This is a Friday edition of my weekly blog. For two days this past week I was down in my home town helping to clean out Mom's apartment. It has been sold and we needed to get it ready for the new tenants. I joined my sister from California, my sister from Chicago, and my brother from Colorado as we began the process of sorting through a lot of Mom's things. Her furniture was disbursed quickly after her funeral to grandchildren. But there are always those things that beg the question, "Should this be saved or not?" In many cases, those were not easy questions to answer.
It was a cold, rainy, windy day as we sorted through old pictures. The winds howled driving the rain against the windows. Five piles were created - one for each of the siblings. Graduation and wedding pictures - knew right where to put those. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren - also dispatched with ease. But then came those pictures that were "questionable." What do you do with old family vacation pictures? How many pictures of zoo animals did we want to save? How many pictures of tree-covered mountainsides? How many pictures of blooming plants in an arboretum? Yet, each picture told a story. It brought back memories of different times.
The pictures were just black and white snapshots and sometimes were so small it was hard to see detail. Often these words were heard, "Hey, do you remember?" And we would stop and share happy memories. Of times in Colorado visiting our grandmother. Of times in Upper Michigan sitting in a small boat trying to catch fish - the pictures showed no fish, but lots of baling water out of the boat. Of times in Washington DC the summer before the Kennedy assassination. Of stopping at an uncle and aunt's home in Wisconsin and having Uncle Les take us down to the nearby candy shop where we could pretty much get what we wanted, to the chagrin of Mom and Dad. Oh the memories from the past. Happy memories for which we are very grateful. But, we could not possibly save all those pictures. So many of them, after their story was relived, were discarded forever.
Other pictures told the story of family. Pictures with grandparents. Pictures with cousins. With pictures with friends who have long since passed into eternity. Those names are forever etched into our memories. They helped us celebrate birthdays and graduations and special moments. Those friends modeled for us what a walk with Jesus Christ should be like. It is amazing how some people are so part of who we are. A picture that brought back a treasury of memories that seemed as fresh as yesterday. How could those people be cast upon the discard pile? They could not! They are a part of the story of our family. It is hoped that someday a book will be created that will tell our family's story. And in that story, will be their stories.
As the evening entered its waning hours, the final pictures were viewed. The final memories were recited. The final decisions were made. And, as I left yesterday morning, knowing I would not ever return to Mom's place she called home these past nearly 11 years, I was excited over the memories God had allowed me to participate in these past 70 years. I treasure my family - my brothers and sisters. I treasure the fact that I had a godly father and mother who instilled a deep faith within each of us. They practiced faith@home before such a concept had been conceived. I treasure the deep love they had for us and for our families. How they loved their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren! Yes, a chapter in my life has been closed. But I am grateful for the memories.
I am reminded of how many times God encouraged His children to stop and to remember. Remember all I have done for you. Remember all you have experienced of My presence and power. Remember the many goodnesses I have done for you. Friends, God created our minds with the amazing ability to remember because God knew the value of memories. Yes, I know that for some, memories can be painful; but praise God for His healing. As the prophet Joel says, "God restores the years the locusts have eaten." Praise God for that powerful truth.
My friends, I would encourage you to stop for a few moments this weekend and take some time just to remember. Remember old friends and new ones. Remember family moments. But, more importantly, remember the blessings of God. And, as you draw your time of remembering to a close, thank God for the ability to remember. It is a gift from Him.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Sheriff Clarke Reminds Us of a Strong Biblical Truth
Yesterday was the first full day of confirmation hearings by the United States Senate Judicial Committee concerning the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to be the new Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. Judge Gorsuch has an almost impeccable record. He has a reputation of adjudicating cases based upon the original intent of the law. He certainly would not be viewed as a judicial activist, or one who made law from the bench. He was pressed hard by the Democratic members of the committee, but held firmly to his beliefs. The questioning will continue today. One could wish that we would as carefully vet those who enter our country as we do those who seek to serve our country.
Over the weekend we learned of the horrific rape and sexual assault upon a young 14-year old girl in Montgomery County, Maryland. She is a freshman in high school. She was accosted by two young men, one 18-years old, the second 17-years old, taken into a boys' bathroom, and brutally raped and assaulted. Both of these boys were also freshmen at the high school even though they were older. And, one of the perpetrators of this terrible crime was here in our country illegally. A young girl's life has been torn apart by two men, one of whom should not have even been in that high school. This is just one more example of crimes that have been committed, almost at will, by some of those in our country illegally. Yet I keep wondering where the outrage is. We experience riots when a black teenager is shot by a police officer, but there is hardly a whimper when a life is destroyed by a person who is in our country illegally. It seems we have a double-standard. Do we only react with anger when it is a police officer who takes a life while in the line of duty? Does not the life of this little 14-year old girl matter as well? Does not the life of the young mother who was recently shot while walking to the store in Chicago matter? These are troubling questions.
Recently, while perusing the shelves at our local Barnes & Noble, I came across a book titled, "Cop Under Fire." It was written by Sheriff David Clarke, Jr. who serves as the sheriff for Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. I had first heard of Sheriff Clarke when he addressed the Republican National Convention last summer in Cleveland. I liked his grit, his firm resolve, his passion for what was right. So I purchased the book and soon was devouring its pages. In the early part of the book, Sheriff Clarke tells his story of being so strongly influenced by his father to always do what was right. It is with those memories of truths taught by his father that Sheriff Clarke serves the Milwaukee community.
In the book, Sheriff Clarke deals with the subjects of illegal immigration, of the fallacies being perpetrated by the Black Lies Matter (that is his term for them) crowd, and of the assault upon traditional, biblical moral values that has escalated since the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law of the land. The author does not mince words; he is direct and, often times, very blunt. But I believe he has touched the stirrings within many of our hearts. Something has gone horribly wrong.
