Changing Churches

The local church is part of a worldwide body of Christ - established by Jesus on the truth of Jesus, on the Word who became flesh, and is called to be devoted to teaching and living out the Word. In Matthew 16, we can find these words:
15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

So, we have a firm foundation upon which the Church is built: Jesus told Peter that His Father had revealed that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God.  So, the living God living through His people produces a Church that is vibrant, committed to the growth of its people internally and the growth of the Church externally. We can walk day by day with the realization that we are part of an incredible global force for the glory of God.

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We belong to the body of Christ, the Church of the Living God, and this passage in 1st Timothy chapter 3 provides a reminder:
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;
15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Jesus said in Matthew 16 that His Church would be built on the rock of recognition that He is the "Christ, the Son of the living God."  So, the Church, the body of Christ, of which He is the head, should reflect Him.  Local churches are vital parts of His Church, where we can connect with and worship Jesus in a special way, where we can be taught the truth, and where we can fellowship with like-minded believers.

A new Lifeway Research study examines the multiple reasons for which people change their church affiliation. The survey summary says that the organization "studied 1,001 U.S. adults who identify as Protestant or non-denominational, attend church worship services at least twice a month and have attended more than one church as an adult." It relates, "53% of U.S. regular churchgoers say they have attended more than one church as an adult. Among those who have switched congregations, 63% say they’ve regularly attended only two to three churches as an adult, while another 22% have attended four to five congregations."

Not surprisingly, the number one reason why people change churches is a change of location. The summary states: "Three in 5 church switchers (60%) say a residential move impacted their decision to leave their previous church and begin attending a new one."

There were several factors which all placed in the 25-30 percent range: "some things changed about the church they did not like," "the church was not fulfilling their needs or reasons for attending church," "they became disenchanted in some ways with the pastor," or "they became disenchanted with the church."

Lifeway Research Executive Director Scott McConnell is quoted as saying, “Almost half of church switchers are motivated by the need to get out of a church they are displeased with. But that doesn’t mean the change won’t impact them for the better,” adding, “While the biggest improvements reported by church switchers are things they receive, large numbers also report that personal spiritual growth, deeper relationships, increased involvement and service resulted from their church move.”

I would contend that there are positive and negative reasons for seeking out a new church home.  Obviously, location will be a big factor in that church decision, and the move to a new area can provide the opportunity and perhaps the challenge to be involved in a local body.

But, among other reasons, there is the element of the church itself changing.  That would apparently, based on the survey summary, mean that a pastoral change would perhaps be a catalyst for people seeking out new church homes.  

We just have to make sure that our reasons are Biblical and led by the Spirit.  If we find that we have become chronic complainers or do not feel at home in a particular church situation, the problem may lie more with the individual than with the church body.  We have to make sure that we don't allow a critical spirit to govern our church involvement.

We can also recognize that because the local church is comprised of human beings, there will be human elements, there may be conflict, or hurt - that may result in a perceived need for a fresh start.  

And, a church change may take place because of spiritual drift on the part of a pastor or congregation.  Has the commitment to truth waned; has spiritual atrophy set in?  If we are not careful, we can find that a natural decline will occur - each of us individually, as well as in our churches and ministries, must guard against this decline and make sure that we are committed to growing in Christ.  If complacency is there, it opens the door for the enemy to diminish the witness of a congregation.  

I think a helpful attitude can be to find the place where God wants to use us and to serve with all our might.  Rather than possess a "consumer mentality" that is centered solely on what the church can do for us, we can think about how God would use us.  But, that should ideally be balanced with a recognition of serving in a congregation in which we can grow spiritually, that is consistent with our own beliefs, that are consistent with Scripture.

Not Credible

In the book of Proverbs, there are multiple references to personal integrity. One such reference is found in this passage, from the 10th chapter, which says:
8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.
9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.
10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary offers three definitions for the word, "integrity:"

1  :firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : INCORRUPTIBILITY

2  :an unimpaired condition : SOUNDNESS

3  :the quality or state of being complete or undivided : COMPLETENESS

 

This implies a commitment to truthfulness and being trustworthy; not saying one thing and doing the other.  We are not to misrepresent facts or situations, but we should make sure that what we say is the absolute truth. If we are committed to credibility, we can be reliable people who are committed to bringing honor to our Savior through our desire to be truthful.

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Personal integrity ought to be a characteristic of the Christian life that is readily apparent. While the Bible teaches us not live to please others, but rather to please God, it certainly pleases the Lord when we are being truthful. Proverbs 11 says:
1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.

Those who follow Christ have believed in His truth and accepted what the Bible teaches, that if we confess with our mouths the lordship of Christ and believe that God has raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.  That's according to Romans 10.  We have believed the truth.  We also testify to the truth of God by being people of integrity - who are committed to telling the truth, devoted to honesty, as a testament to the presence of Christ within us.

There has been a controversy recently about a sports reporter whose definition of what is actually true is suspect.  The website, Deadline, reported:

A growing chorus of peers is speaking out about Fox Sports’ NFL Kickoff host Charissa Thompson’s admission that she “would make up” sideline reports at games because, she says, “The coach wouldn’t come out at halftime or it was too late.”

The latest to comment comes from Lead Sideline Reporter for the NFL on CBS Tracy Wolfson, who called Thompson’s actions “absolutely not ok, not the norm and upsetting on so many levels.”

The website also noted that ESPN reporter Molly McGrath tweeted out, “Young reporters: This is not normal or ethical. Coaches and players trust us with sensitive information, and if they know that you’re dishonest and don’t take your role seriously, you’ve lost all trust and credibility.”

Total Pro Sports quoted former sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya, who tweeted out, “Honestly, this makes me sad...Charissa is a nice person, but this is professional fraud. If a coach won’t talk to you at halftime, you say that. And if there is no report, then you just don’t file a report at half-time. It’s pretty simple. journalistic integrity is paramount.”

Deadline updated its story to cover Thompson's Instagram story, in which she said she desired to “address the elephant in the room.”  The story included quotes from the reporter:

“Working in media I understand how important words are and I chose the wrong words to describe the situation,” she said, adding “I’m sorry. I have never lied about anything or been unethical during my time as a sports broadcaster.”

She clarified that “in the absence of a coach providing any information,” she would use information she had gathered and saw during the first half to create her report. “For example if a team was 0 for 7 on 3rd down, that would clearly be an area they needed to improve on in the second half. In these instances I never attributed anything I said to a player or a coach.”

OK, whatever...we're living in a day in which journalists seem to have lost a sense of integrity - maybe it's sloppiness, perhaps it's a desire to break a big story by embellishing the facts, maybe there is a lack of commitment to factual reporting due to the pursuit of an agenda, and information that doesn't fit a narrative gets left out or altered.  Whatever the case, trust in media has hit a low point, according to Gallup; just over a month ago, its website reported:

The 32% of Americans who say they trust the mass media “a great deal” or “a fair amount” to report the news in a full, fair and accurate way ties Gallup’s lowest historical reading, previously recorded in 2016.

