Tensions continue to remain high along the Israeli border with the Gaza Strip. Yesterday dozens of rockets and mortar rounds were fired from Gaza into Israel resulting in several injuries but no casualties among the Israelis. Although one of the rockets hit inside a school play ground, no student was injured. The Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for those rocket attacks. Almost immediately Israeli warplanes were scrambled and flew several missions over the Gaza Strip destroying training facilities for Hamas recruiting. An emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council is scheduled for today to discuss this latest increase in violence along this volatile border.
The cry from the liberal left here in America and in Europe is that the responsibility for the unrest within the Gaza Strip can be laid at the feet of the Israeli people. After all, it is the Israeli people who are keeping the Palestinians prisoner within the Gaza Strip. Fact number one: Egypt joined Israel in isolating the Gaza Strip in 2007 when Hamas declared itself the sole representative of the Palestinian people living within Gaza. From 2005, after the Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip, to 2007 both Israel and Egypt had become the recipients of terrorist assaults. So in 2007, both Israel and Egypt joined forces to isolate the Gaza Strip with border closures and a sea-embargo.
Fact number two: The plight of the Palestinian people living in the Gaza Strip can be laid directly at the feet of the leadership of Hamas. The dollars from Europe and the United Nations Relief Agencies have often been used, not for foods and medicines and housing and businesses so the people could have a job, but to purchase rockets, weapons, and to dig tunnels. Just think of what could have been accomplished for the Palestinian people if they had been given incentives to better their lives.
Fact number three, and this is a fact that the liberal left does not want to hear: Since the Israeli War of Independence of 1948, those Arabs who fled their homes at the urging of the Arab League leadership, have been recognized by the Arab world and the United Nations as being refugees. No Arab nation wanted to assimilate these Arabs into their states. Tens of millions of dollars are spent every year to help these people maintain their status as refugees. Few have sought gainful employment, and why should they as the United Nations will take care of them. Of course their status is never elevated - that would destroy the picture of a refugee that enters into the minds of many of us. It really is time for the world to remove the label of "refugee" from these people and instead seek to bring them into the 21st century.
But, how is that to happen, you might ask. Well that brings us to fact number four, and this is one that needs to be corrected: The ultimate goal of the Palestinian leadership is the complete destruction of the State of Israel. This doctrine of hate is taught to children, beginning in the elementary years. I have seen videos where children as young as six or seven are taught in school how to kill Jews. With this hatred being taught from one generation to another, there can be no hope for peace or even for a betterment of life. Hatred breeds violence; violence breeds more hatred. It is a destructive cycle that can only be broken if the Palestinian people determine that they want something better for their children other than death through acts of terror.
Yes, Israel can be part of the solution - but only part of the solution, and that only after the Palestinian people resolve to take steps to better their own lives, not through hatred and violence, but through acceptance and peace. It is going to take a decision on the part of the people to change the leadership, to remove from power those who have only been the warmongers. Can such a revolution occur within the Gaza Strip? It seems highly unlikely but I have learned never to count something completely out.
Does God have a plan for the Gaza Strip? Yes, He most certainly does. Does God care for those people within Gaza who are suffering because of terrible political decisions? Yes, He most certainly does And we know that God's purposes will always been accomplished. Praise God for that powerful truth.
On a lighter note: This past weekend was Memorial Day. Marlys and I were in the Des Moines area to attend our granddaughter Meghan's high school graduation. On Monday afternoon we drove to the cemetery where Marlys's parents are buried and also Meghan's Mom. Hundreds of American flags fluttered over the driveways that meandered through the cemetery. And small American flags graced the graves of all the veterans buried there. It brought tears to one's eyes. Hundreds of men and women had given time out of their lives to serve our nation - many of them during times of war. Oh the debt of gratitude that we owe them. Then last night we attended the graduation exercises for Meghan. It was held at the Hilton Coliseum on the campus of Iowa State University. Perhaps the highlight of the ceremony was the playing and singing of The Battle Hymn of the Republic by the choir and symphonic band of Ankeny High School. That piece has become the traditional closing for graduation ceremonies. As that song neared its crescendo at the end, two large American flags were unfurled, one behind the choir, the second behind the band. The audience rose with thunderous applause. It still feels good to be an American. It still feels good to get a tear in your eye as you see our flag being honored. Now it is off to our granddaughter Abby's graduation at Stewartville, Minnesota on Friday night. Ah, life does go on.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Another School Shooting; Another Call for Gun Control - But Is That the Solution?
Last week's shooting at a high school in Santa Fe, Texas, rekindled that American debate regarding gun control and the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. That Amendment states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." For the past nearly two and a half centuries, that amendment has guided the American response to matters focusing on guns. Yes, some safeguards, such as firearm registration and waiting periods and background checks have made the ownership of guns safer. The United States Supreme Court has upheld the right for Americans to possess firearms.
But, whenever there is a tragic incident where guns were used, the immediate cry is for "gun control." An example of such conversations occurred on Sunday when ABC "This Week" Host George Stephanopoulos interviewed Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick about the Santa Fe shooting. Stephanopoulos began his interview: "Children who've never known school without lockdown drills expecting what should be unthinkable. Santa Fe, the ninth fatal school shooting this year reflected in this stunning fact: There have now been more students or teachers killed by guns in U.S. schools than active duty military deaths in 2018. A year not even halfway over." (www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/nicholas-fondacaro/2018/05/20/abc-host-pushes-gun-control-ignores-devaluation-life).
The Lieutenant Governor's response was: "George, should we be surprised in this nation? We have devalued life. Whether it's through abortion, whether it's the breakup of families, through violent movies, and particularly violent video games.... But we, again, we have to look at our culture of violence, just our violent society. Our Facebook. Our Twitter. The bullying of adults on adults and children on children. We have to look at ourselves, George. It's not about the guns. It's about us. Can there be gun regulation? Gun control? I believe that starts at home, George."
This Lieutenant Governor really "hit the nail on the head." We do live in a culture of violence. Violence sells on the big screen - in fact, the more violence the more tickets that are sold. The language we use toward one another is filled with hatred. Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions. We worship at the shrine of violence.
But I think there is a second problem that is little addressed. It primarily concerns our young people. They are growing up in a world where the line between fantasy and reality is blurred. They play video games where the object is to kill as many of the "bad guys" as possible. Yet, those images of the "bad guys" keep reappearing. Perhaps death is just a game. They attend movies where one star is shot to death; yet the following week that star reappears in a new movie. Again, there is that thought that perhaps death is just a game. So they take a gun and shoot others thinking that death is just a game to be played. Yet death is a stark reality. There is no "do-over" with death. There is no "recovery" from death. There is a finality with death that I believe many of our young people today simply do not know.
So, is there a solution? I can assure you that the solution is not the confiscation of guns, yet I believe that that will ultimately happen when the Antichrist begins his rule over this world. Perhaps a limit can be placed upon who can purchase and use weapons that are primarily designed to kill other humans. Not everyone needs a military-style weapon. Perhaps our young people should be trained to discern more clearly between fantasy and reality.
The ability to own and use firearms is almost as American as baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie. The Lieutenant Governor of Texas was correct - it is not guns that kill; it is the person using the gun. Friends, if we were to use the arguments from George Stephanopoulos, then automobiles should be controlled because more people are killed by cars in a year time than by any other instrument.
