A Force for Good

The evil one is at work throughout this world, the one who has come to steal, kill, and destroy, as Jesus pointed out. But, we have been called to share His message and to align with Him in order to be an incredible force for love and truth. 2nd Corinthians 4 states:
11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.
13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,
14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

We are a testimony to the life of the Lord Jesus - He is producing fruit through us for His glory, as we testify to the world what He has done: that He has come to bring eternal and abundant life, that He loved the entire world so much that He died, but rose again to demonstrate His defeat of the power of sin and death. Our belief in what He has done and practice of the principles of Scripture can communicate to the world who He is and what He wants to do in peoples' lives.

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In John 17, Jesus prayed for the Church - that we would be a force in this world. We can read these words:
14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

This week, I've made some comments about the contrast between serving God and following the misguided ideologies of this world.  In the Christian worldview, we have to see things not as right and left, as it's been said, but right and wrong, good and evil.  We have to view current events in the light of Scripture, which is clear regarding what pleases God and to love what He loves.

I was pleased to have Christian hip-hop artist Brinson on my program recently.  I have been so impressed by artists in that genre with whom I have spoken throughout the years. I truly believe they have had the discernment to see what is occurring in the world and to speak truth in a very unique way. 

A recent CBN article features the insight and comments of hip-hop artist, KB.  Those initials stand for his name, Kevin Burgess.  The article notes: "KB...told Christian Headlines he believes contemporary hip-hop is teaching young people to 'hate Jesus.'"  It goes on to say:

He also implored fellow Christians to put reservations to the side to support people like him trying to spread the Gospel message through Christian rap.

“Let’s return to that era of seeing Christian hip-hop as a powerful way that we might bring revival,” KB told Christian Headlines. “Think about what we can rejoice over — that the Gospel is being preached, churches are being strengthened and people are coming to Christ.”

The artist also said, “The alternative is what your children are going to listen to — they are listening to,” adding, “And the alternative is teaching them to hate Jesus. That’s a little hyperbolic. But there’s truth to it.”  CBN noted, "KB encouraged Christians to look past differences and to focus on the Gospel as a unifier that helps everyone look past any divides."

We have to be clear to live for the gospel.  Christians living for the sake of the gospel, committed to Christ and centered on the Word - that is a force: for truth, for love, for righteousness.  The gospel is a force; the world offers a farce.  We need to be serious about shining the light of God's truth into our world. 

Another contrast: the gospel brings clarity and healing; the world offers a counterfeit.  In an era of confusion, when people call what is evil good and vice versa, we can depend on the wisdom of God to cut through the noise so that we might hear and heed the Spirit of God.

We can recognize that the gospel can be communicated in creative and compelling ways to reach an audience with the life-changing message of Christ.  Kevin Burgess - KB - and so many others have chosen to use Christian hip-hop as a carrier in order to counter the hostile messages toward God that are communicated through its secular counterpart.  Music is so powerful, and I am reminded of the early days of contemporary Christian music, when people were using popular sounds, yet bringing distinctly different messages.  We have to remain faithful to the message of the gospel as we seek to glorify God. 

Beneficial Bible

Idolatry - which could be described as prioritizing other objects of our affection before an adoration of God, is called out in 1st Corinthians 10. Here are some verses in that chapter:
7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

We have to consider if our devotion to Christ is the highest priority in our lives.  If we follow the world's principles, rather than what is taught in the Word - of God, we simply will not reflect the glory of God and keep ourselves from experiencing what He has in store for us.  We become ineffective in our own spiritual life and lack the strong moral voice that our culture needs.  The Bible - and living according to it - must be a central focus for us. 

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What we know as the 10 Commandments are found in Exodus chapter 20. This passage highlights the first two:
2 "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 You shall have no other gods before Me.
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...

The Bible has been a profound influence on our nation, and we don't have to look too far to see the evidence of God's hand throughout our history.  I believe that He has certainly preserved our nation. But, even though we can certainly recognize a departure from Biblical truth and conformity, almost half of Americans in a recent survey believe the Bible is still beneficial in our nation.

The Baptist Paper ran an article recently on a survey from the American Bible Society in its latest State of the Bible survey.  The article stated:

The survey conducted in January also found that 44 percent of Americans believe the nation would be worse off without the Bible and 23% believe negative influences from media, movies and music are feeding a moral decline.

“For years, we have asked Americans to imagine their nation without the Bible,” the organization said in a report highlighting the findings. “The results have been rather consistent. While some observers assume there’s a growing animosity toward the Bible, we don’t see that.”

However, one must ask the question: "well, if you revere the Bible so much, why don't you follow its teachings?" In other words, "if you think that Bible reading is such a good thing, why don't you participate?"

The Baptist Paper article quoted from the ABS report on the survey data, which said, "It’s worth noting that more than a quarter of non-Bible users say the country would be worse off without it,” adding, “They don’t interact with Scripture themselves even three times a year, but they seem glad that others do.”

The article quoted from the report, which stated, “Only two in five Americans, 39%, were Bible users. Frankly, we were hoping this was a glitch, but the 2023 responses matched last year’s low point, 39%." The Baptist Paper stated:

The report said the most recent high point of 50 percent Bible use occurred in 2020, a year when many people were cooped up at home with little else to do. The next two years saw a return to activity for many, and for a 10th of the population, the Bible was not part of the reboot.

“Despite the downturn in Bible use, we can still say that about 63 million American adults, 24%, use the Bible — on their own, outside of a church service — at least once a week,” the American Bible Society reported.

One further note, according to the article: "The survey found that 86% of Americans see a moral decline in the nation, though they disagree about where to place the blame. The study reported 26% blamed a lack of positive parental involvement, 23% blamed the negative influence of media, movies or music and 16% blamed an unhealthy reliance on social media for information."

I want to go back to the questions I posed.  A greater percentage of Americans think that the Bible is beneficial than actually read it themselves.  So, the question becomes, "if you revere the Bible so much, why don't you follow its teachings?"  The fact is that people don't like the moral direction of our country, yet they are unwilling to embrace themselves what could really shift that moral slide.  Similarly, "if you think that Bible reading is such a good thing, why don't you participate?"

I would theorize that you have a large number of people who attend church, fill a spot in the pew or the chair, every week, but have not flipped the switch and totally surrendered to Christ.  Jesus had a word to describe those folks in Revelation 3: "lukewarm."

If only we would apply the teachings of Scripture to our individual lives, our families, our churches, and our civic engagement, what a difference we would see!  But, our devotion is diluted by other things, the things we idolize, what we put before God.  The first two commandments warn us against having other gods and not making idols.  Idolatry is the enemy of Biblical faithfulness. A large majority of Americans sees it: a moral decline.  There are various things to blame.  Ultimately, it's a decline in the degree to which we revere - or fear - God.

Media Upheaval

Everyone has been given a mouth for the purpose of speaking, and God's intent is for us to be good stewards of the gift of words. Ephesians 4 relates to us:
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

We are called to speak truth, to be people who others can trust - we are not to "steal" in a sense, God's intent for our mouths and use it for purposes that are not consistent with God's truth.  We are not to take anything for His glory and give glory to another. Our tongues can bless or curse, James writes, and we can be careful to use the incredible gift of speech to magnify the Lord our God, and consider ways in which we can accurately and passionately communicate the words of God. 

