"Approving of those who practice evil"

It is so obvious I know everyone has probably all ready thought of it, but how perfectly does our current culture fit the descent into sin described in Romans 1:18-32?

Rom. 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹ because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

²⁴ Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, ²⁵ who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

²⁶ For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. ²⁷ Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,^[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, ³⁰ backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ³¹ undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,^[d] unmerciful; ³² who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. (NKJV)

Consider the issue in the news so prominently this week -

A man, once famous for being the most successful Olympian of our age, has now become a celebrated and brave hero for taking various female hormones, having his penis removed, and receiving other types of cosmetic surgery.

To give a man an award or put him on a magazine cover for his willingness to destroy his God given body, for the sake of his own misguided desires is just plain sick. I am sure many would have encouraged their children to be like Bruce when he was simply a famous athlete, but will they really want them to grow up and be like Bruce now?

As sad and shocking as it is, I think they will!

I think the willful suppression of the truth about God as described in Romans 1:18, has led us to the end of the line or the bottom of the pit, as it relates to our cultures descent into sin. Twenty years ago you might have found only a tiny percent of the population that would support self mutilation, men and women using the same bathrooms, same sex marriage, or many other things which are now widely accepted.

Rom. 1:24 describes people being given over by God, because they had rejected the evidence He had given them of His existence through creation. Surely our culture had been given over to their sinful desires, they are blind to the truth, and fully aligned with the Devil, even though they are quite unaware of their allegiance and service to him.

Thank God if He has given you salvation and a knowledge of the truth through Jesus, and pray that we be faithful witnesses in a culture that unless God intervenes, is going to experience His just and terrible wrath!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Predictions on the future of the U.S. church, from James White!

This video appeared on Wretchedradio.com

Hope in times of increasing persecution!

A simple, but very precious truth -

Rom. 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Follow the link to a good discussion of persecution from Generations Radio.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

James White debunks Newsweek's anti-Christian Christmas article!

There is also a part two available at this link - Alpha and Omega Ministries

Sticks, stones, and words can hurt me, really?

I want to be clear, I am not OK with bullying or name calling, I think they are quite sinful and don't deny they can cause pain. However, I am shocked at the change of attitude regarding dealing with people's hurtful words since I was a child. I fear far more damage will be done as society shifts the focus from ignoring hurtful words to silencing them!

When I was young, if someone said mean things to me and I told a parent or teacher, they may or may not have said anything to the one who said the hurtful words, but they would likely have told me - "Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you". This was good advice, because it kept the one on the receiving end of teasing or insults from being enslaved to the opinions of others.

The underlying principle involved was that they had the right to say things to us, even stupid or hateful things, but we were to not see their words as in any way defining us. To suggest to a child or even to an adult, that someone else's words have the power to do the same kind of harm as physical injuries, is to set up a scenario were the only way to protect people is by outlawing some types of speech, as we limit certain kinds of physical contact.

This unfortunately is exactly what is happening. People are being told that suicides, depression and countless other problems are simply the natural and unavoidable result of people being damaged by the words of others. The video below suggests that the suicides of LGBT people, especially youth, are actually caused by the hurtful words of others, especially in the church!

Now, I feel terrible for the youth who got to such a place in their lives that they felt the only option was to take their own lives. Further, I would say there needs to be some sensitivity to were people are at, even when were they are at is in sin. Our goal is to communicate truth, so we need to be tactful when dealing with issues that are likely to cause strong reactions. However, do we really want to affirm to young people, or anybody for that matter, that the words of others are so powerful? Or that being liked and accepted by others is so important? Would it not be far more loving to teach them that the words of others are merely opinions, and only true to the point that they line up with....? 

OK, now I have hit a snag, how are we to evaluate the words of others? If nothing is absolutely true, then there is no reason anyone should ever be offended by anything! If God has given us the truth, then the only thing we really need to consider is whether the words of others line up with what God says.

If you still reject the notion of God's word being knowable, or that the Bible is it, then I at least ask that you consider if you really want to live in a world where what you can and can't say is determined by the individual sensitivities of the 7,000,000,000 other people on the planet?

Or, would you rather advocate free speech, and embrace the reality that - "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me".





Will society really leave free speech in churches alone?

James White posted a video and some commentary on his blog, (follow link below), it is a call for society to make churches stop teaching things about LGBT activity that are allegedly causing young people to kill themselves. While this is off on so many levels, as James points out in his commentary, I do think it is the path through which our free speech will be attacked. I hope you will take time to watch the video, read the commentary, an then pray and prepare for what is clearly coming soon.

Video and James White Commentary

A verse that I think is very telling of our times:

Job 40:8 Would you indeed annul My judgement? Would you condemn me that you would be justified? (NKJV)

James White on Secular Anti-Christian Bigotry!

I have not listened to this entire video yet, but I trust James White will do justice to the subject - Enjoy!

