We preached the streets of New Roads, LA this past Tuesday, Mardi Gras i.e. “Fat Tuesday”. (February 5, 2008)
As usual the pagans have demonstrated their love of and indulgence in their reveling. But who is a pagan you may ask. I would say anyone who participates in pagan rituals, including their festivals and parties.
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Romans 1:32
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
All of these works of the flesh were manifest at Mardi Gras 2008
The Romanists devised Mardi Gras as a blasphemous ritual of licentious indulgence before their supposed “sacrificial self-denial” (I think I’ll give up potato chips for 40 days. L. Ooooh what a bold declaration of faith!) during their laughable period of lent which begins on Ash Wednesday. This is the day where they spread ashes on their foreheads as a symbol of mourning over their sinful indulgences of the day before, etc, etc. Anyone with any discernment is not fooled, and neither is God. Once again the Roman Catholic Church is at the core of perversion. And oh so many others rush to the polluted back yard of Catholic paganism to play with the popish toys. After all who better to join hand in hand with when your feet desire to run to mischief than the hellish cult of Romanism?
Despite the best efforts of the wicked the Gospel of Jesus Christ was declared. May He be praised for He is worthy “to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev.4:11)
Needless to say the pagans didn’t appreciate the love and mercy God extended toward them on Tuesday. We were pelted with everything from plastic pagan worship beads to full plates of jambalaya, from being splashed with bottled water, to the spittle of irate idolaters screaming in our faces. But the most appalling thing I observed all day was the frequency at which the children emulated their parents. As we preached, even the smallest of children were hurling handfuls of their precious plastic beads at us and screaming, “Everybody sins!” and “You’re judging us!” We have even heard on occasion that “Thou Shalt Not Judge” is one of the 10 Commandments. Imagine a 5, 6, 7 yr old screaming such a thing. (Encouraged by their parents I might add.)
One moment laughing at us, the next screaming in our faces, one moment mocking at how “stupid” we were, the next threatening to beat us. Obviously quite confused. When I witness such things on the streets I can only think of the incident of Elijah on Mt Carmel and the reaction of the prophets of Baal, crying aloud and cutting themselves. (On another occasion I have actually seen grown men completely rational one moment and the next stooping down and throwing handfuls of dirt into the air in their rage.)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Amazing!
We expounded the truth that according to the Bible no one involved in the pagan festival of Mardi Gras could possibly love God. (For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3) Soon from the balcony across the street, emerged a quickly produced hand-scribbled banner of colored construction paper taped together which said, “We love Jesus and we ♥ to party too!” Well it is obvious where their hearts are and how that heart has deceived them into thinking they love Jesus. (Jer 17:9). But then again maybe they do love “Jesus”. The Bible is quite clear that there is another Jesus, another Gospel, and another Spirit. The problem is that the “Jesus” they love is diametrically opposed to the Jesus of the Bible. The “Jesus” they love is in fact the enemy of Truth.
While the heathen did rage and take part in their vain imaginings, only one was so infuriated that he followed us away from his pagan festival to confront us as we returned to our vehicle. He is described in Psalm 10 (v. 7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.) and in Romans 3. (Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: Romans 3:13-15) While his feet were swift to shed blood his hands weren’t quite up to the task. He was full of threatening but he hadn’t enough faith in his mockery to follow through. When again presented Jesus, he fled back to his festival, cursing and blaspheming.
The day was profitable. Christ was lifted up. Men were drawn unto Him rather they liked it or not. Some few were humbled, most in their pride resisted God. How tragic that the remedy to their dilemma was offered unto them and the hand that would feed was slapped away. I pray for the conviction of the Holy Ghost in everyone that heard. They have to face themselves, many will marvel at their reaction to a handful of “legalistic” preachers.
His Word will not return unto Him void!
Glory be to God!
Halleluiah!
