Staying True and Faithful

In a culture that promotes sexual deviancy - whether it is sexual activity outside of marriage, or infidelity, or same-sex marriage and sexual relationships, the propensity to break God's laws and violate His standards is all around us. We are called to uphold what the Bible teaches on marriage, and recognize that is an essential part of His plan for humanity. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:
4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

Well, by now you've probably seen the footage, captured on camera during a concert, featuring a man and a woman engaged in PDA - a public display of affection. The problem is - the two people were not married to each other and they were married to other people. It was an embarrassing expression of an extramarital affair.  

Now, culturally speaking, there is a dissonance here - after all, culture allows and even approves of a variety of sexual expressions, so it seems a bit hypocritical that some people, even those in entertainment culture, would take this couple to task for just doing what they promote.  But, by God's principles, this was certainly an inappropriate act, and the fallout has been severe for the couple.

Axios provided coverage of what has occurred between the head of a tech company, Astronomer, and its HR person, stating:

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and chief people officer Kristin Cabot have been put on leave pending an investigation, per a source familiar with the situation, as their employer has finally broken its own silence.

The website stated:

• The company officially issued a statement Friday more than 24 hours after the story exploded, due in part to Byron's slow resignation and exit package negotiations, another source told Axios.

What they're saying: "Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding," the statement on X read.

• "Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly," it said.

And, how did Andy Byron's wife react?  The New York Post reported:

Andy Byron’s wife could end up a very rich woman if she decides to dump the alleged two-timer.

Thanks to Massachusetts’s 50/50 marital laws, Megan Kerrigan — who shares two kids with the now disgraced AI firm exec — could take home half of her husband’s millions, estimated to be anywhere from $20 million to $70 million.

The Bay State mandates those married for more than seven years must split any assets they built together, said matrimony and family lawyer Nancy Chemtob, a partner at Chemtob Moss Forman & Beyda.

“It’s obviously a long-term relationship,” she said of Byron and Kerrigan — who instantly switched to her maiden name on social media after word of her spouse’s kiss-cam canoodling with his company’s top human resources exec set the internet ablaze.

This shows what could happen if a person breaks his or her marriage vows.  And, is the outrage and all the Internet memes the result of a sudden shift to God's standards, or just due to the fact that the couple got caught?

Marriage ministry leaders Les and Leslie Parrott examined the fallout in a Facebook post:

We don’t often post on current events, but we’ve been asked this a lot today: why did that kiss cam moment at the Coldplay concert go so wildly viral?

Let’s start by admitting—it’s profoundly sad (real people were affected). But that sadness is disguised in viral packaging. Psychologically, what makes it so captivating is the clash: private pain revealed through a public ritual, triggering judgment, laughter, empathy, and shame—sometimes all at once. And the internet, with its insatiable appetite for real-time drama, pounces on that tension with unrelenting speed.

It’s a moment meant for romance (a kiss cam) that accidentally reveals betrayal. We’re wired to be drawn to raw emotion—especially when it spills out unexpectedly.

But beneath the viral buzz is a quiet truth: trust is fragile. And moments like this can remind us to tend to our own relationships with honesty, care, and commitment.

Viral moments fade. Strong marriages are built in the quiet choices no camera ever sees.

So, while some will ridicule Byron and Cabot and create memes, we can be challenged to think more deeply about the sanctity of marriage and the precious gift that God has given to us in our spouses.  We should not enter into or walk through our marriages with a casual attitude, but we should always seek to love our mates with the godly, unselfish love that He gives us the capacity to express.

We can also decry the culture that seems to be willing to accept anything when it comes to relationships. We should collectively, as the Church, be committed to building strong marriages and modeling what true Biblical faithfulness looks like. And, when the watching world looks at us, we can make sure it sees Jesus.

