No Time for Slouching!

The election is over. Most of us took a stand on issues. The outcome of the election has not changed our posture. We’re still ‘standing firm’ (Eph. 6:11-14). Up ahead, it may get a lot harder to stand against a cultural of moral indifference and tolerance.

People will say, 'But isn't your God tolerant?' No. He specifically says “I will not tolerate… sin, idolatry, bribery, evil...” In fact, under Jewish law, the punishment for tolerating false gods was death (Deut. 13:10). Aren’t you glad not to be living in 1500 BC? Indeed, we are privileged to be living in the age of grace. But forbearance and forgiveness have not  given way to God's Holy posture. 

There has never been a more important time to maintain good posture, “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together... in no way alarmed by our opponents, which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for us” (Phil. 1:27-28).  There's no time for slouching.

Winning is everything—or is it?

Depending on your political persuasion you are either rejoicing or lamenting over President Obama's ‘win’ yesterday. The world says “Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing.” As the end of his life neared, Vince Lombardi said, “I wished I'd never said that; I sure didn't mean for people to crush human values and morality.” But this ‘winning at all costs’ philosophy was palpable in the campaign of 2012.

At one point in the campaign Governor Romney said, “It’s not so much winning and losing… it's about something bigger…” I wonder if he was aware of the profundity of his words.

Would it surprise you that the word “winner” is not in the Bible? Can you imagine Jesus saying to Peter: “Now, go out there and win one for the Gipper!” Jesus redefined life. It was not about winning, but doing the will of His Father (Matt 12:50; Heb 10:9).

To those with an eternal perspective, it’s only and always about God’s plans. And though they are not always clear to us, we can be sure He has them. “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11).

A House Built on the Sand

An old hymn declares “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand”—this being a reference to Jesus’ parable of those who build their houses on the sands of human effort and short-sightedness, rather than on the eternal rock, Jesus Christ.

Though I wouldn't want to diminish the pain of anyone whose waterfront property was destroyed by Sandy, it’s impossible not to see a spiritual analogy, as you hear the words “We have lost everything.”  Earthlings are embedded in a world that is passing away, personally and corporately: the flimsy foundation underlying the integrity of the U.S. economy will be severely tested by Sandy's damage.

The Bible refers to God as a Rock (strong and reliable), and to Jesus as the Cornerstone the builders rejected (1 Pet 2:7). In the beginning, our nation was built on a solid foundation of Judeo Christian principles. That foundation is gradually being rejected, and replaced by the shifting sands of peoples' opinions, resulting in a spiritual 'housing collapse.'

The Day After the Election

This is one of the most important elections in the history of our nation. The next president and congress will not only face monumental conflicts at home and abroad, but 55 days after the election, unless there is a break in the partisan gridlock, prior tax cuts will expire, effecting a $500 billion tax increase, and the first installment of a $4 trillion reduction in spending will kick in.  A perfect storm (one that will make Sandy look like a breezy day at the beach) is brewing.

At such times I am reminded of David's words: “I do not involve myself in great matters or in things too difficult for me” (Psalm 131:1). 

So, like you, I’ll vote my conscience, trying to discern God's will, resting assured that no matter what happens on November 6, God will still be in control on November 7—because, in the end, I am neither Democrat nor Republican, but a monarchist waiting for the coming of my King.

Don’t’ “Fall Back”

Tomorrow, most of you in the U.S. will be turning your clocks back one hour: it is the end of Day Light Savings. (In March, we set our clocks ahead one hour.) Thus the expression, “Spring forward; Fall back.” This clever phrase brings to mind a practical spiritual principle: whenever we are in a season of hard growth (making progress) we will be tempted to turn back to something familiar (regress).

Upon ‘discovering’ this principle, Sigmund Freud ‘coined’ the term “regression” as the  psychological tendency to “revert to an earlier stage of development rather than handling unacceptable impulses in a more adult manner.”

