Cohabitation, Shacking Up, and Living in Sin

Last week, an article in the newspape about “Cohabiting Couples” caught my attention. As I read the morally impartial article, I thought to myself, 'When did “living in sin” or “shacking up” become amoral cohabitation?'  You see, I'm an old man, so I can ask myself questions like this!

I turned to my trusted internet resource “Wikipedia” for the answer; it defined “living in sin” or “shacking up”, not surprisingly, as “living with and having sex with a person to whom one is not legally married.”  But then Wiki further explained that these phrases are associated with negative attitudes of the church, but in modern times, are used in humor (meaning, derisively).

Yes, indeed, in our modern times, 'cohabitation' has been normalized.  Consequently, many new believers will be in such relationships.  How should we address them?  I'm quite sure Jesus doesn't want us to throw stones at them. But to love and teach them.  In the morally depraved city of Corinth, there were undoubtedly some 'cohabitating' converts.  But with compassionate understanding of sexual temptation, Paul admonishes them to be married (1 Cor. 7:2). Maybe things haven't changed that much.  But then, neither has the need to be compassionate, yet truthful (Eph 4:15). And  that won't be easy in a culture that rejects all moral absolutes.

Do you think of yourself as a Theologian?

“Theology” is, succinctly, the study of God. By this definition, we are all ‘theologians.’ But believe it or not, some theologians do not use the Bible as their source, but try to figure God out through sense or science. Of course they will never know God this way (1 Co. 2:14). Pity the poor theologians who try!

As soon as we come to Jesus, we are automatically enrolled in His school of theology—“Come and learn from me” (Matt. 11:28). And as His students, we have a responsibility to make sure our beliefs are Biblical (1 Tim 2:15). And, as in any school, we should expect to be given tests to validate that we are really learning.

One of the more passionate theologians in Jesus’ day was Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. Sitting at His feet, she learned theology from the One who called Him Father. Her first theology test came when Jesus didn’t come in time to save her brother Lazarus from death. Her disappointment was crushing. Would her theology hold up?

As theology students, we can expect many tests. And evidently, these tests will increase at the end of the age. Daniel predicted that good theologians would face severe tests in order to be “refined, purified and made spotless until the end” (11:35). Will our theology hold up?

Billy Graham’s Call to Repentance

In an open letter this week, Billy Graham wrote: “The farther we get from God, the more the world spirals out of control. My heart aches for America and its deceived people. The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy, and He responds to repentance. In Jonah’s day, Nineveh was the lone world superpower—wealthy, unconcerned, and self-centered. When Jonah proclaimed God’s warning, people heard and repented.”

As I reflected on Billy Graham's words, the thought came to me that the Bible says judgment will begin with the house of God—the Church (1 Peter 4:17). Of what might the Church in America need to repent?  Many Christian leaders are concerned that the American Church is trying so hard not to offend the world she has forgotten to be other-worldly.  God is looking for a new generation of non-conformists (Rom 12:2) who will reject the world’s influence and everything that undermines His Holiness.

Billy Graham is 'right on' that deception is at an all time high.  The American Church is at risk!  David's ancient prayer seems quite relevant for the 21st century Church: “Search us, O God, and know our hearts; test us, and point out anything we're doing that offends you” (Psalm 139:23-24).

All Americans will get a Microchip Implant in 2013

A back-page news story broke this week that there is a requirement hidden in the Health Care Bill for all U.S. citizens to receive a microchip, called a Medchip, by March 23, 2013. Last month in this blog, when I wrote about the controversy of barcoding babies, I had no idea it was already being codified.

Though the language in the Bill is deliberately vague, it uses the word "device" rather than "card," thereby providing the structure fo every citizen to receive an implanted radio-frequency (RFID) microchip. 

John says the False Prophet will head a one world religion and force people to accept the mark of the beast (Rev. 13). Granted, a Medchip, in and of itself, is not the mark of the beast anymore than having a Social Security Number is.  That 'mark' will require conscious allegiance to the Antichrist.  But as early as next March, you and I may have to decide whether or not to take a Medchip knowing it could be activated for other uses.  And what if we refuse to be implanted?  Will we be fined?  Or imprisoned? I’m sure that you, like me, had no idea things like this were moving so fast.

This was Not Normal Evil

After last Friday night's massacre at a mid-night premier of Batman, people are once again asking hard questions. How could a human being do such a thing? Two millennia ago, Jeremiah described the human hearts as “deceitful above all things and desperately sick” (Jer. 17:9). If you read no other book but the Bible, you’d know that human beings are capable of unspeakably terrible things.

