AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE TRUSTEES
OF THE ENSIGN MESSAGE
IN the Opinion Column of the British Church Newspaper of the 16th January 2009 issue, there was an item headed 'Is this really what Rowan Williams is after?' The Archbishop is reported to have said that 'it would not be the end of the world if the Church of England was disestablished.' This matter has cropped up over the years with predictable regularity. Once again it has reared its ugly head, but this time with more vehemence than previously. There can be little doubt that this government will, without debate, bring in a Bill which will finally sever Church and State.
Many will say that such a move would not have any real significance in the day to day affairs of the nation. However, it is a matter of history that, from the beginning of the nation., church and state have been joined. The peopleof the nation were also the 'Congregation of Israel , (Exodus12: 6 and 19, Leviticus 4:13 etc.) What is so significant for us in this final critical stage of our history?.
When we cast our minds back to World War II, it will be remembered that King George VI called the nation to prayer on several occasions. Immediately following those special days, the tide of battle was turned, and new strength was given to the Allies. It was the king, in his capacity as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, who called the nation to prayer. Thus, the throne, the government, and the people (the congregation) were one body petitioning the Almighty to give us the victory. Because it was a national plea, He graciously gave us the victory.
It was pointed out in the British Church Newspaper of the 16th January, that should church and state separate, we would be in the same situation as the USA, which cannot officially, as a nation, petition God in times of national emergency. Our Queen, on the other hand, when led by the Holy Spirit, will respond by calling the nation to prayer. Thus officially, the whole nation is requesting the Almighty to deal with the situation because we cannot continue to go it alone.
Although individually, and as groups, we may pray earnestly, that is not the same as national corporate prayer. Today, the church is blind as to its identity, and the special place that it has in the nation. This is why we are drifting further from God's Holy and righteous laws. Until the day comes, as it surely will, when the nation wakes up to the mortal dangers we face, we will continue to drift towards the rocks of-destruction.
Bearing all the above in mind, it is our responsibility as identity kingdom believers to pray without ceasing that church and state will not be separated. This is of supreme importance, and we must make it our regular duty to pray to this end. The dangers we face today far exceed those of previous generations. Not only must we pray for continuance of church and state, but must also keep a day for special prayers for the nation. As the regular readers of the Ensign Message know, for the past two years, we have kept aside the last Saturday in September to this end. This year it falls on Saturday 26th September. Please remember this day, and organise, if possible, group prayer in your home. We remember our Lord's words in Matthew 18:20.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
If this is not possible, and you are on your own, the Lord will surely hear you. What should you pray for? A few suggestions follow. Please keep this page in a prominent place so that it will not be forgotten!
Your Trustees.
AIDS TO PRAYER
In this time of trouble let us ask the Lord for deliverance - Daniel 12:1For repentance for the nation from apostasy - Matthew 4:17
That we may be found worthy for service - Revelation 2:19
That we may remain faithful stewards - I Corinthians 4:1-2
That the nation may put away idols - Revelation 9:20-21
For the unbelieving teachers and pastors and that they may repent of unbelief and wickedness - Jeremiah 23:11 and Hebrews 10:11
For those who make laws and rule with force - Ezekiel 34
For our Queen., that she may be mindful of her Coronation Oath - II Samuel 7:13-15
That we will keep in mind the restoration of Israel - Ezekiel 37 and others
To thank the Lord for His Covenants
To prepare ourselves for greater service - I Corinthians 2:9-10
To alert the nation to the coming Elijah ministry - Malachi 4:5-6
Be not afraid and have confidence in the Lord - Proverbs 3:25-26
The Lord will remove the iniquity of the land in one day - Zechariah 3:9-10
That Israel will enquire of God for cleansing - Ezekiel 36:37
That we may be saved out of Jacob's trouble - Jeremiah 30:7
That the Lord will heal the land - II Chronicles 7:14