Accused

We have an Advocate, the Bible says, to whom we can go when we commit sin and even when we are accused, when the enemy brings a sense of guilt and shame upon us. When the enemy places thoughts in our minds to charge us falsely, we can counter him with the truth of who we are in Jesus. 1st John chapter 2 tells us:
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.

In Revelation 12, we can read about the victory that this powerful Advocate has won for us:
10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

You may or may not be familiar with a reality series called, Chrisley Knows Best - its main stars are a couple named Todd and Julie Chrisley.  As Movieguide reports:

Todd was sentenced to a nine years in prison while Julie received a seven year sentence after being convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. The couple began their sentences in January 2023, before being released this May. President Trump issued the pardon after sharing he believed they were treated unfairly by the justice system because of their celebrity status.

“[The Chrisley’s were] prosecuted because they were celebrities,” President Trump said. “They were treated more harshly because of their status. And that’s not the way our criminal justice system is supposed to work.”

The Movieguide piece featured quotes from FoxNews.com from the couple:

“God has literally taken me to a place where I have so much peace with no longer worrying about trying to please — or trying to meet the expectations of someone else,” Todd said when his trial was ongoing. “The expectation I long to meet is of God. God expects me to be a good, decent, honorable human being. He expects me to honor His word, He expects me to be the leader of my household, He expects me to set an example for my wife, my children, to lead by example but where I fell short in doing that is that I really didn’t give glory to God in all of the things we were accomplishing because I felt like I was the one doing the work.”

“The outpouring of support that we have received…I can’t even tell you what it’s done…The fact that you are praying and praying specifically, we appreciate that and we don’t take it lightly,” Julie added after they were sentenced to jail. “The only thing we can do is keep moving forward, keep being positive, and keep knowing that God is in control. And that’s where we’re gonna stay.”

NBCNews.com reported:

Alex Little, an attorney for the Chrisleys, said in an interview that he did not know why Trump chose to pardon his clients this week.

But as part of his pitch, Little said, he supplied Trump's "pardon czar," Alice Johnson, with a binder filled with court documents and testimonials.

“President Trump feels very focused on the issue of criminal justice because he has been a focus of investigations that were directed at him," Little said. "And he’s treated it differently because of that.”

 About that so-called "pardon czar," NewsNation.com reports:

Before she was pardoned by President Donald Trump during his first term, Alice Johnson was behind bars for 20 years for drug-related offenses.

Now, Johnson spends her days as the White House’s “pardon czar,” overseeing and recommending clemency cases for the Trump administration.

She is quoted as saying about the Chrisleys and those pardoned around the same time: “I know not only their stories, but I make sure that I’m selecting people who have either been rehabilitated, who pose no safety risk, and also we look at cases where there has been obvious weaponization against these individuals..."

Alice Johnson knows about freedom - CBN.com quoted her from a speech in 2020:

“I never stopped fighting for my freedom,” she said. “My Christian faith and the prayers of so many kept hope alive. When President Trump heard about me, about the injustice of my story, he saw me as a person. He had compassion, and he acted.”

“Free in body thanks to President Trump, but free in mind thanks to the Almighty God,” she continued. “I couldn’t believe it: I always remembered that God knew my name, even in my darkest hour. But I never thought a president would.”

And, daughter Savannah Chrisley has partnered with Pray.com for a new AI-generated Christian video series; Movieguide reports:

The first ever AI-generated Bible miniseries, HEROES IN THE BIBLE: RUTH, has a familiar face hosting each episode of the four-part series: TV personality and podcaster Savannah Chrisley.

“There’s no triumph without tragedy. The story of Ruth shouts that truth from the rooftops,” Savannah Chrisley said in a sneak peak trailer.

“How do we respond when everything seems lost, and how can the blossoms of love spring forth from rubble and ash?” she asked.

The series, the influencer said, shows that “love can, in fact, be found in loss. Redemption can be reclaimed after destruction.”

