The Crown Of Pride

The 28^th chapter of Isaiah refers to the crown of pride and the drunkards of Ephraim. Apt words, indeed, as we ponder recent goings-on in our nation.

We are perhaps living in the most desperate times in many a long year in Ephraim-Britain. Thanks to our Babylonian politicians, we may soon be joining in the much-trumpeted World War Three, which is part of the desperate attempt of the hidden hand to mold a new world order outwith the God-ordained authority of the Throne of David. We are by a death covenant bound to the failing Babylonian project of the European Union. As if this was not bad enough, our God-created Union stands imperilled by traitorous forces from within.

Here in Scotland,  a potent figurehead of loyalism to crown and nation – Glasgow Rangers Football Club – finds itself dangerously close to extinction. Everywhere you look the United Kingdom faces danger both by external and internal foes. History tells us that such dangers tend to bring out the bulldog fighting spirit in we Brits. However, that is part of, if not all of the problem.

Isaiah’s reference to the crown of pride speaks of a jingoistic patriotism, a shallow waving of the flag and dowsing ourselves in national pride. “We are The People” is the battle cry of defiant Rangers supporters throughout the years. It, along with “No Surrender!” signals the refusal of Rangers’ traditionally loyalist fans to bow down and admit defeat to enemies, as well as affirming their chosen status as God’s people.

Such cries should be expected to come from the mouths of God’s people. Telling others you are the Lord’s is testimony and testimony is an awesome weapon in our spiritual arsenal.

The problem is not what is being said. It is who is saying it. To invoke the Name of God  when you are not actually His is to invite judgment. You see, God does not let people casually take His Name in vain. To call yourself a Protestant means that God expects you to live like one. Being a Protestant does not mean you wear Rangers tops, know the words of “The Sash” and speak words of hate to Roman Catholics. God doesn’t recognise tribal Protestants, only Bible ones.

Rangers fans are about to find this out. But it is not just Rangers fans whose loyalty to the Throne is but a “crown of pride.” Anyone whose patriotism is not rooted in a deep faith and relationship with God through Jesus Christ is just a jingoistic nationalist. The truly patriotic man or woman is patriotic to the purpose of God for their nation.

This is much more so in the case of our United Kingdom, given that we are descended from the Israelites of old and that the Throne of David is perpetuated in our royal family and monarchy. We are God’s Israel nation in the earth today. Sadly, for many so-called loyalists, their god is alcohol. They are, indeed, the bevy merchants of Ephraim. Take their faith and their Bibles from them but don’t you dare take their lager or ale.

There is a great shaking going on. YHWH is breaking our idols from us. It has to be said that one of the biggest idols in the UK is Glasgow Rangers FC. People who should be worshipping the Lord instead worship a football team. This has happened throughout our history. Our forefathers worshipped monuments rather than the Lord Himself. We are prone to worship anything which reflects glory rather than the One who emanates it.

No-one is more for the Throne than me. I am Emrys! But it is obnoxious to me when I see the crown of pride – that arrogant vaunting of our monarchy – in the lips of those who know not the Lord who ordained it. I speak of those who invoke God’s Name to save our queen yet they are not God’s. You cannot support the monarchy truly unless you honour He who instituted it.

Isaiah 28 also speaks of the fading flower. This speaks of the lily. The orange lily is the flower of that most loyal of loyal orders, the Orange Lodge. Yet this organisation is a toothless tiger, peopled by those who love drink more than they love the things of God. It doesn’t stop them singing songs of shallow patriotism, though. They truly are the drunkards of Ephraim, with their fading flower of the Orange Lily, just as the Rangers fans sing of their blue bluebells.

“It’s only football,” some would say. If you believe that, you need to really spend serious time in God’s Presence. Football reflects the society we live in. Football is part of our culture of idolatry. God is destroying every excuse people have to not worship Him. His policy is to begin such things in His own house, with His own people. Jingoistic triumphalism won’t cut it anymore. That is the lesson to be learned.

You should support Queen and country and you should support Rangers. It is God’s team. But God will bring all of these things low if people put them before Him. After He has done this, He will destroy all those things which oppose Him. It’s just that judgment must begin in His own house. We might not like it but chastening is not meant to be pleasurable. Just learn the lesson fast.

If you make an idol of even the most sacred of things, you are an idolater. Renounce this and set the nation free. Accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ because the only true patriot is one who declares Jesus is Lord and the only true Protestant (i.e. witness) is He who has the witness in himself.

