Where is Jesus Christ??????

I must say, when I heard about this call to a day of prayer and fasting, it meant little to me.

The reason is, it is for a person of faith, not necessarily Christian, to call on their 'god'.

If a muslim, buddhist, hindu were to call a day of prayer, to whom would you expect them to be praying to?

The same with anyone who calls for prayer, and does not profess Christ.

On the surface, it seems, shall we say, ok?

But, dig a little deeper, and what turns up is not so ok.

Its all positioning for a run for the white house by Perry. The gullible "christian" community will see him as a man of faith and vote for him. If this were gathering to "heal" America and call on God there would be a proclamation to repent......"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."....notice the turning from their wicked ways preceeds the Lord hearing. Take note Gov. Perry. If your a true man of faith lead this nation in repentance

Martyr, you can write him and ask him, literally.

His proclamation is a right step forward in the right direction even though every aspect may not be what it ought to be. Of course it's easy to pick apart what he did, but I'm glad for anyone willing to recognize that this nation is going DOWN fast, and that a humbling of ourselves is necessary for God to work.

I'm not sure of his motives, so I can't speak to that. But I will say, "Praise the Lord for SOMEONE in leadershp responding Biblically."

When you look at how deep in sin this land is steeped in, it's almost a miracle that this would even happen. I don't think Satan would have put it in his mind as it goes directly against him.

Of course everything will not be how it ought to be. I'm choosing to look on the brighter side, and you're looking on the darker side. God still honors those who honor Him, however feeble their attempt may be.

Strange that no one seems to have noticed the following. This is from the website theresponseusa.com

As a nation, we must come together and call upon Jesus to guide us through unprecedented struggles, and thank Him for the blessings of freedom we so richly enjoy.

I would have been more comfortable had the Governor called Jesus also Christ and Lord and I don't know how true a follower of Christ this man really is, but when you look at the response from the media, they accuse him of such things as "not fostering unity" on the very basis that this event does not include everyone. Secular critics seem to understand very well that this is a purely Christian event.

The way it looks to me the Governor's statement also speaks of repentance:

I sincerely hope you’ll join me.....(in)asking God’s forgiveness, wisdom and provision for our state and nation. There is hope for America. It lies in heaven, and we will find it on our knees.

Perhaps he does not have entirely selfless motives but I'm wondering if we are not being over critical? God can use this for His purpose.

Luke
9:49 “Master,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”
50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Personally the problem I see with all this is not that Jesus Christ is absent (he's not entirely), but the lack of understanding that it may no longer be in God's plan to turn things around (There is hope for America?). The countdown has begun...but that's a whole other disputable matter.

Good catch, SolaVeritas.

Martyr, assuming that you are refering to my post, I would like to say that its purpose was to add some objectivity, to add some facts that appeared to have been overlooked. It addressed the other posters as well as you. There is certainly nothing wrong with the intent of your post as you explained it above. I apologize for not making this clearer, it was not my intention to be disrespectful of you in any way.

Hi martyr...

You wrote:

At the beginning if my post I said it is to be commended Gov. Perry is calling forth a day of prayer and repentence for the nation. Yet because the name of Jesus Christ was absent from the proclamation I posed questions as to where is Jesus Christ in the midst of this.

The name of Jesus was NOT "absent" from the proclamation.

http://governor.state.tx.us/news/proclamation/16247/

As was quoted in the other thread, and in many texts, newspapers, here is the exact wording of that proclamation:

Monday, June 06, 2011 • Austin, Texas • Proclamation

In 1775, the Continental Congress asked the colonies to join in prayer, seeking wisdom as they faced the responsibility and opportunity of building a new nation. As leaders of that young nation assembled in 1787 to craft a Constitution, Benjamin Franklin implored the framers to pray for guidance, famously declaring, "The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men." Decades later, during a time of national turmoil, President John Adams declared "a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer," asking citizens of all faiths to pray for America's protection from danger. Later, as civil war tore our young country apart, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a day of national fasting and prayer, saying "It behooves us ... to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray to the God that made us." During World War II, with our troops locked in battle on the beaches of France, President Franklin D. Roosevelt led the nation in prayer, "As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts."