As the Chrisleys walk in their new-found freedom, we can think about the redemption each of us has in Jesus Christ.  We were facing a death sentence, bound up by the power of the enemy, helpless to save ourselves because of our sin.  But, Jesus came to open up the prison doors and to set us free from the hold that sin had on us.  We can now walk in new life.

We were not falsely accused, though - our sin had condemned us.  But, after salvation, we may experience the harmful accusations of the enemy.  Not only will he attempt to remind us of sins past, sins forgiven, but will even accuse us for things that we have not done, to heap guilt and shame among our minds, keeping us from experiencing all that God has in store.

So, we can go to our Advocate, confess our sins, and receive forgiveness for our sins. We can go to Jesus when we are facing accusations from the enemy and use those two components that can help us walk in victory - overcoming by...the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.  As it's been said, when the devil tries to remind us of our past, we can remind him of his future.

Adding and Subtracting

I think you can draw a conclusion that one should not be caught up in the size of a church - there is excellent, amazing, Kingdom of God-building work going on through churches of all sizes. But, if the indicators are that a church is receding, that key numbers are going down, that could be something to watch out for and analyze. But, all in all, with regard to church growth, we have to make sure that we, who are members of the Church, the body of Christ, are moving forward in our Christian life. In Acts 2, we see a snapshot of the early Church, which states:
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

The believers were being "steadfast," according to verse 42 - they were meeting together and moving together, they were united in worship, and the Lord was "adding" to the church - daily! That's a tremendous measuring stick.  

Southern Baptists met this week in Dallas for their annual convention.  Prior to the annual gathering, as is customary, Lifeway Research, which is an arm of Southern Baptist publishing entity, Lifeway Christian Resources, conducted the Annual Church Profile survey.  Baptist Press, in its opening sentence, shared this summary:

In 2024, the Southern Baptist Convention baptized more new members than in any of the previous seven years but still saw an 18th consecutive year of overall membership decline.

There are now just over 12.7 million members in congregations affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention - that's down 2 percent from 2023. But, with just over 250,000 baptisms, that's a 10 percent increase.

Here's another factoid for you:

In 2024, an average of more than 4.3 million people worshiped weekly in a Southern Baptist congregation, and more than 2.5 million participated in a small group Bible study each week. Both of those were up more than 5 percent compared to 2023.

Scott McConnell, Executive Director of Lifeway Research, stated, regarding the overall decline in membership: "The largest portion of membership declines come from churches acknowledging that certain members are gone for good and removing their names. Other drops come from churches that close or leave the Convention,” adding, “Newcomers to the entrances of churches definitely help, but membership will continue to decline as long as the exits remain active.”

The Lifeway Research website has further information, including this church size analysis: 

The smallest churches are an increasing percentage of the Southern Baptist Convention. In 2018, 38% of congregations fell in the smallest category, fewer than 50 in attendance. In the 2023 ACP, those churches represented 43% of the SBC. Seven in 10 churches in the SBC see fewer than 100 people at their weekly worship service, including 27% that average 50-99 and 43% that average less than 50 attendees each week.

Regarding churches of attendance of 100 or greater, "One in 5 (20%) are between 100-249. Fewer large churches are part of the Convention, with 6% averaging 250-499 for their services and 4% climbing to 500 or more."

Numbers can be important, because, as I've heard it said, numbers represent souls - and that is certainly meaningful, especially in the evangelistic sense.  I think it is telling that the Bible relates that 3000 souls were saved on the Day of Pentecost.  

The numbers can also remind us that the Church is comprised of people - it's not the building, even though places to gather are important, as well. But, the local church ultimately is the sum total of the people who associate with it.  And, the effectiveness of a local church body is determined by its willingness to be used of God.

There are over 12.7 million people who call themselves Southern Baptist.  That is highly significant.  Because those gathering in Dallas not only conducted denominational business, but their presence is a show of spiritual connectivity and power to the world around us.  Their sending of people into the mission field and resolutions they adopted that reinforce Biblical teaching can be inspiring. 

