Purpose

We were created and designed to bring God glory - in our own unique ways, we can testify to His greatness, expressed through His people. Jesus said in John 15:
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Because of the presence of Christ in our hearts and the redemptive work that He has done, we can think and act in a different way - different from the way we used to behave and different from the ways of the world.  He brings meaning to our lives and the supernatural ability to put sin to death and put righteousness on display.  It's not us, but Christ in us.  The roles we serve should be informed by our faith in Him and infused with Holy Spirit power.

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Want to talk about purpose?  What God has in store for the child of God?  Ephesians 2 gives us some
insight into how God sees us - in Christ:
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

The defending college football national champions kicked off their season at home against Georgia Tech.  The last time that the Clemson Tigers were on a football field for a game, they pounded the Alabama Crimson Tide, 44-16.  It's certainly a defeat that will motivate the Tide this year.  But, I would say the Tigers have no plans of backing down and resting on their laurels.

The architect and motivator of this team is none other than Dabo Swinney, and he has set the tone for the season with a single word: purpose.  The Christian Headlines website quotes in this excerpt from the article:

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said during his press conference this week he wants his team to focus on one word this year: purpose. But Swinney – whose team is ranked No. 1 in the major polls – defines “purpose” differently than many football fans would.

“My word is ‘purpose’ this year – my purpose as a man, my purpose as a father, my purpose as a husband, and then our purpose as a program. …. And then also helping my staff and my players find and fulfill their purpose.

“[I’m] just really convicted on that. We’ve had a lot of success, I’m going into year 11, but we’ve stayed true to who we are the whole way. … I know what my purpose as a man is, and that’s to glorify God. That’s to be a great husband and father, and it’s to use the game of football to equip young people for life. That’s just that simple.”

He also commented on the purpose of the Clemson program: “...to graduate our players, and to give them the tools that they need to go be successful – to make sure they have a good experience and to win a championship ."  Last year's seniors had a 97% job placement rate.

As the article notes, Swinney has not been reserved in sharing his faith in Christ, noting that after winning the championship last year, he said, “For me personally, joy comes from focusing on Jesus, others and yourself.”

Speaking of purpose, I was struck by a retweet of video comments from former NFL player now pastor Derwin Gray. The title was "WHY do you coach?"  The tweet was from none other than current Florida Atlantic head coach and former Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.  I had to say, what's up with this.  After all, Kiffin has been known for his coaching instability and rumors of personal indiscretion.

Well, it seems that Kiffin has had a discovery of purpose in his life.  A Christian Headlines story from last year relates how the chaplain at Tennessee, where Lane was the head coach for one year, gave him a book, according to a piece the coach wrote for the Athletes for God website:

“On the first page were four words that changed my life,” Kiffin wrote. “’It’s not about you.’ “That’s all Rick Warren needed to say. It immediately sunk in, and I've been telling my players and coworkers that line ever since. I had never heard that before but that is the purpose of life.”

Those, of course, were the opening words of the book, The Purpose Driven Life.  The article goes on to say, regarding his sudden firing at USC: “What it turned out to be … was the beginning of God humbling me to the man I am today,” adding, “I was not using the platform He put me on at all in His way. As my pastor once said, 'God wasn't punishing me, he was just giving me a wakeup call.” He also noted, "Just when I needed Him, God answered in a big way,” Kiffin wrote. “I don't know if God is a sports fan or not, but I do know this: He loves a good comeback.”

Florida Atlantic, by the way, opens its season at The Ohio State University.

But, here you have two rather well-known coaches talking about purpose, from a Biblical perspective.  We can ask ourselves if we can identify it in our own lives.  As Dabo says, ultimately, it's to glorify God - and God will provide direction in order for us to do this.  He has wonderful intentions for us, and desires that we discover them.

Also, let's talk for a moment about perception.  We generally have a good perception of Dabo Swinney's faith; others, like Lane, not so much.  I have to admit, I was a bit surprised to learn that Del Duduit had included Ben Roethlisberger, who has had his share of bad publicity, in his devotional book - didn't see that one coming!   But, think about it - no one is beyond redemption.  Because of wrong choices, a person can build a reputation, and we develop a perception. But, God can provide the potential for that perception to be wiped away, having given a person a clean slate through Christ's forgiveness.

Finally, if God has done something wonderful in your life - and He has! - then be involved in the proclamation of what He has done.  We can tell our stories, and live in a manner that shows the world that we belong to Him.  Christ has come to rewrite our stories, to rescue us from sin's power, and to reverse the work of the enemy in our lives.

Shift

In Jeremiah 6, there is a sobering passage that can challenge us to consider actions that are rooted in
Scripture and reflect the heart of God. We can read:
16 Thus says the Lord: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'
17 Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen.'

Think about it - the old paths, the place where the good way is.  While new ways of operating can be good, and we can rejoice in how God takes us into newness of life and action, we also have to remember the established ways of God, the one who never changes.  When we reject what God wants to do in our lives, we set out on a path that doesn't please Him, that is destructive for us individually, and can affect groups of people.  There are principles we find in the Word that can point us in the direction that God would intend.

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Our nation is in great need of an infusion of Biblical wisdom and a sense of righteousness - of doing
what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Proverbs 14 states:
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
35 The king's favor is toward a wise servant, But his wrath is against him who causes shame.

We are in a time of cultural upheaval, and there are deeply held principles that are being challenged and minimized, including values that are consistent with Biblical truth.  Todd Starnes of Fox News led off a recent column by saying:

A new survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News indicates a major shift in American values. The survey found that millennials are not as patriotic or as religious or as family oriented as Americans were 20 years ago.

Starnes quotes from Chad Day of the Wall Street Journal, who said: "The values that Americans say define the national character are changing, as younger generations rate patriotism, religion and having children as less important to them than did young people two decades ago..."

One example that Todd gave, "Nearly 80 percent of Americans ages 55 or older said patriotism is important to them, the survey found. However, only 42 percent of younger Americans valued patriotism."

When you read the story on the NBC News website, you see this alarming statistic regarding religion in the younger generation: "Just 30 percent of the younger group cite religion or belief in God as very important, while 67 percent of the older group does."  The "younger group" is defined as Millennials and Gen Z - between the ages of 18 and 38.  The "older group" is over 55.

And, this survey identified that people are angry.  It states:

The latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll finds that — despite Americans’ overall satisfaction with the state of the U.S. economy and their own personal finances — a majority say they are angry at the nation’s political and financial establishment, anxious about its economic future, and pessimistic about the country they’re leaving for the next generation.

Regarding this "anger," the article summarizing the survey states:

70 percent of Americans say they feel angry “because our political system seems to only be working for the insiders with money and power, like those on Wall Street or in Washington...

Democrats report being angrier than Republicans: "In 2015, 39 percent of Republicans and 44 percent of Democrats said a feeling of anger at the political establishment defined them “very well.” Now, it’s 29 percent of Republicans and 54 percent of Democrats — a 10-point swing for each party, in opposite directions."

But almost 7-in-10 Americans are "satisfied with their overall financial situation today." But, as the story points out...

...a majority — 56 percent — also say they feel “anxious and uncertain because the economy still feels rocky and unpredictable.” That’s down slightly from 61 percent in 2015.

You do have to wonder, though, how much that media outlets are stoking that anger.  And, that brings me to the first point: we may be concerned about the direction of our nation, but we have to guard against anger and frustration; rather, we can exhibit peace and dependence on Christ.  We have tools available in the Lord that can help us to navigate difficult times.