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We have to be so careful in what and how we communicate - we must be grounded in truth and conscious of how we are using the tools God has given us in order to relate what He has commanded. 2 Timothy 2 says:
16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.
17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

He was able to record at least a portion of his live show in order to attend a 50th anniversary gala put on by the organization that had hired him to be a fact-checker over 30 years ago in Washington. 

From the beginning it did not seem to be your average think-tank speech but a call to evaluate the state of things in America - and to pray. According to The Daily Signal, after the opening prayer, he said, "that invocation for some reason, that really got me." He added:

It reminded me that I don’t pray enough for the country, and I should, but the answer is to include the country in your prayers, and thank you for reminding us.

What followed was a speech that defined our current condition in our nation not in terms of politics, but of good and evil. The event was the Heritage Foundation's 50th Anniversary Gala.  The speaker was...Tucker Carlson, formerly of Fox News. The Daily Signal reported that:

Now, the Fox News host said, those on the side of goodness must assess and challenge phenomena such as the transgender and pro-abortion movements—and the old mindset won’t work.

Arguing that abortion is a positive good is actually promoting “child sacrifice,” Carlson said, to resounding applause from the audience of about 2,000.

“The weight of the government and a lot of corporate interests are behind transgenderism,” he added. “None of this makes sense in conventional political terms.”

When he looks around, Carlson said, he sees people under the pressure of the present moment. His fellow Americans are saying things they don’t believe and can’t define to avoid cancellation due to humanity’s herd instinct, he said.

That was last Friday.  Monday morning, it was announced that Tucker's last show, aired the same night he delivered the message was the Friday show.  Fox put it in terms of the two parties parting ways.  There has been plenty of speculation, but the Carlson departure was one instance of an unprecedented upheaval in media. 

Certainly, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez must be happy.  According to Newsbusters, she had gone on former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki's new MSNBC show to blast Carlson and call for his silence.  The article noted that Psaki...

...allowed her to claim without evidence that Fox News host Tucker Carlson and "other folks on Fox" are guilty of "incitement of violence." This unsubstantiated claim came after she advocated for the federal government to regulate what can be said on Fox News. Neither claim was given any push back or request for clarification from Psaki.

AOC said that, "I believe that when it comes to broadcast television, like Fox News, these are subject to federal law, federal regulation in terms of what's allowed on air and what isn't."  Well, regarding broadcast television, Fox...isn't.  And, the FCC's regulatory power is far different for cable. But, don't let the facts stand in the way of the agenda.  

So many on the American left these days want to silence those with whom they don't agree, demonize them, isolate them, and call for the government to "do something" to reinforce their wishes.  And, these types also desire for the government to force, say, Christians to communicate a message that violates their deeply-held convictions; see also, cake baker Jack Phillips, florist Barronelle Stutzman, and graphic designer Lorie Smith, who currently has a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Whatever the reason, an important voice who has been sympathetic to Christianity has been silenced...temporarily, I am sure.  But, the departure of Carlson is just one example of media upheaval:

* The same day, CNN announced that Don Lemon, who was part of a trio of hosts on the network's morning show, had been fired.  This comes in the aftermath of tension on the set between Lemon and his two co-hosts.

* Variety reported on Sunday that "Jeff Shell is stepping down as CEO of NBCUniversal following a misconduct investigation, which found he had an “inappropriate relationship” with a woman in the company."  Interesting, isn't it?  An entertainment company that showcases inappropriate relationships in its programming sacks the executive for doing a similar thing. 

* The same publication, Variety, also reported on Monday that, "In a months-long goal to reach 7,000 job cuts total, Disney will begin its second round of layoffs of the year today. The notifications will be handed out to staff through Thursday, concluding with approximately 4,000 job eliminations completed overall by week’s end, according to company officials."

* And, it seems like Elon Musk and Twitter are always making news.  Back to Variety: it reports that last week the social media platform "revoked legacy verified blue check-marks for thousands of accounts -- as part of requiring users to pay for Twitter Blue -- although some high-profile users still had the badges following the purge."  Musk has said he's personally paying for certain users who had complained.  The platform also has announced new requirements for those who desire to place ads on it. 

The media landscape is rapidly changing.  The old model of broadcast television and hand-held newspapers being the purveyors of your daily view of the world is shifting.  Fortunately, as I pointed out in a recent Faith Radio Ministry Magazine, terrestrial radio still has a significant audience share.  Here's what I wrote last year:

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.”

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."

Radio continues to be free to listeners - of course, there are costs involved, and at Faith Radio, we are grateful for our devoted listeners who pray for us and continue to support us.  We desire to be a trusted source of Biblical truth, uplifting music, and information that can inspire and motivate us to apply the Scriptures to our lives. 

But, we have diversified in the way we deliver information.  You can hear Faith Radio through our website at FaithRadio.org and through the Faith Radio app.  When you hear an interview conducted by a Faith Radio host, you can find it on our website, our app, and a variety of podcast platforms - we send that content directly to six different services, but there are quite a few more that pick it up from there. We offer print content through our Ministry Magazine and have published our first book.  We are active on social media, featuring 8 Faith Radio channels over 4 different platforms, including YouTube, where you can watch video of guests from The Meeting House. 

When you hear a song on Faith Radio and you wish to obtain it, it is not a matter of going to a retailer and buying a record album - chances are that you will use a service such as Spotify or iTunes to acquire that music for yourself.  If you need more information on a song you hear, you can go to our website and see a list of recently played songs. When you hear a sermon on Faith Radio, it will likely be available digitally or as part of a physical CD or DVD set from our programmers. 

Wherever Tucker Carlson ends up, I would be convinced that he will not turn up in a traditional type of media - judging from the success of Blaze TV and its ideological perspective, that would be a potential landing place. I am sure that the Daily Wire would love to have Tucker as part of its lineup.  But, there are so many of these subscription services with the + sign in their name - the issue is, with all these "plus" services, all with subscription fees, will they eventually make it financially impractical to select your favorite services.  The ceiling may be pretty high, though - I will be honest, we have a bundle of cable and Internet, which once included landline and "long distance" phone services.  It would be simple to break it down and see how much one is paying for cable only, consider how many channels are watched on a regular basis, and then see if moving more toward streaming video would be a more economically efficient option. 

But, the fact is, there are plenty of place to which we can go to find information. We have to make sure that we are discerning in the sources that we allow to influence us.  We can also consider how we can leverage the multiplicity of ways to communicate what God has done in our lives.  Obviously one-on-one is effective, as we follow Christ's Great Commission to share the gospel.  We can also seek to be a Christian witness on our social media presence.  And, perhaps there are other ways through which God would use you - or perhaps your church or Christian organization - to relate the truth to a world that needs to hear our message.  How is God calling you to speak?

