Not Abandoned (Destination: Bethlehem, Day 1)

In Colossians chapter 1, we are told about what Christ has done for us, bringing us out of the domain of darkness into the realm of His light and love:
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

This can bring us great hope because we know that God, out of His great love for us, sent His Son to die for us so that we could be free from darkness and to walk in His Kingdom ways.  We have redemption - Jesus has given His life for ours, and in Him we can experience new life, forgiveness of sins, and freedom from sin's power.  Even though humanity was fallen because of the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden, God did not abandon His human creation, and we have become the beneficiaries of His redemption plan - in Christ, we can have hope!

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Hope.

We think of two people who had abandoned God, but the story wasn't over.

Adam and Eve had sinned, but God promised redemption for fallen humanity.  They threw away the pleasure of paradise, but God wasn't finished.  There were consequences pronounced for the man and the woman - and for the serpent, who tempted Adam and Eve to act against the will of God.

Genesis 3 says, beginning in verse 14:
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent: "Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

In verse 15 there, "Seed" is capitalized - this points clearly to the triumph of Jesus over the power of the enemy, even though he would attempt to defeat Jesus and bruise His heel, Jesus held the ultimate victory, defeating the power of sin and death.

On this year's Christmas "Advent-ure," I'm calling it, "Destination: Bethlehem," highlighting places along the way that can illustrate for us how God was working out His plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.

It's this message of hope that can motivate people to follow our Savior - the story of a loving God who did not abandon His creation, even though they rejected Him.

Bringing hope is the passion of two Atlanta-area women, who have developed the idea of "The Hope Box," inspired by the story of the Focus on the Family movie, "The Drop Box," telling the amazing story of a South Korean pastor who has provided a place, a drop box, for children to be placed rather than be abandoned.

According to a story on the 11Alive website, these two ladies are building an actual box inside a door, with a pull-down door that closes, where women can anonymously place their babies, who will, eventually, receive medical help and permanent homes. Sarah Koeppen, one of the founders, is quoted as saying: "Most of the time these girls (who abandon babies) feel they don't have another option, especially if they're scared for whatever reason..."  Sarah's nine-year-old son was actually dropped off at her door six years ago by a woman she did not know.

Co-founder Tiffany Turolla said: "Being that we are the number one state in America for sex-trafficking, there's a rise in women becoming pregnant through this and not knowing what to do with their babies."  She explains: "... from the inside, a member of our medical team will take the baby and assess the baby, make sure all the vitals are stable. From there we will place the baby into our nursery, where volunteers will take care of the baby." They will also call the licensed Embracing Life Adoption Agency, which is partnering with The Hope Box to find permanent homes for the babies. The Hope Box also has a hotline number.

What an amazing story and two ladies with a heart for those who are abandoned.

So, we now go back to our loving Heavenly Father and what He has done for us.  Adam and Eve sinned, placing humanity at risk of being separated from God forever.  But the story doesn't end. Their sin brought punishment, but the antidote for sin, promised through Jesus, brought hope.

So, we can be reminded of our condition - in need of a Savior, in need of hope; each of us.  But, God in His great love sent a Redeemer so that even when we make decisions that are not in accordance with His commandments, we can find forgiveness and redemption through Him.  The promise of forgiveness and a right relationship with God can bring great hope to us.  Now, we are not abandoned by God because of our sin - yes, we know that we are to confess those sins, but we can be confident that God will forgive and cleanse us.  We can place ourselves into the loving arms of Jesus and trust Him with our lives.

Giving and Thanksgiving

Because of what God has done for us through Christ, we can reach out to serve other people in His name, which produces thanksgiving toward Him. 2nd Corinthians 9 says:
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God...

We have been given so much in Christ - Ephesians 1 tells us that we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings.  And, it's important that we express our thanks to God - verbally, yes - and also through the way we serve.  If we love Him, then He gives us the capacity to love other people and to spread His love through service.  If we are thankful, then we can help to produce thanksgiving in the hearts of others.  We can be responsible, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, with helping to create an atmosphere of thanksgiving around us.

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In Colossians 3, I believe we can see the correlation between giving thanks and giving of ourselves:
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Tomorrow, we will take the opportunity to give thanks to God for His blessings on us.  We have been a nation that has been abundantly blessed, and we can search for ways individually to reflect on how perhaps resources we have been given can be used for the glory of God.

Perhaps we have excess in our lives.  How about plastic excess?   Did you know that, according to the non-profit organization, Plywood People, based in Atlanta, that 8 billion dollars in gift cards go unused every year?  

Jeff Shinabarger has been a guest on my program - he is the founder of Plywood People, and he and his wife, Andre, according to the ministry website, attended a gathering and asked 8 people how much money in unused Gift Cards they had with them and walked away with $50 in Gift Cards to help people in need.   The outreach of Gift Card Giver was born.  The site states that since its inception, they have given away over $200,000 to over 150 stories.

Some examples include:

Gas Cards matched with a family driving from Alabama to Boston for medical treatment.

Ice Cream matched with a children’s after school program.

Restaurants matched with non-profit volunteer programs.

Phone cards matched with women rescued from a trafficking situation, being reunited to their families.

Department Stores matched with a family of 12 devastated by a house fire.

The organization encourages people to have "gift card parties," where people gather, bring their cards, and play card games.  They have also designed gift card jars.

Excess.  Perhaps there are areas where you have too much...what a great opportunity to give!  And, to give thanks for what God has given to us so we can bless others.

This same website tells the story of Joshua Becker, founder of the website, Becoming Minimalist.  This effort was inspired by the simple task of cleaning out the garage.  Becker relates:

Our lives were typical: work hard, make money, spend it on the mortgage, fashionable clothes, nicer cars, cooler technology, and more toys for the kids. But when everything from my garage was piled high in the driveway while my son sat alone in the backyard, it was a conversation with my 80-year old neighbor that opened my mind to a new way of thinking. She said it like this, “Maybe you don’t need to own all this stuff?”

And that is the last statement my old-self remembers hearing.

A minimalist was born. Her simple question prompted a life-changing realization:

Everything I owned had not brought meaning, purpose, fulfillment, or lasting joy into my life. In fact, not only were my possessions not bringing me joy, they were actually distracting me from the very things that did bring happiness, purpose, and fulfillment into my life.

We immediately began pursuing a more minimalist lifestyle by removing the unnecessary possessions from our home and lives.

We started easy. We donated unworn clothes, unloved decorations, and unused kitchen gadgets. We eventually moved through our home room-by-room, closet-by-closet, and drawer-by-drawer. Nothing was left untouched. If it was in our home, it was evaluated.

Our mantra became, “Intentionally promote the things we most value and remove anything that is distracting us from it.”

Upon visiting that website, I found these words from Joshua:

...tell us on Facebook and Twitter how you intend to overcome consumerism and reclaim Thanksgiving this Thursday. Tell us about your holiday traditions or plans. Or simply express your gratitude by sharing with the world what you are thankful for this year.

With each tweet or status update, include the hashtag: #ReclaimThanksgiving.

It is an interesting topic, this whole matter of excess.  And, I have some thoughts for you on this Thanksgiving Eve.  First of all, no matter whether your excess has been gotten by greed or is the result of a seemingly benign accumulation of stuff, God can use what you have that you may not need in order to bless people in need.

And, our giving is a product, I believe, of thanksgiving.  If we are thankful to God for His blessings, material or intangible, out of a thankful heart, that can produce a desire to serve. Because we love Him, we want to serve and honor Him, and we can do that by honoring our fellow humans.