Thirty years ago, Scott Peck challenged the world of psychology when he wrote “People of the Lie”—a book about demonic influences on patients.  His premise: 'normal' psychological disorders can't explain some horrific behaviors. When he began his research on the cause of “evil,” he didn't even believe in the devil. But in the end he did. Of course, we didn't need Scott Peck to tell us that!

What made a 24 year old graduate student open fire in a crowded theater?  Though normal psychology is hard-pressed to find an answer, there will likely be the discovering of a new “disorder.”  But we know what is behind such evil: Satan.  It appears that Paul's prophecy of increased violence and lawlessness is being realized as the demonic realm is being loosed across the earth (2 Thess. 2:3-8). Currently, the Holy Spirit is restraining it, but when He leaves (2 Thess. 2:7), all hell will break loose. And the bad news is that the destruction by one demonized man will pale in comparison.

What’s that Sound You’re Trying Not to Hear?

On our recent trip to Arizona, we stepped outside the first morning to hear a loud buzzing sound, at first thinking it was a power line, but soon realizing the sound was coming from the trees—Tree Crickets.  The crickets show up in the monsoon season. I’m sure one of the locals will tell us we’ll get used to them. Our home in California is on the railroad tracks.  When we bought it, people said, “You’ll get use to the noise.” But whoever said that never lived near train tracks.

I wrote a post a few years ago, “You May be Speaking, but I'm Not Listening!” in which I said  we had to learn NOT to pay attention to the trains. There are always going to be things we’d rather not hear—airplanes, street traffic. But we have the ability to block them out.  Unfortunately, we can also block the voice of God. Jesus said such people have “hardened ears.” It occurs to me that with increasing suffering in our world, we will be tempted to steel ourselves against it—hardening our ears (and hearts).

In speaking of the beatitude to show mercy (Matt. 5:7), John Calvin explained, “We must patiently bear our own afflictions, but we must also bear the afflictions of our neighbor, assuming their identity, as it were, so as to be deeply touched by their suffering and moved by love to mourn with them. We must weep with those who weep.” Let us pray we won't become hard of hearing the sounds of the suffering of others.  Bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2).

Is God Warning Us?

After Friday’s midnight movie massacre in Aurora, Colorado, it’s hard to ignore that something terrible is happening in America. With Columbine, Virginia Tech, Tucson, and Fort Hood already etched into our collective memory, this latest tragedy feeds the public’s sense of helplessness, further aggravated by an unprecedented heat wave, drought, wildfires, floods, tornadoes—all of which threaten to further destabilize a weak economy that no one knows how to control.

Does it seem to you too that catastrophic events used to happen every once in a while, but are now happening in rapid fire (pun intended) succession?—each one overlapping the prior. Is it possible these things are a harbinger of things to come? I doubt that most Americans consider they might be God’s warnings. But do we? Should we?

Social psychologists tell us that successive crises can dull the senses—self-defensive indifference. That’s what happened to Israel. God kept warning—they kept ignoring. While our non-believing neighbors may be in denial, we ought to guard our hearts from what Tozer called “the twin sins of indifference and apathy.” Paul’s warning is very relevant for today: “If the people of Israel did not escape when they refused him who warned from earth, how much less will we if we ignore Him who is warning us from heaven?” (Heb. 12:25). It seems to me the warning for us is very personal: to remain sensitive, to stay alert, to listen, and to pay attention: God is speaking!

We may be the Only Bible People ever Read!

Francis Schaeffer, an intelligent defender of the Christian faith in the 20th Century, predicted that self-professing Christians would increasingly reject the Bible as God’s inerrant Word. Of course Schaeffer was aware that already many once-conservative Bible schools and seminaries had rejected its Spirit-breathed truth, leaving them nothing to teach but myths and historical records.

But it isn’t just schools of higher education assailing the Bible; state and municipal governments seem to be on the attack. In 2008, Arizona Courts gave a man jail time for holding Bible studies in his backyard. In 2011, the city of San Juan Capistrano fined a man for holding home Bible studies without a permit. (And there are others.) But perhaps the most significant assault is coming from mainline churches, now rejecting a literal interpretation of Scripture, choosing to soften ‘hard sayings’ to accomodate our culture of tolerance. 

That said, I have no interest in Biblical apologetics. Why? “People who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them; they can't understand it. Only spiritual people can understand what the Spirit means” (1 Cor. 2:14). No, the best way to prove the integrity of the Bible is to live it. The best testimony to Biblical veracity is a changed life (yours and mine).

