God in You, The Mind of God in Society)

And what other horrible nightmares will grow to maturity and cause the hand of God to smite our nation or world, because it corporately creates a destructive abomination? How many lives will such decisions destroy? Are we naive enough to believe that a humanistic or atheist nation will stop when it removes the voice of God from government? Of course not, because we know through history, that Communism, Nazism, and Socialism all worked to contain, mold, modify, disrupt, and destroy the church influence to society and replace it with the state controlled mindset that promised universal success.

C. The Mind of God Towards Humanism and The Theory of Evolution:

World War 1 and 2 were both hugely influenced because of godlessness and humanism's advance against the Mind of God to society. The powers of European godless influence, and especially Germany's wickedness towards the inhabitants of Africa, resulted in the people being treated as subhuman because of their skin color and culture. However, the real error was to exploit them and classify them according to Darwinian evolutionary theory and this invited the judgment of God. European atrocities towards North Africans occurred long before the slaughter of the Jews. And England, France, Italy, and other nations were just as guilty as America was, though in a sense, World War 2 brought many nations to their senses, for a season. In effect, however, is the result that science without God, and humanistic philosophy killed hundreds of millions of people in the 20th century, as it influenced people to disregard God's values.

D. The Mind of God towards Wickedness:

The world has never been without multiple wars going on at any given time because of man's inherent wickedness. And the judgments of God seem to always disrupt the affairs of men who are creating abominations. There is no difference from the abominations created by Roman Emperors who extended their influence violently against the will of God for the nations and the church of their day, than the struggles of the 20th Century, or the final struggle we are all witnessing today? Since we see today the advance and strengthening of homosexuality, atheism, secular humanism, evolution, Socialism, pagan spirituality, and a host of other destructive ideologies in our midst, how do we as a society or a world expect to escape the consequences? Should we not learn from the mistakes in the 20th Century? Sinners and all saints, we should be on our face before a Holy God. Humanity! There should be an attitude of repentance, though many will not do so. Christian! We would be wise to consider history and continually uphold the Mind of God to our society, as many are faithfully, so doing.

E. The Mind of God to America and the World Today:

If you take the influence of a faithful church, the Ten Commandments, the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and a biblical world view from our society, then you have opposed your own well being. The generations following will rise in a darkness the previous generation could not imagine and evil would escalate out of control. In your hatred of righteousness, you have destroyed yourselves and have become another statistic. This nightmarish scenario is exactly the kind of tension we see in the world today, as it has gone much farther down the path towards judgments. But thank God that there are still millions of strong Christians that God uses to influence our nation away from both godlessness, false religion, and counterfeit Christianity. God help us sustain, even though the American Constitution has been compromised and the social change agents are destroying the minds of the ignorant masses through falsehood in all sectors of our society. And if this is too offensive, then recognize that this is a battle for people's souls and eternal destiny. So, in the name of Jesus Christ, the opinion of this writer is justified through Him. However, I must also vehemently say that were it not for His continuing mercy, I would be right there with them. Nevertheless, woe to the world, when the influence of the faithful church is removed, for the destruction of many will exponentially increase and there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

(Pause - I must say that I am so very indebted to Him. We all are. (Selah - pause and ponder this.

So, God says that NO, the voice of the Almighty will be heard. No matter where the members of the world are at in this journey we call life, mankind must realize that the voice of God through the Ten Commandments is no different than the voice of the prophets in the Bible. In fact, they came through His interaction with one of the greatest prophets whom God used, namely Moses. And they were written by God's own hand. And God will not let us destroy ourselves without crying out in love that we turn back as a nation to Him. His Ten Commandments and the Bible remind us that there is danger and death when we depart from under the shadow of His wings. Dire consequences occur not because He is unfair, but because His justice and holiness demands a penalty for sin and that darkness must flee from His presence. There is no coexistence between light and darkness and no fellowship with Him where unrepentant sins reign. And light prevails or the life is consumed with darkness. In the end, there is no middle ground, though a nation of people have existed there for long periods of time. In other words, riding the fence will get you nowhere. In effect, if you are torn between two decisions, the force of the one you most desire will pull you the most strongly. That is a very precarious place to be, if you are being pulled away from God.