Finally, our generosity can produce thanksgiving to God.  2nd Corinthians 9 teaches that well - as we give - and let people know that we are doing what we do in the name of the Lord - we can trust the Holy Spirit to touch hearts and they can sense the love of Christ flowing through us.   Thanksgiving - yes, it's giving thanks to our Lord, but it's a time to give and lead others in giving thanks to Him, too.

Are You an Evangelical?

How are we saved?  How do we come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ?  Romans 10 teaches that it is a matter of our choice and acting on that choice:
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Belief...and action.  We believe in our hearts that God has raised Jesus from the dead, then we follow Him into confession.

Belief produces action...and that continues as we walk in discipleship.  We are called to practice what we say we believe.  If Christ lives in our hearts, and we have surrendered to Him and dedicated ourselves to full obedience, then what we say we believe will be expressed in a tangible reality that testifies to the presence of Jesus in our hearts and lives.  We say we believe it - He gives us the power to show it in and through our lives.

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Romans 6 teaches the incredible meaning of salvation, and highlights for us what it means to be "born again."  A few verses from that chapter now:
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

and...

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

There's a term out there to describe a group of people.  To some, it is a political subset, to others it is representative of a set of beliefs or perhaps even the practices of those who belong to it.  It is not a Biblical term, but it does characterize a certain approach to the Bible.  What's the word?

Evangelical.

Well, the National Association of Evangelicals and LifeWay Research have just released the findings of a 2-year study to define that term.   According to Christianity Today, the report defines evangelical by theology rather than by self-identity or denominational affiliation.

This new report identifies four key statements that define evangelical beliefs, creating what the article says may be the first research-driven creed.

Those statements are:

• The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.
• It is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.
• Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin.
• Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God's free gift of eternal salvation.

Now, these statements resemble historian David Bebbington’s classic four-point definition of evangelicalism: conversionism, activism, biblicism, and crucicentrism. But Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research, says that this list emphasizes belief rather than behavior.  He is quoted as saying, "Affiliation and behavior can be measured in addition to evangelical beliefs, but this is a tool for researchers measuring the beliefs that evangelicals—as determined by the NAE—believe best define the movement."

Scott McConnell, vice president of LifeWay Research, makes an important point - he said, "Identity, belief, and behavior are three different things when it comes to being an evangelical,” adding, “Some people are living out the evangelical school of thought but may not embrace the label. And the opposite is also true.”

Facts and Trends related that the report found that 41 percent of self-identified evangelicals fall outside the new definition of evangelical belief, and 21 percent of those who disavow the evangelical label have beliefs that actually fall within the evangelical definition.

For years, the definitive concept of what makes an evangelical was from the Barna organization, based on the NAE's Statement of Faith.   An article appearing on the Care Net website delved into the differences between the Barna 9-point definition and the beliefs of those self-identifying as evangelicals.  The article relates that compared to the 9-point evangelicals, those who self-identify as evangelicals are:

• 60% less likely to believe that Satan is real
• 53% less likely to believe that salvation is based on grace, not works
• 46% less likely to say they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs with others
• 42% less likely to list their faith in God as the top priority in their life
• 38% less likely to believe that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth
• 27% less likely to contend that the Bible is totally accurate in all of its teachings
• 23% less likely to say that their life has been greatly transformed by their faith.  

The article also says that:

The Barna research also noted that one out of every four adults (27%) who say they are evangelicals is not even born again, based upon their beliefs. (The Barna Group defines someone as born again if they say they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life today and who also indicate that they believe when they die they will go to Heaven because they have confessed their sins and have accepted Jesus Christ as their savior.)

These are all very good criteria for measuring our beliefs in the Scriptures and the practice of our faith, and I wanted to re-emphasize these new NAE/LifeWay standards.

Is the Bible is the highest authority for what you believe?  This speaks to our centering the development of our beliefs on the teachings of Scripture.  If we believe the Bible to be inspired by God, then we can regard it as the template for which we live our lives. 

Is it very important for you personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior?  Jesus has given His followers the Great Commission - to go into the world and the share the message of the gospel.  We have been entrusted with this "good news," that humanity was separated from God and He sent His Son to die for us so that we might be saved, that we might know Him.  If we have experienced that, then we be challenged to share that story.

Do you believe that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin?  We have to recognize the significance of what He has done for us.  We can know and accept the meaning of the cross, and have a working knowledge of that sacrifice.

And finally, do you believe that only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God's free gift of eternal salvation?  These is an exclusivity of the gospel.  Not all paths lead to eternal life - Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to God except through Him.  In an age where there are many who claim to follow a way that leads to heaven, the Bible teaches that there is one way.   To reject the claims of Christ is to place ourselves in disagreement with what He says - does a person really want to be in that space?   We have to be convinced that we are on the path that leads to life, following Jesus in salvation.

Honoring the Word

In Psalm 1, the writer creates a powerful picture that indicates what a life surrendered to the authority of the Word of God looks like:
1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

This is a picture of someone who has decided to allow the Word of God to govern his life.  We are called to come away from the things of this world and its ways and to devote ourselves to the reading of and meditation in Scripture, so that we can truly have a delight in the ways of God.  This comes as we develop a regular pattern of Scripture meditation, so that our lives will be grounded in truth and built on a firm foundation.  God's Word can show us powerfully the will of God and we can remain in the center of it as we absorb His Word into our hearts and allow the Spirit to direct our paths based on God's truth.

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In 2nd Timothy 3, we read about the incredible resource that we have in God's Word. It says:
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Today has been set aside as the International Day of the Bible.  It's a designated day that represents a collaborative effort between a number of Bible-centric ministries -  it's sponsored by the National Bible Association, and organizations like The American Bible Society, YouVersion, Bible Gateway, Scripture Union, and Bibles for the World are encouraging participation within their own communities, according to the International Day's website.

At noon local time today, in public or online, people were invited to take part by pausing for a few minutes to read or even sing Scripture or otherwise creatively express their love of the Bible.

Richard Glickstein, President of the National Bible Association, is quoted on the website: “We’re thrilled with the reception to the launch of International Day of the Bible so far and are encouraging everyone from faith groups to performing artists as well as business, sports, community and religious leaders to participate and share their appreciation via social media or in public at noon in their local time zones." He added, “Honoring God’s Word and asking Him to bless our nations and bring peace to the world is particularly apt in this period of great turmoil."

According to the National Bible Association's website, since 1941, starting with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, every US president has declared the week of Thanksgiving, National Bible Week. This has now expanded to an international effort.

A little history from the Association's website - in 1941, NBC, a leading radio broadcaster at the time, invited the founders of the National Bible Association to read the Bible on air all day on a particular day.  The leaders were also invited by the President to come to the White House and present him with a Bible. The day? December 7, the day of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 

The Association founders sent the President a telegram and told him that they and the nation would be praying for him and that of course they would not attempt to come to the White House. NBC called and told them that though they could not read the Bible all day on the air, would they come to the studio and read the Bible on air between the news reports about the disaster. That day, Americans heard the comforting words of the Bible as they contemplated the worst single day foreign attack on US soil in history.

Now, I'm not too thrilled with what appears to be an ecumenical slant on the National Bible Association - for instance, 2 of its trustees are listed as Mormons, and the designated National Bible City in 2013 was Salt Lake City, where a celebration was hosted at a local Tabernacle.  But, there are a number of Bible-focused, I would dare say, evangelical, ministries that are seizing this opportunity. And, I will admit that it's always great to be able to refresh and refocus regarding our commitment to God's Word.   So, today, let's be encouraged to renew our commitment to God's Word.