Yes, I would say there are multiple reasons the Convention is declining.  There is an abundance of church options out there - and, unfortunately, options to separate from a faith practice. And, as I and others have said, spiritual drift is a real and present problem that must be guarded against and dealt with when it appears.  When it comes right down to it, the number that counts the most is ONE - one Christian believer who has a one-on-one relationship with the one true God.

No Enemies List

This year's Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas has begun. The denomination is facing tough decisions regarding financial accountability, women serving in pastoral positions, and the future of its policy arm that some believe has gone off the rails.  The leadership structure of the SBC, as well as other denominations has faced enormous pressure. And, the Church faces a "bend but not break" situation - but God continues to have His hand on His Church.  We may be human, but He possesses supernatural power.  The Bible depicts an encounter with Jesus in Matthew 16:

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.
19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

If you ask me, the run-up to this year's SBC has become a bit snippy.  The Church and Church bodies can be a place for spirited discussion, even among those who disagree. But, social media has become a cesspool within the last few days - especially directed to some who want to challenge what they see as an element of drift within the denomination.  I have long contended that within churches and denominations, there are elements of those who believe everything's fine - all is well - and those who recognize a trajectory of drift.  

But, the Southern Baptists are not alone.  Recently, the Presbyterian Church in America, a denomination that has strong roots here in Alabama has faced some upheaval on a national level.  WORLD Magazine reported late last week: 

A group of administrators for the Presbyterian Church in America on Thursday accepted the resignation of a top leader who was recently embroiled in controversy over a Post-it note. The PCA Administrative Committee approved the request of Teaching Elder Bryan Chappell to retire as stated clerk effective immediately, according to a report from byFaith, a publication of the PCA. The committee also chose to accept Chappell's apology for his role in the controversy, according to the report.

The controversy centered around a Post-it note.  WORLD notes:

Chapell last month held up a slip of paper during an interview on The Gospel Coalition’s Gospelbound podcast. The individuals whose names were on the list were “scandalizers” who had all left their families, left the faith, or taken their own lives, Chapell said. Many individuals on the list are still living with their families and remain involved in the local church.

Some examples highlighted in the article whose names were on this note, that could be perceived as some sort of "enemies list:"

Pastor Andy Webb. "He is no longer with the PCA but serves instead with the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church. He said in a public statement that Chapell called him after the interview to apologize and that Webb forgave him."

Carl Trueman. He is an opinion writer for WORLD, and Chapell apologized to him, as well.

WORLD reports:

Following calls for an investigation into his behavior on the grounds that he violated the 9th Commandment’s prohibition on bearing false witness against one’s neighbor, Chapell has also issued a public apology for his behavior and offered to resign from his position as the PCA’s stated clerk.

Last year, the PCA faced a mini-controversy when someone, in their brilliance, invited a divisive figure who routinely criticizes evangelical Christians to participate in a forum called, “How to Be Supportive of Your Pastor and Church Leaders in a Polarized Political Year," at its General Assembly.  At The Daily Citizen, Paul Batura wrote concerning David French:

PCA Clerk Bryan Chapell was reportedly unaware of all the controversy surrounding David French, including his strong criticism of people who vote for former President Trump, his defense of “drag-queen story hour” and his support of same-sex marriage. French has also called laws that investigate parents who go along with the surgical mutilation of sexually confused children as being “illiberal extreme.”

David French’s evolving progressivism and willingness to criticize evangelical Christians on the pages of the leading radical liberal newspaper in America has given him global exposure and even accolades from people who despise Christianity and consider it dangerous.

French is a former PCA member and Batura notes that he wrote an essay in that newspaper, The New York Times, "claiming his family was first 'bullied' out of the church and then 'sacrificed on the altar of peace and unity' last month and that he’s now 'blocked' from sharing his experience."

It is unfortunate that a church leader apparently kept an "enemies' list." Judging by social media postings, especially on X, Bryan Chapell was not alone.  The self-righteous David French within the past few days has been involved in deeply personal attacks on social media on those who do not share his views in a particular instance, calling them "evil." 

Fact is, there is evil in this world.  But, it is dangerous and harmful to the body of Christ to call others "evil" because of your disagreements with them.  None of us are right 100% of the time, and self-righteousness, quite frankly, is sinful.  

