Seeking

The availability of spiritually-related information is stunning, and a sampling of material on the Internet and other sources can reveal spiritual beliefs and practices that are in violation of Scripture. Paul addressed the importance of staying grounded in 2nd Corinthians 11:
12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Just because a set of ideas are spiritual in nature do not make them compatible with Scripture. We see a lot of spirituality that is out there and much of it has nothing to do with God and certainly not following Jesus. We have to be careful to try not to mix unbiblical ideas with our Christian beliefs and resist the temptation to pick and choose what Scripture verses we will believe and practice. Christianity is very clear and the Word of God is a reliable authority; we have to make sure we don't water it down by allowing other ideas to take root.  

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In the book of Galatians, Paul warns this particular church, and us today, about not allowing our practice of Christianity to be corrupted by unscriptural teaching. He writes in chapter 1:

6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

What do Jim Bakker, Father Sebastiao Rodrigues, Army medic Desmond Doss, and Spider-Man all have in common? They are characters that have all been played by the same actor - someone who has expressed a respect and curiosity about matters of faith, but hasn't quite decided, it seems, what his personal faith really looks like.

Andrew Garfield played the role of Rodrigues in a Martin Scorsese film that explored matters of faith called, Silence, and according to Faithwire, he told America magazine that in preparing to play the role of the priest: “What was really easy was falling in love with this person, was falling in love with Jesus Christ, that was the most surprising thing,” adding, “That was the most remarkable thing — falling in love, and how easy it was to fall in love with Jesus.”

That movie released in 2017; the year before, according to the Faithwire article, he said to the Hollywood Reporter: “I’m not a Christian person...I consider myself pantheist, agnostic, occasionally atheist, and a little bit Jewish, but mostly confused.”

Faithwire also notes that...

...in a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Garfield, while discussing his latest project, made an interesting proclamation: if he weren’t working in Hollywood, he would likely be studying theology.

“Questions of faith and spirituality, and the mystery of a spiritual life, is what I’m drawn to the most,” Garfield said. “If I wasn’t an actor, I think I’d be doing some kind of theological study.”

Garfield played the role of Jim Bakker in the movie, The Eyes of Tammy Faye.  His latest project is an FX and Hulu series called, Under the Banner of Heaven, which also deals with faith matters. The Faithwire article says that in it, "Garfield depicts a detective struggling with matters of faith — and murder."  It is based on a book by Jon Krakauer.  Religion News states:

The miniseries closely tracks Krakauer’s account of the gruesome 1984 murders of 24-year-old Brenda Lafferty, played by Daisy Edgar-Jones of “Normal People,” and her 15-month-old daughter near Salt Lake City, Utah. Like the book, it explores the underworld of Mormon fundamentalism and polygamy, following the descent of a family of brothers into madness, misogyny and violent religious extremism.

But Hulu adds a fictional element in the character of Detective Pyre (pronounced “Pie-ree”), a devout mainstream church member whose investigation loosens the moorings of his conventional, taken-for-granted Mormon faith. Andrew Garfield shines in this role, totally believable as the good-natured detective, returned missionary and family man.

Movieguide has also run a piece this past week about Garfield's curiosity about faith - it included an excerpt of an earlier article on the website, which said:

Garfield has played two characters in the last year who have shown strong Christian faith in the midst of tragedy, first in Mel Gibson’s HACKSAW RIDGE and now in Martin Scorsese’s SILENCE. So, we wanted to know if he too, like his characters, is questioning the will of God.

“Is that something you think about?” I asked.

“Yeah, a lot,” he replied.

“Was it the movies that led to the question of God’s will, or was that something you questioned before?”

“Chicken and egg,” Andrew responded. “I think it’s like I was drawn to it because I was asking those questions already, and then that just kind of enriched my experience by doing these films.”

In case you don't know it, Garfield reprises his role as your friendly neighborhood Spiderman in the latest installment, Spiderman: No Way Home, which deals with trying to "redeem" or "cure" villains from other parts of the multi-verse.  Garfield is quoted in another Movieguide article as saying:

“This is a deep movie. This is a movie that is about coming of age, an acceptance of loss, acceptance of death, taking responsibility for your gifts. I was torn open by the journey that Tom went on; it’s classic Peter Parker, but it felt totally fresh and totally reimagined. It is like, Tom’s origin story was happening in his third movie rather than his first. There’s something so profound..."

Faithwire noted that:

It’s not fully clear where Garfield stands on personal faith today, though his Hollywood journey and his comments show he’s deeply interested in the subject. In fact, he told Collider last year why he’s so interested in portraying characters who grapple with issues of belief.

The article closes by stating: 

Pray that people in Hollywood like Garfield, who continue to take on these roles and ponder what it means to be faithful, will discover the true heart-change and transformation that comes through a relationship with Christ.

While it is hard to determine the overall faith perspective of Andrew Garfield, it is clear that he is 1) seeking and 2) sympathetic - to a wide range of beliefs.  But, it doesn't appear that he has embraced Biblical Christianity.  He speaks of his spirituality or affinity for spiritual things, but we must remember that the practice of spirituality and following Christ are not the same.  Christianity certainly is a spiritual practice, but just because something is described as "spiritual" doesn't necessarily means that it has anything to do with the one true God.  We have to, as 1st John says, "test the spirits."  There are many "spirits," but only one Holy Spirit.

We also have to point out here that following Mormonism, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is not the same as Biblical Christianity.  It seems that there is a re-branding that has occurred over the last decade or so to try to make this religion seem more "Christian" - but make no mistake, Mormons are not Christians.  Mormonism, or LDS, is not another denomination of Christianity. The Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry put together a helpful chart, and prefaces it by stating:

What does Mormonism teach? Well, here are some of the basics, plain and simple.

1. God came from another planet
2. God is a man with a body of flesh and bones
3. There is a mother goddess
4. God and his goddess wife are married
5. You can become gods

It goes on to say, "Mormonism uses the same words found in Christianity, but it redefines them. So, with a proper understanding of what Mormonism really teaches, you will be able to see past those definitions into the real differences between Christianity and Mormonism."

A piece at the Biola Magazine website by Sean McDowell underscores more of the differences.  One is this:

Mormonism puts a heavy burden of works on its followers. Although there are some passages that talk about grace and free salvation (2 Nephi 31:19; 1 Nephi 2:4), the overwhelming emphasis in the Mormon scriptures is on earning salvation through obedience to commandments and refraining from sin.

Here is another difference:

Humans have the potential to achieve godhood if they follow Mormon teachings. In his King Follett speech, Joseph Smith Jr. said, “Here then is eternal life — to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God the same as all gods have done before you.”

So, be aware, Mormons, like all unbelievers, are certainly people to be loved and are in need of salvation through Jesus Christ.   But, to say that the LDS Church is an arm of Christianity or that Mormons are our brothers and sisters in Christ is erroneous. 