Mayflower

After his successful handling of temptation by the devil in the wilderness, Jesus went to his hometown of Nazareth and introduced Himself in a fresh, new way, as we read in Luke 4. That's where we find these verses:
16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
17 And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."
20 Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.
21 And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

We can consider whether or not we are experiencing the true freedom in which Jesus intends for us to walk. In our flesh, according to our human desires, we can place ourselves in bondage to our own desires, the things we idolize.  But, Jesus offers us a transformed life, a life in which we can depend totally on Him and experience His unconditional love and walk in the power of His Spirit.  We can partake of His peace and have joy in His presence. 

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For those of us who have called upon the name of the Lord, we can experience spiritual freedom: the freedom from the power of sin, the promise of eternal life, and the capability to walk with God, even during our difficulties. 2nd Corinthians chapter 3 relates:
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

In the year 1620, a group of people seeking religious freedom in a new land set sail and eventually landed in what is now the state of Massachusetts.  Jerry Newcombe, who is with D. James Kennedy Ministries and leads Providence Forum, released a documentary last year called, The Pilgrims.  CBN.com published a feature on it last fall. 

The CBN article noted that:

"You will worship as they say you worship," Plymouth Rock Foundation founder Paul Jehle told Newcombe. "And so to do this illegally meant you could be arrested. If you continued, you could be put to death. In fact, some of the friends of the Pilgrims were killed in the Tower of London."

So the Pilgrims fled.

"They just wanted to worship Jesus and the purity of the Gospel, and the king wouldn't let them do that. He was ruling over their conscience. That's why they fled," Newcombe explained to CBN News.

Jerry Newcombe is quoted as saying, "The Pilgrims gave us the Mayflower Compact, which was an agreement for self-government under God, which really was the first step in the creation ultimately of the Declaration of Independence and of the US Constitution...;" the article goes on to say:

In "The Pilgrims," William Federer, author of "America's God & Country," says of the Mayflower Compact, "It was a polarity change in world government. Instead of top-down – rule by these kings who kept getting more and more powerful – it's bottom-up. It's the people themselves deciding what laws they're going to pass and agreeing to submit to them."

Another group of people who had face religious persecution landed on America's shores earlier this month, according to The Christian Post.  They are members of a Chinese church - their name: Mayflower Church!  The article says that:

"In November 2019, the Christians, comprising 32 children, from Pastor Pan Yongguang's Shenzhen Holy Reformed house church (dubbed "Mayflower Church") fled to Jeju Island in South Korea after encountering threats and interrogations from Chinese police.

The article notes that a total of 63 members, having departed in 2019, went to an island in South Korea, and then went on to Thailand, where they were "detained" by officials. It goes on to say: "U.S. officials successfully negotiated their release, the U.S.-based group ChinaAid, which advocates for civil freedoms and human rights in China, said in a statement to The Christian Post."

The Christian Post article also stated:

Pastor Pan earlier said the decision to leave China was influenced by a lunch he had with Pastor Wang Yi of Chengdu's Early Rain Covenant Church in 2018. Wang, who is now serving a nine-year sentence, urged Pan to prepare himself to go to prison as well.

After Wang's arrest, police started monitoring Pan and making in-person visits on a regular basis to intimidate him and other church members.

Eventually, Pan and his church members had to decide whether to leave China or stay. Despite having good jobs in China, they were concerned about raising their children in a godly manner amid communist pressure and indoctrination, Pan shared.

Rep. Christopher Smith stated, "It is a very Good Friday indeed, and a perfect Easter gift to see these persecuted Chinese Christians arrive and be allowed to practice their faith freely in the United States," adding, "Had they been forcibly repatriated to China, they would have been jailed and severely persecuted."

The Christian Post also reported:

Johnnie Moore, an Evangelical public relations executive who served as a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said the churchgoers' resettlement makes him "so proud to be an American."

"In [the U.S.], we provide refuge to the persecuted," Moore tweeted. "No country in human history has given refuge to so many persecuted people of faith. Welcome to your new home, Mayflower family....just in time for Easter. You're safe here."

The article notes:

Southern Baptist congregations and other churches in East Texas have pledged to sponsor the resettlement of the exiled Christians.

This is the first known instance of a Chinese church fleeing persecution en masse. The church's name, Mayflower, comes from the English ship that carried passengers — some of whom were Protestant separatists seeking religious freedom from the Church of England — who traveled to the British colonies in the 17th century.

These Chinese Christians provide a clear expression and a reminder that God is our refuge. The new "Mayflower pilgrims" have exhibited a visible faith in God and a willingness to trust Him with their lives, moving to a new country in order to practice their faith. 

They came in search of liberty: that applies to the old and new Mayflower pilgrims.  And, America has always stood for freedom.  In fact, one of the symbols of our country, the Liberty Bell, features a Biblical inscription, according to Jerry Newcombe, who said, according to the CBN article: "The Liberty Bell has only one thing on it other than who made it, and that is a Bible verse. It says 'proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof.' Leviticus 25, verse 10."

And, ultimately these Pilgrims of two eras have looked to the Lord for freedom.  The Bible tells us that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 

We also recognize that there are believers in Christ who are suffering in foreign lands who are free in Christ, yet do not enjoy the blessings of civic liberty, facing persecution and harassment.  We can maintain sensitivity to the suffering.  And, be willing to speak on behalf of religious freedom at home and abroad. 

The First Believers

We can be dedicated to living a life that reflects the power and presence of Christ in us. In Colossians 3, we can read about some of the dynamics of that surrendered life:
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him...

Because we have been saved, that means that we are now distinct from the world - and our former life. Some may not understand why we don't participate in what we once did.  But, we now have a higher calling: we are to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.  We may face opposition and outright hostility, but we can be diligent to do what He says, and to love even those who have become our enemies because of what Jesus has done in us. But, we can continue to abide in Him regardless.

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Jesus calls us to lay down our lives in order that we might experience His love and that we might be saved. We can read these words in Luke chapter 9:
23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?
26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels.

Sela and her husband, Sok, are a couple in southeast Asia.  Year after year, they have observed the Muslim feast of Ramadan - as Baptist Press relates, "Ramadan has meant waking before the sun rises for prayer and a quick meal, then fasting all day until the sun sets again. Sela joined the other women to prepare food for the feast after sunset each day while Sok worshiped with the other men at the mosque."

But not this year.  Because, this year, they have pledged their lives to follow Jesus Christ - they are now Christians. The article relates: "They first heard of Jesus when Sela stumbled one morning and spilled a pot of boiling water over her baby. She had no one to call for help, because her village is hours away from the nearest city with a hospital."  But a missionary with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention was in place to help...

...Nancy Potter came to teach health care classes in the community, as she’d done for several years. Potter was able to rush Sela and her baby to a clinic where the burns could be treated. This clinic is run by Christian believers.

Sela and Sok were amazed that Christians would care for them. They continued talking with Nancy and her husband William in the months that followed. As they learned more about the Gospel, they began having dreams about Jesus. Soon they both put their faith in Christ.