Even the Society of Professional Journalists has weighed in, stating:

Thompson said in a recent interview on the “Pardon My Take” podcast that she sometimes made-up coaches’ quotes during sideline reports, adding that no coach would deny a broad statement. This also isn’t the first time she’s admitted to making up quotes. She first admitted to it in 2022 during her “Calm Down” podcast with Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews. Andrews said it was something she has also done, which is equally concerning to SPJ.

“Fabricating quotes or other information is unethical and a violation of the SPJ Code of Ethics,” said SPJ National President Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins. “Journalists should strive to seek truth and minimize harm. While some may believe it is harmless to fabricate these types of quotes, it begs the question, if a sports journalist can do so and get away with it, are other journalists doing the same thing? Thompson’s behavior is inexcusable and it damages the credibility of the entire field of journalism and fosters public distrust towards all the journalists who practice the highest ethical standards.”

So, one takeaway from the Charissa Thompson debacle is that trust in the media has waned, and it leaves every one of us, especially Christians, with a responsibility to be selective regarding our sources of information.  At Faith Radio, it is certainly our desire to be a trusted source of Biblical truth and relevant information, featuring reliable, sound Bible teaching, and news and information presented factually.

Here's an example of a news story that can also help us to think about our own personal integrity.  We can consider whether or not we are a person of trust.  Are we committed to living His truth and telling the truth?  Or do we fudge on the facts when it works to our advantage?  Do we strive to get the "little things" right?  Or do we misrepresent information either ignorantly or intentionally?  It's sad to think that this one sideline reporter will now probably forever be associated with deceptive practices.  That's why believers in Christ, because we represent Him and want to bring glory to God, should be committed to personal integrity - making sure we are being honest. Because a tarnished reputation can damage our witness. 

Community Influence

Perhaps the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount is familiar to you. In the 5th chapter of Matthew, he relates these words:
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

We recognize that in some circles, it is not looked upon favorably to speak in accordance with the truth of Scripture.  But, we have a responsibility to be salt and light.  It's been said that salt is a preservative, which can speak to our cultural role; it's also been related that salt produces thirst, and certainly we should make people thirsty for the gospel through the way we live.  We have been entrusted with the light of Christ and we should open up our hearts - and our mouths - in order that the indwelling Christ might shine through us.

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We have the light of Christ that lives within our hearts, and we are called to shine that light, in contrast to the ways of this world. Ephesians 5 states:
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

We don't have to look too far to see that ideas that are unbiblical and harmful to hearts and minds have infringed upon our communities and our churches.  And, there are spiritual forces that are aligned against the Church to weaken its influence. 

One would think that a website called, Religion News Service, would actually perform a service by offering coverage of religion that is devoted to presenting facts in a responsible manner.  Recently, there was an article that caught my attention - it was actually published a few days after my wife and I had spent some time in the city that was the subject - the beautiful Nashville suburb of Franklin, Tennessee. 

At the end of the article, there was this notation: "(This story was reported with support from the Stiefel Freethought Foundation.)"  Typically, those of the "freethought" persuasion are related to atheism. So, I don't know what type of so-called "support" is being offered, but it was certainly a hit piece on evangelical Christianity in a region that is known for its evangelical influence.

Following an extensive setup about a recent mayoral race, in which a professing Christian candidate had overwhelming lost her race, due in part, it seems, to some questionable ties to certain groups - I find those claims to be legitimate and concerning.  But, it doesn't give a "journalist" the right to mischaracterize an entire group of people, and trotting out well-known critics of evangelical Christianity to do so - David French, an attorney who has published Sunday screeds against Christians who desire to live out their faith in the public square, Phil Vischer, co-creator of Veggie Tales, who has made it an aim to question and challenge policy positions of evangelical Christians, and, of course, the #1 critic of evangelicals these days, it seems, the Calvin University professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez.   

The article describes Franklin, and Williamson County, where it is located, stating:

Williamson County has some of the state’s largest and most influential churches, including the Church of the City; Brentwood Baptist; Grace Chapel, whose members include Gov. Bill Lee; and Christ Presbyterian Church, where U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn is a member.

It also lists some of the ministry organizations that are headquartered in that area.  Not a single representative of any of these churches and organizations were directly interviewed for the article.  But, instead, this "atheist"-supported article decided to paint with a broad brush in negative terms the vibrant Christianity and Christian influence that is present in the area.

But, one pastor, Kevin Riggs, was interviewed. He says: “We as a county are the unofficial headquarters of Christian nationalism in the United States,” adding, “Mainly because of the power and money and the influence that comes out of here. Everything in the evangelical Christian world at some point comes through Williamson County.” Riggs "said he holds evangelical theology and more progressive social views, said criticizing Christian nationalism cost him a lot of friends."

The article writer, Bob Smietana, stated...

...while much of their God and country rhetoric sounds like what is sometimes called “Cracker Barrel Christianity,” what sets Christian nationalism apart from more aspirational forms of religious patriotism is its focus on outside enemies.

Those who are not Christian or not sufficiently Christian are accused of undermining the true nature of America. Such thinking also promotes what scholars call “participatory anti-democracy” — mobilizing people to make sure their views win no matter what. This paints fellow citizens who disagree with them as the enemy.

French said, "I don’t think people who follow politics at the national level appreciate sufficiently how pervasive the bullying and name-calling is at the local level..."

But, wait, isn't that the aim of the progressive movement to "make sure their views win no matter what?"  They claim to have tolerance, but in many cases are actively hostile toward Biblical Christianity and the teachings of Scripture.  I think that those who claim to be tolerant and inclusive need to look in the mirror and identify their own biases toward a Christian point of view. 

How about those First Amendment rights that were violated when the Franklin Pride festival in June was allowed in a public park, yet members of the public who were there to pray were told that there was another place to exercise their First Amendment rights "across the street," according to WZTV?

One man, Joseph Cocchini was actually arrested for criminal trespassing, according to TheNewsTN.com.  The charges were dropped, but Cocchini is now suing Franklin for $2 million, " alleging infringement of his rights of free speech and assembly, as well as infringements on the exercising of his religious beliefs, citing an alleged violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment."  Yet, Christians are the ones who are accused of "participatory non-democracy." Those with progressive views, unfortunately, attempt to set up their own rules and dare law-abiding Christians who want to be obedient to the Lord to share their point of view to violate them, reducing them to second-class status.

And, apparently, there is a sense that "outsider" Christians have corrupted the quiet, sanitary way of life that Franklin enjoyed before the Christians arrived.  The article says:

A similar movement of outsiders helped turn Colorado Springs into a stronghold of the religious right in the heyday of groups like Focus on the Family, said Will Schultz, a religious historian at the University of Chicago Divinity School.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Focus and other evangelical nonprofits moved to Colorado Springs, creating a “Mecca for Evangelical Christians,” as NPR put it, and turning Colorado into a battleground over gay rights and other social issues. Those newcomers, often from more liberal places such as California or the East Coast, teamed up with conservative activists already in the region to oppose LGBT rights.