Calling on Heaven

When the Bible tells us to pray without ceasing, that is reliable instruction for us. So often, we try to work things out on our own without relying on the power of Almighty God. But, He desires for us to partner with Him, call upon His name, and see Him do incredible things. 1st Thessalonians 5 states:
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Recently, in our nation's capital, a select group of powerful people met to discuss matters of relevance for our country.  One top-shelf issue had to do with a major disaster that had hit a region of the state of Texas. The Washington Stand reports that, according to CBN, a member of the President's Cabinet prayed: “Father, we’re humbled by your grace. We’re humbled by your mercy. God, we surrender to you. Jesus, you are the great Redeemer...Lord God, as we work together as a cabinet … [we pray] that you would give us all the tools that we need to show up and support and help to rebuild and to restore.”

Those were the words of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, himself an ordained minister, as he prayed over the situation involving the deadly and devastating flash flooding in Texas. He also prayed: “God, we lift up the families that are mourning, that are grieving, those families that are hurting. Oh God, we pray for a peace that surpasses all understanding,” adding, “Those that are still there, that are alive — we pray that we would find them and bring them back to their families.”

In an interview with Tony Perkins of Family Research Council, Turner said this: “To be in the White House, to be in the Cabinet Room, and to pray is very humbling and a great honor,” adding, “President Trump has made it very clear that prayer is important, not just for the cabinet meeting, but for those who are in leadership and those in our country. … I’m so grateful to have a president who values prayer, who values faith in Christ and Christianity.”  Turner, as the article notes, also opened up the first Cabinet meeting in prayer.

As the writer of the Washington Stand article, Joshua Arnold, notes: "As with any authority, the primary task of a national government is to act for the benefit of those under its authority. The Trump administration has sought to do just that by responding vigorously to Texas’s needs. For instance, as HUD secretary, Turner has provided shelter, food, counseling, and family assistance in Texas, as well as offering rebuilding loans to those who lost homes in the flooding."

Another Washington Stand piece drives that point home - and stresses the importance of powerful partners.  He told Tony Perkins:

“[We’re] working with our local partners, the whole of government from a federal, state, and local standpoint, working with faith-based institutions to make sure that we’re serving people on the ground — those that are doing the search and rescue and those that have been impacted by the floods — to make sure that we’re providing shelter, food, counseling, family assistance,” Turner explained. “And so, HUD is here now, but we’ll also be here for the long haul. And when I tell you that we have a group of people that really care, I do mean that. And so, we’ll be here until the end to make sure that people's lives and homes are rebuilt.”

The article goes on to say:

Turner praised the faith-based organizations that have continued to respond to the floods. He also recognized their importance during the California fires and other natural disasters.

“[We’re] working with … nonprofit organizations also in North Carolina, like the Samaritan’s Purse and others who are working to serve people who have been impacted by these natural disasters,” Turner recalled. “I was speaking at a pastors’ roundtable there in North Carolina, where churches literally came together to feed those who [were] without food, to give water to those who are in need, to give clothing to [them]. One church even started a small bank to give micro loans to people to restart their businesses. And so, the faith-based institutions are the ones that have their hands to the plow and their feet on the ground, that are actually doing the work.”

Turner also directed HUD to provide foreclosure relief to hundreds of families devastated by the flooding. 

Our leaders need our prayers.  As Joshua Arnold noted at The Washington Stand: "Because God instituted government as a positive good, Christians are instructed to pray for governing officials."

We can be thankful for those who serve the public in our governmental entities.  There are Bible-believing Christians who do their work unto the Lord in the federal, state, county, and city government systems, and their influence is very important.  Some actually choose to support Faith Radio and other charitable organizations through their annual campaigns. 

It is always gratifying to see the government recognize the incredible capacity of the faith community to do powerful, life-sustaining work.  And, when the power of the Holy Spirit is unleashed in our communities, change can take place - in the area of medical, emotional, mental, and even spiritual arenas. We can consider how God might be leading us to serve others by plugging into and supporting organizations that love the Lord and love people.  And, here at Faith Radio, we urge you to prayerfully consider a much-needed, generous gift, in order that lives can be transformed.