Centuries before Freud, Paul spoke of regression. He called it "turning" or "shrinking back."  Its opposite is “endurance.” In other words, at any given time, we are either enduring (which results in progress) or regressing. Then Paul declares: “But we are not of those who shrink back… but we are those who … endure” (Hebrews 10:39, 36). In other words, by God's grace, we won’t “fall back.”

Moving Mountains

The writer of Psalm 73 was bothered that he was having so many troubles while the ungodly were enjoying an easy life. Feeling abandoned by God, he was ready to give up. It seemed like all of his diligence, obedience, prayers, and Bible reading were in vain—he was running out of patience.

We've all been there. At such times, it seems like there is a mountain between us and the place we want to be—and we just don’t have the strength to get over it. Jesus said, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible” (Matt. 17:20).

Jesus said our faith is like a seed, when planted in fertile soil, morphs into a plant or tree. He is saying that when we put even a little faith (that may be all we have!) into action, it will grow strong enough to empower us to move a mountain.

What is the mountain in your life? Loneliness, loss of a job, sickness, wounded relationship? Be encouraged. “Faith comes by hearing…the Word of God” (Ro. 10:17). And that Word will speak to your impossibilities. And nothing is impossible for God!

The Paranormalization of America

Halloween may be over, but not America’s obsession with the paranormal. Last month, two animated films about the paranormal were released: Hotel Transylvania about monster/human relations; and Frankenweenie, where dead animals are brought back to life. In the last decade, blockbuster films about witches, warlocks, and vampires became common fodder for our children and teenagers.

In the last half century, the increased fascination with aliens, global invasions, and genetic alterations has been startling. Without a doubt, paranormalization has reduced fear and skepticism of the weird and sensational! ‘So what?’ you say.

Some Bible scholars think the end times, “like the days of Noah,” may include the reintroduction of what-were-possibly fallen angels (Nephilim) on the earth. Whether this forebodes a demonic manifestation in end times is not clear. But if that were to happen, paranormalization could result in naive acceptance. And even if that doesn't happen, paranormalization is still a serious concern. Many Christians have been numbed to the reality and severity of spiritual warfare.

Halloween is not Just for Kids Anymore

Due to the adultification of Halloween, it has become an $8 billion a year industry—a commercial success second only to Christmas. In USA Today, one consumer anthropologist said, “the enjoyment of the holiday has its roots in a culture of folks desperate to act out their true feelings—a way for people to be more themselves, as if they’re saying this is who I really am.” That logic might make sense if a man puts on a superman costume, but what does it say about a man who dresses up as a warlock or a woman who mimics Marilyn Monroe or Broomhilda!?

What a sad psychological state we’ve come to. The truth is, people aren’t putting on masks to show who they are, but to hide the mask underneath—the one they wear every day. When people go to work, they put on their masks—pretending to be happy, or competent, or cool; others wear them to hide hurts or low self-esteem. And, unfortunately, too many feel they have to wear their masks to church too.

All this hiding must grieve God. Remember when He found Adam hiding in a costume of fig leaves? We may laugh at that. But when we have done something displeasing to God, what is our reaction?  Do we run to Him to be reconciled?  Or, do we avoid Him? “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before His eyes… So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God to receive His mercy whenever we feel like hiding” (Heb. 4:13, 16, edited by me).

What will be Hurricane Sandy’s Affect?

Have you noticed that the media are no longer referring to Hurricane Sandy as “Frankenstorm?” That would trivialize a storm that portends to be the worst to hit the Mid-Atlantic in 200 years—and there is nothing cute or funny about Sandy!

Sandy’s winds, in excess of 80 mph, are expected to cause power outages for millions of Americans. Government offices in the Nation’s capitol are closed, as are schools. Wall Street is closed, along with NYC and New Jersey public transportation, including the cancelation of more than 9,000 flights. Adding bad to worse, a cold front moving in from the West is threatening to drop up to 2 feet of snow. The economic losses are expected to be $20 billion. Occurring just days before the presidential elections, no one is even trying to guess what affect it will have on voting turnout.  