Not only did they become believers, but they were the first Christian believers in their province. The article says:

The Potters have been working with local believers to engage this Muslim people group for approximately five years, and just this year are beginning to see outreach efforts bear fruit. They’ve been serving on the field for 22 years and moved to a more rural area about six years ago.

Now, the experience that Sela and Sok had is being replicated: "... two other families are regularly studying the Bible with the couple and the Potters."  This has helped to encourage those ministering in that community.  And, as the article states:

In one sense, the work has only just begun among this people group. Since Sela and Sok are the only believers in their province, discipling them and equipping them to share their faith is crucial, and something Nancy and her partners have already begun.

Persecution against them has already begun as well. Islamic leaders from the village have confronted Sela and Sok, and warned others in the community to stay away from them. It hasn’t dampened their faith, however.

“I don’t care what they say,” Sela said after the Islamic leaders visited. “I’m following Jesus.”

You may be the first believer - in your workplace, in your family, in your community.  Perhaps God has placed you there in order to not only rely on His strength, but to relate His love and faithfulness to others.  We may, like Elijah even after he saw a mighty demonstration of God's power, feel like we are alone. But, fact is, we are not alone.  God is with us, and we can depend on Him to manifest His presence and to bring people to walk with us. 

You know, someone has to go first.  And, we don't have to be afraid of doing something that has not been done before if we are sensing the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  If that is the case, we can know that God goes with us.  We've never done it this way before is not a valid excuse.  We can learn to recognize the unique call of God upon our lives. 

Just like this formerly Muslim couple, we can also be motivated to follow Jesus no matter what.  Jesus discussed the cost that every person has in following Him - we have to lay down our lives, to turn away from our old self, our old thought patterns, and our old ways, in order that we may experience His glorious presence. 

Hope in the Storm

God has provided for us the strength and the wisdom in order to navigate the adversity that we may encounter; and our resolve can be apparent to those around us. Proverbs 24 offers some preparation for the spiritual battles we encounter:
6 For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.
7 Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; He does not open his mouth in the gate.
8 He who plots to do evil Will be called a schemer.
9 The devising of foolishness is sin, And the scoffer is an abomination to men.
10 If you faint in the day of adversity, Your strength is small.

When we feel helpless or overcome, we can have the assurance that Jesus Christ walks with us.  He provides us with strength when we are weak; as Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians chapter 12, His grace is sufficient.  Human strength is frail when compared to the mighty resources of God, but in order to experience them, we have to deny ourselves and follow Him.  We must renounce self-dependence and depend on the One who endured great suffering so we could come to know Him.

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When the trial comes, when circumstances change for the worse, not the better, we can rely on the presence of the Lord. 1st Peter chapter 4 states:
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Throughout the Faith Radio coverage area, we have seen within the past few months storms that have caused widespread loss of property - and life.  We can continue to remember that there is a long-term process of rebuilding that continues in communities in the Faith Radio coverage area such as northern Autauga County, Selma, Flatwood in Montgomery, and other areas, restoring not only houses and buildings, but the pain that comes through lives and property that have been loss, the displacement that people face, and the uncertainty of the future that can be addressed through Christ. 

Perhaps the news of what has occurred in the midst of and aftermath of deadly storms has been brought to you by those who work in the media.  Local, regional, and national meteorologists do a tremendous job in tracking storms and offering life-saving information.  And, I have seen instances lately of those who work in that field who have shown a personal side, even a faith side when confronted with these events.

Exhibit A comes from the state of Mississippi, which experienced heavy damage by tornadoes in late March.  Faithwire reported on Chief Meteorologist Matt Laubhan of WTVA-TV, who, according to the article, published on March 31...

...described coming across an article from the Storm Prediction Center leading up to last Friday’s devastating Mississippi tornados — a paper that gave him benchmarks to better understand the potential severity of Friday’s storm.

“I’ve tracked hundreds of tornadoes,” he said, noting he “almost never” faces the level of stress he did Friday night, when he saw the warning signs from that paper playing out in real-time and felt prompted to pray on air.

“[I’ve] always taught [my] kids that prayer does not need to be like a pharisee, this long, elaborate [invocation],” Laubhan said. “If you have something in your heart, say it. God understands it.”

Video of the prayer went viral, and Laubhan stated, “It was authentic...It did not come from me. I did not intend to pray. I’m not gonna say I thought in my head, ‘Don’t ever pray,’ but I also never intended to do it. So, I do think that it just kind of came bursting out and that it came in a situation where so many people were hurt and killed.”

Exhibit B comes from someone known as a "storm chaser." His name is Jonny Gabel.  Again, the Faithwire website reported:

Jonny Gabel, who has been chasing storms for the past five years, described a harrowing ordeal when he helped pull family in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, out of the rubble.

Now, Gabel told People he’s planning to help the family members rebuild their decimated home.

“Their home is completely destroyed,” he wrote in a GoFundMe. “100% of the funds will be used to help them or help other victims affected by tornados. The funds will be used to build them a new house (if insurance doesn’t cover it, or if there’s some sort of financial obstacle) or the funds will be used to get them into a new home as soon as possible.”

The article continues:

Gabel told People how he and others decided to shift into rescue mode Friday after initially chasing the storm, heading to hard-hit Rolling Fork to help pull people from the rubble.

He recalled hearing someone yell, “I need help! Help! Please come help me!” So, he went over to the house from which the screams were coming and discovered an elderly woman sitting up in her bed, surrounded by devastation.

Gabel is quoted by People magazine: “I just said, ‘Thank God you all survived. This is kind of a miracle...Because just a hundred yards away, the Dollar General was just completely destroyed.” 

The People article also relates that Gabel pulled people out of that Dollar General store.  He is quoted in the article as saying: 

"I'm the one who isn't afraid to light up the darkness. I've existed in darkness for half of my life," Gabel explains. "I don't live in it anymore, but I'm not afraid to be in it. So I'm the one who stands up in the darkness and holds the light up, so others aren't so scared. That's what I have to offer to this world."

He is described as "neurodivergent" and "has complex PTSD."

Here are two gentlemen who are involved in covering weather, and have each, in their unique way, helped people to weather the storms in their lives.  This is an indication of how each of us can consider how we can be bringers of hope to those who are in need.  As Jonny Gable said, "I'm the one who stands up in the darkness and holds the light up..."  We can consider how Jesus would use us to shine His light into dark circumstances.

We can also consider how we can be prepared to respond when the tough times come, when the darkness hits. And, it's been said that when pressure comes, what's truly inside will flow out.  So, adversity can be an indicator of how well-trained we are in the Lord, how our hearts are united with Christ, so that when we encounter pressure - and we will - the presence and wisdom of Christ will be seen. 

God and Country

Because we are Christians, brought into a relationship with Christ and born again by His Spirit, we now have fellowship with Him and with His people. We find these words in Colossians chapter 1:
18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

When we realize that not only we have a vertical relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ, we can also recognize that we have a horizontal relationship with those whom we call our brothers and sisters. We have community within the body and we are placed in communities into which we can shine the light of Christ and interact with those who don't know Him so that they might see who He is through us.  We are called to pursue righteousness and spread His message wherever we go.