He who has the Son has life. He who has not the Son of God has not life.

Hail To The Chief

It is interesting that people who reject the absolute authority of a king always end up under the authority of a dictator.

The Puritans rejected – and beheaded – Charles 1st, yet ended up under the absolute dominion of Oliver Cromwell. His reign as Lord Protector was one of the few instances of a righteous tyranny.

The Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 saw the Russians do away with the Tsar, only to come under the rule of a succession of brutal tyrants.

The United States of America swapped the rule of the British Throne for their shiny new Republic – a beacon of democratic liberty. Yet where has this gotten them today? Since 9/11 a raft of legislation has put more power into the hands of the American President than at any time in history, making the office and person of President a virtual dictator.

Kingship has been shunned by the West increasingly over the past 150 years, yet people still are ruled over by one man or woman at the top. Of course, the world is not that simple and there are other hidden powers behind the nominal figureheads of state. But it is actually quite astonishing that the “enlightened” citizens of Western society, who would utterly discard the notion of being ruled over by a king, yet give their loyalty (and taxes!) to a president or prime minister.

This is the problem at the heart of our so-called Western civilization: we have rejected the Divine office of king and replaced it with our human notions of leadership. We have substituted democracy – the rule of the mob – for Theocracy – the rule of God through a godly monarch.

There is nothing wrong with the concept of the Divine Right of Kings; that is, when applied to the British Throne of David. What was wrong was that certain kings in our history abused this Right and thus brought dishonour upon their office. There are counter-balances in place to prevent this Divine Right becoming abused. God’s answer to kings whose heads get too big for their crowns has always been the careful, watchful eye of the saints. Many a dud monarch has been prayed off the Throne. And so it should be.

The simple truth is that man was made to be ruled over. This is not in question. What is in question is “”By whom?”

If man rejects the commandment of God, as Adam did in Eden, he will end up being ruled by a tyrant. As Adam did. If God’s instrument of dominion on planet earth is a Throne, not a democracy or a republic, then any people who reject that Throne are rebels against the will of God. This is America’s predicament today. She will never make republicanism and democracy work, nor can she. Most American Christians believe this anyway, since they believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, which will not happen to usher in a democracy! There is no Opposition Party in God’s Kingdom!

And Jesus is King. Not President. He is not elected by man.

Democracy is foolish men electing other fools to be their masters. It is fools licensing fools to be fools. It cannot work and it never has. Decades and centuries of democracy have proved that when men are given the power to choose their rulers, society breaks down because the family breaks down. And the reason the family breaks down is because the haters of God end up in power and pass laws that directly contravene His law. When will the people of God learn that democratically-elected politicians will always legislate against God and His Word?

The problem is that democracy enshrines man. Democracy is the soil of dictatorship and tyranny. Democracy attracts the sort of person who lusts for power and this is the type of person least deserving of it. The political histories of Europe and America are replete with instances of corruption in the highest places. Democracy spawns corruption because it makes man his own god. It is satanic to the core. Interestingly, some of the biggest supporters of democracy are church leaders who would consider it extremely rebellious for anyone to challenge them for the leadership of their own churches!

This is the kind of hypocrisy that the Church has sadly shown to the world. Christians believe in a King and are part of a Kingdom, yet lend their misplaced and misguided support to a devilish system called democracy. Let me ask you, Christian brother and sister: if you wouldn’t put up with a wretch as your pastor, why put up with one as your President? Or your Senator or Congressman?

The answer to this by many Christians is that with democracy you get the chance to vote such people out of office. My answer is: why wait? PRAY THEM OUT TODAY!! As dominion saints of the Most High, we have the right to petition YHWH to remove the wicked from power and replace them with the godly. Yet here is the rub of it: if we are going to do this – and we certainly need to do it – why continue to prop up a system that is clearly failing? Democracy will continue to attract and spit out those who are unfit for office.

In certain parts of the world, convicted prisoners can vote. Can you believe that? A child molester has the same rights as a child of God. A murderer and a rapist can exercise the same authority as a pastor or an evangelist. This is democracy for you. God’s system is the rule of the godly. It always has been. Moses was God’s man. Korah was the people’s representative. What happened at election time?

And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that YHWH  hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind.

If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then YHWH hath not sent me.

