Eclipse

In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, Peter is speaking to the people gathered there, and quotes from the prophet Joel:
19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.'

The Bible clearly points to signs preceding the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It also teaches that if people respond to God's call, and even heed His warnings, that people can enter into a relationship with Him.  Whether or not a solar eclipse or a blood moon can be a fulfillment of a Biblical prophecy, we can all admit that we are in a troubled world - a fallen world, in which sin abounds; but a world that was created by God and on which He has placed His people - people whom He desires to redeem...that is why He sent His Son.

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In Psalm 19, we get a glimpse into the panoramic majesty of our great God, whose handiwork is seen in the heavens:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun...

On this day after a very insightful conversation with Jeff Kinley aired about the state of America and end-times prophecy, I want to pull some information from another recent Meeting House guest and broaden the discussion to include a possible tie-in between the solar eclipse on August 21 and the condition of things in our nation.

First of all, Dr. Michael Guillen, former Science Editor for ABC News, appeared on the program to discuss his book, The Null Prophecy.  The first few moments of our conversation dealt with a subject that he integrates into that novel - the power of the sun.  He has written an article for the FoxNews.com website that parallels what he discussed with me.

He talked about the corona of the sun, which, as he states in the article is "arguably the most mysterious, most turbulent, most unpredictable, most deadly part of the sun."  He said that:

During a total eclipse, the moon’s round shadow perfectly blots out the photosphere. The glaring brightness of the photosphere normally blinds us to the corona, which is the sun’s far-fainter, halo-like outer atmosphere.

Inside the photosphere is energy that is the equivalent of 100 billion hydrogen bombs detonating every second.

He states that: "the corona is also given to deadly tantrums. Without any warning, it will rise up and fling massive, killer clouds of electrically-charged particles – coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, they’re called – in every direction."  Such an event occurred in 1859, and Guillen is certain it will occur again:

The National Academy of Sciences has published a chilling report describing what is likely to happen when, not if, the next Carrington-like Event whacks us unexpectedly. The damage worldwide will include: “disruption of the transportation, communication, banking, and finance systems, and government services; the breakdown of the distribution of potable water owing to pump failure; and the loss of perishable foods and medications because of lack of refrigeration.”

Guillen, who is a believer, ends the Fox column by stating that the eclipse will "give you a rare glimpse at the sun’s normally invisible, enigmatic corona; it will remind you of how easily that wondrous halo can instantly snuff out the mighty, high-tech world we’ve created for ourselves."

Anne Graham Lotz has released a post that talks about the spiritual implications of this cosmic event coming up on the 21st.  She begins with this Scripture and opening paragraph:

The sun will be turned to darkness…before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Joel 2:31

A few years ago I was teaching through the book of Joel when the ancient words of his prophecy came up off the page. I knew with hair-raising certainty that God’s severe judgment was coming on America! I have taught Joel several times since. Each time has served to confirm with deep conviction that God is warning America of impending disaster and destruction.

She goes on to say that Jewish rabbis "...have historically viewed solar eclipses as warnings from God to Gentile nations. Therefore, my perspective on the upcoming phenomenon is not celebratory. While no one can know for sure if judgment is coming on America, it does seem that God is signaling us about something. Time will tell what that something is."

She does indicate that there could be a warning, balanced with a call to "return to Him." Lotz writes: "Without doubt this is the time for God’s people to get right with God. To repent of our own sin. To share the Gospel with our neighbors. And to pray that in the midst of His coming wrath, God would remember mercy (Habakkuk 3:2)."

So, whatever the significance of the eclipse might be, there are some takeaways for Christians:

From Guillen: the power of the sun demonstrates the might and majesty of its Creator.  The Bible says that the heavens declare the glory of God.  You do have a sense of helplessness when you ponder the potential of the sun.  And, as he points out, our great technologically-advanced society is fragile when you consider the possibilities of what a solar explosion could bring.

