Army Of The Trans-Mississippi Sunday Message

From arkansasscv.org:

ATM Sunday Message


October 22, 2010

Web Master

True or False



We have all seen tests where a statement is made and we are then asked to decide if the statement is true or false. The answers are usually given at the bottom of the page (upside down) or on another page in the book or magazine. Sometimes we find that our answer is wrong and we must change what we thought about a particular subject. However, we know there are those who refuse to be influenced by what is actually true or false. They will continue to believe what they want to believe, what they have been told to believe, or what suits their interests to believe, without regard for the facts.



Webster’s Dictionary defines a fact as, “Something known to be true.” It seems to me that if something is known to be true, there would be no debate or disagreement about it’s validity. And yet, there is. In John 8:46, Jesus asks, “And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?” One reason is pure ignorance. They simply don’t know the truth and don’t care to know the truth, but will still argue as if they know all about it. Another reason many ignore the truth is they would rather defend their opinion than change their mind, even if the facts prove them wrong. Why is that?



Jesus gave this answer in John 3:19, “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” Think of the many so called “controversial issues” being debated today. There’s gun control, abortion, homosexual activity along with same sex marriage, excessive taxes, bail outs, illegal immigration and more. The facts about each of these issues is obvious and the answers are simple. And most, if not all of us know what is true or false about these matters.



There are facts concerning our Confederate ancestors and Southern heritage. As members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, we have studied and know what is true or false. As the Scripture says, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables.” (2 Pet. 1:16) That is, the fables concocted by the Unionists to justify their invasion of the sovereign Confederate States, and all the horrors inflicted on Southern men, women and children in a war that was as unnecessary as it was illegal.



It is also true that the Union of Confederate Veterans, followed by the Sons of Confederate Veterans were once highly respected organizations, especially in the South. Our membership included the most influential men of society, as well as officials in all levels of government. But the federalists have done their job well. I won’t talk about where we are today. You know where we are as a Confederation as well, if not better, than I do.



The only answer for the Sons of Confederate Veterans is to put our faith and trust in Almighty God, and follow Him as He leads us to success in our just and most worthy Cause. If we are to accomplish our mission to save our Southern heritage and the respect due our brave and honorable Confederate forefathers, we must have the guidance and blessings of God. And, the correct answer to that statement is, True.



Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D



Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi