Seeking & Speaking Truth

We live in an age of uniqueness and, as Bishop Harry Jackson and I were discussing yesterday, an age of upheaval.  There seem to be areas where God's shaking and His judgment are being expressed. We can pursue God's truth for our own lives and seek to walk in holiness.  We find this series of verses in Proverbs 14:
14 The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.
15 The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.
16 A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.

We are called to be wise and recognize that the Bible is that source of wisdom for us.  I believe that we are to be thoughtful believers, reasoning from the Scriptures, and allowing God's Word and His Spirit to direct us as we deal with difficult decisions and issues that we face individually and as a society.  We are called to prayerfully seek truth and engage in critical thinking so that we can demonstrate the character of Christ.

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We are called as believers in Christ to earnestly seek and speak the truth.  2nd John says:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.
5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.
6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.

I didn't know until late last week that James Dobson, who has probably done more for the Christian family and strong moral values based on the Scriptures than most high-profile Christian leaders, had recorded an ad for former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore in the U.S. Senate race.  In it, he vouches for Moore's character and laments what he and his wife, Kayla, have endured over the past few weeks, in light of the allegations of sexual misconduct, which he continues to deny.  I read it in a Washington Post piece by former Bush 43 speechwriter Michael Gerson, who took Dobson and some supposed evangelical patriarchy to task for daring to support Moore, whom he apparently sees as a man of of questionable character.

Obviously, if allegations were made against me, I would like to have people speaking up on my behalf.  Like someone of the magnitude of Dobson, like my pastor, as Roy Moore's pastor has done; like a number of nationally-known Christian leaders; like co-workers, women who have interacted with the judge.  Alan Keyes, who spoke up for Moore days after the 10 Commandments monument was removed from the Alabama Judicial Building, at a rally that also featured Dr. Dobson, was in Alabama recently to show his support of the judge.

What if it were you?  What if you were facing allegations?  Constitutional law professor Jenna Ellis, who has been a guest on The Meeting House, posed this concept in a piece at The Federalist website:

What all of this noise fails to consider is the actual heart of the issue—the truth. No one is asking, Is it true? If it is true, of course Moore should step down. But what if it’s false? What makes McConnell able to adequately assess the credibility of the allegations? How can anyone assess the credibility of these allegations that quickly?

It seems the trial by media is only concerned with whether we previously liked Moore politically. If we do, we react with immediate defense; if we don’t, we react with immediate damnation. Both forget to ask what is actually true. My question for McConnell, Gardner, and anyone else quick to determine guilt: What if this was you?

She goes on:

But the court of public opinion isn’t concerned about the truth, due process, or any kind of process. Over the past weeks since Hollywood exploded with the Harvey Weinstein stories, it seems everyone who is disliked politically or socially can be an easy target for allegations of sexual misconduct.

There may be truth to some or many of the allegations and if a claim is proven, it should be dealt with accordingly. Fact-finding, evidence gathering, testimony, the ability to cross-examine witnesses, fair and reasonable assessment of credibility are all part and parcel of due process. But a bare claim itself (even multiple claims) should be insufficient to convict a person outright, even in the court of public opinion. There should still be a presumption of innocence and a demand for veracity and proof.

So, this gets back to the prayer request I have been putting before my audience since the Moore allegations broke: pray for truth to prevail.  I also would add that if the allegations are false, if the judge is being falsely accused, that God would be his defender.

Critical thinking is important here...as Quin Hillyer has pointed out on my show, there should be no rush to judgment here.  Marvin Olasky of WORLD also offers a call to thoughtful analysis:

The Roy Moore situation is difficult because, even as the number of accusers mounts, we have no photographic evidence of misconduct as with Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota, or diary evidence as with Bob Packwood—and the Moore incidents happened many years ago. Some of the teenagers he dated or tried to date, while serving as an assistant district attorney, thought he was creepy. The claims of sexual assault are in a different category.

Some WORLD readers may carefully examine all the evidence and conclude that Moore is getting a raw deal. Some may want to vote for Moore and let the Senate Ethics Committee decide what to do with him. Others may believe Moore’s sexual probity in recent years outweighs what he may have done when young—and who among us has nothing to confess and repent of?

The reason our Moore quandary is hard: We do a disservice to God’s holiness when we minimize sin. We do a disservice to God’s mercy when we maximize it. We do a disservice to evangelism when we say or believe winning an election is more important than telling the truth about God’s glory and our sinfulness.

But, it does seem that the allegations have come to a screeching halt.  As you consider the validity of the allegations, one might say that the Washington Post article that broke the story was well-researched and corroborated, but it essentially seems to comes down to separate allegations unconnected to one another, tied together to create a narrative.  The original 14-year-old accuser, and she alone, is really the only source of this information about the incident in which she claims to be involved, that took place 38 years ago.  Even a Reuters story I read the other day said that it was unable to certify the Post's report on its own.  When you have a accuser that is disseminating her story in the media just days before an important election that could shift the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, it does raise some eyebrows.  The timing of an "open letter," sent by one accuser not to Moore but to AL.com, as well as another accuser going on the Megan Kelly Today show, coincide with positive polling data for Moore.

Moore has surged ahead in three polls released this week. According to the FiveThirtyEight website, "...three new polls out this week — from Change Research, Emerson College and JMC Analytics — have Moore leading Democrat Doug Jones by 5 to 6 percentage points."  The factors contributing to Moore's regaining of the lead: time since the release of the allegations and the, as it says, "quasi-endorsement from President Trump."

The Change Research poll has some interesting information. According to Medium.com, the survey shows that more Republicans are planning to turn out on December 12 and vote for Moore.  And, the number of Republicans who believe the allegations is declining.  Among those who voted for Moore in the primary, now only 2% believe the allegations; among those who voted for Strange, it's a 33-to-32% split, slightly in favor of those who believe the allegations.  Other GOP voters: 40% say they do not believe what has been alleged.  Almost all Democratic voters believe the allegations.

Where are we now?

Well, you certainly do not want to minimize the seriousness of the charges or the overall gravity with which we should handle matters of sexual assault.  Hopefully, the voters of Alabama are weighing the evidence and evaluating Moore's reputation against the credibility of the accusers, most of which simply say that Moore, as a local attorney in his 30's, was interested in dating girls in their teens, a concept that many may find troubling or at least unusual.  (But, as it's been pointed out, in 1970's Gadsden, Alabama, that might not have been as unacceptable as some might think today.)

We also have to admit that there is a legitimate problem with sexual harassment, and it's telling that in entertainment culture which has communicated a message of sexual permissiveness, what has been sown is now being reaped in the form of participants in offensive behavior now being accused and revealed.

A Barna Group survey just released has attempted to define what sexual harassment actually is, and there are a wide range of physical and verbal behaviors which were cited. All in all, the survey summary says, "Given the range of behaviors selected by Americans, it’s increasingly clear—to some, for the first time—how insidious the problem of sexual harassment is. In fact, three in 10 American adults (29%) tell Barna they have been sexually harassed. Women in this group report experiencing it almost three times more than men (42% vs 16%)." Younger people tend to report more instances.

Almost a third of victims, though, never come forward because of "fear of not being believed."

Roxanne Stone, editor in chief for the Barna Group states, "As men and women increasingly share spaces and workplaces...we are now beginning to grapple with the intensely sexual ideas that have been allowed to define gender relationships, not to mention the extremely complex power dynamics at play in a society where men still hold the majority of top-level leadership positions."

She continues: “Leaders in every level of society—from entertainment, to the marketplace, to politics, to churches—must honestly wrestle with this challenging issue and what it means for their institutions. Pastors and spiritual leaders, especially, must be ready to talk with their members: to hear the stories of the victims, to offer counseling services, to speak from the pulpit on the respect and humanization that gender equality really requires. Churches, with a message of brotherly and sisterly love, have an opportunity to be leaders in this disorienting conversation.”

So, this is a challenge that the Church can embrace, and area in which it can provide direction.  But, I am cautious when you have people that publicly take the church to task in secular arenas. Is it productive for the Washington Post or New York Times to be places to criticize other Christians?

I don't believe that voting for Roy Moore is an endorsement for sexual immorality.  It should not be construed that way; I would hope that people of faith are examining, prayerfully, the information and then voting as God leads.  When I see a Christian criticizing other believers in the secular press or on social media over this situation, I have to ask, "What happened to "innocent until proven guilty?'"  Why so quick to believe the accusers?  Remember the words of 2nd Corinthians 13: "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established."

It's not helpful to air dirty laundry for the church in secular arenas.  Peter Heck, writing at The Resurgent, points out that the #ChurchToo movement, a variation on the #MeToo hashtag, actually "slanders" the bride of Christ.  Heck writes:

The problem with #ChurchToo is that it doesn’t seem to appropriately target the criminals – it targets the church as though the institution itself is a haven for sexual immorality. This is both ironic, given that the church is often criticized in our culture for condemning sexual immorality, and incorrect.

He adds:

Believers should be leery about participating in any modern hashtag “awareness” movement that brings contempt or distrust upon the truth that is preached in churches. By all means, call out the sin in our midst, pray for it to be exposed and confronted. Specific cases of sexual abuse or misconduct in the pastorate should never be swept under the rug, ignored, or overlooked, nor should the pain and shame felt by victims of such abuse be disregarded. God is obviously not glorified by doing so.

So, we continue to pray, continue to pursue truth, to seek to be a bold witness to our culture. We may come to different conclusions in the issue of Roy Moore, but we are called to extend grace to one another.  And, we can all agree that we should hold to a Biblically-centered perspective about the sinfulness of perverting God's viewpoint on sexuality and pursue a posture of holiness.

Riding the Rails

Paul was committed to serving others and sharing the truth of the Scriptures, desiring to see people come into a saving knowledge of Christ. In 1st Corinthians 9, we read:
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;
20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;
21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;
22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Paul was committed to sharing Christ in creative and compelling ways.  He did not wait on people to come to him, but he travelled extensively in order to share God's truth.  He also built relationships and attempted to find common ground with people, not in order to compromise that truth but in order to win them to our Savior.  The practice of Christianity is an active faith; and we can be challenged to not be content with relying on people to come to us, but to boldly testify to His grace.

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In Matthew 9, we read about how Jesus was on the move.  The One Who calls us to go was certainly going Himself:
35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
37 Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

One of the things I like to do is to highlight creative ways of communicating the gospel message.  I came across a little article at the Religion News Service website that was more than a little intriguing to me.

It basically is a press release that says the National Museum of American Religion is attempting to save a "chapel car," named Good Will.

A chapel car?  Are you familiar with that concept?  The article goes on:

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of Christian denominations invested in chapel cars – these were train cars that served as traveling chapels, bringing clergy, sacraments, and religious resources to people living along the railroad lines.

The Good Will is owned by the American Baptist Publication Society.  The first of these chapel cars was built by the Pullman Company in 1890.  The Pullman State Historic Site website says that:

The first of these cars, and the most famous, was built by the Pullman Company in 1890 for the newly appointed Episcopalian bishop of North Dakota, called the Cathedral Car of North Dakota.

The Right Reverend William Walker realized the enormity of his task, creating sustainable dioceses in the sparsely settled Dakota territories. He hit upon the idea of creating a chapel car that could visit around the diocese, conduct services, and generally perform all of the functions of a parish church. In 1889, Walker approached a number of people on the east coast for contributions.

According to Christianity.com:

Whether Walker knew it or not, chapel cars were already in use in England on remote sidings. But he was good at selling his idea. Cornelius Vanderbilt, One of America's richest men, gave the first donation to the new ministry and Walker's first chapel car was delivered in 1890.

That would have been the son of the Commodore who founded Vanderbilt University.  Thomas Edison got in on the act, too, providing these chapels on wheels with his new invention - the phonograph.

The article also says that:

"The Cathedral Car," as it was called, traveled over seventy thousand miles during its ten years of service. Many of the men who visited it came merely out of curiosity, but untold numbers of others accepted the Christian way of life or were strengthened in their Christian walk through it.

According to the Chapel Cars of America website, there were 13 such cars that traversed the tracks of America.  The Pullman site states:

A number of chapel cars operated in the U.S., including 7 operated by the American Baptist Publication Society, which were endowed by Nelson Rockefeller. The golden age of these cars came to end in 1918.

New regulations brought an end to the chapel car.  The Pullman website also says that the original Cathedral Car had a pump organ and a baptismal font.

In a sense, you could say that Christianity was intended to be mobile.  Jesus set an example - He went to the people, He traveled regularly.  Our churches are excellent places for the body to gather for teaching and fellowship, but we also recognize that God has sent us out.  And, the local church is the hub, the ministry center, the home base for ministry throughout the community.

I think this also can encourage us in finding creative means to share truth.  In a society that is truth-starved, we can provide the bread of life and the living water to people who need to hear.  Just as in the late 19th Century, when people did not necessarily have a place to go for truth, we have to be proactive in pointing people to the truth of God, for it is covered up or distorted in the media tidal wave and moral relativism that is so prevalent.

I also think it's thrilling to see God's provision here - these gospel train cars were funded by  Vanderbilt and Rockefeller.  Even Thomas Edison got in on the act.  Funding is a critical and necessary component in doing effective institutional ministry.  And, you know, perhaps God will use an unlikely source to provide in our lives.  We can ask Him, and if there is a cause about which we are passionate, perhaps He will direct you to contact someone unlikely or illogical to help further the work He has called you to do - ultimately, He is our provider.

Released

There are some verses in the 119th Psalm that point to making God's Word a priority in our lives:
164 Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous judgments.
165 Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.
166 Lord, I hope for Your salvation, And I do Your commandments.

The Psalmist states that He praised God seven times a day - because of His "righteous judgments."  In other words, He was so cognizant of the truth of God that He took time to honor the Lord for it. He realizes that a love for God's truth produces peace and right living.  God's Word was a priority for Him.  We can be challenged to take or make opportunities regularly to commune with God around His Word and to reflect on how it can affect our lives.

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I want to revisit some verses from Isaiah 55, where we read this passage that addresses the supremacy of God's ways and the power of His Word:
9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

There was an article that ran on the Religion News Service website that provides some details on an opportunity that students have to actually receive Christian education during the school day; that would be the "public" school day.

The article refers to the "more than 3,000 students in Pennsylvania who participate in a 'released time' program run by Joy El Ministries." The article says that:

“Released time” is a legal way for students to voluntarily receive religious education during the school week. It has to happen outside the school building. It’s limited to 36 hours per school year by Pennsylvania law. Students need their parents’ approval. And they need to make up any work they miss.

Aaron Ziebarth, executive director of Joy El, is quoted in the article. He said that Joy El was founded back in 1938, when the Bible was still allowed in school. The story says that Ziebarth...

...sees bad news all around and believes the released time program will point students towards faith: “I just believe that life is hopeless without Jesus.”

Today, over half of the students who attend a Joy El released time program are un-churched, according to Ziebarth. They attend a program with three primary components: Singing, teaching and listening — small group time.

A volunteer, Barry Jennings is quoted in this excerpt:

At a recent Bible study he attended, the group reflected on the state of the world: “We were talking about things, like Charlottesville …. and then the hurricanes and … the borders and everything else. I think the main thing is … God’s trying to show us, we need to come back to him.”

The Released Time Education website says that, "it is estimated that there are over 1,000 Released Time Programs in operation today involving over 250,000 students in kindergarten through high school."

In South Alabama, Camp Victory administers a monthly released time program for students in four different counties.  Regarding the legality of the concept, it states:

In 1952, the United States Supreme Court ruled on Released Time in a case known as "Zorad v. Clauson" (342 U.S. 306). The case stated that Released Time is permissible if: a) It is voluntary; b) Students have parents' permission; c) The classes are held off-campus; d) Transportation is provided by the program sponsor; e) Liability is assumed by the program sponsor.

A recent Facebook post from the camp asked for prayer for the students participating in released time.  One comment stated that 13 students had given their lives to Christ in one event in October.  You can learn more about volunteering to take part in the program by going to the Camp Victory website.

God's Word will certainly not return void, will it?  I think that's the first takeaway.  In an age when the Bible is not taught generally in public education, and if it is, it is generally in a historical context, here is an opportunity for children to hear and discuss the principles of God's Word.

I also think this national piece really exposes another way in which the gospel can be presented in a creative way.  And, we should always be looking for methods through which we can communicate truth effectively.  The Christmas season gives us to the opportunity to share the love of Jesus and to disseminate the truth about why He came.

Finally, we remember that the mind can be trained to think in accordance with the truth of the Scriptures or, by default, it seems, it can be trained by the ways of the world. We all have to make that choice - and exposure to God's Word in each of our lives can provide the direction we all need in order to navigate effectively through life in a manner that glorifies God.

Breaking Free

Through the presence of the indwelling Spirit and the power of God released in our lives, we can be
reminded of the hope we have in the Lord and our ability to live and walk in it. 1st Peter 1 says:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Jesus has come as our Redeemer, and the message that we can share with the world during this Christmas season is that no one is beyond the redemptive hand of the Lord.  We see evidence of brokenness everywhere, and this can produce anger, guilt, and a host of negative emotions; but the story of redemption tells us that God wants to set people free from the past, to repair brokenness, and to recognize that victim or victimizer, in His love, He offers a fresh start, a chance to live in the power of the redeemed life.

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We worship Jesus because He has come to give us new life; the old is gone, the new has come, and we can take the necessary steps to put off the old and appropriate the new. Romans 6 says:
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.

We are entering that season of the year that is centered around an amazing story of redemption; a story that involves fallen humanity and its need for a Savior; a story of a Creator God who would not allow His creation to permanently be separated from Himself.

Welcome to Christmas - let's worship Jesus!

Worship Him because He repairs the broken and mends our hearts, who calls us unto Himself and promises that our sins can be forgiven.

With all the brokenness we see, the peril of fallen humanity, we can continue to place our hope in our Redeemer.

There's a story of hope out of ruins that appeared on the Faithwire website.  It involves a lady in Florida who was a teacher, 24 years old, newly married, and who became involved in inappropriate behavior with a 14-year-old student.  Debra Lafave was found guilty of "lewd and lascivious behavior" and sentenced to 3 years of house arrest, 7 years' probation, and will be treated as a sex offender - forever.  It could have been worse, save for the mother's decision to not subject her son to a "highly publicized trial," according to a Tampa Bay Times report quoted in the story.

Joe Zuniga has written a book about Debra, and said to People magazine that she is a "completely different person" now.  The book is called, Debra Lafave: A Crown of Beauty for Ashes. Zuniga states, “She has grown up a lot. She has become a Christian, and she’s a great mom. She recently got married, and she just ignores the media. She knows it will always be there, but she focuses on her life now. It’s very normal.”

Zuniga recounts Lafave's difficult childhood, which included being raped at the age of 13 and struggles with bipolar disorder.  She divorced her husband at the time of her inappropriate behavior with the student, and has been married twice more.  Zuniga also told People: "She makes no excuses for what she did,” adding, "She has always owned up to it. She says, ‘If I could turn back time, I’d never would do that.’ She understands that she didn’t just negatively affect her life, but she hurt many other people, and she is still very sorry for it."

Here is a story of redemption, as told by a friend who self-published a book about her. And, we can be reminded of several things from this redemption story.

For one thing, no one is beyond the reach of God's love.  As vile as sexual sin is, including sexual assault, it can be forgiven and people can be rehabilitated - in an effective and authentic manner through a relationship with Christ.  If a person is truly sorry for his or her sins, then he or she can experience the power of redemption.

This is the message with which the Church has been entrusted - we should be on the forefront of our culture in speaking out against sexual immorality, including assault.  We should offer hope for the victims, absolutely; but also for the victimizers, whose threat to society can be mitigated through the presence of a new heart in the Lord.   Be mindful that you have so many assault victims who live with that nightmare of overwhelming thoughts, a presence, the power of which can be broken through the love of Christ and His overcoming power.

If we have a relationship with Christ, we can worship Him because of the new life that He has promised to us if we humble ourselves before Him and make Jesus our Lord.  We can be freed from our past and face a bright future.  The shadows of the past may linger, yet a person who has been redeemed can appropriate the power of the Lord to not allow that past to completely overpower and defeat us him or her any longer. Plus, people can repent from and learn from past indiscretions and rely on the Spirit to walk in victory in the present.

Kairos

As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving and then the weeks leading up to Christmas, we can recalibrate our level of generosity, reflection on how God gave us His Son, so that we might know Him. Galatians 6 states:
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

God gives us strength - and that includes the strength to serve Him and to serve others.  He empowers us by His Spirit to do the work of the ministry and to respond to the opportunities that He gives, the open doors that He reveals where we might find open hearts to receive Him.  He desires for us to walk in selfless obedience to His ways and to be sensitive to how He might be calling us to be involved in what He is doing.

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In Ephesians 5, we read these challenging words about seizing on God's open doors or opportunities that He brings our way:
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

In the New International Version, verse 16 says: "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

After having been placed under house arrest by the military in the African nation of Zimbabwe, its 93-year-old leader, Robert Mugabe announced his resignation as the nation's president yesterday.  The BBC reported that the action brought "an end to 37 years of rule and sparking jubilant celebrations in the nation's streets."  Ir reported:

A letter from Mr Mugabe read out by the speaker of parliament said the decision was voluntary and he had made it to allow a smooth transfer of power.

The news abruptly halted an impeachment hearing that had begun against him.

He was, at the time, the world's oldest leader.  BBC states: "Robert Mugabe won elections during his 37 years in power, but over the past 15 years these were marred by violence against political opponents," adding, "He presided over a deepening economic crisis in Zimbabwe, where people are on average 15% poorer now than they were in 1980."

After Mugabe was placed under house arrest, a group of eight religious leaders called for prayer, according to Christianity Today, and stated: "“We see the current situation not just as a crisis in which we are helpless,” adding, “We see the current arrangement as an opportunity for the birth of a new nation.”

The story states:

One of those calling for Mugabe to step down has been Evan Mawarire, an evangelical pastor who has been arrested twice for his viral online protest of Mugabe’s corruption.

This week, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe joined other church leaders in releasing a joint statement explaining how the current crisis is actually a kairos (opportunity).

The statement includes these words:

Now we have reached a new chapter in the history of our nation. As we look at this situation as the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD), we are reminded of the warning of Jesus in Luke 19:41-44. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem when he saw the catastrophe of its destruction and the massacre of the people that was imminent, “because they had not recognized their opportunity (KAIROS) when God offered it” (Luke 19:44).

The leaders said: "this situation is not only the doing of the ruling party and government. It is also the result of the connivance of the different arms of the state and complicity of the church and civil society."

The statement included a call to prayer, a call to peace, a call for the respect of human dignity, a call for a transitional government of national unity, and a call for national dialogue. These leaders say:
"God has put the church in the nation so that it can be a conduit for the healing of the nation." That was followed by a quotation of 2nd Chronicles 7:14.

The closing paragraphs are heavy on the theme of reconciliation.  The statement says:

We can either take the current situation as a mere crisis to be resolved by a winner-takes-all mentality or we use this as an opportunity for us to find one another to build something that is permanently healing for our nation. The first option spells disaster for us and future generations. The second option allows us to embrace our situation as a kairos, an opportunity given to us by God to dream together that another Zimbabwe is possible!

It's interesting; you could actually extrapolate many of the words of the church leaders in Zimbabwe into the current situation in America.  The Church, the body of Christ, has been placed in our nation as a conduit to healing and restoration.  We are in a position where we need to pray and to live at peace; Americans are bitterly divided, it seems, in so many areas.  We do not respect human dignity any longer, and we have quite a long way to go to recapture the word, "United."  We may not be unified in ideology or theology, but we can find ways to work together to solve enormous national problems that we are facing.

These leaders in Zimbabwe have described what was a potential transition, which has now been cemented by the resignation of Mugabe, as a "kairos" moment.  Out of chaos and corruption, there is a real opportunity for change.  We can ask ourselves, do we see the opportunities that God has given to us as individuals, families, and the Church?  During the Christmas season, we can be challenged to recapture the love and hope of our Savior, who came to earth to bring transformation - of the heart.  We can be a conduit for change, as the Holy Spirit helps us to identify the kairos moments He is bringing into our lives.

And, during this time of Thanksgiving, we can reflect on what God wants to do in our lives - perhaps there is a family relationship that needs to be repaired in the next few days, maybe there are people with whom you will interact who need to see the love of Christ and experience His compassion, and there is certainly the need for Biblically-informed dialogue into the issues that we face collectively as a nation.  We can be thankful for how God has worked and for the opportunities He has brought and is bringing to us to see Him glorified.

Boom!

In 1st Chronicles 29, there is a passage that expresses the Psalmist's view of the supremacy of God:
11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, The power and the glory, The victory and the majesty; For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, And You are exalted as head over all.
12 Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great And to give strength to all.
13 "Now therefore, our God, We thank You And praise Your glorious name.

And, what a great passage to think on during this week leading up to Thanksgiving - because He is great and powerful, because He reigns, because all things belong to Him...we give Him thanks.  Our hearts can be stirred to worship Him.  He operates in our lives for His glory - sometimes that will involve seemingly negative occurrences; other times there are unexpected blessings.  But, we respond to Him in the good and the bad with adoration and worship.

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God operates in a manner that cannot always be understood, and sometimes He will show up in sudden, yet transformational ways. It's all according to His plan. Isaiah 55 says:
8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.
9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

One week ago today, early in the afternoon, across around 10 counties in North Alabama, residents report that they heard a loud "boom," according to ABC33/40, which states that the mysterious noise came at 1:40 that day.

The report said: "Alabamians flocked to Twitter, with many reporting the event shook their homes."

The National Weather Service "hypothesized the sound originated from an aircraft sonic boom or a meteorite from the Leonid shower."

But, a NASA representative had a different take:

NASA's Bill Cooke says the origin of the mysterious boom still remains unclear but shut down the NWS' theory of a Leonid shower meteroite.

Cooke says the sound could have been produced by a bolide, large supersonic aircraft or a ground explosion.

Maxwell Air Force Base says, "it wasn't us," according to WBRCFox6, with a spokesman saying it was not the result of a training exercise - the story reports: "There is no exercise the facility would conduct to cause a boom that could be heard from Montgomery to Birmingham. No one in the Montgomery [sic] called saying they heard the noise, he said."

The article says:

In the past, these sounds have often been associated with a meteoroid entering the Earth's atmosphere. These objects can be traveling at between 25,000 and 160,000 mph when they first enter the atmosphere. The meteoroids quickly lose speed because of the atmospheric drag, but not before it results in a ground-shaking sonic boom.

Of course, you have to wonder if it were a meteorite, where did it land?  Or did it burn up upon impact with the atmosphere of the earth?

You know, when I saw the story, I thought about those "booms" that come into our lives - the unexpected, sometimes the unexplained, perhaps originated or initiated by God, or certainly allowed by Him, in order to test our faith or to bring us closer to Him.  Those booms may come in the form of an unexpected medical diagnosis, a financial crash, a relationship challenge, or the loss of a friend or loved one.   We can't explain why bad things happen, but we can respond to those circumstances by turning to God and allowing Him to teach us and strengthen us - as the Bible says, the trying of our faith brings patience.

But, sometimes those unexpected things can be viewed as blessings in our lives, and can be regarded as positive - maybe a financial blessing, the news of a new baby coming into the family, the arrangement of events in our lives that illustrate God's hand.  There may be occurrences that cannot explained in any way other than the hand of God - what we can call a "miracle."  

Truth is, God operates in a realm far different than we do, and He invites us to experience Him in a supernatural way, beyond human understanding.  There will be times when we don't understand what He's doing, but we are called to trust Him anyway.  His ways are higher than our own, and in the midst of serving Him, He offers a peace that transcends human understanding.  So, when He intersects with or even interrupts our lives with a "boom" that we don't comprehend, we can still acknowledge His sovereignty and allow Him to shape and grow our faith.

From the Storm to the Storm

I came across some verses in Proverbs 11 that give us insight about the importance of possessing
a spirit of giving:
23 The desire of the righteous is only good, But the expectation of the wicked is wrath.
24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.
25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

In these three verses, we gain insight into the how that spirit of giving operates.  In verse 23, we find a reference to the "desire of the righteous;" we have to make sure that our motives are pure and honorable.  There's also an element of selfishness vs. self-lessness and the consequences of both. A selfish heart will lead to poverty; a selfless heart leads to abundance - and, while we do recognize there is a material principle of sowing and reaping, we acknowledge that God wants us to be rich in spirit - living in accordance with His principles.

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In what you might call a "farewell address" to the elders of Ephesus, Paul summoned them to
Miletus, as we see in Acts 20, and he said this about possessing a charitable attitude:
34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.
35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

In late September of this year, Grace Baptist Church in Wild Peach, Texas had a special event scheduled - a "packing party" for Operation Christmas Child.  But, just a month before it, Hurricane Harvey had brought devastation to the community, dumping up to 50 inches of rain in Southeast Texas.

This is according to the Samaritan's Purse website, which reports that the home of Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, was flooded, along with the homes of other church family members.  But, they decided, in the midst of their trial, to reach out to needy children and the party went on as planned.

The 30 members of the church set out to pack 1,000 boxes that day - the article says that, "Over the past four years, members of Grace Baptist have packed more than 16,100 gift boxes—including the 1,000 on Sept. 23.

Two weeks later, the Brumbelows were informed that some of those boxes would be going to Barbuda, a tiny Caribbean island that was "decimated" by Hurricane Irma on September 6.  The pastor and his wife were present two weeks ago when around 250 children were part of the first Operation Christmas Child distribution event for the islands of Antigua and Barbuda...the distribution was held on Antigua; many residents of Barbuda are still not back in their homes after being wracked by the Category 5 hurricane.  And, two days later, the entire island of Barbuda was evacuated to Antigua because of the threat of Hurricane Jose.

Pastor Mark and Cindy placed gifts into the children's hands, and Mark said: “Seeing this makes me want to do all I can while I can...” Cindy said, "It's beyond words how excited I feel,” adding, “I can’t wait to get home to pack some more shoeboxes. It’s such a joy to be a part of Operation Christmas Child, especially knowing that the children will be taught through The Greatest Journey how to faithfully follow Jesus.”  The article goes on to say:

Bishop Nigel Henry, who just celebrated 35 years of ministry on Barbuda, also attended the distribution event. He was excited about Operation Christmas Child and its follow-up discipleship course, The Greatest Journey.

“It’s a tremendous privilege to be a part of this kind of evangelism,” he said. “This will help our churches be revitalized from the child up as opposed to from the adult down.”

At the event in which the shoeboxes are handed out, there is a presentation of the gospel.  At this celebration, Devon Recha shared the Gospel. The piece says, "Devon was 12 years old when he received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift on the island of Grenada and also experienced Hurricane Ivan when it ripped through there in September 2004." Samaritan's Purse reports that "Devon, a former senator-turned pastor, challenged the children to commit their lives to Christ and to follow Him."

This Operation Christmas Child distribution was part of a multi-pronged strategy to bring hope to Barbuda.  Other initiatives of Samaritan's Purse include: reverse-osmosis equipment that purifies the water, helping residents with cleanup, and providing tarps, generators, jerry kits, and hygiene kits.  Samaritan's Purse will be constructing transitional housing, as well.

This story illustrates the love of Christ in action, and can remind us of the practical work of the gospel that is occurring all over the world.

We need hope in our world today, and it's vital that we do not lose sight of our mission.  Taking our eyes off ourselves is a key component.  Operation Christmas Child has the potential to do that for many families; while we all love to receive gifts, I believe that this outreach helps to turn the hearts and minds of children toward those who are in need.

I also think it's a cool cycle in operation when you think of how victims of one hurricane reached out to victims of another - the members of Grace Baptist certainly did not know that at the time, but I think there is a principle at work here: When you are experiencing need, shift the focus to the needs of others.  The Texas church members didn't cancel the packing party and they experienced the blessing of serving people who had suffered the devastation of another hurricane.

That act of love by a church family shows the importance of dedication to following Christ's direction.  Disappointment can cause us to cancel or change an assignment that God has given to us. Sometimes practicality will dictate a change of plans.  Other times, God wants us to stay the course. Our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit will help us determine how He would have us to proceed.

God-Fearing

Proverbs 1 really lays out some of the premises that will be explored in the rest of the book; primarily the importance of fearing God, or having reverence for Him, and applying His truth:
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.

I'll share a bit later about an actor who described himself recently as "God-fearing."  And, that is a state to which all of us should really aspire - allowing ourselves to be controlled by the Spirit of God and abiding by the teaching that we have received.  It may or may have not been from godly parents or grandparents.  But, right principles implanted in our hearts can serve us well.  And, we can be inspired to be parents who teach the ways of the Lord to the generations to come.

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The 111th Psalm shares insight into God's redemption that has been made available to us and how we can respond to who He is and what He offers to us:
7 The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure.
8 They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
A well-known, Academy Award-winning actor was back in his hometown recently, and made an indelible impression on a lady there.  CBN News reports that Denzel Washington was looking for a barbeque restaurant and, as the story states:

The actor started talking to a group of bystanders when one of them told him about an 86-year-old woman living nearby who has been a big fan of Washington's for many years. In a impulsive, random act of kindness, Washington stopped what he was doing and headed to the elderly woman's home to pay her a visit.

When Washington got to her home, she was stunned and overjoyed and said, "Dear God, my blessing has been answered," according to ABC7 The woman held the movie star's hand throughout the visit and beamed, "I'm not going to let you go!"

This visit attracted attention, with one of the onlookers making this statement: "We look up to you. You're a black statesman..." But, CBN reports that "Washington responded with humility, referring to himself as 'regular folk.'" He is quoted as saying, "I'm a God-fearing man who was raised right," he told the group of fans. "I did a lot of wrong. But I got it together."

The event has been posted to YouTube.

This is not an isolated incident with the famous actor sharing his faith.  A Crosswalk.com story from last week reports on comments that Washington made in an interview regarding the Millennial generation.  The story says, according to The Christian Post:  "I would say to your generation — find a way to work together because this is a very divisive, angry time you're living in, unfortunately, because we didn't grow up like that..." The article also says:

Washington also encouraged young people to refrain from becoming addicted to social media, but when they use it, to do so to share God’s Word.

"I pray for your generation," he said. "What an opportunity you have! Don't be depressed by it because we have to go through this, we're here now. You can't put that thing back in the box."

The story offers a corollary to that quote from the visit with the 86-year-old lady in Chicago, in which he said: "I did a lot of wrong. But I got it together."  He said:

"My mother said to me when I was 59, she said, 'Denzel, you do a lot of good. You have to do good the right way and you know what I'm talking about,'" he concluded. "I don't drink anymore, I don't do any of those things. I'm all about the message, to the degree that I know it, and I'm unashamed and unafraid to share it! So you have to be unafraid and unashamed to share it in the way your millennial generation know's how.”

I really want to camp out on two statements.  For one thing, Denzel stated, "I'm a God-fearing man who was raised right."  He was challenged by his mom when he was 59 - he turns 63 on Christmas Eve.  That wasn't too long ago.  So, we recognize that our upbringing can determine the course of our lives.  We can turn aside from the way we were raised; those brought up in a Christian home can grow to reject it and those who did not see faith modeled can actually become people of strong faith. But, we also realize that there is power in the Word of God, and if those principles were part of a person's background, then we can trust that the Word will not return void and that a child trained in, as Proverbs says, "the way he should go" will not depart from it.  Surely, a person can choose to reject it, but the truth is a powerful force.

Washington also touches on the element of repentance.  He basically admits from departing from those principles which were planted within him - but, as He said, "I got it together."  I don't know what that entails, but it sounds to me that he is attempting to live his life in a manner that lines up with his stated faith, the state of being "God-fearing."  The Bible says that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."  We should all strive to not only say that we think highly of God or give lip-service to His principles, but to truly be permeated with the fear, the reverence of Him.  Our willingness to allow His ways to supersede our own will determine how His nature is expressed through us and how we live the life He intends for us to live.   A true encounter with Almighty God and the realization of His goodness will lead us to repentance.

6 Out of 10?

The 7th chapter of Proverbs offers a picture of unbridled devotion to keeping God's Word:
1 My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you.
2 Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye.
3 Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.

I think those closing words really can challenge us to think about how we are placing Scripture in the forefront of our minds.  Certainly we can read and study the Word, committing verses to memory and meditating on their application to us.  And, we can even listen to Bible teaching and worshipful music, such as what is featured on Faith Radio.  We can post Scripture in our homes, even our offices, when appropriate, and maybe engage with Scripture through our computers and smartphones - it is critical that we hold His Word in high regard, since there are so many influences that would distract us.

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The 10 Commandments are more than just inscriptions on monuments or a series of verses in the Bible - for the Christian, these statements are consistent with the heart of God, provide
0practical guidelines for daily living, and remind us that we are not capable of keeping them...that is why we need a Savior.  The Bible tells us in Galatians 3:
22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.
24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

So, do we still have to keep the 10 Commandments today?  After all, Jesus only named 2 - love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself.  Well, if we are seeking to be obedient to Christ, then we are to follow His principles - and as it's been pointed out, the first 4 of the 10 Commandments deal with our relationship with God, the last 6 with our relationships with others.  So, yes, the 10 Commandments are relevant today.