From Lotz: the power of the Son is demonstrated through the might and majesty of His Creator. Perhaps the solar eclipse is a sign from God in the heavens.  Or it can be taken that way.  Regardless, there is a message to us about God's judgment on sin as well as His compassion on the sinner.  We do well to heed the signal that we are being given.  

For all of us, we acknowledge God is on the throne - He is powerful, He is in control.  And, His creation is far more majestic than the kingdoms we have built on this earth.  Our world is in turmoil, we need Jesus, and we, as His representatives, are called to communicate that truth.  Heavenly demonstrations can be the basis for a heavenly discussion on the power, judgment - and compassion of God.

Not Destroyed

God's dealings with Israel can speak powerfully to us today. 1st Corinthians 10 says:
6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."
8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;
9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;
10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

The people of Israel were delivered from bondage in Egypt and led into the wilderness, where they wandered for forty years, yet God was faithful to bring them into the Promised Land.  He granted them success in conquering the land, but there were still areas where His commands were not carried out.  Even though the book of Joshua tells of overwhelming military victories, yet, there were residents of the land who survived, as we see in the next book, Judges.  We must be sure that we do not follow in the footsteps of these spiritual ancestors and complete partial obedience.

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In Deuteronomy 20, we read God's instructions to Moses to destroy the people of the land of Canaan, the promised land, into which Moses' successor, Joshua, would lead them:
16 But of the cities of these peoples which the Lord your God gives you as an inheritance, you shall let nothing that breathes remain alive,
17 but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite and the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the Lord your God has commanded you,
18 lest they teach you to do according to all their abominations which they have done for their gods, and you sin against the Lord your God.

And, we see in Scripture that Joshua had military victories, but in the book of Judges, we see, according to a piece on the Discovery Institute's Evolution News website:

The first chapter in Judges lists all the places in Israel where the Canaanites persisted, “to this day,” “for they did not drive them out,” “he dwelt among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land,” etc. God is not happy with this, for “they shall be as snares to you, and their gods shall be a trap to you” (2:3).

Well, perhaps you've heard that there is DNA evidence that links modern-day residents of Lebanon to the Canaanites of yesteryear - those who were not driven out, spared by Israel's disobedience.  Again, from Evolution News:

The science story itself is fascinating and to all appearances solid. Human remains dating to some 3,700 year ago from ancient Canaanites yielded DNA revealing a startling overlap with modern-day Lebanese. The latter thus appear to harbor descendants of the long-ago population.

This is according to a study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.

Well, there was a significant amount of false reporting in the media.  Evolution News linked to some of the headlines about the recent discovery:

• “Study disproves the Bible’s suggestion that the ancient Canaanites were wiped out” (The Telegraph)
• “Bible says Canaanites were wiped out by Israelites but scientists just found their descendants living in Lebanon” (The Independent)
• “Bronze Age DNA disproves the Bible’s claim that the Canaanites were wiped out: Study says their genes live on in modern-day Lebanese people” (Daily Mail)

The article goes on to say:

...The Bible is detailed and unambiguous in relating that the Canaanites survived Joshua’s invasion. So it’s no wonder they have living descendants. I’m not here to pass judgment on ancient Canaanites or ancient Israelites, on the Bible, Joshua, or anyone else. But come on, reporters, where’s your elementary cultural literacy, of which knowing a thing or two about the Bible is a key element?

It notes that the "the reputable journal Science, in a reporting article, had to backtrack with an editor’s correction, blandly styled as an 'update':"

This story and its headline have been updated to reflect that in the Bible, God ordered the destruction of the Canaanites, but that some cities and people may have survived.