But if YHWH make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked YHWH.

And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:

And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.

They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.

NUMBERS 16:28-33 KJV

Korah, the people’s choice, didn’t bite the dust so much as the dust bit him. Notice that it was YHWH who did the electing, not the people. Their choice i.e. those that followed Korah, was over-ruled!

You really need to read Numbers 16 and see that the essential argument of Korah was for democracy and power-sharing. Korah was a democrat to his core. He was a descendent of Kohath and thus came from a privileged Levite family. The Levites were, in addition to being the spiritual priests, also the civil servants of Israel. “Kohath” means to ally oneself with, to join in party with. Clearly Korah was a politician, a man who inveigled his way into the confidence of others and conned them into joining his faction. His swansong, which the New Testament labels rebellion, was that all the people were equal. Sound familiar?

An interesting thing about Korah is his name. It means “bald” but is derived from a word that means “ice” or “hail”. Could it be that the hymn of praise sung to American Presidents i.e. Hail To The Chief contains a warning about the rebellion of Korah? What is the symbol of America? It is, of course, the bald eagle. America’s rebellion against God’s anointed Throne has been well-documented in this book. Intriguingly, Korah was a favourite name used by Edomites, those who hide behind the eagle (see Obadiah v.4). Eagles are, in fact, historically a symbol of Edom.

The rebellion against the British Throne originally comprised of thirteen states, thirteen of course being the number of rebellion. America is nationally Manasseh, the thirteenth tribe. Interestingly, Manasseh means “causing to forget”. Tragically, America has forgotten the original destiny of the Mayflower Pilgrims, to settle in the New World and colonise it as loyal subjects of the Throne of David. America’s status as the great people of Manasseh, as promised by the patriarch Jacob, would in no way be diminished by being ruled over by the British Throne; in fact, it could be argued that America will be not truly great until she comes under the God-appointed instrument of dominion again.

On this point of Manasseh being a “great people” (see Genesis 48:19), it should be noted that Jacob’s promise was specifically that. The word “people” in Hebrew is am, which is very rarely translated “nation” in Scripture. This has to be pointed out since some British-Israel teachers use this verse in Genesis 48 to assert that the Bible prophesies Manasseh to be a “great nation”. Although I accept this can be inferred from Genesis 48, it should be noted that a people are distinct from a nation, in both English and Hebrew terminology. I would not be dogmatic and say that in Genesis 48:19, the term “nation” could not apply but there is a tendency among some, particularly American teachers of BI, to hype this up and somehow make the great nation of Manasseh greater than Ephraim. One only has to read the writings of certain American BI teachers to see that this is so. However, the Bible is unambiguous. Ephraim is greater than Manasseh.

A bigger leap of fancy is made concerning Genesis 35:11, where God promises Jacob that a nation and a company of nations shall come from him. Many American proponents of BI couple this with Genesis 48:19 and aver that this promise of a nation applies to America, whilst the company of nations is Great Britain. Whilst the prophecy of Jacob in Genesis 48 clearly applies to Ephraim-Britain and Manasseh-America, it is stretching things way too far to say that Genesis 35:11 concerns the same subject. The word for nation used in this verse is goy, which definitively means “nation”. For American BI teachers to claim that the “nation” of Genesis 35:11 refers to America shows the preponderance to make America always the first and foremost. This desire for prominence in all things is typically American and indicative of a constant drive to be the top dog.

Sadly, in this, America shows the very heart of her rebellious refusal to submit to David’s Throne in the earth. Her constant promulgation and projection of her elected President as leader of the nations is subversive to the appointed and anointed seat of true authority. And here we see that the Bible’s use of am in Genesis 48:19 is inspired. Although at present America is undoubtedly a great nation, her real “manifest destiny” is embracing her prophetic role as a great people.

This will take place when the self-promoting and self-appointed “Chief”, the President of the United States, becomes openly subject to the God-established and God-appointed monarch upon David’s Royal Throne, reversing the tragic act of rebellion taken in the 18th century. The people of America must again come under the authority of this Throne.

Excerpted from the book My Country Tis Of Thee by William McMurdo

The author has elected to use the Divine Name YHWH instead of the scribal tradition of covering it with adonai – “the LORD” in English.

The Coming Division

For those of us who hold the unity of our United Kingdom dear, and who recognise it exists by the sovereign purpose of Almighty God, the battle is now on us with the SNP’s declaration of an actual timeframe for their proposed Independence Referendum – the autumn of 2014.