F. The Mind of God Concerning His Timing, Justice, and Our Actions:

So, our nation is in it's darkest hour after it rejects God's voice. Not only in the public square, but most importantly, in the heart. Don't you see, that the heart of a nation is represented by it's public stance and the people who are elected? Unless, of course, a select minority robs the people and supports an agenda the masses do not really agree to. In that case, then those who hold power are liars and deceivers. We are not bound to follow them to destruction. However, in this case, this still requires patience on the part of people, because in God's justice, it is He that repays. It is His to avenge in His own timing. Furthermore, It is not honorable to be a white-washed wall on one side, and hide hypocrisy on the other. Nor, is it acceptable to openly display a wall colored as the rainbow in defiance to a Holy God and the lifestyle He requires. Please don't mistake my intentions. These are not mere political issues. These are biblical issues completely on the basis that God has said so. The very life of a nation and it's people is determined over time based upon how we respond to the voice of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.......and most importantly to Jesus Christ. In the long run, He is in control.

G. The Mind of God For Such a Time as This:

If you are not a follower of Jesus Christ, please think about this. Mature Christians know how the nations are going to respond and of their outcome. We know that Christ will judge the nations, subdue all kingdoms, and rule in righteousness. There never has been, nor will there ever be a King like Him. Never. So, though we know the outcome, there is still one remaining question, and I hope that the Love behind it burns in your heart and pricks your conscience. And I hope it always consumes mine. How will you respond and will you be a part of His kingdom? It is time to accept His salvation, His rule, and His mind. Don't keep pushing it into the back of your mind and please don't take over a decade to decide. That is a painful wilderness path that I am here to tell you is not a fruitful journey.

H. The Mind of God Through His Plan of Salvation for All Mankind:

This Plan is listed below as a general guide. It is very important to seek the scriptures concerning salvation. If you like, you can navigate to Sermons and Devotions Page and read the TSOM Devotions.  They are written according to the plan of salvation and for spiritual encouragement.  Or, you can contact me personally, so that I might answer any questions you have.

God's Plan is:  

1. All it takes, is a sincere acknowledgement of sin in your life.

2. A turning from sin (a 180 degree departure and repentance)

3. The acknowledgement that Jesus paid for your sins through his death on the cross (past, present, and future  -  through His mercy).

4. That you accept His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father in Heaven.

5. He then sends you His Holy Spirit, who will seal you into Christ's Kingdom, and then help you work out your salvation, as He lives out His life in you and through you, also filling your life with the blessing of the Holy Scriptures.

6. He will influence you then to make a pubic acknowledgement of your faith in Him, through water baptism and involvement in a spirit filled Christ-centered church.

7. If you allow Him, God will faithfully place you around other imperfect Christians, and your seeds of faith will grow.

8. And more importantly, His love will flood your soul because He cares for you, even though the weight of the entire world is on His able shoulders.

Your destiny will be changed, regardless of the fact that hell and the world chaos seem to be advancing around you.

You, however, have entered into a binding covenant with Jesus and will be richly rewarded for eternity because you chose to believe Him.

In the hope of Christ,

Steve Clem



News

February 26, 2012

February has been a very challenging month, yet in the valleys, we grow the most. As this is a bi-vocational ministry, there is a constant limitation of time and energy to move forward. During times of exhaustion, I have been troubled, wondering whether the fruit of this ministry is really helping people. At other times, I have checked my heart and pondered if I have somehow missed God. And further still, I see that I have to make some course corrections because of misperceptions. I think that these are all normal experiences for Christians who take up the plow in the harvest of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pressing through hard times can, in fact, become defining moments where resolve to continue is cemented into form. With this kind of honest approach, and being steadfast while moving forward, one step at a time, inspiration will continue. I accept that this foundation is going to take some time to build, but I know that God knows exactly what He is doing. In the end, I am comforted that the foundation will endure, if I am patient to see it completed right the first time.

One thing that has troubled me has been in finding the right local body of believers and an accountability structure that will help me be a better Christian and Ministry Coordinator. I have been seeking God for the best connection to the community of flesh and blood believers in our area for a long time, because I recognized that we all need a safe, extended family. I maintain that building a ministry and putting your hand to the plow is important, yet it is often difficult to integrate into a local church, if you are perceived as a threat. Understandably, mutual trust is a very important value amongst Christians, and misunderstandings can easily develop. It is very important that one does not exalt themselves or their ministry at the expense of being cooperative to those who have spiritual charge over them in the Lord. And competition in the body of Christ can be utterly repulsive to God's desire for biblical unity. Also, at the heart of our faith, the enemy of Christ has undermined us at every turn, seeking to destroy the very fabric of our lives. In reality, everyone talks of accountability, unity, and biblical integrity. However, if people are honest about this, they have to admit that talking or writing about it and living it are very different things. It seems that anywhere you bring people together for any purpose, it can be challenging because people are messy. But, on the other hand, we can never, underestimate the interaction of other believers and the counsel of the righteous as we are sharpened by the Lord.