But the Discovery Institute piece states:

Not “may have survived.” In the Bible’s account, they definitely survived, in large numbers. The original headline? “Ancient DNA counters biblical account of the mysterious Canaanites.” It should be, “Ancient DNA confirms biblical account…”

Well, this storyline can give rise to some principles we can consider:

First of all, we can examine if we are being totally obedient to God's instructions for us.  We see that Israel obeyed God in certain instances, but in other times, it seems they engaged in partial obedience.  We have to be aware of not only times when we disobey God, so that we may confess our sins, repent, and get back on track; but also, we have to check to see if we are not obeying the Lord fully and wholeheartedly.

Another concept is really no surprise - Journalists can be biased against what they do not know or understand, i.e., the Bible.  And, it's not limited to the media...we may encounter people who do not understand Biblical teaching, and we have to be so grounded in truth that we are prepared to share God's principles with those who don't know Him or care to know Him.

We can also be inspired to read the entirety of Scripture; not just certain parts.   There are passages that refer to total annihilation, but there are still peoples who were not conquered by Israel, as we see in the closing chapters of Joshua, and certain Canaanites show up in Judges 1.  This was lost on the media reporters, as the headlines tried to point to a discrediting of Scripture, rather than support of it.  We have to make sure that we read Scripture accurately and allow it to shape our behavior accordingly.

Design

In Genesis chapter 1, we see the wonderful truth that all humanity was created in the image of God.
26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

There is a Latin phrase, "imago dei," that means "in the image of God."  If we regard every human being as having that divine connection, then that would govern how we treat that individual. Certainly, as pro-life Christians, we believe that life begins at conception and the life of an unborn child should not be terminated.  But, this concept will also influence our relationships with all others and views on the moral issues of the day.  If we respect life - all life - then we will develop a sense of compassion consistent with the view of Scripture.

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The Bible tells us that we are created by God in a unique manner, and each human being has the mark of God, bearing His image. Psalm 139 states:
13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

In the realm of genetics, the future is now, and it is certainly scary.  The Daily Mail reports that recently, scientists "used gene-editing to cut out DNA from a fertilised egg. The embryo then repaired itself, replacing the mutated material with healthy cells."

The story reports that: "The technique worked on three quarters of the 58 embryos it was tried on. It has the potential to revolutionise medicine and could lead to the eradication of inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis and breast cancer."

Of course, this development does not come without warning, with some expressing concern that "it might also open the door to ‘superior designer babies’, with genes modified to improve physical appearance, strength or even intelligence."

The article states:

The breakthrough was led by scientists from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland using the gene-editing tool Crispr-Cas9, which works like ‘molecular scissors’.

In the study, the embryos, none of which were allowed to live beyond 5 days, possessed a mutant gene which causes heart failure later in life, such as in the case of a 23-year-old soccer player.  The article says:

At the time of fertilisation, they applied the gene-editing tool that acts like a pair of precisely targeted genetic scissors.

Once the defective elements of the gene had been snipped away, the embryo’s own cellular repair systems replaced them with healthy versions.

The researchers reported that 42 out of 58 of the embryos had been correctly fixed so that they no longer carried the heart failure mutation, which normally has a 50 per cent chance of being passed on and can lead to sudden death.

The Daily Mail provides this analysis:

This raises the prospect of genetically engineered ‘superheroes’ made to be more athletic or extra intelligent at the request of parents.

Scientists say that designer babies are a step closer following the breakthrough. But the researchers have edited only a single gene so far, using a technique which has still to be proven to work in babies rather than just embryos.

The article sidebar does point out that "Traits such as intelligence and strength are determined by multiple genes, meaning superhero children are not likely to happen soon."

Of course, that doesn't mean they won't quit trying.  Also, since the embryos were destroyed in the process, that already raises pro-life concerns.

John Stonestreet actually commented on this type of activity in a Breakpoint commentary last year. Responding to a Nobel Laurete's description of the possibilities as "really exciting," Stonestreet says:

And another word for it would be “troubling.” Not because using technology to potentially prevent serious illness is a bad thing, but because of the historically proven reality that we most likely won’t stop there.