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Christian believers are certainly called to pursue an individual walk with God and are responsible for their own spiritual growth. But, the Christian life flourishes in the context of the realization that we are part of a body of Christ. Ephesians 4 says:
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,
2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

You don't have to look far to see how the decline in religious faith has had far-reaching consequences.  Our society's rejection of God has manifestations in the breakdown of the family, the proliferation of crime, and the pervasiveness of pornography, and a sewer of harmful material that flows daily from the Internet and media.  Jesus died for this broken world that has embraced a culture of death.

The Christian Post recently reported on a poll by The Wall Street Journal and the University of Chicago’s NORC about what values are important to Americans.  One startling statistic: "The percentage of Americans who characterize religion as 'very important' has nosedived" over the past 25 years, "decreasing from 62% in 1998 to 48% in 2019 to 39% in 2023."

The article refers to a "generation gap" regarding this topic area and others, as well. 55% of U.S. adults over 65 said religion was "very important;" only 31% of 18-to-29 year-olds felt the same way.

Another of these core values is "patriotism."  The article says:

In 2023, 38% of Americans identified patriotism as a “very important” value. This represents a noticeable decline from the 61% who described patriotism as “very important” in 2019 and the 70% who said the same in 1998.

Again, the generational differences are large: 59% of respondents over the age of 65 said patriotism was "very important;" among those between 18 and 29: 23%

And, when you look at the sustainability of the family, consider this:  

While a majority of Americans surveyed in 1998 (59%) said having children was “very important” to them, just 43% said so in 2019. By 2023, just 30% of respondents cited having children as a “very important” value.

The generation gap is smaller in this area: 32% of adults over 65 and 23% between 18 and 29 said having children was "very important."

So, what is "very important" to Americans these days?  The Christian Post article states:

As Americans have placed less emphasis on patriotism, religion and having children over the past quarter-century, the share of respondents who value community involvement jumped from 47% in 1998 to 62% in 2019. However, the percentage of Americans who see community involvement as “very important” fell substantially in the past four years to 27%.

On the other hand, the share of respondents who think money is “very important” has consistently risen over the past 25 years. Forty-three percent of Americans classified money as “very important” in 2023, an increase from the 41% who listed finances as one of their most important considerations in 2019 and 30% who called money “very important” in 1998.

The article also notes:

The survey also asked respondents to weigh in on the hot-button cultural issues of the day. A majority of respondents (56%) expressed support for requiring trans-identified athletes to play on sports teams that align with their biological sex, while 17% supported allowing trans-identified athletes to compete on teams designated for the opposite sex.

But, Americans apparently are divided on how to respond to the transgender agenda; the Christian Post article relates: 

Overall, a plurality of respondents (43%) indicated that they thought society had gone too far in “accepting people who are transgender,” while a plurality of respondents (37%) believed society had not gone far enough in “accepting people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual.”

One of the subsets of the LGBTQ+ movement has to do with use of "gender identity" pronouns: 

Thirty-five percent of respondents had a “very unfavorable” view of “being asked to use gender-neutral pronouns, such as ‘they/them,’ when addressing another person,” followed by 32% who had a neutral opinion on the matter and 15% who had a “somewhat unfavorable” opinion about requests to use gender-neutral pronouns.

The pendulum has swung on love of God and love for country - and it appears that people no longer see themselves as functioning members of a larger entity, such as a community.  You might chalk that up to isolation, when institutions that bring people together, including churches, were fractured. That isolation was certainly evident during the pandemic, but the rise of social media and the Internet has also resulted in people less apt to engage in face-to-face interaction.  It has a cost - perhaps we do not see ourselves as part of the universal body of Christ or the United States of America.  And, it seems to be getting worse, not better among our younger generations.

I think we have to see ourselves as part of something greater, or else we become incoherent, societally speaking.  Community can bring accountability, which could foster a greater level of obedience to the Word of God and less "experimental" trends that are contrary to Scripture. We have to say, in the context of the body of Christ, this is what the Bible teaches and show people where they have missed the mark.  We cannot accommodate sinful behavior, but expose it and point people to the power of a renewed life. 

Real Men and Real Women

We are sinners who live in a fallen world, but if we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior and have been born again, we can walk in the victory that Jesus has provided. Romans 6 states:
11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

The grace of God has been made available to us - we did not deserve to be recipients of God's love, but He sent His Son to earth to become a sacrifice for us, to pay the penalty for our sins for us. Even though we are beset by the desires of the flesh, we can strive to allow Christ's desires to be our desires.  We are not, as Galatians 5 instructs us, to walk in the flesh, but to please God by walking in the Spirit.  In the Spirit, we have the capacity to overcome the power of sin.

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The Bible gives us this admonition as it sets up a clear picture of the spiritual battles we encounter; in 1st John 2, we can read:
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.
17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

In the fall of last year, a guy named Dylan Mulvaney, who had received notoriety on Tik Tok was involved in an event at the White House showing support for the transgender movement.  At the time, the Daily Mail reported:

Dylan Mulvaney, who documents on the app her 'firsts' as a woman in a series she calls 'days of girlhood,' revealed that she and members of NowThis News were visiting the White House for an interview that will be made public on Sunday.

'I'm ready to step up and show trans people we're not going anywhere and that trans kids they deserve a fighting chance to be their true selves,' she says in the video posted Thursday, which has since garnered over 500,000 likes.

Let's be clear: Dylan is a biological male, so I would think that that pronouns used should be male.  

The article went on to say:

Mulvaney recently faced controversy after many called for boycotting Ulta Beauty, which hosted her on the brand's 'The Beauty of ...' podcast on October 13.

The beauty brand, which has more than 1,200 stores across the country, was slammed by some women after she explained on the show that she plans on becoming a mother as a transgender woman.

Mulvaney said she 'wants to be a mom one day and I absolutely can,' adding that 'the narrative still has a long way to go'.

Well, Dylan keeps popping up, leaving a trail of controversy, including another brand snafu recently.  The latest yielded a statement from the company, but some thought there was not an apology. Newsweek said:

The message itself did not mention the term "LGBTQ+" nor did it mention the LGBTQ+ community, but did call out others.

"We have thousands of partners, millions of fans and a proud history supporting our communities, military, first responders, sports fans and hard-working Americans everywhere," Whitworth wrote in the statement.

At The Federalist, Hans Fiene had written:

A major reason Mulvaney has succeeded in growing his name recognition is the publicity he’s received from woke institutions. He got the red-carpet experience at the Grammys. Actress-turned-talk-show-host Drew Barrymore recently brought Mulvaney onto her show, knelt before him, and praised the beauty of his her-ness. The Biden administration gave him a sit-down interview with the president.

He doesn't mince words when he says:

Actual women celebrate the first anniversary of their womanhood on their first birthday, not when they’re 26. Dylan Mulvaney is a man, and no amount of cosplaying as a dead-eyed Disney princess can change that.

Likewise, Dylan Mulvaney is not beautiful. His female-minstrel-show antics are, in fact, hideous. They are reprehensible, a vile display from a man who clearly finds a kind of perverse delight in wearing femininity like a skin. Mocking God and His natural order is ugly.

Fiene goes on to say: "...if we want to love Dylan Mulvaney and others like him, we should follow the example of the God who is love, the God who reveals Himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ. That example is this: Speak the truth, call to repentance, and proclaim the forgiveness that awaits those who repent."

Fiene contends:

For the sake of his mental health, his physical health, and his spiritual health, Mulvaney needs someone to tell him: “By putting on a woman’s dress, you have not turned yourself into a woman. You have turned yourself into an enemy of the God who made you a man..."

He goes on to say: "Turn to Christ, and He will show you that the maleness of your flesh is holy and good, just as He will show you that femininity is a treasure to protect and defend, not an object to possess and pervert."

God has established an order, principles by which we should live our lives.  And, to violate God's plan leads to negative consequences.  It's really very simple, isn't it?  But, to challenge God's plan for sexuality by engaging in behavior - heterosexual, homosexual, or transgender - that does not conform is an affront to His love and His Word.  And, furthermore, we have the resources necessary, through the Holy Spirit, to live a holy life.  It starts by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and being born again, and continues as we begin the process of sanctification - being set apart for the glory of God. 

That's Biblical clarity, which is a welcome relief in an era of confusion. But, it's been pointed out that we are at war against the world, the flesh, and the devil. We have tendencies to go our own way, to follow our own whims and errant ideologies. In the pursuit of the flesh, we block the operation of the Spirit; but the Bible tells us that if we walk in the Spirit, we won't satisfy the flesh - it's been said that whatever you feed is what wins out.  We have to feed our spirits the spiritual nourishment of the Word of God, so we can discern good from evil and be built up so we can walk victoriously. 

A Place to Call Home

God promises to be a source of strength for us, and by virtue of our connection to Christ, we can reflect that strength to those who suffer. Romans chapter 15 states:
1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.
3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me."
4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

I believe we are all vulnerable to being weak from time to time - and we can always remember the availability of the Spirit of the Lord.  And, when we have received strength from the Spirit in those difficult times, that can remind us to be ready to move when the Spirit prompts us, prepared to be vessels through whom the Spirit can work.  We can look around and see the need around us and allow Christ's love to flow through us. 

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We all need to experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit; and 2nd Corinthians 1 reminds us that our experience can equip us to provide comfort to others - we can read these verses:
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

Weather disasters and other crises can bring the opportunity for the love of Christ to be shared with those who are suffering.  We see that time and again.  Jesus comes to us in our times of desperation and makes His love known to us - often, that comes through willing servants who follow His will to minister to those in crisis situations. 

It was less than a year ago when the state of Kentucky was devastated by catastrophic flooding.  And, one of the victims whose home was destroyed now has a brand-new one, thanks to a Christian ministry. The Christian Post tells the story of Jamie Smith of Letcher County, Kentucky.

A group of 150 volunteers from seven states built a new house for Smith's family in 11 days.  The article notes:

The volunteers and funding for the new Smith family home came thanks to the efforts of the nonprofit crisis response organization God’s Pit Crew, which aims to “become one of the most effective disaster relief organizations in America so that we can continue responding as God leads to hurting people in times of crisis — whether it be across the street or around the world,” according to their website.

Randy Johnson, co-founder of the ministry, told Jamie and her family before handing over the keys to the house, according to a Facebook video: “We’ve built a lot of houses over the years and they’re all special, but I can’t tell you how many volunteers and people have said there’s something different about this one. And we don’t know what it is but it’s special, and I say it’s because of you all..."

Smith said, “It’s more than we could have ever dreamed of, and we are forever grateful to God’s Pit Crew because from the beginning to the end of this process they have been absolutely wonderful..."

This act of kindness received media coverage, with a local television station actually on hand for the moment with Jamie's family visited their new home.  WYMT in Hazard, KY reported that the family was...

Counting the blessing they never thought was possible on July 28, 2022.

“When you’ve lost everything, you wonder where to go from here. I could have never dreamed we would be here today. God is good. God is amazing and we are so blessed,” said Smith.

Crises come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but there are common element: they sap our strength, they steal our joy, they suppress our spirits.  When pain enters our lives, we can choose to turn to the source of comfort or try to work it out on our own.  But, through Christ, we can experience His resources in suffering.  

Dozens of families are suffering today directly and more broadly, an entire community is hurting, as the result of someone firing multiple gunshots into what was intended to be a happy occasion in Dadeville this past Saturday night.  And, I am thankful that the people of the city gathered to pray.  God's people have the unique opportunity to minister to those who suffer.

The Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of His people, and the people God become His visible expression.  We can make sure that we are obedient to follow His direction and ready to demonstrate His love in times of sorrow and pain. 

Restored

In the week leading up to His death, the crowds greeted Jesus as the coming King to overthrow Roman oppression. But, He had taught previously about His kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven, as we see in Matthew 10:
7 And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Jesus, and John the Baptist before Him, proclaimed the coming of a spiritual kingdom - Jesus was not coming to rule through political governments, but through spiritual power and principles. Now, we could stand to see more of His Kingdom principles injected into our political system, for sure, but the advancement of His Kingdom is predicated on changed hearts, bringing an awareness and proclamation of His presence, and expressing His authority over spiritual forces. 

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The apostle Paul shared a piece of his testimony in the first chapter of the book of 1st Timothy, writing:
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.
16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.
17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Typically, there are numerous sports offerings on a Sunday afternoon, and on Easter Sunday, if one chose not to watch the Masters on CBS or a game from the fledgling XFL, you may have come across something unique on the FS1 network.  It was the Bristol Motor Speedway Easter Celebration, which preceded the latest NASCAR race, the dirt race at Bristol.

I tuned in shortly before drivers Aric Almirola and Ricky Stenhouse, along with his wife, appeared on the outdoor stage.  Then, it was Phil Wickham leading worship, followed by a message from Tim Tebow.

I have always liked Tim Tebow, but admittedly, had never heard him speak. The last time he was in Montgomery, it was a Q&A format with Jeff Shearer, then of WSFA.  Tebow instantly made the NASCAR connection, telling the story of his interaction with Richard Petty.  The Johnson City Press shared this description:

Tebow, the sports icon and evangelist, opened with a personal story of how seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty heard the story of how Tebow, as a college student at the University of Florida, had an old beat-up Ford Thunderbird. Unbeknownst to Tebow, the NASCAR legend had the car picked up and brought back to the race shops in North Carolina.

He brought Tebow to the shop where Petty surprised him with a car that had not only been restored, but was in better shape than ever before. He compared it to when a person accepts Christ into to their life.

The article quotes Tebow as saying, “The King of NASCAR did something for me that I couldn’t do myself,” Tebow said. “That car was on its way to destruction. We’re also on the way to destruction because of sin, but the gift of life is eternal through Jesus. God did something for us that we couldn’t do for ourselves.”