This battle, between those loyal to the Union and those who favour an independent Scotland of some description, has the potential to deeply polarise Scottish society, as well as people in other parts of the UK and further afield. Friendships will go by the wayside, family loyalties will be ripped asunder and many will become bitterly entrenched in their positions. No other issue has the potential to divide us as a people; this is arguably the great matter of our times.

Many are caught up in the debate itself – the respective merits of staying in the UK or separating from it. The arguments politically, economically and socially swirl around us and this “perfect storm” of discussion will only increase in intensity as we get nearer the actual date of any Referendum. Yet there is a far more important issue that few, if any, are facing up to.

It is this: What will Scotland be like after the Referendum? It looks likely that the Referendum could produce a tight result, effectively dividing in two the Scottish people. Even a more convincing victory could potentially leave a large part of Scotland as the loser – and living in a country they do not want. You see, this Referendum isn’t about voting for a party in an election, something you get the opportunity to change every few years. This is a question which won’t be asked again for a generation.

Do we really believe that the losers in this Referendum will just passively accept the decision and not be consumed with bitterness and a sense of futility? That they won’t feel like slaves trapped in a country they despise? This applies to both sides. If the separatists win, will pro-Unionists want to stay in a Scotland that considers them traitors? If the Unionists triumph, will those who hate the Union just accept that’s the result and go about their business quietly, knowing their aspirations for “freedom” have been crushed for another forty years?

These are the questions I don’t think the selfish politicians want to face. What this Referendum will do to Scotland could easily have ramifications that will radically transform our society.

Recently Alex Salmond has tried to link Scotland’s quest for independence with the so-called Irish freedom struggle. Apart from the fact that he has just recently railroaded a law through the Scottish Parliament that effectively criminalises people who sing songs or chant in support of this freedom struggle, he has also shown crass ignorance of the fact that the “losers” in that struggle i.e. those who did not want Irish Home Rule, were persecuted and ethnically-cleansed from the Republic of Ireland. The big question is: Will a similar fate befall Unionists should Salmond win the Referendum and get Scottish Home Rule?

Another question is this: If the separatists lose, will the more extreme among them see a more militant option as a viable route to achieving their aspirations? Will there be violence?

I am a Unionist. I believe the Union to be of God. Our Throne is ordained of God. As a Scot, I believe Scotland’s destiny is to be part of the Union. I reject the “victim” mentality of Scottish nationalists. And I grieve for those who have bought the lie that “independence” is in the best interests of Scotland.

For years now I have preached what the late John McPhee said concerning our nation – that there was coming a time when God would divide mankind by the Throne of David i.e. our British Throne. Of course, many found this a bit preposterous. I was informed that mankind is divided by faith in Christ – between the saved and the lost. This is true but it is a division that takes place in eternity. There are divisions on earth that are of great interest to God. This is often ignored by supposedly well-meaning Christians.

John McPhee said there was coming a time when men and women would have to choose between the Throne of David as God’s instrument of government in the earth – and the Beast system of Babylon. This does not equate to a simple matter of Christian versus non-Christian as we know, because unfortunately, the Apostle John records that many of God’s people are found on the wrong side of that particular division (see Revelation 18:4)! Can you be a Spirit-filled, Bible-believing, tongue-talking Christian and yet be serving old Babylon? Evidently you can.

The coming Referendum is, I believe, the fulfilment of John Mcphee’s prophetic word if it actually goes ahead. This means that the deep divisions we will experience are actually of God. It is the Lord who is bringing this decision upon us, albeit He is using the machinations of politicians to accomplish His ends. No-one will escape this decision. Even people in other parts of the UK will be tested along these lines. What’s more, a passive, fairly ambivalent acceptance of our monarchy will not suffice. You are either for the Throne or against it; God Himself will brook no half measures in allegiance. Lukewarmness is repugnant to Him.

Remember that to be against the Throne of David is antichrist (see Psalm 2). I know some don’t like my bluntness – or is it sharpness? Either way, I don’t plan on quitting. The destiny of millions is in our hands with these matters. Pietistic theology has caused an entire generation to swallow the lie that matters of state are not the province or concern of the believer in Christ. Those who have truly heard from God know the very opposite is true. The gates of hell will not prevail against the ecclesia of God. When you understand that ecclesia means governmental, legislative assembly and not the place you go to sing songs and clap hands, you will be in position to hear what the Spirit is saying to the ecclesia.

