PARKS BROWN

There is nothing new in the world today that hasn’t happened time and time again. The only thing that can be new is how you and I respond.

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“Stay in your lane” is one the most prevalent messages heard today. There’s a virus and your actions need to stay in the approved lanes, like wearing masks (N.C. Mandatory Mask Requirement ). If your opinions are outside the accepted lanes of conduct, don’t give them (Drew Brees Doesn’t Agree With Disrespecting American Flag) 

Another message is that along the way to the new and better world, we should erase people and words that carry offensive baggage. People like Woodrow Wilson (Princeton Removes Wilson’s Name). Words like ‘dixie’ or ‘antebellum’ (Rush to Abandon Words and Symbols). If you don’t think George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Jesus Christ can be put on this list, you aren’t keeping up.

The story being told is that we need to, and can, create a better, more Utopian world because the one we have now is not working. The path to this better world is full of accusations that are leading the whole world astray. This is the same story told in the books of Genesis (Did God really say…Gen. 3:10) and Revelation (Satan, who leads the whole world astray…Rev. 12:9-10). All it requires is for you to stay quiet and submit to staying in your lane while we get there.

The result of the current climate will not be a world free from racism, classism and prejudice. The result will be bondage and a loss of freedoms, aka, tracing, speech police, tracking your movements, mandatory vaccines (Supreme Court upholds compulsory vaccines.)…(Univ. of Tenn. requires Covid-19 vaccine when available)…..the list is just getting started.

If we get down to the heart of the matter, the current distractions really need you to forget God. Forget God is sovereign, in control and created a perfect world to begin with. In fact, let’s make sure we forget God completely by leaving Him out of our conversations, politics, governments and definitely the schools that teach us how and what to think. Toppling God and His order IS the heart of the matter.

Many of the accusations of injustice, discrimination and prejudice are legitimate and the same as they ever were. Yes, people feel marginalized because they have been marginalized. Black people have been discriminated against not only in America but across the world for centuries. Look back in the Old Testament and realize Moses was ostracized because he married out of his lane and into another race.

Native Americans were raped of their land and heritage long before slaves were brought here. In the day, Gentiles were called worse than the ‘n’ word when they were known as the ‘uncircumcised’. Various races (Caucasians as well) were considered so repugnant people would not walk on the same side of the road with them.

The spirit behind the move to topple and re-write history is not a move to right the wrongs or create a better world. The attempt to dismantle the system is to get away from the historical fact that in the Garden of Eden, God provided the very ideal world people seek. But, it was God’s world order, not man’s.

Lest we forget, Adam stayed quiet and in his lane allowing Satan to deceive Eve. Christians cannot remain silent and in their designated lanes this time.

The world is being deceived again with thinking these are new issues we can solve by changing the world order…by getting rid of reminders of the past. Just the opposite is true. We need to remember God and his Word. We need to remember God stepped into history once before and sent his Son, Jesus. It’s going to take His return to get this straightened out. But if you read the last chapter and believe the Book, the next time He shows up He’s coming to judge the mess.

In the book of Colossians, we are reminded that people who follow God’s world order can be free from all the ism’s that plague the global protests. HOW? ‘…set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.’ It starts with putting the old mindset to death and submitting to God by following Jesus.

The New Testament teaches once you accept Christ, ‘you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and non-religious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.’ Colossians 3:9-11 Message Translation. Kinda sounds like the results all the movements are after, minus Christ.

Instead of following Jesus, people are being encouraged to strive towards a man-made Utopian society. The very word ‘utopia’ conjures images of a more ideal and perfect legal, social and political system. The Latin and Greek origin of the word mean ‘nowhere’, an ‘imaginary and indefinitely remote place.’  It is pure deception to think we can find compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience anywhere except for the Kingdom of God.

I don’t deny the systemic problems in our world (and in me) that are the root of the unrest we see in the headlines. In fact, I confirm it. But the origin is sin and rebellion from God’s plan and order for the world. The cure is repentance and returning to God.

Peaceful demonstrations and protests can  highlight the indignities people are suffering. The indignity of jobs being taken away, police brutality, racism and hatred. Violence, destruction and anarchy don’t achieve the greatness we need.

We need to see and know greatness now more than ever. Greatness is rarely seen and defined by affirming one’s rights. On the contrary, greatness is usually defined by suffering indignity. Think MLK. Think Rosa Parks. Think Jesus Christ. Suffering for what is right produces better results than looting and burning. We know this ‘…because we know that suffering produces perseverance: perseverance, character: and character, hope.’ Romans 5:3-4.