Billboarding Truth

The Bible has much to say about our speech - we are to speak truthfully, in a manner that is constructive, and produces fruit for the Kingdom of God. We should always strive to speak in a way that glorifies our Savior, and the Bible warns us about the importance of taming the tongue. I believe these concepts extend to other forms of communication, as well, including what is written. This passage from Luke chapter 12 was included in my daily Bible reading recently - these are the words of Jesus:
8 "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.
9 But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.
10 And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven.
11 Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.

Chris Elston is a man who speaks the truth, so much so that he is known as "Billboard Chris." I interviewed him at this year's National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Dallas.  Alliance Defending Freedom International states online: 

Chris Elston (known as “Billboard Chris”) is a Canadian father of two. He is best known for wearing sandwich boards to express truths about gender ideology and spur conversations with people about these messages. It is his mission to speak the truth about gender ideology to protect his children and children around the globe by raising awareness of its harms.

But his mission—and his freedom of speech—saw a challenge in Australia.

This ADF International article goes on to say:

In February 2024, Billboard Chris created a post on X criticizing the World Health Organization’s appointment of Teddy Cook, a female who identifies as a male, to a global transgender policy advisory board. However, a complaint by Cook to Australian authorities ultimately led to the post being geo-blocked in Australia by the government eSafety Commissioner. Billboard Chris, with the legal support of ADF International and the Australian Human Rights Law Alliance, and alongside Elon Musk’s “X”, appealed the violation of his right to peacefully share his convictions.

Earlier this month, according to The Christian Post:

The Administrative Review Tribunal held a week-long hearing in Melbourne beginning March 31, where it reviewed whether the post constituted cyber abuse. This week, the Tribunal ruled that the Commissioner had erred in classifying Elston’s expression as abusive and formally set aside the removal order.

Deputy President O’Donovan, who presided over the Tribunal, cited Elston’s testimony at length. Elston had stated that he would not use pronouns inconsistent with a person’s biological sex, calling it “untrue” and arguing that doing so “has implications for the rights and safety of women and children.”

The ruling acknowledged Elston’s consistent use of sex-based pronouns as a reflection of his beliefs rather than a form of targeted harassment. The tribunal concluded that Elston’s post did not meet the statutory threshold for cyber abuse under the Online Safety Act and should not have been subject to regulatory action by the commissioner.

ADF International related:

Billboard Chris’s win is encouraging for two reasons:

• First, this victory sets a positive trajectory for free speech amidst a growing trend of censorship. While global and digital censorship are attempting to restrict speech across borders, this win is an effective pushback against it, setting an important precedent to protect free speech from encroaching governments.
• Second, it shows that ordinary people can make a difference. Billboard Chris, a Canadian dad, exercised his freedom of speech for positive change, meaning other regular citizens around the world can do the same. The right to speak freely is fundamental. When ordinary people like Billboard Chris are willing to take a stand, not only can their speech be protected, but this helps open dialogue to flourish everywhere.

It also notes that, "Billboard Chris’s win shows that free speech can be protected and thrive around the world when we stand up for our rights. As governments seek to widen their censorship laws, they can see Billboard Chris’s case as a reason to protect freedom rather than restrict speech."

I want to concentrate on those 2 items that the legal organization noted.  First, we recognize that there is an authoritarian trend, and there are those who desire to silence voices with which they do not agree. Under the guise of "misinformation" or the more serious and subjective charge of "hate speech," these true censors exalt their own point of view while denigrating voices that do not comply.  Those who speak Biblical truth can find themselves in the latter category.  But, we must be bold to speak truth anyway, despite possible negative ramifications. 

Also, we may think that we're insignificant and have nothing worthwhile to say.  That is a deception from the enemy.  Chris Elston shows us that an obedient man with an unusual method of communication can be used of the Lord to touch lives - after all, he stands on street corners with a sandwich board that relates God's view of gender.  We can consider how God can use us as vessel of His love and truth.