Upon The Throne Of David...

This year's Queen's Christmas Speech has brought great encouragement to believers because, in a few short phrases, Her Majesty has perfectly captured the Christian message and further bolstered Prime Minister David Cameron's recent assertion that Britain is a Christian nation.

It is indeed very refreshing to hear our monarch speak so boldly and succinctly the Gospel message. What is sad is that it seems so rare an event. Whatever her private faith, Her Majesty has not always led the nation by bold proclamation, something which we have grown accustomed to not expecting of our sovereigns. Interestingly, The King’s Speech was premiered last night. It shows our present Queen’s father struggling, not only with a speech impediment, but with the nation’s crying need for strong leadership from the Throne as we slid into World War II. King George VI overcame his own fears to speak powerfully for and to Britain during those dark war years and led by example. He was an excellent king who called our nation to prayer on a few occasions during those terrible times.

These are all prophetic portents. We know the shepherd king is coming to Britain. He will, like his father David before him, have a heart after God. He will be a born-again, sold out to Jesus, Spirit-filled, tongue-talking, Bible-believing, devil-stomping, Gospel-preaching king who will lead the nation back to God. He will very much embody the Arthurian concept and vision of the once and future king. Britain’s dire need is such a monarch. We need the Covenanter vision of a consecrated king in a consecrated land peopled by consecrated saints; we need this vision to become reality.

The recent public alignment of the Throne and Parliament with the Christian faith should rightly encourage us as we move towards our vision. However, we are not kidding ourselves that all is rosy in the garden. The recent changes to monarchical succession are proof of this as we are departing from both millennia-old tradition and biblical principle to gender-neutralise succession to the Throne. Such meddling cannot have God’s approval since it already has His proscription (see Proverbs 24:21,22). The arrogance of 21^st century people to believe they can change things simply because it is the 21^st century. This was the major reason given for changing succession rights!

Yet for all the rebellion and folly of men, we believe God for the shepherd king upon the Throne of Britain. Such a king will unite the nation and see God beat down his enemies before his face. It will rightly be seen in his day that to oppose the British sovereign and the unity of our United kingdom is both antichrist and anathema. Those who flirt with republicanism and independence would do well to think on this.

I ought not have to say this but the stubbornness of some compels me to. Many in Scotland and Ireland oppose the monarchy because they see the Throne as an English throne. Yet the roots of our British Throne go just as deeply, if not more so, into the ancient thrones of both Ireland and Scotland. The ancient succession to King David, although it can be traced through English kings, comes more directly from the Irish and Dalriadic kings, since these were the ones crowned upon the Bethel Stone. Because of this it is valid to say that the present British monarchy, including its English/Welsh component, is the taking over of the English throne by the Scots-Irish kings. Davidic rulership - i.e. world dominion – is conferred by the Stone. For this reason, Britain could never become an Empire – the Stone Kingdom of Daniel’s prophecy – until Jacob’s Pillar sat underneath the united Throne. The Scots and Irish are the true possessors of this Stone, hence its present location in Edinburgh Castle.

The squabbles of the Gaels and Anglo-Saxons must be set aside. We are and must forever be a UNITED Kingdom. As Gaels, Angles, Saxons, Jutes, Britons. Celts etc, we all owe allegiance to the biblical Throne of David in our midst. This Throne belongs to all of us. The power of this Throne to unite our nation is limitless, since the Throne itself is ordained of God. This applies to non-indigenous inhabitants of the British Isles too. Many people of foreign origin or ancestry are fiercely loyal to our Throne. This will bring them honour, safety and protection.

It’s time to stop playing games with these things. Our experiments with democracy have proven one thing: God chose KINGDOM as His form of government for a reason. He didn’t just choose it for Himself; He chose it for us. We are not to pray: “Thy republic come.” That prayer won’t work. But understand one thing: When you pray “Thy Kingdom come” you strengthen the God-ordained instrument of dominion in the earth – the Throne of David in our midst.

That Throne is the Royal Throne of Britain. And when the High King of heaven lives within a British sovereign, He truly does rule upon the throne of David. That is why we are mandated to pray for kings and leaders (1Tim 2:1-4).

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. 