Given the trials that have beset our country and world - from the global economic downturn to natural disasters, the lingering danger of terrorism and wars that endanger our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and theaters of conflict around the globe, and the decline of our culture in the context of the demise of families - it seems imperative that the people of our nation should once again join together for a solemn day of prayer and fasting on behalf of our troubled nation.

In times of trouble, even those who have been granted power by the people must turn to God in humility for wisdom, mercy and direction. In the spirit of the Book of Joel, Chapter 2, Verses 15-16, I urge a solemn gathering of prayer and fasting. As those verses admonish: "15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly... 16 Gather the people, consecrate the assembly..." As JESUS prayed publicly for the benefit of others in John 11:41-42, so should we express our faith in this way.

THEREFORE, I invite my fellow Texans to join me on August 6 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, as we pray for unity and righteousness - for this great state, this great nation and all mankind. I urge Americans of faith to pray on that day for the healing of our country, the rebuilding of our communities and the restoration of enduring values as our guiding force.

THEREFORE, I, Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim August 6, 2011, to be

A Day of Prayer and Fasting for Our Nation

in Texas, and urge the appropriate recognition whereof.

In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this the 23rd day of May, 2011.

RICK PERRY
Governor of Texas

Now, I won't try to act as though I have supernatural insight and knowledge about some sort of malicious or egotistical rationale behind this proclamation.

Many leaders in American government have presented these sort of calls for prayer, fasting and repentance in the past. Likewise, believers throughout history have been there to publicly "second guess" the motives behind them. I don't pretend to know the motives of the man.

Personally, I don't find anything wrong with the words of this proclamation. I don't find anything wrong with an authority -- who may have been raised up by God -- asking the people of the state to call out to God via prayer and fasting regarding a need for righteousness.

Still, I would like to point out that the Name of Jesus was present within that proclamation -- and has been uttered in newspapers, internet websites, radio and television. In fact, it riled the atheists up so much that they are suing Governor Perry for officially "establishing the Christian faith" on behalf of Texas.

I hope that Gov. Perry is a follower of Jesus Christ. I pray he is. I pray the event in Houston will lift up Jesus as the only hope for lost souls. For ultimately that is what America is.......lost souls.

This is not an American problem. This is a problem that encompasses the entire earth. This world is lost...and dying...and can find true hope in nothing else except Jesus Christ. I think that American believers are often most critical on this nation because it is currently the world's greatest economic and military superpower. As such, many equate it to an empire.

Yet, this American nation has only held this position for a short time in the scope of history. Before WWII, America was but another Western nation experiencing the hardships of the Great Depression. The 60-70 years that America has been a great "superpower" is but a drop in the bucket when compared to the length of time by which other world powers existed. The British Empire, the Spanish Empire, the Roman Empire, Greek Empire, the Babylonians, Assyrians and the like -- they all existed with a greater periodic length of supremacy. Who is to say that America's preeminent position will not soon be superseded by the rise of China...or Europe...within the next decade?

Unfortunately, many believers often look at America's role in Eschatology in the present day, nearsighted focus of the here-and-now. I know that many people point to America (or New York) as Babylon. It may very well be true. However, there was a period in history when England was declared to be "Babylon" by Pilgrims and Puritans who fled the nation in order to "come out from amongst them be ye separate." America may...or may not...be the specific Babylon (or part of it) mentioned in John's Revelation. I will say, however, that the confederation type of government mentioned in Revelation 13 -- with an Antichrist rising to the head of a loose conglomeration of nations -- sounds a lot like the direction that the European Union might be heading.

Still, it is true that America is filled with lost souls. Just like Canada. Just like Europe. Just like Asia. Just like Africa. Just like Australia. Just like Central and South America. This entire world is lost. We should endeavor to see them as "sheep having no shepherd." The difference, I suppose, is that many in America claim to believe in Christ. Now, of course, an overwhelming abundance of those claims are untrue and convoluted by a love for this world -- including the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.

Yet the principle is still the same. Jesus Christ is the only hope for this world. As such, I can't fault an authority in this world who asks people to pray and fast to God and seek righteousness.

You say that my statement God only hears the prayers of those who believe in Christ is a false assumption. Can tou please show me that from scripture? Aso how is naking Jesus central in all we do religiou? Otbis a relationship he calls us into.

what about that one:

Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.

If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry;

Exodus 22: 21-24

Thank you.

