ATM Sunday Message for June 5, 2011

Brothers and fellow Compatriots:
Below is my message for Sunday, June 5th.  As always, please feel free to forward or reply.  Your comments are always appreciated.  It may also be used as an article in your camp or other newsletter.
Many thanks to those who forward theses messages to other individuals and groups.  For that I am truly grateful.
May God bless each of you and our most worthy Confederation.


Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
Member, Chaplain's Corps Committee
Sons of Confederate Veterans
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If They Only knew.

It has been said that, "Ignorance is bliss." Some have even proposed that, "What you don't know won't hurt you." There may cases where these statements are true, but most people will disagree. Given a choice we would prefer not to be ignorant or kept in the dark. Yet, the level of ignorance and misconception in a society that claims to be so enlightened, is monumental.
In 2 Peter 3: 5, the Scripture refers to those that are willingly ignorant. To be willingly ignorant is to ignore what is true because it is inconvenient, politically incorrect, or doesn't fit some mold that we have been led to believe. They choose to be ignorant, although the truth is readily available, because it suits them to be ignorant. In other words, their mind is made up, don't confuse them with facts.
Speaking to the woman at the well, Jesus said, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He wouldest have given thee living water." (John 4: 10) This woman of Samaria was ignorant, and it was not bliss. She did not know who she was speaking to, and it was hurting. It was standing between her and the "Gift of God." And, the gift of God of which Jesus spoke, was everlasting life. (Vs. 14)
But fortunately, she was not willingly ignorant. In spite of what she had been taught all her life (Vs. 20), she was prepared to accept the truth when she heard it. Additionally, many others also changed their thinking, and received the "living water" when they heard Jesus speak. (Vs. 39-42)
Many, and probably most, people today accept as truth whatever they were brought up to believe, and in a lot of cases, whatever they see as being in their best interest to believe. We can't help what we were taught as we were growing up. But as adults, we should not be willingly ignorant. We must question and test what we were fed as children. We must ask, "Is what I believe supported by the facts and truth?"
As members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, we have tested and questioned. We have studied the facts and know the truth. Robert E. Lee was not a traitor, but a patriotic citizen. Our Confederate forefathers were not criminals, but brave and honorable men fighting to defend their homeland against an illegal invasion. We know the war for Southern independence was not about slavery, but states rights and the preservation of the Constitution as presented by our founding fathers.
We also know that Abraham Lincoln was not a great man worthy of honor, but a self serving war criminal of the first degree who trampled the constitution he swore to defend, and orchestrated a course of destruction for the new nation that "our forefathers set forth upon this continent." This, and much more we all know, but do we know and believe the truth about Jesus Christ?
Most, if not all, people have some knowledge, and believe (or disbelieve) something about spiritual matters. And, like the War for Southern Independence, many believe what they have been taught, or brought up to believe, and never question whether or not it's true.
It is my continuing prayer that every member of the SCV, their families, friends, and all others, would "come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim. 3: 7), commit their lives to Jesus Christ, and come to know Him as Savior, Lord, and coming King. He is the answer to every question and the power behind every endeavor. Amen.

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D

                                     Army of Trans-Mississippi Chaplain
                                          Sons Of Confederate Veterans

ATM Sunday Message for January 2, 2011

Confederate Christians and fellow Compatriots,

Below is my message for Sunday, January 2nd.  Please feel free to forward or reply.  Your comments are always appreciated.  It may also be used as an article in your camp or other newsletter.

I wish you all a very happy new year.

May our Lord bless each of you in His service and in service to our most worthy Cause.

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
Member, Chaplain's Corps Committee
Sons of Confederate Veterans
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                                            Rekindle That Old Flame!

       Occasionally we hear of a couple, after many years of marriage, renewing their wedding vows, or taking a second honeymoon. Of course they love each other as much as ever, and probably more. But, as they say, the thrill is gone. The excitement they once felt at just being together has faded, and they want to rekindle that old flame.