It is time that we return to the biblical understanding of the condition of man's heart - it is inherently sinful (Jeremiah 17:9). The Apostle Paul exclaimed it this way - for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We have a heart problem - not a gun problem. It is time to take a hard look into the heart of America. How America needs what only Jesus can do - change the heart.
But, whenever there is a tragic incident where guns were used, the immediate cry is for "gun control." An example of such conversations occurred on Sunday when ABC "This Week" Host George Stephanopoulos interviewed Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick about the Santa Fe shooting. Stephanopoulos began his interview: "Children who've never known school without lockdown drills expecting what should be unthinkable. Santa Fe, the ninth fatal school shooting this year reflected in this stunning fact: There have now been more students or teachers killed by guns in U.S. schools than active duty military deaths in 2018. A year not even halfway over." (www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/nicholas-fondacaro/2018/05/20/abc-host-pushes-gun-control-ignores-devaluation-life).
The Lieutenant Governor's response was: "George, should we be surprised in this nation? We have devalued life. Whether it's through abortion, whether it's the breakup of families, through violent movies, and particularly violent video games.... But we, again, we have to look at our culture of violence, just our violent society. Our Facebook. Our Twitter. The bullying of adults on adults and children on children. We have to look at ourselves, George. It's not about the guns. It's about us. Can there be gun regulation? Gun control? I believe that starts at home, George."
This Lieutenant Governor really "hit the nail on the head." We do live in a culture of violence. Violence sells on the big screen - in fact, the more violence the more tickets that are sold. The language we use toward one another is filled with hatred. Domestic violence has reached epidemic proportions. We worship at the shrine of violence.
But I think there is a second problem that is little addressed. It primarily concerns our young people. They are growing up in a world where the line between fantasy and reality is blurred. They play video games where the object is to kill as many of the "bad guys" as possible. Yet, those images of the "bad guys" keep reappearing. Perhaps death is just a game. They attend movies where one star is shot to death; yet the following week that star reappears in a new movie. Again, there is that thought that perhaps death is just a game. So they take a gun and shoot others thinking that death is just a game to be played. Yet death is a stark reality. There is no "do-over" with death. There is no "recovery" from death. There is a finality with death that I believe many of our young people today simply do not know.
So, is there a solution? I can assure you that the solution is not the confiscation of guns, yet I believe that that will ultimately happen when the Antichrist begins his rule over this world. Perhaps a limit can be placed upon who can purchase and use weapons that are primarily designed to kill other humans. Not everyone needs a military-style weapon. Perhaps our young people should be trained to discern more clearly between fantasy and reality.
The ability to own and use firearms is almost as American as baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie. The Lieutenant Governor of Texas was correct - it is not guns that kill; it is the person using the gun. Friends, if we were to use the arguments from George Stephanopoulos, then automobiles should be controlled because more people are killed by cars in a year time than by any other instrument.
It is time that we return to the biblical understanding of the condition of man's heart - it is inherently sinful (Jeremiah 17:9). The Apostle Paul exclaimed it this way - for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We have a heart problem - not a gun problem. It is time to take a hard look into the heart of America. How America needs what only Jesus can do - change the heart.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
The US Embassy Move: What the Main Stream Media Got Wrong
This past Monday marked an historic day. First, it marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. And second, it was the day that the United States opened its embassy in Jerusalem, having moved it from Tel Aviv. The majority of the world condemned the Trump Administration for moving the embassy, although appropriations for such a move were approved by a bipartisan act of Congress back in 1995. Our European Allies were highly critical and representatives from those nations did not attend the dedicatory service on Monday.
The main stream media's focus was upon the strife within the Gaza Strip that day. The headlines of the Minneapolis "Star Tribune" stated: "Carnage in Gaza as U.S. moves embassy." That paper joined with dozens of other major papers across America in denigrating the embassy move. What should have been recognized as acknowledging that Jerusalem is Israel's capital city, instead became another picture of the self-imposed carnage that is the Gaza Strip.
Yes, there were deaths along the Israeli-Gazan border. As of this morning 60 Palestinians were killed by IDF soldiers who were protecting that border. For the past six weeks, the Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip, at the behest of their Hamas leadership, threatened to break through the security fence with the objectives of killing Israelis, burning their fields, and hoping to kidnap an Israeli soldier. Tunnels were dug under the fence; fortunately the Israeli military discovered those tunnels and they were destroyed. It seemed that almost everyday, for the past six weeks, forays were made by the Palestinians against the fence, but those attempts were stopped by the IDF. On Monday, huge stacks of tires were set on fire creating an intense black smoke that shielded the attackers from the IDF security forces. Several thousands of Palestinians rushed the security fence in several locations with wire cutters in hand as well as torches, weapons, knives, etc. In the melee which followed, Palestinians were killed - many of them were Hamas members.
Almost immediately the main stream media began to declare the injustice of Israel's response to the encroachment of their border. Here was the response by Rupert Colville, spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: "The mere fact of approaching a fence is not a lethal, life-threatening act, so that does not warrant being shot. Lethal force may only be used as a measure of last, not first, resort. It is not acceptable to say that 'this is Hamas and therefore this is OK.'" (www.israelnationalnews.com). Yet what other nation would just stand idly by and let their security be breached and allow their citizens to be terrorized? Friends, this was not a peaceful demonstration on the part of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. It was never intended to be peaceful. The Hamas leadership encouraged the people to create acts of violence saying that it would be through violence that the land of Palestine would be fully returned to the Palestinian people.
The world's press and leaders would have us believe that the people living in the Gaza Strip are living in a virtual prison created by the Israeli government. When the Israelis, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, disengaged from the Gaza Strip back in 2005, it was with the hopes that the people living in the Gaza Strip would become productive members of society. But what happened? Almost as soon as the last Israeli had been removed - many of them forcefully by the IDF - every vestige of Jewish life was destroyed, including Jewish hospitals, clinics, and synagogues. Almost immediately the leaders of Hamas led the people in anti-Israeli demonstrations. Rockets have consistently been launched from Gaza into Israel. The leadership of Hamas have consistently declared that there can be no peace while Israel occupies their lands. It is through the humanitarian aspects of Israel's government that food, medical supplies, electricity, natural gas and other necessities for life are brought into the Gaza Strip; this is a fact that the world's media often overlooks. Friends, it is no wonder that Israel is building a security wall - most of it underground - around the Gaza Strip for purposes of protecting its own people.
Yesterday marked the Palestinian day of "nakba" which means "destruction." It is a commemoration of the fleeing of Arabs from the British Mandate after Israel's declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948. Nearly 700,000 Arabs fled their homes at the request of Arab leaders. They were told that the war would be short and Arab victory was inevitable. Many left their homes with dishes still on the table, fleeing into Jordan and Lebanon. Of course, the outcome of the War of Independence was not exactly what they had hoped. Following the war, Israel offered the "rite of return" to tens of thousands of Arabs, but that offer was rejected. Thus those people became refugees - many of them by choice. To this day, the descendants of those refugees lay claim to homes and lands they abandoned in 1948, demanding that the Israeli government grant them a full return.
But, here is what the world's press will not tell you. When the War of Independence broke out in 1948, over 600,000 Jews were expelled from Arab nations in the Middle East. Many of them left with only the clothes they had on their back. Yet, when was the last time you heard their stories? Answer - you have never heard their stories unless you have done incredible research on that period of time. Did they become refugees? No they did not. Many of them immigrated to the United States. Many of them chose to live in the new land called Israel.