Four words for you on this International Day of the Bible:

Authority - as believers in Christ, I believe we have to be convinced of the preeminence of Christ and submit ourselves to the authority of His Word.  I believe that the Bible is inspired, infallible, and is the authoritative Word that should govern our lives.

Alive - the Bible tells us that the Scripture is living and active.  His Words bring us life.  The Spirit energizes the Word and makes it come alive in our hearts.  The Scriptures are more than just words on pages - properly applied, they can bring transformation to us.

Aware - but if we do not regard the Scriptures as alive and operate with an awareness of God's presence that activates that Word, then we cannot see it work effectively in our lives.  We have to increase our awareness of the verses of Scripture, the principles it teaches, and the power that we can derive.

Absorb - finally, the Word has to become part of us.  This comes through not only study of the Word and memorization of Scripture, but the careful meditation on it.  As God taught Joshua in chapter 1 of that book, we are called to meditate, to consider the words and principles and think about its reality in our lives.  How does Scripture address your actions, your decisions, today?  How can the Word work to reform your thinking?  God's Word can truly become part of us.

The Concept of the "Blank Check"

In Mark 10, we read about an encounter Jesus had with someone who wanted to know how to have
eternal life. Jesus answered:
19 You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.' "
20 And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."
22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Jesus penetrated the heart of this man, someone who had apparently done a lot of good things - he had kept God's commandments.  But, Jesus knew the man was holding back, he wasn't willing to totally surrender - and Jesus used the image in the latter part of verse 21 to "take up the cross..." Even before He died on a cross, Jesus was discussing the type of death that He requires from each of us - to lay down our lives and allow Him to have His way, to accept Him as Lord and Savior and continue to live a life of surrender and discipleship.

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In Luke chapter 9, Jesus used the image of a cross to signify total surrender to Himself. He taught:
23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?

When God gets involved in our lives, that means that Jesus will often change the course of our lives - as we take up our cross and follow Him, there may be some radical alterations along the way.

The author of the book, Radical, David Platt, spoke recently at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Global Missions Week, according to Baptist Press.   Platt is the President of the International Mission Board, and the article reports that Platt related that giving one's life as a "blank check" to God may seem like extraordinary devotion, but a commitment to go wherever God leads is the "elementary essence of what it means to follow Christ."

Platt underscored his meaning of a "blank check" by citing flooding in Yemen, fighting in Iraq and persecution of Christians in Pakistan from the day's headlines. He said, "To be clear,...when you say 'wherever' to God, you're saying I'll go and take my family to Yemen, Iraq, Pakistan. I'll go into the heart of ISIS. I'll go into Boko Haram territory of West Africa. I'll go wherever You want me to go.'"

Platt realizes such a commitment can be frightening, and he urged the audience to understand who the "Me" is in Jesus' "follow Me" commandment. Based on the initial chapters of the book of Matthew, Platt said Jesus is Savior; Messiah; Son of David; Son of Abraham; the center of all history; fully human; fully divine; light of the World; and a dozen other descriptors of His divinity. He said, "When you realize who He is, you realize the utter foolishness of putting any conditions on obedience to this King.... Followers of Jesus don't always know where they're going, but they always know who they're with."

Brent Kapps is an accountant, and he understands the concept of a "blank check" in the financial realm.  And, his family has now begun to experience it in the spiritual realm.  Baptist Press reports that he and his wife, Brianna, have offered their lives as "blank checks" before the Lord.

He is quoted as saying: "Our call is a call of obedience," adding, "We don't want to miss the opportunity to be salt and light wherever God places us."

Brent served at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC, for nearly six years, eventually becoming an associate vice president. The family will soon be working with the IMB, joining a team of workers who provide humanitarian aid and community development in areas of Central Asia left in shambles by years of war. Kapps will fill a need for an accountant for the team.

He said, "I want to show people that I am here because I love [their] country...We will be able to help serve vital needs and help the country rebuild."

This concept of offering our lives as a "blank check," to be used of the Lord, can communicate powerfully about obeying God in a sacrificial, yet exciting manner.   I don't know how often someone actually makes a "blank check" available, but if you were to do something like that - to have someone fill in the blank, you would want to make sure that it is someone you trust.

Well, we can totally trust God with our lives.  When we turn our lives over to Him, we are surrendering to Someone who loves us, who knows what's best for us, and who will take our lives and perform His will to His glory.   And, when we surrender all the resources from our spiritual bank account and allow the riches of heaven to be deposited there, it is certainly a transaction to works to His advantage - and ours.

So, we can be challenged to measure the extent to which we have surrendered our lives.  If Jesus is our Lord and we regard God as our Heavenly Father, then we can freely make ourselves available to be used for His glory.  We are weak, but He is strong.  We are insufficient in and of ourselves, we cannot save ourselves, but He is totally sufficient to meet all of our needs, and to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we ask or think.   He wants to write His story on the "blank check" of our lives.

Separation of Church and...Science?

In Psalm 89, we read about the majesty of our God, our great Creator, who is maker and ruler of
heaven and earth:
8 O Lord God of hosts, Who is mighty like You, O Lord? Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
9 You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them.
10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.
11 The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.

If we are convinced that we serve a great and mighty Creator, then that can determine how we regard ourselves - possessing inestimable worth in the eyes of a wonderful, loving Lord.  It can also influence how we see the world, how we view nature, through the eyes of the One who made it all. And, that can also impact our capacity to engage with science - even though a recent poll indicates a disconnect between religion and science, we can see that the Bible tells us about the One who established science and created nature.

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In 1st Corinthians 2, Paul contrasts the natural with the spiritual.  And, we can read beginning in verse 9, that he writes:
9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him."
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.

Even though the Bible has much to say in the area of science, and there have been, and continue to be, scientific discoveries that have been inspired and guided by faith, and that are compatible with a Christian worldview perspective, a new Pew Research poll finds that almost 6-in-10 Americans believe science and faith to be in conflict with one another. 59% say that science is often in conflict with religion, with only 38% saying the two areas are mostly compatible.

Not surprisingly, the least religious Americans perceive a disconnect between religion and science. Now, most American adults - 68% - say there is no conflict between their personal religious beliefs and science. But, for the 30% who do see a conflict with their personal beliefs, the most common source of disagreement involves beliefs about evolution and the creation of the universe.

Now, watch this - an analysis on the Pew website says that two-thirds of Americans (65%) believe that humans evolved over time.  About a third said that took place through natural processes, with about a fourth saying that human evolution has occurred with the guidance of “a supreme being.”   And, about a third say that humans did not evolve but have always existed in their present form.   But, if you combine the latter two, though, you could say that the naturalistic view of evolution is only embraced by a third of Americans.

Here's another area of concern - close to half of those surveyed said churches and other houses of worship should be not involved in science policy debates. Half of U.S. adults say churches should express their views on scientific policy issues, while 46% say they should not do so.  About two-thirds of white evangelical Protestants and black Protestants say churches should express their views. The survey also indicated that the religious differences of people do not play a central role in explaining their beliefs on a number of science-related topics.

I do think that there is a separation of church and science that is indicated here.  If there is a perception that science and religion conflict and that churches should not be involved in science policy debates, then you run the risk of separating out those who would inject faith into scientific discussion.   We should integrate our Christian worldview perspective into the way we think about a wide range of issues, and topics related to science are compatible with the Bible - after all, since we know the One who created the universe and set the laws of nature into motion, who knows intricately the details of all that has been created, we can gain insight into scientific matters by applying that Biblical point of view.

Fortunately, there have been scientists throughout the ages that did not separate their worldview from their approach to science.  Dr. Henry Morris is a creationist with the Institute for Creation Research. He writes that:

...many of the greatest scientists of the past were creationists and for that matter, were also Bible-believing Christians, men who believed in the inspiration and authority of the Bible, as well as in the deity and saving work of Jesus Christ. They believed that God had supernaturally created all things, each with its own complex structure for its own unique purpose. They believed that, as scientists, they were "thinking God's thoughts after Him," learning to understand and control the laws and processes of nature for God's glory and man's good. They believed and practiced science in exactly the same way that modern creationist scientists do.

He continues:

And somehow this attitude did not hinder them in their commitment to the "scientific method." In fact one of them, Sir Francis Bacon, is credited with formulating and establishing the scientific method! They seem also to have been able to maintain a proper "scientific attitude," for it was these men (Newton, Pasteur, Linnaeus, Faraday, Pascal, Lord Kelvin, Maxwell, Kepler, etc.) whose researches and analyses led to the very laws and concepts of science which brought about our modern scientific age. The mechanistic scientists of the present are dwarfed in comparison to these intellectual giants of the past.

And, a study released last year showed, according to a Christianity Today story, that 2 million out of nearly 12 million scientists are evangelical Christians. This was based on a study done by sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund and her colleagues at Rice University and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

It does concern me that there is a tendency society-wide to relegate Christianity and Christian ideals into a box.  It's that whole difference between "freedom of religion," as stated in the Constitution, and those who would espouse "freedom of worship," which commentators say indicates keeping religious practice in a box, in the four walls of the church, without having an impact on society.  And, we have to be so careful that we don't buy into that mindset - we have a living faith that proceeds from a living Lord, who desires for His ideas to be shared by His people to infiltrate and influence the culture.  So, when we see and hear people who would try to separate Christians from a role in shaping debate about a wide range of issues, we can be reminded that our worldview and our ideas are valid.

And that goes for the area of science - scientific research and findings published in journals point us to occurrences in nature; nature was created by the hand of God.  So, the Bible tells us about the heart and the operation of a Creator God who has taken great care in His creation.  The natural world was set in motion by the spiritual.  And, the spiritual world is much more real that what we can perceive by our five senses.  We can embrace the thought that the spiritual can impact, in a very powerful way, the limited natural world.

Like Jesus...

Jesus is calling us to follow Him, to walk with Him in salvation and then growing in our faith. Romans chapter 6 reminds us of the crucified life to which we're called:
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.

In order to experience the newness of life in Christ, we have to see ourselves as dead to sin.  Taking up our cross and following Jesus requires us to put aside selfish desires and accept our new identity in Him, as our lives truly belong to Jesus now.  That means we do not do what we want - it's not a matter of merely saying that we're trying to follow Jesus or to be a good Christian, but to surrender ourselves so that the nature of Christ is evident in a powerful way.

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God is calling each of us to the surrendered life, identifying with Jesus in His death, so we can walk in the new life He has provided for us. Paul writes in 1st Corinthians 15:
31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"
33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.

So, is there a pop superstar who is about to join the ranks of Christian music?  USA Today states about a current release that it "hits the coveted sweet spot of multi-genre appeal," saying that it has songs that would feel as at home on R&B, hip-hop and Christian radio as they would on Top 40..."

In a review of this pop star's latest album, Purpose, Plugged In says that this artist is "now at least trying to go a different way. Lead a cleaner life. Walk a straighter path." But, it warns, "There's suggestive content on it that clearly implies love and sex are still intertwined" for him.  It continues, "And that's not easily squared with his renewed proclamations about his faith."

So, if you're a parent of a fan of pop music, you certainly cannot expect a G-rated experience with the new Justin Bieber album.  But, Bieber attracts attention in Christian media, as well as secular, because he actually dares to address the subject of...God.

The website, Faithit.com, states:

Though he’s been trying to publicly reboot his image for a while now, he’s only recently released the source of his recent redemption: Christianity.

He’s ready to take off the mask and show the world who he really is…and who he wants to be like.

“I just wanna honestly live like Jesus,” said Bieber in an interview with Complex.

However, he affirms that religion is not the answer: “I’m not religious. I, personally, love Jesus and that was my salvation. I want to share what I’m going through and what I’m feeling and I think it shouldn’t be ostracized,” he said.

And, you have stories like the one that appeared on the Christian Post website.  It starts out by saying:

Justin Bieber is making news for statements he made in his recent Billboard interview, but it was what happened after the interview that caught our attention. The young pop star invited his interviewer to church with him where Pastor Judah Smith of The City Church in Seattle overtly preached the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As Bieber gears up to release his upcoming album Purpose on November 13, he has adamantly been bringing mainstream media on his faith journey with him during his promotional tours.

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/justin-bieber-church-billboard-magazine-judah-smith-megachurch-149356/#sEX167hOsy0YTWlv.99

As Bieber gears up to release his upcoming album Purpose on November 13, he has adamantly been bringing mainstream media on his faith journey with him during his promotional tours.

According to Plugged In, the title track of the album, Purpose, includes these lyrics: "I put my heart into Your hands/Here's my soul to keep/I let You in with all that I can/You're not hard to reach/And You've blessed me with the best gift/That I've ever known/You've given me purpose." In a voiceover at the end of the Deluxe Edition bonus track, All in It, you can hear, "And with God, it's like He's perfect and He never disappoints. So I just get my recognition from Him. And give Him recognition."

But the review points out the duplicity that Bieber still exhibits:

The sensual, suggestive, sleazy, some might even say criminal video for "What Do You Mean?" illustrates just how difficult it is for someone like Justin Bieber to extract himself—even if he might sometimes want to—from the sexualized entertainment industry he's still very much at the heart of.

The takeaways from this news about the new Bieber album and what is apparently taking place in his life spiritually:

For one thing, again - a parental content advisory.  Just because there's some spiritual stuff here doesn't mean that overall this is an acceptable product that is consistent with Christian values.

I think this saga also goes to show how difficult it is for someone who is steeped in the world of entertainment to make a clean break and walk in the path of the Lord.  Some have done it effectively, but it's tough.  And, I'm talking about authentic, holiness-centered Christianity.

There is evidence that Justin Bieber is on a search.  He has pastor Smith in Seattle who is apparently walking with him in his spiritual journey.  And, I think each of us can evaluate our own lives to make sure that were are seeking God with our whole heart and making progress.

But, we also have to ascertain if the progress we're making is the right kind.  Jesus spoke of bearing fruit.  So, we could talk a great game and put a God-stamp in our conversation, but if we're not allowing the Holy Spirit to live through us from the inside out, then we are living an incomplete story.  It's great to talk about "following Jesus," but we have to make sure we can effectively define what that really means - it has to do with more than just receiving His love; it means to completely surrender, to take up our cross daily, and to crucify the desires of the flesh and live in holiness.   We are called to give up ourselves, so that Christ might express His life through us and be our all in all.  That's the kind of spiritual progress with which He is pleased.