       We see a similar thing happen in church. Some members have been Christians and tireless workers for a long time. They have taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, visited the sick, helped the needy, and been a faithful witness to the lost. But it has all become routine, and the fire that once burned in their heart has lost it's heat. This, by the way, is a major pitfall to many ministers. They continue to fulfill their responsibilities, but their preaching has lost it's sense of urgency. It's time for them to rekindle that old flame.

       In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warns, "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." When the flame is not rekindled, the fire goes out and the ashes turn cold. We call it being "burnt out." That's when marriages fail, church members fall, and ministers return to secular work or build mega-churches where everyone has fun and leave unconvinced, unconverted, and unrepentant, but feeling good about their condition.

       People often lose interest in their jobs, hobbies, activities, and even relationships. Things they once found exciting become dull, boring, and a chore to continue doing. Then they look for something else, someone else, or some place else to peak their interest. Of course, they'll soon burn out on that and move on to whatever is next. They have failed to rekindle that old flame.

       The same thing happens within the ranks of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Every year we have members who don't renew their membership, and I don't believe the reason is financial. Certainly our brave Confederate forefathers are worthy of the small amount of our membership dues, even if it requires some sacrifice.

       So, why do marriages fail, Christians fall, and SCV members not renew? Jesus answers this question in Revelation 2:4, where He says, "Because thou hast left thy first love." Simply, people lose interest in their jobs, Christianity, marriages, or the SCV because they have forgotten what it was that interested them in the first place. They need to rekindle that old flame.

       We are married because we met someone whom we loved and wanted to share our life with. We are Christians because we have a relationship with Jesus Christ who died that we might live. And, we are members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans because we wish to honor our brave Confederate forefathers, defend their worthy Cause, and preserve our noble Southern heritage.

In Revelation 2:5, Jesus continued by saying, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen." That's how we rekindle that old flame.

                                                Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
                                      Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
                                            Sons of Confederate Veterans

ATM Sunday Message for December 26, 2010

Confederate Christians and fellow Compatriots:

Below is my message for Sunday, December 26th.  Please feel free to reply or forward.  Your comments and efforts are always appreciated.  It may also be used as an article in your camp or other newsletter.

It is my hope that you all had a very merry Christmas and look forward to a happy and prosperous new year.

May our Lord bless you in His service and in service to our most worthy Confederation.

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
Member, Chaplain's Corps Committee
Sons of Confederate Veterans
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 The Last Confederate Christmas.

Recently, I had the privilege to speak at a very elegant affair and banquet called, "Christmas in Dixie." It was co-sponsored by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, camp 124, the Order of Confederate Rose, chapter 31, and the Military Order of Stars and Bars, chapter 261. Plus, there were a number of ladies with the United Daughters of the Confederacy attending. The event was also historic, in that 77 years ago, in 1933, the last reunion of Confederate Veterans of the Tyler, Texas area was held in the same building. Period dress was requested and it was an impressive and festive occasion to say the least. My wife (Jan) and I enjoyed it immensely and are very pleased to have been invited.

In the process of preparing my presentation to these fine ladies and gentlemen of the South, I came across an article written in 1897. It was titled, Eggnog in Atlanta, and recounted the last Confederate Christmas in that great city. I did not use it in my message, because the banquet was intended to be a joyous and gala affair, and this article made me both sad and mad.

In December, 1863, the citizens of Atlanta were happy and prosperous. They were buying and selling and getting ready for a merry Christmas and a happy 1864. The article stated, "The outlook was growing brighter, and that the next Christmas would be a peaceful one under the flag of the triumphant Confederacy." Of course we know it was not to be. This was to be their last Confederate Christmas.

By December 1864, Atlanta, called "The Citadel of the Confederacy," was in ruins. The article read, "This shattered and blasted wreck of a city was then the most desolate spot on the continent." It went on to say, "There were no Christmas shoppers, no Christmas shops, and no Christmas." For the Union, it had become a war against civilians. To men like Sherman, every Southerner was an enemy, and every home and business a target to be destroyed.

