“Just Say a Prayer?”

“Just say a little prayer,” one of Dionne Warwick’s popular songs, is not something you’ll find in the Bible. Yet countless people have been promised “If you say a little prayer, you are saved.” Billy Graham once said he thought only a fourth of those who said the sinner’s prayer at his crusades were really born again. In 2011, a George Barna survey seemed to confirm that; the survey showed that nearly half of all adults in America have prayed a little prayer and believe they are going to heaven, even though, afterward, they never attended a church or read the Bible.

In the parable of the sower, the seed that fell on rocky or thorny ground couldn’t take root and it died. Paul described true believers as those who are firmly rooted and then built up in Christ (Col. 2:7). A seed that doesn’t take root doesn’t grow. But why do some seeds take root while others don't?

The answer is simple. The Bible says “with your heart you believe” (Ro 10:9). Only God can open the heart.  And if the heart is not genuinely open to receive the seed of Christ, it will never be rooted.  So, the little prayer is not the issue. As A.W. Tozer said, “It isn’t the wording that’s important; it’s the state of the heart of the one saying it.” Paul says you will always reap what you sow (Gal. 6:7). But you cannot reap from a seed that never got planted in the first place.

Get Used to It

In 1970 when I bought my first new car—an orange VW—gas was 25 cents a gallon. Within a few years, a gas shortage caused the price to double overnight. Cars lined up around the block at gas stations.  Fearing that gas would run out, everyone kept their tanks full.  We wondered if we would have to get used to those exorbitant prices and long lines. That's why a front-page article in the San Jose Mercury today caught my attention: If you are upset about the higher price of gas, “Get used to it.”

I disagree.  Don’t get used to it.  It'll go up and then down, then up again. But it will change; nothing ever stays the same. Life is a series of stops and starts, interruptions, diversions and distractions. Just when you think things are settling down, something happens, and you’re going a different direction.

If the goal of our Christian journey is transformation (Rom. 12:2), then we can expect lots of 'change.'  In fact, a lifetime of changes, that will transform us from lovers of self to lovers of God, from takers to givers, hearers to doers, and from self-centered to Christ-centered. Transformation is a process that shapes and restructures us.  And it will last a life-time if we are to become fully conformed to Jesus.  Honestly, I'm not always excited about changes (Rom. 5:3), but I do think I'm beginning to get used to it.

More Nones than Nuns?

The group called “Nones” (Americans without religious identity) is now the 2nd largest after Catholics [Pew Forum]. Officially, then, there are almost as many “nones” as nuns. In fact, Pope Benedict, who is dedicated to combating secularism in Europe, has convened a 3-week assembly of Bishops to strategize how to get Catholics to come back to church. On the Protestant side, Albert Mohler of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says “this is a wake-up call.” What exactly is it we should wake up to?

In a word: deception. Jesus warned of increased deception before His return—we are all at risk. “Warn each other every day... so that NONES [emphasis added] will be deceived by sin and hardened against God” (Heb. 3:13). (Yes, that is  a play on words.)  Many of these "nones" were once part of us.

At one time in my life, I was one of the “nones.” In my confusion and hurt, I was easy prey for Satan’s schemes. I was (as are today’s “nones”) a casualty of Satan’s war against the Church. Paul says we should be gentle with these “nones”—that they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants (2 Tim. 2:26). Significantly, an antonym to the word “none” is SOME.  Let us remember “and such were SOME of you” (1 Cor. 6:11).

A Bible without Job or Jonah

Our church is currently teaching “The Story”—an edited version of the Bible, divided into 31 weekly teachings for all age groups. I first heard of it from my pastor friend who taught it in his church. At the time, I didn’t think much about it. But now, I’m a little confused. “The Story” reduces the Bible by 75%, leaving out Israel’s bloody wars and genocides, and then, whole books like Job, Jonah and Ecclesiastes, almost all the Psalms and Proverbs, much of the Sermon on the Mount, and most of Paul’s letters. Over my lifetime I’ve seen a dozen new versions, translations, and paraphrases of the Bible. But this is the first selectively edited version. How do we reconcile this with God’s warnings not to add or take away from His Word (Deut 4:2; Rev. 22:18)?