 

 

 

The priests must spend time examining lepers?

Leviticus 13-14 describes laws concerning leprosy and the priest's role in examining and helping those with this this dreaded and contagious disease. Part of the reason for taking leprosy so serious, was so that the rest of the people could be protected from catching it.

Let's be clear, being given the job of examining/helping lepers is to be put in harms way. It might be nice to think this task is totally irrelevant to anything we deal with in  ministry today!

After all -

As believers, we have Jesus as our High priest. Jesus died on the cross to provide a perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. By believing upon Jesus and His work, our sins are forgiven, we are reconciled to God and all the effects of the fall, including diseases like leprosy, will be removed from us when we leave here to go to Him or He returns to rule and reign! Not only does Jesus fulfill the role of priests today, but leprosy has been eradicated from much of the world today through medical advancements.

So how is the OT priest spending time with lepers relevant today? I am sure there is much that could be said, but I was moved as I read it yesterday and realized how those who were to serve as spiritual leaders for Israel were constantly put in harms way for the sake of the people.

Imagine having to spend your day examining lepers! Would you feel afraid at times? Would you be rejected by others, simply because they new you spent time with lepers and could be contagious? What if you decided the risk was too great? What would the cost be for the individuals and the people as a whole?

To truly do ministry as Jesus calls us to do, is to be put in harms way for the good of the people -

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. ¹⁹ If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. ²¹ But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. (NKJV)

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Good encouragement for pastors and others fighting for the faith!

I hope it encourages and inspires you as it did me!

"Man up preachers"

Something Christians and Mormons do have in common!

This is an article about a recent speech made by Dr. Al Mohler to Mormons at BYU. He does a fantastic job of pointing out the main error in Mormon theology (not seeking justification by faith in Christ alone), but at the same time makes a great point regarding our agreements on many cultural issues. Regarding these differences and those things we have in common Mohler said this: "I do not believe that we are going to heaven together, but I do believe we may go to jail together."

Please take time to read the article and be blessed!

Truth from Gene Simmons?

I saw this on wretchedradio and had to repost it -

“will continue to suffer permanent, severe and irreparable harm and injury"

What is this quote referring to?

Maybe -

Victims of ongoing violent abuse?

Those living without food, shelter or clothing?

Military prisoners at Guantanamo Bay?

People who are being exposed to extremely violent or sexually graphic images?

No, not any of these things.

Prepare yourself for shock and awe!

It describes the harm that will be done to visitors and students at a school in Ohio if they catch a glimpse of a depiction of Jesus in a display of famous historical figures!

The ACLU and the Freedom from Religion Foundation used these words in their law suit against the school which now has to remove the picture (after 60 years on display) and they must pay a fine of $95,000 as well.

Here is a link to an article with more details from Fox News.

Does Biblical Christianity Support Socialism?

This is a good discussion of the issue: Generations Radio

Want to adopt a child or be a foster parent? Be sure you don't have traditional views on marriage and sexuality!

This is a sign of the times - Weeding out traditional values

Another sign persecution is here and increasing!

I really appreciate Wretchedradio for keeping us informed of things like this.

 

May the U.S. church respond as the early church did -

Acts 4:18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. ²⁰ For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” ²¹ So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. ²² For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. ²⁴ So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, ²⁵ who by the mouth of Your servant David^[b] have said:

‘Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
²⁶ The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’^[c]

²⁷ “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ²⁸ to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. ²⁹ Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, ³⁰ by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”

³¹ And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (NKJV)

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

No Christians need apply in San Antonio!

I was not too surprised, but truly saddened by the article found here: Penalize Bible Believers. I certainly think it is appropriate to speak out against unjust laws in defense of God's truth, and because it is best for mankind. However, as I am teaching on the Christian response to unjust suffering this week, and how it is a crucial part of our witness, I am reminded that when it comes to our being personally wronged by this kind of persecution, there is a God glorifying way to respond:

1 Pet. 3:13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”  ¹⁵ But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; ¹⁶ having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. ¹⁷ For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (NKJV)

God give us the wisdom and strength to respond in a way that demonstrates You are Lord and our hope is in You!


"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Two amazing videos from Wretched Radio - Is this America?

Christians being eradicated from Muslim countries!

I saw the story linked below on Fox News, check it out and be amazed at the lack of coverage by the mainstream media and the apparent ignoring of it by our government.

Shocking persecution statistics!

Why so offended by what you don't believe atheists?

From Wretched Radio, sorry about the wierd size of this video, but it is worth having the Blog a little messy in order to show the open hostilty toward preaching Christ in our society!

 

 

 

 

 

Encouragement for those facing opposition!

Consider these blessed words -

John 15:18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

Not that any of us are Jesus, but He did say that we would suffer persecution for He and His word's sake. So remember, it is not that they have a problem with you, they have a problem with Him!

Pray for them and keep the faith!

"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."