One section of Sheriff Clarke's book that I really appreciated was his discussion on the assault upon the American family, especially the family living in today's urban community. He writes, "For the first time in the history of the United States, fewer than 60 percent of first-born US babies were brought into this world with a married mother and father. More than one in five first-born children now have parents who are shacking up. [He quotes from an article written by Cheryl Wetzstein and published in the Washington Post on July 8, 2014]. Some researchers describe these 'fragile families' as only strong enough to create children, but not strong enough to support them. Frequently, these couples break apart after the babies are born." (p. 129).
Sheriff Clarke points out what the Bible declares with absolute resolve: national failures are the consequence of family failures. I have been doing some study in the Book of Judges preparing for that portion of my "Thru the Bible: The Thread of Redemption" series. I have rediscovered that the Book of Judges is not one of those books that you sit back and say, "Wow, I want to be like Samson!" But what I have seen for the very first time is this startling truth: the nation of Israel failed to keep God in the center of their lives because fathers in the homes failed to teach their children the importance of that truth. If fathers fail, sooner or later, the nation will experience the same failure. God was so correct when, through Moses, He proclaimed: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). Where does a child go to find that father-figure when there is no dad within the home? In the urban community, that child will find that "dad" within the gangs.
Friends, I know I sound like a broken record, but it is time that the Church of Jesus Christ begins to focus its resources, its time, and its leadership to strengthening the home. God did not call the Church to be a parent-substitute, but to be a parent-supporter, to be a parent-facilitator, to be a parent-equipper. Yes, a strong, dynamic children's ministry can be one of those tools. Yes, a strong, dynamic youth ministry can be one of those tools. Will this be easy? Of course not...this might be one of the most difficult things a Church can experience. It is hard to change directions. But, we cannot let that difficulty be an obstacle that we allow to impede our progress.
I found Sheriff Clarke's book a timely one. I highly recommend it. And, if you read this alongside of Todd Starnes newest book titled, "The Deplorables' Guide to Making America Great Again," you will capture the length and breadth of the problems that have become deeply embedded in American culture. But, you will be encouraged to begin to take small-steps to move away from those problems and thus rediscover the vision that made America great.
Over the weekend we learned of the horrific rape and sexual assault upon a young 14-year old girl in Montgomery County, Maryland. She is a freshman in high school. She was accosted by two young men, one 18-years old, the second 17-years old, taken into a boys' bathroom, and brutally raped and assaulted. Both of these boys were also freshmen at the high school even though they were older. And, one of the perpetrators of this terrible crime was here in our country illegally. A young girl's life has been torn apart by two men, one of whom should not have even been in that high school. This is just one more example of crimes that have been committed, almost at will, by some of those in our country illegally. Yet I keep wondering where the outrage is. We experience riots when a black teenager is shot by a police officer, but there is hardly a whimper when a life is destroyed by a person who is in our country illegally. It seems we have a double-standard. Do we only react with anger when it is a police officer who takes a life while in the line of duty? Does not the life of this little 14-year old girl matter as well? Does not the life of the young mother who was recently shot while walking to the store in Chicago matter? These are troubling questions.
Recently, while perusing the shelves at our local Barnes & Noble, I came across a book titled, "Cop Under Fire." It was written by Sheriff David Clarke, Jr. who serves as the sheriff for Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. I had first heard of Sheriff Clarke when he addressed the Republican National Convention last summer in Cleveland. I liked his grit, his firm resolve, his passion for what was right. So I purchased the book and soon was devouring its pages. In the early part of the book, Sheriff Clarke tells his story of being so strongly influenced by his father to always do what was right. It is with those memories of truths taught by his father that Sheriff Clarke serves the Milwaukee community.
In the book, Sheriff Clarke deals with the subjects of illegal immigration, of the fallacies being perpetrated by the Black Lies Matter (that is his term for them) crowd, and of the assault upon traditional, biblical moral values that has escalated since the Supreme Court made same-sex marriage the law of the land. The author does not mince words; he is direct and, often times, very blunt. But I believe he has touched the stirrings within many of our hearts. Something has gone horribly wrong.
One section of Sheriff Clarke's book that I really appreciated was his discussion on the assault upon the American family, especially the family living in today's urban community. He writes, "For the first time in the history of the United States, fewer than 60 percent of first-born US babies were brought into this world with a married mother and father. More than one in five first-born children now have parents who are shacking up. [He quotes from an article written by Cheryl Wetzstein and published in the Washington Post on July 8, 2014]. Some researchers describe these 'fragile families' as only strong enough to create children, but not strong enough to support them. Frequently, these couples break apart after the babies are born." (p. 129).
Sheriff Clarke points out what the Bible declares with absolute resolve: national failures are the consequence of family failures. I have been doing some study in the Book of Judges preparing for that portion of my "Thru the Bible: The Thread of Redemption" series. I have rediscovered that the Book of Judges is not one of those books that you sit back and say, "Wow, I want to be like Samson!" But what I have seen for the very first time is this startling truth: the nation of Israel failed to keep God in the center of their lives because fathers in the homes failed to teach their children the importance of that truth. If fathers fail, sooner or later, the nation will experience the same failure. God was so correct when, through Moses, He proclaimed: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:4-7). Where does a child go to find that father-figure when there is no dad within the home? In the urban community, that child will find that "dad" within the gangs.
Friends, I know I sound like a broken record, but it is time that the Church of Jesus Christ begins to focus its resources, its time, and its leadership to strengthening the home. God did not call the Church to be a parent-substitute, but to be a parent-supporter, to be a parent-facilitator, to be a parent-equipper. Yes, a strong, dynamic children's ministry can be one of those tools. Yes, a strong, dynamic youth ministry can be one of those tools. Will this be easy? Of course not...this might be one of the most difficult things a Church can experience. It is hard to change directions. But, we cannot let that difficulty be an obstacle that we allow to impede our progress.