This survey also reminds us that money doesn't necessarily buy happiness.  Many are satisfied with the economy, but still are experiencing dissatisfaction.  We have to seek satisfaction in the right things.  The stuff doesn't produce satisfaction.

Finally, we can continue to reclaim a sense of our nation's founding values and principles.  As Robert Morgan was sharing on the radio show the other day, the Bible and its teachings have been influential on our nation's history and its founders.  Our history shows how imperfect men trusting in a perfect God, I believe, crafted not only a system of government, that some want to abolish; but greater than that, an ideal - that all are created equal and that we have the capability of enjoying liberty.

Celebrating Life

It is God's intent to proliferate the gospel and to advance the Kingdom from generation to
generation. Psalm 78 states:
2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,
3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.

We can consider the legacy of faith that we are leaving for the generations to come.  Each of us has the responsibility to live out the Christian faith, so that others may see it and share it.  Each child who comes into the world is ordained by his or her Creator, blessed with incredible potential to bring honor and glory to Him.  We can love our children in Christ and model the Savior's love, and reflect God's love for those yet unborn.

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We honor our Lord as the author of life, who builds our lives and our families on His strong
foundation, predicated on the sanctity of life. Psalm 127 says:
(1) Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

There is nothing to rejoice about in taking the life of an unborn child; it is an exercise in futility, as some have said, to "shout your abortion."  It is certainly not a cause to celebrate, as misguided actress Alyssa Milano has recently alluded to.  Faithwire states that she "recently celebrated her past abortions, claiming her life would be 'lacking all its great joys' if she hadn’t terminated two of her pregnancies when she was in her early 20s."

How sad!  And, a California pastor offers another view of the sacredness of life.  The article says:

Jarrid Wilson, pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship and founder of the non-profit Anthem of Hope, posted a tweet Wednesday, responding to Milano. In it, he asked people to post pictures of their own children along with the hashtag #greatjoys because, in reality, children are the presence — not absence — of joy.

Wilson is quoted as saying, “Children are our future, and a blessing from God, not a burden that so many people — specifically people who are only focused on their own achievement and goals — make them out to be,” and about Milano, he stated, "Whether she wants to admit it or not, she now has two children in heaven whom she will never experience the joy of parenting.”

But, there are elements of society who are determined to promote women taking the lives of their unborn children.  It is commonplace in the world of politics - and technology.  A recent Christian Post article highlights that...

Earlier this year, Google announced that health organizations that advertise about abortion on the major search engine’s website must have a label indicating whether or not they actually provide abortions.

However, Stephanie Kirchgaessner of The Guardian reported Monday that Google’s policy only appeared to work when the specific term “abortion” was searched by a user.

Other search terms like “free pregnancy test” and “pregnancy symptoms” did not include a disclaimer explaining if the entity provided abortions.

The Post had indicated that the policy was "aimed at preventing ads from pro-life crisis pregnancy centers."  The article states that, "The change came in response to pro-choice activists arguing that Google was providing pro-life crisis pregnancy centers the ability to advertise as if they were abortion providers."  So, Google has been caught in a transparent attempt to inhibit the fine work of these pregnancy centers, who are involved in helping women to make the choice for life.

And, another pro-life snapshot comes from the actress who played the role of former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson in the movie, Unplanned, which is now available on home video.  CBN.com reports that:

Ashley Bratcher, star of the faith-based film “Unplanned,” recently announced the launch of a new scholarship designed specifically for expectant mothers who became unexpectedly pregnant.

The initiative — the Unplanned Movie Scholarship — was created in partnership with Heartbeat International, a Christian association supporting crisis pregnancy centers around the world.

The website for the scholarship states, “While plans may shift when the unexpected happens, it doesn’t mean that dreams need to stop completely,” and adds that the scholarship intends to "offer moms facing unplanned pregnancies educational scholarships so that they can continue pursuing their dreams while raising their babies.”

So here, I've explored a number of recent developments concerning the sanctity of life.  And, many developments, I believe, are occurring.  We can certainly celebrate babies who will have the chance to live as a result of positive action.  While activists and politicians offer platitudes that sound good about the baby being a "choice" or that it's a "woman's decision" whether or not to take the lives of their unborn children, we can stand in affirmation of our Creator and His creation.

We can also consider the all-important question: How can you affirm life?  There are numerous opportunities to be involved in defending unborn children, the most vulnerable among us.

And, as Pastor Wilson demonstrates, we can celebrate the lives of the children with whom God has blessed you.  We love and welcome the presence of children into our households, recognizing that they are blessings from Him.

Inspired

The Bible encourages us to get a true picture of ourselves, and James chapter 1 tells us to look to the
Word in a mirror - in Christ, we can see who God has truly made us to be. Galatians 6 tells us:
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

The Bible tells us that without God we can do nothing - so we may have an incorrect view of ourselves that is not consistent with our new identity in Jesus Christ.  But, if we are seeking God's face and allowing the Spirit of God to control us, we can depend on Him to build Godly character within our lives.  Biblically speaking, we are who He says we are, not who we think we are.  We get a distorted picture as we rely on human wisdom and ideas.

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The Bible, in Philippians 4, encourages us to practice right and pure thinking, centered on truth, and
can motivate us to be a good example of godliness, so that others will follow. We can read:
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.
9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Nicole Weider was drawn into the world of modeling, and had done work for Victoria's Secret, but grew weary of the expectations and the distorted view of beauty and appearance that she encountered.  She now interacts with Christian young ladies online through Project Inspired, which she founded.

In correlation with the release of a new film called, Catching Faith 2, Nicole shared with Faithwire about her perspective on the film and the modeling world.  She relates:

Weider, who runs Project Inspired, left the modeling world after she found Jesus and realized how detrimental her modeling career was.

“I realized that being a model was truly not what it was cracked up to be. I felt degraded, that I was never ‘perfect’ enough, and being judged only on my appearance was hurting my self-esteem,” she explained in an interview with Faithwire. “I realized I wanted more for my life. I rediscovered my faith that I had as a little girl, and it changed my life because I was passionate about using my gifts for God instead of the empty modeling industry.”

A earlier Faithwire story stated: "Following her exit from the industry, Nicole Weider founded the largest online community for teen girls in 2010 called Project Inspired. Through her vital work, Weider hopes to point girls to their inner beauty and free them from the unrealistic and unhealthy standards society places on them."

That article also says:

In a separate interview with CBN, Weider shared why refuses to recommend the modeling industry as a wise career choice for any young woman.

“It’s just not worth it to be judged only on how you look,” she said. “As a model, there is extreme pressure on the way you look. My agent was marketing me as sexy but I wasn’t even eighteen yet. I felt pressure to be this sex object when in reality it was destroying my self-esteem.”

“I really believe the enemy attacks us as women. He’s that negative voice,” she added. “I started feeling really anxious on set. My heart was giving me warning signs. After I posed in these magazines, it led me to a crisis about who I was. I didn’t want to model, but I placed my identity, for so long, in modeling.”

Issues surrounding identity, and specifically identity in Christ, are explored in the new Kendrick Brothers' film, Overcomer, which opens in theatres today.  And, Nicole was in Atlanta recently for the red carpet premiere of the film - she and I had a chance to chat at that event.

She is involved in a film called, Catching Faith 2.  She is quoted by Faithwire:

“When I read the script I was really moved by the strength of the family despite a turn of events, and how they relied on God and each other to get through it,” Weider explained. “I also thought that the script was inspiring, entertaining, and a film that the entire family can enjoy.”

The plot involves “a young woman getting married, high school football, and the strength of family sticking together despite a turn of events."

The article goes on to say:

Weider explained that the film was special to her because she has a place in her heart for combining the cinematic arts and faith.

“I believe you can honor God while producing high quality and entertaining movie. I’ve experienced God’s redemption and His love and grace in my own life, and I want to share that as much as possible with the world.”

The movie, Catching Faith 2: The Homecoming will be released on home video on September 3.  Nicole is listed on IMDB as Executive Producer of the film.

There is a question that is spotlighted in Overcomer: put simply, my paraphrase is that it's "who are you?"  We can be identified by what we do and the roles in which we function, but ultimately, our identity is found in Christ.  From that place, we can express His nature in the activities we do. Our security comes through our ability to rest in Christ and in who He says we are.

The enemy also wants to tell us who we are, and the story isn't good - he wants to distort the picture of our true identity. So, we have to counter his lies with the truth about who God says we are.  We can be confident in the Lord and allow Him to express Himself through us.

And, like Nicole, we can be motivated to share what God has done.  She pursued a modeling career, which actually gave her some notoriety and a platform that she now uses for God's glory.  Her message has to do with true beauty, and she attempts to inspire, as the name of her organization suggests, young women to pursue what brings honor to God.  We can encourage others with what we have discovered about God.

Bringing the Word to School

As believers in Christ, we can be equipped to shine His light and share His truth - He will strategically place us in situations so that His Kingdom plan might be carried out.  2nd Corinthians 2
states:
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.

There is great power that is disseminated as we use the resources that God has given us and rely on His strength to carry out His mission.  We have the presence of Jesus, the light of the world, who tells us to go into that world and to allow Him to shine through us.  We can be committed to living out His truth, so that our actions demonstrate that we know Him and are devoted to following Him.  His presence in the life of a believer can be readily seen if we are walking according to His ways.

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Truth, God's truth, brings light, and as we take our roles as carriers or dispensers of that truth, seriously, we can bring the presence of Christ into the places to which He has called us.  2nd
Corinthians 4 says:
6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

There's another survey that has been released containing information that is relevant for the start of the school year. It's called the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools, conducted by PDK.  ChristianHeadlines.com offers a summary.

Here is some good news from the survey about faith in the school setting:

Thirty-seven percent of all public school teachers are evangelical Christians, according to the poll. That figure mostly matches the percentage of the public (36 percent) that is evangelical Christian.

That means that 63% are not. And, the summary goes on to state:

But on ideology, public school teachers are slightly more liberal than the general public. Forty percent of teachers call themselves “liberal,” compared to 28 percent of the public. Twenty-eight percent of teachers and 34 percent of the public are conservatives. Thirty-one percent of teachers and 34 percent of the public are moderates.

In society at large, the majority accepts the concept of Bible classes in schools. The survey found that 64 percent of adults "favor Bible classes in school, with 58 percent saying such classes should be an elective and 6 percent saying the classes should be required."

And, almost 4-in-10, according to the story "express concern that Bible studies classes 'may improperly promote Judeo-Christian religious beliefs...'"  Only 28% of evangelicals share that concern. I have concerns, as well, such as: Who's teaching the Bible classes?  What is their worldview?  

The Christian Headlines story relates that, "Among teachers, 58 percent support teaching the Bible either as an elective or as a required class."

The poll, according to its report on the polling company's website, contained a section on classes on comparative religions.  The survey summary says that: "About one-quarter of adults and parents overall express concerns that comparative religion classes might lead students to question their family’s faith or to change their religious beliefs." A lower percentage of teachers - around 1 out of 7 - expressed similar concerns.  34% of evangelical Christian parents, said, according to the summary, that they "are concerned these classes could lead to students questioning their family’s faith, and 33% saying they could lead students to change their religious beliefs."

As we consider this week's survey, we can remember the teachers, administrators, and students shining Christ's light in schools all across America.  We can recognize that we all are placed in situations in which we can exhibit Christian character.

The organizations Christian Educators Association International and Teach 4 the Heart have teamed
up for a special Rise Up Christian Educators’ Virtual Summit on Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7. A press release states: "Christian educators are invited to attend a free online conference to encourage and equip them to rise up out of frustration and into greater kingdom impact in their schools." J.P. Moreland and William Jeynes will be the lead presenters. Topics such as combating anxiety, the impact of Biblical literacy and family on educational achievement, and other practical topics. Learn more at christianeducatorssummit.com.

This data can also show us that there is a desire to know more about the Word of God.  I think that is a positive trend.  The upside, obviously, is the recognition of the importance of Biblical truth.  The downside: when you consider so-called "Bible" classes, you do have to wonder who's doing the teaching?   In our lives personally, we can be discerning with respect to whom we allow to teach us. We can make sure that we are exposing ourselves to teaching that is consistent with the Word of God, which means we have to study ourselves.

Finally, there is a place for learning about other religions, which can lead us to relish in the superiority of the gospel; I think it can be highly instructive to study other religions, and we should know what others believe, but we can also be prepared to give a defense for our Christian beliefs.

No Substitutes

We are sinners who need to know and experience the grace of God.  We are, as the Bible teaches us, accepted by God, even though we have sinned against Him, and continue to do so.  James 4 offers the antidote:
(6) But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
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.

In and of ourselves, we cannot truly know God - we can try and try through human effort to come to Him, but we recognize that He loved us first, He knows us as we truly are, and He desires for us to lay down ourselves, so that we might know Him.  Through grace - through favor shown to us that we did not deserve, as it's been taught - we can experience the riches of His truth and His presence.  When we have questions, we can press into Him and discover more about the Lord, who allows us to come to know Him.

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I believe that we can reach a point in our Christian life where we admit that God is our sufficiency,
He is our "all in all," as the song says, and we exhibit utter dependence on Him. Psalm 73 says:
25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, That I may declare all Your works.

The band Skillet has been in existence for over 20 years, having been formed in Memphis in 1996.  It even has its own Wiki page on the Fandom website.  It has a Platinum and a Gold album, and according to the Fandom website, they "are known for a relentless touring schedule, which garnered them a top five ranking in the Hardest Working Bands of 2011 by Songkick.com.."

John Cooper is the band's founder and final remaining original member.  He has the depth of experience and the credibility to address what he sees as a growing problem within Christianity: a lack of devotion to God's Word.  Against the backdrop of the high-profile declaration from former pastor Joshua Harris that he no longer considers himself to be a Christian, and the statements from songwriter from the Hillsong camp, Marty Sampson, expressing doubts about his faith, Cooper wrote a stirring Facebook post; it's been reported on far and wide, including on Julie Roys' website.

ChristianHeadlines.com reported on the post, quoting Cooper as saying:

“It is time for the church to rediscover the preeminence of the Word. And to value the teaching of the Word,” Cooper wrote. “We need to value truth over feeling. Truth over emotion. And what we are seeing now is the result of the church raising up influencers who did not supremely value truth who have led a generation who also do not believe in the supremacy of truth. And now those disavowed leaders are proudly still leading and influencing boldly AWAY from the truth.”

He takes aim at the replacement of Biblical teaching by worship music and the substitution of seasoned leadership with younger believers who have a platform through their music ministries. Christian Headlines lifts this quote:

“My conclusion for the church (all of us Christians): We must STOP making worship leaders and thought leaders or influencers or cool people or ‘relevant’ people the most influential people in Christendom. (And yes that includes people like me!),” he wrote. “I’ve been saying for 20 years (and seemed probably quite judgmental to some of my peers) that we are in a dangerous place when the church is looking to 20-year-old worship singers as our source of truth.

He closes out by saying this, as posted on Roys' website:

“Is it any wonder that some of our disavowed Christian leaders are letting go of the absolute truth of the Bible and subsequently their lives are falling apart? Further and further they are sinking in the sea all the while shouting ‘now I’ve found the truth! Follow me!!’ Brothers and sisters in the faith all around the world, pastors, teachers, worship leaders, influencers…I implore you, please please in your search for relevancy for the gospel, let us NOT find creative ways to shape Gods word into the image of our culture by stifling inconvenient truths. But rather let us hold on even tighter to the anchor of the living Word of God. For He changes NOT. ‘The grass withers and the flowers fade away, but the word of our God stands forever’ (Isaiah 40:8)”

As we ponder the words of Skillet's John Cooper, we can strive to be convinced of what we speak.  Perhaps you have grown up in the church and find yourself just going through the motions of the practice of Christianity.  We can be challenged to embrace the truths of the Scripture and discover more about who Jesus is and the relationship into which He wants to bring us.  After spending a couple of days on the periphery of the Gettys' "Sing!" conference, I perceived a real devotion to theology, and it was evident through the speakers and songwriters with whom I spoke.  We can exercise that devotion to good theology.

We can also be convicted in how we live.  It's more than just being a good person - the Bible says that there are none righteous.  It's more than trying to act in a legalistic manner, to do the right things so that we can feel good about ourselves.  We have to admit that the Christian life is centered on Christ living through us.

And, finally, we can be confident in the Lord.  He's at work in us; He is available, He is faithful, and He wants to show Himself mighty through His people.  If we're not experiencing His satisfaction in the Christian life, or if we are not experiencing closeness to God, we can consider why that might be, and take the necessary steps to draw near to God, so that we can know His truth and His presence.

Educational Investments

God desires that we possess hearts full of love and mercy, and our ability to minister to others can be
freed up as we are dedicated to walking in forgiveness and compassion.  Here are words of Jesus from Luke chapter 6:
36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

Unforgiveness and bitterness can close our hearts and desensitize our spirits to the needs of people around us - when we turn inward and become self-absorbed, we inhibit how God wants to flow through us.  Because we know Christ, we have access to a charitable spirit, to see with His eyes and to possess His heart.  We can develop a desire to minister to the needs of people in a self-sacrificing way - and there are opportunities all around us.  He is in us, and it is within us to reflect His love.

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We recognize that, as we dedicate every area of our lives, including our finances, to the Lord, that He will provide direction regarding how to be good stewards of what He has given, and we can trust Him as He opens up doors of opportunity to be charitable for His glory. 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.

The beginning of the school year can provide some opportunities to be charitable, to look outside ourselves, and to show the love of Christ to students.  Churches can be involved in a variety of efforts, from tutoring to providing school supplies.  For years, the ministry of Tony Evans has had a program in which churches adopt schools.  And, the ministry of Moms in Touch, now called Moms in Prayer, has been involved in praying for schools.

In Kansas, a local church has decided to make an investment in the kids of the community, underwriting the costs of school supplies for every single student in grades K through 5.  According to a story on the Christian Headlines website: "Parkview Mennonite Church in Hillsboro, Kansas, will cover the costs of every child enrolled in Hillsboro Elementary School...grades K through fifth grade this year." That's $410 per student.

The article relates that:

The idea came about after local resident and churchgoer, Tami Driggers, spotted a Facebook post which featured a story of a church supplying a local school with much-needed educational resources. “After leaving the store and being in a bit of a shock over how much supplies cost for my kids, I realized what a blessing it would be if a church could do that for Hillsboro,” Driggers told Hillsboro Free Press. “Then I thought ‘why not Parkview?’”

Another organizer, Linda Dyck, said, "A lot of times nowadays, moms and dads work just to make ends meet. It’s hard,” and added, “Then with school, you’ve got clothes, glasses, shoes, food and then hundreds of dollars of schools supplies to think of. So I think that Parkview as a Church should be a blessing to people.”

Church leadership got on board and it was settled; the investment would be made.  The article points out: "the ladies behind the gift are hoping it will serve as a reminder to Christians everywhere that they should count it a privilege to be able to actively invest in their local communities."  Dyck adds, "We are doing this for people we don’t even know. We just want to help, and we don’t want anything in return.”

I thought of a story I had seen on television out of Arkansas recently when you had a local attorney who serves as the president of the local school board.  According to Money.com, she spent $21,000 on shoes that were on sale at a shoe store going out of business - her intent was to donate over a thousand pairs of shoes to kids in need and the remainder to adults.  The news accounts I have seen do not mention a spiritual element, but the generosity of this mom can certainly be inspiring - and challenging.

A number of concepts we can think about today as we consider how we as individual Christians and perhaps churches can minister to the students and their schools in our communities.  The type of ministry can be physical, in terms of resources, or perhaps relational, through tutoring or sponsoring some sort of after-school program, such as a Child Evangelism Fellowship Good News Club.  Or, it may be a matter of praying for a school. For instance, this Sunday, the Coffee Baptist Women on Mission, from the Coffee Baptist Association, with be having its annual prayer walk starting at 4:00 at schools throughout the county, including Elba and Enterprise.

We can certainly evaluate the resources that God has given to us - and perhaps even consider how He might want to stretch us to fulfill His intentions.  This Arkansas mom had not only the means but there was a way for her to maximize her investment because the prices were low.  The Kansas ladies went out and looked for bargains - and had fun doing it.  We can look for ways in which God may provide from the budgetary side, increasing income or reducing expenses, keeping in mind that we can be good stewards of what He has provided.

Pursuing Passion

We can be challenged to make sure that we are sowing good seeds in our lives - being dedicated to the ways of God and not giving up when tested, being diligent in our pursuits. Galatians 6 says:
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

We are called to do our work as unto the Lord and to adopt that mindset that we are to do all things for His glory.  There will no doubt be challenges, and we will fall short from time to time; we might experience what we would consider to be defeat.  But, in the midst of it all, God gives us the wherewithal to keep at it, to keep sowing the good seeds, to make decisions that are consistent with His Word, and to see Him do incredible things in and through us.

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God wants us to continue to look to Him, to trust Him with our lives and to not give up in the pursuits to which He has called us. Philippians 3 states:
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

When he was a child, Rudy and his family escaped the brutal Castro regime in Cuba.  Looking back, he believes it was "God's great plan" for him and his family, according to a piece on The Christian Post website.  He almost squandered his opportunity, though; he relates:

During my adolescent years, making the wrong turn in life and choosing bad decisions landed me in a juvenile detention center in Okeechobee, Florida. While there, I turned to the Lord who has since showered me with blessings and a wonderful family and successful career.

Regarding the grace of God, Rudy says, "It rescued me. My faith is very simple. It has always been childlike with the trust that the Bible is true and the Gospel is true. Faith has never been complicated for me. That was instilled in me by my grandfather first, and my dad who also became a minister. As a young man, after having gotten mixed up in drugs and nearly dying, I returned to my faith in Christ and it has been a strong part of my life ever since."

Rudy pursued a career in music, and he was named by Billboard magazine as "Producer of the Decade."  The article reports that Rudy Perez is a co-founder of both the Latin Grammys and the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.  And he has written a memoir entitled, The Latin Hitmaker: My Journey from Cuban Refugee to World Renowned Record Producer and Songwriter.

He's worked with some of the biggest names in the music business:  Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony.  He has been involved with over 300 No. 1 songs!!  He states that "I felt that my greatest testament to the stars I worked with was how I lived my life and followed a godly path."

He has followed what he believes his life's purpose is: to make "beautiful music."  He relates: "We know that the first thing we know about God in the Bible was that He created. So the fact that He allows me to take part in the creative process every day is just amazing to me. 

He goes on: "To make something from nothing that touches millions of people is all I want. And I pray that God gives me health and time to do it all!"

Rudy Perez relates to the Post about the message of the new biographical book: "Trust in God; be humble, be grateful, and the rest is up to the effort that you put into your work," adding, "I want people to walk away from reading the book inspired by my story and knowing they can also achieve their dreams."

Apparently, Rudy Perez had a desire to be a light in an industry that has its share of darkness. He overcome personal adversity, and through faith in God and hard work, he achieved so much.  The entertainment industry certainly has its pitfalls, and it's refreshing to hear about people who proclaim their faith in Christ and are devoted to following Him in their work.

We can consider these principles, based on this story:

Keep pressing on. It would have been very easy to give up, but Rudy Perez followed His passion, which was tied in with his faith in Christ.  Prison wasn't the end for him; it was the beginning of a long and stellar career.

Keep the fire burning.  He felt that walking the walk of Christ before others was the most effective way to reach them with spiritual truth.  Hopefully, our love for Christ will be contagious to the people with whom we interact, and we can be sensitive to opportunities to point others to Him.

Keep the focus on the Lord.  We are directed in Scripture to do all that we do for His glory, to do our work as unto Him.  Our professions can provide us with the contexts in which we can honor God.  

Navigating the Transitions

It is the nature of God, I believe, to provide for growth and development.  He wants us to move in a positive direction in our spiritual life, and He has wonderful new experiences in store for us.  Isaiah
43 states:
18 "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Change can be disruptive and difficult.  But, change can also enable us to move into a new place in the Lord.  We can respond to change either through disappointment and even bitterness, or we can possess optimism and rejoice in God's sovereign hand, recognizing that He has all things under control.  We can seek the Lord to give us the spiritual resources to navigate the changes in life and to be able to be secure in Him, especially during times that can produce insecurity.

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In 2nd Timothy 4, we that the apostle Paul is recognizing his imminent departure from this earth, and he is preparing Timothy to assume at least some of his responsibilities in the early Church.  We read
this beginning in verse 5:
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

When the staff of Faith Radio gathers to pray every weekday, one of the areas, or categories of prayer has to do with churches who are seeking a pastor.  The transition in leadership, either on the senior pastor level or with other staff members is on of the organic occurrences in the life of a church or an organization.  It's something that churches that I have been a part of throughout the years have been through, and it's important the churches hold together in the midst of a leadership transition.

The Barna Group has just recently published a new survey about pastoral transitions.  The summary report says that: "Barna analysts grouped pastoral successions into three major types based on the circumstances directing the leadership change."  The three types are:

• planned transitions, which represent 17% percent of all transitions, and "are planned in advance of the change;"
• pastor-initiated transitions - this type is what is found in 62% of the cases and it is "set into motion by a decision from the outgoing pastor;"
• then you have forced transitions, which are "commenced by unexpected circumstances such as illness, death or crisis." 13% of pastoral transitions fit into that category.

More than half of these transitions involve a situation in which the pastor completely departs the congregation.  In 15% of the cases, the pastor who is leaving will assume another position at the church, perhaps as a co-pastor.  This is especially evident when the transition is planned. And, in 20%, the pastor will move into "lay leadership" or simply choose to be a member of the congregation.

The major message of this research, based on the summary is "If you can, plan."  The summary says that:

In general, churches where the pastor departs entirely—most common in unplanned transitions—have more tumultuous outcomes. As you might expect, pastors who depart entirely are most likely to move on to pastor another church (34%).

Barna also says that, "Half of incoming pastors say there was no plan before the previous pastor began to transition out."  Also, "one-third of incoming pastors reports that a lack of planning created extreme difficulty...or major obstacles...to achieving a smooth and successful transition."  12% report "extreme difficulty" and 21% said they faced "major obstacles."

David Kinnaman, President of The Barna Group, says, "Successful leadership transitions require careful planning,” adding, “Planned departures go more smoothly, while forced or unplanned transitions are worse on multiple outcomes." He also relates, “Congregants have the best overall experience with planned transitions and / or those where the outgoing pastor chooses to retire..." He says, "Thirty-six percent of churchgoers in these circumstances ultimately report a positive outcome within a year of the transition."

Todd Adkins, writing for LifeWay, states:

Succession planning focuses on leadership reproduction over leadership replacement and leads with a proactive posture, not a reactive one. Succession planning also provides continuity of leadership by cultivating leaders within the church or organization’s leadership pipeline. Succession is not only concerned with the top levels of leadership or the key leaders of the organization but is a long-term investment strategy in the organization’s most valuable resource: its people.

He adds, "Whether sacred or secular, organizational leadership matters, and continuity of leadership matters all the more."

Barna says, "If you can, plan."  Because we know that change is a fact of life, the more that we can foresee and plan for it, the better off we are.  Now, every organization is not and cannot necessarily be in a position where it can expect a vacancy.  In the pastoral sphere, the unexpected departure of one pastor to go to another church leaves a gap at the previous church - but there can perhaps still be a plan in place if unexpected departures occur. 

This is certainly interesting and informative in the church world, and it can apply in other spheres - one way you can prepare for the unexpected is to have trained and equipped leaders who can assume positions in an organization.  That seems to be consistent with points that Adkins makes in his article.  That applies in church leadership on the macro scale, but it can also be seen in volunteer ministries within a church or in a Sunday School class - who's the "next person up?"  Perhaps you are that next person whom God is training to serve by leading.  

Life is full of transitions, and change can be an opportunity.  Or, it can be a detriment, if we don't handle it right.  Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, we can be prepared to walk through the transitions that occur.  And, we can strive to be a source of stability when the resulting insecurity comes.  We may not be called to step up and lead formally, but we can show leadership by how we help to facilitate smooth change by being positive and affirming.  We can feel secure in our structures, but God will call us outside our comfort zones in order to accomplish His desired work.

In God We Trust

That familiar passage in Ephesians 6 highlights the gargantuan struggle between good and evil, between God's forces and the forces of the devil.  And, we certainly must recognize that there is a
battle for the souls of men and women that is not physical in nature. 2nd Corinthians 10 says:
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds...

The fruit of the enemy is seen all around us - divisiveness, harsh speech and actions, lack of regard for the lives of other people, a pervasive sense of sexual immorality.  Galatians 5 has a list of the works of the flesh.  But the answer to sin is not found in human effort nor self-help methodology; rather sin is to be recognized, identified, and put to death by the blood of Jesus.  The answers to human sinfulness are found in the truths of God's Word, and He empowers us to walk in His ways.

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We continue to recognize the principles upon which our nation was founded, and even amidst the rancor and even the violence, our collective devotion to Judeo-Christian principles has helped to
sustain our nation. Some words of wisdom from Proverbs 14 now:
26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

Later in the chapter, we see:
33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.