Friends, I would urge you to not believe everything you read in the main stream media when it comes to matters of Israel and the Palestinians. They are hardly objective in their reporting of the facts. No matter what happens, Israel is always the antagonist. Israel is always the bad guy. Will real peace ever come to the Middle East? The answer is "absolutely, but not until Jesus returns." What a day that will be!
The main stream media's focus was upon the strife within the Gaza Strip that day. The headlines of the Minneapolis "Star Tribune" stated: "Carnage in Gaza as U.S. moves embassy." That paper joined with dozens of other major papers across America in denigrating the embassy move. What should have been recognized as acknowledging that Jerusalem is Israel's capital city, instead became another picture of the self-imposed carnage that is the Gaza Strip.
Yes, there were deaths along the Israeli-Gazan border. As of this morning 60 Palestinians were killed by IDF soldiers who were protecting that border. For the past six weeks, the Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip, at the behest of their Hamas leadership, threatened to break through the security fence with the objectives of killing Israelis, burning their fields, and hoping to kidnap an Israeli soldier. Tunnels were dug under the fence; fortunately the Israeli military discovered those tunnels and they were destroyed. It seemed that almost everyday, for the past six weeks, forays were made by the Palestinians against the fence, but those attempts were stopped by the IDF. On Monday, huge stacks of tires were set on fire creating an intense black smoke that shielded the attackers from the IDF security forces. Several thousands of Palestinians rushed the security fence in several locations with wire cutters in hand as well as torches, weapons, knives, etc. In the melee which followed, Palestinians were killed - many of them were Hamas members.
Almost immediately the main stream media began to declare the injustice of Israel's response to the encroachment of their border. Here was the response by Rupert Colville, spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: "The mere fact of approaching a fence is not a lethal, life-threatening act, so that does not warrant being shot. Lethal force may only be used as a measure of last, not first, resort. It is not acceptable to say that 'this is Hamas and therefore this is OK.'" (www.israelnationalnews.com). Yet what other nation would just stand idly by and let their security be breached and allow their citizens to be terrorized? Friends, this was not a peaceful demonstration on the part of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. It was never intended to be peaceful. The Hamas leadership encouraged the people to create acts of violence saying that it would be through violence that the land of Palestine would be fully returned to the Palestinian people.
The world's press and leaders would have us believe that the people living in the Gaza Strip are living in a virtual prison created by the Israeli government. When the Israelis, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, disengaged from the Gaza Strip back in 2005, it was with the hopes that the people living in the Gaza Strip would become productive members of society. But what happened? Almost as soon as the last Israeli had been removed - many of them forcefully by the IDF - every vestige of Jewish life was destroyed, including Jewish hospitals, clinics, and synagogues. Almost immediately the leaders of Hamas led the people in anti-Israeli demonstrations. Rockets have consistently been launched from Gaza into Israel. The leadership of Hamas have consistently declared that there can be no peace while Israel occupies their lands. It is through the humanitarian aspects of Israel's government that food, medical supplies, electricity, natural gas and other necessities for life are brought into the Gaza Strip; this is a fact that the world's media often overlooks. Friends, it is no wonder that Israel is building a security wall - most of it underground - around the Gaza Strip for purposes of protecting its own people.
Yesterday marked the Palestinian day of "nakba" which means "destruction." It is a commemoration of the fleeing of Arabs from the British Mandate after Israel's declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948. Nearly 700,000 Arabs fled their homes at the request of Arab leaders. They were told that the war would be short and Arab victory was inevitable. Many left their homes with dishes still on the table, fleeing into Jordan and Lebanon. Of course, the outcome of the War of Independence was not exactly what they had hoped. Following the war, Israel offered the "rite of return" to tens of thousands of Arabs, but that offer was rejected. Thus those people became refugees - many of them by choice. To this day, the descendants of those refugees lay claim to homes and lands they abandoned in 1948, demanding that the Israeli government grant them a full return.
But, here is what the world's press will not tell you. When the War of Independence broke out in 1948, over 600,000 Jews were expelled from Arab nations in the Middle East. Many of them left with only the clothes they had on their back. Yet, when was the last time you heard their stories? Answer - you have never heard their stories unless you have done incredible research on that period of time. Did they become refugees? No they did not. Many of them immigrated to the United States. Many of them chose to live in the new land called Israel.
Friends, I would urge you to not believe everything you read in the main stream media when it comes to matters of Israel and the Palestinians. They are hardly objective in their reporting of the facts. No matter what happens, Israel is always the antagonist. Israel is always the bad guy. Will real peace ever come to the Middle East? The answer is "absolutely, but not until Jesus returns." What a day that will be!
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Some Thoughts from Israel
I begin with greetings from the land of Israel. As you know, Marlys and I had the privilege of sharing with a group of 25 for two weeks in the Holy Land. What a wonderful time we had. The land of Israel continues to be one of those amazing places.
We visited many sites - both new and old. Yet, at almost every place we were reminded that Israel is a nation that is always under the threat of war. We stood on a Sunday morning on the platform atop the Carmelite Monastery at Mount Carmel. We joined a group of about 25 young Israeli soldiers. They were there as part of their training. They seemed so young, yet the burden of war lay heavily upon their shoulders. This was the first time I had ever witnessed soldiers on Mount Carmel. But that area is of strategic importance.
While in the Galilee area, we drove to Mount Bental, a former Israeli observation post peeking over into Syria. Mount Bental lies deep within the Golan Heights. Just below this former observation post lies the city of Kuneitra - a Syria city that changed hands during both the Six Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. While standing there, we saw the puffs of smoke coming from mortar fire within the city and then heard the sounds of automatic weapons. It became quite intense. Our guide shared with us that it "merely the cousins shooting at each other." The forces loyal to Syrian President Assad waging war with rebel forces. One could almost imagine the presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guards in that city as well. It was just another reminder to us that Israel is always on the state of high alert.
Just yesterday, Israeli authorities placed a high alert status upon those living in the Golan. They were to be ready to head to bomb-shelters as Israel had seen an increased presence of Iranian activity near the border. While we were in Israel, Israeli planes bombed a missile site just north of Damascus where the Iranian backed forces of Syrian President Assad were storing missiles. In that strike several Iranian soldiers were killed and Iran has vowed to retaliate. Since returning home, Israeli planes have attacked another munitions depot south of Damascus.
And yet, in spite of the heightened threat of war, thousands of visitors flocked to the holy sites of Christendom. To be honest, I have never seen so many people in Jerusalem in my life. One of our visits was to the site of the Upper Room. People were packed into that room so tightly that it almost became claustrophobic. And the Church of the Holy Sepulchre reminded me of trying to walk down the grand concourse at the Minnesota State Fair on the final day of the fair. Hotels were filled. Buses were filled. Traffic jams were commonplace. Perhaps people are sensing that if they do not get to Israel soon, the opportunities for unfettered visits there might soon end.
Next week the United States will move its embassy staff from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, housing the embassy in one of its two consulates within the city of Jerusalem. This move will surely bring some types of demonstrations. But I am grateful that finally the embassy is where it should be - within the eternal capital of the nation of Israel. By the way, several others countries are now following the American lead by moving their embassies as well.