It can be difficult to see ourselves as we really are. It takes more than a reflection in a mirror or a U Tube clip. We need to accurately remember the FULL history of this country and the world. We need to see and hear what is at the heart of the matter now more than ever before.

You can see, hear and feel the struggle to re-set the order of creation. Christians cannot remain quiet in their lane and secluded from the discussion. These are spiritual issues at their core, not issues of class or privilege. Men and women of God need to step up and speak the Word of God.

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‘What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.’ Ecclesiastes 1:9.

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Make no mistake, this is an age-old spiritual issue about turning back to God. Nothing else will work.

 

Even an elf knows, you have to believe before you can see.

I’ve been grappling with understanding why this global pandemic is dividing people and not uniting us. This past week several states made the decision to allow certain businesses to re-open. Colorado, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alaska, Texas and the one that has drawn the most ire, Georgia. According to Dr. Scott Atlas professor of radiology and chief of neuroradiology at the Stanford University Medical Center, the facts (The Data Is In) support re-opening. Yet, taxpayers in New York and California are calling the aforementioned state Governor ‘idiot’….and the people who support the initiatives, ‘sheep’. In other words, not everyone sees the data and facts the same.

Properly researched and studied statistical data is used to make models and algorithms that help us understand and control the visible and invisible. We use these models to predict an outcome and mitigate risk in business, government and our personal lives. This process is essential to science (COVID-19), economics (monetary theories) and day to day life (logistics, traffic patterns in a restaurant, building a hospital, red lights at an intersection). C19 is proving confirmation bias is more critical than accurate information.

So, why all the division even when data supports an action? The current pandemic is proving that believing comes before seeing. If you don’t believe 45, then you don’t believe anything that supports his words or actions. If you believe the Georgia Governor is a Republican stooge playing politics, then you don’t believe he is making the right decisions. Oh wait, but Trump doesn’t support what Kemp is doing. It’s not about facts and data, it’s about what and who you choose to believe.

Smart minds have lost touch with critical thinking and are being led by their bias and belief systems. Confirmation bias is the most prolific virus….THIS is the real pandemic.

I don’t need to see gravity to believe in it. Like gravity, belief requires faith in things you can’t always see. ‘Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.’ Hebrews 11:1. What and how you see everything reflects your faith and what you believe in. Our core beliefs in what is visible and invisible are the reasons for all division in the world today. Division is separating family and friends. ‘Agree to disagree’ will only stay civil for so long.

Faith is at the core of what you believe and therefore what you see. ‘By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.’ Hebrews 11:3. If you believe the Bible, it shapes what you believe about creation and evolution. It requires faith to believe everything in the Bible and not pick and choose what fits our lifestyle and the choices we make.  Pro-life or Pro-Choice? ‘ “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me.” Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” ‘Matthew 25:45-46.

I’m not a judge and I don’t claim to be the righteous one. I do believe that Christ died for me and I claim His promise that believing in Him saves a schmuck like me. I also believe Him when he said “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” ‘ I know that seeing what is visible and invisible requires light…and the only way to see the invisible is with the light of Jesus. Therefore, the root of everything we are seeing today has it’s origin in spiritual matters. My confirmation bias is towards the Bible.

Why am I making politics, C19 and all division about faith and belief in Jesus? Because, ‘He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.’ Colossians 1:15-16. And the next verse…’He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.’ Colossians 1:17. It’s always been all about Him. In turn, the battle against unity and holding everything together is a battle against Him.

Diversity of thought is good but when it divides it’s hard to see the benefit. Seeing things differently in business is an advantage and a strength. Because if all you see is what you see, then you’ll never see all there is to see. In life, we must see the invisible as well as the visible. Seeing what is unseen takes faith. Seeing the invisible takes faith and it can change your viewpoint and your life.

The Bible tells a story about a man from Egypt whose life was changed when his sight changed. Moses’ mindset originated in privilege with an ideology representing the home he was raised in and the career path he was on. In short, when he learned that all he had previously seen was not all there was to see, his life drastically changed. He then chose to endure hardship, ridicule and disgrace. ‘By faith…he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.’ Hebrews 11:27.

For the sake of our world and our country we all need to better see that which is seen and unseen…and this requires more faith in God. Where we place our faith will determine whether or not we remain a UNITED States of America or if the strength of our Union falls apart. Not a politician or a perspective or a policy…or an expert or data or a study. This means a two way street of abiding no hatred of MY beliefs as well as your own, regardless of how polarizing our beliefs may be.