ISAIAH 9:6,7

The Charter Of Heaven: Rule, Britannia!

Whatever the politics, Prime Minister David Cameron's veto of the new EU treaty is good for the nation spiritually. Scripture speaks of God's people making a covenant with death; sadly, this has an application in our present relationship with the European Union. We cannot ignore nor forget, either, that David Cameron's defiant stand in Brussels has been taken to protect the banks and financial system here in the UK. We are left wondering which part of Babylon it would be better or worse to succumb to - deeper bondage to EU Babylon or further servitude to the Babylonian banksters who pull the strings behind the scenes. 

Yet for all that, the Prime Minister has made a good decision for our spiritual welfare. It is a good thing to focus the nation on the importance of sovereignty. Sovereignty, of course,  is like liberty - it can only be truly realised in a national covenant with God. And a nation covenanted to Almighty God cannot afford to enter leagues and treaties with other nations, most particularly those who do not share our values. Let us not forget that the Davidic Throne is in our midst and the mandate for this Throne is to rule the nations, not be subservient to them. The pooled sovereignty of the EU is not a place of safety for Britain; it is a place of disobedience to the heavenly charter to rule the waves. 

God's command to rule is not a licence to perpetrate tyranny; it is its very opposite. We must be humble as a people and as a nation. Our safest place is under the mighty hand of God. The awesome rights we have been given necessitate we take them soberly and responsibly. We are the servant nation, not the master race. Yet rule we must for it is the will of heaven. 

I am not sure this is in the mind of our Prime Minister. But it is for the people of God to steer the ship and believe God in these matters. Those who know the Lord know that it is He that made us mighty and only He can be trusted to make us mightier yet. 

God save the Queen.

Rule, Britannia!

Honour: The Key To Disarmament

Recently I met with an old Commander of the UDA who, along with other paramilitary leaders, had been invited by the UK and Irish governments to a ceremony during the Queen’s visit to Ireland. At this ceremony the contribution of loyalist paramilitaries was acknowledged and honour was given to their struggle for their cause. Yes, you read right. A nation which was ostensibly the enemy of these loyalist paramilitaries gave them respect and honour before the eyes of the world. According to this friend of mine, the Irish authorities treated them with enormous courtesy and dignity and their security was ironclad.

That most despised of anthems to those loyal to the Throne in Northern Ireland – the Republic’s “Soldiers Song” was played at the ceremony. The loyalist leaders politely bowed their heads in silence as it played but their endurance was rewarded as “God Save The Queen” was played no less than four times during the event!

This is a massive encouragement for those of us who desire to see Ireland united once more – under the Crown, that is. There is intense debate going on within the south of Ireland about the possibility of Ireland rejoining the British Commonwealth or even becoming part of the UK again. Moreover, there is a real desire evident through every level of society in Ireland to put aside the hurts of the past and form a new, strong alliance with Britain. Being anti-British in Ireland is seen as a relic of the past, not part of the new, progressive Ireland. Ireland’s experience of the EU – going from poster child to pariah in a few short years – has led many to ponder and reconsider the dubious merits of independence. Safety under the covering of Britannia is suddenly a much more appealing option. It has to be said that this emerging fresh approach has been helped by the loosening of the iron grip of popery over the nation. Disillusionment with many decades of sexual and spiritual abuse perpetrated by RC clergy has led many Irish people to seek freedom from narrow religiosity and enter a brave new world.

There is a massive spiritual lesson for us in this story of men who chose to be outlaws to defend their nation from its enemies and enduring great personal cost, one day being invited to a ceremony where they are feted and treated with great esteem by a nation which is ostensibly opposed to what these men stand for. Of course, the loyalist paramilitaries were not at war with the Republic of Ireland. But over the period of the Troubles, the Republic was both safe haven and support base for the real enemy – the IRA and its varied offshoots. The plastic peace of the Good Friday agreement still acts as a sticking plaster over the deep wounds of Northern Ireland. However, the recent gestures of the Irish government show us that a real peace is possible between Ireland and Great Britain. The genuineness of these gestures only highlights the fakery of Good Friday. The Irish have shown remarkable understanding of a key spiritual reality – only in a culture of honour, where ALL are honoured, can there be true peace and freedom.