As I read this article and several others which were similar in nature, I became more acutely aware of something I already knew, as I'm sure most of you know also. Winning the war and beating the South into submission to it's new idea of a centralized government, and justifying it's illegal invasion and criminal acts was not the end of the Union's ultimate strategy. They had to destroy who we were, and still are. They had to crush our Southern traditions, our Southern customs, and our Southern heritage. They have to be sure that 150 years ago was the last Confederate Christmas.
When I spoke at the "Christmas in Dixie" banquet, I said that the Christmas message can be summed up in two words: Love and Life. Notice John 3:16. I did not speak of Union atrocities or their ultimate desire to destroy our heritage. I told them that Jesus said, "I am come that they may have life." (Jn. 10:10) And also, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (Jn. 14:6) Yes, the Christmas message is all about God's love and our life.
I'm very glad I was invited to take part in the "Christmas in Dixie" banquet in Tyler, Texas. It was a Confederate Christmas, so I can firmly state the Union strategy has failed. And since it is an annual event, I also know it won't be the last Confederate Christmas.

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
Sons of Confederate Veterans

ATM Sunday Message for December 19, 2010

Confederate Christians and fellow Compatriots:
Below is my message for Sunday, December 19th.  Please feel free to forward or reply.  Your comments are always appreciated.  It may also be used in your camp or other newsletter.
May our Lord bless each of you with a very merry Christmas.
Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
Member, Chaplain's Corps Committee
Sons of Confederate Veterans
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A Christmas Message.

The story of Christmas has been told and retold. A mountain of books have been written and thousands of sermons have been preached about that first Christmas so long ago. We sing songs about peace on earth and joy to the world. And we love to hear of Mary, Joseph, and the birth of the Christ Child in Bethlehem. But, there is a Christmas message that is often overlooked.
It is the manner of this world to consider some people as being more important or of greater value than others, usually due to their wealth or position. However, the Christmas message tells us this is not so with God.

When Christ was born in Bethlehem, the Bible tells us that an angel was sent to announce His long awaited arrival. (Lk. 2: 10, 11) It is important for us to notice that when the angel came, he did not come to the priests serving in the great Temple of God in Jerusalem. Nor did he come to the Rabbis who taught people about the coming Messiah, or to the Scribes who knew so much about the prophecies concerning the Messiah. The angel did not come to the very religious Pharisees or Sadducees, or make his announcement to the Sanhedrin, the judges of Israel. And the angel did not appear to King Herod.

When the angel came to bring the "good tidings of great joy," he passed by all of the religious leaders, rulers, and men of influence and power, and made the long awaited announcement to simple shepherds "keeping watch over their flock by night." (Luke 2: 8-20) Of course, this is not to say there is anything inherently wrong with being a leader, or having knowledge and influence. But it does tell us that God is not impressed with our degrees, titles, rituals, or position in the church or community. God looks at our heart, not our stature or pocketbook.

There was an old Bible teacher at a very large seminary who was highly regarded for his scholarly work, knowledge of Scripture and spiritual wisdom. One day some of his Bible students came to him and asked, "Professor, after all your years of study and great accomplishments in the field of Theology, what is the most important thing you've learned?" Without hesitation he answered, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

The Apostle Paul writes, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2Cor. 11: 3) God's word is not, nor was it intended to be, complicated. True Christianity is having simple faith in the simple truth.

So, as we celebrate this Christmas, let us enjoy the old, old stories, and the well known Christmas songs. But, we should also be mindful of the true Christmas message. If a person asks Christ to come into his life in simple faith, He will come, and He will come as surely to a shepherd as He will a king.

 Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D

                                    Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

ATM Sunday Message for December 12, 2010

Confederate Christians and fellow Compatriots:

Below is my message for Sunday, December 12th.  Please feel free to forward or reply.  Your comments are always welcome.  This, or any message may also be used as a Chaplain's Article in your camp or other newsletter.