As I read this morning’s news articles about Sandy’s affects on all of the above, it occurred to me that no one is speaking of the spiritual affect. Will it cause people to pray? Will it cause people to reevaluate what is important in life? Could Sandy be a reminder that our fate is not determined by the outcome of a national election, but by our omniscient and omnipotent God?

“Failure is not an Option”

By now everyone knows that cyclist Lance Armstrong, 7-time winner of the Tour de France, has been stripped of his titles and banned from the sport for using steroids. He is the world’s most famous cheater. The adage “It’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game that matters” has been replaced by Vince Lombardi’s “Winning is the only thing that matters.”

Recent research shows that over 75% of college students admit cheating in high school, up from 20% in 1950. Why the increase? Is it possible we have taught them that “failure is not an option.” Several years ago, I had a surge of high school seniors coming in to my counseling office—the presenting problem was anxiety, and the common theme was fear of failure.

Do you know that failure is built into God’s plan of redemption? The Bible is replete with leaders who failed and recovered—Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Peter. Cheating may be as old as Adam, but in 2012, it seems epidemic. People don't cheat just to win; they cheat to avoid failure. And without knowing God's grace, failure is not an option. But for those of us who have failed and recovered (many times!), we know the secret of success is found in God's unconditional love and acceptance.

Something to Crow About

Remember all the brouhaha that stirred up everyone’s feathers last month when Chick-fil-A’s CEO said his company had donated money to organizations that held to a biblical view of marriage? Many gay rights groups called for boycotts. But supporters flocked to the stores.

While the public relations experts were convinced it would be Chick-fil-A’s undoing, it appears the ‘bad’ PR helped the fried chicken chain. Consumption of Chick-fil-A chicken was up 2.2% over this time last year. 

Is Chick-fil-A getting a juicy piece of justice after so many people cried ‘fowl.’

The commandments of the Lord are more desirable than the finest gold, sweeter than honey dripping from the comb [or a biscuit]. They are a great reward for those who obey them” (Psalm 19:10-11 edited).

Pearls and Pigs

As we live in formidable times, it’s not surprising people ask if God is in control. The answer is an unambiguous yes and no. Satan, called the “god of this world” (2 Co 4:4), is presently running rampant ‘on earth.’ John explains, “We know that the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Who can refute it—the world is an evil place, full of sinners and sinful consequences. But in the midst of a sinful world, God controls events and is moving history toward its ultimate; all of Satan’s schemes will be turned around for God’s good.

The truth of God’s Sovereignty is one that mystifies believers, so how could we expect 'pagans' to comprehend it. That didn’t seem to stop Connecticut Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock from trying to answer a question about abortion in the event of rape. He said, admittedly clumsily, “life is a gift from God. And, I think, even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen.” ‘Oops’ would be an understatement!

Jesus said, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” (Matt. 7:6). Reconciling God’s loving-kindness and His mercy with his absolute sovereignty is indeed a sacred truth, but it is also a “hard saying.” Did Mourdock err by throwing a pearl to a pig? Of course the “pigs” are the “people who aren't spiritual [and] can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them” (2 Co 2:14). Maybe Mourdock should have been a little ‘slower to speak’ (James 1:19).

Why Vote?

The Billy Graham Association is pushing, not so indiscreetly, for you to vote for Romney. They took out a full page ad in newspapers across the land to encourage Christians to vote for candidates that support the biblical view of marriage.

In this election, there are moral issues on the table. Obama has taken a supportive stance on gay marriage. And, he is fully committed to furthering “women’s health rights”—a not-so-disguised term for providing every teen-age girl birth control and abortion. However, Romney has indicated that restricting current abortion rights is not on his agenda either. All things considered, even if Billy Graham himself was running for president, it is unlikely we can turn the moral tide. I admit, I've struggled with the question: why vote?