The ecumenical Andrew Garfield is representative of someone who is apparently deeply interested in matters of faith, but who embraces as self-styled religious practice.  We have to be careful, as Christians, that we are not picking and choosing the Scriptures that we want to believe and follow, and make sure that our lives reflect an obedience to Jesus and devotion to the Word.

Anti-Social (Media)?

If we are not abiding in Christ, as Jesus instructs us in John 15, we become vulnerable to chasing the next "shiny object," the next big thing, the latest fad. But, God calls us to be devoted to His Word and to seek His face consistently. 1st Thessalonians chapter 2 states:
10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

Technology can be used of God, certainly, to draw us closer to Him - but it is not a substitute for fellowship and communion with the Lord.  Nor, to interact with God's people personally.  The pandemic has led to isolation, and virtual relationships have a dynamic of artificiality. The real Jesus, the Savior of the world, calls us into real relationship with Himself and with others.  We experience His sufficiency as we spend time in His presence.

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Jesus has provided us a relationship with Himself through salvation and appoints and enriches our human relationships, as well. The Bible tells us in 2nd Corinthians 3:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away,
8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

This week, there's been quite a bit of discussion about social media in our world. Mark Meckler, who ran the platform, Parler, to help restore it after being banned by various vendors, was on The Meeting House program earlier this week from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, at which he spoke on the threat of Big Tech to Christian messages.  

And, the ramifications of the purchase of Twitter by Elon Musk is certainly big news - in light of believers finding themselves censored, "shadow banned" (a state in which their posts are hidden from viewers," and/or experiencing the loss of followers, there is great optimism that the billionaire will be making significant changes.

While Musk is calling for a reduction of restrictions, it appears Europe has another idea.  CNBC reported that:

Over the weekend, the European Union provisionally greenlit the Digital Services Act, which forces large tech companies to more aggressively police content on their platforms.

User-generated content platforms like Twitter and Facebook will be required to implement robust content moderation systems to ensure they can quickly take down illegal material such as hate speech, incitement to terrorism and child sexual abuse.

Mark Meckler and I, in fact, talked about the debate here in America about if and how the government should be involved in controlling content on social media platforms.  

CNBC reports that:

Cedric O, France’s digital minister, said that while there are “some interesting things” Musk wants to push for at Twitter, the EU’s new Digital Services Act “will apply regardless of the ideology of its owner.”

It also stated:

Thierry Breton, the European commissioner for the internal market, warned Musk that he will have to comply with the bloc’s new digital regulations.

“Be it cars or social media, any company operating in Europe needs to comply with our rules — regardless of their shareholding,” Breton tweeted Tuesday.

Can you say "government overreach?"  

Well, while we will likely have social media with us for years to come, there are signs that younger users of social media platforms may be souring.  A Faithwire story stated:

Zoomers — those born in the late 1990s and early 2000s — are turning their backs on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, leaving behind what many now see as “the ultimate waste,” according to the New York Post.

The anti-app exodus comes as Gen Zers are calling the platforms “toxic” and “obsessive.”

A new survey of 10,000 people commissioned by the investment bank Piper Sandler found just 22% of respondents between the ages of 7 and 22 named Instagram as their favorite app — down from 31% in 2020.

Another survey, published at Nature.com, according to Faithwire, which surveyed a significant larger number of people - over 84,000 people ages 10 to 80...

... found that “the cross-sectional relationship between self-reported estimates of social media use and life satisfaction ratings is most negative in younger adolescents.” Ultimately, the survey results suggested social media use negatively impacts younger users’ body image, life satisfaction, and self-esteem.

The Verge reported that, regardless of whether they used social media very frequently or sparingly, adolescents in the 16-to-21-year-old range saw lower life satisfaction simply as a result of engaging with the platforms.

The New York Post story stated:

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal last year, Facebook found that Instagram is harmful to teen girls and exacerbates body image issues, anxiety and depression, but downplayed the significance of those internal studies.

Emotional effects were also highlighted in another poll; the Post said: "A December survey from Tallo found that 56% of Gen Zers said 'social media has led them to feel left out by their peers.'"

The article adds:

According to the Tallo poll, most Gen Z respondents prefer TikTok to Instagram, with 34% calling it their favorite social media spot right now.

But even the most dedicated users admit to questioning the video-sharing phenom.

Perhaps the younger generations, which has consisted of voracious users of social media have discovered the social insufficiency.  If the COVID crisis has taught is one thing, it is that virtual relationships are not a real substitute for real interaction.  The line of demarcation between the real world and the virtual world has become blurred, and people are left desiring the type of fellowship that God has prescribed for human beings in His Word. 

This also impacts our churches. Coming up on The Meeting House, you'll hear from Leonardo Blair of The Christian Post, who wrote recently about how the emphasis on virtual ministry has had some consequences for churches - some have closed, others have dug deeper into what is called the "metaverse."  Again, while social media and other uses of technology can be effective ministry resources, we also should be aware that there are aspects of social media that can isolate and even divide believers. 

The bottom line: our sufficiency is in Christ - if we are looking to technology or anything else to try to truly satisfy our deepest, emotional needs - something that only Jesus can do - then, we should recalibrate our focus and look to the One who calls us into a relationship with Himself and gives us a rich, fruitful, joyful life. 

Countering Drift

I believe that the Scriptures are highly relevant for our world today, and the book of Jude addresses how the gospel message has been hijacked in some circles by the subtle injection of ideas that don't line up with God's truth. We read in this book:
3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Contend earnestly" - that is certainly a clarion call for the Church today.  There are worldviews at war with each other and we have to guard our hearts, as Proverbs 4 says, and fortify our minds so that we think Biblically and that we are continuing to grow in the Lord, advancing in our walk with Him.  Not shrinking back, as Hebrews 10 cautions.  We have to be sensitive to the signs of what is termed, "drift," and recognize that just because something is called "Christian" doesn't mean it's Biblical.

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There is a stern warning, a word of caution, that is found at the beginning of Hebrews chapter 2 - it states:
1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,
3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

The education or re-education of American students, even in Christian institutions, to embrace theories that run counter to a Biblical worldview, is a trend that you have seen and are likely to see in the future. 

One particular school, Grove City College in Pennsylvania, was challenged by a group of concerned parents and alumni for allowing elements of critical theory, representative of cultural Marxism, to gain a foothold.  As Josh Abbatoy wrote last fall at American Reformer:

Sad to say, but American higher education is littered with once-venerable Christian colleges and universities that have succumbed to the spirit of the age. Recent examples include Azusa Pacific University, Calvin University, and Wheaton College: in different ways each has fallen prey to aspects of critical race theory (CRT), as well as gender and queer theory, CRT’s fellow travelers.