Where is the greatest threat to Israel? Is it from Hamas located within the Gaza Strip? It would appear that the Israeli Defense Forces have Hamas pretty well in check. The border, although penetrated on occasions, remains pretty secure. And Israel has not been afraid to use bunker-buster bombs to destroy tunnel-makers. Oh, there will always be tension along the Gaza Border, but Hamas is not a real threat.
Is it from Syria? Certainly the presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guards in Syria presents a problem for Israel. Yet, Tehran knows that any attack upon Israel will be met with an equally strong attack from Israel. Plus, there is the likelihood that America would stand by its Middle East Ally, Israel. So, there will continue to be those surgical strikes from the Israeli Air Force keeping the Iranians from stockpiling weapons that could be used against Israel.
It seems to me that the greatest threat to Israel comes from Hezbollah which operates out of Lebanon. Forces of Hezbollah have been fighting alongside the Syrian army in the Civil War there. They have become battle-hardened. They have the backing of the Iranians and are seen as Iranian proxies in this fight. I refer you to an excellent article written by Jacob L. Shapiro titled "The Next Israeli War." It was posted on the Geopolitical Futures website on May 4 - www.geopoliticalfutures.com. The author presents a strong case for a possible war between Israel and Hezbollah. These two forces have tangled in the past - as recently as 2006. Could this become the "strike zone?"
Friends, although our group felt incredibly safe while in Israel, there were just those reminders that Israel lies within a war zone. Its military is always on alert. Its planes are always in the skies. Its people know what to do should the alarms go off. And yet life continues as normal. Perhaps that is the greatest psychological impact Israel has upon its neighbors. They do not exhibit daily fears. They go to work. They play soccer in the parks. They attend the theater. They eat at the many sidewalk cafes. Their children attend school. They attend the synagogue. The Israelis are an amazing group of people to observe.
I want to close this blog by reminding us of our responsibility toward the people of Jerusalem and Israel. It is found in Psalm 122:6-9 which states, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.' For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.' For the sake of the house of the LORD, our God, I will seek your prosperity."
We visited many sites - both new and old. Yet, at almost every place we were reminded that Israel is a nation that is always under the threat of war. We stood on a Sunday morning on the platform atop the Carmelite Monastery at Mount Carmel. We joined a group of about 25 young Israeli soldiers. They were there as part of their training. They seemed so young, yet the burden of war lay heavily upon their shoulders. This was the first time I had ever witnessed soldiers on Mount Carmel. But that area is of strategic importance.
While in the Galilee area, we drove to Mount Bental, a former Israeli observation post peeking over into Syria. Mount Bental lies deep within the Golan Heights. Just below this former observation post lies the city of Kuneitra - a Syria city that changed hands during both the Six Day War in 1967 and the Yom Kippur War in 1973. While standing there, we saw the puffs of smoke coming from mortar fire within the city and then heard the sounds of automatic weapons. It became quite intense. Our guide shared with us that it "merely the cousins shooting at each other." The forces loyal to Syrian President Assad waging war with rebel forces. One could almost imagine the presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guards in that city as well. It was just another reminder to us that Israel is always on the state of high alert.
Just yesterday, Israeli authorities placed a high alert status upon those living in the Golan. They were to be ready to head to bomb-shelters as Israel had seen an increased presence of Iranian activity near the border. While we were in Israel, Israeli planes bombed a missile site just north of Damascus where the Iranian backed forces of Syrian President Assad were storing missiles. In that strike several Iranian soldiers were killed and Iran has vowed to retaliate. Since returning home, Israeli planes have attacked another munitions depot south of Damascus.
And yet, in spite of the heightened threat of war, thousands of visitors flocked to the holy sites of Christendom. To be honest, I have never seen so many people in Jerusalem in my life. One of our visits was to the site of the Upper Room. People were packed into that room so tightly that it almost became claustrophobic. And the Church of the Holy Sepulchre reminded me of trying to walk down the grand concourse at the Minnesota State Fair on the final day of the fair. Hotels were filled. Buses were filled. Traffic jams were commonplace. Perhaps people are sensing that if they do not get to Israel soon, the opportunities for unfettered visits there might soon end.
Next week the United States will move its embassy staff from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, housing the embassy in one of its two consulates within the city of Jerusalem. This move will surely bring some types of demonstrations. But I am grateful that finally the embassy is where it should be - within the eternal capital of the nation of Israel. By the way, several others countries are now following the American lead by moving their embassies as well.
Where is the greatest threat to Israel? Is it from Hamas located within the Gaza Strip? It would appear that the Israeli Defense Forces have Hamas pretty well in check. The border, although penetrated on occasions, remains pretty secure. And Israel has not been afraid to use bunker-buster bombs to destroy tunnel-makers. Oh, there will always be tension along the Gaza Border, but Hamas is not a real threat.
Is it from Syria? Certainly the presence of Iranian Revolutionary Guards in Syria presents a problem for Israel. Yet, Tehran knows that any attack upon Israel will be met with an equally strong attack from Israel. Plus, there is the likelihood that America would stand by its Middle East Ally, Israel. So, there will continue to be those surgical strikes from the Israeli Air Force keeping the Iranians from stockpiling weapons that could be used against Israel.
It seems to me that the greatest threat to Israel comes from Hezbollah which operates out of Lebanon. Forces of Hezbollah have been fighting alongside the Syrian army in the Civil War there. They have become battle-hardened. They have the backing of the Iranians and are seen as Iranian proxies in this fight. I refer you to an excellent article written by Jacob L. Shapiro titled "The Next Israeli War." It was posted on the Geopolitical Futures website on May 4 - www.geopoliticalfutures.com. The author presents a strong case for a possible war between Israel and Hezbollah. These two forces have tangled in the past - as recently as 2006. Could this become the "strike zone?"
Friends, although our group felt incredibly safe while in Israel, there were just those reminders that Israel lies within a war zone. Its military is always on alert. Its planes are always in the skies. Its people know what to do should the alarms go off. And yet life continues as normal. Perhaps that is the greatest psychological impact Israel has upon its neighbors. They do not exhibit daily fears. They go to work. They play soccer in the parks. They attend the theater. They eat at the many sidewalk cafes. Their children attend school. They attend the synagogue. The Israelis are an amazing group of people to observe.
I want to close this blog by reminding us of our responsibility toward the people of Jerusalem and Israel. It is found in Psalm 122:6-9 which states, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.' For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.' For the sake of the house of the LORD, our God, I will seek your prosperity."
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
Chick-fil-A Is Targeted Once Again
Chick-fil-A is back in the news once again. One of the fastest growing fast-food chains has been "called-on-the-carpet" - not because of the quality of its food (I love their chicken soup and Oreo shakes) or because of its service, which ranks among the highest in the fast-food industry. No, according to a piece written by Dan Piepenbring and published in The New Yorker magazine, Chick-fil-A is infiltrating New York with "pervasive Christian traditionalism."
Thomas Gallatin, an in article posted at The Patriot Post website - www.patriotpost.us/articles/55375-the-left-hates-chick-fil-a-because-of-christianity, exposes the hypocrisy of Dan Piepenbring. "Piepenbring sees as problematic the fact that Chick-fil-A's Atlanta headquarters facility 'is adorned with Bible verses and a statue of Jesus washing a disciple's feet.' and that 'its stores close on Sundays.' Piepenbring writes, 'There's something especially distasteful about Chick-fil-A, which has sought to portray itself as better than other fast food: cleaner, gentler, and more ethical, with its poultry slightly healthier than the mystery meat of burgers.' He adds, 'Its politics, its décor, and its commercial-evangelical messaging are inflected with this suburban piety.'