Out-of-Control is the New Normal

Last month, U.S. employers added only one-third the number of jobs needed, leaving the unemployment rate unchanged at 8.2%. A normal unemployment rate is about 5 or 6%. It's beginning to look like 8.2% is the "new normal."

A downturn in prosperity is a change that is beyond our control. And nobody likes ‘out-of-control’ changes—they unhinge our plans and upset our ordered lives!  But let’s be honest.  Were it not for these divine challenges to our well-constructed lives, we would grow entirely independent of God. 

David said, “Because they have no changes, they fear not God” (Ps. 55:19): an apt description for our nation, so confident of success that fear of God is ridiculed. So to keep us from that, God shakes things up (Heb. 13:26). And our first reaction is usually frustration!  Thus, Isaiah says, "What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, 'Stop, you're doing it wrong'” (45:9).  Since we are living in a time of greater change than any time in human history, I think we will have to get used to these shake-ups. It looks like ‘out-of-our-control’ is the “new normal.”

Are You Feeling the Heat?

Scorching temperatures and dry skies have created the worst drought in the United States in over a half century.   I don't think this portends the end of life in America as we know it. But I know some will be quoting OT verses claiming that God is passing judgment on a sinful nation. On the other hand, the Bible does declare a time of judgment when the earth will be destroyed with intense heat and will be laid to waste along with its inhabitants (2 Peter 3:10; Isa 24).

Throughout the Bible, God portrays Himself as Ruler over the elements. He used extreme weather to destroy Noah's world. He used extreme weather to confound and defeat Israel’s enemies. Likewise, Jesus demonstrated power over the wind and sea.  Clearly, God uses weather for His purposes.

Yes, a colossal apocalyptic weather event will occur in the day of the Lord. But short of that, does God speak through extreme weather events today?  Consider this: will it not bring farmers to their knees? Will it not bring consumers to theirs? And nations to despair? Is America’s drought the beginning of the end? I don’t know. But clearly, it is a very effective tool to get our attention—both personally and corporately.  Peter puts it in perspective for us: “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be?” (2 Peter 3:11).  Are you feeling the heat?

Imagine America after the Rapture

In light of the aftermath of the recent power outage back East, the fires in the West, and drought all across America's farmlands, I saw all of these as apocalyptic scenarios that may be providing us a preview of how the Rapture will affect life in America.

Just imagine the impact even if only 25% of churched people are truly born again. Sections of America would be decimated. (I hope it doesn't happen during the evening commute!)  Even in less affected places (like NYC or Las Vegas!), still, their communities could lose key government officials, police and firemen, doctors, nurses, first responders, and teachers, resulting in a rapid breakdown of society.

Then, ravaged by crime, hunger, lawlessness, and chaos, those left behind will look for a leader—you might say a savior—to restore order. It's not hard to imagine a scenario in which America submits to the leadership of anyone who promises hope. Even if that person is the Antichrist.

The Second Coming vs. the Rapture

I always found it confusing that Jesus could return at any moment, yet can’t return until the “gospel is preached in the whole world” (Matt. 24:14). But recently I discovered that this refers to the 2nd Coming—not the Rapture. After all, Jesus warned even the ‘first’ generation of believers to be ready (Mat 24:36, 44; Rev 3:3). 

But the 2nd Coming occurs at the end of the Tribulation.  And there's a prophecy  that says during that time God will send an angel to proclaim the gospel to every person on earth (Rev. 14:6).  Problem solved.  Right?!



Well, I am not naïve; I know there are different interpretations of how end-time events will unfold.  But I do know this. Regardless of how and when these events will occur, one thing is perfectly clear: the Groom wants a Bride who is eagerly waiting and longing for Him to return (Titus 2:13; 2 Tim 4:8).

Uncle Sam is on Life Support

Yesterday San Bernardino became the 3rd California city in a month to file bankruptcy. Last fall, Jefferson County, Alabama, filed the biggest municipal bankruptcy in American history. This week, to avoid bankruptcy, Scranton, Pennsylvania reduced every one of its salaried employees to minimum wage. Government employees who depend on Uncle Sam for their livelihood have reason to worry.

Many of you know that Uncle Sam paid my salary for 25 years, and now gives me a pension and Social Security benefits. Though I'm grateful, I wonder how long he’ll be able to keep it up. After all, he’s only human—eventually, he will die. In fact, he’s already on life support. But I’m not worried—a statement that has yet to be tested—because I know my Father, not my Uncle, is my Provider.