If any school were immune to this trend, one would think it would be Grove City College (GCC), an institution not only grounded in Biblical orthodoxy and the conservative intellectual tradition but also with a history of vigorously defending its mission and identity. And yet, the smoke coming out of GCC compels us to ask if a fire has been kindled within the citadel, and just who exactly is manning the walls.

These concerned parents and alumni started a petition drive challenging the administration, and a committee was appointed to study the charges.  Within the past few days, the committee issued a final report.  According to Religion News Service:

“Grove City College has not changed,” a committee composed largely of Grove City board members said in the report released last week. “It remains a Christ-centered, conservative institution.”

The report, a product of the committee’s assignment to ascertain any “mission drift” at the college, recommends re-adding the word “conservative” to the school’s mission statement after it was removed in 2021 and lists “remedial actions” to curb the promotion of critical race theory at the school. These actions include replacing an education course accused of promoting “pop-CRT,” rebranding the school’s Office of Multicultural Education and Initiatives and exercising increased scrutiny of guest speakers and student trainings.

But, the report did note some problematic areas, including the inviting of the progressive speaker and author Jemar Tisby to speak at a chapel service. The report says:

“Most of those in GCC leadership with whom we spoke observed that ‘the Jemar Tisby that we thought we invited in 2019 is not the Jemar Tisby that we heard in 2020 or that we now read about,’” the report stated, citing Tisby’s short stint as assistant director of narrative and advocacy at Ibram X. Kendi’s Center for Antiracist Research and the “progressive policies” he advocates in his latest book as evidence of his transformation.

Other flashpoints included, according to RNS:

The report also found that an educational course called “Cultural Diversity and Advocacy” “effectively promoted pop-CRT” because it offered readings such as Kendi’s “How To Be an Antiracist,” Robin DiAngelo’s “White Fragility” and Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me” without “a critical or opposing perspective.” It found that the director of Multicultural Education and Initiatives promoted “‘woke’ concepts” in a book club and parroted “CRT concepts” in a training for Resident Assistants that criticized the “concept of race neutrality.”

Abbatoy tweeted out in response:

The report is admirably clear on the ideal of the Christian university and how CRT contradicts that ideal. The report also demonstrates the methodical and rigorous approach with which the investigation proceeded.

He added:

The results of the investigation are unambiguous. They fully vindicate the concerns of the GCC stakeholders who initiated the petition over CRT, and they contradict the GCC administration's early remonstrations that the petition was based on misleading "rumor" or "hearsay."

Abbatoy also notes:

The report recommends a number of concrete actions to be taken by GCC's administration. On these items, the proof will be in the pudding. GCC stakeholders will continue to watch to see how the administration will implement these actions, and who will be held accountable.

The article quotes Anglican rector Matt Kennedy, who said, "The best part of it is the description of critical race theory upfront, which is just one of the best short summaries of the problems of critical race theory I’ve ever read..."  RNS adds:

The report says critical race theory is incompatible with the school’s vision, mission and values because it evaluates people based on their race and antiracist works, can’t be separated from political activism, “uncharitably detects aggression where none is intended” and sometimes “demeans rational argument as itself racist and oppressive.”

In these times of cultural drift, you have to draw a line in the sand. And, that's super important for followers of Christ. In light of what has been transpiring regarding Disney, perhaps Exxon Mobil received that message - The Hill reported:

Exxon Mobil has banned flying flags outside the office that symbolize a stance on a particular social issue, including pride flags.

The decision, in a policy seen by Bloomberg, comes after Exxon Mobil made an exception last year during Pride Month to display the flag.

“The updated flag protocol is intended to clarify the use of the ExxonMobil branded company flag and not intended to diminish our commitment to diversity and support for employee resource groups,” Tracey Gunnlaugsson, vice president of human resources, said in a statement.

“We’re committed to keeping an open, honest, and inclusive workplace for all of our employees, and we’re saddened that any employee would think otherwise,” Gunnlaugsson added.

Could this be a sign of reversal of the woke stances of corporations?  It wasn't too long ago when boycotts were being threatened and carried out by companies in North Carolina who opposed a law that required people to use the restroom corresponding to their biological sex.  Companies and even Major League Baseball took action against Georgia because it wanted to strengthen integrity in its elections. Maybe there's a shift, maybe Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter will give a great platform to people of faith.  But, regardless, we don't look to the world to like us or even empower us - we are called to be faithful to live our lives in a manner that will bring glory to God.  

But, we don't ignore the signs of drift, especially in our churches. We are seeing denominations and individual churches who are showing those signs.  Some choose to ignore it and say there is no drift; others point it out - it's produced polarization on many fronts.  I personally believe that while there are Bible-believing churches, ministries, and even Christian schools who are faithfully carrying out their mission and standing for truth, we always have to be aware of the inroads that would weaken the firm foundation on which such entities stand.  Grove City College has now taken its stand and reaffirmed its mission - will we as individuals, families, churches, ministries?  And take steps to prevent these threads from threatening our Biblical stand?

High-Flying Worship

There are those who do not call upon the name of Christ, in fact, we will find some who are hostile to our expression of our faith in the Lord, yet we can continue to be bold and steadfast in walking in obedience to Him. Philippians 3 states:
16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ...

Not all will give positive reviews to those who follow Christ.  Our love for Him, even our public profession, may face ridicule.  Some, like the street preacher in the U.K. who was just acquitted after being accused of "hate speech" will face punishment.  And, around the world, our fellow believers are facing persecution and even death for their bold profession of the Lord.  But, even when there could be discouragement, we can continue to stand strong in the Lord, knowing He walks with us.

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We are called by God to be steadfast, even in the face of opposition, to those who may mock and scorn our love for the Lord and praise for Him. Colossians chapter 2 states:
16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,
17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Jack Jensz Jr. recently was part of a ministry team who had traveled to Poland to do ministry at the Ukrainian border. The team was flying from Poland to the next step, when pastor Jack had an idea - he told The Christian Post:

"...We had 10 members of our team on the plane, and we've been worshiping and praying for people all over the place,” he explained. “We decided, 'How awesome would it be if we could just bless these people with a song and bring hope and joy to this flight as so many people are in such a devastating place in pain and suffering?'"

But, in order to do that, he wanted to get permission from someone in charge on the plane. When he asked the "air host," Jensz said, "she took a step back, and she was so surprised and so happy." He continued:

“She's like, 'Oh, wow, really? This would be so beautiful.' So she went to the pilot and asked the pilot, the pilot was in agreement, and everyone was in agreement," he stated. "Then she jumped on the intercom and goes, 'Hey, passengers, we have guests from all around the world who have been serving in Ukraine and helping the beautiful Ukrainian refugees, and they want to sing one song, just to bring joy and hope to you in this time.'”

So he led the song, "How Great is Our God."  He related that it was extra special because some of the Ukrainian refugees were on the plane.  The video of this high-flying worship moment had received over 35 million views online at the time of the Christian Post article.

