Mark 3: 23And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? 24And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. 27No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
Jesus teaches with absolute certainty. Fact #1: Satan can’t cast out Satan. He can’t divide himself. Fact #2: A kingdom, a house, or an individual divided against itself can’t stand. A church, a community, your house or my house can’t stand if it is divided. If you’re double minded as an individual, you can’t stand.
Ten years ago this morning it took only 101 minutes for over 3,000 people to perish. Only 19 terrorists aboard American Airlines Flight 11, American Airlines Flight 77, United Flight 175, and United Flight 93 set it in motion. The pilot and co-pilot of AA Flight 11 were the first to die. The last ones are yet to die as many now suffer long-term illness due to the event. The immediate casualties were crushed or burned. Satan seemed to be in control but never think God was out of control. It may have been divided, chaotic, and confused here, but God was never either of these. God always knows what is going on.
This year is the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, beginning the worst 5 years in our history. Our nation was at war with itself—north against south; brother against brother. What a load for President Lincoln. Within a few days after the war was over, he was assassinated.
When we think about the United States of America, are we united or are we divided? We are united in name and profession, but in social, political, and other issues of life we are divided. We are all different, but we don’t have to be divided. There is one God. There is one Savior. There is hope. Ten years ago, in one of our darkest hours, for a moment, we returned to a nation united to the original intent. Today it is different. There are different opinions, approaches, politics, and parties. A political party will not get you to heaven or keep you out. What we do with Jesus is what counts. When America sins it displeases God. We will fall under the judgment of God as any other nation does and will.
Today we find ourselves at a crossroads. We’re in a dangerous time due to our economy. We’re in a dangerous time due to our morality. We’re in a divisive mode. We can’t agree as a national government and down the line to state and community governments. Division has set up in our own households and churches. It seems as if life is falling apart. If there was ever a time to be united, it is now. It will be what we make it. Mark the words of Jesus. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.
Our divided homes cannot stand. If you are personally halting between two opinions spiritually, you cannot stand. You cannot serve two masters. We cannot blame the government. That rests with each of us individually. If any entity is to blame, it would have to be placed on the one who is behind all division, Satan. He and his legions have perfected unity in how they work together to cause our dis-unity. He wants to bring it all down from a national level to the very personal level.
Our triune God is stronger. The angelic hosts of glory rally around the unity of God. He is strong than the unity of evil. What brought victory and causes us to still be here as a nation is the fact that God is still on the throne. You can still call on God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
What can we do to remember and honor those who died 10 years ago? They would want us to take action. How will we answer the dead? I feel it can only be with a sincere reaffirmation to our nation’s documents, and to the Prime Document; the Word of God. First, I will read the Declaration of Independence, and ask you to add your signature to it by standing. Then, let us recite the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States and pledge to our flag. Finally, come around this altar and let us reaffirm ourselves to God. II Chronicles 7:14 says 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. Psalm 139:23-24 says Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
May our little part of this fine nation forever be The United, not Divided States Of America.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 