He contends: "While we can all get behind eradicating terrible genetic disorders like Tay-Sachs and Cystic Fibrosis, the fact remains that 'editing out inheritable traits from the human population' is in fact what the eugenics movement was all about."

It has been dubbed "newgenics" by Edwin Black, according to Stonestreet, and:

Scientists like the Nobel Laureate Joshua Lederberg and evolutionary biologist J.B.S. Haldane maintain that what Haldane called “positive eugenics” was different because “No living person would be eliminated from the gene pool.” Instead, “society could guide human development by eliminating negative traits and encouraging desirable ones through genetic engineering.”

Phrases like “no living person,” “negative traits,” and “desirable [traits]” strongly suggest that the sanctity and dignity of all human life doesn’t play much of a role in “newgenics.” “Positive eugenics” is at odds with the idea that there’s “a moral, social and physical advantage in allowing diversity to flourish within the human gene pool.”

 Ray Bohlin of Probe Ministries warned back in 2000 that:

What should concern us more than the advent of biotechnology is the growing popularity of a totally secular and naturalistic worldview. Naturalism contends that humans are just complicated animals. The end result of this assumption is that ethics becomes an exercise in simply determining what works, not what is right.

Biotechnology is powerful, indeed, but we cannot put the genie back in the bottle. Therefore we must engage the discussion as to how this technology can be used to cure disease and not become another snare to degrade and dehumanize people’s lives.

I would contend that this sounds like that people are attempting to play God by manipulating the genetic code of a human being.  Bohlin addressed this in his piece:

For some Christians, however, the notion of playing God carries a pietistic view of God’s realm of activity versus that of the human race. In this context, playing God means performing tasks that are reserved for God and God alone. If this is what genetic technology does, then the concerns about playing God are justified. But what is often being reflected in this perspective is that God acts where we are ignorant and it should stay that way.

He adds, "The point was made that technology itself is not evil. Any technology can be used to further God’s purposes or hinder them. People make those decisions, not technology."

There are plenty of implications of the use of technology, with seemingly good effects possible, but one that can be used to attempt to supersede the role of God.

For one thing, if you believe life begins at conception, then you have to be troubled by the nature of this experimentation.  Because these embryos who are the "subjects" of these experiments will have no future - in the study I referred to, all lost their lives.  Research is one thing; if it leads to genocide, then it is unacceptable.

Stonestreet and Bohlin point out that the nature of the research is determined by the worldview of the people conducting it.  This is critical to note, because scientific discoveries may face ethical challenges; technology can be used for good or evil - we have to be discerning about matters of worldview before we rejoice about advancements. Technology can be used for God's purposes or to further humanity or it can be used for counterproductive activities.

A huge consideration here:  If you agree that each of us as "fearfully and wonderfully made," then you have to reason to what extent one should attempt to manipulate the genetic code of a person.  Sure, there will be health advances that can be beneficial in treating disease and improving the effects of disabilities.  But, there are concerns that must be addressed before we cross the line into trying to override God's handiwork and to perpetrate humanity's harm - we musn't "play God;" rather we submit to His principles.

The Lamp

In 1st John 2, we can read some words of caution about how the things of this world and a love for them can negatively impact our lives:
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

What we allow to influence us can determine the way we think, the worldview we develop, and how we interact with God. There are three components highlighted here - the lust of the flesh, of the eyes, and the pride of life.  You could say that if we have a strong desire for the things of the world, our desire for the things of or ways of the Lord will be diminished.  We have to guard those gateways to our soul - our eyes and ears, so that we are resisting what the enemy would use to hamper or destroy our walk with Christ.

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In Matthew 6, Jesus taught about the influences that can make an impact on our soul. Verse 22 was referred to on national television by a famous actor recently.
22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.
23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew McConaughey has received quite a bit of media attention these days, since he does have a new movie in theaters called, The Dark Tower, in which he co-stars with Idris Elba.  (Plugged In gives the PG-13 movie 2-1/2 out of 5 for family-friendliness.)