From Another World

He came to earth from another place; he humbled Himself so that humanity might be saved. Sound like a line from a movie trailer? Well, it's actually the essence of what has been called "the greatest story ever told." And, His story can impact our lives every single day. Philippians chapter 2 states that Jesus Christ...
...(6) being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

There is a movie in theaters about a man from another world who came to earth and went about doing good.  And, despite some early comments that the movie might suffer at the box office due to some woke comments from the director, Box Office Mojo reports that Superman is now north of $150 million at the American box office and over $250 worldwide. 

A Movieguide article, commenting on the pre-release buzz, noted:

“How woke is Hollywood going to make this character?” former Superman Dean Cain asked. “Why are they going to change these characters [to] exist for the times?”

Daily Wire’s Ben Shapiro released a video titled: “Superman is Going WOKE – You Know What That Means…”

To be fair, many of these comments feel justified given that SUPERMAN Director James Gunn said, “I mean, Superman is the story of America. An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.”

Gunn clarrifies, though, “On another level it’s about morality. Do you never kill no matter what — which is what Superman believes — or do you have some balance, as Lois believes? It’s really about their relationship and the way different opinions on basic moral beliefs can tear two people apart.”

Movieguide goes on to say:

“Ironically, the scenes with Superman’s father contradict the movie’s politically correct pro-immigration theme, which has been touted by Gunn and his movie’s star, David Corenswet, who plays Superman, in recent press interviews,” according to the Movieguide® review.

But the review also states: “In the movie, however, a twist reveals that Superman’s parents had some ulterior, negative motives for sending their son to Earth. Not only that, but it turns out that Superman’s positive values and compassionate instincts to help other people come not from his biological parents from a foreign planet but actually come from the American parents who adopted him! Thus, the movie actually reveals there are good reasons for people to be concerned about the impact that immigrants can have on their homeland. It also reveals that the American heartland has a culture that fosters good values in the people who live there and in the children who are raised there.”

That is a theme that is explored by Paul Batura over at The Daily Citizen, the news website of Focus on the Family. 

It wasn’t merely Superman’s geographic location that made him who he was – it was his parents, who instilled in him a moral compass. That foundation allowed him to utilize his powers for good.

That’s the beauty and gift of adoption. Only in real life, boys and girls don’t grow up to become superheroes, but everything else. Children otherwise destined to suffer and struggle in a broken and unsafe environment hit the proverbial jackpot when they’re welcomed into loving forever homes.

Mothers and fathers may not possess otherworldly powers or “leap tall buildings in a single bound” – but they still might be viewed as superheroes of a sort by children they might foster or adopt.

Superman might well come from another planet, but thanks to his mother and father, that planet became home to him. Rather than politicizing the Superman franchise, its director would be wise to highlight how adoption made Kal-El – and how it can also save and make children’s and parents’ dreams comes true.

Kal-El is the Kryptonite name of Superman.  Batura does point out:

Over the years, some have suggested that the Old and New Testaments helped inspire the Superman franchise, specifically likening Kent to either Moses or Jesus. It’s sometimes pointed out that the suffix “El” in “Kal-El” means “of God” or “voice of God.”

Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the strip’s original creators, were Jewish and were said to pull from some Old Testament heroes, but they didn’t have any spiritual agenda in doing so. Stephen Skelton, author of “The Gospel According to the World’s Greatest Superhero,” says Siegel’s main inspiration stemmed from the murder of his own father in the depths of the Great Depression and the world bracing for war.

Skelton noted, “They were looking for a savior figure they could relate to, they could envision, something to give them hope, inspire them..."

Movieguide also noted: "Despite what SUPERMAN’s crew may say the movie promotes, the message that shines through is one that celebrates a 'Strong moral pro-life worldview with a light redemptive tone promotes doing the right thing, compassion, justice, fighting and overcoming tyrannical evil, setting the captives free, and protecting and saving lives.'” Commentator Samuel Sey wrote, "Since it’s faithful to the Superman story, it’s subtly pro-life, pro-adoption, pro-fathers, pro-family."

When considering the Superman story, and specifically the new movie, it does seem as if these reviewers agree that there are positive messages consistent with Scripture.  And, these are messages that should be reinforced in our culture. 