Oh, those troublemaking Christians, like Christian mothers whom Du Mez seems to resent, stating: “Conservative Christian women have long mobilized to protect their children and to protect their families,” she said. “This goes back generations.”  The article then goes on to say:

They are also often heavy consumers of Christian radio and publishing — which have become more political. When the same trusted sources that provide the Christian music they love and the Bible studies they read also tell evangelical women their families and their faith are under attack, they will take action, said Du Mez.

Phil Vischer, according to the article, addresses what I see as a vibrant, influential, and certainly Biblical Christianity:  he "calls it 'Christian Nashville-ism' — a Southern and distinctly evangelical version of Christian nationalism."  

There is no doubt that we are in a battle of ideas, and there are spiritual forces at work.  But, it seems to me that the majority of these Christians who are being demonized here are not the disrupters - they are attempting to be salt and light, following Jesus to be people of influence who live out their faith.  These large, influential, evangelical churches are indicative of the Christian population, not outliers; but funny, not a single pastor of any of those churches was interviewed for the article. 

But, we have to be careful that we are not distracted from our mission.  We can become discouraged when we see the inroads that unbiblical ideas and expressions are making.  In some circles, Christians are viewed as "the enemy."  What is apparent is that you have individuals and groups who do not want to honor God in their personal behavior, and the presence of Christ in His people becomes a reminder of the presence of God.  Now, we certainly should not be unruly or rude to people in our expressions of faith.  But, we should continue to be steadfast in our principles and to engage with others based on the truth of Scripture - always in love, but never being intimidated.

Christ Now

In the first chapter of the book of Proverbs, we find a passage that underscores the importance of knowing God; we can read:
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.

True wisdom comes through a knowledge of God, who will lead us to know and fear Him, to approach Him with reverence and awe and surrender our lives to Him.  The power of truth and the presence of the Holy Spirit enable us to stand strong against the power of sin and to walk in triumph through Jesus.  In Him, we can find the treasures of wisdom and knowledge and we can live in a manner that brings honor to His name and satisfaction to us.

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The apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Colosse, expressing his desire to see them really know the Savior. He says in Colossians 2:
1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a former Muslim who grew up in Kenya, and became immersed in the ways of the Muslim Brotherhood as a child.  According to a recent CBN article, she has written that the organization "articulated a direction: the straight path. A purpose: to work towards admission into Allah’s paradise after death,” adding, “A method: the Prophet’s instruction manual of do’s and don’ts — the halal and the haram. As a detailed supplement to the Qur’an, the hadeeth spelled out how to put into practice the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, God and the devil.”

The legalism was suffocating, apparently - the article says that, "she was swept up into this ideology, believing she couldn’t befriend unbelievers and, in particular, was taught to develop a 'hatred' for Jewish people."  The "rules and regulations" drove her to consider become an atheist, which she did. 

CBN reported on her recent op-ed at the Unherd.com website; stating:

Ali opened the op-ed by recalling a 1927 lecture by Bertrand Russell titled “Why I am Not a Christian.” She said she discovered this lecture in 2002, just one year after she condemned the 9/11 terror attacks.

At the time, she was a non-practicing Muslim, but with so much chaos unfolding around her and with so many opinions about what was driving radical Islamic terror, Ali found herself slipping into skepticism.

“When I read Russell’s lecture, I found my cognitive dissonance easing,” she wrote. “It was a relief to adopt an attitude of scepticism towards religious doctrine, discard my faith in God, and declare that no such entity existed.”

Ali's piece was a declaration of her conversion to Christianity, called, "Why I Am Now a Christian."  The CBN article noted that she gave "several reasons for her embrace of faith, including recognizing the social benefits of Judeo-Christian values and the emotions she faced in a life devoid of the eternal."

She wrote that there were "three different but related forces" that are confronting Western civilization:

1) the resurgence of great-power authoritarianism and expansionism

2) the rise of global Islamism, and

3) the viral spread of woke ideology.

The CBN article says:

Ultimately, Ali concluded the “only credible answer” can be found in “our desire to uphold the legacy of the Judeo-Christian tradition” — a tradition she said safeguards human freedom.

Beyond that, though, Ali’s conversion was also rooted in finding a missing heart link.

“I have also turned to Christianity because I ultimately found life without any spiritual solace unendurable — indeed very nearly self-destructive,” she wrote. “Atheism failed to answer a simple question: what is the meaning and purpose of life?”

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is yet another example of a person who has thoughtfully come into a knowledge of Jesus Christ - frustrated with the teachings of Islam and left empty by the godless vacuum of atheism, she searched for something real, something meaningful - and accepted Jesus as her Savior!  

The opportunity for the gospel to spread is so profound these days - Ms. Ali found that there was no "meaning or purpose," and has found that in Jesus.  The ways of this world do not offer hope; despair and disappointment abounds in a culture that is devoid of the reality of the one true God, who is discovered through the presence of the Holy Spirit, bringing a person into the saving knowledge of Christ.  As we embark on this Advent season, we - and those around us - can be drawn to know the One who can flood our lives with hope, peace, and joy. 

Gift of a Child

In order to make good decisions, the Lord has promised us incredible resources - because we have been saved, we have the Holy Spirit who lives in our hearts to lead us and empower us. We have the Word of God, which instructs us. Isaiah 30 says:
21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
22 You will also defile the covering of your graven images of silver, And the ornament of your molded images of gold. You will throw them away as an unclean thing; You will say to them, "Get away!"
23 Then He will give the rain for your seed With which you sow the ground, And bread of the increase of the earth; It will be fat and plentiful. In that day your cattle will feed In large pastures.

As God's Word becomes part of us and as we walk in the Spirit, He infuses with His life. We can actually train ourselves to be attentive to Him as He leads us. We can fortify our consciences so that we can know the difference between the right way and the wrong way.  On this day before Thanksgiving, we can be thankful that God does not save us and then leave us to fend for ourselves: He walks with us, sharing His wisdom and illuminating His Word so that our decisions reflect His direction.

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We have choices each day, and our decisions should be consistent with the word of God and affirm life not death, light not darkness, the Spirit of God rather than the spirit of this world. In Deuteronomy 30, we can find these words:
19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
20 that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them."

There is a life-affirming opportunity in a number of states that gives mothers who, for whatever reason, are uncomfortable with raising a child, a way to place her child in a safe place where she knows he or she will be cared for. It's called the Safe Haven Baby Box, and according to The Daily Citizen, the non-profit organization that supervises this effort, "...is on a mission to 'prevent illegal abandonment of newborns by raising awareness, offering a 24-hour hotline for mothers and crisis and offering the Safe Haven Baby Boxes as a last resort option for women who want to maintain complete anonymity.'”

One of the more recent instances in which a baby has been placed in one of these locations is out of the state of New Mexico, according to the article, which relates:

Firefighters in Hobbs, New Mexico saved a newborn baby just months after installing a new “safe haven baby box” at their fire station.