Stand in Prayer, Further the Kingdom

In the midst of the darkness of this world, we can continue to hold on to the light of Christ in our lives. 1st Peter 4 says this:
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Yes, we can have gladness, even when we are encountering trials.  In fact, that joy in the Lord can be a great source of strength and sustenance as we navigate the difficulties we may encounter.  There are challenging and even inexplicable events that may affect us directly or indirectly, and in those times, we can cling to the hope of something greater, more specifically, Someone greater, who walks with us in our adversity, through the fiery trials that may come our way.

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The apostle Paul was at the center of a struggle - between a heavy-handed government and the old religious order, and the newfound faith of the gospel of Christ.   And, he was someone who was persecuted, yet was emboldened by His walk with the Lord.  Consider these words of 2nd
Corinthians chapter 6:
4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,
5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;
6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,
7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left...

I want to continue to process the events that occurred on Friday in Paris.  While there are law enforcement and military operations that have been launched, perhaps the greatest counter-measure to the threat of Islamic State is spiritual in nature.  Yesterday, I highlighted the power of prayer, and I wanted to continue to go down that road with Ed Stetzer of LifeWay Research, who writes on the Christianity Today website to pray - and to love the hurting...

Though most of us are not in Paris tonight, we know that Christians are there, along with others, loving those who have lost so many. And, even from where we sit, we can love the French and "weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). It was the French newspaper LeMonde that said in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, "We are all Americans now." Well, today, we are all Parisians.

He also says that we should love our enemies.  He writes, "Sometimes it’s not enough to just give lip service to what we should be doing. We also have to commit to what we should be resisting. And on a night like this, there are at least three things we should NOT do as Christians."

Those three things are: 1) we should not hate, 2) we should not take out anger on refugees, and 3) we should not call for a war on Islam.  About the latter, he writes:

I've written extensively that I do not think that interfaith cooperation is helpful, but multi-faith understanding can be. I do not believe that Muslims and Christians pray to the same God and, as such, I believe that ALL people need Jesus, including Muslims, Hindus, and atheists. That's part of what makes us evangelicals.

I want to see Muslims come to Christ (as, yes, they want to win me to Islam). And, we can't do that by going to war with a billion people.

But, I would say that radical Islam has declared war on us - on our nation, as well as on Christianity. So, like it or not, we are in a war.

The Presidential Prayer Team reports:

CIA Director John Brennan said the attacks were just the latest signs of a "maturing external operations agenda" that Islamic State is "now implementing with lethal effect." He warned a standing-room-only crowd at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, "I certainly would not consider it a one-off event," and anticipated that ISIS has "more in the pipeline." House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (Texas) said there are active investigations concerning ISIS ongoing in all 50 states. Last month, FBI Director James Comey said there were 900 active investigations of ISIS operatives in the U.S.

So, prayer is encouraged in these areas:

• For Gods’ protection over America, and freedom from fear of imminent ISIS actions in the United States.
• For law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the U.S to apprehend ISIS operatives on American soil.
• That Americans would take the ISIS threat seriously.
• About bringing Syrian refugees into the U.S., and the vetting process.

I do not think we can ignore the spiritual dynamics of this war in which we are currently engaged.  It is not a war that we as Americans have pursued, but one that has been brought to us and to the world, because there is a group, driven by an extremist ideology, that wants to rule the world.

Mike Evans, the director of Evangile 21, the French branch of The Gospel Coalition, wrote, in a blog devoted to a number of prayer points in the aftermath of the attacks:

History is replete with reminders that the enemy’s unrestrained rage is the stepping stone for gospel advance. Recently, I read the moving account of countless Muslim conversions in David Garrison’s book A Wind in the House of Islam. Many Muslims cannot identify with the outrageous acts committed in the name of Islam, and this has been God’s sovereign means of drawing hundreds of thousands of them to faith in Jesus Christ.

Evans continues:

Death is suddenly real. Questions about evil abound in the face of unimaginable and indiscriminate violence. Now is the time to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ as never before.

So today, we can rejoice that God is doing an incredible work among the Muslim people.  And, as Evans points out, perhaps viewing the horrendous acts of those who claim the name of Islam is a way that those who reject such activities are being drawn into a relationship with Christ.   I would dare say there is a battle going on for the hearts and minds of people across our world today - there are many who are embracing the agenda of hate and world conquest that is almost inexplicably appealing to them.   But, there is a strong movement driven by Christ's agenda of love for the world that is in the world today.  We can be challenged to pray that God will continue to bring Muslims to Himself.

And, I cannot emphasize enough that there is a spiritual war in the earth.   With these headlines, as with so many others, it's important that we view these events through spiritual eyes.  There are those who adhere to the worship of a false god, one who is demanding and rewards hateful actions.  One who is a stranger to the compassion of our Savior.  The battle lines are becoming clear - while we declare what side we are on, we now have the challenge to act in accordance with what we say we believe, to serve wholeheartedly the One in Whom we say we believe.

Paris, Perspective, and Prayer

The words of Psalm 46 can help us focus on the power that is available through us in Christ. He is the One who will bring hope out of despair and strength out of helplessness. The first four verses of that Psalm say:

(1) God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

It can be a discouraging world, and we can experience being beset with hopelessness.  The tragedy in Paris can remind us that there is evil in this world, that there are those who attempt to do harm, even in the name of religion.   And, when there is loss that comes into our consciousness, we can meditate of God's comfort and be motivated to call on the name of the Lord, Whose truth can dispel deception, Whose light can overcome darkness.

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In the midst of despair, we can be embolden by hope in Jesus Christ, and that is an important message that we have been given. Hebrews 10 says:
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

The deadly Paris attacks continue to generate a host of emotions - concern, grief, outrage, to name a few.  In addition to the terrorists who died in the violence on Friday night, law enforcement are attempting to bring others who were involved to justice.  France announced air strikes on a central ISIS command center in Syria over the weekend.

In the aftermath of these attacks, and in light of the seemingly more dangerous situation that we face in the light of Islamic terrorism, you and I can be challenged to view this tragedy through spiritual eyes.

Baptist Press quotes the International Mission Board's top strategist for Europe, Mark Edworthy: "Some rush immediately to political or even ideological reasons behind the acts, but our workers understand the spiritual dimension of darkness in the world and the reality that violence can erupt anywhere and any time." He added that some would think the immediate response is that Paris needs to monitor more closely the whereabouts of known terrorists or some other "empty solution" to a very complicated problem.  Edworthy said, "But our workers have one driving thought: 'Paris needs Jesus.'"

Wendy Meador, IMB's prayer strategist for Europe, is quoted in the article as saying: "Please pray for the people of Paris, France and Europe in the coming days." She adds, "Ask for healing for those injured and comfort for those who have lost loved ones. Intercede for wisdom for those in authority as well as for citizens, as they react and respond to this situation. Petition our loving Father to fill grieving, questioning hearts with peace that only He can give. Pray for field workers as well as local believers as they reach out to the hurting and pray that many will place their faith in Him, as they seek hope after this crisis."

So, how can we pray in light of these horrific events?

American church planters Robert and Kathryn Baxter have been living near Paris since 1988 and are senior leaders of Le Bon Berger church, and the Charisma News website relates their specific requests in the wake of the Friday terrorist attacks:

We are praying for God's great mercy and compassion to be poured out on those who have lost a family member, friend, colleague. We are praying for this evil to be turned into a wave of salvation for the French.

God has told us that there are other terrorist cells active in France; and we are praying that they would be exposed to the authorities and dealt with adequately.

And finally, we believe God has called us to repent for the silence of the church as our society has slid into moral decadence. We believe that the "normalization" of immorality has destroyed God's protection over our nation. And He is calling us to repent.