Anyone who thinks Uncle Sam is going to live forever is wrong! And if they (we) haven’t done it yet, it is due time to exchange faith in our Uncle for faith in our Father. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or what you will wear...your heavenly Father knows that you need them. And if you will seek first his kingdom all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:25-33). When Uncle Sam passes, a lot of his heirs will be very grieved, and worried that he was broke!  But surely not the children of God.  Right?

A Cloud of Nuclear War over the Middle East

While feckless UN diplomats try to negotiate an agrement to stop Iran (which has Israel in its crosshairs) from developing nuclear weapons, Israel grows impatient. Some State Department diplomats feared that Israel might unilaterally strike Iran’s nuclear sites as early as last month. Failed diplomacy is forcing Israel’s hand.

But a senior Iranian cleric warned last week that Iran will destroy US military bases across the Middle East and burn Israel to ashes within minutes of being attacked. This Iranian threat is helping to set the stage for an apocalyptic scenario foretold in Ezekiel 38, in which Persia (modern day Iran) is one of the major players in an alignment of nations attacking the Jewish state. Ironically (and sadly), the coalition of Arab and Islamic states listed in Daniel 11:40-45 and Psalm 83 includes Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya—three of which the U.S. helped to become Islamic strongholds!

The turmoil in Syria, the advance of Islamic rule in Egypt, and Iran’s promise to destroy Israel further sets the stage for the prophecies of Ezekiel and Daniel to be fulfilled.

Gay, Lesbian, and Transgendered Priests

Buried in yesterday’s USA Today was a short article on the Episcopalian Church’s provisional approval of ceremonial language for same-sex marriages.  At their annual convention, the bishops also approved anti-discrimination language for transgendered clergy and members. The Rev. Carla Robinson, a transgender (born male) vicar of All Saints Church in Seattle, said, I stand here as a priest today because my gender expression didn't disqualify me.

The Episcopalian Church caused an uproar in 2003 by installing the first openly gay bishop. That was just the beginning. Last year, two Episcopalian lesbian priests were married in Massachusetts.

At the convention, several bishops who spoke out against these provisions warned that it will put the Episcopal Church out of the Christian mainstream. Let’s hope so.  “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound teaching, but will follow their own desires and look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear” (2 Tim. 4:3).

The Psychology of Hide-and-Seek

One of the most profound statements of divine intention is found in Paul’s Mars Hill sermon where he explains to the Greek god-seekers: God’s purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us (Acts 17:27). It seems that God positions Himself in a celestial game, respectfully, of “hide-and-seek.”

Imagine how we would frustrate our children if, while playing hide-and-seek, we were to leave the house and never return. “How cruel,” you say? But in the real world, some parents do this, leaving their families for a lover or an adventure, or just because they don’t want to be a parent anymore. For all practical purposes, they remain hidden from their youngsters’ eyes, surfacing years later, to be greeted with that long-unanswered question, “Where were you?”

I am no anthropologist, but I can imagine that “hide-and-seek” is a cross-cultural phenomenon. Why?—because it is so deeply psychological. Playing hide-and-seek teaches children that their parents will always be there for them; and though Daddy or Mommy are unseen for a moment, they are there; they will be found. Our heavenly Father says, "I love you who love me and diligently seek me. And when you search for Me with all your heart, I will be found by you, and, moreover, I will never leave or abandon you (Prov. 8:17: Jer. 29:13-14; Heb 13:5).

Internet Addiction Disorder

I recently de-activated my Facebook account after four years of marginal use and utmost irritation. I have to say I would categorize the majority of stuff posted on my wall as narcissistic! (If self-promotion is not one of the seven deadly sins, it should be!)

For the last few years, members of the American Psychiatric Association have argued whether to designate “Internet Addiction” a mental disorder. A new study suggests that social networking services such as Facebook and Twitter are more difficult to resist than cigarettes or alcohol.

The same study reveals that nearly forty percent of Facebook users admitted to online arrogance, defined as making themselves look good to others. Or, they admit posting something that would make others jealous. Yes, I understand that Facebook can keep us connected and is used in positive ways. But if  we're not mindful, it will lead us down the path of gossip, jealousy, obsession, and procrastination, keeping us from making the best use of our time (Eph 5:16).

Did Jesus Die to Make You Happy?

Author/psychologist Larry Crabb says, “A flaw in our view of Christian marriage (and all Christian life) is the appealing emphasis on becoming happy. Our peppy songs about joyful Christianity neglect the need to develop a holy, obedient walk with God no matter what personal suffering may be involved.”