May our Lord bless each of you in His service and in service to our most worthy Cause.

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
Member, Chaplain's Corps Committee
Sons of Confederate Veterans
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Enemies!

The enemies of Christ are hard at work to remove any and all Christian influence from our country, which was founded on Christian principles and a reliance on Jesus Christ.

School children are being taught that George Washington crossed the Delaware and chopped down a cherry tree, but not that he was a Christian. They are not being told what he had to say about God, Jesus Christ, or the Bible. This is not only true of George Washington, but of nearly all of the founders and early leaders of our country. Most were Christians who put their trust and faith in God. We know that, because they said so. However, this is not being taught to our children even though it's true. And, why? Because it isn't politically correct and some non-Christian might claim to be offended.

For generations we've been taught that Abraham Lincoln was a great man who saved the country and freed the slaves. Scores of people, misled by erroneous teaching, have visited his statue in Washington, D.C. to pay homage to his image as if he were some god in a Greek temple. Of course, we know him to have been a tyrant who's inflated ego, poor judgment, and illegal acts caused the death of over six hundred thousand American men and immeasurable suffering.

At the same time, honorable, Christian men like Robert E. Lee, T.J. "Stonewall" Jackson, and all of our Confederate generals, who fought to save the country and it's constitution, have been vilified and called traitors. Our brave and noble Confederate forefathers are being called a "racist army." Our proud Southern heritage is being mocked and our legacy shamed by those whose only interest is self promotion. They pick fights and find fault in what is true and right in order to increase the audience of their radio or television programs, or add to the readership of their newspaper columns or websites. They criticize and attack what is honorable and true, while they have no honor and care nothing for truth.

Southern states who asked their young men to leave their homes and families to go to war to defend it against a terrorist invasion, and now refuse to honor their sacrifice because it isn't politically correct are a disgrace. Southerners who have bought in to the Union lies and will not seek or accept the truth even when it's presented to them, because of what someone might think, are a shame and unworthy of their own heritage.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans has been given the "defense of the Confederate soldier's good name," and "the guardianship of his history." As such we may get mad and upset at these self-serving hypocritical bigots that attack our noble Southern heritage and brave Confederate forefathers, but I firmly believe God is for us, and the Bible tells us in Romans 8:31, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D.

                                    Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

ATM Sunday Message for December 5, 2010

Confederate Christians and fellow Compatriots:
Below is my message for Sunday, December 5th.  Please feel free to forward or reply.  Your comments are always welcome.  This message may also be used in camp or other newsletters.
May our Lord bless you all in your Christian service and in service to our most honorable Confederation.


Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
Member, Chaplain's Corps Committee
Sons of Confederate Veterans
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Ravening Wolves and Rattlesnakes!

Even a casual reading of the eleventh chapter of Hebrews would be sufficient to explain why it is called the "Faith Chapter." It speaks of the abiding faith of God's leaders and prophets in the Old Testament. It tells us in verses 35 and 36 that these Old Testament Saints were tortured, mocked, scourged, bound, and imprisoned. The following verse goes on to say, "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented."


New Testament Christians have experienced the same treatment over the past two thousand years. They have been mocked, imprisoned, tortured, and killed, for no other reason than their faith, by those who are no better than ravening wolves or rattlesnakes.


It seems to be the rule rather than the exception. Men of lesser character will persecute and attempt to destroy (at least their reputation if not their life) those who take the moral high ground and proclaim the truth. Consider our own Confederation and Confederate Cause. There's a Black History month, a Hispanic Heritage month, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth, Muslim holidays, and Chinese New Year. But if we attempt to set aside even a day to celebrate our Southern heritage, we are belittled, debased, and denied. Our Southern rights are opposed by those who are not only willfully ignorant, brainwashed, bigoted and filled with hate, but are determined to destroy our proud Southern heritage and all that it represents.