A mother in crisis anonymously surrendered her baby by placing it in the box – a secure, temperature-controlled container with oxygen, LifeNews reports. When the door to the box closes, an alarm in the fire station sounds, alerting the firefighters to the baby’s presence.

After the child’s mother shut the door, Interim Fire Chief Mark Doporto of the Hobbs Fire Department got an alert that a baby had been placed inside.

The firefighters immediately responded and brought the child to a hospital, where the child was examined and deemed healthy.

According to The Daily Citizen, "LifeNews reports the New Mexico Legislature 'passed a bill last year to expand the baby box program after a teenager in Hobbs threw her newborn in a dumpster. She was later sentenced to 16 years in prison.'"

The Daily Citizen notes: 

To date, the organization has received over 9,000 calls to its hotline, has referred over 500 women to pregnancy resource centers, assisted in nine adoption referrals, and has seen over 140 legal Safe Haven surrenders; 36 babies have been surrendered at Safe Haven Baby Boxes.

The Safe Haven Baby Boxes website states: "Founder, Monica Kelsey, started Safe Haven Baby Boxes, Inc. after learning she was abandoned as an infant and after seeing a 'Baby Box' in operation at a church, in Cape Town, South Africa. She has made it her personal mission to educate others on the Safe Haven Law and to do whatever it takes to save the lives of innocent babies from being abandoned."

A few years ago, the founder of the ministry, He Knows Your Name, Linda Znachko, was a guest on The Meeting House.  Her ministry website relates: 

Linda believes we have ALL been qualified by God to promote and protect life. That walking in our identity is foundational to everything else. After generations of a culture of death, we are living in a time where it is critical to value life. When we place value on life we get to the root of all cultural issues.

It notes that, "Linda partners with the organization 'Safe Haven Baby Boxes'" and that she has been involved in "raising awareness and educating others about the Safe Haven Law and the Safe Haven Baby Box (SHBB) program."

The Daily Citizen reminds us: "Each and every human life has infinite worth and value, because each and every person is made in the imago dei – the image and likeness of God." It goes on to say:

For this reason, in the early church, Christians were known for rescuing unwanted babies abandoned by their parents and left to die of exposure.

Today, the Church continues her mission of rescuing babies – born and unborn. Millions of innocent children have been saved through the generosity of Christians funding dedicated pro-life campaigns – like Focus on the Family’s Option Ultrasound Program.

Our nation’s approximately 3,000 pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) saved an estimated 818,131 lives from 2016-2020 alone, with millions saved over the last half-century.

This Thanksgiving season, we can be thankful  that every single life is made in God's image, for the lives that God has given to us, and the new life that we have in Jesus Christ.  He has a plan and purpose for our lives, and as we have seen in move in and around us, we can give Him praise.

We can also be thankful for incredible pro-life work that is occurring in our communities around our nation and around the world.  This type of ministry is rooted in the truth, and we can recognize that compassion and presence of Christ that flows through those who are devoted to saving lives of unborn children and showing compassion to women and their families, letting them know they're not alone, that there is someone who walks beside them as they navigate difficult circumstances. 

In an age in which there is obsession with death, when mental health concerns are causing people to consider taking their lives, when children - inside and outside the womb - are being viewed as expendable, we can take time during this season and throughout the year to value those around us and to radiate the hope of Jesus.

Victory

The occasion is found in Acts chapter 8, and the disciple Philip was sent by an angel to the road between Jerusalem and Gaza. Traveling along the road was a man of authority from Ethiopia, who served the queen. Philip was instructed to talk with him. He was reading a passage of Scripture about Jesus, and we find beginning in verse 35:
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"
37 Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

This is an amazing story, in which every step was telegraphed by the Holy Spirit and a divine appointment occurred. Philip preached the gospel, the Ethiopian eunuch was saved, and he was baptized. This shows the progression for the believer in Christ - hearing the word, believing in Jesus, then being baptized - which has been described as an outward expression of the inward work of salvation. We can rejoice that God brings us into fellowship with Himself in Christ and sets us on a walk of obedience to Him.

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In Romans 6, we can read about the inner work that Jesus does in the person who calls upon His name. It says:
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.

I am thankful for the many men and women who have been placed by God in a position of influence over young people who are modeling their faith in Jesus Christ.  That certainly extends to the realm of sports, where coaches are living out their faith and training their players to live out their faith on and off the field.

But, that offends some and intimidates others.  Consider the case of recent Meeting House guest Joe Kennedy, a coach for years in Bremerton, Washington who had been engaged in the practice of going to midfield to pray after games.  Someone contacted the school board to complement Coach Kennedy and the board warned him against this postgame action, then terminated him.  The U.S. Supreme Court, after a lengthy time in the court system, ruled that Kennedy was right in what he did, and was reinstated by the school board.  

Recently, coaches at Auburn University were supportive of event called, Unite Auburn, in which students gathered at Neville Arena for a worship service, followed by spontaneous baptisms at a nearby lake.  Prior to the event, coaches were encouraging attendance and head football coach Hugh Freeze even came and helped to baptize one of his players who had dedicated his life to the Lord. 

Of course, an atheist group, the Freedom from Religion Foundation has sent a letter to the president of the university complaining about the event, according to 1819 News.  U.S. Congressman Robert  Aderholt of Alabama stated, "The Freedom From Religion Foundation should remember that the U.S. Constitution protects religious expression for everyone, regardless of who their employer might be," adding, "This event should be praised, not criticized."

That same FFRF has become involved in a challenge to a baptismal service involving 20 football players at Tattnall County High School in Georgia.  Former head football coach Isaac Ferrell reportedly organized the event, and CBN.com reported:

Video posted to Facebook shows Pastor Gary Few directing players to sit in a black tub before saying to them, "I baptize you now, my brother, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

The surrounding players cheer as their teammates are baptized.

Following the baptisms, Coach Ferrell lost his job. The article goes on to say that school superintendent Kristen Waters "...told Fox28 that she made the decision to remove Ferrell for an undisclosed incident and not the baptism." The secret incident allegedly occurred over a week later after a football game. Ferrell is still a teacher at the school. She related that, "the district decided that it would seek a head football coach that aligned with the best interests of the students of Tattnall County for the 2024-2025 school year..." She also said, "the District does not comment during ongoing investigations."

The mother of one of the students who was baptized, Latifa Johnson, "...told WSAV she found out on social media," according to CBN. She is quoted as saying, "It was so sweet because you see the boys and they looked like they wanted it," adding, "You know, like everyone looked excited, from the ones I was able to see. So I was cheering thank you, God. Yes, yes, yes. I was all for it."

The CBN article notes...

...Riley Gaines, director of the Riley Gaines Center and the former college swimmer who was forced to compete against a biological male, applauded Ferrell on X writing, "The team lost their coach, but 20 young men found the Lord...Jesus wins."

20 football players in Tattnall County, Georgia publicly affirming their commitment to Jesus Christ, baptized by a local pastor.  "Jesus wins!" Indeed.

I mentioned earlier that public expression of religion offends people.  But, I think it also wins people. Even though groups like the FFRF and their ilk are determined to cleanse public displays of religious faith, the fact is that not only was our nation founded on a deep religious faith, with an intent of providing religious freedom, but we need more Christians living out their faith.  If we believe that Jesus died for the whole world and if we have experienced life transformation, that is something that ideally we cannot keep to ourselves.   

To echo the line from Ms. Gaines, which was included in the CBN headline, "Jesus wins!"  When faced with the mental health crisis that is impacting our young people, we recognize that there is victory and healing.  As people seek to medicate their deep hurts, wounds, and perceived deficiencies, the power of God can cure the soul and even the body.  Jesus wins!  He has triumphed over the power of sin.  He has loved us and made it possible to come into a relationship with God.  For that, we can be thankful. In a broken world, we can turn to the One who can bring salvation into our lives. Jesus wins!

Unlock

As we begin this week leading up to a day of Thanksgiving, we can reflect on that for which we are thankful, including our salvation through Christ and the freedom that He offers to us. 2nd Corinthians chapter 3 states:
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.

Sin weighs us down, but Jesus lifts us up - He brings hope to our hearts and helps us to realize that through his death and resurrection, we can walk in victory over the sin that keeps us back, that corrupts our lives and holds us in bondage.  The same Spirit, the Holy Spirit, that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us - He will give us life and liberty: the strength to overcome and to grow daily into whom God desires for us to be in Christ.  We have the capacity, the new identity; now we have to appropriate what He has made possible!

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The 4th chapter of the book of Luke describes the event in which Jesus went into the synagogue in Nazareth and began to teach:
(17) 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 know that our Savior delights in changing lives from the inside - He came to earth and gave His life so that we might experience the new birth.

And, across our nation, people who are physically in prison are experiencing the spiritual freedom, the breaking of chains and opening of prison doors through a relationship with Christ and growing in their knowledge.

A recent article in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette highlighted the growth of faith-based educational programs in prisons nationwide and specifically covered the groundbreaking for a new Christian work in an Arkansas facility.  It stated:

Michael Hallett, a professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of North Florida, said faith-based prison education programs have expanded in recent years.

"They're literally all over the country," said Hallett, author of "Angola Prison Seminary: Effects of Faith-Based Ministry on Identity Transformation, Desistance, and Rehabilitation."

When properly run and monitored, these voluntary programs "provide great value, both personally to the prisoners as well as to the state prison systems in which they operate," he said.

"The American prison system is struggling mightily to retain staff and provide programming for prisoners, and when volunteers are willing to come into prisons and work with inmates for the purpose of education, that is a win for everyone, including the state but most especially the prisoners," he said.

The former warden at Angola prison in Louisiana is a man named Burl Cain, who was on hand for the recent ceremony in Arkansas at the "high-security Varner Unit." The article notes:

While overseeing the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, he advocated for similar faith-based educational opportunities, pressing on despite resistance.

With help from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, his dream became a reality.

Later faced with a chaplain shortage at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, Cain eventually hired ex-Angola graduates to fill vacancies.

Cain believes prisons can improve people, not just warehouse them.

"Corrections means correcting deviant behavior, not lock and feed, torture and torment," he said.

The Arkansas program has been in existence since 2019, and, as the article states, "enables inmates with lengthy sentences to earn a four-year bachelor of arts degree in Christian studies from the College at Mid-America, part of the Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis."  The Arkansas Baptist State Convention was on board early on.  The article notes: 

Thus far, they have been held in small classrooms above the lockup's gymnasium.

Once the new building is complete, the school will have a place of its own, with a library, four classrooms and enough space to handle 100 students.

While these individuals may be physically "locked up" in prison, they are experiencing the unlocking of the prison doors of their hearts by the One who came to earth, gave His life, and rose from the dead in order to break the chains of sin and death.  What a tremendous potential impact is possible when hungry hearts meet the satisfying Savior!

Burl Cain is currently the Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections - he was, thankfully, obedient to the Lord and followed His direction in getting the Word of God into the hearts of prisoners.  He even brought Christian radio into the prison!  Through the efforts of our dear brother, Wayne Dozier, and the "Radios of Faith" project, radios pre-tuned to Faith Radio are penetrating the walls and the hearts of those who are imprisoned.

Fact is, God doesn't write anybody off.  Prison ministries are taking the gospel behind those prison walls, and in the midst of desperation, God is bringing hope, light, and new life into the hearts of the incarcerated.  We can rejoice, we can be very thankful, that God doesn't give up on us. 

Better

Each day, we generally make a series of decisions. And, the choices we make determine the course of our lives. God desires that, by His wisdom, we will decide to walk in the Spirit and reject the ways of the flesh. Galatians 5 addresses that concept:
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

The works of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit follow these verses in that chapter.  Choosing to follow the flesh is a path of self-gratification and self-absorption.  Following our selfish desires results in our committing sin against God.  But, He offers us a much, much better way - to walk in the Spirit, to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit in us.  We are free to choose, but by submitting to the Lord, humbling ourselves before Him, we can experience the joy of obedience.

+++++

We are directed in the Word of God to serve the Lord by serving others, out of heart that is devoted to following His heart. 1st Peter 4 contains these reminders:
(8) above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."
9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

This coming Sunday night, Danny Gokey will be in Montgomery for a concert at Vaughn Forest Church, part of the "Stay Strong" tour with Austin French and Natalie Layne. 

Last weekend, on Veteran's Day, Danny was scheduled to be at Black Horse Forge in Virginia.  A Movieguide article says that:

Gokey will be visiting Black Horse Forge on November 11, where “we’re going to surprise them with some state-of-the-art tools that will expand what they are doing, even enabling triple amputees to learn blacksmithing and also bless all of the Veterans that day with a BBQ lunch.”

The article quoted Danny in this paragraph from the article:

“There’s an unbelievable statistic that says 17 veterans commit suicide everyday due to PTSD and depression,” he said in an Instagram post adding in the caption, “But thanks to the activities and camaraderie offered at @blackhorseforge in Fredericksburg, VA, 21,000 veterans have been served, and none have committed suicide!”

Part of his plans included singing a song called, My America, from his album project, called, Brave. The article states:

“I still believe in America,” Gokey told CCM Magazine. “We’re not perfect – we’ve made our mistakes. But I still believe that God has used, and will continue to use, America to do great things. Rather than argue about our differences we can choose to agree on our one major common denominator – freedom. And freedom is worth celebrating.”

The Movieguide article referred to a Christian Post piece about the Brave project, which was released earlier this year.  Gokey is quoted as saying:

“I think everywhere you live, you should celebrate. Every country has a past, but the people that decide where the country goes. So I started writing songs for our country … with the hope of restoring patriotism, the hope of restoring a sense of pride in our country. The United States of America is built on a system of freedom. And not every country has been able to have that. I want just to get a sense of pride in the people to celebrate us again.”