I found Sheriff Clarke's book a timely one. I highly recommend it. And, if you read this alongside of Todd Starnes newest book titled, "The Deplorables' Guide to Making America Great Again," you will capture the length and breadth of the problems that have become deeply embedded in American culture. But, you will be encouraged to begin to take small-steps to move away from those problems and thus rediscover the vision that made America great.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Deception: Its Purpose Is Purely Destructive
"Deception" is a noun derived from the verb "to deceive" which means "to make a person believe what is not true" (Webster's New World Dictionary). Deception is a deliberate, intentional act of misleading someone to believe something that is not true. The purpose of deception is cause a person to believe something or someone whose foundation is either non-existent or shaky at best. And, when deception is done well, it can cause many people to believe the deception to be true and to act as if it were true.
Before we look at the deception taking place today, I want us to look at an old biblical story where deception was practiced well. The story is found in 2 Samuel 15. Absalom is David's oldest son, so the kingdom will be his someday - at least that was his thinking. For the past five years he has been estranged from his father, in fact, Absalom has not seen his father during those years even though for two of those years he has lived in the same city as his father (see 2 Samuel 13:38, 14:23, 28). David is getting older, yet still has the ear of most of the people he has ruled over for so many years.
However, Absalom grows impatient in his waiting to become king. So, he decides to hurry the process. We read this from the text: "In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, 'What town are you from?' He would answer, 'Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.' Then Absalom would say to him, 'Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.' And Absalom would add, 'If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice.'" (2 Samuel 15:1-4).
Wanting to wait no longer, Absalom hired his own PR firm to begin to promote his name before the people. And Absalom would daily stand by the city gates and politic with the people as they came before the king to have matters settled. He would say things like, "Well, have you heard that the king really does not care about your problem; he just wants to promote himself?" Or, something like this: "Do you know how much this king is making and how he is not paying his fair-share of taxes?" Perhaps Absalom was even able to persuade the media of his day to buy-in to the deception and even to promote it. Now I know some of you are saying, "Max, I don't think that is what Absalom was saying." But let's continue reading in the text: "Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and he stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:5-6).
Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel." He caused the people to begin questioning the validity of their king. Absalom practiced the art of deception incredibly well. And he did this for four years. Everyday, Absalom's purpose was to cause people to question the way the king was ruling, to question even his competence to lead, and to question the legitimacy of his leadership. And what was the result of this deception? It lead to a fracturing of the kingdom with people having to decide what was truth for themselves. The act of deception, when done incredibly well, is amazingly effective and agonizingly destructive to a nation.
So, how does this story relate to today's scene? I believe we are seeing the powerful impact deception plays right before our eyes. On November 8, the people of this country went to polling places all across this nation to cast their ballots for President of the United States. The mainstream media and many political pundits had already decided who would be elected even before the first ballots were cast. Celebrations were in readiness. As the first returns came in that night, the choice of those pundits seemed almost assured. But then something happened that was not on the script. South Carolina, then Florida, then Pennsylvania, then Ohio, then Wisconsin, then Michigan went off-script. There were expressions of shock that reverberated through the mainstream media and among those political pundits. How could this have happened? There had to be a way that the election of Donald Trump was not an legitimate one. They searched and found a possible explanation: it was the Russians who had influenced the election in favor of Mr. Trump. And so that story grew in magnitude. And, after one governmental agency after another has claimed there is no relationship between the Russians and the outcome of the election, that deceptive story still grows. Just as Absalom created the atmosphere of sincerity and concern among the people, so the mainstream media and political pundits create an atmosphere of political concern. They say, "We are only looking out for the best interests of the people." Even though Absalom said similar things, his ultimate purpose was to change governmental leadership - to himself. And the purpose of the deception today is to change governmental leadership - to someone who will acquiesce to the wishes espoused by the mainstream media and the leftists pundits. They believe that if they keep on stating the deception over and over again, perhaps even expanding it and wrapping it in different trimmings, that eventually they will achieve what Absalom achieved - a change at the top.
If you go back to the definition that I shared at the very beginning of this piece, deception is based upon a lie, a known non-truth. It is deliberate and intentional. And the defense of the deception becomes almost irrational. It creates an atmosphere of hysteria. As long as there is a spirit of deception, there can be no unity of either heart or mind.
Allow me to share one more biblical scene, only one that is yet to occur, but I believe we are seeing the beginnings of that scene today. I point you to the text found in 2 Thessalonians 2 where the Apostle Paul states clearly that the time is coming when the world will bow before a powerful delusional effort on the part of the Antichrist. It will literally be the "lie from hell" that will cause many to believe the lie. How will this lie be promoted among the peoples of the world? I believe we are seeing "the how" right before our eyes - through the mainstream media. They will be the first to swallow the lie. They will be the first believers in the lie. And soon through every possible media source available the lie will be proclaimed, not as a lie, but as the truth. This is known as The Great Deception. And the effects of this deception will be divisive and catastrophic. Revelation 6-18 record just a brief summary of its impact.
Friends, as I have shared with you so many times recently, as believers in Jesus Christ we need to be solidly anchored in His Truth. It is only His Truth that will expose the lie, the deception. It is time to get involved in a study of the Scriptures, not just for devotions, but for its deep truths. Jesus exposed the deceptive statements of Satan there in the wilderness not by sharing opinions, but by quoting Truth. If you are not involved in some type of Bible study that probes deeply into the Word, get started now! If you are not sharing with your children the truths from the Word of God, get started now! Don't believe the lie. Search diligently for the Truth. Remember, it is only the Truth that will set you free.