Some Christians who promote Dominion Theology use Old Testament passages to compare the U.S. to Israel, believing God will heal our nation if we vote in the right persons. But in ancient Israel, the moral and judicial rules were set by the Mosaic Law—not by congresses or courts, and certainly not by popular vote. Israel was promised national healing only if they repented and returned to God’s Law (2 Chronicles 7:14). That won’t happen in America (repentance is not on either candidate's short list!). So then, why vote?  because... voting is our chance to take a stand on issues we know are God’s will. And in that sense, our vote becomes a prayer: “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

A Famine in the Land

A recent Pew Forum study reveals that the average churchgoer is ignorant of people like Job, Abraham and Moses; he thinks Sodom and Gomorrah were a husband and wife; and that the statement “God helps those who help themselves” is in the Bible. Living in the “Information Age” doesn’t seem to have averted a dearth of Bible knowledge.

During a time of prosperity in Israel (just like today), the Prophet Amos predicted there would be a famine, not for bread or water, but for hearing the word of God: “Beautiful girls and strong young men will grow faint in that day, thirsting for the Lord's word” (11-13). Why the emphasis on young people? Could it be they were the ones searching for meaning in life—something worth living for, or even to die for? Even though his prophecy is specific to Israel, it’s not hard to see a modern parallel.

Today’s millennial generation has more access to Bible knowledge, 'spiritual nourishment,' than any generation in history. But they also have more distractions to quench their appetite. God says, “My people go into captivity for their lack of knowledge—famished and parched with thirst… [but] blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; they shall be satisfied” (Is. 55:2; Matt. 5:6).

Knowledge and People Travel Fast

Google CEO Eric Schmidt describes his life in the future: his bed will wake him up when he cycles out of R.E.M. sleep; a driverless car will take him to work; returning phone calls and scheduling events will be done by robots; and he will swallow a microchip to monitor his health and alert his doctor if anything is wrong. Thirty years ago such talk would have seemed ridiculous—but not anymore.  Such things are now quite believable.

God told His prophet Daniel that certain mysteries regarding the last days would be “revealed” when “knowledge increases” and men travel “back and forth” (Daniel 12:4). No one can argue that there has not been an exponential increase of both knowledge and speed. The cross-Atlantic voyage that took Columbus months is now done in a few hours!

And the increase of knowledge has been advanced by chip technology. We are living in ‘The Information Age.’  Knowledge is exploding in every direction. While Daniel’s phrase ‘increased knowledge’ means that some portions of the book of Daniel would not to be understood until the time of the end, many Bible scholars believe it also applies to an increasing knowledge of science, medicine, travel, and technology. If we have not reached that time yet, we must be amazingly close.

Choosing between Bad and Worse

With a national election coming up in less than 3 weeks, many people are feeling forced to choose between two evils; or, to use another expression, choosing between bad and worse. But politics aside, are current events increasing our feelings of cosmic futility?

What do I mean? Well, the present conflict in Syria is a good example of “bad and worse.” If Syria’s dictator Assad is defeated, he will likely be replaced by Sunni extremists sympathetic to al Qaeda. Next door in Egypt, a despot (supported by the U.S.) was driven out last year and replaced by the Muslim Brotherhood—an Islamic group who wants to annihilate Israel.

Since the whole world is under the influence of Satan—"the god of this world"—what else would you expect. Was there ever a better time to be citizens of another world, another reality, where only good, better, and best prevail (Romans 12:2). And where even the ‘bad’ choices of those who love Him cannot foil His plan to turn everything around for their good (Rom 8:28). If you make the LORD your refuge, no evil will conquer you... (Ps 91:10)—no matter who wins the election next month. 

"You must no longer live as the 'earthlings' do, in futility,

for they are hopelessly confused" (Eph 4:17, NIV, NLT, GB).

How’s Your Spiritual Nutrition?