For some reason, a U.S. Representative actually spread a short video of this worship moment, but it was certainly not complimentary.  The tweet of Ilhan Omar, who is a Muslim member of Congress, was embedded in the Christian Post article - it said: "I think my family and I should have a prayer session next time I am on a plane. How do you think it will end?"

Jensz said, “I didn't post it to stir anything up,” adding, “It was actually just a post to share with our friends and encourage our friends that have been following our journey.” Regarding the Representative's tweet: “When she posted that, I just looked at it and I didn't really give it too much thought. I didn't really enter into any political debate,” he continued. “For us, we just came to share the love of God, we came just to reveal to people that Jesus loves them so much, and that's our focus. Our focus wasn't a political agenda at all.”

A Newsweek article quoted commentator and podcast host, Allie Beth Stuckey, a Christian, who wrote: "Ilhan Omar asks how people would react if her Muslim family sang their worship songs on a plane. I don't know, but it's gotta be better than the reaction to Christian worship in her home country of Somalia, where Christians are slaughtered for praying in public..."  She added in another tweet that "the situation might be a little more understandably tense." 

The article also noted that, "Others, meanwhile, posted other videos that show Muslims praying on airplanes, noting that in parts of the world where Islam is a predominant religion, it's more common to see Muslims worshiping on planes."

Isn't religious freedom great?  And, it certainly should be preserved.

Jensz is the founder and president of Kingdom Realm Ministries, which is based in Philadelphia. The article states that:

Jensz said it is essential for churches to pray, but he and his team felt called not only to pray but to action.

He shared how they went to refugee centers to pray with various refugees and help them get connected with family members throughout Europe. Jensz credited the ministry Awakening Europe for helping to coordinate everything for his team during their time in the region.

"It's amazing because when you hand humanitarian aid to these beautiful people, they say thank you, they're so kind and so happy that we're there to help from all around the world,” Jensz noted. “But when you sit and you tell them, 'Hey, can I just share with you that God loves you so much. Even though you're going through this, know that Jesus is with you.' They begin to just melt, they cry, they get so touched.”

Certainly, there was plenty for which to praise God after the ministry visit to Poland.  And, apparently Jack Jensz went through the proper channels to have a time of worship on the plane. The moment was well-received, according to his description, and, above all, Jesus was lifted up!   We should be careful to call attention to the ways in which God has worked in our midst and give Him praise, honor, and glory for how we have seen Him move - truly, how great is our God!

So, Ilhan Omar didn't like what she saw. She is a representative who some believe should have been censured for offensive comments in the past, yet the House never could quite muster up the courage to pass a strong resolution condemning her inflammatory comments.  Fact is, there will be critics, even opponents; we may encounter what Paul "enemies" of the cross of Christ. But, we can be brave and faithful to proclaim truth. And, unknowingly, Ms. Omar perhaps contributed to the spread of God's truth by posting a video declaring, "how great is our God."

We can be challenged to always be sharing the love of God. That's what this ministry team was all about.  Through shared compassion, people who are in a desperate situation encountered hope.  We can make sure that we are dedicated to being the conduits of hope in Christ. 

Breaking the Curse

We don't have to be taught to sin - it is something that comes naturally, but we have access to the supernatural power of God. Romans 3 states:
21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus...

The source of sin is our own heart, but there are certainly influencers along the way, including parents and others who intentionally or unintentionally cultivate and reinforce that propensity for sin. But, Jesus has come to offer the solution for sin.  Even sinful patterns that have been passed down in families for multiple generations can be broken by the power of God.  We are each responsible for our own sin, ultimately, and Christ has come so that we might be forgiven and victorious.

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As Moses unveiled what we know as the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, we find a principle that is included as a corollary to the second commandment involving sinful behavior that is passed down from generation to generation and the mercy of God that is available:
4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Vanessa was raised to go into the family business.  Unfortunately, that business was not something to be proud of.  The Faithwire website featured her first-person testimony recently.  She writes:

Sexual exploitation was just a normal thing in my family — and we never talked about it. Seeing my mom invite men into our home, whether that was a hotel or an apartment, became something so common I didn’t even question it. But I knew it was something I wasn’t permitted to share at school or with friends.

At the time, the term, "sex trafficking" was not used, but that's essentially what her mother was involved in. She relates that:

Generational abuse had roots in my family line. My mom, without even realizing it, was grooming me to follow in her footsteps. The subtle messages began when I was about 12-13 years old, regarding how I dressed, how I viewed the purpose of men, and how to get what I needed in order to survive.

She went to live with her aunt and uncle, who were in the ministry. But, the foster care system kept placing her back with her mom.  Finally, the revolving door was shut and she went to live with her aunt and uncle. She says, "I know the cycle would have been repeated in my life had they not intervened."

Vanessa Morris serves as the Communications Director of The Foundation United, which is described as "a global umbrella organization scaling best practices to fight sex trafficking and abuse, and a ministry partner of Free with E."  That is an organization headed by Elizabeth Melendez Fisher Good, who is also Founder and CEO of The Foundation United.  The Free with E website says that Elizabeth "...challenges individuals to step out of the lies and shame of their past and embrace true freedom which comes from vulnerability, transparency and living with Jesus."

Now, Vanessa Morris, out of the background of being the daughter of a woman who participated in human trafficking, is intent on breaking the cycle for others.  In the Faithwire piece, Vanessa says:

If we can equip people and systems to recognize and address the issue, whether it be law enforcement, healthcare, education, the church, then sex trafficking won’t continue to be generational. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since my mother first became a victim. There is more awareness today and far more resources to educate and empower those who want to help eradicate this issue. The Foundation United, for example, offers a variety of training programs through partners like Operation Underground Railroad and Global Strategic Operatives. Free with E provides “REAL Talk” for churches, equipping adults and children alike to recognize warning signs and put protective boundaries in place.

Morris contends that during her mother's generation, "no one was equipped to address the topic."  She says that her mother, who died at age 51, eventually did escape the dark world of human trafficking, but did not escape the pain that was brought about by her involvement.  Vanessa says:

I’m now able to use our story as a catalyst for change, doing my part to raise awareness of the realities of sex trafficking. If we can learn how to talk about these difficult subjects and have important conversations with our children, we can save future generations from this devastating cycle and bring freedom and healing to those who are hurting.

There are a number of concepts we can consider today:

One is that human trafficking is a very real threat to our communities.  And, in the past, I have talked to people who are actively involved in rescuing the women and even men, as well as children who are trapped in this scheme.  There is also an effort to identify those who are on the demand side, who are requesting and paying for illicit activities.  Law enforcement can also be effective in prosecuting these who are perpetrating this criminal activity. 

While there are ministries that are specifically equipped to do work against human trafficking, churches can play a key role in educating parents and children on the threats and show them how to take real preventive action.