These are messages that parents can teach to their children - these include, as Scripture teaches, putting the needs of others above our own and seeking to, as Movieguide relates, do the "right thing."  Even though we can become discouraged by actions and messages in our country today that contradict our Judeo-Christian heritage as Americans, there is still an innate search going on for home and meaning in life.  A relationship with Jesus Christ can provide the hope they're looking for. 

We can place our trust in the One who is not of this world, but came to earth to seek and save the lost - that's you and me - and to instill His hope in our hearts.   

Proud To Be an American

As we have left our annual celebration of Independence Day in the rear-view mirror, I think it's important that we consider what it means to be a Christian living in America: how we are to regard our country and how we can be faithful citizens in the Kingdom of God while recognizing that God has placed us in the United States for His purpose. I think of the words of the apostle Paul in Acts 17:
24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'

At the end of June, there was an article that ran at the Newsweek website.  It reported:

Only 58 percent of Americans reported feeling very or extremely proud of their country, according to a Gallup poll conducted from June 2 to June 19. That's the lowest point since 2001, when the pollster began asking the question in its surveys.

The article went on to say:

That drop is largely fueled by Gen Z voters, only 41 percent of whom said they are proud to be an American in an average of polls from 2021 to 2025. This compares to 58 percent of millennials, 71 percent of Gen X, 75 percent of baby boomers and 83 percent of the Silent Generation.

The article quotes Jeffrey M. Jones of Gallup, who said, "At the beginning of the 21st century, U.S. adults were nearly unanimous in saying they were extremely or very proud to be Americans. But that national unity has eroded over the past 25 years due to a combination of political and generational changes." And, that's a problem, according to Costas Panagopoulos of Northeastern University, who stated: "It's quite worrying in part because America is what it is because of our ability historically to come together as a nation to solve national and even global problems. And if we cannot unite as a country to do that around our identity as Americans, it is problematic."

The same day, FoxNews.com published not only a story about the Gallup poll, but an article about its own Fox News poll - interestingly enough, the headline result was identical. The article stated:

Fifty-eight percent say they are proud of the country. That’s up 13 percentage points since June 2024 and the highest since 2011 when a record 69% were proud. By contrast, 41% are not proud. The survey was completed before recent events in the Middle East, including U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and President Donald Trump brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

80% of white evangelical Christians indicated that they were proud of their country. 

Pollster Daron Shaw noted: "Although pride in the U.S.A. seems like it should be above partisan wrangling, that’s only partially borne out by the data..."  

The Fox poll also found:

A 68% majority of voters also agrees the U.S. is the best country in the world to live in (30% disagree). While that’s roughly where sentiment has been for the last four years, it doesn’t match the 8 in 10 who felt the same in 2015 (83%) and 2011 (84%) when the question was first asked.

But over 8 out of 10 expressed concern over the country's future. 

Two surveys, same results, different reference points on the major headline: almost 6 out of 10 people are proud to be Americans. 

Believers in Christ are not citizens of this world - we are part of a heavenly Kingdom.  And, where our Kingdom mentality intersects with the earthly kingdoms, nations of the world, we can find room for God to work in our lives.

So, we can recognize that we have been placed here by God.  And, we can rejoice in our God-ordained location. I believe He wants us to be good stewards of our role as residents of this nation, as well as our state, county, and city, if that's applicable.  It is certainly appropriate for Christians to express love for and even gratitude for our country, but we must always remember to love God first. 

Because of the calling placed on our lives, we have opportunities to serve the Lord in civic life.  We can certainly pray for our nation and pray for its leaders.  We can remember the Biblical principles upon which our nation was founded, including freedom to practice our faith, and we can be thankful.

And, out of that thankfulness, we can look for ways to be salt and light, to integrate the principles to which we adhere into the direction of the political sphere.  We can vote according to the dictates of our conscience, informed by the Scripture, and exercise our Christian and civic duty to select candidates who best reflect our deeply held beliefs.  We can reach out to lawmakers and those involved in the realm of policy in order to influence their decisions, and pray that they would receive and exercise godly wisdom.  We can be devoted to bring our heavenly citizenship into our earthly activities. 