Of course what the editors of “The Story” (using the NIV) are trying to do is to condense (and sanitize?) the Bible to make it read like a novel? Their promotional slogan is: “Read the Bible like you've never read it before!” And that’s the problem. It’s NOT the whole Bible.

One of the recurring themes in this blog is my emphasis on teaching sound doctrine (2 Tim 4:3). In 1996, “The Coming Evangelical Crisis” was written by a number of Christian authors, e.g., John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, Albert Mohler, to warn of a trend to minimize expository teaching; and if not turned around, doctrinal error would be the result. I don't believe “The Story” in itself will do that.  Not if it creates a deeper love for God’s Word and whets the appetite for more of it (and a weekly reminder from the pastor that this is not the whole story). At a time in history when the Bible is being increasingly marginalized, I just think we have to use extreme caution.

Tomorrow is Pulpit Freedom Sunday

Since 1954, there has been an IRS rule that prohibits churches from directly or indirectly participating in any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Tomorrow, 1500 pastors around the country will be opposing the law by expressing their political preferences and opinions—they are calling it Pulpit Freedom Sunday.

Pastors who participate will send recordings of their sermons to the IRS, to challenge the constitutionality of the law, and have opportunity to overturn it in the courts.

I wonder, ‘What has freedom to preach politics got to do with the Great Commission?’  Yes, we should defend our freedom to preach Christ, at whatever cost.  But risking government reprisal (and spending our tithes on court costs) so pastors can tell you who to vote for seems terribly misguided. While I am not naïve to the importance of protecting our freedoms in this hostile culture, I have to wonder if this is not a subtle satanic distraction to deter pastors from their true calling. 

Ezekiel 38, Daniel 11, and the book of Qur'an

35 years ago when I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Afghanistan, no one imagined it would be at the center of world attention someday.  According to Ezekiel 38, Afghanistan is one of the nations opposing Israel in the end-times: Gog, (Russia), Persia (Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan), Ethiopia, (includes Sudan and Somalia). In Daniel 11, Israel’s end-time enemies are the Kings of the South and North which are Syria and Egypt/Libya.

Is it just coincidental that these nations are in today’s news, today's hot-spots? Did you know that Iran and Russia have a military alliance?  This is the reason Russia is helping Iran to build its nuclear arsenal. Do you know that Pakistan has nuclear weapons, and that Syria has biological weapons? Do you know that the goal of Islam is to annihilate Israel? Their book of Qur’an demands it.

Is all of this just old-fashioned ‘saber-rattling’? Not according to Ezekiel, who tells us Egypt, Syria and Libya will move against Israel first; then these other nations will follow.  When this will happen is not clear.  And things are currently so fluid in the Middle East it’s hard to know what’s going to happen next.  But the Islamic world will not rest while Jews occupy Jerusalem. The Qur’an demands it.

Can I Ever Forgive Myself?

I've just finsihed a book by Tim Keller, called “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness.” Not “self-forgiveness,” but “self-forgetfulness.” In a nutshell, self-forgetfulness means “not thinking ‘more of myself’ or thinking ‘less of myself’, but thinking of myself less.” And that brings freedom from painful self-consciousness, criticism, comparison and competition.

There is a popular, psychologically-oriented, teaching these days that says people have to forgive themselves. Does the Bible say we should forgive ourselves? Not directly. But if forgiving ourselves means accepting God’s forgiveness, then yes. Continuing to harbor feelings of guilt or shame for things we’ve done in the past after we’ve asked God to forgive us is an indication we haven’t really accepted His forgiveness.

When we confess our sins HE is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:9). HE has power to forgive—we don’t. If we’ve confessed our sin, the issue of forgiveness is settled.  What's more, our sin is forgotten. All that remains is moving on. If I had to forgive myself for all the failures in my life, I’m afraid I would find myself unforgiveable. Thank God, forgiveness is not based on feelings—His or mine!

