In July of 2005 I had the good fortune of attending a workshop on strategic planning put on by Bethel Church in Redding, California. One of the questions asked of our team was, "What are you building with your ministry?" I've been known to be quick and insightful only this time it was what I call a "divine download." Before I even had time to think, the words came tumbling out of my mouth "a platform for social reform."
What did this divine download from God really mean? The dictionary had as one of its definitions of platform: a formal declaration of the policy of a group, such as a political party (body of believers). The Bible declares the government will be upon the Lord's shoulders. Consider the key word declaration, which essentially means: a formal or authoritative statement that creates order. This is starting to get exciting! Could it be that we as believers need to start making declarations that will bring Heaven to Earth?
Let's look at one of the definitions of pertaining to human society or its class and individual interrelationships. New Name Ministries is all about individual interrelationships, or more specifically, the healing of them. Sex offenders have certainly become a class of human society.
Now let's look at the definitions for reform; when used as a verb:
1. To improve, as by alteration (This could be something like the existing sex offender (SO) laws or social strongholds about SO's).
2. To abolish malpractice in (malpractice means; improper or negligent conduct or treatment. Can you say SO laws?).
3. To give up or cause to abandon immoral practices (this just keeps getting better, this can apply to a group of people or even a nation - go God!).
Now, reform as a noun (the result of taking the action) means:
1. A change for the better.
2. A movement that attempts to improve social and political conditions without a public revolt. (Jesus started a revolution within believers that has changed societies and whole nations for over two thousand years.)
3. Moral improvement. (Anyone who truly becomes a Christian experiences moral improvement, as does everyone around them!)
Prior to looking at the dictionary definitions, I had considered each word prayerfully and saw other elements of each word that I think are worth consideration. Coming from a construction background, a platform, to me, represents a solid structure that others can build on confidently. Typically, platforms are raised to a height so that others can easily hear the declarations being presented. People don't come to see the platform, but hear those upon it. Platforms are an essential element made to serve a higher calling.
Pondering the social portion of our declaration, our ministry has been established to serve our nation. Not just the current body of believers, though we too need to do some house cleaning, but those in our society who have yet to become part of the body. We are a society in bondage to sexual sin and in dire need of deliverance from the lusts of the flesh and the sensual strongholds of the enemy.
This certainly is a tall order. Yet If we trust (have faith) that God can and will, He can change a nation in a day. Just look at Jonah and the Ninevites. Jonah didn't want God to save the Ninevites, judging them as undeserving of God's grace because of their immoral behaviors. Perhaps Jonah didn't believe that the Ninevites could change or that God could change their hearts (today much of the church and society believe this of SO’s). Regardless, when Jonah finally was obedient and made the declarations God told him to, God changed the nation in a day. God can do it again! He can do it to America! Do it through those reading this article! We need to trust and obey His word and make life changing declarations. Ask God to take away your unbelief and judgment and to bring our nation to His feet in worship for His glory.
Last, but certainly not least, is the need for reform. Simply put, this is our need to form again (re-form) what this nation stands for. Right now it seems we stand for anything and everything as long as it makes us feel good, feel powerful (safe) and is considered politically correct. To re-align our nation with its Judeo-Christian roots is going to have to happen through a move of God. This will only come to pass through Christ in us the hope of glory as we seek first the Kingdom of God.
God formed the heavens and the earth with declarations that brought forth light and life. Let's start reforming our nation by making declarations of light and life in our own lives and in our family and friend's lives, over our own cities, communities and nation. Remember, the power of life and death is contained in our words, and our declarations consist of powerful, life changing words.
We hope you’ll take the time to sign the Social Reform Declaration Petition and share this web site with others that would be interested in seeing social reform come to our nation for the Glory of God and the benefit of all concerned.
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