I noticed on Instagram, relative to Danny's visit to Black Horse Forge, there was a hashtag: #betterthanifoundit, which I came to find out is an outreach that Danny has started.  It has an Instagram feed and a website, which stated:

Better Than I Found It, the outreach arm of the nonprofit organization founded by three-time GRAMMY® nominee and American Idol alum Danny Gokey, today announced the initial details surrounding their Better Than I Found It “Bus Stop” give back events during Gokey’s fall events and “Stay Strong” tour with Austin French and Natalie Layne. The give back events will shine the light on and provide tangible resources to hardworking individuals and nonprofits making a positive impact in their communities, including those providing resources for the homeless in Nashville, a widow giving back and battling food insecurity in her community, an organization supporting veterans, and more.

The website noted that Danny's nonprofit had closed, but that, "Fueled by his passion to make a difference, he rose from the ashes of disappointment and gave birth to a new endeavor - Better Than I Found It. A unique nonprofit, its mission to empower other good-hearted individuals and organizations to continue their selfless work, bridging the gap between need and resources." The question was asked, "With a growing number of homeless FAMILIES on the streets of Nashville, there was no shortage of need, why should there be a shortage of resources?"

That can really cause us to think, "with what God has given to us through Jesus, how are we being stewards of the gifts and resources He has given in order to share His message of love through serving others?"  We have to realize that we have been saved for the sake of our eternal souls and that we are called to make a difference in eternity through our service to Jesus.  

And, kudos to Danny for recognizing the contributions of our veterans and seeking to encourage those who are facing difficult time through injuries, both mental, through PTSD, and physical. And, he recognizes the impact of their service - defending a country that was founded on principles consistent with Scripture and devoted to freedom.   

We recognize that, in Jesus, we have the strength to stand and the strength to serve.  God will direct and empower us by His Spirit to do His will.

Three Words

Our world is need of the truth of God today - people everywhere need to know Jesus, the Savior of the world. In 2nd Timothy chapter 4, Paul exhorts Timothy in this way:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

There are enemies to the gospel.  And, they come in the form of various religions, who have deities and objects of affection that are not aligned with the one true God, whom we serve.  Many claim to have spirituality or engage in spiritual practices, but the "spirits" they serve or worship are not the Holy Spirit.  We have to guard our own hearts and minds to make sure that our practice lines up with the teachings of Scripture and that are hearts are devoted to Jesus.

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In 2nd Timothy 3, the apostle Paul listed a number of different types of behavior that do not reflect the presence of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of the section, he says that there are those who are...
(4) ...lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

I want you to think with me about three words - sometimes they are used interchangeably, but there are distinctions, I believe.

The words are: Spiritual. Religious. Christian.

Now, all three can be used to describe a person who is a Bible-believing Christ-follower.  But, there are spiritual people who are not even religious, in other words, they don't have a formal faith practice.  There are  different types of spirits - not all of them good.  There are religious people who don't know God or even claim to follow a god.   In Mark 7:13, Jesus spoke to the religious leaders of the day and charged them with "making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."

In fact, the Bible teaches that religion can be an enemy of Christianity.  The life and ministry of Jesus can tell us plenty about that.  

So, I wanted to mention those distinctions when unpacking this recent Gallup survey.  According to the organization's website:

Nearly half of Americans (47%) describe themselves as religious, another 33% say they are spiritual but not religious, and 2% volunteer they are “both.” Although the vast majority of U.S. adults have one of these orientations toward the nonphysical world, the 18% who say they are neither religious nor spiritual is twice the proportion Gallup measured when it first asked this question in 1999. Over the same period, the percentage identifying as religious has declined by seven percentage points.

Just an aside, earlier Gallup data indicates in 2022, less than half of respondents to a survey said that religion was "very important"  to them.  Also, in 2022, 21% indicated that they had "no religion." 34% described themselves as Protestant, 11% as "non-specific" Christian, and 23% were self-described Catholics. 

And, 70% had not attended a church or synagogue in the seven days prior to the survey.

Back to the recent survey now; the summary report states:

Americans of all age groups are less likely today to say they are religious than people in the same age groups did in 1999, with declines ranging from five to 13 percentage points.

All age groups also show increases in the percentages saying they are neither religious nor spiritual. Larger proportions of Americans in older age groups identify as spiritual today than did so in 1999, while there has been little change in spiritual identification among those younger than 50.

The summary of the recent Gallup survey about religiosity or spirituality contained this conclusion:

It is well-established that Americans are less religious than in the past. Still, the vast majority of Americans describe themselves as being either religious or spiritual. Some people who were formerly religious may have found nonreligious forms of spirituality to address their nonphysical needs, while others may have turned away from any type of spiritual or religious practice entirely. Being nonreligious and nonspiritual is most common among young adults; however, only about one in four young adults describe themselves this way. This suggests that in the future a diminished but still large majority of U.S. adults will have some religious or spiritual connection in their lives.

While that may be true based on the data, it's important to draw the distinction between those three words: spiritual, religious, and Christian.  Spirituality without the gospel cannot save you.  Neither can religion.  But, a Christian, a true Christ-follower, certainly has a spiritual life, because we have been born again by the spirit of God.  We are called by the Spirit.  But, there are all sorts of spirituality out there - and because there are a variety of spirits that are out there, spirituality can be a poor counterfeit for a relationship with God.

It's been said that Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship.  When you speak in terms of "world religions," certainly Christianity is named among them. When we speak of "religious freedom," or "freedom of religion" under the Constitution, that certainly includes the practice of Christianity. But, to be religious is not necessarily to be Christian.  The so-called "religious" leaders of Jesus' day were certainly not followers of Jesus; in fact, their hearts were hardened against them.  

It's permissible for Christians to consider themselves "religious," but we recognize that our passion and our practice come from our devotion to our Savior. And, it's personal.  Jesus died for me - and He's alive today.  But, the word, "religion," would be an apt description of a number of philosophies and practices today - secular humanism is certainly a "religion," so is cultural Marxism.  Godless movements have set up idols that drive their devotion.  And, we have to be so careful that we are not participating in idolatry to put something, anything, anyone above the service to and love for our God.

Twisted

The apostle Paul was someone who, in his religious fervor, desired to do great harm to those who followed Christ. He participated in the stoning of a follower of Jesus named Stephen. Yet, Jesus Christ transformed him and used him to write a significant part of the New Testament. In the book of Philippians, chapter 3, he says:
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
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:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things.

Paul recognized the human condition and pointed out those who were characterized as "enemies." They did not reflect this forward movement of which he spoke earlier in the chapter.  He cautioned people to not be like the "enemies" of Christ.  We have to recognize that we have, as he wrote in Galatians, been crucified with Christ. But, we have to continue to fight the flesh, to resist temptation, to "put off" the old, as he wrote in Ephesians, and "put on" the new.  We run into spiritual danger if we are just coasting along in our Christian experience. 

+++++

The Bible clearly teaches the principle of sowing and reaping. If we have been born again, we have been set free from the power of sin; yet, in the flesh, we have the capacity for disobedience and destruction. Gone unchecked by the Spirit, we become vulnerable to doing the enemy's bidding. Paul taught in Galatians 6:
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.