On The Gospel Coalition website, pastor Scotty Smith of Christ Community Church in Nashville offered, "A Prayer of Lament in Response to the Terror Attack in Paris."  He writes, in part:

...Vengeance belongs to you, not to us. Make us warriors of peace and agents of hope. Our labors in the Lord are never in vain. The gospel of the kingdom will prevail. Defeated evil will be eradicated evil. The devil is filled with fury for he knows his time is short (Rev. 12:12). Make it much shorter, Father, much shorter...

He closes with this:

Grant us wisdom to know what loving mercy, doing justice, and walking humbly with you looks like in Paris, and in our own communities. Replace our frets and fears with faith and trust, and our rage and wrath with patience and courage. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ triumphant and grace-full name.

Today, I wanted to provide some emphasis on the importance of prayer in the wake of this tragedy in Paris.   We have to make sure that we recognize that the gospel provides the answer, the antidote, to this wave of Islamic terror.  So, we can be emboldened that there is quality outreach taking place to the Muslim world.

And, while it is very easy to become discouraged, even angry about instances of terror, the most powerful thing that we can do is go to the Lord in prayer and call on His power to be released in these desperate situations.  When we see crisis through spiritual eyes, we can recognize that the most effective tool to counter crisis and spiritual darkness.  We are in a war, it is a battle of good and evil, and God has given us powerful resources in order for His truth to go forward.

Who You Really Are

We have been adopted by God, brought into His family.  We have been called righteous and holy by
Him, and we have a right relationship with God the Father because of the finished work of God the Son, Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection. Romans 8 says:
15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
17 and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

We have to guard against the tendency to live on a level below what God has provided for us.  Yes, we are human, but we have been regenerated and energized by the Spirit. We are called to put off the old and put on the new - created to walk in righteousness, holiness, and victory.  We don't have to settle for less, when God's Word teaches us we have so much more.  We are children of God, we have a new identity in Christ, and the degree to which we embrace that can have a dramatic effect on what our lives look like.

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It is so important, and life-giving, that we know who we are in Jesus Christ - what God has done in making us new creations in Him. Consider these words from Ephesians 1:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

There's a new member of the animal family at the Hubbs family ranch in California, and he has gained a bit of attention on Twitter recently.

17-year-old Shaylee Hubbs rescued a calf, who is now around 2 months old. According to a UPI.com story, the calf, who has been named, Goliath, was small and weak when the family first took him in, but apparently Goliath now believes he fits right in with the rest of the family's pets.

The story says that Hubbs told ABC News: "I'm pretty sure he thinks he's a dog...He was raised with our three dogs, and he's around them every day. They chase and play together, he watches how they eat their dog food and drink water from their bowls and copies them and he even lays in their dog beds. He even loves scratches on his neck around his ear."

Goliath has developed a special relationship with the family's Great Dane, Leonidas, who has taught Goliath tricks such as sneaking into the house to have a seat on the couch. And Leonidas has shown affection for Goliath by licking him on the face and trying to nudge him to stand up. She added, "He would lick the little cow on the face and try to nudge him to stand up," she told ABC. "He would lay down with the sick, little cow for hours just to keep him company."

A picture of Goliath on a couch has received over 35,000 likes on Twitter and has been retweeted over 60,000 times.

I would say it's not clear where this may be going for little Goliath - maybe he will live out his true identity in the bovine class, or just keep doing the canine thing, at least in action, not biology.

This heartwarming story does contain some encouragement for us and even challenge today.

For one thing, for the Christian, we can be reminded of our true identity, as well as how the way we regard ourselves and the environment in which we live can either keep us on course in the pursuit of action consistent with that identity or get us off course in that pursuit.   If we don't have an accurate appreciation of who Christ has made us to be, then we are shackled in living the type of life that He would have us to live.  If we recognize that we have His new nature and that we have been made more than conquerors in Him, then that will drastically alter our viewpoint toward sin, righteousness, and a host of issues.  Who we are - and who we believe we are - will determine how we live.

In a more sobering sense, there are those that want to deny their biological makeup and pursue a course that is contrary to who God made them.   We are finding these days that people, because of the pain of their environment or deception related to their identity, are prone to deny who God has made them, rejecting the beauty of who they were created to be and pursuing other, more troubling paths.  As the church, we have to offer hope, healing, and truth to help people who are having gender identity struggles to accept themselves as who God created them to be.

Finally, we have to realize the human tendency to adapt to our circumstances and our communities.   If people are befriended or embraced by others in a positive, affirming way in the love of Christ, that can provide enormous security.  Our living out our true identity in Christ can play a major role in helping other people discover that.   Goliath is a cow who thinks he's a dog - he received affirmation by those around him and took up their characteristics.  May we remember that we are children of God and be careful about thinking otherwise.

It's a Red Cup; Just a Red Cup

In Philippians 1, we see where there were people who were emboldened to speak the Word as they beheld God's faithfulness in the midst of Paul's trial.  And, in troubled times, we can likewise be motivated to speak truth.  He writes:

14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will:
16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;
17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

There are sobering opportunities in which the truth of the gospel is needed in a clear and compelling manner.  The problems that we face as a nation, in our culture today, are overwhelming, and we need the wisdom of God.  We have been entrusted with the message of hope and given a set of principles, which, if we adhere to them, can be helpful in addressing  issues - whether it's economics, race relations, poverty, marriage, or life - God's Word provides effective solutions.

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In 2nd Timothy 4, we are reminded of our responsibility to speak truth to a culture that may not
receive it or live it out:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Uh-oh...here comes my favorite phrase again - you know, you hear it quite a bit this time of year, and it certainly doesn't send the message of keeping the season merry and bright.

Yes, it's that "War on Christmas."  I do not like the term, but it does describe a certain stance of the holiday celebrating our Savior's birth.  I would define this "War" as the removal of Christian symbols, expressions, or words during this season - we see it appear when choirs are no longer allowed to sing "religious" Christmas songs in school plays.  We can also recognize it when retailers do not use "Merry Christmas" in their advertising or deny their employees the chance to say "Merry Christmas."

So, the latest skirmish in this "War on Christmas" - the dreaded Red Cup of Starbucks.  You've heard it by now - Starbucks rolls out a special holiday cup during the season.  In years past, there have been various symbols that have been used to denote the season.  This year's cup is a plain red one, and that has some people up in arms.

The Gospel Herald reports that the debate escalated when Christian evangelist Joshua Feuerstein slammed the red cups in a Facebook video on November 5, sparking the viral hashtag #MerryChristmasStarbucks.

In the video Feuerstein says, "I think in the age of political correctness we've become so open minded our brains have literally fallen out of our head," adding, "Do you realize that Starbucks wanted to take Christ and Christmas off of their brand new cups? That's why they're just plain red."

The evangelist said that he recently went into Starbucks, ordered a drink and told the barista that his name was "Merry Christmas" - forcing the barista to say the words aloud and pen the phrase on his cup.

But this another front in the so-called "War on Christmas"?  Ed Stetzer of LifeWay Research and Breakpoint This Week, writes at Christianity Today:

The thing is, Starbucks never had anything about the Christian Christmas on their cups. Sure, they had trees and snowmen, but nothing about Jesus. And more, Starbucks employees repeatedly deny being banned from being able to say, "Merry Christmas."

He also points out that Starbucks has other Christmas-themed products.  And, he calls on Christians to "calm down."  Stetzer writes:

Here's what I would say—this is the wrong fight and being done in the wrong way. And, it's just making Christians look silly, like so many of these fake controversies do.