However, a new survey indicates that in Great Britain, a majority of survey respondents have decided that only six are important.  From the U.K. version of the YouGov website, we read this:

Unsurprisingly the Commandment that the most Brits think is still important to live by is thou shalt not kill, at 93%, joint with thou shalt not steal. In the case of both Commandments, they were seen as still important by 94% of Christians and 93% of those with no religion.

Not bearing false witness (telling lies) about others came third among all groups, with 87% of all Brits, 90% of Christians, and 86% of those without a religion saying that it is still important to live by.

Close to three quarters (73%) of the population at large say that not committing adultery is still a top life principle, including 69% of non-religious Brits and 76% of Christians.

Honouring thy father and thy mother is still an important rule to follow for 69% of all Britons, including 78% of Christians and 60% of the non-religious.

The final Commandment that holds majority support is the Christian God’s instruction that people not covet the possessions of others. Six in ten (61%) of the public as a whole say this is still a good rule to live by, including 72% of Christians and 52% of those with no religion.

The other four, actually the ones that deal with relationship to God, which I believe are directly related to what Jesus described as the Greatest Commandment, well, just don't seem too relevant to most British people.

The first one - "I am the Lord thy God, You shall have no other God before me – is one of the least important according to the public," according to the article.  Only 20% of Britons believe this to be relevant, and just over one-third of Christians...stunning!

The least relevant - keeping the Sabbath day holy.  I do think that people may miss the point about the New Testament teaching on Sabbath, but I digress.  And, similarly, they miss the point on idol worship, too.  Less than one-third believe people should not worship idols.  Christians are split on the concept.  And, while still over one-third of Christians believe you should not take the Lord's name in vain, 23% of the general population believe that you should not "use the word 'God' in or as a curse."

So, what do we make of this?

For one thing, I believe that people miss the point of these commandments - yes, they communicate the heart of God, they are consistent with His truth, and provide not only suggestions for right living, but the keeping of them, from a heart that is devoted to Christ, can contribute to a productive Christian life.  

But, we can't keep them in ourselves, and compliance with them is actually a product of our living in the Spirit.  If we are seeking to be in relationship with God and reliant on Him to empower us to walk in a manner that glorifies Him, that includes the keeping of His principles.  But, love for Christ has to be the first thing we pursue.

And, in our culture, these provide a foundation for a strong moral order.  Morality has to derive from somewhere - better from the absolute truth of Almighty God than from the relativism of human beings.  These Commandments provide a firm basis for a functioning society, reflecting healthy relationships.

Finally, unlike the British people responding to this survey - we don't get to pick and choose the parts of Scripture that we keep or consider relevant.  We regard the Bible as God's infallible Word, and in so doing, we diligently seek to keep those words and hide them in our heart, allowing them to come alive and to be expressed through our actions.

Clean

God wants to do a cleansing work not only within the hearts of His people, but also within the
Church. He calls us to a surrendered life, and that means confronting and turning aside from behavior patterns that contradict His principles. 2nd Corinthians 7 says:
9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

The culture is ill; we need to go to the Great Physician - and the way to healing can be highlighted by the actions of the Church.  Now, we find that we are ridiculed and branded when we speak out against sin these days, but that should not dampen our resolve, but even make us stronger in our desire to see people walk in God's ways.  We can always be motivated by the love of Christ - for God and for people, yearning to see people discover a Savior who promises a life of fulfillment, joy, and freedom.

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We are all sinners and we stand in need of a Savior; it's only through an encounter with Almighty
God through Jesus Christ that we can experience true repentance and healing. Romans 2 says:
1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

There has been a recurring, and important theme that we have seen emerge in the culture - it is important, and it's yet another subject to which the Bible speaks, indicating the sufficiency of Scripture for our lives and our world today.

The emphasis on sexual abuse has been refreshingly clear, in light of revelations over the past few months of high-powered men who took advantage of their female associates.  And, we can admit that this not only occurs in the workplace, but also in homes and other locations.  As perhaps you read in the Montgomery Advertiser today, there is a bi-partisan effort in Congress to provide training to address sexual harassment.  A bill concerning the topic was introduced into Congress today, according to USA Today, in an article found on the Advertiser website.  This is a very important issue, and when an allegation is made about sexual abuse, it bears serious consideration.

The Church should be upfront on this issue, highlighting the seriousness of this activity as well as providing a safe, compassionate place for victims.

John Stonestreet, in a Breakpoint commentary almost a month ago, had some pointed words about the role of the Church in addressing the subject. He said:

Via a flood of posts on Twitter and other social media, women, using the hashtag #MeToo, are demonstrating that sexual harassment, assault, and rape isn’t a problem limited to a relative handful of high-profile creeps.

I applaud their courage. After all, among Christianity’s greatest contributions to the world has been its revolutionary ideas about the dignity of women. To not stand up for that dignity is to betray that heritage.

He referred to a classics professor named Sarah Ruden, who wrote a book, in which she details the misogyny of the Roman world into which first-century Christianity was injected.  John stated:

Christianity “worked a cultural revolution,” she writes, “restraining and channeling the male Eros, elevating the status of both women and of the human body, and infusing marriage—and marital sexuality—with love.” In Ruden’s words, Christian ideas about marriage were “as different from anything before or since as the command to turn the other cheek.”

And, Stonestreet highlights how shifts in culture have allowed men to rationalize their evil actions. He quotes from David French of National Review, who wrote: “You can sum up the sexual ethic of the sexual revolutionary in one sentence: Except in the most extreme circumstances (such as incest), consenting adults define their own moral norms.” He also said, "Consent is determined by the request, and in a completely sexualized culture, the request can come at any time, anywhere, and from any person you encounter—regardless of the power imbalance or the propriety of the location.”

Stonestreet warns against the church "running from the clear, life-giving vision of human sexuality that liberated the pagan world." He goes on:

Yet that’s exactly what many of us are doing. We’re rationalizing our own surrender to the sexual ethos of the day, even thinking ourselves “loving” and “tolerant” to abandon the historic Christian teaching on sex and marriage. But given the brokenness around us, it’s cruel—not loving—to withhold the truth in our confused culture.

He takes the Church to task for ignoring or not confronting sexual "abuse or harassment," and excusing immoral behavior by politicians.

The excellent and provocative Bible teacher Beth Moore responded on Twitter a few weeks ago to the #MeToo hashtag by creating her own...#WeToo.  In a series of tweets, she said:

#WeToo have a voice. For all the times we were bullied into silence, we get to speak up & call wrong WRONG. #WeToo for fewer future #MeToos.

She also wrote:

#WeToo get to stand on solid ground and be counted. We too get to help other girls stand. We too get to say, "I understand. I believe you."

And this:

#WeToo have dignity. We too have courage. We too can heal. We too have community. We too can be unashamed. We too can see to change.

And:

Lastly what, to me, is the game changer: #WeToo are loved by God/defended by Christ/upending the darkness/bringing to light/devoted to love.

As you may be aware, Joel and Luke Smallbone of the band, for KING & COUNTRY, have been speaking out against the objectification of women, and presenting that message in the song, book, and movie, Priceless.  In the aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the #MeToo movement, they streamed the film on Facebook Live, according to ChristianHeadlines.com, which reported:

"We've been standing on stage telling women that they deserve to be treated with love and respect," Joel Smallbone shared, as reported by CBN News. "And telling men that there's a chivalrous way to show love. That led us to Priceless."

"It's the band's desire that more people will be aware of the victims of sexual abuse and its devastating aftermath that leaves victims hopeless and without a voice. Each one is priceless,” read a press release from the band.

Some principles today:

How we need to experience the mercy of God.  The victim of abuse needs to know God's empowerment to speak out about what she - or he - has experienced, and to receive God's mercy in order to provide the healing that is needed.  The victim has a long road, and sometimes the tendency is to be silent.  Within the Church, there is brokenness, there are misplaced ideas about sexuality and even chivalry, and it's important that we address the way we behave toward one another as well as those in the world.  The Church can also provide a safe atmosphere in which victims can speak up and in which sin can be confronted.  Autumn Miles, who spoke with me at NRB this year, addressed how the Church can be sensitive to matters of domestic abuse.

The victimizer also needs God's mercy, as we believe that, according to Romans 2, the goodness of God leads to repentance.  And, the exposure to the sins committed in secret places, the light of truth shone in, can be a first step toward removing the facade and experiencing grace.

And, there are sins that are committed in the secret place of the heart - temptation is one thing, and God provides the way of escape, but one must not participate in willing exposure to behavior that is outrageously sinful through the scourge of pornography, which suggests a warped view of sexuality that infiltrates and damages relationships.

We have to renew our minds, and to depend on the power and wisdom of the Spirit to address these ideas and actions that are so counter to the love of Christ.

Identified with Christ

There is a parable that Jesus shared in Luke 18 about a widow who came before an unjust judge seeking justice. She was persistent, and received a favorable ruling. We read:
6 Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said.
7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them?
8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

That's a phrase that came to mind as we exist in an environment where there is a systematic dismantling of the social structures that are supportive of our faith.  There are those that would want us, as Christians, to go away; those who want to silence us, to label us as intolerant and hateful because we uphold Biblical standards.  But, I believe that God will meet us when we are discouraged and reinforce our faith in Him; recognizing that as people observe our convictions, expressed with compassion, that they will be drawn to our Savior - we are called to be faithful.

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I think that it's vital to know what it means to live as a Christian in this age.  We have to guard against allowing the world or the media to define us, but we can be challenged to allow the way we live to
show we have Christ in our hearts. Micah 6 gives some insight:
6 With what shall I come before the Lord, And bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, With calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

For 17 years, a missionary named Dr. William Leslie ministered to the people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to GodReports.com, which says that, "After 17 years he returned to the U.S. a discouraged man – believing he failed to make an impact for Christ. He died nine years after his return."

But in 2010, almost 100 years after Leslie went to what was described as a "remote corner" of the nation, Eric Ramsey with Tom Cox World Ministries brought a team into the region and made "a shocking and sensational discovery," according to the article which states that they found "a network of reproducing churches hidden like glittering diamonds in the dense jungle across the Kwilu River from Vanga, where Dr. Leslie was stationed."  The story says:

Ramsey reported, "When we got in there, we found a network of reproducing churches throughout the jungle,” Ramsey reports. “Each village had its own gospel choir, although they wouldn’t call it that,” he notes. “They wrote their own songs and would have sing-offs from village to village.”

They found a church in each of the eight villages they visited scattered across 34 miles. Ramsey and his team even found a 1000-seat stone “cathedral” in one of the villages. He learned that this church got so crowded in the 1980s – with many walking miles to attend — that a church planting movement began in the surrounding villages.

Ramsey had to do some research to make the connection from these people, known as the Yansi, to Dr. Leslie, and he was able to piece together aspects of the doctor's story. According to Ramsey, "He would teach the Bible, taught the tribal children how to read and write, talked about the importance of education, and told Bible stories."  The article says that he also learned that "Leslie started the first organized educational system in these villages."

But, he didn't really feel his work had an impact, and he left there after a fallout with tribal leaders, which was later reconciled. Ramsey notes: "His goal was to spread Christianity. He felt like he was there for 17 years and he never really made a big impact, but the legacy he left is huge.”

There's a reason I share this story today - it just illustrates for us the impact that we can make.  It's a nervous time for many in the church: we can become discouraged by threats of all sorts; political developments call the authenticity of our faith into question; and there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of security out there.  But, the Church is still the Church, our calling has not changed, there will be those who will be hostile to the faith, but we can still walk in the love of Christ and be confident in Him.

There are three words I want to share with you today.

One is identification.  We are not called to be identified with a certain label - we may belong to a church or a denomination; we may affiliate with various organizations, but ultimately we are to be identified with Christ.  We belong to Him and the way we live our lives, clothed in compassion and confident in the Lord, demonstrates with whom we identify.

Another is imitation.  We are called to be imitators of Christ.  Humans will fail us sometimes; we will fail ourselves if we are reliant on human effort.  But God calls us to exalt Christ as our example, and to seek to live our lives in the way that He would intend.  In order to follow Him, we have to know His ways and seek His heart - that's why Bible study, prayer, and personal communion with Him are so very important.

Finally, let's think about infusion.  We are called to be infused with the Spirit of Christ.  The Holy Spirit is given to us to direct us, to empower us, and to assure us that God is with us.  Our trust is in the Lord, and our dependence can be governed by the Spirit He gives us.  He enables us to be found faithful in the Lord.  You never know what impact your faithfulness may have.

Rushing In

In Psalm 71, we read about the Lord as our source of strength, in whom we put our trust, whom we regard as our strong refuge:
1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame.
2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me.
3 Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.

While we are weak in ourselves, we have the capability to walk in His strength.  But, we can only be strong in Him when we empty ourselves of our dependence on ourselves and appropriate what He has made available to us.  He may call us to take extraordinary steps in order to fulfill His will, yet we can be confident that He will empower us to fulfill what He has called us to do.  We can also know that He will give us the courage to take bold steps.

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The apostle Paul gives an exhortation about brave service in 1st Corinthians 16, near the close of the book:
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints--
16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

Worshippers gathered by the scores yesterday at the site of the deadly church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and temporarily bringing this shooting back into national attention.  Churches are evaluating their own security plans, and lawmakers continue to debate the efficiency of new restrictions on guns.  Meanwhile, a clerical error apparently allowed the shooter, Devin Kelley, to obtain the weapons he used or intended to use, despite his dishonorable discharge from the Air Force.

Meanwhile, the heroic efforts of one of the town's residents should continue to be noticed, especially in the season surrounding Veteran's Day, when we do honor those who have given of themselves, enduring extensive preparation so that perhaps they, too, can be involved as a hero.

A ChristianHeadlines.com story highlights the actions of Stephen Willeford.  The story states:

Stephen Willeford’s home and the community there is very dear to him. That was why, when he heard the gunshots coming from the First Baptist Church near his home, he grabbed his gun and ran out the door, looking to protect his friends who were inside the church.

Willeford engaged in a gunfight with the shooter, Devin Kelley. He wounded Kelley who then sped off in his vehicle and was later found dead by law enforcement.

Although Willeford initially believed he had killed Kelley, law enforcement later said they believe Kelley died from a self-inflicted shot to the head.

Twenty-six people lost their lives in the shooting, but the death toll would likely have been much higher if not for Willeford’s bravery.

Willeford is quoted at The Stream as saying, “I think my God, my Lord, protected me and gave me the skills to do what needed to be done. I just wish I’d gotten there faster.”

The Christian Headlines story says that, "Willeford’s friends describe him as a faithful Christian. After the shooting, Willeford was distraught, as were many residents of Sutherland Springs. His friend, John Wood, said he "could use prayer."