It's been over six months since a young woman, who apparently identified as a man, walked into a private, Christian school in Nashville and killed six people, including three students, and then shot herself. At the time and since, it was an important aspect of the incident that the shooter was transgender and that could have been a contributing factor.  

For months, we have been told that the shooter had written a manifesto, but the content has not been released.  A group of parents has even gone to the legal system to keep this information secret.  

Recently, three pages of this manifesto were leaked out. The Christian Post reported:

The Nashville Police Department has suspended seven detectives amid an ongoing investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of documents written by Nashville Christian school shooter Audrey Hale in which she vowed to "kill those kids."

The suspension, which began Wednesday, seeks to determine how the documents came to be in the hands of Steven Crowder, a conservative commentator, who released them Monday, according to a report from local station WSMV.

Certainly I do not support the release of information via a leak.  But, now that it is available publicly, it can be discussed and the public can hopefully learn from it. The article goes on to say: 

Hale's writings expressed a strong bias against white individuals, particularly those seen as privileged, and left a detailed schedule of the day of the shooting.

The excerpted material made reference to people, "...going to private fancy schools with those fancy khakis and sports backpacks, with their daddies [sic] Mustangs and convertibles." Laced with profanity, the material referenced by the Christian Post repeatedly contained words expressing the shooter's desire to kill those associated with Covenant School.

Tyler O'Neil at The Daily Signal writes:

These remarks echo the Left’s ideological talking points on “white privilege” and reveal a disdain for others based on their skin color. This hatred of white people echoes the Marxist claim that America is institutionally racist, so justice demands stripping whites of their “privilege” and elevating racial minorities rather than securing a level playing field for all races.

Other statements reveal the shooter’s emotional state—a steely determination despite strong anxiety.

“Can’t believe I’m doing this, but I’m ready … I hope my victims aren’t,” she wrote. “God let my wrath take over my anxiety.”

O'Neil explores another angle, saying:

This anger, resolve, and hatred hint at something the coroner would not confirm—it seems likely that Audrey Hale had taken cross-sex hormones, probably testosterone, before the shooting.

Although female mass shooters are extremely rare, if a female who thinks of herself as male takes testosterone, it likely will embolden her. This drug does not excuse her evil massacre, but it can help explain why a female would commit such heinous murders.

After all, as he notes, "According to the Justice Department’s research, published in February 2022, 97.7% of mass shooters in the U.S. have been male." He notes that this incident "...should open up a debate about the wisdom of prescribing these experimental, life-altering drugs based on a person’s claimed gender identity."

Writing for The Federalist, Evita Duffy-Alfonso notes:

Google and Facebook have reportedly censored news of the manifesto’s leak. This censorship is reminiscent of X’s actions back in March, when the social media company mass-suppressed reports on the “Trans Day Of Vengeance,” which was originally scheduled to take place the same week as Hale’s attack. Federalist CEO Sean Davis was among the censored, and his X account was locked for simply sharing a poster about the scheduled event.

Unfortunately, the racist screeds of Audrey Hale are an extreme version of what we see in culture on an almost daily basis.  It is wrong to typecast a group of people and to show partiality based on a person's immutable characteristics.  Period.  Engaging in crimes and other harmful actions toward other people because of the color of their skin is blatantly immoral, and quite frankly, unbiblical. It is simply not a mark of an orderly, functioning society to brand others as your enemy and falsely label someone due to skin color. 

And, it opens our eyes to the violent efforts of people who hold views that do not line up with God's Word. I don't want to paint with a broad brush, but I do believe that sinful beliefs can lead to other sinful behavior.  A warped, sinful view of sexuality has birthed the "Transgender Day of Violence."  While the act of abortion is a deplorable act of violence, supporters have embraced other violent actions, such as hundreds of attacks on churches and pro-life pregnancy centers.  Protests on college campuses supporting terrorists in the Middle East have erupted in violent acts and the typecasting and threatening of Jewish students. 

The Bible says if you sow to the flesh, you will reap. If a heart is intent on lawlessness concerning a cause, it could breed further lawlessness.  That's why each of us must examine our hearts and make sure that our motives and intents are pure and consistent with Scripture.  Anger is a powerful emotion, and the seed of anger must not be allowed to fester.  The enemy's destructive tendencies will set us up - it's easy to point at the Audrey Hales of this world - and certainly this is a young woman who needed Jesus and was in tremendous need of spiritual help, but we must also be sensitive to our own tendencies, born of the flesh, which cloak the desires to be obedient to the Lord in the Spirit. We must be people who reflect the stability of the Word and the overpowering presence of Christ.

Year-Round Indoctrination

There is a very direct passage of Scripture which opens up the 4th chapter of the book of 1st Timothy, which can be a sobering reminder of the deception in our world. We can read these words:
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Not only does this passage identity these ideologies that contradict Scripture, but calls out the source - we have a spiritual enemy who desires to get us off track in our walk with the Lord.  Instead of holiness, people are being tempted by tolerance.  Instead of truth, feelings and emotions rule the day. This is certainly seen in the area of God's plan for sexuality, but in so many other areas, as well. While Jesus said He is the way, others believe that their ways, which they try to justify with Scripture, are best.

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We have to be on our guard - unbiblical ideas that are dressed up and masked as somehow acceptable are being marketed strategically to our culture and the Church. Colossians 2 contains this reminder:
6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent out an e-mail to its employees. This was sent out on "National Coming Out Day."  Yes, that's a thing, apparently.  CBNNews.com reported that it is "an annual event to support anyone declaring they are homosexual. It has been observed by the LGBTQ community since 1988." The e-mail said, according to the article, "All employees should be addressed {by} the names and pronouns they use to describe themselves."

There was a link to a video that is available on YouTube. It featured HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, who said, "We want you to be your authentic self every day, regardless of your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion or disability status. We want to make sure that HHS continues to be a welcoming supportive environment where all employees feel safe coming to work. When individuals bring their whole selves to work, all of us at HHS thrive."

Not surprisingly, HHS Deputy Secretary Rachel Levine, who is a biological male, put it in an appearance; CBN stated that Levine, "...who noted using she/her pronouns 'as an out and proud transgender woman' in a senior leadership position at HHS in the video, noted that all supervisors and managers would be responsible for making sure the policy is implemented across the entire department."

Roger Severino, a former official in the Trump Administration who now serves as a vice president at the Heritage Foundation, had posted some screenshots on Twitter of the e-mail wishing employees a "Happy National Coming Out Day!" The article says that he wrote: "HHS today imposed a transgender pronoun mandate on its employees who will now be forced to deny biological realities with their own words or face firing. Those with faith objections should immediately request religious accommodation and prepare to fight for your rights."  He added in another Tweet, "Here's the HHS Pronoun Mandate more clearly. This admin really is requiring pure ideological conformity. Let's see how tolerant this admin will be of those who will seek an opt-out out of faith or compelled speech concerns."