You may be Sitting Next to a Universalist Next Sunday

“You are good enough. You contain within you all that is necessary to love and grow deep and to heal your own wounds and the wounds of the world.” This is the first principal of Unitarian Universalism. And according to an article in yesterday's USA Today, Unitarian Universalism is on the rise.

Instead of a common theology, Unitarian Universalists (UU's) have a set of common values. Anthony David of the UU Congregation of Atlanta, says Unitarians would rather be kind than right. The growth of UU coincides with growing concerns among Evangelicals about universalism, intensifying into doctrinal warfare 2 years ago after the publication of Rob Bell’s Love Wins: A Book about Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived. 

Christian Universalism (an oxymoron) is a school of theology espousing universal reconciliation, the view that all fallen creatures will ultimately be restored to right relationship with God in Heaven. While you might think we can dismiss this heresy as out of sync with mainstream Christian thought, think again. According to a Barna survey, 25% of born-again Christians hold these views. Given those odds, chances are 1-in-4 you may be sitting next to a universalist in church next Sunday.

Pro-Gay Education Comes to California's Kids

I have great compassion for children who are struggling with same-sex attractions and sexual identity. When I was a child, there was nothing worse than being called a ‘homo’—the derogatory term used in the 1950’s. In America in 2012, it’s hard to know if there is an epidemic of homosexuality or just more attention given to it.  And still today, anti-gay bullying in schools continues.

The solution by the federal and state government is to legislate gay affirmation. October is national LGBT History Month. Though it will not be taught in all America's classrooms, it will be in California, where pro-gay education is mandated by law. The teaching will include the history of prejudice and bigotry toward homosexuals—and the problem with “homophobia” today. But not with impartiality; California children will be taught that homosexuality is perfectly normal (and unchangeable).

Right on the heels of this, California's Governor has signed a law banning therapies that attempt to change sexual orientation of minors, claiming that ‘reparative’ therapies are driving children to depression and suicide.  But according to the National Association for Reparative Therapy to Homosexuals, that claim is unsubstantiated. There have been absolutely no studies on the effects of reparative therapy on children.

We cannot, however, just point fingers at the State. We must find biblical solutions to this increasing problem. If the State is going to ban Christian values in California therapy, is it not all the more incumbent opon churches to step up and provide alternative Christian ministry to sexually-confused, love-starved children and teens? In a phrase, loving them as Jesus would? (Matt 19:14) Sign me up!

Living with Uncertainty in Hard Times

Last week, the head of IMF explained that the global economy is being held down by uncertainty in Europe. Last month’s unrest over an unflattering video about Mohammed has made stability in Egypt and  Libya look more uncertain. Here in the U.S., high unemployment and underemployment are keeping things uncertain. 


Does 2013
look uncertain?

I am so glad that Jesus acknowledged uncertainties and hard times.  But He also said we should not be controlled by them: “Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own uncertainties. Today's uncertainty is enough for today. That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. Don't worry about such uncertainties. These uncertainties dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will certainly give you everything you need” (Luke12:22, 30-31, ed.; Matt. 6:34).

As wealthy people it would be easy for us to try to shelter ourselves from uncertainties.  So Paul says, “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God who richly supplies all things” (1 Tim. 6:17).  Many signs are pointing to hard times  ahead.  Will you and I be able to approach them with faith in God's certainty?

Red Lines, Deadlines, and Red Letter Days

Yesterday in his UN speech, Netanyahu made a case for establishing red lines and deadlines to stop Iran's nuclear weapons development. If those red lines are crossed, military action would result. But, the course of preference for the UN and U.S. is continued diplomacy and sanctions.

Generally speaking, ‘red lines’ and ‘deadlines’ are necessary in life. Without them, people get all willy-nilly—people need boundaries. Interestingly, some Bibles highlight all of Jesus' words in red, called "Red Letter Bibles." When we stay within Jesus' red lines of obedience, we have peace, joy, and feel God's love (John 15:10). You might even call those red letter days. But when we cross the lines, we lose all of that. We experience futility (Eph 4:17).