Before we look at the deception taking place today, I want us to look at an old biblical story where deception was practiced well. The story is found in 2 Samuel 15. Absalom is David's oldest son, so the kingdom will be his someday - at least that was his thinking. For the past five years he has been estranged from his father, in fact, Absalom has not seen his father during those years even though for two of those years he has lived in the same city as his father (see 2 Samuel 13:38, 14:23, 28). David is getting older, yet still has the ear of most of the people he has ruled over for so many years.
However, Absalom grows impatient in his waiting to become king. So, he decides to hurry the process. We read this from the text: "In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, 'What town are you from?' He would answer, 'Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.' Then Absalom would say to him, 'Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.' And Absalom would add, 'If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice.'" (2 Samuel 15:1-4).
Wanting to wait no longer, Absalom hired his own PR firm to begin to promote his name before the people. And Absalom would daily stand by the city gates and politic with the people as they came before the king to have matters settled. He would say things like, "Well, have you heard that the king really does not care about your problem; he just wants to promote himself?" Or, something like this: "Do you know how much this king is making and how he is not paying his fair-share of taxes?" Perhaps Absalom was even able to persuade the media of his day to buy-in to the deception and even to promote it. Now I know some of you are saying, "Max, I don't think that is what Absalom was saying." But let's continue reading in the text: "Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and he stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:5-6).
Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel." He caused the people to begin questioning the validity of their king. Absalom practiced the art of deception incredibly well. And he did this for four years. Everyday, Absalom's purpose was to cause people to question the way the king was ruling, to question even his competence to lead, and to question the legitimacy of his leadership. And what was the result of this deception? It lead to a fracturing of the kingdom with people having to decide what was truth for themselves. The act of deception, when done incredibly well, is amazingly effective and agonizingly destructive to a nation.
So, how does this story relate to today's scene? I believe we are seeing the powerful impact deception plays right before our eyes. On November 8, the people of this country went to polling places all across this nation to cast their ballots for President of the United States. The mainstream media and many political pundits had already decided who would be elected even before the first ballots were cast. Celebrations were in readiness. As the first returns came in that night, the choice of those pundits seemed almost assured. But then something happened that was not on the script. South Carolina, then Florida, then Pennsylvania, then Ohio, then Wisconsin, then Michigan went off-script. There were expressions of shock that reverberated through the mainstream media and among those political pundits. How could this have happened? There had to be a way that the election of Donald Trump was not an legitimate one. They searched and found a possible explanation: it was the Russians who had influenced the election in favor of Mr. Trump. And so that story grew in magnitude. And, after one governmental agency after another has claimed there is no relationship between the Russians and the outcome of the election, that deceptive story still grows. Just as Absalom created the atmosphere of sincerity and concern among the people, so the mainstream media and political pundits create an atmosphere of political concern. They say, "We are only looking out for the best interests of the people." Even though Absalom said similar things, his ultimate purpose was to change governmental leadership - to himself. And the purpose of the deception today is to change governmental leadership - to someone who will acquiesce to the wishes espoused by the mainstream media and the leftists pundits. They believe that if they keep on stating the deception over and over again, perhaps even expanding it and wrapping it in different trimmings, that eventually they will achieve what Absalom achieved - a change at the top.
If you go back to the definition that I shared at the very beginning of this piece, deception is based upon a lie, a known non-truth. It is deliberate and intentional. And the defense of the deception becomes almost irrational. It creates an atmosphere of hysteria. As long as there is a spirit of deception, there can be no unity of either heart or mind.
Allow me to share one more biblical scene, only one that is yet to occur, but I believe we are seeing the beginnings of that scene today. I point you to the text found in 2 Thessalonians 2 where the Apostle Paul states clearly that the time is coming when the world will bow before a powerful delusional effort on the part of the Antichrist. It will literally be the "lie from hell" that will cause many to believe the lie. How will this lie be promoted among the peoples of the world? I believe we are seeing "the how" right before our eyes - through the mainstream media. They will be the first to swallow the lie. They will be the first believers in the lie. And soon through every possible media source available the lie will be proclaimed, not as a lie, but as the truth. This is known as The Great Deception. And the effects of this deception will be divisive and catastrophic. Revelation 6-18 record just a brief summary of its impact.
Friends, as I have shared with you so many times recently, as believers in Jesus Christ we need to be solidly anchored in His Truth. It is only His Truth that will expose the lie, the deception. It is time to get involved in a study of the Scriptures, not just for devotions, but for its deep truths. Jesus exposed the deceptive statements of Satan there in the wilderness not by sharing opinions, but by quoting Truth. If you are not involved in some type of Bible study that probes deeply into the Word, get started now! If you are not sharing with your children the truths from the Word of God, get started now! Don't believe the lie. Search diligently for the Truth. Remember, it is only the Truth that will set you free.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
"Jesus' Sermon and Today's World"
I have been reading through the Gospels this year with the intent of rediscovering those key moments in the life of Jesus. Immediately one thinks of His baptism which was that significant introduction of Jesus into ministry. That was followed quickly with the testing that took place in the wilderness where Satan unsuccessfully challenged Jesus' deity and humanity. There were the multitude of miracles - events that greatly changed the lives of many. And there were the stories - lots of stories.
But as I read through Matthew 24 the other day, I wanted to focus upon this strong teaching of Jesus about the last days through the eyes of today's world. I truly found it fascinating - alarming, yet hopeful. Allow me to invite you to open your Bible to Matthew 24 and let's examine it together.
First, Jesus points to a strong spirit of deception that would come with its focus to deceive the followers of Jesus Christ. "Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, "I am the Christ" and will deceive many'" (Matthew 24:4-5). How strong is that deception today. I believe it is couched in that growing belief that "all roads lead to God." It goes something like this: It makes no difference what you believe, as long as you are sincere in what you believe. In our rush to be inclusive and tolerant, we have allowed that deceptive spirit to penetrate into our teachings. We may not have people rushing around saying that they are Jesus, but we do have many who are teaching that Jesus is just one way to God, but there are other ways just as effective. How tragic is this deception!