And, from a faith perspective, there have been a few intriguing comments that have emerged.  What he said on Good Morning America has received some coverage on Christian media outlets.  One of them, Christian Today, reported:

The 'Dark Tower' actor said on Good Morning America that he and his wife's choice of name for their son was influenced by the Bible and particularly his favorite verse Matthew 6:22 - 'The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.' (NIV)

'Levi's another name for Matthew in the bible,' the 'Dark Tower' actor said on 'Good Morning America.' 'We had talked about possibly Matthew, Jr. if he was a boy. And my favorite [verse] in the bible is Matthew 6:22.'

Levi is now nine years old, and that name was one of seven choices.  But the story says, "In the end, they settled on Levi because the numbers in the verse perfectly lined up with the time of his birth - 6:22am.

Interestingly enough, this incident may have occurred before McConaughey made a renewal in his faith walk.  Levi was born long before Matthew and now-wife Camila Alves were not married until 2012. That verse, Matthew 6:22, is engraved on his wedding band.

The article states:

McConaughey previously admitted to drifting away from his church roots when he became famous and even stopped going to church altogether after finding super stardom in Hollywood, but later he found his way back - all thanks to his wife Camila's faith. 

There's a link to another Christian Today article that provides some context.  That piece says:

Just before the couple said "I do," they made a vow. "Let's go make a covenant, with you, me and God," McConaughey told his soon-to-be wife.

Also, Matthew "said fatherhood made him 'more compassionate' and made him instinctively know what's important in life," according to the article, which stated, "Having children brought McConaughey back to church, and he now attends a non-denominational church in Texas."

He made reference to God in his acceptance speech for the Oscar for Best Actor in 2014.  He said, "First off, I want to thank God, because He's the one I look up to."  He also referred to God as someone who could "answer all his questions" and "who has a hand in all of this miracle we call life, which I believe is a miracle."  

Well, it does seem that the light of the world is illuminating the life of this A-list actor, and he is taking the opportunity to refer to Scripture.  To go on Good Morning America and discuss his favorite Bible verse and how it influenced the naming of his son is a refreshing change.  It can remind us of how sometimes we never know how God is working in a person's life, something I like to say consistently.  

And, to have a high-profile person acknowledge that, I think it can challenge us to be willing to discuss matters of faith openly.  This strikes me as a very matter-of-fact story; and that really could be what our testimony is, just telling people what God has done in our lives.  

We can be encouraged as we think about times when we have seen God show up - sometimes it's in the everyday, the routine.  Sometimes it may be in a supernatural, unexplainable way. The time of birth for McConaughey's son, for instance. And, perhaps when those other-worldly things occur, we can stop and think that it could be the hand of God.  He works outside the realm of our comprehension and brings an awareness of His presence into our sensical realm.  We can expect God to do things that we as mere humans cannot understand.

Grow

We have the love of God that operates in our hearts - we know that He has loved us, we have received that love if we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, and now we radiate that love to the
world. Romans 5 states:
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We are called to be containers of the love of God - He has chosen to live in our hearts by the Holy Spirit; we have received Him into our lives and we can know His unconditional, unfailing love...it is so important that we recognize His love for us.  We are also called to be carriers of the love of God - ready to share that love with the people whom God brings our way.  His compassion is resident in us, and we are not to keep it to ourselves - He wants us to give it away, realizing that He is the supplier of unlimited resources to minister to people in His love.

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Our ability to touch others is related to the way that we view them - do we regard unbelievers or unchurched people as folks who have potential to come into a knowledge of God through Christ?
That's the gist of this passage from 2nd Corinthians 5:
14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;
15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.

There are "compelling reasons" to plant churches, according to a new survey released by Leadership Network in association with Portable Church.  The opening sentence of a press release posted on the Christian Newswire website, states:

People who attend churches or multisite campuses started in the last 5 years are 52% more likely to invite friends and family to "consider faith in Jesus Christ" than at any other time in the life of the church.