And does God give us ‘deadlines?’ Well, the obvious one is death. But I think we have a more immediate deadline, called “Today.” “Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as when they provoked me in the day of trial in the wilderness… [That is why] you must warn each other every day, while it is still “today” so that none of you will be deceived” (Heb. 3:7, 13). What happens when you miss today's deadline?  Don’t worry. Tomorrow is another “today.”

Iranian President Announces the Coming of Messiah

Iranian President Ahmadinejad gave a long, rambling anti-zionist speech before the U.N. yesterday.  The following is my edited version of the last part where he describes Islam's messiah.

          God Almighty has promised us a man of kindness, a man who loves people and loves absolute justice, a man who is a perfect human being and is named Imam Al-Mahdi, a man who will come in the company of Jesus Christ and the righteous. By using the inherent potential of all the worthy men and women of all nations he will lead humanity into achieving its glorious and eternal ideals. The arrival of the Ultimate Savior will mark a new beginning, a rebirth and a resurrection. It will be the beginning of peace, lasting security and genuine life. His arrival will be the end of oppression, immorality, poverty, discrimination and the beginning of justice, love and empathy.
          He will come so that hands will be joined, hearts will be filled with love and thoughts will be purified to be at service of security, welfare and happiness for all. He will come to return all children of Adam irrespective of their skin colors to their innate origin after a long history of separation and division linking them to eternal happiness. Let us join hands and clear the way for his eventual arrival with empathy and cooperation, in harmony and unity.

The Antichrist is so-called because he will be against Christ, but the world will see him as a “pseudo-Christ”— Satan’s counterfeit Messiah. He will not be frightening, but charming. The world will love him: a great leader and a man of peace.

America's Decay: Take It Personally

There was an article in Sunday's paper about America's advanced state of decay—roads crumbling, bridges collapsing, power grids failing, sewage plants leaking, dams cracking, airports clogging. And while these are only infrastructure, an argument can be made that America is decaying in other ways—economically, politically, educationally, culturally, nutritionally, morally and spiritually. Is America out of control?

Centuries ago, Solomon said, “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”  Is it also possible that Solomon's use of the metaphor was meant to imply a connection between the lack of personal self-control and civil decay?

Paul said society would deteriorate in the last days. And right in the middle of a laundry list of self-destructive characteristics, he says people will be “without self control” (2 Tim. 3:1-7). I don’t pretend to be an expert on prophetic events, but some scholars believe that America is not mentioned in Bible Prophecy because she will have lost her influence as result of moral and spiritual decay. But this I do know: we are all exhorted to discern the times in which we live (Matt. 16:3; Daniel 11:33). And the change in American culture and society in the past 50 years is something we dare not ignore.

If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas

Earlier this month the U.S. military suspended its joint operations with Afghan troops due to insider attacks that are killing our soldiers. Afghan security forces (trained by us) have turned their U.S.-made weapons on American or NATO soldiers 36 times this year.

When will the U.S. learn to stop fighting in other countries’ civil wars? Not only that, the Afghan conflict is a ‘holy’ war between radical and moderate Islamists. And joining one side to fight the other is nearly impossible because we can't tell them apart. This greatly facilitates the strategy of infiltration. 

I can’t help but see a spiritual parallel. For over 100 years, there has been ‘civil’ war within the Church of Christ between liberal and conservative theologians. The liberals reject a literal interpretation of the Bible and the exclusivity of Christ’s claims. Paul does not mince words when he calls such people enemies of the cross (Phil. 3:18). Now here’s the parallel to the U.S. military dilemma—they are what-Jesus-called “weeds among the wheat” (Matt. 13:25).  And because they are hard to identify, they easily infiltrate the church. How can you and I detect them? They are ones teaching people whatever their itching ears want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3).

Why is Deepak Chopra Agreeing with Joel Osteen?

Joel Osteen was on Soledad O’Brien’s CNN show last week, promoting his book, “I Declare: 31 Promises to Speak over Your Life.” The interview was particularly remarkable because Osteen appeared with Deepak Chopra, New Age author of “The Third Jesus” and the “Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga.”