Students returning to classes this year in Louisiana will be greeted by our national motto being displayed in schools.  According to the WAFB Television website, a bill that was signed by Governor John Bel Edwards last year takes effect for this school year that "requires every school to display the national motto and educate students on its history."  That national motto, by the way, is "In God We Trust."

Shelby Ainsworth, the principal of West Monroe High School is quoted; he says, "I still feel strongly that America is a Christian nation,” adding, “I want our high school youngsters exposed to as much as that as possible." He adds, "There are varied opinions even amongst high school students, their parents, the communities, the different churches that are represented, different faiths that we have...It's nothing hidden, it's nothing swept under the rug, but it's nothing forced upon anyone." The article says that "dozens of posters can be seen along the walls in each building."

Fox News reports that students in South Dakota will be seeing the motto at their schools; the story says that the law was passed "requiring the state's 149 districts to paint, stencil or prominently feature the national motto."  In both states, the display is mandated, but the method by which the words are displayed are discretionary.

The Forbes website ran an article at the beginning of last school year about other states that have the provision to display the national motto.  It said:

Six primarily Southern states — Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama and Arizona — have approved legislation since last year explicitly requiring or allowing public schools to display the words “In God We Trust,” which has been the national motto since 1956 and is inscribed on American currency. Returning students in Florida and Tennessee are seeing the required displays for the first time, while those in Alabama, where such displays are optional, will likely see a slower rollout.

And, it pointed out that, as of this time last year, other states had considered similar legislation.

This is most certainly a message that we as a culture and as a nation need to hear.  In the aftermath of the recent El Paso and Dayton shootings, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick went on Fox & Friends and highlighted not only the harmful effect of violent video games, but the lack of spiritual moorings in our country.  He said, according to Real Clear Politics:

"So we need to look at all of this and who we are and as long as we continue to only praise God and look at God on a Sunday morning and kick him out of the town square at our schools the other six days of the week, what do we expect? What do we expect? There’s no excuse for this. We condemn it totally, but as a nation, we have to look at this and leave all of the politics out of it."

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee echoed the need for spiritual solutions on Martha McCallum's program, The Story, also on Fox News.  According to the Washington Examiner, he stated:

"Those of us who would try to say, 'Well, look for spiritual answers.' How can you tell a young man that God wants to be your father if his image of a father is someone who abandoned him or beat up his mother? This is why we have to rethink, but recognize at the same time, that ultimately the hole in the human heart can never be filled just by human things. It has to be filled ultimately by spiritual things that give people a higher sense of who they are, what their identity is, and why they matter."

Huckabee then went on to say that mass shooters are drawn to hateful, fringe ideologies because they lack the feelings of significance once derived by relationships to God and family.

As I reported to you earlier, pastors Greg Laurie and Jack Graham released a video following the shootings, in which they also emphasized the spiritual forces behind these horrific events.

We have a spiritual problem in America.  There is no doubt.  And, we have to address matters of the spirit using spiritual principles.  That involves speaking truth - God's Word, and it involves fervent prayer, recognizing the spiritual warfare element that is driving people to do horrific acts.

But, I don't think blaming America is the answer.  Christians should love our country and appreciate our freedoms and our system of government.  There are those that would want to lead us away from the time-honored principles upon which our nation was founded.  I believe that has become quite a political issue: what are our values?  And, what system of government reflect the values upon which this nation was founded?

There are many Christians who love America, and should not be denigrated for that love of country, and to be described as "Christian nationalists," with some sinister meaning attached to that term.  It's not helpful to denigrate our country, including one particular Christian speaker who claimed after the shootings, "America isn’t a Christian nation. It’s a murderous one and it has been since it’s inception."  This tweet was cited in an article on the Capstone Report website, which also linked to a previous article on the site from a Georgetown professor.  He is quoted as saying:

“But as a political program, advocating for a Christian America is a deeply un-American and un-Christian idea. Politics should be about flourishing for all and about the common good, not about perks and privileges for our tribe,” he writes. Also, “The disestablishment of religion is important not because John Locke said so, but because it is an essential biblical doctrine deeply rooted in the Baptist tradition and, from it, the American tradition.”

So, it's America's fault?  No, our nation was founded on Christian principles; our Founders were intent on providing a nation of religious freedom and the pursuit of morality.  There were imperfect men in search of an effective and inspiring ideal - America hasn't always done it right, but there has always been promise and potential.  That's the foundation; but when there is a departure from the principles, consistent with Scripture, that's why we're in the mess we're in.

Gene Pool Manipulation

We, as human beings, are called to reflect God's handiwork.  He has designed each of us with an enormous amount of capability, and our very existence demonstrates the hand of Almighty God.
Consider these verses from Psalm 139:
13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

God has gifted us with an incredible mind - the human brain is so intricate, and our actions, the functions throughout our bodies, the decisions we make, are all controlled by that vital hub. Humanity has sought to improve on the power of the brain and the function of the body, sometimes through unethical or immoral means, and we can continue to trust in and rejoice in our all-wise God, who has crafted the human body, who has given us a spirit and a soul, and intends to express Himself through those He has created.

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Our God is all-powerful and has created us with the intent to bring honor to His name.  There is the
reminder in 1st Corinthians chapter 6:
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

There are plenty of questions regarding the mysterious death of Jeffrey Epstein, who died in what has been called a suicide over the weekend.  He rubbed shoulders with the rich, famous, and politically-connected, and his exotic tastes and erotic escapades caught up to him.  The latest round of charges, according to ABC News:

....he "sexually exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida, among other locations," using cash payments to recruit a "vast network of underage victims," some of whom were as young as 14 years old.

Over 10 years ago, he had faced a "53-page federal indictment on sex crimes charges that had been drafted by FBI investigators and could have sent him to prison for life." But, according to the story:

Epstein served just 13 months of an 18-month sentence in county jail after reaching a much-criticized plea deal, known as a "non-prosecution agreement" (NPA) with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Miami, then led by Alexander Acosta, who recently resigned as President Donald Trump’s labor secretary.

Epstein, at the time of his death, was being held in a prison in New York, without bail.

No doubt, this is someone who had been involved in immoral practices for some time.  And, there's another dynamic of his life that has not received nearly as much scrutiny, but should be highlighted because it is indicative of a mindset that is gaining greater traction in the scientific community.

As Wesley J. Smith of National Review reports, Jeffrey Epstein was a transhumanist.  Smith writes:

Transhumanism is a solipsistic social movement that sometimes borders on the narcissistic. Adherents think they are so important that they should live forever. They want license to genetically enhance their offspring and to redesign the human race into a “post-human” species made in their own image.

And, it's gaining more widespread acceptance.

Smith, who has been a guest on The Meeting House, quoted from a New York Times story:

Mr. Epstein’s vision reflected his longstanding fascination with what has become known as transhumanism: the science of improving the human population through technologies like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. Critics have likened transhumanism to a modern-day version of eugenics, the discredited field of improving the human race through controlled breeding.

Smith writes: "Apparently, Epstein was as good at insinuating himself into the elite community of scientists — such as Steven Hawking, and top researchers and science advocates — as he was politicians and cultural leaders."  Epstein, based on the Times report, had donated $6.5 million to Harvard to start what was called the Program for Evolutionary Dynamics.

And, as Smith relates, in a sad and narcissistic twist, Epstein "wanted to 'seed his DNA' throughout the world population — definitely not the usual transhumanist dream."  The Times reports that, using his New Mexico ranch, he would impregnate women with the hopes of creating some sort of "super-race" of human beings.  As the Guardian puts it:

Epstein’s field of study was labeled “transhumanism” but was an updated version of eugenics. Lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who defended Epstein in 2008 and has been named in a civil suit brought by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, told the Times he was appalled by the financier’s interest in genetic manipulation, given the Nazis’ use of eugenics in the 1930s.