Second, Jesus strongly states that there would be wars and rumors of war. "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:6-7a). Let's just take a snapshot this morning. Iran is testing their long-range ballistic missiles. After the development of their nuclear capabilities - which, by the way, we know will occur within the next decade or even earlier - with these missiles the Iranians will be able to deliver a nuclear warhead certainly to any city in Israel and to many cities in Europe. We have also witnessed Iran's navy getting belligerent with American Navy vessels sailing in the Persian Gulf and the Straits of Hormuz. Iran is already at war with its neighbors and seems to be preparing itself for a broader war, especially against Israel. (Read Ezekiel 38-39 about the reality of this war).
Then there is North Korea. American leaders are fairly confident that North Korea does possess some type of nuclear capability. As recently as this past week, they tested some long range ballistic missiles and boasted that they could now attack American bases. In response to these tests, yesterday our government sent one of our best strategic missile defense systems to South Korea, which prompted an immediate reply from China that questioned the American intent, thus elevating their military presence near the North Korean border.
China has recently launched its very first aircraft carrier. Over the past several years they have created artificial islands in the South China Sea for the sole purpose of establishing military bases there. Their strong presence has escalated the threats of a regional war in southeast Asia.
And then there is Russia. I believe that Russian President Putin - he is certainly not a president like we think a president should be; he is more like a dictator in the mold of a Stalin - has eyes on reestablishing the strength of Russia as it was years ago. He annexed the Crimea. He has threatened Ukraine repeatedly. Many former Soviet Republics have felt his intimidating threats as well. Poland's leadership is uneasy about what is transpiring on its eastern border. Along with China, Russia is investing heavily in its military might.
Finally, there is the continued threat of radical Islamic terror. Syria is awash in blood. Hamas and Hezbollah are just awaiting a green light from Iran to explode against Israel's northern and southern borders. The war with these radicals has touched nearly every country in Europe as well as here in America.
Jesus said, "Don't be alarmed when you hear of these things, for this is just the birthpangs of the end."
Third, Jesus predicted an increase in the persecution of believers. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me" (Matthew 24:9). A recent article described that in 2016, there were over 90,000 Christians worldwide who were martyred for their faith. And the attacks upon faith-communities worldwide reached to heights not seen before. It is not easy being a Christ-follower any longer. Even here in the United States, we have seen a dramatic uptick in persecutions. (I strongly recommend Todd Starnes newest book, "The Deplorables' Guide to Making America Great Again" where he documents some of these acts of persecution.
Fourth, Jesus made this statement to His disciples: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12). I don't think I need to remind you of the reality of that statement. On every hand we see the often violent increase in wickedness. Just look at what is happening in the city of Chicago, for example - a city where its citizens are dying in record numbers at the hands of others of its citizens. And look at the hatred that is spewed everyday across our nation, beginning with our main stream media, where one group is showing hatred toward another. We would rather show hatred than show civility. Yes, our love toward others has grown incredibly cold.
Finally, Jesus said, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). Ah, some good news about the Good News. Bible translation work is proceeding at a record pace. The number of tribal groups without at least a portion of the Bible in their language is getting smaller and smaller. The Jesus Film is being produced in increasingly more languages. One believes that within this generation all peoples on the face of this earth will have had the opportunity of hearing the Good News about Jesus.
Friends, although these words of Jesus were uttered nearly twenty centuries ago, it is almost as if He were saying them new to us today. We should not be shocked at what is happening. The reason why we are shocked is because we have not studied this passage and seen its truths in the light of today's world. It is time to take the blinders off. It is time to sharpen our swords - to really get serious about our study of the Word of God. It is time to begin serious training for the days that lie ahead for us. I am drawn to the words of that old hymn, "Who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring? Who will leave the world's side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord's side? Who for Him will go?" Oh that we might answer as does that hymn writer: "By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side, Savior, we are Thine." Amen!
But as I read through Matthew 24 the other day, I wanted to focus upon this strong teaching of Jesus about the last days through the eyes of today's world. I truly found it fascinating - alarming, yet hopeful. Allow me to invite you to open your Bible to Matthew 24 and let's examine it together.
First, Jesus points to a strong spirit of deception that would come with its focus to deceive the followers of Jesus Christ. "Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, "I am the Christ" and will deceive many'" (Matthew 24:4-5). How strong is that deception today. I believe it is couched in that growing belief that "all roads lead to God." It goes something like this: It makes no difference what you believe, as long as you are sincere in what you believe. In our rush to be inclusive and tolerant, we have allowed that deceptive spirit to penetrate into our teachings. We may not have people rushing around saying that they are Jesus, but we do have many who are teaching that Jesus is just one way to God, but there are other ways just as effective. How tragic is this deception!
Second, Jesus strongly states that there would be wars and rumors of war. "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom" (Matthew 24:6-7a). Let's just take a snapshot this morning. Iran is testing their long-range ballistic missiles. After the development of their nuclear capabilities - which, by the way, we know will occur within the next decade or even earlier - with these missiles the Iranians will be able to deliver a nuclear warhead certainly to any city in Israel and to many cities in Europe. We have also witnessed Iran's navy getting belligerent with American Navy vessels sailing in the Persian Gulf and the Straits of Hormuz. Iran is already at war with its neighbors and seems to be preparing itself for a broader war, especially against Israel. (Read Ezekiel 38-39 about the reality of this war).
Then there is North Korea. American leaders are fairly confident that North Korea does possess some type of nuclear capability. As recently as this past week, they tested some long range ballistic missiles and boasted that they could now attack American bases. In response to these tests, yesterday our government sent one of our best strategic missile defense systems to South Korea, which prompted an immediate reply from China that questioned the American intent, thus elevating their military presence near the North Korean border.