I also think it's important to think about the generational aspect of sin.  Vanessa's mother raised her in that atmosphere and she could very easily have been caught up in that world, except for the intervention of relatives.  While the Bible does teach that everyone is responsible for his or her sin, parents are certainly capable of passing their own sinful patterns of behavior on to their children.  And, when even Christian believers are struggling with indwelling sin that resembles what their parents have done, it's important to identify and break that curse.  Parents have to be so careful to model a life of holiness and not demonstrate or encourage sinful behavior in their kids.

Picking Sides

Paul commended Timothy for his long-held faith perspective. In the book of 2nd Timothy, we find a couple of examples. In chapter 1, verse 5, he recognizes " the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also." In chapter 3, we read this:
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

I don't know how old that Timothy was at this time and to what extent he was taught in the Hebrew Scriptures, but he was a man of faith who had given his life to Christ - he had a grandmother and mother who taught him about God and his life obviously bore the fruit of that teaching. Parents - and even grandparents - have been placed in a position of influence, and in an age where there are so many ideas that contradict Scripture, there is a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to pass Christian principles on to generations to come.

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In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses spoke powerful words about the responsibility of parents to teach their children; to teach them God's principles. He stated:
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Governmental officials are engaged in a "no-holds-barred" campaign to protect children in their state and to empower parents.  The bill that respects parents' rights and protected young children from harmful teaching on sexuality and exposure to unbiblical LGBTQ ideas is now law.

And, one of the most high-profile opponents to the law, albeit in the 11th hour, is the Walt Disney Company, which has a notable presence in the Sunshine State with its massive theme park complex. In the weeks since the passage of the bill, we have seen Disney officials, stewarding a company once known for family-friendly entertainment, double down on their commitment to furthering the gay agenda. Just this week, lawmakers passed a bill that would strip the corporation of having its own government for its properties in the Orlando area.

One of the cast members for Disney's series, Station 19, has spoken out regarding the transgender aspect of the LGTBQ agenda, according to Movieguide, which quotes Natasha Ward, who wrote on Instagram, “When ‘your truth’ trumps ‘the truth’ and forces me to pretend that it’s not a lie, we have a very real problem,” adding, “Supporting trans freedom does not mean it’s OK to violate the rights of biological women.”  Ward also said:

“Pretending that trans women are not men who have a biological advantage, and therefore place an undue burden on biological women, is make believe and it is not science nor fact,” Ward continued. “In the long run, women will have to take illegal substances in order to beat men’ identifying’ as women in women’s sports.”

As for Disney, Movieguide, in another article, stated:

...after a recent letter from LGBTQ employees working at Pixar Animation Studios, Disney announced that it would restore a same-sex kiss between two female characters that was initially pulled from the upcoming LIGHTYEAR.

The letter of outrage accused Disney of cutting intimate scenes between same-sex characters from their children’s movies.

But, the Movieguide article questions that direction, saying:

However, by catering to a small minority of moviegoers, Disney would ostracize one of their largest audiences: Christians who believe in biblical truth.

According to Gallup, 7% of Americans identify as something other than heterosexual. Gallup also reported that in 2021, 69% of Americans identify as Christian. From a logistical standpoint, it makes sense that studios want to target the largest audiences.

According to Movieguide®’s 2022 Report To The Entertainment Industry, “92% of the Top 25 Movies had no sexual content or immorality or only light or implied sexual content...”

A key takeaway is this: "Disney’s failure to uphold moral truth is common among many companies today. Perhaps more sinister is that the studios and streamers’ open attack against Christianity and the truth of God’s word through their TV, Movies, and other media begins with children’s content." The article adds, "With LIGHTYEAR, Disney would join Netflix, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and other companies in overt over-sexualization of animated content or content geared toward younger audiences."

Could the bottom line be in trouble?  Breitbart reports: "The Walt Disney Co. is the worst performing stock in the Dow Jones Industrial Average for the past year, plummeting 31 percent in the last 12 months."  It goes on to say:

Disney’s free fall comes as the company has embraced woke, far-left politics, specifically the exposure of young children to radical LGBTQ ideology. In so doing, the entertainment giant has alienated millions of customers and picked a fight with Florida GOP leaders.

Recently leaked internal videos show Disney executives and creative leaders openly advocating for promoting a gay and transgender agenda in the company’s entertainment for young children. The leaks came shortly after Disney declared war on Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, which bans the teaching of sexual and gender ideology to children in kindergarten through third grade.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek caved to pressure from a small group of employees who demanded the company abandon its neutral position on the Florida legislation and fully embrace LGBTQ activism.

Family Research Council states, "And while the freefall can't be blamed on this latest flap, it certainly doesn't help Chapek's cause. Investors who were already wary of poor returns have to be even more leery now that Disney is parents' public enemy number one."

This is yet another front in the sexual revolution and many are quick to embrace deviant sexual ideas, which have even resulted in children being harmed by not only dangerous treatments and surgeries that would attempt to change their gender, but also to consider harming themselves because they have believed the lie that they were born in the wrong body and that is being reinforced by adults in their lives. The Church should be influential in taking the necessary steps to protect children.

Parents have the responsibility before God to teach their children. And, parents should choose carefully the human teachers and cultural influences that they are allowing to "teach" them. There is a wave now in our nation where parents are exercising their responsibility, and it is producing results.  

Power of Radio

The Psalmist writes in Psalm 1 about being devoted to growing spiritually and immersing ourselves in God's Word. We can read these words:
1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

We are certainly living in a blessed age in many parts of the world - we, of course, have the Scriptures, through which we can grow in the Lord.  Plus, there are a variety of strong resources and content that is delivered by various forms of technology. But, we are also reminded that there are many around the world who do not even have access to a Bible, and there are wonderful ministries that are engaged in providing them.  Out of our abundance, we can look forward to sharing what God has taught and provided for us.

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Yesterday, I talked about the future and signs that we are seeing, in addition to how Christian believers should position themselves, continuing to trust in the Lord. Peter, in the book of 2nd Peter chapter 3, was also looking to the future, and wrote these words:
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;
18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

I do talk frequently on The Meeting House program on Faith Radio about the use of technology, and how Christians can engage with technology to enhance their spiritual growth.  Radio continues to be a "go-to" medium, with Pew Research stating last year: "In 2020, 83% of Americans ages 12 or older listened to terrestrial radio in a given week...according to Nielsen Media Research data published by the Radio Advertising Bureau.

We hear a lot about podcasting these days - it is certainly a worthwhile tool, and we operate in that space. However, Pew reports: "As of 2021, 41% of Americans ages 12 or older have listened to a podcast in the past month, according to “The Infinite Dial” report by Edison Research and Triton Digital..."

In the Christian space, a new study from Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research states that "91% of evangelical radio listeners use Christian radio."  The numbers for Christian television are substantial, as well: "76% of evangelicals watch some Christian television content."  