What you believe will shape what you see and how you see it.

If you only believe what you can see then what you believe isn’t all there is to see.

The fear, facts, disinformation, masks, gloves, concerns and hype surrounding COVID-19 all center on the fear of death and dying. Although death has been around a long time and it happens to everyone, people are still scared and confused by it.

God explained death to Adam in the second chapter of Genesis…’And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” ‘ Genesis 2:16-17. Right after this warning, Adam ate the fruit from the tree and died.

After Adam ate the fruit and died he had a son when he was 130 years old. Adam and Eve had many more sons and daughters and Adam was put in the grave at the ripe age of 930 (Genesis 5:5). The first man God created was a dead man walking and breathing for at least 800 years after he ‘died’.

Obviously, death involves more than being put in the ground when you stop breathing. Spreading fear and disinformation about death is one of Satan’s oldest tricks to steal our God-given freedoms. ‘”You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman’. Genesis 3:4. Fear of COVID-19 is the latest chapter.

The fear and loathing with COVID-19 is more about taking power and making changes than actually dying. The number of deaths from Type-A flu, cancer, alcohol and smoking during the same time period we have shut down the world for a small virus, are multiples of the number of deaths from COVID-19. Not to mention the number of unborn children that have been killed all while the world is fixating on a new strain of the flu. Satan uses death and the fear of death as a distraction and a grab for power; same as it ever was.

The world changed drastically after Satan fooled Adam and Eve into choosing death over life. The new Covid World Order will usher in drastic changes as well. The complications from social isolation and economic hardship will manifest in more suicides (Suicide Calls Rise) and divorce.  5G will advance more rapidly since current systems are overloaded. Universal Basic Income (Steady Income Without Working ) and digital currencies will appear in Europe sooner than you think. These changes will effect how you live by killing your God given freedoms.

The concern and fear of COVID-19 is the fear of death not the disease. The symptoms of death include a lack of pulse, no breathing or any sign of life. Let’s look at the symptoms of why the world has shut down today.

The mortality rate for COVID-19 fluctuates somewhere between 1-2% of the people who test positive. We don’t know they die from the disease but we DO know they die with the disease (99% Who Died in Italy Had Other Illness)…among other issues. Are we overestimating fatality rates and when the curve will flatten (Should Fear Be In The Rear View Mirror). The facts will emerge with time, but watch how quickly world powers and principalities try to make changes. The agendas have been set for years (Winds Of Monetary Change With Currencies)  and waiting for the right distraction. I think COVID-19 is the distraction.

My point is simple and straightforward…God told us the absolute truth about death from the get-go. We die as a result of sinning against God not from a virus or a cancer. Paul wrote, ‘ Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned- ‘ Romans 5:12. When you understand your last breath doesn’t define death, you don’t need to fear your last breath. But, the COVID World Order is whipping up a mean dose of fear right now.

God spelled it out so we don’t have to fixate on when we die but how we live. ‘Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty if our strength endures;’ Psalm 90:10. With that knowledge, are the fears and concerns of dying from COVID-19 YOURS or are we being fooled by the media and other experts with their own agenda? Just like the original lie Satan planted about death, the result effects LIFE, not when you die.

The threat of death is not new. Neither is the idea of living without the fear of dying. In 1948 the new Atomic World Order was inciting fear (C.S. Lewis on Coronovirus ) Covid fear is being used to take away individual and economic freedoms that won’t be given back when the crisis has passed. Peter addressed the end of such freedoms when he said, ‘The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.’ 1 Peter 4:7-8.

The end of ALL things is near…the end of freedoms, jobs, relationships, economic systems, currencies, financial systems and life. This verse reminds me that while it’s all coming to an end, I need to love deeply…Deeply love those who are throwing shade on me for not being scared of this virus (Doctor Says Don’t Be Scared ). Deeply love those who stay 6 feet away and those I can’t even see because of social distancing. Deeply love those who are calling the Christian faith a crutch to lean on when a pandemic is ‘ravaging’ the world.

Once sin entered the world we became dead men walking. The work of Satan was to steal and take away Adam and Eve’s freedom in the Garden of Eden. The same battle is taking place in 2020. ‘The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.’ 1 John 3:8. Jesus gave His life so that we didn’t need to fear death…….Fear God, not death; or a virus. It IS that simple folks.

‘Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” ‘ John 11:25-26. Are you living through COVID-19 like you believe this?

‘Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.’ Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

We are all dead men walking……..We need to face the fears of COVID-19 and our fears of dying….and get back to living. If you have trusted Christ with your eternity, live like you know you are dying….convert retreating into advancing towards eternity and a better world.