Smith concludes by saying, "Dreams of immortality can be very seductive and, for some, excuses many sins. So too, apparently, does the prospect of reaping a pot of gold in research funding and hanging out with society’s movers and shakers."

Eugenics is not an uncommon field of study and practice.  The founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger, was noted for her belief in eugenics.  Arina Grossu, writing for Family Research Council, states:

Sanger shaped the eugenics movement in America and beyond in the 1930s and 1940s. Her views and those of her peers in the movement contributed to compulsory sterilization laws in 30 U.S. states that resulted in more than 60,000 sterilizations of vulnerable people, including people she considered "feeble-minded," "idiots" and "morons."

The article says:

That she generated enthusiasm among some of America's leading racists says something about the content and tone of her remarks.

In a letter to Clarence Gable in 1939, Sanger wrote: "We do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population, and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members..."

Grossu notes that "79 percent of Planned Parenthood's surgical abortion facilities are located within walking distance of black or Hispanic communities."  Isn't it amazing that politicians, including Presidential candidates enthusiastically support the work of Planned Parenthood, which was built on the foundation of racism, devoted to reducing the population of people of color?

A few thoughts occur in relation to this peculiar aspect of the sad story of Mr. Epstein.  For one thing, there does certainly seem to be a thirst for immortality, for invincibility.  To live long and healthy.  But, those who are devoted to that cause pursue it with mortal means.  Certainly, there are wonderful developments in science and medicine that can enable us to live longer, and perhaps function better in the case of injury or disability.  But, when you begin to engage in questionable activities to manipulate outcomes and supersede the work of our Creator, you are on dangerous ground.

We can admit that mortal ideas may have moral deficiencies.  That is certainly the case with transhumanism as a whole - such as manipulating the gene pool or merging the beauty of humanity with such notions as artificial intelligence, a questionable merger of man and machine.  You may try to be a step ahead of our created state, but there could be some dire side effects.  The field of eugenics is rife with ideas that run contrary to the Biblical teaching of the value of the individual.  We can remember that alternatives to God's perfect design fall short.

All in all, we certainly could stand to get our eyes off ourselves.  We realize that our life is given to us by God, and for those of us who choose Christ, we belong to Him, and should be devoted to doing all things for His glory - we are not called to pursue the glory of humanity, but to reflect the handiwork of our Creator and to give Him praise, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

A New Approach

In Judges 7, we find that Gideon was facing a challenge to his army from the Midianites.  He had
assembled an army, but God offered a course correction. In verse 2, we can read:
2 And the Lord said to Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'

He started out with 32,000, but when God directed Gideon to allow those who were afraid to turn back, he was left with 10,000.  Those were brought to the water, and only those who cupped their hands would be chosen - that left 300, just the right size to win the victory.

God had some unique plans for Gideon and his army.  Even their method that led to victory was unorthodox, to say the least.  But, God wants to take our human wisdom and turn it on its head - he wants us to walk with a dependence on His Spirit; sometimes He may call us out of our comfort zone, but we can trust that if we are following Christ, He has superior plans and His desired outcome in store for us.

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We can be challenged to take a look at how we are doing ministry and see if God wants us to move in a different direction. In Hebrews 13, we find these verses:
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Josh Boehr is a youth pastor in Ann Arbor, MI - a few years ago, his ministry budget was $100,000.  Now, it's $20,000.  Is that an ominous development?  Actually, no.  According to a story on the WORLD Magazine website, the pastor of his church came to him and asked, “What would you do if we took away your entire youth ministry budget?” Boehr said, “That would excite me because youth ministry wouldn’t be about programs. It would be about relationships and Christ.”

The church, Knox Presbyterian Church, apparently has one missions trip per year, and it's local.  WORLD reports:

Knox’s Ann Arbor mission trip keeps costs low by staying local while training students to pursue Christ in their own city. “We didn’t have a lot to show for it by the end of the week,” said Boehr. “We couldn’t come back to the congregation and say that we dug six wells or distributed shoes for 10,000 people.” Instead, these students grappled with their understanding of the gospel as they shared it with their neighbors. They visited a Sikh temple and a mosque. They rode on public transportation instead of church buses. They initiated conversations about Christ with people on the streets.

The 21 students and 6 staff members from the church stayed at the Christian fraternity house in Ann Arbor.  They went out to minister during the day and returned at night, where they had worship and Bible study, centered around the advancement of the Kingdom of God. The article says, "Boehr does not want his students to know a Jesus who therapeutically answers prayers and gives peace on a needed basis. Instead, he desires to see Jesus reigning as King in students’ lives."

The article included a touching story of two students who ministered to a homeless woman who had been beaten in a fight.  They brought her a literal glass of water and began to cry.  The article, describing the response of one of the students, said:

Anna had struggled all week with the fact that this mission trip had little to show for their efforts and nothing to make the students feel good about themselves. But now she understood that following Jesus that day meant pushing past discomfort with a hug and a glass of water.

There are still parents who complain about Boehr's approach, and attendance has declined - but, as the article challenges the reader, you can consider the fruit for the Kingdom.

I thought of Gideon's army - God had to whittle it down to the right size so that He could use it for His glory.  Numbers can be an indicator of God at work, but if there is not spiritual fruit being borne, then perhaps there need to be other indicators of effectiveness brought into the mix, as we see here with this church.

We can also be devoted to seeking out new ways of doing ministry - the way it's always been done may not be the way to do it in the future.  Our creative God can inspire new ideas that He will use for the glory of His name.  We don't need to get stuck in one type of methodology and miss what the Lord wants to do.

We can also consider the importance of rearranging priorities.  To use some cliches, if we're majoring on the minors or not keeping or making the main thing the main thing, then it is time to reevaluate and make a course correction.  The Spirit of God can show us how to operate according to the will of God.

Finally, the Kingdom advances through Kingdom interactions.  There are opportunities to build relationships and to demonstrate the love of Christ.  We can place a high priority on obeying God and showing that we love Him.

Proclaim

We have been entrusted with an incredible message to proclaim, and we are called to shine the light of Christ, the One who gave Himself for us.  Isaiah 61 offers a passage, from which Jesus quoted - it
says:
1 "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified."

Because we have been born again, the Spirit of God lives within our hearts, and desires to express the love of Christ through us.  We have been given the message of freedom in Christ, the hope of the world, who brings healing to the human heart and repairs the broken relationship between fallen humanity and our Heavenly Father.  He has come to bring the good news that we can be reconciled to God, and we, in all our brokenness and human frailty, can boldly proclaim His truth.

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We can strive to be dependable in spreading the awareness of Christ, and 2nd Corinthians 2 offers
these words of encouragement:
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.

There is an unusual movement that is occurring in popular music these days - two rappers, both of whom declare their faith in God, are at the top of the Billboard album chart.  They are at the top of their game, and can challenge us to proclaim our faith in Christ.

First up, it's Nathan Feuerstein, better known as NF.  A FoxNews.com story says that he is 28 years old and "has been compared many times to one of his childhood influences, Eminem, but without the explicit lyrics, according to an interview with NME, a music website."