This survey evaluated seven types of media: TV, streaming video, web, broadcast radio, podcasts, books, and magazines.  Christian radio has an impressive showing as a preferred medium for distinctly Christian content.  The survey relates: 

Of these seven media types, three show evangelicals relying on Christian content for at least half of what they consume: broadcast radio (60%), podcasts (57%), and books (58%).

Out of those 7 types of media, "the average evangelical uses 3.4 different media formats for spiritual purposes." Those are defined as "Christian information, teaching, preaching, inspiration, and/or spiritual growth," and drew the distinction between Christian content in general and Christian content for "spiritual purposes."  The survey summary stated that, among evangelicals, "Over one-third use printed books (43%), broadcast, cable, or satellite television (38%), and websites (36%)...Significant proportions also use streaming video (29%), mobile apps (28%), broadcast radio (23%), and podcasts (20%). 

Regarding each of the seven media types, two-thirds to four-fifths of respondents - between 63 and 80% - showed that they used a mix of Christian and mainstream media.  

A few years ago, there were predictions of a decline in the impact of radio - I believe that the proclamation of the "death of radio" was greatly overexaggerated.  Radio continues to be strong, even though Christians are apparently consuming a mix of media - Christian and mainstream.

And, among those seven types, Faith Radio operates in five.  We have our 8 U.S. terrestrial signals, plus we broadcast on a channel in Haiti.  We are also on the web in a variety of ways: through our website, as well as our app.  Faith Radio has ventured into the podcast space as well - content from The Meeting House and Morning Praise can be found on a variety of platforms, including our website and app, plus a number of leading podcast sites, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Plus, we have streaming video available through the Faith Radio YouTube channel and a daily television presence on WFRZ, Frazer Christian Television.  

On top of that, we offer content you can read.  We have a Ministry Magazine that is released four times per year.  And, I post a regular commentary online and a weekly blog post with three stories of relevance to the Christian community. 

The availability of Christian content is astounding. Just yesterday, Publishers Weekly ran a story about the burgeoning Christian publishing industry.  It said: "Religion publishing was valued at $1.2 billion in 2020, the most recent annual estimate in the StatShot Annual Report from the Association of American Publishers."  And, an earlier article on the website had indicated an 11.2% rise in sales from 2020 to 2021 based on the figures given by reporters to StatShot.  

But, with all this content, there are still warning signs in the Church.  Books are great, and the Infinity Concepts survey shows that books are a leading source people use for spiritual growth. But, we have to apply what we read.  And, make sure that content we are using squares with the Scripture.  Whatever media source you use, including what you hear on Faith Radio, we have to remember that we should have a working knowledge of the Bible.  Time spent consuming Christian media should never supersede our personal time in the Word. 

But that is not to minimize the impact of Christian media sources. I believe that the local church is strengthened as His people go to these sources for inspiration, information, and even entertainment.  At Faith Radio, our desire is to be a complement to the work of the local church, playing a role in providing content that can help believers grow and be encouraged.  All in all, God's people have accessibility to the Word of God, and we can be edified and strengthened as we grow deeper in Him. 

Hacking Humanity

There is a passage in 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2 that describes the conditions of our times - it states:
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.
8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,
10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

The lawless one - described as the "Antichrist," is coming; that is a promise of Scripture.  We don't know when his reign will begin, but we can be sensitive to the signs all around us. The turmoil that we see in this world provides the condition for a leader who will come to make peace and ultimately bring all the nations together.  1st John tells us that the spirit of antichrist is at work in this world. So, what do we do?  We seek to live faithfully to our Lord, cognizant of what is transpiring around us, but focused on the work at hand that God has called us to do.

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The Bible tells us in Revelation 13 that a one-world leader will come on the earth, and there will also be what has been termed a "false prophet" who commands those under this one-world government's authority to submit, to in essence, worship, the leader, or "the beast." We can read these words:
15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,
17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

The pursuit of a better life motivates people to seek out all sorts of ways to improve themselves.  As we think about the resurrection, we recognize that our new life in Christ is beyond human achievement and cannot be attained by human means. And, that life enables us to be one with Him - forever.

Immortality is in the grasp of the believer in Christ, the one way to eternal life. But, human ingenuity has certainly been unleashed in order to try to artificially create a superior species through the melding of man and machine.

I came across an article on the Intercessors for America website by a gentleman named Keith Guinta of the website, The Wine Patch.  The article is entitled, What is a Human? Guinta called attention to the life and work of one Yuval Noah Harari. Certainly not a household name, one might think - the author says:

Why should anyone care about an Israeli author who lives outside of Tel Aviv with his husband of 20 years, even if Barack Obama did give rave recommendations of his work? Perhaps his role as Klaus Schwab’s envoy representing the World Economic Forum to prominent cabinet leaders around the world lends a hint.

He quotes from the doctor's appearance on 60 Minutes: "The idea that humans have a soul, or a spirit, or free will, or that nobody knows what is going on inside of me, or whatever I choose in an election or the supermarket is my free will — that’s over."

Guinta notes:

He goes on to say that the future masters of the planet will be decided by the people who own the most data. The collection of data en masse has been happening for many years via mobile devices, wearables, internet behavior, and the 24×7 secret service agents we deploy in our homes with cute names like, Hey Google, Siri, and Alexa.

That's apparently Phase I of this brave new world order, or whatever you want to call it. He writes:

Harari explains how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was an integral piece on the game board used to sink rebar for Phase II. He glibly explains, while discussing global vaccinations and mandates;

It is often said you should never allow a good crisis go to waste. Because a crisis is an opportunity to do ‘good reforms’ that in normal times, people would never agree to. But in a crisis, people have no chance. So let’s do it.

Then there's our old buddy Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum...Guinta writes:

In 2016, Klaus Schwab, the globalist who sits atop the World Economic Forum like the eye of Sauron over Mordor, said that by 2026, every person on the planet will be injected with a chip that will not only surveil biometric health but will;

…be a direct communication between our brains and the digital world. What we see is a kind of fusion of the physical, digital, and biological worlds. In the future, this new breed of transhumans will be able to just say, ‘I want to connect with someone’, and instantly their brains will be connected through the cloud.

How does this occur? One key might be patented technology from Dr. Charles Lieber, who formerly led the Chemistry and Chemical Biology department at Harvard, who "was able to deliver a nano-electronic brain-machine transducer into the human body with minimal immune response."  He received a 15 million dollar grant from the National Institutes of Health and worked with Tony Fauci for 15 nanotechnology patents.  Lieber also worked for the Wuhan lab in China. 

Harari says:

In terms of surveillance, people could look back in 100 years and identify the coronavirus epidemic as the moment a new regime of surveillance took over, especially surveillance under the skin which I think is the most important development of the 21st century.