So, here is another example of leaders in our federal government who are intent on implementing this harmful gender agenda, with compulsory implementation.  But, it's not surprising - those who deny a Biblical view of sexuality are intent on forcing everyone to embrace this viewpoint.  

And, they've come up with an alternative universe of special days, a calendar to make sure that LGBT awareness is maintained throughout the year. Capitol Resource Institute, led by Karen England, sent out the calendar of these so-called "special days," titled, Sex on the School Calendar.  The opening paragraph says, "Events with themes related to sexuality are appearing frequently in schools across the nation, often organized by GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliances)."

Here are some examples:

* Coming Out Day ~ October 11.

* LGBT History Month ~ October. CRI states that this, "Celebrates LGBTQ individuals as 'heroes' and falsely asserts historical figures like George Washington Carver and others were gay."

* Banned Books Week ~ October 1-7.  This is an attempt to characterize the protection of children by the removal or relocation of objectionable sexual material, including graphic LGBT content, as banning books, censorship, etc. 

Oh, and October wouldn't be complete without...

* International Pronouns Day ~ October 18. This is the denial of biological reality by promoting the use of pronouns corresponding to a person's perceived "gender," rather than biological sex.

Also, there's

* Trans Awareness Month ~ November, and

* Transgender Awareness Week ~ November 13-19.

* Transgender Day of Remembrance ~ November 20. CRI states, "Honors transgender victims of violence. Violence is always wrong, but this day promotes harmful transgender ideology and is emotionally manipulative."  There's no mention of people, especially minors, who struggle with gender identity and take their own lives. 

Well, that's just a sampling from October and November.

In February, there has been the LGBT event called the, "Schools National Day of Reading, in which, according to CRI, "Books that promote transgender ideology are read to children."

Of course, on April 14, there's the Day of Silence, which CRI says, "Honors and promotes LGBTQ ideology. When observed in schools, students feel pressured to participate."

And, there's June, which has been designated as Pride Month, which experienced a backlash in some circles because of the unabashed promotion and normalization of the gay lifestyle.  

Well, I am certainly not promoting these so-called "observances," but we need to be aware of the attempts throughout the school year to promote an ideology that violates our Christian values and can be harmful to children in school. And, to recognize that there are people who are intent on using schools to indoctrinate our children. Capitol Resource Institute encourages people to, "Discover the details. Stand against the inappropriate exposure of children to sexual content within educational settings."  You have those who are so intent on keeping "religion" out of the schools while allowing this ideology, which could be considered a religious practice, to proliferate. 

The desensitization to Biblical ideas of sexuality extends to the Church.  There does seem to be a growing acceptance of this agenda; in the name of compassion and tolerance, errant and harmful ideas are proliferating.  God's ways are best, and we must guard against corrupting those by embracing ideas that do not line up with Scripture.  It's not loving to allow others to depart from truth.

Serving as Christ Served

Jesus instructed us to love God with our entire being. Possessing that love means that we can truly love others in the way He would intend. Philippians 2 underscores the importance of self-sacrifice:
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

This is only possible in the Church as we all make up our minds to focus on Jesus and sharing the love of Jesus.  It's that love that can break down barriers and spread the presence of God to the world around us. We can be so self-absorbed that we begin to lose sight of the ones whom we are called to serve. So, we develop that sense of common purpose and mutual sacrifice that Jesus teaches. We can recognize that it's truly through Him that can come to pass.

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Over the last few days, perhaps you've heard people speak of sacrifice, and that's appropriate as we recognize our veterans. And, that can inspire us to be cognizant of the societal benefits of taking our eyes off self and placing them on others. For Christians, it means seeking to live and love as Jesus did. In John 15, He said:
12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

On this Monday following Veteran's Day, I want to shine the spotlight on someone who is allowing her Christian faith to motivate her to help veterans.  As an article at the website for Pennsylvania television state, ABC 27, notes:

For Christy Lucas, patriotism was a lesson learned early. Her great-grandfather served in World War I and her grandfather in World War II. Her uncle was in the Navy and her dad was in the Marines. Even her grandmother was a Riveter.

“We live in the greatest country in the world and there was a lot of blood shed to protect the rights that we enjoy now,” Lucas said.

The article appeared in 2021, five years after the former teacher and principal established Roots for Boots.  The television station article noted:

...the wife and mother of two boys decided to make a career change. Finding no organization specifically to help local veterans in her rural communty, Lucas decided to start one.

“I knew that I was being called to something bigger than what I was able to do at the school for veterans and it was from that moment that Roots for Boots was started,” she said.

The article notes that the initiative "...has built friendships and rebuilt roofs and decks. Volunteers have given money for rent and car repairs and given veterans a platform to tell their stories. There’s also a military share monthly food drive which started with just eight families."  By 2021, the number had grown to 85. 

The website, The Christian Heart, featured a testimonial from Lucas last year.  She wrote:

It was very apparent what God was up to and I knew my season at the school had come to a close.

Roots for Boots is a grassroots organization that serves the men and women who have put themselves in harm’s way to protect our great country and the freedoms we enjoy. Hence, the name Roots for Boots. We are the “roots” and they are the “boots”! We offer members of the community opportunities to use their God given gifts, talents and resources to engage, connect with and support veterans, active duty and military families. We serve them in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, assistance with rent, utilities, home/car repairs, roof replacement/repair, gas cards, VA issues, construction of wheelchair ramps, and securing all terrain Action trackchairs for our veterans with disabilities that affect mobility outdoors. These chairs get them back to hunting, fishing or just enjoying the great outdoors!

Her dependence on God is reflected in these words:

The core values of Roots for Boots are to Serve, Educate and Inspire. I put service to others first in my life at a very young age; education was my life’s work and will always be a part of what I do (I go into the schools, usually with a veteran, to educate students about patriotism and love of God, country and serving others); and I hope to inspire others into lives of service.

Every morning, I wake up and ask God to send me to whomever needs me. I put complete trust in Him. When you do that, you better hold on! He will take you on one wild, crazy and wonderful ride! As a teacher, I would tell my students to live each day to be a blessing to others; trust in God; don’t back down from a challenge; don’t be afraid of failure; keep moving forward; you don’t want to miss out on what could be your greatest moment!

Christy Lucas was on the cusp of setting a new career course for her life, and she trusted in God to show her direction in which He desired for her to go.  He opened up the door for her to start an effort to help veterans in her community.  When we think about Christian ministries and even other organizations that are doing good work in their locales, we can certainly recognize that service is a key element.  Through our service, motivated by our love for Christ, people are helped and they can see God's love in action.  We show that we love Him and are loved by Him by our devotion to serving others. 

And, in the aftermath of Veteran's Day, we can also be mindful of those who have bravely served our country, and our country has benefitted so much. Jesus taught in John 15, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."  In that Scripture, Jesus shows us a key to being effective witnesses by being willing to put others' lives above our own. That is a core teaching of Christianity and an essential element of building a functioning society.  Selfishness creates dysfunction, but selflessness, especially that lived out in the name of the Lord, brings order amidst chaos and a sense of common purpose.