Osteen explained to Soledad, “The theme of this book is simple: You’ve got to send your words out in the direction you want your life to go.” When O’Brien asked if he really believed that speaking declarations out loud can make them come true, Osteen assured her it does. But the really startling thing was that Deepak Chopra (who radiates the spirit of anti-Christ) agreed with Osteen, who beamed with pleasure at the former's affirmation. They were a virtual “mutual admiration society” of two.

Dr. Albert Mohler says, “The appearance of Osteen and Chopra together was a priceless demonstration that the New Thought/Positive Thinking philosophy that drives them both can be grafted onto either Christianity or Eastern religion. In the end, it all sounds the same.” Unfortunately, millions of Biblically-illiterate Christians will be taken in by Joel’s book, thinking that their POSITIVE “words” will effect changes that only the POWERFUL “Word” of God can (Heb. 4:12). I think Joel’s new book should come with a warning: “Let no one deceive you with empty words” (Eph. 5:6).

Are you better off than you were four years ago?

The campaign question “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” is loaded. Everyone will answer based on his or her own circumstances. Personally, I’m much better off than I was 4 years ago. My relationship with Jesus (and thus with my wife and children) just keeps getting better!

All mankind has an inborn desire for something ‘better.’ It is this ‘law of better’ that drove the early American settlers out West and astronauts into space, and drives researchers to discover the cure for cancer. But none of these pursuits will satisfy man’s desire for “better” because as Pascal said, it is “a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man” which can only be filled by God. The author of Hebrews used the word “better” 12 times, i.e., better hope, better promises, better possessions, a better country (Heb. 7:19; 8:6; 10:34; 11:16) as if speaking to this primal drive. But after we are born again, this desire doesn't stop. The Holy Spirit “keeps pressing us on to better things” (6:1, 9).

We’re all familiar with the colloquialism, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” in regard to each person’s pursuit of better things. Ironically, it seems James speaks right to it, “No sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass [on the other side of the fence]” (James 1:11).  How do you measure whether you are better off than you were four years ago?

Return to Me

Have you been on an unfamiliar freeway, missed your turn-off, and had to go 3 miles before exiting and returning? It might have made your trip easier if it were like Disneyland’s Autopia where cars travel on a guide track that doesn’t allow any wrong turns!  After writing yesterday’s post on the divine prohibition against making “right or left turns,” I wanted to make sure you know about God's 'return policy.'

God is not about prohibitions and heartless commandments. His path is meant for our good, immediately and ultimately. It gives Him pleasure when we choose His straight path. But the highway to holiness doesn’t have guide rails. We have choices. In the Bible, ‘turning to the right or to the left’ always implies man’s unfaithfulness (Deut. 2:27; 5:32; Josh. 1:7; 1 Kings 22:2). But don’t worry; God waits for us to ‘straighten up’ before He graciously steps in to ‘straighten us out!’

“The Lord waits for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries. So whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the [straight] way, walk in it. Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved’” (Is. 30:18, 21, 15, edited). Like the prodigal’s loving father, He patiently waits for us to come back.  He has a very generous return policy!

Driving Without Blinkers

Do you know what kind of car the first century Christians drove? The Bible says they were all in “one Accord” (Acts 1:14). While that may be an especially corny joke, I will take it one corny step further and say it probably didn’t have any blinkers (turn signals).

There are many Scriptures where God commands “Do not turn to the left or to the right” (Deut. 5:32; 17:20; Josh 1:7; Prov. 4). Jesus' followers are warned to stay on the straight and narrow path (Matt. 7:14).

You don’t have to drive for long with the Lord to know it is not easy going straight in this crooked world (Phil 2:15); there are so many temptations to make a wrong turn.  And our enemy is only too ready to confuse us with false signs that will lead us in the wrong direction.  But not to worry! God promises to ‘drive’ them away just as He ‘drove’ out the enemies of Israel (Joshua 3:10). And I am convinced whatever He is ‘driving’ has no blinkers.  "Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:6).

Off with their Heads!