Warren Bird, research director at Leadership Network, is quoted as saying, "This news, which we call the '52% factor,' offers a compelling reason for churches to do the work necessary to launch a new church or campus—because the spiritual payoff is so strong."

The study actually points out 8 new reasons to start churches, and the summary states:

• A solid quarter (26%) of the new churches or campuses surveyed estimate that half or more of their people are, in a typical month, inviting others to consider faith in Jesus Christ.

• Almost half (49%) said that, for unchurched individuals being invited, the type of facility doesn't matter, in terms of whether it's portable (involving weekly setup and tear-down) or permanent (a facility available 7 days a week).

There is a one-page infographic available through the Leadership Network website that highlights 5 compelling, "new" reasons to start a church.  These include:

More Millennials.  In reaching this next generation, it's noted that most attenders in new churches or multi-site locations launched in the last five years are 35 years of age or younger.

More Outreach.  That's the 52% factor - those attending these new churches are more likely to invite people to experience Christ.

More Engagement.  Members of new churches are 31% more likely to volunteer to serve.

More Growth.  During the first 5 years of a church or site, locations grow 170% faster than the average of subsequent years.

and...

More Financial Resources.  Because more people are coming, the cost per attender is generally lower during the first five years.

That does makes sense, when you consider the numbers - new churches or new sites will no doubt grow at a greater rate, because they're starting from scratch, but the survey of 1600 respondents does illustrate the dynamics of outreach.  Let's consider a few things:

It's hard to argue against the fact that new things often attract people  - consider the opening of a new restaurant or store.  When something is new, people want to check it out; the problem does come in sustaining that entity once the initial excitement wears off.   So, a new church can generate awareness, but it's critical to have a plan to sustain that initial spike.  That's probably a different discussion for another time.

But, we know that passion will lead to distribution. This survey shows some tangible ways that more people can be reached, and apparently they are more excited to reach others...the 52% factor. We should be concerned with the growth of the individuals that come, but we also realize that the more people who connect with the people of God with the church, the greater number will perhaps come into fellowship with Christ and His body. And, the church becomes more effective.  And, we know that we need to have a greater impact on our culture.

So, all in all, we can be challenged to evaluate our own individual outreach.  God brings us in contact with people regularly - we can be compelled to love and propelled to think about how we are communicating Christ to them.  We have the capacity to radiate hope to a world that is looking for answers and for satisfaction; we are the carriers of their solution.

Games People Play

The apostle Paul clearly understood the importance of unity in the advancement of the Kingdom of God. In Philippians 2, he stated:
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

God calls us in the body of Christ to be in unity with one another and teaches us the concept of being part of a body, in which Jesus is the head and we function according to the gifts with which He has entrusted us.  We are called together in community with commonness of purpose, to think clearly about the ways of God so that we might fulfill His call in our lives.  We are called to be unified, not uniform, as it's been said, and we can appreciate our differences, recognizing that each of us has a role to play in God's wonderful plan.

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In Ephesians 4, after being instructed to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," Paul writes:
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

It really is too bad - a night of nostalgia that was scheduled for this Friday in Montgomery, featuring legendary game show host Bob Eubanks, has been cancelled, according to the Montgomery Advertiser.  The production of Hollywood's Greatest Game Shows didn't generate an acceptable level of ticket sales, even though there would have been a million-dollar pyramid at the end.

Meanwhile, the Montgomery Biscuits, who snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Chattanooga Lookouts last night with a 6-5 victory, are gearing up for Game Show Night, paying tribute to classic game shows on Thursday.

And, prime-time television has had a pretty good share of game show revivals, as well.

Not only are those TV game shows experiencing a revival, but a host of board games are also seemingly gaining in popularity, according to a piece on the USA Today website.  The article reports that: "Sales of hobby games — a complex and strategic variety of board games — in the U.S. and Canada grew 21% in 2016, says Milton Griepp, president of industry news outlet ICv2, topping $1.4 billion."  The story reports that "Big-name retailers" are "building on the trend."  Plus, places to play are "popping up."