In “If God Is Good,” Randy Alcorn writes “If we come to see the purpose of the universe as God’s long-term glory rather than our short-term happiness, then we will undergo a critical paradigm shift in tackling the problem suffering.” Likewise, Greg Laurie writes, “The purpose of the universe is God’s glory, not our happiness. We tend to think of the world as revolving around us. We are the main characters of our own novels. And when something bad happens, we want to know why this is happening to me.”

It seems to me if we are in the throes of apocalyptic events, we can expect more suffering—none of us will escape. Are we ready? Randy Alcorn answers: “We shouldn’t wait until suffering comes, to start learning how to face it, any more than we should wait to fall into the water before we start learning how to scuba dive.” How do you learn?  When trials come, choose joy.

The first Sunday after the Rapture

On that first Sunday after the Rapture, will your church parking lot be empty? Statistics from George Barna indicate  65% of church goers are not truly born again. Billy Graham thought only one in four who came forward at crusades were really saved. A. W. Tozer claimed that as many as 90% of the ‘churched’ were unsaved.

During the 1800's revivalists had what were called “birthing rooms” where individuals would go to “labor” in prayer after being convicted by the Holy Spirit. In the early 1900's – “decisional evangelism” became common where someone simply walked down an aisle, or raised a hand, or signed a card, and/or prayed a prayer.  To how many of those will the Lord say, 'I never knew you.' (Luke 7:23). Considering the current spiritual state of the church, it’s not hard to believe.  Moreover, just before Christ returns, many believers will have fallen away from truth (2 Thess. 2:1-3).

There is evidence in the Scriptures that people who haven’t heard the gospel, or who have heard it but fell away will get another opportunity after the rapture. In Revelation, John speaks of those who come to faith during the Tribulation, but many of whom will be martyred. (Rev. 7:9; 20:4).  And church parking lots everywhere will be empty.

Dependence Day Again!

Last year on this day, I wrote about the unprecedented tornadoes and hurricanes that were a reminder to us of our creaturely dependence on God. Now, one year later, we are experiencing the worst fires in 100 years in the Southwest, unprecedented heat waves everywhere, a freak windstorm that knocked out power in the Mid-Atlantic states, and the worst floods in the South in 100 years.  What can make men feel more helpless than fire, flood, heat, and wind!

Is it any less obvious today than it was last year, or 100 years ago, or 1,000 years ago, that we are not the architects of our own destiny, as independent people are prone to think.  Will natural, as well as economic and political, chaos make us see how vulnerable we are, cause us to repent of our independence, and bring us to the end of ourselves? A Declaration of Dependence?  The day that happens we will truly be able to celebrate "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

How does Syria Fit into End-Time Prophecy?

As I was writing last week about the prophetic significance of Egypt, I wondered the same about Syria, and here's what I found after some research.  Syria is a city-state since most of its population lives in Damascus.  And there  is an unfulfilled prophecy about the destruction of Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap" (Is. 17:1). But Damascus, the world's oldest perpetually inhabited city, has never been destroyed.

As recently as June 29, Secretary of State Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov met to discuss US-Russian differences on the Syrian crisis. Any chance of resolution failed when the Russians refused to accept any solution that included President Assad’s removal. The military tension has increased far beyond what our news media are telling us: Russia, Iran, and China are supplying weapons to Syria; and Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey are amassing troops on their borders.

And most notably, threats of intervention by the international community have evoked a counter-threat of retaliation against Israel, prompting a stern warning from Israel that, if attacked, they will destroy Damascus. Wow!  We could soon be witnessessing the fulfillment of Isaiah’s end-time prophecy.  One more sign of the times!

Why Did God Leave The Door Open?

Did you know that Noah left the door of the ark open after he and all the animals got in? For seven days before the rains came, the door was wide open—still time to get on board (Gen 7:4). Evidently there was enough room for 11th hour converts.

But all those people who stood there looking at the open door of the Ark had hardened their hearts after watching Noah build for 120 years. Wouldn't they have had some doubts after seeing it finished?  And even seeing the animals march into the Ark, two-by-two, you would think they should realized something extraordinary was going on. But they ignored all the signs, and instead went on living their lives, eating and drinking and marrying.

Incredibly, even on the last day, they could have been saved. An open door; why didn’t they come? “And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man” (Luke 17:26). Jesus told His followers that there will be clearly identifiable conditions on the earth at the time of His coming, just like those in the days of Noah. Remember the people in Sodom and Gommorah?  They too were too busy to pay attention: eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building.  Sound familiar?