"Off with their heads!" was the expression used by the Queen of Hearts from ‘The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland.’ But beheading is hardly a laughing matter, especially in light of last month’s brutal beheadings of 17 men, women and children by the Taliban. Having lived in Afghanistan, I was not surprised by such primitive violence. “But why beheading?” I thought.

Beheading is not unique to our times. You probably remember from your high school ancient history class about the beheadings of English and French royals in the Middle Ages. Back then, beheading was considered an honorable way to die. But 21st century terrorists are beheading their victims after they die: an expression of contempt. To cut off a head shows vile hatred for a person's beliefs (remember John the Baptist). And, it strikes terror in the heart of one’s enemies.

The spiritual analogy here is rich. The head represents one's mind—thoughts, beliefs, plans and dreams. No wonder Satan goes for the head. If he can capture the mind, he can control a person's emotions and behaviors. This is why Paul tells us to cover our heads with the helmet of salvation and hope (Eph. 6:17: 1 Thess. 5:8). Our enemy hates those who have the mind of Christ, and will stop at nothing to destroy them. I’m sure the battle cry of Satan’s minions must be “Off with their heads!”

California's Governor says, “Count the Cost”

Governor Jerry Brown told Californians they are going to have to make a hard choice about how much government they are willing to pay for, and then explained: “There is a lot of magical thinking in Washington and Sacramento, and maybe, I might even say, in Western civilization. We’ve had it easy until now and the moment of truth is upon us. We’ve got to pay for what we want.”

I couldn’t help seeing a spiritual parallel. What disciple of Christ does not want the abundant life Jesus promised: the blessings of peace, joy, and to know one’s purpose? Is it blasphemous to suggest it will cost you something? Jesus says, “You cannot be my disciple without giving up everything you own, but don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation and run out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you” (Luke 14:33, 28-30).

Let me clarify that it is not as if God won’t give us His abundance unless we pay for it (Jesus already did that). No, the problem is we can’t receive His fullness until we stop being full of ourselves.  Jesus paid the price to give us all the fullness of God. Are we willing to give up everything in order to receive it?  I think Jerry Brown was kind of saying: “It's time to count the cost.”

Google Analytics and Russian Readers

A program called ‘Google analytics’ generates a daily report on the number of people reading my blog postings—by country. Through this report I found I have many Russian readers; and last week, more than in the U.S.  Greetings and blessings to my Russian blogging brothers and sisters.

Isn’t it amazing that somewhere in the invisible realm called cyberspace is a robot that knows every site you visit! More extraordinary than that is the unseen heavenly realm—God’s watchful Presence. “The LORD looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men, and no thought can be withheld from Him, for he knows the secrets of the heart.” (Ps. 33:13; 44:21) If you and I were conscious of God’s all-seeing, all-knowing presence, would we be different? Or are we like the Israelites at Mt. Sinai who wanted to keep a safe distance from God!?

King David wrote: “I can never escape from you. I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there. If I go down to the grave, you are there. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you” (Psalm 139:8-12). But David wasn’t afraid of a ‘watching’ God. God’s presence was a satisfying comfort to David: “God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Ps. 46:1).

An Ambassador Must be Willing to Lose his Life

Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens and 3 other Americans were killed on this year's anniversay of 9/11. President Obama and Secretary Clinton both condemned the killings, while stressing that the U.S. bond with Libya would not suffer as a result. These words caught my attention. Though our representative may be dead, the relationship continues: the message is greater than the messenger.

An ambassador is the highest-ranking representative of one government to another.  He or she is authorized to speak for the President. In 2 Corinthians 5:20 Paul calls us Christ’s ambassadors, those who have been sent to speak for Him. And we represent the country, the heavenly realm, from which we have been sent. Certainly Ambassador Stevens knew that he was risking his life to represent and speak for America in a hostile region of the world.

Are we as willing to speak for Christ in our own hostile environments? It occurs to me that since Ambassador Stevens was relatively unknown before his murder, his death becomes the pinnacle of his life.  On the other hand, our death to our own interests must precede our ambassadorship. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:23-26)

Was 9/11 America's Wake-up Call?