Diminished Pride

In an age when people who celebrate immorality are extolled and those who don't are labeled as intolerant, we must believe the Scriptures. What God calls sin, we should to - and we should be determined to call out sin, not because we're being judgmental, but because, as I've noted, the most loving thing you can do for a person is to point out his or her sin. 1st Corinthians 6 states:
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,
10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

At the end of June, WORLD Magazine declared:

This year, many corporations scaled back Pride Month advertising, merchandise, and community events in response to pressure from consumers and the Trump administration. Experts and insiders say the shift reflects a broader corporate pivot away from taking open stances on politically controversial topics, although many Fortune 500 companies may continue quietly supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The article noted:

Merchandise displays at the Target in Johns Creek, Ga., this month featured American flag-inspired tank tops and baseball caps where, in recent years, customers may have instead encountered a rainbow flag–themed collection of cross-gender swimsuits. This year, shoppers looking for Pride Month merch would have had a harder time locating those items.

WORLD cited research from Gravity Research, stating, "...roughly 2 out of 5 corporations planned to reduce Pride Month engagement this year while zero respondents said they would increase it." Based on the article's reporting, it seems that after a increase in pandering to the LGBT crowd in the name of diversity during the early 2000's, the Dylan Mulvaney controversy brought the rush to diversity crashing down. As recently as 2021, "9 out of 10 major companies felt pressured to comment on social issues, up from 60% in 2016, according to the D.C.-based Public Affairs Council."

The article analyzed the Mulvaney effect:

Following a Bud Light boycott in 2023, prompted by the brand’s brief partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, parent company Anheuser-Busch may have lost as much as $1.4 billion in sales, according to some estimates.

When Target released its Pride Month collection in 2023, many conservative shoppers stopped buying from the retailer. In the second quarter of 2023, Target’s in-store and online sales dropped 5% and 10%, respectively. By that August, Target’s stock value had dropped 27% from the previous year.

Many executives now cite such consumer backlash as a reason for scaling back Pride Month engagement, according to the April report from Gravity Research.

The LGBT crowd has definitely overplayed its hand - and now it has been questioned whether or not the family-friendly Magnolia brand has sold out to a declining agenda by Chip and Joanna Gaines' decision to feature a same-sex couple on their latest television project; it's even been likened to a Dylan Mulvaney moment. 

But, the brainwashing of corporate America, albeit seemingly temporary, had led to greater acceptance of gay marriage and so-called "LGBT pride."  Now Americans need to be told that this was a passing fad - and the Church can double down on the Biblical truth of two genders and one type of "marriage."  There are even credible moves taking place to overturn the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell from 10 years ago - just 10 years ago.  Think about that. 

Now, the Church has to release itself from believing the lies that we should accept the LGBT lifestyle or affirm those who are intent to declare their same-sex attraction, without emphasizing the freedom that is offered through Jesus Christ.  In the name of "welcoming," we have to be careful not to affirm behavior that does not line up with Scripture.  Marriage is a basic building block of a healthy society, an institution ordained by God, and we must be vociferous champions of this incredible gift from God.

Nothing to Gaines

In an age of doublespeak and compromise, we can find that Scripture offers clarity. Some will rationalize and speak an abundance of words in order to justify a non-Biblical position. We must not try to approve of what the Bible does not. 1st John chapter 3 tells us:
4 Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.
6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.
7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

The year was 2016 - a couple that specialized in renovating homes and spotlighted their endeavors through an HGTV show called, Fixer Upper, encountered a bit of controversy.  At the time, Buzzfeed published this paragraph:

They are also, as they detail in The Magnolia Story, devout Christians — Joanna has spoken of and written about her conversations with God. (God told her both to close her store to spend time with her children, and then to reopen it a few years later.) Their church, Antioch Community Church, is a nondenominational, evangelical, mission-based megachurch. And their pastor, Jimmy Seibert, who described the Gaineses as "dear friends" in a recent video, takes a hard line against same-sex marriage and promotes converting LGBT people into being straight.