"He wasn't done. Piepenbring relates, 'The restaurant's corporate purpose still begins with the words "to glorify God," and that proselytism thrums below the surface of the Fulton Street restaurant, which has the ersatz homespun ambiance of a megachurch.' Wow, so any company with traditional Christian beliefs that dares to apply its beliefs is 'an infiltration.' How 'woke' of him to call out this consistent belief system.
"If any fast-food restaurant deserves praise not just for its quality food and service but also for its treatment of employees, community engagement and public generosity, it's Chick-fil-A. There's a reason it's on course to becoming the third-largest fast food chain behind only McDonald's and Starbucks, and that's not in spite of founder S. Truett Cathy's 'Christian traditionalism' but because of it. What is 'creepy' is the number of deeply insecure leftists who produce, promote and feed on this kind of intolerant and hypocritical groupthink. Image if the fast-food chain in question was Muslim-owned - New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio would be rolling out the red carpet for it instead of calling for a boycott.
"Piepenbring epitomizes the rapidly spreading bigotry of leftists, who are completely unwilling to offer the same tolerance and deference to opposing views and opinions that they demand from others. Meanwhile, they hypocritically lay claim to the 'pro-diversity' moniker. Specifically, the Left hates conservative Christianity because it refuses to bow to its 'new morality.' So, no matter how well-made the product or how good the service, if the business's owner holds a traditional conservative and Christian worldview, then leftist dogma demands it be opposed and maligned."
I don't know about you - but this makes me want to visit my nearest Chick-fil-A more often. If this restaurant chain is in the cross-hairs of culture's line of fire, then there must be something worthy of that chain having my dining out business. I appreciate a company who, although interested in making a profit, has not let that desire for profit deter it from the foundations upon which Chick-fil-A was created. Would that more companies would return to those initial foundational principles. So "Eat Mor Chiken."
On another cultural note, I read a powerful article this week, written by Avery Foley which was posted on the Answer in Genesis website. You can reference this article at:
www.answersingenesis.org/sin/can-church-embrace-homosexual-behavior-in-name-of-love. The author of this article begins with a powerful statement: "Being a Christian is about 'living in the tension'" a reference to the tension between grace and truth. The author continues, "That's what Christ did. He loved people - loved them enough to die for his enemies (Romans 5:8)! He was filled with grace and extended that grace toward sinners (including millions of other believers and me!) But Scripture tells us he came filled with 'grace and truth' (John 1:14). And that's the tension! We love people, but that doesn't mean we wish them to live in their sin. Instead, we're called to speak 'the truth in love' (Ephesians 4:15)."
The article concludes: "There's hope for everyone in the Cross of Jesus Christ, whether you are a liar, a thief, an adulterer, a homosexual, or a drunkard. God's church is made up of people who've been redeemed from all kinds of sinful backgrounds and who have one thing in common: they've been given new life through the power of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). ... True hope and peace are not found in practicing, affirming, or celebrating sinful behaviors. They're found in repentance and the new life that Christ can give."
This will be the final blog for a couple of weeks. Marlys and I will be leading a tour to Israel, leaving on Friday. We will be in Israel for nearly two weeks. We have twenty-five in our group, most of whom will be visiting Israel for the very first time. Oh the excitement just to walk where Jesus walked. Oh the wonder of being on the Sea of Galilee. And oh the mysteries that become unfolded as one visits the Old City. We thank you for your prayers for us and our team while we are gone. And, upon our return, I will write and let you know of how God worked in our lives.
So, until then, keep looking up because your redemption is drawing near, and keep working because the fields are white unto harvest.
Thomas Gallatin, an in article posted at The Patriot Post website - www.patriotpost.us/articles/55375-the-left-hates-chick-fil-a-because-of-christianity, exposes the hypocrisy of Dan Piepenbring. "Piepenbring sees as problematic the fact that Chick-fil-A's Atlanta headquarters facility 'is adorned with Bible verses and a statue of Jesus washing a disciple's feet.' and that 'its stores close on Sundays.' Piepenbring writes, 'There's something especially distasteful about Chick-fil-A, which has sought to portray itself as better than other fast food: cleaner, gentler, and more ethical, with its poultry slightly healthier than the mystery meat of burgers.' He adds, 'Its politics, its décor, and its commercial-evangelical messaging are inflected with this suburban piety.'
"He wasn't done. Piepenbring relates, 'The restaurant's corporate purpose still begins with the words "to glorify God," and that proselytism thrums below the surface of the Fulton Street restaurant, which has the ersatz homespun ambiance of a megachurch.' Wow, so any company with traditional Christian beliefs that dares to apply its beliefs is 'an infiltration.' How 'woke' of him to call out this consistent belief system.
"If any fast-food restaurant deserves praise not just for its quality food and service but also for its treatment of employees, community engagement and public generosity, it's Chick-fil-A. There's a reason it's on course to becoming the third-largest fast food chain behind only McDonald's and Starbucks, and that's not in spite of founder S. Truett Cathy's 'Christian traditionalism' but because of it. What is 'creepy' is the number of deeply insecure leftists who produce, promote and feed on this kind of intolerant and hypocritical groupthink. Image if the fast-food chain in question was Muslim-owned - New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio would be rolling out the red carpet for it instead of calling for a boycott.
"Piepenbring epitomizes the rapidly spreading bigotry of leftists, who are completely unwilling to offer the same tolerance and deference to opposing views and opinions that they demand from others. Meanwhile, they hypocritically lay claim to the 'pro-diversity' moniker. Specifically, the Left hates conservative Christianity because it refuses to bow to its 'new morality.' So, no matter how well-made the product or how good the service, if the business's owner holds a traditional conservative and Christian worldview, then leftist dogma demands it be opposed and maligned."
I don't know about you - but this makes me want to visit my nearest Chick-fil-A more often. If this restaurant chain is in the cross-hairs of culture's line of fire, then there must be something worthy of that chain having my dining out business. I appreciate a company who, although interested in making a profit, has not let that desire for profit deter it from the foundations upon which Chick-fil-A was created. Would that more companies would return to those initial foundational principles. So "Eat Mor Chiken."
On another cultural note, I read a powerful article this week, written by Avery Foley which was posted on the Answer in Genesis website. You can reference this article at:
www.answersingenesis.org/sin/can-church-embrace-homosexual-behavior-in-name-of-love. The author of this article begins with a powerful statement: "Being a Christian is about 'living in the tension'" a reference to the tension between grace and truth. The author continues, "That's what Christ did. He loved people - loved them enough to die for his enemies (Romans 5:8)! He was filled with grace and extended that grace toward sinners (including millions of other believers and me!) But Scripture tells us he came filled with 'grace and truth' (John 1:14). And that's the tension! We love people, but that doesn't mean we wish them to live in their sin. Instead, we're called to speak 'the truth in love' (Ephesians 4:15)."
The article concludes: "There's hope for everyone in the Cross of Jesus Christ, whether you are a liar, a thief, an adulterer, a homosexual, or a drunkard. God's church is made up of people who've been redeemed from all kinds of sinful backgrounds and who have one thing in common: they've been given new life through the power of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). ... True hope and peace are not found in practicing, affirming, or celebrating sinful behaviors. They're found in repentance and the new life that Christ can give."
