A Timely Letter

Dear Church Members,

The world that we live in is rapidly becoming hostile to the commandments of the Lord. The pressure to murder children in the womb, and the killing of the elderly or disabled under the guise of euthanasia or assisted suicide is greatly increasing. When we see the alternative family structures that man invents through the LGBTQ movement, the desecration of the Lord’s Day, together with the promotion of evil through media, business, and entertainment; then we fear the Lord is leaving us over to ourselves (Romans 1:18-32). In many ways our governments conform to the pressure to turn away from God’s Word, creating laws that promote the evil and forbid the good.

Yet, it remains our duty as citizens to faithfully remind our leaders of the Truth, bringing them daily and weekly in prayer before the Lord. We need to ask the Lord to give them wisdom, even if it could be His will to convert them. The Lord clearly commands in His Word to “honour the king” (1 Peter 2:17). In the following verses, the Lord shows how we must do this, with the example of servants obeying their masters. Even froward masters are to receive due respect for their office’s sake and to be obeyed in all things not contrary to God’s Word. Yet, the ways of the Lord are to be placed before them in honesty with kindness, with no fear of the consequences, no partiality to human persons, with respect and dignity to their office. To honour the king, or ruler, is to show him the truth, while demonstrating respect for his position.

Therefore, as the Synodical Committee for government correspondence, we have four requests to place before you:

– First, that you continually remember our leaders in prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

– Second, that you deport yourselves toward them as good and lawful citizens, to influence them through good conduct (Matthew 5:13-16).

– Third, that you respectfully speak or write to them. This is twofold. When government officials bring up a bill, attempting to preserve the moral foundations of our society, or to restore what has been lost, we must encourage them. This is very important, as they will, generally, also receive much opposition. On the other hand, when they debate bills which are contrary to God’s Word, we are to direct them to God’s laws and the consequences of not obeying them. This point also includes our being present at public meetings where these matters are discussed (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

– Fourth, that our men who have the gifts and talents would prayerfully seek positions in local or broader government. Although it is not easy in our time, we may be used also in this way as small instruments in our community and country to stem the tide (Matthew 25:14-30).

To fulfill these callings, it is necessary for each of us to personally stay informed. We as a committee will seek to help by trying to remind you in a timely manner when items come forward that need denominational attention and action.

Friends, let us remember that we are citizens and inhabitants of this country and, therefore, guilty citizens. National sins bring national guilt, followed by national judgments when there is not repentance. The Lord grant the portion of Ezra in Ezra 9:6—when he was confessing the sins of his people, he has confessed, “our iniquities” and “our trespasses.” Let us further remember that it is written in 1 Peter 4:17, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God.” May the Lord grant a repentance and reformation from OUR worldly ways while the opportunity is yet given. Further, when we are given to behold the solemnity and seriousness of the times (who perceives it?) that we and our children may be given to hasten and flee by God’s grace to find shelter under the sheltering wings of the precious Immanuel. Christ is still gathering His Church by Word and Spirit. To that end may the Lord remember us, our children, and our nation in His mercy.

(Dear readers, this is not only good direction for those who live in Canada but also for EACH of us in whichever country we live. —Ed.)

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