The article states that:

BoardGameGeek, an online forum dedicated to board games of all types, recorded 9.5 million unique visitors in the fourth quarter of 2016, a 10.7% increase over the same period in 2015, says W. Eric Martin, a news editor for the site.

The board games section at Gen Con, a national gaming convention taking place each August in Indiana, currently makes up more than 5,000 of the convention’s 19,000 events, says Gen Con spokesman Jake Theis. Hundreds of new games are introduced at Gen Con each year.

Theis said, "Board games are becoming more mainstream,” adding, “They’re part of our pop culture, part of our families’ DNA.”

Paul Booth of DePaul University stated, "There is something very human about sitting around with other people for an extended period of time and all working together on something,” adding, “You could be competing or cooperating, but you’re all focused on the same thing.” 

Another USA Today piece highlighted some newer games and their similarities to classic games, such as Ticket to Ride, which is similar to Monopoly, except you are dealing in trains rather that property. There's Codenames, which is likened to Clue, in which two teams work together to try to make contact with spies, known by their code names.  And Kingdomino has some similarity to Sorry! and uses, yes, dominoes, with a "kingdom-building twist," according to a caption for a picture in the article.  

Speaking of dominoes, congratulations to the winners in the recent World Championship Domino Tournament, which was held again this year in Andalusia!  It's the second weekend of July, so you have a year to develop your domino skills and get in the game.

This article about board games can help us to think about several aspects of activities that are consistent with how we operate in the body of Christ.  

For one thing, participating in this or other activities together can build a sense of community. Family game nights can bring a time of bonding.  There was a church small group I am aware of that had a game night, which also featured a time of Bible study.  The operative word here is togetherness. Like Dr. Booth said, it is "human" to be together and be "focused on the same thing."  We can look for opportunities for believers to come together and foster our sense of community.

So we move from the realm of games to the realm of real life and how the body of Christ is supposed to function.  In community, we can develop commonness of purpose.  We have to really cement the concept of teamwork and pull together for the same goals - the ultimate goal being to glorify God and further the work of His Kingdom.  And, we can accomplish more collectively than individually.

Board games can help produce clarity of thinking, certainly.  In a spiritual sense, we need to develop that clarity as believers.  He wants us, according to Philippians 4, to train our minds to think consistently with truth.  Isaiah 26 reminds us that His peace comes as our minds are fixed on Him. And, 2nd Corinthians 10 deals with pulling down strongholds.  Now is the time for sober- and clear-mindedness as believers, not distracted by the philosophy of this world or deceived by the devil.

Reversal

There's a warning to each of us in 2nd Timothy 3, a passage that can inspire us to not only identify sinfulness in culture, but in our own individual lives:
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Certainly we can read that list and lament over these sins that will proliferate in the "last days."  But, we can also use these verses as a plumb line or measuring stick for our own lives.  We can seek to identify these errant attitudes and activities that are disobedient to God, confess them as sin, and humble ourselves before God, releasing the Holy Spirit to cleanse us and to correct our path.  God did not send His Son to make us feel better about ourselves; no, He has come to show us how to die to ourselves and take His identify upon ourselves.

+++++

In Isaiah 5, we see a warning against confusion over what is right and wrong, and encounter a
passage that provides clarity in the area of sinfulness:
18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity, And sin as if with a cart rope;
19 That say, "Let Him make speed and hasten His work, That we may see it; And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, That we may know it."
20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!

Well, there seems to be a whole new definition of "wickedness" that's floating around, thanks to an article in Rolling Stone magazine.  In a culture of moral relativism, where the lines between good and evil, right and wrong have been blurred, the clarity of what is "wicked" has been expressed in this way, according to an analysis at The Federalist website:

'The wicked’ is anyone who stands in the way of progress on equal rights for LGBTQ people: politicians, activists, lawyers, some people of faith, and plenty more with no religious affiliation whatsoever.