Following the service, Tebow said, “I’ve been telling that story about Mr. Petty many times, how his kindness impacted me,” adding, “He was just so awesome and to be share that here with a fan base that loves him so much. It was such a unique perspective of what he did.” And, regarding the event itself, the former Heisman Trophy winner and television host said, “It’s exciting to celebrate Easter in a way that so many people are involved...Sports have always been so big in my life, but we have to remember the greatest thing we get to do is not win or score. It’s to celebrate Jesus and to be able to do it with some of these amazing friends we have.”

There's actually more to the story - the Tim Tebow Foundation planned to auction the car off in order to raise money.  A Christian Post article from 2013 reported:

The '95 Thunderbird was brought into Petty's car restoration shop rusty and covered in cat prints, according to Tim Tebow Foundation Executive Director Erik Dellenback, as reported by Sporting News.

"We're excited because obviously the legendary status of Richard Petty is a great tie to us," Dellenback said. "Originally our goal was just to auction it off and as we started seeing what this was going to look like and the interest of people wanting to see it, we decided to use it for a year on promotional tour. … The dollars we can raise off that could literally affect thousands of children."

Richard Petty's charity, Petty's Garage, also used the car in some of its fundraising events, according to the article, which said:

When the car was given to the foundation and Petty's crew it had "lots of notes – from phone numbers of scouts to notes likely just left on Tebow's car while on the Florida campus."

"It was not your typical college football player's car by no means," Petty's Garage CEO Jeff Whaley said. "We found a list (of numbers) of when he was being courted to go to school, but there were no beer can lids, no cigarette ashes."

Sure enough!  I would not have expected anything different.  What a tremendous model of faith in Christ.  And, Tim Tebow was bold enough to go on national television on Easter Sunday and boldly proclaim who he is in Christ.  We can examine our own "boldness meter" and ask the Holy Spirit to give us the willingness to share and the words to speak.

Tim Tebow was given a gift - a refurbished car.  It's been reported that he paid $500 for it in college. That car was transformed by Richard Petty and his team.  Rather than keep it, Tim Tebow decided to sell it and use the proceeds for his charity.  Petty also used the car in his charity.  That's a pretty good investment for a comparative mustard seed of money to buy a car for a college student.  God will use what we surrender to Him for His glory. 

And, we recognize who the true King is and what he's done for us.  Tim Tebow used the analogy to encourage attendees at and viewers of the Bristol event to talk about the King who has transformed our lives. We can be saved through a relationship with Jesus Christ, the One who did for us what we could not do for ourselves. 

Raised Up

The whole redemption process is laid out for us in Romans 6, where the apostle Paul has written:
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.

Buried with Him.  United in His death.  United with Him in resurrection. 

Our old self is dead - crucified with Him - we are no longer to be, as the 6th verse says, "slaves of sin." 2nd Corinthians 5 tells us that the old has passed away, the new has come.  While there are many that believe that the resurrection is a historical fact, we have to make sure we are allowing that fact to become reality in our lives.  If we are dead to sin, do we live like it?  That doesn't come by mind over matter or merely trying in our own strength not to do something.  It comes from embracing the risen Lord and realizing that if we have received Christ, then He lives in us. 

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The reality of the resurrection should ideally make a tangible difference in our mindset, how we live, and how we deal with issues of sin. James 2 states:
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!

Jesus Christ is risen!  He is alive - and in churches all across America, people came to celebrate what He has done. I would imagine that some did it out of tradition, others out of obligation, but many coming to have an encounter with a risen Lord.

A new study by Lifeway Research shows that two-thirds of those responding actually say they believe in the resurrection of Jesus. The survey summary states: 

Two-thirds of U.S. adults (66%) say the biblical accounts of the physical resurrection of Jesus are completely accurate. They believe this event actually occurred, according to the 2022 State of Theology study. Fewer than a quarter (23%) disagree, and 11% say they’re not sure.

The article went on to say that level has been "unchanged since 2018."

Respondents have their doubts, though, about the authenticity of the Bible; the article states:

In 2022, for the first time in the history of the State of Theology study, a majority of Americans (53%) say the Bible, like all sacred writings, contains helpful accounts of ancient myths but is not literally true. And 40%, the highest percentage yet, say modern science disproves the Bible.

But, there is certainly an ambiguity in the results, when you consider these findings:

...also for the first time, a majority (51%) say the Bible is 100% accurate in all it teaches. And 52% say the Bible has authority to tell us what we must do. Around 3 in 5 (62%) say the Bible is the highest authority for what they believe.

The article notes:

Despite accepting the biblical accounts of Jesus’ resurrection, many Americans have conflicting thoughts about the Bible and seem to see little connection between Jesus rising again and their daily lives.

This is borne out in the fact that about a third of respondents said that "God is unconcerned with their day-to-day decisions." That percentage has been increasing and has hit a high-water mark. 

So, therein lies the disconnect.  Sure, people say they believe in the resurrection.  But, that's not enough. As James wrote, even the demons "believe" in God.  But they tremble because they know the ultimate outcome. 

You have to ask the question why people don't believe - it's because they don't see their need for a Savior and they certainly don't want to lay down, or surrender, their lives for Him. 

If Jesus is risen, then we should consider how that affects our lives.  If He is risen from the dead and we have believed it and have confessed Jesus as Lord - if we are saved - then that resurrection power should be evident in our lives.  Has Christ changed us?  Is that change evident to the people around us?  Or have we accepted Jesus but not allowed Him to change us, to bear the fruit of the resurrected life.  

The cross has brought us forgiveness; Jesus has paid our penalty. The resurrection brings us the guarantee and satisfaction of new life.  It's more than merely historical fact, it is present reality. 

Financial Freedom

In the third chapter of the book of Proverbs, we find practical wisdom regarding the decisions we make, including those involving our possessions; we can read:
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

The linchpin of our Biblical financial stewardship has to do with giving - it is taught that we are to bring our firstfruits to God; Malachi instructs us to bring our "tithes" into the storehouse, which has been interpreted to mean the local church.  Giving back to God first is a key to being a good steward; after all, when we adopt the attitude that everything we own is His, that will drive how we allocate what has been entrusted to us. 

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The Bible speaks, in Proverbs 27, about knowing the condition of that which has been entrusted to you. We find these words in that chapter:
23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25 When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field;
27 You shall have enough goats' milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants.

It's been said that essentially the financial decisions we make can really say a lot about our own spiritual condition.  We should submit this important area of money under the authority of the Holy Spirit. That includes bringing our firstfruits to God and the churches and ministries we support.

But, what happens if you have powerful elites who do not believe that your finances should promote life, marriage, religious freedom, or other issues that do not line up with a global agenda?  There is a promotion of economic policies in which coercion is present to make "certain" financial decisions and there is a move afoot, as I've discussed, to exert pressure in these areas and to punish those who do not comply. 

One arena where financial managers are pursuing a harmful agenda is in the area of environmental, social, and governance, or ESG. Recently, it was announced that 19 state governors across our nation have banded together in an alliance to stand against the intrusive ESG financial strategy.  According to The Daily Signal, the governors, in a statement, made this reference: “This month, Congress exercised its powers under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove of the Department of Labor Rule relating to ‘Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights..." The article noted that legislation had passed both chambers of Congress, but was vetoed by the President in his first veto of his administration. 