My UDA friend also mentioned a particular hobby horse of mine – the contribution of the National Volunteers in Ireland to the Great War effort. These determined nationalists were persuaded by Redmond to lay down their arms in support of Irish Home Rule (for which they were formed) and take an oath to King and country. These volunteers formed the 10^th and 16^th Irish Divisions. The 16^th fought alongside the UVF at the Somme and took the heaviest casualties of the war. The 10^th were engaged at Gallipoli and Palestine among other places. The Irish Divisions were used as cannon fodder by the British. As my friend said, they are the great unforgotten of the Great War and should be highly honoured by loyalists. Remember, these were men who fought for our nation even though they were nationalists.

The biblical lesson of honour where it is due never applied more.

Honour is vital if you want to create true peace. Where there is no honour, there can be no lasting peace. I don’t mean by this that you honour your enemy’s thinking – just that you honour your enemy. Respect has to be earned in human relationships but honour is a gift you bestow. The more honour you give, the more honourable you in effect become. As you give others honour you will actually gain their respect. Let those of us who stand for the Throne of David in our midst learn this well.

Let me say that as Emrys I am sent to some but available to all. My friendship and counsel would be extended to any Republican paramilitary. My objective is simple: the Kingdom of Summer. To achieve this I will make friends of the most implacable of foes. Centuries of indoctrination have produced in many a fierce hatred of Britain and the Throne. This hatred feeds on grievances both real and imagined. Challenging with truth the institutional opposition to the Throne must be accompanied by giving genuine honour to the people who have been deceived by such opposition. We can make friends of our enemies. It is honourable to attempt to do so. And being a people of honour is part of our calling to be His People. The Scripture says “Call them My people who are not My people.” What this means is that we can bestow on others the honour of being His People.

What an honour it is to do this. More will be achieved by bestowing honour than by bullet or gun. Let him who has an ear, hear.

United We Stand

Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation
LUKE 11:17

The past few weeks have brought the concept of our United Kingdom to the forefront. Firstly, the SNP recorded a historic victory in the Scottish Parliament elections. The SNP have stated they want independence from the UK, although a closer inspection of their terms should not alarm any Unionist. They want to retain the Queen as Head of State. This would mean we are still a United Kingdom, if not united by a Westminster Parliament. The threat to the Union by the SNP is presently minimal since the trust of the electorate given to the party to run a devolved Scotland does not mean that the same electorate favour independence. Far from it if opinion polls are to be believed.

A more exciting development has taken place in Ireland where the recent visit of Her Majesty the Queen was met with warm enthusiasm by the Irish. The future of Ireland is being debated within the Emerald Isle. Closer ties with Britain, including an adoption of sterling as currency, is looking a very attractive option. Ireland could become part of the Commonwealth family and even part of the UK once more. This is the heart of God, I believe. Britain's Empire began to break up, not as some erroneously believe because of an abrogation of the Balfour Declaration, but from within after the Irish gained Home Rule. Imperial pride was our undoing and the loss of  Ireland was the catalyst of our Empire's disintegration.

Those of a British Israel understanding will be aware that the Celtic peoples of these Isles are, broadly speaking, Judahites and the Angles & Saxons are Ephraimites of the Northern House of Israel. Nationally, Scotland, Ireland and Wales are Celtic Judah and England is Anglo-Saxon Ephraim. Ephesians chapter 2 speaks of the two men becoming one - i.e. Circumcised Judah and Uncircumcised nations called by God Lo-Ammi (the invented word "Gentiles" used in the KJV and some other translations). In modern day terms these are the Celts and Anglo-Saxons. Please remember that the Judahites of Paul's acquaintance who lived in the Holy Land were only a small portion of Judah, the vast number being in dispersion and being identified by other names.

In short, Ephesians chapter 2 speaks of Judah and Ephraim becoming one by the cross. As this means Celts and Anglo-Saxons we can say in our day - Scots, Irish and Welsh being united with England. Historically, we became united as a United Kingdom by the Christian faith. It is only as we have lost our identity as a Christian nation that we have seen this unity come under threat. The cross unites us! The Gospel is what makes us a United Kingdom. We must never lose this.

We are now entering a time where God is dividing men by their allegiance to the British Throne - the Throne of David in our midst. Those who oppose this Throne are enemies of God's purpose. As John Mcphee prophesied, the testimony of God will be handed back to our Royal Throne by modern-day Covenanters. These are momentous times and exciting times. But God will make all men choose - the Throne of David or Babylon. It is, indeed, a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the Living God.