As Guinta projects: "Under-skin nano-electronics will not only monitor and capture biometric data but will also invoke brain-to-cloud connective consciousness as human beings are transformed from purely organic beings into inorganic creatures. So when Harari tells us the technology is already here to hack human beings — believe him."

It's called transhumanism and may be on its way to a body near you, if the globalists have their way.  And, while there is great fervor for the prospect of Elon Musk getting his hands on Twitter, I'm not sure I want anyone with his view on the topic to be experimenting with my body, or anybody else's.  As an article on The Federalist website states:

Musk told the World Government Summit in 2017 that as humanity’s daily dependence on technology increases, humans should simply merge with machines.

“To some degree, we are already a cyborg,” Musk told the audience at the summit. For Musk, becoming a cyborg — a sort of superhuman with both biological and technological capabilities — is only one step away. Think Iron Man.

The article continues:

“I think one of the solutions that seems maybe the best is to add an AI layer,” Musk said in an interview in 2016, “Just as your cortex works symbiotically with your limbic system, your third digital layer could work symbiotically with you.”

On Twitter, Musk announced another method by which we could create “symbiosis with machines” — neural lace. Science Alert describes neural lace as, “a brain implant that can augment natural intelligence by hooking us up to computers.”

The author of the Federalist piece, Sarah Weaver, writes:

Musk’s support for a sort of transhumanist future is in line with that of the World Economic Forum’s founder Klaus Schwab, who wrote a book, “The Fourth Industrial Revolution,” on how the physical and digital worlds could be fused, “challenging ideas about what it means to be human.”

So, what does it mean to be human?  Well, for one thing, humanity, is created in the image of God, with a divine design.  Technology can be a powerful tool, and in the right hands, can be useful in a number of ways, even to augment physical deficiencies.  But, it can also be used to control and destroy if it gets into the wrong hands.  The work of the enemy is to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus said, and the wrong motives for the use of tech can lead to the fulfillment of this goal.

We also have to recognize, as it's been pointed out here on this program, that there is globalist ambition to control and dominate humanity.  The implementation of sophisticated technological surveillance is such a powerful possibility.  And, in the book of Revelation, the Bible speaks of a one-world leader who attempts to force people to receive a "mark" - on the forehead or hand.  Without this mark, no one can engage in commerce.  The "mark" becomes, in essence, a false way to life.  But, Jesus, in the midst of human manipulation and spiritual deception, offers the true way to life, eternal and abundant life, bringing salvation to those who surrender to Him.

Truth of the Risen Lord

Jesus did not come to earth to make you a better person - He is not the author of some sort of self-improvement plan. No, He came to give life to dead people. Because, after all, we were spiritually dead before He made us alive. The apostle Paul was no exception; he wrote in 1st Timothy chapter 1:
12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry,
13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.

There it is - Jesus came to earth to save us, to die for fallen humanity, and to be raised to new life so that we can enjoy His new life. Paul was the most religious man of them all - while he was persecuting Christians.  The religion of humanity did not serve him well; he had to have a life transformation - the replacement of a heart of sin with a heart of righteousness.  Humans may have ideas for improving our culture, but they pale in comparison to the superiority of the gospel.

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In order that we and others might live in the resurrected life that Jesus invites us to participate in, it's important that we have a grasp on its true meaning. Romans chapter 6 offers this breathtaking look at what Jesus has done for us:
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 have recently celebrated Easter Sunday, which marks the resurrection of our Lord. And, while you have those who would entangle the true meaning of the resurrection with more progressive takes, it is important that we hold on tightly to the truth of the gospel.

The fact of the matter is that the resurrection is not some sort of self-improvement program. Jesus did not come to make humans better, but to make us free.  In fact, rather than try to better ourselves, He calls us to die to ourselves so that we are brand new.

Jesus did not come to reinforce our own identity, but to give us His identity. He did not come in order to make humanity live together peacefully on our own, but to raise up fallen humanity to peace with God. Through peace with God, we can then have peace with one another.

There does seem to be a confusion of the fruit of the resurrection and the fact of it.  Jesus rose from the dead to bring people to Himself, not to make us love each other in our human strength.  Socialism, humanism, secularism, globalism, and other forms of human exaltation are merely cheap substitutes for the truth of a new creation.  Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius, and other inventors of world religions are still in the grave - for the Christian, the grave is empty, and we have been raised to new life.

But we live in a day in which the "progressive," or really, "regressive," individuals who want to redefine Christianity and take aim at the essential doctrines of our faith are seemingly having a field day in diluting and distorting traditional Christian teaching.  Alisa Childers, in a piece that was posted on her website several years ago and recently appeared at Crosswalk.com, wrote:

Progressive Christians are often open to re-defining and re-interpreting the Bible on hot-button moral issues like homosexuality and abortion, and also cardinal doctrines such as the virgin conception and the bodily resurrection of Jesus.

She continues: 

Comments you might hear:

• The resurrection of Jesus doesn't have to be factual to speak truth....
• The church's historic position on sexuality is archaic and needs to be updated within a modern framework...
• The idea of a literal hell is offensive to non-Christians and needs to be re-interpreted....

Childers identifies a shift in emphasis, writing:

There is no doubt that the Bible commands us to take care of the unfortunate and defend those who are oppressed. This is a very real and profoundly important part of what it means to live out our Christian faith. However, the core message of Christianity—the gospel—is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried and resurrected, and thereby reconciled us to God. This is the message that will truly bring freedom to the oppressed.

She goes on to identify these "Comments you might hear:"

• Sin doesn't separate us from God—we are made in His image and He called us good....
• God didn't actually require a sacrifice for our sins—the first Christians picked up on the pagan practice of animal sacrifice and told the Jesus story in similar terms....
• We don't really need to preach the gospel—we just need to show love by bringing justice to the oppressed and provision to the needy...

Don't miss this: as Childers emphasizes, and I agree, the core message of Christianity - THE GOSPEL - is that "Jesus died for our sins, was buried and resurrected, and thereby reconciled us to God." The risen Christ was our substitute for sin, paid the penalty, and has been raised to new life. And, all who believe on Him are raised, too.  This has enormous implications for the world we live in - the power of a changed life can impact the world in significant ways.  Rather than buy in to human philosophies that want to make the world "better," we can submit to God's ways, which can bring lasting change and eternal life.

Farming

In 1st Corinthians 3, Paul reminds us that it's not a matter of who is sowing the seed of God's Word, nor who is reaping the harvest, but the One to whom people are coming to know through salvation. The passage says:
7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.
8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

We are called to be part of representing our Lord and relating His message with truth and power. Even though the Bible is clear about how someone can be saved, it is incumbent upon His people to accurately share that way. The fact of the matter is that we are all sinners who need a Savior, and that Christ died for the forgiveness of sin and rose again so that we might have His new life.  While it was essentially a two-step process for Him, we can die to self and live to Him in one simple prayer, resulting in lifelong change.