Here most all the Christians in this country have been fasting, praying, revival etc. to get this country to make some sort of turn back to Christ, and now we have the same folks picking apart the validity of someone, by Judging his call to do this. I am sick of these so called "spoiled" self righteous Christians, that have to have things their way and to fully convinced something or someone is for real, I believe these types were called Pharisees back in Christs days. What Rick Perry is doing is no different than most ministers in this country should be doing, only difference is Rick is not asking for your money. What on earth will we be doing next? having dna test done on folks to make sure the Holy Spirit is really in them? I personally this day and age take anything that gets our eyes back on Christ, instead of reading so much into what Rick is doing, why can't we just accept it for face value? Jesus help us all!

Good post MrBillPro. I find myself in agreement with you.

white stone

Atheist group sues to block Perry from prayer rally

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7651845.html

Lord willing, He will block this group from their plans.

His will be done.

white stone

by martyr I assume when you speak of self-righteous, spoiled Christians you meant me. I believe you implied I was a Pharisee. I will not answer those allegations..

Nope, there you go assuming again, I will only say if the shoe fits, I did not call any names, nor was I calling out anyone on this forum period. I was speaking of "some" Christians in general, martyr, you should not be so fast to condemn yourself or others. My post was just to show how I felt about this whole thread in general. Like you, I posted my opinion, and I did not use any "scripture" in general as any defense of my opinion. Sometime I feel God just wants us to use our good old wisdom he has given us, and I was just using my wisdom, because what I said was meant to be an opinion, not Biblical.

by martyr,

My friends I have been as conciliatory in this thread as I possibly can be and have tried to abide by the protocals of this ministry. I have tried to treat with respect those who have taken issue with me and weigh their views before the Lord. I am.treating both of you with the same respect that Christ would want me to give you. I assume we have been saved by his marvelous grace and to walk in his love.

Amen.

Should we really be taken aback by this brother's skeptism regarding this upcoming event? Didn't George W. Bush claim to be a devoted follower of Christ while being a member of skull and bones secret society? Doesn't Obama claim he is a Christian and does he not go to a protestant church? Should we just take everything at face value with all the darkness and confusion that goes on these days in the political arena? Let's give this brother some slack in his sincere desire to be faithful to God and His Word.

by Oracio Should we just take everything at face value with all the darkness and confusion that goes on these days in the political arena?

Or, one could ask should we just stereotype every politician?
If so, we are really getting into total judgmental waters, yes sometimes good judgement is needed, but do we all just start living in total judgement of others because of a few bad apples? Maybe, just maybe, the devil is trying to keep us in judgment of others to keep us confused, we all know who the master of confusion is, right?

Should we really be taken aback by this brother's skeptism regarding this upcoming event? Didn't George W. Bush claim to be a devoted follower of Christ while being a member of skull and bones secret society? Doesn't Obama claim he is a Christian and does he not go to a protestant church? Should we just take everything at face value with all the darkness and confusion that goes on these days in the political arena? Let's give this brother some slack in his sincere desire to be faithful to God and His Word.

No one judged "this brother." It appears 'this brother' reads this forum on a cellphone and also has a vision impairment problem. Any judgment is perceived judgment on his part.

I find Brother MrBillPro's post edifying and take exception to anyone picking it apart.

You are so quick to ask us to give 'this brother' some slack, why not the other brother, too?

white stone

White_Stone, with all due respect, I found MrBillPro's post to be very demeaning of martyr and others who disagree with jumping to quickly on the bandwagon of this event. So I felt led to post something to encourage martyr or any others who disagree. We can disagree all day but let us keep it respectfull. That's all I'm saying. Now, if you disagree with this post that's perfectly okay with me, we can agree to disagree with no hard feelings :)