China has recently launched its very first aircraft carrier. Over the past several years they have created artificial islands in the South China Sea for the sole purpose of establishing military bases there. Their strong presence has escalated the threats of a regional war in southeast Asia.
And then there is Russia. I believe that Russian President Putin - he is certainly not a president like we think a president should be; he is more like a dictator in the mold of a Stalin - has eyes on reestablishing the strength of Russia as it was years ago. He annexed the Crimea. He has threatened Ukraine repeatedly. Many former Soviet Republics have felt his intimidating threats as well. Poland's leadership is uneasy about what is transpiring on its eastern border. Along with China, Russia is investing heavily in its military might.
Finally, there is the continued threat of radical Islamic terror. Syria is awash in blood. Hamas and Hezbollah are just awaiting a green light from Iran to explode against Israel's northern and southern borders. The war with these radicals has touched nearly every country in Europe as well as here in America.
Jesus said, "Don't be alarmed when you hear of these things, for this is just the birthpangs of the end."
Third, Jesus predicted an increase in the persecution of believers. "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me" (Matthew 24:9). A recent article described that in 2016, there were over 90,000 Christians worldwide who were martyred for their faith. And the attacks upon faith-communities worldwide reached to heights not seen before. It is not easy being a Christ-follower any longer. Even here in the United States, we have seen a dramatic uptick in persecutions. (I strongly recommend Todd Starnes newest book, "The Deplorables' Guide to Making America Great Again" where he documents some of these acts of persecution.
Fourth, Jesus made this statement to His disciples: "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12). I don't think I need to remind you of the reality of that statement. On every hand we see the often violent increase in wickedness. Just look at what is happening in the city of Chicago, for example - a city where its citizens are dying in record numbers at the hands of others of its citizens. And look at the hatred that is spewed everyday across our nation, beginning with our main stream media, where one group is showing hatred toward another. We would rather show hatred than show civility. Yes, our love toward others has grown incredibly cold.
Finally, Jesus said, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). Ah, some good news about the Good News. Bible translation work is proceeding at a record pace. The number of tribal groups without at least a portion of the Bible in their language is getting smaller and smaller. The Jesus Film is being produced in increasingly more languages. One believes that within this generation all peoples on the face of this earth will have had the opportunity of hearing the Good News about Jesus.
Friends, although these words of Jesus were uttered nearly twenty centuries ago, it is almost as if He were saying them new to us today. We should not be shocked at what is happening. The reason why we are shocked is because we have not studied this passage and seen its truths in the light of today's world. It is time to take the blinders off. It is time to sharpen our swords - to really get serious about our study of the Word of God. It is time to begin serious training for the days that lie ahead for us. I am drawn to the words of that old hymn, "Who is on the Lord's side? Who will serve the King? Who will be His helpers, other lives to bring? Who will leave the world's side? Who will face the foe? Who is on the Lord's side? Who for Him will go?" Oh that we might answer as does that hymn writer: "By Thy call of mercy, by Thy grace divine, We are on the Lord's side, Savior, we are Thine." Amen!
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
"To be Tolerant or Not to be Tolerant: Ah, That Is the Question"
Tolerance - it is a word that is repeated hundreds of times daily during newscasts and talk shows. I find it to be a fascinating word. It comes from a Latin word that meant, "to lift up, to bear." The word is defined: "to allow; permit; not to interfere with" (from Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language). I think we all believe that to act with tolerance is a good thing. It is an act of respect that we show toward one another.
The opposite of tolerance is, of course, intolerance, which is defined as "not tolerant; unwilling to tolerate others' opinion, religious beliefs, etc.; bigoted; illiberal."
So, two very important words. But what happens when these two words collide? Let's see if I can illustrate with a couple of recent stories. The first is an article from the Patriot Post and was published this past Monday - February 27. (You can find the article at: www.patriotpost.us/posts/47686). It is titled, "School Band: No More Music Composed by White Guys." The article relates the story of the Spring Lake Park High School here in Minnesota that decided to stop purchasing music composed by white composers. "We made a commitment this year to only buy music from composers of colors," marching band director Brian Lukkasson shared with National Public Radio. One student, Kia Muleta, also told NPR that "there's a kind of an ideological segregation of who can and cannot be in band, based on who the composers are, and what the music is like. I really, really want other students of color to be able to feel like they are welcomed and appreciated anywhere, that they don't have to check themselves at the door."
Friends, I am not sure what the skin color of a composer has to do with his or her music. When my daughter was in high school, her marching band did a halftime performance that featured many of the songs from Aaron Copland. I am not sure my daughter really cared what his skin color was. All she knew was that the music was fun to perform. All I can say is that if this school persists with their decision, they are denying those students the opportunity of playing some pretty fantastic band music. And that would be sad! I think John Philips Sousa would roll over in his grave at such a thought. In our rush to be tolerant, we instead become very intolerant.
The second story was reported by Fox News and can be found at: www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/02/27/town-hall-agitators-explode-at-name-jesus. The article titled, "Town hall agitators explode at the name of Jesus," was written by Todd Starnes. There was a video that accompanied the article at the Fox News website. Allow me share from the article: "A group of enraged protesters exploded in anger after a chaplain prayed in the name of Jesus at a town hall meeting in Louisiana hosted by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy. The verbally-abusive crowd also heckled a Vietnam War veteran who attempted to lead the group in the pledge of allegiance. It was one of the most heinous acts of un-American, anti-Christian behavior I've ever seen, folks."
Mr. Starnes continues, "The Feb. 22 town hall meeting in Melairie, was quickly overrun by the angry mob - much like other town hall meetings hosted by Republican lawmakers across the country. The mainstream media would have us believe the unruly demonstrations are part of an organic, grassroots effort. But I sincerely doubt many in the mob were actually residents of Louisiana - because I know the good people of Louisiana and nobody behaves like that in the Bayou State. ... I'd be willing to bet a cup of Community Coffee that the Jesus-hating rabble-rousers were shipped in from some God-forsaken place like Berkeley or Brooklyn.