The article highlighed the Biblical views of pastor Seibert.  But, it posed this question:

So are the Gaineses against same-sex marriage? And would they ever feature a same-sex couple on the show, as have HGTV's House Hunters and Property Brothers? Emails to Brock Murphy, the public relations director at their company, Magnolia, were not returned. HGTV's PR department did not respond to initial emails and calls. Two days after this story was published, they released the following statement: "We don’t discriminate against members of the LGBT community in any of our shows. HGTV is proud to have a crystal clear, consistent record of including people from all walks of life in its series."

Well, fast forward to almost nine years later, and we have an answer, and yes, Chip and Joanna Gaines, in their new series on HBO Max, , have indeed featured a same-sex couple. And, Chip is on social media vociferously defending their position.

At the Crossmap website, Elizabeth Prata wrote:

Chip and Joanna Gaines are executive producers of “Back to the Frontier,” a Magnolia Network show which debuted July 10 featuring families living without modern amenities. Controversy arose over including a homosexual couple with surrogacy-born twins, prompting criticism from those who see it as an affront to the traditional values the Gaines’ claim to uphold, and a misleading portrayal of family.

She did not mince words when she turned the Gaines' words back on them:

No, Chip, we are not “loving this”. No, Joanna, it is not “family time” well spent. The broadcast/promotion of sodomite couples, the idea that you can rent a womb and take the children away from the mother, the notion that raising these boys in a homosexual home is OK, a home that according to many news stories frequently leads to pederasty…it’s all an abominable sin.

The Google dictionary defines pederasty as "sexual activity involving a man and a boy or youth."

The backlash against the Gaines in the Christian community has been strong, and Chip has come back strong, as well - and not in a good way.  He posted on X:

Talk, ask qustns, listen.. maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge 1st, understand later/never

It’s a sad sunday when “non believers” have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian

Prata responded to that post by stating:

I was glad to see @chipgaines respond to the controversy they have made, but disappointed. It's the usual answer when folks retreat into their sin: "everyone's so judgy", "everyone is so hateful", "listen and learn", 'be compassionate', 'let's love', 'God is love' and so on

Katy Faust of Them Before Us posted on X:

Can you "revere Christ as Lord" while normalizing a household where children will never be able to obey the 5th commandment because two men: - bought their genetic mother - rented their birth mother - are starving them of daily maternal love

It's not the Internet to whom you will need to give an answer, Chip.

This was posted in response to one of Chip's responses, that said:

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15

I really felt the hope, and gentleness and respect here..

You know, the Bible is really clear and really simple in so many cases. Franklin Graham had posted on Facebook:

I hope this isn’t true, but I read today that Chip and Joanna Gaines are featuring a gay couple in their new series. If It is true, it is very disappointing. While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God’s Word. His Word is absolute truth. God loves us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself sin.

So, this was not some act committed in ignorance; no, the Gaines made a decision to feature a same-sex couple with children.  This is wrong on so many levels, yet, in the eyes of Chip Gaines, the audience that he and Joanna had attracted, are the ones who are out of line.  Say it isn't so.  But, when you are trying to rationalize the promotion of sin rather than the unambiguous teachings of the Word of God, seems you have to resort to some name-calling and unbiblical virtue-signaling. 

We have to make sure that we are not allowing compromise to enter our activities and associations.  Do our practices demonstrate that we are compliant with the teachings of Christ?  Or are we willing to fudge a little - or perhaps a lot - in order to gain worldly acceptance or worldly gain?  Chip and Joanna Gaines are being called to repentance - they are rightly being called out and they have a choice to make.

Like we all do.  While we are called to love all in the name of Jesus, we are not directed to accept sinful behavior. And, as it's been said, the most loving thing we can do for a person is to tell him or her the truth.  That is what we are empowered to do.  We should always speak and act without compromise, and that can be done in a compassionate way through Christ.