I know I do come across to some folks a lot different than most here, I am just different that's all, but I still Love the Lord just like you all do. I know I don't normally use 50 scriptures to back up my opinions, matter fact you will find very few scriptures in any of my posts, but just because I don't use a lot of scriptures in my posts here, doesn't mean God is not using me in a different way to get a message across. I know God does speak to us through scripture, but are we going to scripture first and then posting, or are we posting and then finding scripture to back up our opinions? Yes, I am a little rough around the edges and have never been known to be timid, but if I ever do hurt/anger anyone here by my post, it's usually because they don't know me, and I will apologize. I know some here have not seen a history of my posts to know were I am coming from.
Were all in this together, and trust me most of you long timers here know this forum needs a lot more edifying of each other, but I also understand we are human, and when we get bent it's hard to fire back with an edifying post of the one that bent you. If any of you knew me personally, and some here I have had the pleasure to have phone conversations with, you know my heart, and not just from cyberspace. Again, we must remember God is using us "ALL" here, and also remember he designed us all differentially, for different times and different purposes. Bottom line is, thank God he is using this forum, and thank God he is using so many of us in so many different ways, some with a lot of knowledge of scripture, some with a lot of wisdom, some rough, some timid, and some as peacemakers, and some as warriors, this combination makes this place a place, well were the devil knows is covered by the blood, and he not dare enter.
God Bless
Love You!

by Oracio..... White_Stone, with all due respect, I found MrBillPro's post to be very demeaning of martyr and others who disagree with jumping to quickly on the bandwagon of this event.

Well, just call me an old fire and brimstone "non denominational" Preacher. I just find that the timid nature of the Church today, is why the Church is in the state it's in. No we don't have to be outright mean, "and I wasn't" but I do feel it's time to speak up or just shut up. Why don't we all just wait and see how this Prayer thing plays out, why do we have to jump on the "judgment bandwagon" before this event has even happened? May be a lot of folks eating crow after it all said and done. To be honest with you, I hope there is a lot of Christians that sit in judgment of an event such as this before it's happened, eating a lot of crow. Meaning I hope and Pray this plays out as a Godly event, not a political event, of course I am an optimistic Christian, rather that's a downfall or not I don't know, but it's always helped me in my relationship with the Lord.

by martyr...But I must pose some questions. Is Gov. Perry a Christian?? What I mean is does he hold to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ??? Does he believe in the person and work of Jesus Christ????

Wow! I guess we all could ask every Christian "We Don't Know" these same questions,right? martyr, I don't know you, but can I ask you, are you a Christian? What I mean is do you hold to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Do you believe in the person and work of Jesus Christ? Does this anger you when the tides are turned? I hope not, do you feel it ok for me to ask you this and you don't mind answering? I hope so, because I will not hold you in judgment before you answer,or in judgment after you answer. These questions you have, can only come from Gov. Perry, just like my questions to you, the answers can only come from you, you kind of see were I am coming from?

No we don't have to be outright mean, "and I wasn't" but I do feel it's time to speak up or just shut up

Sir, I believe you were mean in calling others here "spoiled Christian Pharisees" over this none-essential issue. Look, I'm all for old-fashioned fire and brimstone preaching, but for the right reasons, against falsehoods or damnable heresies. I believe you owe others an apology for the name calling. Just my two cents. You don't have to take it.

by Oracio... I believe you owe others an apology for the name calling. Just my two cents. You don't have to take it.

I would Love to apologize if I felt I was technically pointing the finger at someone here, and because I did not call any names, and no one else seems to feel I was finger pointing personally to anyone except you so for, I can't. Saying your sorry in my world is a sign of guilt, I see no guilt on my part, and I think a jury of 12 would also see that I did not point any fingers or call out any names of anyone on this forum. Our justice system works off facts, not circumstantial evidence, I was speaking in general, I can't help what you read into my post, and just because you read it that way, does not make me guilty of anything, other than expressing an opinion.

Oracio..Sir, I believe you were mean in calling others here "spoiled Christian Pharisees"

Could you please show me were I called someone "here" this? When you can show me were I called someone here this,"I need a name" so I can apologize to this person, then I will be more than happy to apologize to this person/persons.

That's cool Mr.BillPro. However, I personally do feel I owe you a public apology here for not sending you a pm before calling you out on your sin against the brethren publically. I think Matthew 18 would have been applicable. So I hope you can forgive my immaturity in that.

Oracio However, I personally do feel I owe you a public apology here for not sending you a pm before calling you out on your sin against the brethren publically.

You owe me no apology period, If I do something wrong here, I would rather be called out in the public forum, that way others can voice their opinions, and give their feedback.

I will gracefully bow out of this one. God bless.

Oracio I will gracefully bow out of this one. God bless.

I am right behind you, I will leave this scripture as I go Luke (6:26). God Bless Brother.