This will be the final blog for a couple of weeks. Marlys and I will be leading a tour to Israel, leaving on Friday. We will be in Israel for nearly two weeks. We have twenty-five in our group, most of whom will be visiting Israel for the very first time. Oh the excitement just to walk where Jesus walked. Oh the wonder of being on the Sea of Galilee. And oh the mysteries that become unfolded as one visits the Old City. We thank you for your prayers for us and our team while we are gone. And, upon our return, I will write and let you know of how God worked in our lives.
So, until then, keep looking up because your redemption is drawing near, and keep working because the fields are white unto harvest.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Of Syria, Gaza, and Guns
Things in the Middle East are continuing to approach the "boiling over" point. The civil war in Syria simply has no ending - at least not in the near future. Russia and Iran are doing everything to continue supporting the dictatorial and oppressive regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad. Last weekend it was reported that forces loyal to the Syrian government used chemical weapons against a Damascus suburb that was in the control of anti-government forces. This was not the first time that Assad has used chemical weapons against his own people.
On Monday, the United Nations Security Counsel was presented with a resolution, sponsored by the United States, that condemned the Syrian government for using chemical weapons. The resolution was vetoed by Russia. Britain and France have threatened air strikes against Syrian government bases. Israel has already conducted an air strike against the military base from which the chemical weapons were launched. President Trump has also voiced his anger at the chemical attack and has vowed some type of US retaliatory strike. Both Russia and Iran have uttered their own threats should the United States strike back at the Assad regime.
President Trump is in a very awkward position. Last week he announced his intentions to begin bringing home the troops that we have in Syria. He declared that victory over ISIS had been achieved in Syria. He does not want the United States to become embroiled with the Syrian War itself. Yet, he has stated that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated. Furthermore, will Congress be supportive of the President's actions?
We do know from the prophetic writings that Damascus, Syria's capital, will play a role in the last days, but will be suddenly destroyed completely. Perhaps we are inching toward that very time. You can bet that Israeli intelligence operatives are keeping a very watchful eye on what is happening to their neighbor on the northeast.
For the past several weeks, tensions have reached the "boiling point" along Israel's Gaza Strip border. This protest has been named the "March of Return." It is scheduled to culminate on May 14 - the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of Israel's Independence. The goal is to flood Israel with millions of Palestinian "refugees", each claiming the right-of-return to those properties abandoned by family members in 1948 as they fled the War of Independence. This right-of-return is an essential element in the Palestinian peace narrative. If allowed, it would turn Israel from a Jewish state to an Arab Islamic State - simply because the Arab population would be the majority. There have been almost constant border clashes with many Palestinian casualties.
In this uncertain times, one can hardly afford not to pay attention to what is happening in the Middle East. Many of the players that Ezekiel describes in chapters 38-39 are coming to the table. Just last week key leaders from Iran, Turkey, and Russia met in Turkey to discuss the future of Syria and the Middle East. Wow! These are exciting times for the believer!
Here at home, debate continues over gun control. Louis DeBroux wrote a piece for The Patriot Post a couple weeks ago that I thought was excellent. You can find the entire article at: www.patriotpost.us/articles/55014-yes-leftists-want-to-repeal-the-second-amendment. "The recent mass shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school renewed the debate on gun control and the Second Amendment itself. The stakes were raised this week. The principle of the debate is simple: namely, the right to self-defense is a God-given right that predates government itself. The Declaration of Independence proclaims we are each endowed by our Creator with certain 'unalienable rights' and that 'to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the consent of the governed.' Got that? Rights are secured, NOT granted, by government.
"Not according to former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who this week declared in a New York Times op-ed that it is time to repeal the Second Amendment. He argued that the Court erred in 2008 when it ruled the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms (District of Columbia v. Heller). Bizarrely, by arguing the amendment pertains only to the right of the government to form a well-regulated militia, Stevens claims to be the only right listed in the Bill of Rights that protects government rather than the individual.
"Indeed, the entire reason for the adoption of the Second Amendment was not to protect sport shooting, or hunting, or even for defense against criminals. It was to provide a bulwark against the potential infringements on Liberty by a tyrannical government."
The article concludes: "In his Commentaries on the Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story, the 'Father of American Jurisprudence,' made it clear and unambiguous, declaring, 'The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms has justly been considered as the palladium of the liberties of a republic; since it offers a strong moral check against the usurpation and arbitrary power of rulers; and will generally, even if these are successful in the first instance, enable the people to resist and triumph over them.' Disarming law-abiding citizens will not protect innocent people; it will only leave them defenseless against those with homicidal intentions - not to mention at the mercy of tyrannical government. It is beyond foolish to think otherwise."
Friends, the push toward the confiscation of guns is merely the first step. In London, a city with extremely strict gun-control laws, the new weapon of choice is knives. Now the Mayor of London wants to control the knives on the streets. This is one of those vicious cycles that has no ending until every means that can be used for self-defense is taken away. When that happens, the government will be in total control. Those will be the days of the Antichrist.
We live in a very confused world. But there is hope on the horizon with that wonderful promise that the Lord is coming soon. Oh what a day that will be when our Jesus we shall see! How we need to help people be prepared when it happens.
On Monday, the United Nations Security Counsel was presented with a resolution, sponsored by the United States, that condemned the Syrian government for using chemical weapons. The resolution was vetoed by Russia. Britain and France have threatened air strikes against Syrian government bases. Israel has already conducted an air strike against the military base from which the chemical weapons were launched. President Trump has also voiced his anger at the chemical attack and has vowed some type of US retaliatory strike. Both Russia and Iran have uttered their own threats should the United States strike back at the Assad regime.
President Trump is in a very awkward position. Last week he announced his intentions to begin bringing home the troops that we have in Syria. He declared that victory over ISIS had been achieved in Syria. He does not want the United States to become embroiled with the Syrian War itself. Yet, he has stated that the use of chemical weapons will not be tolerated. Furthermore, will Congress be supportive of the President's actions?
We do know from the prophetic writings that Damascus, Syria's capital, will play a role in the last days, but will be suddenly destroyed completely. Perhaps we are inching toward that very time. You can bet that Israeli intelligence operatives are keeping a very watchful eye on what is happening to their neighbor on the northeast.
For the past several weeks, tensions have reached the "boiling point" along Israel's Gaza Strip border. This protest has been named the "March of Return." It is scheduled to culminate on May 14 - the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of Israel's Independence. The goal is to flood Israel with millions of Palestinian "refugees", each claiming the right-of-return to those properties abandoned by family members in 1948 as they fled the War of Independence. This right-of-return is an essential element in the Palestinian peace narrative. If allowed, it would turn Israel from a Jewish state to an Arab Islamic State - simply because the Arab population would be the majority. There have been almost constant border clashes with many Palestinian casualties.
In this uncertain times, one can hardly afford not to pay attention to what is happening in the Middle East. Many of the players that Ezekiel describes in chapters 38-39 are coming to the table. Just last week key leaders from Iran, Turkey, and Russia met in Turkey to discuss the future of Syria and the Middle East. Wow! These are exciting times for the believer!
