“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the ecumenical movement…”
Is it just me or do you feel uncomfortable with the “Christian flag,” which is displayed and even pledged to in many independent Baptist churches? The Christian flag originated in some kind of Protestant Sunday school class and the Methodists wrote its corresponding pledge. Although the flag is said to be primarily used by Protestants, I heard about a Catholic school in Sacramento, California, having students pledge to it, so apparently Catholics now fly this flag as well.
The Christian flag has also been widely accepted by independent Baptists who are supposedly “separated.” (Baptists are not Protestants by the way.) Although the Roman Catholic church and many other closely related European denominations each have their own specific flag, many of these, including the Eastern Orthodox church, have now adopted the Christian flag. The following is a quote from Wikipedia:
“The ecumenical Christian organization, Federal Council of Churches, now succeeded by the National Council of Churches and Christian Churches Together, adopted the flag on 23 January 1942.[1] The Christian Flag intentionally has no patent, as the designer dedicated the flag to all of Christendom.”
Another flag that also had a red cross on it was flown during the Crusades when Christians were persecuted and murdered by the Catholic church. It seems obvious to assume that the modern-day Christian flag will someday represent the one world religion of the anti-Christ, and we are certainly not allegiant to that. As if that weren’t reason enough, the Christian flag is just another religious icon that has no place in a Baptist church.
A pledge of allegiance might even be considered a vow or a vain repetition of sorts, but if you insist on pledging allegiance to something, pledge allegiance to God and the Bible. Countries change, so-called Christianity changes, but the Word of God is unchanging. The following is the Bible pledge that they say in some churches.
“I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's Holy Word, I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God.”
Churches on occasion will have ceremonies where they pledge to the American flag, the Christian flag and the Bible, so you may want to sit it out during a couple of those. However you feel about pledging allegiance to our country these days (I don’t), at least stop pledging to the “Christian” flag.
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Here is a sermon to go with this article
Been following you for the last 2 months. Overall, I like you, but this is one of those instances where you're looking too much into something and FAILING at trying to look deep by bashing it. The Christian flag is fine as is its pledge: 'I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Saviour (i.e. giving props to Jesus) for Whose kingdom it stands. One Saviour, crucified, risen and coming again, with life and liberty for all who believe.'
ReplyDeleteSeriously, we're cool here.
Well, the problem I have with the Christian flag is that it was invented by a Methodist, and the stated goal is to unite all Christian denominations. I don't think it's right to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers in that way, but you are entitled to your opinion. It's not a major issue for me, but I will choose to abstain.
ReplyDeleteI've always been indifferent to it. I can understand why some rally behind the flag, but when it's flying over a homo marriage, woman pastor, pro-abortion church, it is meaningless.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I also don't pray to the flags at our church, We still stand though, just so we don't seem disrespectful
ReplyDeleteWell said Pastor.
ReplyDeleteSeems like all the mentions of a flag (banner or standard) in the Bible seem positive. The Bible talks often about setting up a standard in the context of rallying up a common defense among the people of Israel against enemy nations.
It seems the Christian standard or banner that is talked about has different (i.e., ecumenical) motivations.
It certainly is one thing to pledge allegiance to the secular American flag, but I think it would be scriptural (albeit rather political) for FWBC to set up a standard, especially as it is now assaulted by the international sodomite forces.
I reckon this is a sermon all on its own, perhaps overdue in a time where every "patriot" is proud to wear the Star Spangled Banner on their lapel.