Wood said, "That PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is going to be something that’s with him and the whole family for a while,” adding, “He is a blessing to many. They need lots of prayers and blessings to get through this situation themselves.”

Stephen Willeford, even though he denies it, is certainly a hero.  And, we can be challenged to participate in acts of service, sometimes extreme, maybe even life-challenging, in order to help others.  He possessed a tremendous attitude of self-sacrifice, and he was willing to literally give of himself.

On Saturday, and even this past Friday, we honored those who have served our nation - so many have shown themselves ready and willing to place themselves in harm's way in order to defend our great nation.  We think about not only our military, but law enforcement, as well, who are selflessly placing themselves in the position of carrying out that Biblical directive of preserving order - upholding the good and punishing evil.

Now, let's think about our own willingness to give of ourselves...physically or spiritually.  There are battles that are raging all around us - including the battle for the deeply held Biblical principles we all hold dear.  There are moral challenges in our culture, and we face an enemy that is attempting to corrupt our minds and ultimately our actions.  So, some questions for each of us: Are you willing to rush into the battle?  Are you prepared and developing your skills and sensitivity so you could be used of the Lord in a critical time?

Perhaps that will mean being willing to help literally save a life, being placed in a life-threatening situation where people may die.  Or it could be speaking out for someone who is afflicted or downtrodden.  It may mean devoting yourself to intense prayer, clothed in the armor of God and interceding for those who are being threatened by spiritual foes.  In the Spirit, we can be motivated to be ready, "in and out of season," as the Bible says, recognizing that He equips us to be obedient and efficient - not seeking to be heroes, mind you, but exhibiting those characteristics all the same.

And, in the process of protecting the wounded, people may become wounded themselves - that's what Stephen Willeford's friend is talking about.  When we face the injuries of being in the battle, we can turn to the Lord, who binds up the brokenhearted, who is our source of strength, and hopefully to His people, in order to experience the healing and restoration that He wants to bring to those who have stood bravely as His warriors.

Keeping Up

We are called to be distinctive people, who are motivated by our love for Christ and devoted to
speaking truth boldly. 1st John 2 says:
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.

We deceive ourselves if we think we have to become like the world and to adopt its principles in order to somehow reach people for Christ.  That is not to say that Christians are not to look for ways to build bridges in order to share the truth of Christ.  But, if we compromise His principles in the name of being compassionate, or "tolerant," then we have to ask ourselves if we are really walking in the love of God.  We have to guard against modifying the teachings of Scripture in the name of cultural relevance.

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There is a passage in Jude that describes the cultural landscape that we encounter today and how we as believers can respond:
17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ:
18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts.
19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

It's really amazing how church attendance by celebrities has become such an attraction for certain media outlets.

Take, for instance, the U.K.'s Daily Mail.  It covered a Wednesday night appearance at a church in Beverly Hills in this way:

Kourtney Kardashian was snapped attending midweek services at the Beverly Hills location of Hillsong Church, the religious institution that regularly draws big names including Bono, Nick Jonas, Hailey Baldwin, Hailee Steinfeld and pop superstar Justin Bieber.

The eldest of the Kardashian siblings, 38, wore a black leather coat over a white top with torn blue jeans and pointy black heels for the weeknight service.

The story is an interesting portfolio of pictures ranging from the attire - mainly the attire - to a screenshot by Kourtney of a projected slide with John 3:16 on it. The piece also features some material from Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz, who is actually the Hillsong New York City pastor, discussing his viewpoint on celebrity.

The timing of this appearance is curious: it was just four days after an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, in which the three sisters, one of whom is unmarried and pregnant with a child, visited a Planned Parenthood clinic. The website, Newsbusters, reported on the visit. According to the story, they wanted to “learn firsthand that the nonprofit does more than just abortions.” Kim reportedly said: “The perception of Planned Parenthood is that it’s this like abortion clinic,” adding, “That’s nothing like what it’s like.”

Khloe added: "I'm a big fan of Planned Parenthood now," adding, "I think people need to be more educated before they form opinions, and that's what I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to do today."

I actually agree - how's this for education?  From the Newsbusters article:

Speaking of education, according to Planned Parenthood’s most recently published annual report, the organization performed 328,348 abortions and received $554.6 million in “government health services grants and reimbursements” for the year 2015 – 2016. While the national abortion rate has lowered, Planned Parenthood’s abortion rate has risen.

While Planned Parenthood claims that only 3% of its services consist of abortion, pro-life groups, such as Students for Life of America and Live Action, have long debunked the statistic. Even The Washington Post has called the number deceptive.

Even though Planned Parenthood has attempted to sanitize or cover up the taking of life that is occurring, nevertheless, they try to mix faith into the offensive practices.  The Huffington Post reported:

Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and secular leaders gathered inside Planned Parenthood Metro Washington’s new Carol Whitehill Moses health center on Tuesday to perform a blessing of the space.

The event, co-hosted by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, included interfaith blessings, prayers, and testimonies about why it was important ― politically and spiritually ― for women to have autonomy over their own bodies.

Dr. Laura Meyers, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, told The Huffington Post that it’s crucial for Americans to hear these progressive voices of faith speak up for women.

“Having a group of interfaith clergy perform a ceremony focused on unity and wholeness therefore takes on special meaning to empower and celebrate rather than to stigmatize, control and dehumanize...

Memo: there is nothing empowering about the taking of human life.  The empowering, as Melissa Ohden pointed out at last night's Sav-a-Life banquet in Montgomery, should be for women facing an unplanned pregnancy to receive the education, encouragement, and resources they need in order to make the right choice - the choice for life.

I don't know what the Kardashians are learning about the sanctity of life in their church service, but it's ironic how Carl Lentz, the New York Hillsong pastor has had to respond to comments he made on The View recently.  He was asked point-blank by Joy Behar is abortion was a sin.  His answer was non-committal.  After receiving criticism, according to LifeNews.com, he wrote on Twitter:

“I do believe abortion is sinful,” Lentz wrote. “Our prayer is that we can continue to help and love those that deal with the pain of regret from personal choices, rather than cast further shame and guilt on those already carrying so much and create a church that can teach people how to form convictions based on God’s word, that will be the driving force in all their decisions.

“I will continue to point people to Jesus, above all else, every opportunity I get. The story of God’s redemptive grace, available to all, is the best news available,” he continued.

LifeNews.com stated that: "A 2016 Pew Research Center poll found that just 29 percent of respondents heard their clergy member speak about abortion during a religious service. Most who did said their clergy spoke out against abortion (22 percent), while a few (3 percent) said their clergy spoke in support of abortion."

I think this illustrates how important it is for the church to be clear in its position on abortion.  The Bible points to God our Creator and teaches the sanctity of life, the concept of people being made in the image of God.  When we take the life of another person, born or unborn, it violates and contradicts the heart of God.

We also can be reminded how the church has a call to reach the world and change it - celebrity culture and media will misinterpret the role of the church and focus on externals, when it's the internal that God is concerned about.  We are to be salt and light and to proclaim truth in a world that is searching for answers.  We cannot afford to compromise truth in an attempt to somehow be socially relevant. Our relevance comes in our devotion to following God's principles.

We are called to be used of the Holy Spirit to communicate His dedication to changing lives.  In my comments last night at the Sav-a-Life Gala, I highlighted three types of change: a change of heart for a women who is considering terminating the life of her unborn child, a change of culture that can occur as hearts are changed to be more sensitive to the sanctity of life, and a change of perspective for individual believers as we reflect on how God is working through the ministry of Sav-a-Life.