The Fox story continues:

His latest album, "The Search," which hits heavy on mental health and self-acceptance, scored the biggest sales week for a rap album this year. But his rise has some in the industry confused: How did a white Christian rapper with clean lyrics score a No. 1 spot on the album charts over Chance's long-awaited "The Big Day"?

And the article adds:

"I want to thank every single fan who supported me by buying this album," NF wrote in a note on social media. "I put my life into this and to see this much support means a lot to me...thank you to my label for letting me do whatever I want creatively since day one. The fans made this album #1, and I am forever grateful."

NF signed to a Christian label in 2014, has collaborated with Toby Mac and Flame, who just won that big copyright lawsuit against Katy Perry, and says this about his music:

"I mean, I’m a Christian, but I’m just an artist...To me it's like if you're a Christian and you're a plumber, are you a Christian plumber?" NF in 2016 told Idolator, a music blog.

He added: "I don’t make music for Christians. I make music for everyone."

Obviously, a big part of "everyone" is resonating with his music and message.  In a story centered on his previous #1 album, CBNNews.com related:

Labels aside, NF's lyrics routinely share his relationship with God.

In one song he proclaims, "I don't live for the world. I live for the king. I live for the king."

The Michigan native uses his music to open up about the pain in his life, from his parents' divorce to the day his mother died from an overdose.

And what's up with Chance the Rapper?  Well, ChristianHeadlines.com has a story about him that was recently published.  It leads off by saying:

Hip hop artist Chance the Rapper has revealed that his life was completely transformed for the better following his wife’s faith-filled decision to abstain from sex and to get baptized.

The popular Chicago-based rapper opened up about his marriage on an Apple Music podcast, hosted by rapper, Nicki Minaj.

The article continues:

In a bid to further demonstrate the transformation, the rapper pointed the host to one of his tracks. "I need you to hear one song on my album that has my best verse that I written in my life," he said. "It's called ‘we go high.’”

“I explain that my wife literally saved my life by becoming celibate and going and getting baptized,” Chance added.

He shared, "This is all after Coloring Book, after I proclaimed that I love Jesus, and all that stuff,” adding, "You’re never fully, fully sanctified, so I had to keep figuring it out. I had to do the Grammy’s by myself. I had to do a lot by myself. Then when my girl was gracious enough to have me back, it changed my whole life.”

Chance married wife Kristen Corley in March of this year.  They have been dating for some time and have a three-year-old daughter together.  

And, Nicki Minaj has had a healthy dose of faith talk on her podcast over the past few weeks.  CBNNews.com reports that on that same episode with Chance, she related that Kanye West has admitted to being a "born-again Christian."  The story says:

News of West’s alleged faith came from fellow rapper Nicki Minaj, who, while hosting “Queen Radio” on Apple Music, revealed West told her that he turned to God in 2016, when he was hospitalized and ultimately diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

“Sometimes in the music business, we think that other artists don’t believe in God or aren’t spiritual as we are,” she explained. “Then when you find people because I was just with Kanye, and he told me he’s a born-again Christian now.”

Kanye has attracted quite a bit of attention for his "Sunday Service" events, an invitation-only event that includes a number of high-profile entertainment types.  Recently, A$AP Rocky was in attendance after being released from prison in Sweden, thanks in part to the efforts of Kanye and his wife, Kim Kardashian, lobbying President Trump to work for his release.

So, what do you make of this talk of God in the genre of rap music, which has been characterized by lyrics and culture that are not consistent with the awareness of the Lord?  Well, I will say that God is using rap and hip-hop to spread His awareness; and when I consider the interviews with Christian rappers with whom I have spoken, say, at the Dove Awards, I sense a real devotion to Christ and a spiritual depth that is encouraging.  With music, no matter what the style, it's the substance that can penetrate hearts; the style perhaps provides a hook.

These instances I have cited are all flashpoints, snapshots, of people who have positions who are choosing to talk about God rather than to reject Him publicly.  I admit, you do see many out there who speak of God, yet espouse doctrine and behavior that does not line up with His Word.  So, we have to be discerning.  But, we can also trust that the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of those who are wanting Him to work through them, who demonstrate a life of surrender, rather than going their own way and attempting to twist the Scriptures to fit their own ideology.  We can rejoice that high-profile people are bringing an awareness of God - the Spirit can use that; but we also can recognize the importance of God's Word being communicated with accuracy.

Finally, we can consider how we ourselves are bringing the awareness of God and evaluate if we are proclaiming His truth with compassion.  Out of our relationship with Christ, we can produce fruit that shows the world that God is real, Jesus loves them, and He died to save all.  What's in our hearts can overflow into our words and deeds and bring that awareness.

How We Got Here

In Isaiah 40, God is speaking to His people and communicating a simple, yet powerful, message: pay
attention! We can read these verses:
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Our Creator, who is mighty and glorious, tells us that He will give us strength - and we can trust that!  Paul writes in 2nd Corinthians that when we are weak, He is strong.  When we consider that God has made the heavens and earth and has created us in His image, we can be more convinced that He is able to work in our lives today.  We can draw strength from His Word and we can rely on His Spirit for direction and for empowerment, being reminded of His presence daily, moment by moment.

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We bring our worship to a mighty and majestic God, the One Who made the universe and Who rules and reigns, whose hand can be seen all around us. Colossians 1 states, referring to Jesus:
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

How did we get here?  As the human species, that is.  The Bible presents a clear narrative, and it has been dismissed because there are those that do not think that the Biblical account, inspired and transmitted by God - eyewitness at creation - is scientific enough, or fits man's ideas.  But, we can be convinced that God created the heavens and the earth and placed a man and a woman in a garden.  We carry the evidence of His design and bear His image.

ChristianHeadlines.com reports on a new Gallup survey on origins.  The article states:

Forty percent of Americans say they believe “God created human beings pretty much in their present form at one time within the last 10,000 years or so,” according to a Gallup poll released July 26. It is an increase from 38 percent in 2017, the last time Gallup asked the question.

Another 33 percent believe “human beings have developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God guided this process.”

So, while that 40 percent statistic is up over 2017, there is another, not so encouraging stat.  According to the article: "Still another 22 percent – an all-time-high – believe 'human beings have developed over millions of years from less advanced forms of life, but God had no part in this process.'"  But, overall, almost three-quarters of those surveyed believe that God had some hand in the formation of humanity as we know it.

As the Christian Headlines piece states:

Americans’ answers differ greatly based on their religion and church attendance. Sixty-eight percent of Americans who attend church weekly say they believe that God created humans in the past 10,000 years. Among those who seldom or never attend church, only 27 percent pick that answer.

A note here: the article says that, "Although the word 'evolution' isn’t used in Gallup’s three choices for answers, the text describes the evolutionary process."

I think there are several points we can consider related to this survey.  First of all, when we read Genesis, we can be convinced that the Bible lays out the story of creation.  Not only that, but the evidence of creation is all around us, including when we look in the mirror.  Uniquely crafted, with intricate DNA and biological characteristics, humanity reflects the Scripture in Psalm 139 that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."  We are the product of a Creator, who has designed us and made us in His image.  Creation as a whole reflects the work of a careful, creative, and all-powerful designer.

That Creator wants to have a relationship with us, and to admit there is a Creator means that we are accountable for meeting His standards.  The heavens and the earth and His created beings all tell a story, the story of a God who has placed the earth in the solar system in just the right place to sustain life.  His handiwork is undoubtable, and His Word is true - if we believe in the inerrancy and accuracy of Scripture, then we have to admit that the Genesis account is true.