Here at home, debate continues over gun control. Louis DeBroux wrote a piece for The Patriot Post a couple weeks ago that I thought was excellent. You can find the entire article at: www.patriotpost.us/articles/55014-yes-leftists-want-to-repeal-the-second-amendment. "The recent mass shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school renewed the debate on gun control and the Second Amendment itself. The stakes were raised this week. The principle of the debate is simple: namely, the right to self-defense is a God-given right that predates government itself. The Declaration of Independence proclaims we are each endowed by our Creator with certain 'unalienable rights' and that 'to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the consent of the governed.' Got that? Rights are secured, NOT granted, by government.
"Not according to former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who this week declared in a New York Times op-ed that it is time to repeal the Second Amendment. He argued that the Court erred in 2008 when it ruled the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms (District of Columbia v. Heller). Bizarrely, by arguing the amendment pertains only to the right of the government to form a well-regulated militia, Stevens claims to be the only right listed in the Bill of Rights that protects government rather than the individual.
"Indeed, the entire reason for the adoption of the Second Amendment was not to protect sport shooting, or hunting, or even for defense against criminals. It was to provide a bulwark against the potential infringements on Liberty by a tyrannical government."
The article concludes: "In his Commentaries on the Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Story, the 'Father of American Jurisprudence,' made it clear and unambiguous, declaring, 'The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms has justly been considered as the palladium of the liberties of a republic; since it offers a strong moral check against the usurpation and arbitrary power of rulers; and will generally, even if these are successful in the first instance, enable the people to resist and triumph over them.' Disarming law-abiding citizens will not protect innocent people; it will only leave them defenseless against those with homicidal intentions - not to mention at the mercy of tyrannical government. It is beyond foolish to think otherwise."
Friends, the push toward the confiscation of guns is merely the first step. In London, a city with extremely strict gun-control laws, the new weapon of choice is knives. Now the Mayor of London wants to control the knives on the streets. This is one of those vicious cycles that has no ending until every means that can be used for self-defense is taken away. When that happens, the government will be in total control. Those will be the days of the Antichrist.
We live in a very confused world. But there is hope on the horizon with that wonderful promise that the Lord is coming soon. Oh what a day that will be when our Jesus we shall see! How we need to help people be prepared when it happens.
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Easter - Under Attack - Really?
Is it just me or is the assault upon Christianity intensifying. We have seen the video clip over and over of Joy Behar, one of the hosts on the ABC program "The View", and her rank against Vice President Pence because he declared that he talked with God and God talked with him. For her, that was a sign of mental illness. I guess she has never prayed before - perhaps she doesn't need to because she seems to have life all figured-out. But I believe that someday Joy Behar will be in a position where she will strongly want to hear from God.
This past week, Thomas Gallatin wrote an amazing article for the Patriot Post. You can read the entire article at: www.patriotpost.us/articles/55089-leftmedias-deliberate-mischaracterization-of-Christianity. The author writes: "From National Public Radio to NBC News to CNN, the mainstream media's ignorant misrepresentation of basic and central Christian beliefs and doctrines would be understandable if it wasn't for the fact that Christianity is the religion practiced by some 70% of Americans. On Good Friday, MPR published an article that addressed a report that Pope Francis had denied the existence of hell. NPR originally described Easter as 'the day celebrating the idea that Jesus did not die and go to hell or purgatory or anywhere at all, but rather arose into heaven.' After receiving much deserved blowback, NPR corrected the piece to read, 'Easter - the day Christians celebrate Jesus' Resurrection.' How could NPR get one of the most foundational beliefs of Christianity so terribly wrong?
"Far worse, NBC News marked the sacred occasion with a piece entitled, 'On Easter Sunday, Christians must remember how easily and often our faith is used to defend white supremacy.' The article relays a story of a bunch of white southern racists who murdered several blacks and other defenders of Reconstruction one Easter Sunday in 1873 in Colfax County, Louisiana. It is indeed a horrific story, but it is far from emblematic of Christian beliefs or practices. And it was 145 years ago. Ironically, the article does exactly what it condemns - it seeks to co-opt the Christian message, ignoring its central teachings, so as to promote an anti-Donald Trump pro-leftist political cause. The question once again is how did the MSM get the Christian doctrine of Easter this wrong?
"But then there was what may have been the worst understanding of Easter - this one from CNN. In an article title, 'How Easter became a #MeToo moment,' which was not listed as an opinion piece, author John Blake asserted that Jesus was a victim of sexual humiliation as a result of being hung naked on the cross, and therefore 'if linking the Easter story with the #MeToo movement is offensive and bewildering to some, perhaps that is fitting.' Additionally, Mary Magdalene was a #MeToo victim of male authority. Blake continued, 'The Easter stories in the Gospels have a jarring, unexpected quality about them as well. ... The stories are enigmatic and elusive. They continue to yield surprises even 2,000 years later. They are, in some ways, much like the figure of Jesus himself.' While attempting to sound profound, Blake reveals once again a shocking amount of ignorance of what Easter is actually all about."
Friends, these stories - and they could be multiplied countless times over - are evidence of how our culture has turned against God and the truths of His Word. How could anyone possible get Easter wrong? It is very easy if you take God out of the picture. Then the death of Jesus becomes nothing other than a strong case of injustice. The death of Jesus becomes a "poster-child" for the cause of social justice. Instead of Jesus being "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" He becomes merely a means to an end.
Then I read an article yesterday posted by Fox News. It can be found at: www.foxnews.com/us/2018/04/03/christians-and-white-people-get-unmerited-perks-live-easier-lives-George-Washington-university-seminar-says. Friends, this article is alarming and very revealing of what the attitude is on many of our secular university campuses. "George Washington University is hosting a seminar on combating 'Christian privilege' in America. According to an event description, students in a 90-minute training sessions will learn about ways American Christians receive things they don't deserve and are not worthy of getting: 'How do we...acknowledge that Christians receive unmerited perks from institutions and systems all across our country?' The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) at GWU is hosting 'Christian Privilege: But Our Founding Fathers Were All Christian, Right?!' According to the website, MSSC Associate Director and LGBTQ Resources Director Timothy Kane will discuss how American Christians have 'easier' lives and get 'built-in advantages over non-Christians' as well as making 'room for all religious and secular identities on an equal playing field.' ... 'These trainings equip students and staff with the necessary skills to promote diversity and inclusion in the different environments in which they find themselves frequently,' the website says.
"Former Secret Service Agent, Dan Bongino, tweeted about the 'disturbing' story as reported by The College Fix, saying, 'Someone should've told the martyrs about 'Christian privilege.' Another person on Twitter, Chad Prather, tweeted that with martyrdom, beatings, and beheadings they should host the workshop in Libya, Ethiopia, Iran or northern Nigeria. 'I think America has too much 'university privilege,' Prather wrote."
I want to share one more article that really wrestles with the core issue. It was written by Emilie Kao and can be found at The Daily Signal website. It is titled, "Americans Grapple With Evil Amid Decline in Religious Faith." Let me quote briefly some of the highlights. "Blaise Pascal once described a 'God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man.' But in modern-day America, few statements can raise eyebrows more swiftly than expressing faith in the transcendent. ... In a world where we can drive vehicles, communicate globally, and change the temperature of our homes with the touch of a finger, it is easy to believe that we have mastered our physical environment. Yet we are stumped when the age-old problem of evil rears its ugly head. It's no surprise, then, that in the aftermath of the Parkland tragedy, we fixate on a material solution - gun control - to solve what we assess as a material problem. But what if the problem is much deeper than raising the gun-buying age by a few years or making it harder to get certain types of guns? What if the roots of the problem are actually internal and moral, and even spiritual?"