That's actually from a follow-up analysis by Bre Payton at The Federalist, who had been chided by the author of the original Rolling Stone article - a profile of wealthy gay donor Tim Gill, who has been known for donating millions of dollars to promote pro-homosexual causes. In the original article, Gill had been quoted as saying: "‘We’re going into the hardest states in the country,’ he says. ‘We’re going to punish the wicked.’"

Payton contends that indeed this vitriol is directed at Christians, who hold to a Biblical view of sexuality:

Ah, so “the wicked'” whom Gill says need to be “punished” are indeed Christians, as well as everyone who agrees with them. Anyone who stands up for a Christian’s right to live in accordance with his or her religious beliefs will also be targeted for harassment in public and the legal system. Further, he clearly defines “wickedness” as adhering to centuries-old Christian (and Jewish and Muslim) beliefs on human identity and sexuality. To Gill, orthodox Christian beliefs comprise “wickedness.” Thanks for clearing that up.

The activities of the so-called "wicked" are outlined here, in a quote from the Rolling Stone rebuttal:

‘The wicked’ refers to the lawmakers who, in response to the Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell decision legalizing same-sex marriage, have introduced dozens of so-called religious freedom restoration bills that would give legal cover for individuals and businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ people.

Payton offers some insight into these religious freedom restoration bills:

They are not, as liberals and those in the media like to paint them, bigoted, anti-gay pieces of legislation, nor do they legalize discrimination. As Sean Davis explained, these laws simply ask judges to use a balancing test when ruling on religious freedom cases.

Davis explains in an article at The Federalist website that "the government may only substantially burden the free exercise of religion of a person or organization if the government 1) has a compelling interest to do so, and 2) is using the least restrictive means possible to further that compelling interest.

This will be something to perhaps watch when the case of Jack Phillips goes to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Phillips declined to provide a cake for a same-sex wedding ceremony in Colorado, and his actions have been ruled against by the Colorado Supreme Court.  This will be the first case of its kind to go before the high court.

Isn't it a strange reversal?  Now, actions taken by Christians in accordance with our deeply held beliefs, rooted in Scripture, are being called "wicked."  This raises an important question:  so who gets to decide?  There has to be some prevailing authority when you are dealing with morality.  We are trending toward mob rule - the majority gets to set the boundaries, but the morals and rules change depending on who has the power.   That is why we need objective authority - that is why the teachings of Scripture are so important.  We know what is right because God says that it is.

The progression is something that I have discussed with guests throughout the years - this particular sin, of homosexuality has attempted to gain tolerance for years.  It was once a play for tolerance - just let them live their lives, even if you disagree.  Then it was acceptance - they wanted to have their behavior accepted, or endorsed.  Then it became forced acceptance.  Now, we have entered the realm where the game is "punishment."  There are those, such as Mr. Gill, who want to punish the "wicked," i.e. those who do not gladly accept their practice of behavior that the Bible deems to be sinful.

And, there are those in the Church who too often have played along. That's why you have a dangerous and deceptive movement, even among so-called "evangelical" leaders and churches, that advocate LGBTQ "inclusion."  We have to be discerning about this type of philosophy that infiltrates the body of Christ.  Jesus is certainly "inclusive" - He invites all, but He calls people to come to Him on His terms, to change them - He has a clear definition of sin and wickedness, and loves people into a relationship with Him so that they may be set free from the power of sin, which leads to death.  Homosexuality is a sin; so are adultery, fornication, lust, greed, gossip, and slander. He prescribes that sin is dealt with through repentance, not with acceptance and bold proclamation. When we "own" our sins, we are not to trumpet them; rather, we come to Him in humility and allow Him to forgive and restore us.  We must identify sinfulness in the way that the Bible does and not shy away from calling out sin so that Christ's forgiveness might flow.