The Manhattan Declaration: United, Respectful, Historical

I work late at times, but being able to work at home offers that flexibility. Once in awhile I will have the T.V. on for background noise if something interests me. I like to flip through the religious programming. That's how I stumbled across ministries like Matt Pitt and The Basement. I saw young people shouting at the top of their lungs out to God. You could see raw, unashamed, unabashed worship towards God. God is no respecter of persons, no respecter of title and position, and no respecter of the clothes you choose to wear in worship. God works in many circles, in many ways, using His servants and the Holy Spirit to show people that Jesus is the only way, truth, and the life.

Someone once told me that a lot of Catholics love and revere Jesus just as much as true Orthodox or Evangelical Christians. I've talked with those of the Catholic faith that know it is only by the Blood of Jesus they are saved, and not through works. They read their bible for themselves. They do their religious duties out of love to God and not out of fear. This is why I did not mind tuning into a traditional Catholic Mass last night. I didn't know why I stopped there while channel flipping but I did.

I tuned in just at the time the Priest was beginning to speak, "Brothers and Sisters of our Lord Jesus Christ, I urge you to read this document, to read it, to sign it, and not just to sign it, but to live it." I stopped typing and gave my attention. What was he purporting? What was he supporting? It almost sounds political and pastors/priests, etc...are not supposed to encourage their congregations on how to vote or to take a stance one-way or another or they could face consequences from our own government as a church.

I had to know what it was that led this brother (yes I called him brother as all who profess Jesus absolute Savior and Lord of their lives...our religious traditions may differ but it is Jesus who alone is Lord...in this and the common good we stand united), to put himself into a possibly precarious position. I listened on.

"On November 20, 2009, just a couple of days ago, religious leaders from Orthodox, Evangelical, and Christian faiths came together and released a declaration to our law makers, to the government, and as a call to any true Christian that we have a duty before God to uphold his Word and to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all its fullness and truth..." He went on to say that two days after its release, that 15,000, people and counting had signed this declaration. The Manhattan Declaration. He mentioned the website www.manhattandeclaration.org to take the time to read it and to sign it.

He went on to pick out key phrases of this document that struck deep within me. This Catholic brother was speaking out of love, but he had the power of the Holy Ghost upon his words. They were powerful. As soon as he said the site, I had typed it in, downloaded it and began reading. I was inspired, emboldened, and it seemed I had once again experienced the Fire and Passion of the Holy Ghost. This document is respectful, logic, and united.

Christians rise up and UNITE and be true the callings and edicts that the Lord provided for you when you were saved and washed by His blood. Read this document, sign it, and live it. God is truly no respecter of persons. Jesus is the ONLY way, truth, and the life and He is King of Kings and Lord of Lord's. Stay true to Him! Read the final paragraph of the Manhattan Declaration here:

"Because we honor justice and the common good, we will not comply with any edict that purports to compel our institutions to participate in abortions, embryodestructive research, assisted suicide and euthanasia, or any other antilife act; nor will we bend to any rule purporting to force us to bless immoral sexual partnerships, treat them as marriages or the equivalent, or refrain from proclaiming the truth, as we know it, about morality and immorality and marriage and the family. We will fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar's. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's."

For more information visit: www.manhattandeclaration.org

To learn more about The Basement visit: www.thebasementonline.com