Amidst increasing concern about obesity and poor nutrition comes a new study that multivitamins can cut the risk of cancer by 8%. Over the last 50 years, due to increased use of processed food in American diets, vitamin supplements have become almost essential. The Dep. of Agriculture has spent millions of dollars on a campaign to get Americans to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day—with little effect.

As if speaking to the issue of spiritual nutrition, Jesus said people cannot exist on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). But I wonder that our bible study patterns don’t reveal that we treat God’s Word(s) more as a supplement than our daily meal (as if it could only reduce our sinful thoughts by 8%). But the bible is not a supplement; and its effectiveness is 100% (Heb 4:12; 2 Tim 3:17).

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, refers to the life-changing Word of God more than any other—200 times. “I have hidden [stored up, treasured] your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (v.11). Jeremiah (15:16) spoke of eating the Word. Others compared the Word to milk (1 Peter 2:2), to honey (Psalm 19:10; 119:103) and to meat (Hebrews 5:12, 14). Spiritual life is nourished and sustained, not supplemented, by The Word.  Did you eat a healthy breakfast today?

A Girl and a Book

Today, the political cartoon in USA Today shows a picture of 14-year old Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl that was shot in the head last week on her way home from school by Taliban.  Malala had become internationally known for advocating education for girls in opposion to the Taliban's strict religious ban on teaching girls.

Next to Malala's picture is  the statement: “What terrifies religious extremists like the Taliban are NOT American tanks or bombs, or bullets… It’s a girl with a book.”

And in this statement, I find a simple, but deep spiritual analogy. What scares Satan to death (pun intended) is not prosperity preachers, signs and wonders, or multitudes in mega-churches but one man, woman, boy or girl who reads “The Book.”

Donald Trump Tells Liberty Students to Get Even

As a recent student at Liberty University (online), I cringed when the ultra-fundamentalist school invited Mormon Mitt Romney to be its commencement speaker last June. But I was seriously taken aback, last week, when I learned that Donald Trump had addressed 10,000 students at Liberty’s convocation, proclaiming that to be successful in business, you need to punish people who cross you: “you need to 'get even' so others learn not to mess with you.”

Perhaps you think the Liberty administrators would have been embarrassed about Trump’s unbiblical and unethical comments. But no, Liberty’s director of Spiritual Development Johnnie Moore defended Trump—explaining that “the bible is filled with stories of God getting even with his enemies, and that Jesus got even with the Pharisees and Satan by rising from the dead.”

That the Resurrection was God’s way of “getting even” with the devil is nearly heretical—reducing God’s eternal plan of salvation to the level of a school yard brawl (the kind of thing Donald Trump thrives on).  The blatant ignorance of Christian ethics ('blessed are the poor in spirit, the merciful, etc.') and the misrepresentation of God’s character is horrifying.

Do Pastors ever Get the Monday Morning Blues?

Sunday is a week-END for pastors. On Sunday, the pastor goes into high gear, sparking a surge of adrenaline—he’s on duty, on stage, on call; and everybody wants something from him. When the demanding day is over, the adrenaline subsides, and he or she may be tempted to Post-Adrenalin Depression (PAD), also known as ‘Monday morning blues.’ PAD can also result in Monday morning doubt: “Was my sermon clear?” “Did I really help anybody?”

Would it surprise you to know that your Spirit-filled pastor may have an emotional descent on Monday morning? It’s a normal physical phenomenon. Everyone must learn how to pace himself (finding God’s pace, and grace) to make sure he’s being led by the Spirit (Ro 8:14), not driven by adrenaline.  I know this because I was a pastor, and I am a friend of many pastors!

October 14th is Pastors’ Appreciation Day. You could write if off as just another Hallmark holiday. Or, you could send a note to your pastor to thank him for his service. And you might even give him some positive feedback! “Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work” (1 Thess. 5:13).  Send your pastor this post and let him know you'll be praying for him—especially on Mondays.

“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?