"Chaplain Sprague had barely invoked the name of the Almighty when the heckling began. 'Pray on your own time. This is our time,' someone shouted. 'Amen. Let's get on with it.' Others chanted, 'Separation of church and state' and so on and so forth. Someone filmed the prayer and words do not do justice in the amount of hate directed at the chaplain. 'I've never been shouted down throughout a time of prayer like that,' Chaplain Sprague told me. 'I've never been in a situation like that. It's sad there wasn't honor and respect for God.' But they became absolutely unhinged when he concluded his prayer in the name of Jesus. 'Wow, they booed the name of Jesus,' Cassidy said in remarks reported by the Times-Picayune.
"The chaplain was especially disappointed by how the mob insulted the Vietnam veteran. 'There was a lot of shouting. Some turned their backs. Many didn't stand or put their hand on their heart,' he said." One could interpret the attitudes and actions of that crowd with this simple sentence: We want to be tolerant of everyone, except those who believe in Jesus and the American flag.
Todd Starnes has just released his newest book titled, The Deplorables' Guide to Making America Great Again. I am presently reading this book. It is very disturbing as story after story is told of how really intolerant America has become. I highly recommend it. Have your teenagers read it. Sit down and talk about it as a family. Begin to practice some of the strategic steps that the author places at the end of every chapter.
Friends, let me share one more story with you. The previous two are alarming and disgusting. This story is scary because it involves the invoking of demonic control. The article can be found at: www.wnd.com/2017/02/witches-target-trump-with-mass-occult-ritual. "It's not just a political battle anymore. It's spiritual warfare now. Exorcists, witches and occultists 'in a number of magical groups' are announcing plans for a ritual designed to 'bind Donald Trump and all who abet him.' ... The rite, requiring a stub of a candle, a pin, salt, matches, a tarot card, a feather and other odds and ends, calls on spirits to ensure President Trump will 'fail utterly.' It also includes burning a picture of the commander in chief, visualizing him 'blowing apart into dust or ash.' ... Among the various spirits invoked are the 'demons of the infernal realm.'"
The article goes on to quote Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries here in Minnesota. She said that the left's open embrace of demonic imagery is revealing. 'It shows that the level of hatred against Donald Trump is generated by Satan himself,' she said. 'Donald Trump is not a perfect man. But he is trying to stop the runaway freight train of evil that has existed for eight years emanating out of Washington and the Democratic Party.'"
"Karl Payne, the former chaplain of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and an expert in exorcism who penned 'Spiritual Warfare' as a guide for Christians dealing with unseen forces, denounced those behind the spiritual attack on Trump as 'so ideologically driven, they do not see straight.' But he also warned occult forces are being increasingly normalized in popular culture through an anti-Christian media. 'It is not possible to watch major television stations, cable stations or movies without being inundated with shows and movies on the paranormal,' he said. 'To think that the constant exposure to these types of shows will not have an impact on those watching them is as naïve as it is to believe people can watch and play hours of video games glorifying murder and mayhem and it not make an indelible impact on their minds. Garbage in, garbage out. In the computer world, this used to be voiced as a truism. Now walking and talking with the dead, casting spells, witches, warlocks, zombies, blood, guts and horror are promoted as innocent entertainment and people's minds and lives are being destroyed as a result in some cases. Those denying this are typically those with private agendas hoping to see occultism normalized, and those who profit financially from it with no care or concern for the destructive collateral damage incurred as a result.'"
Friends, as I have shared with my congregation many times, Satan does not play games. Satan does not just dabble, he is intentional. Spiritual warfare is a reality for each of us as believers. And, I believe that as we get closer to the return of Jesus Christ, the intensity of that warfare will only increase. We are seeing evidence of that today - just be reminded of what happened in Louisiana. But we need not be filled with fear or despair. God has provided powerful armor for us and commands us to put each piece on daily, along with prayer (read Ephesians 6). God has declared that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). And remember these words from the Apostle Paul: We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). So. let's be diligent in our prayers for our President - he needs to be surrounded with God's hedge of protection. Let's pray for those men and women in our Congress and in our state legislatures who boldly represent Jesus Christ daily. Let's pray for men and women in the workplaces of America who also boldly take a stand for Jesus, often in a very unfriendly environment. And finally, prepare yourself to be a strong soldier for Jesus. Remember that old hymn: "Onward Christian soldiers, marching off to war." For that is what we are to be and to do.
The opposite of tolerance is, of course, intolerance, which is defined as "not tolerant; unwilling to tolerate others' opinion, religious beliefs, etc.; bigoted; illiberal."
So, two very important words. But what happens when these two words collide? Let's see if I can illustrate with a couple of recent stories. The first is an article from the Patriot Post and was published this past Monday - February 27. (You can find the article at: www.patriotpost.us/posts/47686). It is titled, "School Band: No More Music Composed by White Guys." The article relates the story of the Spring Lake Park High School here in Minnesota that decided to stop purchasing music composed by white composers. "We made a commitment this year to only buy music from composers of colors," marching band director Brian Lukkasson shared with National Public Radio. One student, Kia Muleta, also told NPR that "there's a kind of an ideological segregation of who can and cannot be in band, based on who the composers are, and what the music is like. I really, really want other students of color to be able to feel like they are welcomed and appreciated anywhere, that they don't have to check themselves at the door."
Friends, I am not sure what the skin color of a composer has to do with his or her music. When my daughter was in high school, her marching band did a halftime performance that featured many of the songs from Aaron Copland. I am not sure my daughter really cared what his skin color was. All she knew was that the music was fun to perform. All I can say is that if this school persists with their decision, they are denying those students the opportunity of playing some pretty fantastic band music. And that would be sad! I think John Philips Sousa would roll over in his grave at such a thought. In our rush to be tolerant, we instead become very intolerant.