 

 

I confess to enjoy binge watching shows on television. Some of the most popular shows involve kings and kingdoms, death and disease, deception and deceit, struggles and suffering. Think, Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies, Outlander and Ozark. My latest binge watching has been the show, Covid-19. It’s great because I get it on every network. No subscription needed, it’s on 24-7 and it’s free; well, kinda.

I can’t remember which recent episode of Covid-19 included one of the characters referencing Benjamin Franklin’s infamous quote, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety”.  The episode questioned whether liberty and security can exist in some kind of balance with one another. By the way personal freedoms have disappeared in the name of safety, you know it’s a popular episode to watch.

The ‘Liberty-Safety” episode reminded me of when God liberated the Israelites from Egypt…another great show to binge on in the book of Exodus. That show had plagues, pestilence, death and a crazy plot with a surprise ending (wander for years on a journey that should take weeks). The Israelites were given their liberty by God but they soon looked to another source for security.

Security and liberty are original gifts tied together with God, from God. Since He bundled the package in the Garden Of Eden, competition to provide the same has been fierce. Covid-19 is just the latest show involving an old story line.

Essential in any binge-worthy show, the earliest episodes of Covid-19 featured fear, loathing and a disparate impact on everyone. Some characters were easily panicked and fearful of the virus. Others assumed their positions and possessions would provide a buffer against the virus. But we know from history, lasting safety and security only come from One place…’But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all disasters and calamities. And you have said, “No, appoint a king over us”…’ 1 Samuel 10:19.

In Covid-19, civilization is demanding answers from the kings in government, health agencies, economics and finance. ‘Successful’ investors are weighing in (Hell Is Coming), the CDC, FEMA and ‘experts’ from all areas want to be heard. Covid-19 has leaders across the globe jockeying for position. Some are looking for credit in solving the calamity, others are looking to place blame for the disaster.

The Fed, G-7, Democrats and Republicans, the European Central Bank and you name it. The list of usual suspects are trying to balance liberty and safety in a prescription so the world can ‘move on’. Meanwhile the true King has never left His throne. ‘But God drags away the mighty by his power; though they become established, they have no assurance of life. He may let them rest in a feeling of security, but his eyes are on their ways.’ Job 24 22-23. God has been binging on our ways since He created this show.

During the current episode, churches and Christ-followers have run to one of God’s ‘go to’ promises. ‘ “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain…or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  ” ‘ 2 Chronicles 7:13-14. Sounds like a vaccine isn’t needed, but stay tuned…it’s coming.

2nd Chronicles is a great promise but full of conditions… for Christians. Not everyone is a Christian and Americans live in a republic ( Republic not Democracy ) with a separation of church and state. Mankind has chosen to be represented by governments which are kings, in the old vernacular. There will be no healing by divine intervention without serious action by Christians. Those actions include real humbling, earnestly praying and desperately seeking Him. Oh, yeh…and a change of ways.

The change of ways God is talking about include more than a daily quiet time, fasting from lunch and corporately praying once a week. These changes were called for 2000 years ago when Peter reminded us, ‘For it is time for judgement to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?’ 1 Peter 4:17. I think it looks like the Covid-19 show I’ve been binging on the last month.

Even when the current season of Covid-19 ends there is still more to come for fans. So far, the show is popular around the globe. I can’t remember where I read the next season will feature a vaccine. I wonder if the vaccine will be available globally for free. Some spoiler sites believe the vaccine may even be legislated as mandatory to save the world from suffering. I’m telling you, this show has all kinds of story and character development.

A guy named Peter has a site I’ve read where he believes the small group of Christ-followers in this story will be persecuted and endure all kinds of suffering because they have the vaccine. He writes, ‘…do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice…However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.’ 1 Peter 4:12-16 ( Peter’s Site ) Suffering is a major theme in this show, so buckle up.

I don’t think the show is over after the next season, but who knows. Jesus is the main character in the show to keep an eye on. Christ is such a big star you know He will be around even when the show ends. The writer of Hebrews gives us a sneak peak on how to prepare for when the end does come. ‘Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’ Hebrews 12:3.

Covid-19 is best watched with spiritual eyes and ears. This story has been around for-ever and has it’s origins and answers in the Word of God. Don’t let the drama distract you from the plot of God in this current reproduction.

Stay tuned because this show is just getting good. But don’t just binge watch, join the cast. Speak up and voice your thoughts on the plot and the characters and the cure. Use this site to comment if you want.