Consider Union President Lincoln. He stated plainly that Black people should not be considered equal to White people. On the other hand, Confederate President Davis adopted a Black boy to be his son. Consider Union General Grant. He (or his wife) owned slaves, and continued to own them until after the war. On the other hand, Confederate General Lee was morally opposed to slavery and did not own slaves. Consider Union General Sherman. He at least condoned, if not encouraged, brutality against civilians, including Black men and women. On the other hand, Confederate General Jackson started a school for black children so they could learn to read and write. So who are the bigots? Who are the racists? Who are those who willingly degrade the character and reputation of honorable men to further their own self serving agenda? Who are the ravening wolves and rattlesnakes?


Our Confederate forefathers, from generals to privates fought for truth. Our Southern heritage and traditions represent truth . The Sons of Confederate Veterans continue to carry the banner of truth. And, those who have put their trust and faith in Jesus Christ follow truth. And, although you can't debate a ravening wolf or reason with a rattlesnake, truth will prevail.


May God bless us in our service to Him and our just and most worthy cause, and help us in our struggle against the pernicious efforts of ravening wolves and rattlesnakes.

Brother Len Patterson, Th.D.

                                  Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

ATM Sunday Message for November 28, 2010

Confederate Christians and fellow Compatriots:


Below is my message for Sunday, November 28th.  Please feel free to forward, reply, or use it in your camp or other newsletter.  Your comments are always welcome.


May our Lord bless each of you in His service and in service to our just Southern Cause.


Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D
Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi
Chaplain, Central Texas Brigade
Member, Chaplain's Corps Committee
Sons of Confederate Veterans
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At one time or another we've all been behind an automobile with a bumper sticker which read, "Ask me about my Grandchildren." Now, I'm sure the driver of that car would be happy to show you an endless number of baby pictures and tell you who each one was, complete with an explanation of all the details concerning that particular photo. To this you would then nicely say, "You have beautiful grandchildren. You must be very proud." Or something to that effect. And they would respond with . . . "Thank you!"

Certainly it is proper that we love, care about, and be proud of our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but I have an idea. How about a bumper sticker that reads, "Ask me about my grandparents." Ask me about my great-grandparents, or my great-great-grandparents. Ask me about my ancestors. After all, if it weren't for them we wouldn't be here, and there'd be no grandchildren to ask about. So, to all of those who gave us life and therefore life to our children and grandchildren, let us say . . . "Thank you!"

Perhaps we should have a bumper sticker that read, "Ask me about my Southern heritage." We are proud of our Southern heritage and the brave men in Grey who so valiantly fought to defend it, and the women of the South who served and supported our just Confederate Cause. We'd love to tell anyone who asks all about it. We are proud of all those who with firm determination withstood the hardship and suffering of an illegal and unwarranted Union invasion. And, to all of them we say . . . "Thank you!"

Of course there are those who do honor their forefathers and mothers. So, to every member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, past and present; to every member of the Daughters of the Confederacy, past and present; to every member of the Order of the Confederate Rose, past and present; and to all others who have diligently and continuously guarded and defended the memory of our Southern heritage and ancestors . . . "Thank you!"

While we have much to be thankful for, and many to be thankful to, it is also important to realize who is most worthy of our thankfulness. In Ephesians 5:20, the Bible says, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." The Scripture tells us to thank God always for all things. Ultimately, God is the source of everything we have to be thankful for.

We can be most thankful that God loves us, and sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die in our stead that we might have eternal life. We can be thankful that He sends His Holy Spirit to strengthen, guide, and comfort us in our most difficult times. We can thank Him for preserving us, as we await our Lord's return. We can thank Him always for all things, and should began every prayer and supplication to God with . . . "Thank you!"

To all my friends, Brothers, and Compatriots, I hope you had a very happy Thanksgiving, and for all you do for Christ and our most worthy Southern Cause . . . "Thank you!"

Bro. Len Patterson, Th.D

                                   Chaplain, Army of Trans-Mississippi

Thank You!