Finally, after a long journey, I can honestly say that it is refreshing to tell people who are visiting the Murfreesboro, TN area, that there is a men's group based out of World Outreach Church, called Sincere Men After Real Truth (SMART....aka....The Smart Guys) that I have chosen to become accountable to in the Lord. Their ministry and World Outreach Church are built on another family's foundation, as they follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Not wanting to subvert or diminish their work in the Lord, I submit to them and look forward to seeing how God is going to use them to help me continue to develop not only as a Christian, but also as the Ministry Coordinator of Focus On Christ Ministries. Now, before reading this, they do not know they are helping me with FOCM, but in an indirect way, that is exactly what they are doing through their ministry. At World Outreach Church, it is the perfect place for me to face my giants and work through the issues confronting me at this stage of my Christian growth. In addition, I am encouraged that Jessie and Johanna are also growing in this church. Of course, no church is perfect, but I believe that this is where we are to plant in some healthy soil.

Now, because I write publicly and identify with this body of believers, it is important to note our ministry is not endorsed by World Outreach Church, nor are we seeking an endorsement from men. It has to be said as I continue FOCM activity, that I do not desire to create a conflict of interest or struggle of purpose between us and WOC. Though, I honestly hope the Lord will somehow use my brothers to encourage me in this ministry building journey, this is something that I would desire to be God-breathed. I think that the WOC Smart Men's leadership, it's teaching format, and it's relational approach to going through biblical material is a step in the right direction. I have found it encouraging to learn that I share many commonalities with other men in this group. I am also encouraged due to God's interaction in our lives, as we integrate into this body and see more of His purposes.

All things in God's timing, and I don't want to limit God in the future. After all, none of us can predict the future or see the full path laid before us. But God can and I hope that I am able to find the exact format where FOCM can develop as an encouragement for those who are seeking Christian truth. And, of course, this is the part of the ministry that seems to be under the most development. At this time, I cannot even clearly see the full foundation and assumptions I made just a few months ago need modifications.

To my friends on Facebook, or to travelers to Murfreesboro, TN....If you looking for a solid body, come visit World Outreach Church. If you are a local man seeking growth in Christ, then by all means, please check out the WOC Smart Men's Fellowship in person or say hello on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/woc.smart or contact World Outreach Church at http://www.wochurch.org.


January 19, 2012

January has been shaping up as a busy month with lots of lessons. If there is one thing a person needs when they want to do something for God, it is patience, perspective, and a heart to listen. I am so glad that God is allowing me to experience learning how to build a ministry. I am so appreciative that He is slowing things down here at Focus On Christ Ministries, so that I can think about the foundation that is being formed. Part of our focus is on furthering my education so that I am prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. The journey is exciting and God has lead me to a number of resources on line that help me honor Him while growing academically and ethically.

I would highly recommend trying out the Bible.org Theology Program videos if you would like to receive very high quality and free education with a seminary perspective made for laymen. I also recommend the NET Bible as on online resource that will enhance your Bible Study time. You can find the Recommended links on our Resources page. God Bless, From Steve Clem!


December 18, 2011

This is awesome! The Focus On Christ Network group ministry groundwork has been laid. We have created the orientation, mission statement, guiding principles, and broadcast initiative. We will continue to prayerfully seek God and communicate our vision to others. We will continue to develop this para-church ministry, water the soil, and look to God for it's growth. What still remains is a place and time to meet, and some of the biblical developmental materials the ministry will need. We are looking to God for His exact timing and sound input.


December 3, 2011

God is always faithful!!! The Focus on Christ Ministries website and the Focus Blog are LIVE! The basic web foundation, save for optimization and other minor improvements, is complete.

We are excited and look forward to building this ministry on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ and the Apostles teaching. There is still much more media content to add to the site, and most of it should be added in the weeks to come. The Focus Blog is a great place to connect and become introduced to what God is doing through our ministry efforts.

Most exciting of all, is that recently, God gave Steve a vision for the future and we will continue to build upon it. The vision, in God's timing, is to develop Focus on Christ Networks in the local community. More on this in the weeks to come. We appreciate your support!



November 22, 2011 -

The Focus on Christ Ministries blog is now online, in test mode. It is accessed by browsing to http://focusonchristministries.org/wp.



November 18, 2011 -

Focus on Christ Ministries website is online, in test mode, however there is still much to be done. We are working on improvements and would like to thank our friends for their suggestions for improvement.



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