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In Galatians chapter 6, we see a clear set of Scriptures that address sowing and reaping and remind us that we are called to plant the seeds of God's Word. We can read:
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.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Jerry Rice is a farmer who lives in the Oklahoma farmer near the state line with New Mexico.  He's in his 70's, and not only does he farm, but he plants the seeds with fellow farmers by ministering at farm shows with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers International, or FCFI. 

According to the Enid News and Eagle from the Sooner state, Rice is involved in not only attending shows, but in participating in disaster relief and missions trips at home and abroad. 

One of the projects in which Rice took part was documented in the article:

In the mid-2000s, wildfires burned millions of acres in the Texas Panhandle. Rice coordinated disaster relief to help rebuild barbed-wire fences lost in the flames.

Several families, including 8-, 9- and 10-year-old children, volunteered to help out.

“One of the guys would come by the (FCFI) booth in Amarillo and would say, ‘I cannot believe these people ... just came in and started rebuilding my fences,’” Rice said. “He was an older man, and he was just amazed by that. Every year, he would come by the booth and tell me that same story.”

The article says that Rice is "also is a pastor at a small church in the Oklahoma Panhandle." It reports that he "and his wife went to an FCFI conference in the early 1990s, which kickstarted his involvement."FCFI has been around since 1985, and is devoted to "to encourage Christian farm families and agricultural professionals to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior around the world."

A picture with the article shows an FCFI booth at what appears to be a farm show.  There are scores of what appear to be broomsticks in the picture, one of which is being held by the gentleman who is manning the booth. These are Wordless Walking Sticks, which is a ministry tool that the FCFI website notes has been used to share the gospel with "hundreds of thousands" of people.

The cord at the top of the stick has 5 beads or balls on it.  The picture on the Enid website appears to contain balls at the top.  This is similar to the wordless book that has been used as an evangelistic tool.  Kyle and Laura Martin at the Winter CPE Show had wristbands that contained the colorful beads - their ministry, Time to Revive, also has contributed to a Bible centered around the plan of the salvation.

On this day after Easter, I think it could be helpful just to run through that simple presentation of the true meaning of the cross and the empty tomb.  Here is a synopsis of the plan of salvation depicted by the Wordless Walking Stick from FCFI's website:

The GOLD stands for heaven. We are reminded that "God loves you and wants you to experience his peace and life."  

1. The BIBLE says…
   “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
   “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10b)

   The DARK bead represents sin & separation. The site says that we have "a will and freedom of choice."  But, "We chose to disobey God and go our own willful way...We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God."

   The BIBLE says…
   
   “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
   “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

   The RED bead represents Christ's blood.  This is described as "GOD'S REMEDY."  We are told, "Jesus Christ is the only answer to this problem. He died on the cross and rose from the grave, paying the penalty for our sin through His innocent blood and bridged the gap from God to Man."

The BIBLE says…

“But God commends His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
“For Christ also has suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” (1 Peter 3:18a)

Then, there's the WHITE bead, which is a reminder that our sins can be washed away, "whiter than snow," as the Bible teaches.

2. The BIBLE says…
   
   “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” (John 1:12)
   “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

   Finally, the GREEN bead provides encouragement to grow in the Lord.  The website notes that we can have assurance as a believer.  

   The BIBLE says…
   
   “And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that has the Son has life, and he that has not the Son of God has no life.” (1 John 5:11-12)
   Jesus, God’s Son said… “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my Word, and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into Condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24)

   The meaning of the cross and the resurrection have not changed since Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead some two thousand years ago.  Other ideas may creep in to distort the true meaning of these acts to change the meaning of what He has done, but the plan is simple - we are all sinners in need of a Savior, and Jesus gave His life in order that we may be saved.  

Like Gold

Through what Jesus did for us on the cross, we can actually know Him - we can have a relationship with the God of the Universe, because He sent His Son to give His life and to rise from the dead. We have the capacity to walk in His ways, as we are directed in Psalm 19:
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

When we consider what the Lord has done, the series of events we observe on this Good Friday, we can be reminded of what an incredible story that actually is. Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth in order that He could take our place on the cross.  He is risen from the dead and sent His Spirit so that we can walk a life that is surrendered - crucified - to Him and that is filled with the power of His resurrection. That is an amazing, precious story, and day by day we can seek His face and follow in His ways.

+++++

God directs us not to be consumed by the riches of this world, but to seek the true riches that are from heaven. To the lukewarm church at Laodicea, the Lord gives this exhortation:

18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Todd Hoffman is a real-life gold miner, but he has discovered something even more valuable than gold - a relationship with Jesus Christ.  He has discovered God's true gold that will never pass away.  The Hoffman family was featured in a series on Discovery Channel called Gold Rush, and they are back on that cable network with Hoffman Family Gold, according to a Christian Headlines piece.

The article states:

In a recent interview with The Christian Post, Todd shared that while talking to Discovery about the new series, he stressed the importance of showcasing his family's faith on the show.

"We think we have something to share where our faith can shine through," he told the outlet. "We don't want this to be a dark reality show where people throw wrenches at each other."

Hoffman, a devout Christian, also told Discovery to allow his family to encourage other people, including non-believers, in the new show.

"If you guys can agree to allow us to pray. If you guys can agree to allow us to be us, and on TV encourage everybody in the world, not just Christians, anybody. They said, 'You know what? We're game. We want you guys back, the Hoffmans back,'" he shared.

The Christian Post article relates that:

Hoffman first went mining with his father when he was a teenager. It was something that his father dreamed about. The family took the chance in 2008-2009 when gold began increasing in value and skyrocketed during the recession. This led to the launch of “Gold Rush” on the Discovery Channel in 2010.

He says that he came to know Christ when he was "young," but that it was "cemented" when he was around 15 or 16 years of age. He thought at one time that he would become a youth pastor, but he believed that, in his words, “My faith took me into the business world..."

In 2018, the original TV show ended, but Todd had a chance to showcase his singing skills. On his Facebook page, he wrote:

I was asked to sing for an online trailer for an incredible movie, "I Can Only Imagine," coming out March 16th. Please share this video with your friends and family. It's about the relationship between father and son.

He added, "I’m leaving Gold Rush. I’m so blessed by God. My next chapter is singing and producing TV for the family."

On this Good Friday, we can make sure that we are mining the riches of God's love and truth. The cross stands as a reminder of not only our sinfulness, but of the Savior who died for us. He invites us to accept Him in salvation and to enter into a relationship with Himself.  We are called to grow into the Christian life and to discover more about Him.  

Todd's story can also cause us to think about the call of God on our lives.  His involvement in the mining industry has been used of God to develop a platform through which He can share His faith in Christ. We can be encouraged and motivated to be a light, to allow the light of Christ to shine through us, right where we are.