The writer of the article continues by quoting from Professor emeritus of psychology at New York University Paul Vitz. Dr. Vitz "attributes teens' skyrocketing anxiety, self-harm, suicides, and school shootings to their poor spiritual health. Despite being born into a world with more material comforts and mental health resources than ever, the next generation seems increasingly drawn toward self-destruction. Vitz observes that without belief in objective truth, goodness, and beauty, including the belief that they are created in the image of God, the next generation clings to external sources of identity: social media, sexual experiences, and material possessions. In a sea of ever-changing cultural and social trends, such flimsy sources of meaning can predictably leave some of them bewildered and overwhelmed. 'Countless young people...feel there is nothing for them to believe in, Emotional numbness is one of the consequences. They...no longer find self-worth in their efforts to lead lives based on truth and love.' Vitz proposes that Americans re-examine the value of faith and its power to help people live happier, healthier, and longer lives."
This is the world in which we live. This is the world that I am leaving behind for my grandchildren. How vitally important it is that parents, grandparents, and the church do all it can to help prepare those children and grandchildren to have a faith that is anchored securely to the Rock Christ Jesus.
This past week, Thomas Gallatin wrote an amazing article for the Patriot Post. You can read the entire article at: www.patriotpost.us/articles/55089-leftmedias-deliberate-mischaracterization-of-Christianity. The author writes: "From National Public Radio to NBC News to CNN, the mainstream media's ignorant misrepresentation of basic and central Christian beliefs and doctrines would be understandable if it wasn't for the fact that Christianity is the religion practiced by some 70% of Americans. On Good Friday, MPR published an article that addressed a report that Pope Francis had denied the existence of hell. NPR originally described Easter as 'the day celebrating the idea that Jesus did not die and go to hell or purgatory or anywhere at all, but rather arose into heaven.' After receiving much deserved blowback, NPR corrected the piece to read, 'Easter - the day Christians celebrate Jesus' Resurrection.' How could NPR get one of the most foundational beliefs of Christianity so terribly wrong?
"Far worse, NBC News marked the sacred occasion with a piece entitled, 'On Easter Sunday, Christians must remember how easily and often our faith is used to defend white supremacy.' The article relays a story of a bunch of white southern racists who murdered several blacks and other defenders of Reconstruction one Easter Sunday in 1873 in Colfax County, Louisiana. It is indeed a horrific story, but it is far from emblematic of Christian beliefs or practices. And it was 145 years ago. Ironically, the article does exactly what it condemns - it seeks to co-opt the Christian message, ignoring its central teachings, so as to promote an anti-Donald Trump pro-leftist political cause. The question once again is how did the MSM get the Christian doctrine of Easter this wrong?
"But then there was what may have been the worst understanding of Easter - this one from CNN. In an article title, 'How Easter became a #MeToo moment,' which was not listed as an opinion piece, author John Blake asserted that Jesus was a victim of sexual humiliation as a result of being hung naked on the cross, and therefore 'if linking the Easter story with the #MeToo movement is offensive and bewildering to some, perhaps that is fitting.' Additionally, Mary Magdalene was a #MeToo victim of male authority. Blake continued, 'The Easter stories in the Gospels have a jarring, unexpected quality about them as well. ... The stories are enigmatic and elusive. They continue to yield surprises even 2,000 years later. They are, in some ways, much like the figure of Jesus himself.' While attempting to sound profound, Blake reveals once again a shocking amount of ignorance of what Easter is actually all about."
Friends, these stories - and they could be multiplied countless times over - are evidence of how our culture has turned against God and the truths of His Word. How could anyone possible get Easter wrong? It is very easy if you take God out of the picture. Then the death of Jesus becomes nothing other than a strong case of injustice. The death of Jesus becomes a "poster-child" for the cause of social justice. Instead of Jesus being "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" He becomes merely a means to an end.
Then I read an article yesterday posted by Fox News. It can be found at: www.foxnews.com/us/2018/04/03/christians-and-white-people-get-unmerited-perks-live-easier-lives-George-Washington-university-seminar-says. Friends, this article is alarming and very revealing of what the attitude is on many of our secular university campuses. "George Washington University is hosting a seminar on combating 'Christian privilege' in America. According to an event description, students in a 90-minute training sessions will learn about ways American Christians receive things they don't deserve and are not worthy of getting: 'How do we...acknowledge that Christians receive unmerited perks from institutions and systems all across our country?' The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) at GWU is hosting 'Christian Privilege: But Our Founding Fathers Were All Christian, Right?!' According to the website, MSSC Associate Director and LGBTQ Resources Director Timothy Kane will discuss how American Christians have 'easier' lives and get 'built-in advantages over non-Christians' as well as making 'room for all religious and secular identities on an equal playing field.' ... 'These trainings equip students and staff with the necessary skills to promote diversity and inclusion in the different environments in which they find themselves frequently,' the website says.
"Former Secret Service Agent, Dan Bongino, tweeted about the 'disturbing' story as reported by The College Fix, saying, 'Someone should've told the martyrs about 'Christian privilege.' Another person on Twitter, Chad Prather, tweeted that with martyrdom, beatings, and beheadings they should host the workshop in Libya, Ethiopia, Iran or northern Nigeria. 'I think America has too much 'university privilege,' Prather wrote."
I want to share one more article that really wrestles with the core issue. It was written by Emilie Kao and can be found at The Daily Signal website. It is titled, "Americans Grapple With Evil Amid Decline in Religious Faith." Let me quote briefly some of the highlights. "Blaise Pascal once described a 'God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man.' But in modern-day America, few statements can raise eyebrows more swiftly than expressing faith in the transcendent. ... In a world where we can drive vehicles, communicate globally, and change the temperature of our homes with the touch of a finger, it is easy to believe that we have mastered our physical environment. Yet we are stumped when the age-old problem of evil rears its ugly head. It's no surprise, then, that in the aftermath of the Parkland tragedy, we fixate on a material solution - gun control - to solve what we assess as a material problem. But what if the problem is much deeper than raising the gun-buying age by a few years or making it harder to get certain types of guns? What if the roots of the problem are actually internal and moral, and even spiritual?"
The writer of the article continues by quoting from Professor emeritus of psychology at New York University Paul Vitz. Dr. Vitz "attributes teens' skyrocketing anxiety, self-harm, suicides, and school shootings to their poor spiritual health. Despite being born into a world with more material comforts and mental health resources than ever, the next generation seems increasingly drawn toward self-destruction. Vitz observes that without belief in objective truth, goodness, and beauty, including the belief that they are created in the image of God, the next generation clings to external sources of identity: social media, sexual experiences, and material possessions. In a sea of ever-changing cultural and social trends, such flimsy sources of meaning can predictably leave some of them bewildered and overwhelmed. 'Countless young people...feel there is nothing for them to believe in, Emotional numbness is one of the consequences. They...no longer find self-worth in their efforts to lead lives based on truth and love.' Vitz proposes that Americans re-examine the value of faith and its power to help people live happier, healthier, and longer lives."
This is the world in which we live. This is the world that I am leaving behind for my grandchildren. How vitally important it is that parents, grandparents, and the church do all it can to help prepare those children and grandchildren to have a faith that is anchored securely to the Rock Christ Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
