Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the New Testament. In particular, to the letters a couple of specific apostles wrote to several different churches in their area.

You see, while we often use them as personal references for our own daily lives, and also often for sermons, mini-sermons, lessons, or even articles like this, the letters were originally just that; letters written to people. More specifically, Christians with very big questions about behemoth issues in the Church as a whole and in sections. Letters that do mention specific people and things like updates on a certain person they've been praying for's situation, sending each other love, etc. Letters not unlike the ones I used to physically hand to my home pastor, regarding issues I was deeply concerned about, but could not find anywhere in Scripture and needed personal advice on.

So, first a disclaimer: I am not an apostle. Most likely not a total saint. But the important thing is I am a believer in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior who has eternally conquered death for us forever. I'm a fallen being who has accepted Christ's offer of salvation, although I myself am far from being perfect. And yet, when I see something seriously depraved in our country's Church, I find the urge to call out ever so strongly against such actions; although, at the same time, I find myself somewhat encouraged by some things happening in our fair country. So here it is. (Mind, I've never done this before, so bear with me...)

I'm going to author a letter to the Americans, myself, if no one else is going to.

So, without further ado...

"To all my fellow brethren in Northern America,

Love and greetings to you in the holy Name of our Lord and Savior.

First of all, allow me to thank you for your willingness to work hard for Christ in being a willing, hospitable vessel to which the needy and the immigrants find refuge in, as well as giving them a genuinely warm reception. No, the refuge itself is far from being fully perfected in Christ, but it is certainly in progress. I long to see all of you, but as my circumstances do not currently permit it, I am stationed as God wills.

As both a country and as a Church we have played a tug-of-war between spiritual progress and spiritual depravity, between the dark and the light, brethren, this should not be, for as it is written,

'Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?' (James 3:11, NIV.)

Neither should we condone darkness along with the light, as though it were light. For if it were light, would there not be agreement between that law and the law of God's Word? Therefore, not do mix darkness with light; do not intertwine evil acts with good. For while Christ came to save and love sinners, He came not to condone sin. Some of you have even gone on to say that it is perfectly lawful to have one man lie with another, or even that it is lawful to murder by infanticide! Do you not know it is also written,

'They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-- who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.' (Romans 1:25-27, NIV.)

and,

'My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. You eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them became to be.' (Psalms 139: 15-16, NIV.)

My brethren, this should not be. Shall we exchange the truth of our Almighty, loving Creator for that of a spawn of the Deceiver? Certainly not!

Therefore, I urge you, do not be fooled by false philosophy that leads you away from our Life-Giving Savior, or our Maker.

Now concerning the matter of the inactivity of serving, while it is good to have fellowship with one another and enjoy each other's company, it is better yet to serve others who are in greater need of your services than those within your company. This is why many other churches outside of us prosper more in reaching others spiritually. If we are to fellowship, serve, and preach the Good News, let us also fellowship, serve and preach the Good News among the least of these, and imitate our Great Example. Let us not neglect those with the greatest needs in favor of mere comfort and complacency.

Now the our Great Shepherd, the Great Author of all things good, may He equip you to do His work in ways you have not even dreamed of, or dared to dream of, bless you and keep you. May His abundant Grace and Mercy shine upon you. World without end, Amen."