The second story was reported by Fox News and can be found at: www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/02/27/town-hall-agitators-explode-at-name-jesus. The article titled, "Town hall agitators explode at the name of Jesus," was written by Todd Starnes. There was a video that accompanied the article at the Fox News website. Allow me share from the article: "A group of enraged protesters exploded in anger after a chaplain prayed in the name of Jesus at a town hall meeting in Louisiana hosted by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy. The verbally-abusive crowd also heckled a Vietnam War veteran who attempted to lead the group in the pledge of allegiance. It was one of the most heinous acts of un-American, anti-Christian behavior I've ever seen, folks."
Mr. Starnes continues, "The Feb. 22 town hall meeting in Melairie, was quickly overrun by the angry mob - much like other town hall meetings hosted by Republican lawmakers across the country. The mainstream media would have us believe the unruly demonstrations are part of an organic, grassroots effort. But I sincerely doubt many in the mob were actually residents of Louisiana - because I know the good people of Louisiana and nobody behaves like that in the Bayou State. ... I'd be willing to bet a cup of Community Coffee that the Jesus-hating rabble-rousers were shipped in from some God-forsaken place like Berkeley or Brooklyn.
"Chaplain Sprague had barely invoked the name of the Almighty when the heckling began. 'Pray on your own time. This is our time,' someone shouted. 'Amen. Let's get on with it.' Others chanted, 'Separation of church and state' and so on and so forth. Someone filmed the prayer and words do not do justice in the amount of hate directed at the chaplain. 'I've never been shouted down throughout a time of prayer like that,' Chaplain Sprague told me. 'I've never been in a situation like that. It's sad there wasn't honor and respect for God.' But they became absolutely unhinged when he concluded his prayer in the name of Jesus. 'Wow, they booed the name of Jesus,' Cassidy said in remarks reported by the Times-Picayune.
"The chaplain was especially disappointed by how the mob insulted the Vietnam veteran. 'There was a lot of shouting. Some turned their backs. Many didn't stand or put their hand on their heart,' he said." One could interpret the attitudes and actions of that crowd with this simple sentence: We want to be tolerant of everyone, except those who believe in Jesus and the American flag.
Todd Starnes has just released his newest book titled, The Deplorables' Guide to Making America Great Again. I am presently reading this book. It is very disturbing as story after story is told of how really intolerant America has become. I highly recommend it. Have your teenagers read it. Sit down and talk about it as a family. Begin to practice some of the strategic steps that the author places at the end of every chapter.
Friends, let me share one more story with you. The previous two are alarming and disgusting. This story is scary because it involves the invoking of demonic control. The article can be found at: www.wnd.com/2017/02/witches-target-trump-with-mass-occult-ritual. "It's not just a political battle anymore. It's spiritual warfare now. Exorcists, witches and occultists 'in a number of magical groups' are announcing plans for a ritual designed to 'bind Donald Trump and all who abet him.' ... The rite, requiring a stub of a candle, a pin, salt, matches, a tarot card, a feather and other odds and ends, calls on spirits to ensure President Trump will 'fail utterly.' It also includes burning a picture of the commander in chief, visualizing him 'blowing apart into dust or ash.' ... Among the various spirits invoked are the 'demons of the infernal realm.'"
The article goes on to quote Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries here in Minnesota. She said that the left's open embrace of demonic imagery is revealing. 'It shows that the level of hatred against Donald Trump is generated by Satan himself,' she said. 'Donald Trump is not a perfect man. But he is trying to stop the runaway freight train of evil that has existed for eight years emanating out of Washington and the Democratic Party.'"
"Karl Payne, the former chaplain of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks and an expert in exorcism who penned 'Spiritual Warfare' as a guide for Christians dealing with unseen forces, denounced those behind the spiritual attack on Trump as 'so ideologically driven, they do not see straight.' But he also warned occult forces are being increasingly normalized in popular culture through an anti-Christian media. 'It is not possible to watch major television stations, cable stations or movies without being inundated with shows and movies on the paranormal,' he said. 'To think that the constant exposure to these types of shows will not have an impact on those watching them is as naïve as it is to believe people can watch and play hours of video games glorifying murder and mayhem and it not make an indelible impact on their minds. Garbage in, garbage out. In the computer world, this used to be voiced as a truism. Now walking and talking with the dead, casting spells, witches, warlocks, zombies, blood, guts and horror are promoted as innocent entertainment and people's minds and lives are being destroyed as a result in some cases. Those denying this are typically those with private agendas hoping to see occultism normalized, and those who profit financially from it with no care or concern for the destructive collateral damage incurred as a result.'"
Friends, as I have shared with my congregation many times, Satan does not play games. Satan does not just dabble, he is intentional. Spiritual warfare is a reality for each of us as believers. And, I believe that as we get closer to the return of Jesus Christ, the intensity of that warfare will only increase. We are seeing evidence of that today - just be reminded of what happened in Louisiana. But we need not be filled with fear or despair. God has provided powerful armor for us and commands us to put each piece on daily, along with prayer (read Ephesians 6). God has declared that greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). And remember these words from the Apostle Paul: We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). So. let's be diligent in our prayers for our President - he needs to be surrounded with God's hedge of protection. Let's pray for those men and women in our Congress and in our state legislatures who boldly represent Jesus Christ daily. Let's pray for men and women in the workplaces of America who also boldly take a stand for Jesus, often in a very unfriendly environment. And finally, prepare yourself to be a strong soldier for Jesus. Remember that old hymn: "Onward Christian soldiers, marching off to war." For that is what we are to be and to do.
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