As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another, I am compelled from within to begin, as much as possible, to post a daily blog in order to do one thing: to proclaim the kingdom of Jesus Christ! Here at Lighthouse Community Church we have a mission statement that declares the following: "We exist to proclaim the reign of Jesus Christ over all things; glorifying and enjoying God, now and forever." I begin here because in our current circumstances it has become obvious that most people do not believe this and that even many of those within the visible church do not understand the implications of this statement. We read in Philippians 2:9-11 that there will come a time when "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." As one who by God's grace believes Jesus Christ IS Lord, it is my privilege to acknowledge this NOW, willingly and joyfully. And in doing so I proclaim my belief that there is no authority in heaven or on the earth that is higher than HIS authority. That means, in our current circumstances, what it has always meant, that all human authority is UNDER the authority of Almighty God and now of His "Anointed One," the Messiah, the Christ, the KING over all the earth, Jesus!! Therefore, I and all true believers, enlightened and empowered by the very Spirit of Christ, are commanded to proclaim His Lordship and to stand firm against those who would seek to usurp (to steal) His authority for their own purposes. Someone called our church this morning and asked if we were open. YES! Then they asked if we were requiring masks. NO! You may wear one if you decide you want to wear one, but we will not require them. Then they asked if we were singing. How sad is it that anyone would have to ask if the church, God's people gathered together to worship the KING, is singing!!! YES!! We are singing His praises!! What has happened in the past ten months is that the enemy of Christ and His Body has used government to silence the church and to bring Christians into submission to the authority of man ... for our safety and for our good, of course. But this is a lie! People are dying without loved ones at their side, people are living without being able to see their loved ones, whether in nursing homes or shut in their own homes. People are losing their businesses and eventually their homes because they are commanded not to work or they will be fined or even imprisoned. The list goes on, and where it stops is complete reliance on the government for "salvation," for deliverance from this "plague" called "COVID." Now we are told that we must continue to wear a mask, maintain social distance and restrict our movement even after a vaccination, for a year ... or two ... or ... JESUS IS LORD!! We are being told that loving our neighbor, respecting our neighbor, caring about our neighbor requires wearing a mask and standing six feet apart and staying home as much as possible and not traveling and not getting together with family. My friends, this is HATE, not love, as our neighbors grow weary and depressed and anxious and fearful and live without hope because they do not hear us proclaiming the kingdom of God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not begin or end with "God loves you," it begins with "Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand!" And it ends with, "JESUS IS LORD ... over EVERYTHING!" When the Governor of a state, or anyone else, restricts in any way your devotion to Christ or your obedience to Christ and tells you what you MUST do, even if it becomes a law, you must declare, "Jesus Christ is Lord!" God tells us that HE has created human government as HIS servant, to execute justice. Period. All human government is UNDER the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Those in the church SHOULD know this, but most do not seem to understand it, believing instead (because this is what they have been taught) that we are supposed to "turn the other cheek" and blindly obey the authority of the government that GOD has placed OVER us. "We exist to proclaim the reign of Jesus Christ over EVERYTHING!" I will be sharing more about this and other truths from God's Word in the coming days and weeks, Lord willing. In the meantime, I have completed my second book, entitled simply, " ... the end." In it is God's Word, quoted on virtually every page, brining together the Scriptures that point to the events leading up to and surrounding the return of Jesus Christ. If you would like to receive a copy, along with a study guide, email me at pastorsteve@lighthouse-ministries.org. The cost is $15 for one book and $10 for a Study Guide. Shipping in the U.S. is $5.00. If you are anywhere else in the world, the cost is $25 for both plus shipping. You may pay online through our website at lighthouse-ministries.org. Just send me your address. The days ahead will bring many opportunities to testify to the truth. Be sure you know and believe that Jesus Christ is Lord ... over EVERYTHING!!!