We have a better story to tell than one of faux outrage. So let's tell it. It's not the job of your barista to share the gospel. It's your job to share the gospel.

Don't get mad about stuff that doesn't matter.

It wastes time and energy and hardens people to what you have to say about the stuff that does matter. And, there are real concerns about our culture today, but my biggest concern about Starbucks products is their affection for all things Pumpkin Spice, not that their new red cup does not have snowmen on it any longer.

Candace Cameron Bure, who brings a Christian voice to The View, wrote on Instagram:

It's a red cup, folks.

Until Starbucks puts a baby Jesus or nativity scene on the cup while saying Merry Christmas, then pulls it because they say it’s offensive, let’s talk. I don't remember Starbucks ever being a Christian company, do you?

A Santa, a snowflake, some holly, a polar bear, some jingle bells or plain red cup don’t define Christmas for me as a Christian. My relationship with Jesus does.

So, I will joyfully sip on my Starbucks coffee, in a plain red cup, and instead of complaining about the lack of decorations, I will lovingly share the good news of Jesus Christ with friends and co-workers or anyone who's willing to engage in conversation.

Merry Christmas to all!

By the way, Starbucks did issue a statement on the controversy.  According to the Gospel Herald, Jeffrey Fields, Starbucks vice president of design and content said in a statement, "In the past, we have told stories with our holiday cups designs," adding, "This year we wanted to usher in the holidays with a purity of design that welcomes all of our stories." He also said, "Starbucks has become a place of sanctuary during the holidays...We're embracing the simplicity and the quietness of it. It's more open way to usher in the holiday."

The coffee chain added that being diverse and inclusive is one of the brand's "core values."

Now, I must say when you hear a phrase like that, you think there is an agenda here.  And, Starbucks has been rather vocal on liberal causes, like gay marriage.  In fact, you can go to the company's website and read this, posted after the Supreme Court decision inventing a right to so-called same-sex marriage:

Being open, inclusive and forward-thinking is at the core of what Starbucks is about. Starbucks has been a longtime advocate for the LGBT community and marriage equality. The company filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court case challenging the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013 and signed onto The People’s Brief earlier this year.

The company’s most vocal statement on diversity and equality came during a spontaneous exchange at the 2013 Starbucks Annual Meeting of Shareholders. During the question and answer portion of the meeting, a stockholder voiced his view that the company had lost customers because of its support for gay marriage.

“Not every decision is an economic decision,” responded Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, and ceo [sic]. “The lens in which we are making that decision is through the lens of our people.”

Cheers and applause interrupted Schultz, who continued, “If you feel, respectfully, that you can get a higher return than the 38% you got last year, it’s a free country. You can sell your shares in Starbucks and buy shares in another company. Thank you very much.”

Which begs a question:  if Starbucks or Amazon can be so vocal about their ideological views, why is there such an uproar over bakers, or a florist, or a wedding chapel that does business according to their ideological, and I dare say, spiritual views?  Howard Schultz certainly wants the money from Christians, and no doubt many Bible studies, accountability groups, and one-on-one conversations about truth take place within the walls of his stores.

But, the "Red Cup" controversy to me is an occurrence that really serves no purpose other than illustrate to Starbucks that there are Christians are silly, petty, and combative.  And #MerryChristmasStarbucks is generating enormous amounts of free publicity for the chain.  Perhaps some serious discussions about matters such as inclusion and diversity are what is needed. Because Christians are inclusive, too - Jesus came for all, and as we celebrate His birth, the real "reason for the season," we can be challenged to spread that message that out of His love He came to earth to mend the relationship with Father God by His death on a cross.   It's not the Red Cup, it's the Real Cause - the cause of redemption - that we celebrate at Christmas.

Is the Bible Good for Society?

As followers of Jesus, we have a responsibility to carry His light and truth into this world. He taught in John chapter 8:
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
13 The Pharisees therefore said to Him, "You bear witness of Yourself; Your witness is not true."
14 Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going.

Jesus bore witness to the Father - He was the Son of God, and represented His Father in His earthly ministry.  And, He has called us to be His ambassadors, to shine the light of Christ and to communicate His message to follow Him.  If we are convinced that God's way is the best way for our lives, then we will live in a manner that pleases Him and by our actions testify that Christ lives in us - that sends a strong message to a world that is in need of hope.

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We are called to radiate the love of Christ to a culture that so desperately needs to know God and to integrate His teachings. 2nd Corinthians 2 emphasizes this call:
14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

Recently, LifeWay Research released the findings of a phone survey from last fall tracking views on the degree to which society would be impacted by following the teachings of the Bible - and the Koran.  A summary from its website says:

More Americans believe the nation would be better off following the teachings of the Bible than the Koran’s teachings. In a phone survey conducted by LifeWay Research, 1,000 Americans were asked their views on the Bible and the Koran. Each respondent answered whether each text is dangerous and if it would be good or harmful to American society to follow the teachings of each. While the majority of Americans do not consider the Koran dangerous or harmful, they also disagree that its teachings would be good for America to follow.

In summary, 80% of those surveyed agree that following the Bible would be good for American society, compared to the 28 percent that say following the Koran would be good.  57% strongly agree that following the Bible would be good for society, compared to 12% who have that response to the Koran.

24 percent of Americans agree that the Koran is a dangerous book, while nine percent agree that the Bible is dangerous. One in four Americans admits they are not sure if the Koran is dangerous or good.

Only 14 percent agree that following the Bible's teachings would be harmful to society. Double that percentage - 28% say that following the teachings of the Koran would be harmful.

You can also view the general findings in two graphics on the WORLD website.

In this short survey, you can see that there is a sense of validity for the teachings of the Bible - with 8 out of 10 people saying that following the teachings of God's Word would be good for our society. This contrasts by a large margin with the perception of the Koran and its effectiveness for our nation.
I think there are a number of reasons for that.  People sense that the teachings of Scriptures are good and right and effective...

But, there is a disconnect - you might have a lot of people who say that they think following God's instructions is a good thing, but you do have to question if they are willing to follow those principles. For, as we know, lipservice does not produce a change in action - we have to do more than say that following the Bible is good, we must act as if we believe that.

So, we have this overwhelmingly large margin of people who think that the Bible can have a positive impact on our culture.   This indicates that there still is a cultural regard for Scripture, and that can provide an opening to Christians to share about the love of God and the wisdom of His Word.

Honoring Veterans and Honoring the Lord

In 1st Peter chapter 2, we read a passage that can encourage us to be in right relationship with the
governing authorities, to show a healthy respect for them, and to have an attitude of honor for everyone.
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme,
14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--
16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.
17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

I think this provides a great reflection for this Veterans' Day.  It is important to be thankful for our nation and the freedoms that we enjoy.  The Bible also teaches us to pray for our governmental officials.  And, I believe that it is good to show honor to those who are the instruments of our government - those who serve in our military, who are willing to give of themselves in order to preserve our freedoms.  And, we can be thankful for those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of our great nation.

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On this Veterans' Day 2015, we remember the incredible history of faith and faithfulness that has been fought for and preserved for us as Americans.  Psalm 33 says:
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.

Later in the chapter, we read this:
20 Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.
21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.
22 Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.

Across our land, including earlier today in Montgomery, Veterans' Day celebrations have been observed.  But, at a university in Seattle, it appears that the commemoration has been muted by political correctness.