On September 11, 2001, America was shaken.  Now eleven years later, it seems it was just the beginning.  Since then, 9 of the 10 costliest hurricanes in American history have occurred, along with the worst tornadoes in a half-century, and the worst drought since 1930. Even the economy has been severely shaken.

And it isn’t just in America. God says, “I will shake all the nations” (Haggai 2:7). Japan suffered its worst disaster since World War II by earthquake and tsunami that led to a nuclear meltdown. New Zealand had the worst earthquake in its history.  And Haiti's earthquake was the second deadliest in all of human history.  Russia and China had their worst droughts in two centuries.  The Arab world has been shaken through unrest and revolution, leaving Israel shook up.  And the European Union has been shaken by the threat of bankruptcy by at least 3 of its members.

Is God shaking the nations? Are they listening? “Be careful you do not refuse to listen to Him who is speaking...you will certainly not escape if you reject the One who speaks from heaven, saying, Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also” (Heb. 12:25-26). I don't know about the entire world, but if 9/11 and subsequent events were America's wake-up call, I'm afraid she rolled over and went back to sleep.

The New Normal

In our culture of constant change, it can be difficult to figure out what “normal” is!  The dictionary definition is “that which conforms to an accepted standard.” Given that standards shift like the wind, “normal” is subject to change—so there will always be a “new normal.”

Last week at the Democratic Convention, a young man spoke about 'new' family values—he was raised by two mothers, lesbians. He was there to thank the Democratic Party for ‘normalizing’ gay families. Then the next day, coincidentally, I read about a new Fall TV sitcom, called “The New Normal,” that will feature two gay men raising a child they have by a surrogate.

In my lifetime I have seen a lot of “new normal’s.” I remember when black and white TVs and bow ties were normal. I remember when it was normal for grocery stores to be closed on Sundays. And more soberly, I remember when out-of-wedlock pregnancy was not normal and abortion was illegal.

Obviously, what used to be “normal” changed.  But if “normal” is so subjective, why are so many believers trying to be “normal”?  Rather than being defined by the world's shifting standards, shouldn't we be conforming to God's?  Who knows? Our lives just might appear refreshingly and delightfully abnormal to all the normal people around us.  Our standards could even become the "new normal!"

Looking for a Knight in Shining Armor?

Americans are looking at the upcoming election with doubt, if not cynicism. They want someone to believe in. Obama’s supporters are trying to recover lost hope. Republican hope for their candidate seems oddly tepid. But all agree they want things to get better, at least better than they were 4 years ago. 

Arguably, it is too late—our economy is headed for collapse no matter who gets elected. In 40 years, the national debt has risen from less than $2 trillion to nearly $16 trillion, without including IOUs to other government programs, like Social Security. That's the equivalent of a household making $50,000 a year (gross) owing $50,000 on their credit card!  The interest payment alone could exceed $1,000 a month!  But we are not alone in this mess.  Worldwide, economies are on the brink of collapse. And no leader with any solutions has emerged! 

The world is ripe for a political savior who who will ride in on a white horse!  It seems unlikely to be either of our present candidates (since he will need to be a very charismatic person of outstanding ability and extraordinary power). Is he out there somewhere! I think the antichrist must be waiting in the wings, all suited up in his shiny armor! (2 Thess. 2:3)

Falling Asleep in Church May Be a Symptom

Last week in church, the elderly woman sitting next to me was fast asleep—her head resting on her chest. When I worked for the government, we had lots of meetings. My boss always fell asleep—he blamed it on narcolepsy!  But seriously, falling asleep in meetings (or church) is easy to do.

On the most important night of Jesus’ life, he asked the Disciples to stay awake and pray with him (Matt. 26:41). But they all fell asleep. Earlier, when Jesus spoke of the final hours before His return, he used similar language, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen” (Luke 21:36). Through John, he warned, “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake.” (Rev. 16:15). Paul issued a similar warning: “Time is running out; wake up…let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” (Romans 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:6).