The statement also said, "We as freedom-loving states can work together and leverage our state pension funds to force change in how major asset managers invest the money of hardworking Americans, ensuring corporations are focused on maximizing shareholder value, rather than the proliferation of woke ideology..."  The governors of states covered by the on-air signal of Faith Radio: Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, are members of the Alliance. 

Andrew Olivastro, vice president of outreach at The Heritage Foundation, is quoted as saying, “This is a clear message that senior state executives, like attorneys general and state financial officers before them, recognize ESG is incompatible with self-governance and are fully in the fight.”

The article also said:

The governors’ joint statement also mentions “state-level efforts” aimed at “[protecting] individuals from the ESG movement that threatens the vitality of the American economy and Americans’ economic freedom.”

An 1819 News article featured comments made by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall on Alabama Public Television.  He said:

...our work, number one, has been around protecting hard-working Alabamians who have got their money in IRAs and investment accounts when we have a Biden administration who wants to give protection to investment advisers to invest in ESG investments when they may not have the best return coming back because it is really a battle of the left to inject issues and create change that they can't get at the ballot box, particularly in a state like Alabama."

The Daily Wire, after the Presidential veto, reported: "Critics of the ESG movement...assert that the investment philosophy mingles political and social causes, such as diversifying company leadership with respect to race or sex, in a manner that compromises or distracts from profitability. They point to lackluster performance from ESG funds last year as technology firms...suffered in the stock market while energy companies, which ESG managers tend to dislike because of carbon emissions associated with the sector, witnessed outsized returns."

We are responsible for what we possess.  We should make sure that our financial stewardship lines up with what we say we believe.  Sometimes decisions are made by others, and that is why it is necessary to know the "conditions of our flocks," as the Bible says.  What we possess should ideally reflect what we believe.  That is why this pushback by leaders over financial mismanagement by using ESG standards is welcomed.

We should also remember that there is a global agenda that has an aim of total control, with built-in punishments for non-compliance.   ESG is a financial tool that is consistent with this agenda. We have to be aware of these trends, be prayerful, and continue to stand strong amidst pressure to abandon our deeply-held Biblical beliefs. 

This is yet another example that elections have consequences.  People throughout these 19 states have elected leaders who are committed to making sound financial decisions, recognizing their stewardship responsibility. This goes for the gubernatorial level, but also on other elected officials, such as attorneys general and state treasurers.  

Forgive Me

We are called to be examples of the presence of God within us - when we will miss the mark, we know that we have an Advocate who will forgive us, who stood in our place before Almighty God. 1st John chapter 2 contains these words:
1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, according to the Bible.  That is why we need a Savior. And, when we have received Jesus as our Savior and been born again, we have a new capability to renounce sin and to not be bound by it.  But, we still have fleshly tendencies that must be brought under the submission of the indwelling Christ.  So, we have the powerful resource of confession that is available to us, in order that we might respond to the Spirit's conviction, bring sin into the light, reduce its power over us, and receive forgiveness.

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We have already been forgiven of our sins by the work of Jesus on the cross, but He calls us, according to 1st John 1:9, to confess our sins before Him. In Psalm 32, we can read:
5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
6 For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You In a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters They shall not come near him.
7 You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

When we believe that we have engaged in sinful behavior, Jesus calls us to confess our sins.  And, that may call for a public renouncement of words said or deeds committed in the past.  A well-known Christian author has engaged in such a public display of confession and repentance, and it is certainly a refreshing development.

Rosaria Butterfield is a former lesbian, who wrote a piece recently for a website called Reformation 21, in which she says:

In 1998, I became one of the first crop of so-called “tenured radicals” in American universities, proudly touting my lesbian street cred. In 1999, Christ called me to repentance and belief, and I became a despised defector of the LGBTQ+ movement. But progressive sanctification came slowly, and I have failed many times during these past decades.

Her essay for the website offers a confession of the use of transgender pronouns as sin. One of the reasons why she took part in this: "I wanted to meet everyone where they were and do nothing to provoke insult."  But, her position gradually changed, and the Obergefell decision was a catalyst.  Butterfield writes:

The codification of gay marriage and LGBTQ+ civil rights launched a collision course between LGBTQ+ and the Christian faith. The LGBTQ+ movement’s understanding of itself as ontological and morally good conflicts with the biblical account in Genesis 1:27. Which is it? Which side was I on?

In the article, she lays out nine different reasons why using these pronouns is a sinful act.  Among them:

Using transgendered pronouns is a sin against the ninth commandment and encourages people to sin against the tenth commandment.

Using transgendered pronouns is a sin against the creation ordinance.

Using transgendered pronouns is a sin against image-bearing.

Using transgendered pronouns discourages a believer’s progressive sanctification and falsifies the gospel.

Using transgendered pronouns cheapens redemption, and it tramples on the blood of Christ.

She also notes that the practices fail to "love my neighbor as myself," and "fails to offer genuine Christian hospitality."  And, she calls out by name, professing Christian practitioners who continue to perpetuate this heresy, what she calls an "Achan" in the Church, referring to the man whose sin caused Israel to lose a battle in the book of Joshua.  She writes:

Preston Sprinkle, Mark Yarhouse, David French, Revoice, Side B Christianity, and any parachurch ministry that elevates “being winsome” as the endgame provide useful examples to defy. They nod in the direction of traditional values but then swap biblical clarity for postmodern pluralism, thus burning to the ground any legitimate theological bridge to gospel grace.

She contrasts that point of view to that of Laura Perry Smalts, who had attempted to transition into a man. Butterfield writes: "Laura pumped testosterone and engaged in mutilating 'gender-affirming' surgeries. And God saved, redeemed, and transformed her into a beautiful trophy of his grace." An influential factor: not so-called "pronoun hospitality," but "Her church and parents had refused to use her preferred pronouns throughout all the years she lived in the false identity of transgenderism. Why did she return to them? Their refusal to lie compelled her trust."

That's why you have Christian school teachers who are refusing to use students' so-called "preferred pronouns" - to do so simply is not telling the truth!  We are called to speak truth, not pursue an agenda that is incompatible with Scripture.  Not accommodate sin.  The Church is to welcome all, but to point to the clear teachings of the Scriptures, so that their lives might conform with Him. 

Rosaria Butterfield has an amazing conversion story, but allowed, by her own admission, the conditioning of the LGTBQ+ movement to unduly influence her in the area of pronouns.  It is clear that we constantly have to renew our minds so that we can turn aside from unbiblical ideas and take those thoughts captive. 

And, there may be an occasion, directed by the Holy Spirit, for which public repentance is necessary. Since she is a public author and speaker, it only stands to reason that she would issue such an apology for her use of transgender pronouns.  We certainly confess our sins to God and receive forgiveness, but there may be times when we go to other people, either one-on-one or in a group and confess our sin, so that we make things right.  We should always be open to God's direction in exhibiting true repentance.