Todd Starnes has the story at FoxNews.com about the Pledge of Allegiance and the Presentation of Colors being removed from Seattle Pacific University’s Veteran’s Day chapel service, which was scheduled for yesterday, because chapel leadership was afraid that people might be offended.

Well, it turns out that the university’s Military and Veteran Support Club was offended - and outraged - by the chaplain’s decision.  Starnes writes that they called it a “slap in the face” of every soldier who fought, sacrificed and died for our freedoms.

Even though SPU is a Christian university with a Free Methodist background, the student population includes a diverse group of denominations,  including some that ascribe to pacifism.

A statement from the university to Q13 Fox read: “The organizers decided not to include the pledge of allegiance and the presentation of colors during the November 10th chapel, given that there are diversity of views on campus whether such elements should be part of a Christian worship service."

The founder of the Military and Veteran Support Club, Sarah Martin, in an impassioned letter, wrote in a letter to the chaplain:

“By removing the presentation of the flag and the pledge of allegiance, SPU would not only disrespect students from the military and intelligence community on campus, but also eliminate any reference to the values and freedoms that make it possible for University Ministries to assemble at a chapel in the first place,” adding, “Furthermore, you are stripping the chapel of a deeper meaning that glorifies God.”

Todd's article appeared on Friday, and late Friday afternoon the MVSC announced on its Facebook page that a settlement had been reached with University Ministries. They said, "We are thankful for the positive outcome of this issue." Here's the settlement:

Students will now have the opportunity to say the pledge of allegiance and honor the veterans with the presentation of the colors at a pre-chapel ceremony. The MVSC would like to thank all of the concerned veteran supporters who let their voices be heard. You are all invited to join in on this special moment to present the colors and say the pledge on November 10 (Tuesday), at First Free Methodist Church at 11:00 AM. Thank you for your support. And thank you, veterans, for your service!

Now, I think the Support Club is being diplomatic here, because quite frankly, their freedom to express their love for their country in a religious setting has been kicked to the curb!  Why not set up a special service for those who want to be free from the encumberences of a flag and a pledge?  But, I can also understand there probably is a desire to keep the peace, which is an important consideration.

So on this Veterans' Day, some thoughts arising from this unfortunate set of circumstances in Seattle.

For one thing, I do think it is important that we honor those who have bravely served our country so that we might live in peace and freedom.  The freedoms we enjoy, including freedom of speech and religion, were obtained because people have been willing to take a stand.  Even though someone may have a conviction against war or military service, is a person of faith or no faith, that person still is able to express himself and herself because of the sacrifices of others.  Our freedom to practice the Christian faith in America is an awesome right and privilege for us.

And, we have to be careful that we don't exalt patriotism over the practice of Christianity.  Our highest allegiance is to God Himself.   We can revere and respect the flag and the Pledge of Allegiance without worshipping them.   And, we can respect the rights of others to hold to a different view, but should their objections force another group to not express their view?

Unfortunately, and something the PC crowd has a disregard for, when you take action trying not to offend someone, you end up offending another group of people.  And, in our age of tolerance, when there is a rise in secularist ideology, Christians sometimes are the ones whose views are suppressed.  Because there is a prevailing view that religion or Christianity is "offensive," then extreme steps are sometimes taken to suppress that expression.  I would hope that is not the type America that our veterans have been willing to lay down their lives for, when you consider the strong faith of our founders and the rich Judeo-Christian heritage of our nation.

Peanuts and the Power of Conviction

There is a passage in James 4 that emphasizes surrendering to God, with an attitude of humility:
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

God wants us to come before Him with a spirit of humility, exhibiting a childlike attitude, recognizing that without Him, we can do nothing.  We are called to set aside worldly wisdom and to not be arrogant in what we think we know, but to depend on His Word, as He illuminates truth by His Spirit.  He wants us to depend on Him, not just when we get in a tight spot and think we need Him, but at all times, because the truth is, in essence, that we always need Him.

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It is so important to a vibrant, productive Christian life that we allow the Lord to shape our
convictions. Romans 14 illustrates this selfless attitude:
5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.
6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself.
8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.

This weekend marked the release of The Peanuts Movie, which finished a strong second to the latest 007 film.  As a article on the KSL-TV website points out, the family of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz wanted to introduce the "Peanuts" characters to a new generation of children, and the obvious answer was a movie.  His daughter, Amy Schulz Johnson, says it had to be done right, and that the idea came from her brother, Craig Schulz, and his son Bryan.  They pitched it to a studio, with the condition they would have final say on all creative decisions.

For instance, as Amy points out, "When you go to most movies, you get what they call the 'bathroom humor,' and just crude jokes or innuendos, and they struggled for three years of trying to do that, because that's what's normal," adding, "So the people working under the producers and directors, they're younger people, maybe didn't grow up with Peanuts, so that's what's normal for funny, but not for 'Peanuts.'"

She said her nephew Bryan was especially passionate about maintaining the integrity of the characters her grandfather created. Johnson relates, "People were trying to put things in, and it was literally down to certain words," adding, "Not necessarily a bad word, just a word, and he would say 'No, if that word hasn't been said in the comic strip, it's not going in the movie.' So he would look through hundreds of books, trying to see, 'Did that character ever say that word?'"

The family members reflect a stubbornness that was a characteristic of Schulz, which was manifested in the process of getting "A Charlie Brown Christmas" aired on television. As Johnson says, her father refused to allow anyone else to change his vision, despite objections from the network about the Biblical quotes, and nearly everything else about the cartoon. She says, "They didn't like the children's voices, they didn't like the scripture, they didn't like the jazz music, they didn't like that there wasn't a laugh track, they didn't like anything about it." She added, "They said, 'We'll play this one time. This is a disaster. We're not ever playing this again.' And it's played more than anything."

And, of course, you remember that glorious line after the recitation of the Christmas story by Linus:  "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."  And, there is information that portrays the spirituality of Charles Schulz as a mixed bag.  The Peanuts Wiki says:

...In personal interviews Schulz mentioned that Linus represented his spiritual side.

Schulz, reared in the Lutheran faith, had been active in the Church of God as a young adult and then later taught Sunday school at a United Methodist Church. However, he remained a member of the Church of God until his death.

In an interview in late 1999, however, Schulz stated that his philosophical views had evolved over the years: "The term that best describes me now is 'secular humanist'".

In the 1960s, Robert L. Short interpreted certain themes and conversations in Peanuts as being consistent with parts of Christian theology, and used them as illustrations during his lectures about the gospel, and as source material for several books, as he explained in his bestselling paperback book, The Gospel According to Peanuts.

So, what do we learn from this snapshot into Schulz and Peanuts?  Well, for one thing, you recognize the power of conviction.  The son and grandson of Charles Schulz held to a very high standard, and did not want his father's comic strip characters to be corrupted by Hollywood, if you will.  I would say they learned this from their father, who had not allowed his convictions to be compromised regarding the content of the Christmas show.   Schulz developed characters who connected with readers, with overwhelming success.

Conviction was not only a cornerstone of Schulz's life, but it was apparently passed down.  And, I think we can be challenged to make sure that our values and our Christian convictions are modeled for our children and our families, and to realize that God has given us people in our lives to influence in a positive way - His way.

Finally, I think that Peanuts portrays a childlike approach to a variety of issues that is really refreshing.  Maybe we get too sophisticated these days; perhaps we need to refresh our thinking about what it means to possess the faith of a little child, as Jesus taught.   We don't have it all figured out, and we need the wisdom of God in order to confront the challenges that are upon us - and we acquire that as we humble ourselves before the Lord.