What does this mean for us? When people are asleep they are in the dark; they are insensitive to danger and what is going on around them; they are, basically, unconscious. Even so, the Christian who is asleep has no sense of danger, cannot discern the times, and cannot hear God—as though he is spiritually dead. Thus Paul says, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (Eph 5:14). At this time in history, we must be alert.  It would be far too easy to fall asleep.

It’s Time to Buy Gold

Have you noticed the increasing number of commercials on TV and Radio, urging people to buy gold? On Tuesday this week, the Federal Government announced that the Federal debt hit $16 trillion, and is still rising at a meteoric pace. Why does it matter? Ultimately, excessive debt results in bankruptcy—for either a family or a nation. And when it even looks like this might happen, a country’s money loses its value, making things cost more, i.e., a price of a loaf of bread increases from $2 to $5. High inflation brought on by excessive debt was one of the reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire.

When inflation causes stocks, real estate, bank savings to be worth less, people buy gold—because gold will always have value. Gold has been the standard for currency since the beginning of time. The Bible affirms the gold standard—the heavenly Jerusalem is made of ‘pure gold’ (Rev. 21:18).

But the Bible often uses gold as a metaphor for that which has no lasting value. James says in the last days, gold and silver will be worthless (James 5:3). Peter says our faith is far more precious than mere gold (1 Pet 1:7). Jesus tells the wealthy Laodiceans to buy gold from Him.  His gold is a metaphor for faith which needs to be purified by fire, just like gold (Rev. 3:18). Inflation or not, it is always time to buy this type of gold and grow rich in faith!

Obomney or Robama?—Does it Matter?

I was musing about the sad state of affairs in the U.S. until I realized that whoever wins will fit, albeit unknowingly, God’s divine plan, even though Obama is a liberal Christian, at best, and Romney is a Mormon who believes he will some day be a god (Gen 3:5).  But whoever our next president is, he could preside over an America that will no longer enjoy superpower status. 

In 1998, when America was enjoying unprecedented prosperity, the stock market was at an all-time high, and unemployment was at a twenty-eight year low, David Wilkerson warned, “America stands at the brink of an economic and social collapse. The American dream is going to turn into the American nightmare. It will occur suddenly—without warning—and no one will be able to explain how or why it happened. God is about to crush this abominable American mindset.”

Was David Wilkerson right?  Through the prophet Jeremiah, God says I pluck up and pull down nations to destroy them if they do not repent (18:7-8).  Fourteen years ago, David Wilkerson said it would soon be “America’s Last Call” [the title of his book]. Does it matter who our next president is?  Since the next 4 years could redefine the nation as we know it, I think it matters a lot!

Which Convention would Jesus attend?

Last week’s Republican Convention produced little surge for Romney. The Democratic one in Charlotte, NC this week will likely fare no better. People are not feeling very hopeful. Regardless of what party takes office in November, can there, realistically, be any significant change? U. S. foreign policy will be largely unaffected, healthcare costs will grow, Social Security and Medicare will move closer to default, the national debt will swell, and political gridlock will continue.

I am not  being pessismistic, but biblical, when I say there will be increasing lawlessness, confusion, and chaos before Christ returns (2 Thess. 2). The contentious conventions are just part of that!  Aren't you glad Jesus said: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)?

I am not suggesting we disengage from the political process, but we should abstain from political conflict.  After all, Christ called us to build the kingdom of God, defined as righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). I didn't see much of that in Tampa, and don't expect to see it in Charlotte this week either. Wouldn't it be fantastic to go to a convention where everyone is “seeking first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33)?

Do You Have Reservations?

Have you ever saved a place for your friend(s) in a crowded church service and felt uncomfortable because you knew there was a chance they might not show up, and the seats would be empty?  But what if it was a concert your friend(s) had paid for?  You would have no reservations about holding their places.

While on earth, Jesus never had a place, once telling an aspiring follower, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matt. 8:20). Jesus knew His Father was holding His place in Heaven.

And to His disciples, He promised: “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places, and I'm going to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Ever since, all believers have treasured the truth that He has reserved our place in Heaven.  It is prepaid and has our name on it (Eph. 1:20; 2:6; Col. 3:1). And without reservation, I can tell you there will be no empty seats in heaven.