But, a person who is pointing out truth should not be pounded by spiritual rocks merely for expressing his or her opinion.  We should all, though, be careful that we are 1) speaking what is true, 2) speaking under the unction of the Holy Spirit, 3) following God's direction to speak, and 4) refrain from attacking people personally.  Just because you think it or believe it is not an open invitation to share it.  But, I am sensing a quickness to respond out there these days, especially among Christians - and you just might not have all the facts.  The rise of "discernment" ministries online can produce knee-jerk reactions, even if there is a presence of truth.  So, take a deep breath - test the spirits, be discerning, and make sure that you don't get caught up in a spirit of anger.  

A Man of God

As we approach Father's Day, we can reflect on the impact of a father who loves the Lord and provides spiritual leadership for his family. Christian men, even though it may not have been modeled for them in society or even in their own families, can rise to the occasion and rely on Christ to empower them to be whom God desires for them to be in that all-important fatherhood role. Ephesians 6 states:
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise:
3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

Christian apologist Alex McFarland wrote a piece for The Christian Post recently and he discusses the poor modeling that segments of entertainment and retail culture have provided regarding fatherhood.  He states:

TV and Hallmark need to rethink their tired dad tropes. Try to find a Father’s Day card that doesn’t link dads to beer, power tools or stupidity. Similarly, try to find a sitcom without a dufus dad. Sitcoms satirize family life because they appeal to themes most viewers understand: weird uncles and neighbors, dad jokes and mothers calming the chaos.

He dug deeper into television stereotypes, which certainly have not strengthen dads or moms in their roles, culturally speaking.  McFarland writes:

Early TV dads, like Ben Cartwright, were intelligent and industrious. Moms were senseless, uninformed and barely self-sufficient. Carol Burnett made the stereotype into a 50-year comedic career. Jackie Gleason’s loud fool next door took the TV dad arc to one extreme. It has alternated between extremes for decades, from loving, funny, successful Uncle Phil of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and Richard Cunningham of “Happy Days” to chauvinist, racist, nitwits like Archie Bunker and Homer Simpson.

McFarland offered what he called, "Ten ways to break the sitcom dad mold."

First, he listed this admonition: "Pray together. Welcome God into your family. Sundays, yes, but also into your home, dinner table and habits."

He also pointed out that a role of a dad is to "Shelter your family. Limit exposure to caustic social media and influences that defy or mock values and morals. Protecting their minds is more important and lasting than protecting their health."

Other ways that he highlighted included to...

• "Demonstrate manhood," 
• "Value your wife,"
• "Praise your children,"
• "Praise and respect your spouse publicly," and
• "Consecrate your family to God."

Alex goes on to note:

Heroes of the Christian faith were mountain climbers, sword fighters, shepherds, missionaries and rock-throwers. They rescued damsels in distress, built cities and gave their lives to spread the Gospel, translate the Bible and secure future generations.

He was also careful to point out that, "Men accomplished these feats beside godly women. Jesus’ followers and closest friends included women."

In his closing section of this Christian Post piece, Alex McFarland related:

A godly father provides (Ephesians 5:2), leads (Ephesians 5:25-32), reflects Christ (Romans 8:29) and blesses his wife (Proverbs 31:28; Ephesians 5:28). While the world struggles to understand manhood, God’s standard has never changed:

“God has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8).

There are several takeaways from this article.  One is that culture has done a disservice to men - and women - in the way that it has modeled and stereotyped them.  That certainly has been through entertainment culture, but the news cycle is full of men behaving badly, and the message is there that this is how men are - the phrase, "toxic masculinity," has been tossed around, for instance.

But, the Bible models for us what it really means to be a godly man and a godly woman - in their marriages, in their parenting, and in serving the Lord generally.  We must reject the world's stereotypes and embrace the Biblical roles that God has established.  And, recognize He has given us the power to walk in them.

Living Empathy

We can recognize that our own challenging experiences can help us to appreciate what others are going through. If we have been delivered from a particular set of circumstances, I believe that it is possible for the Lord to teach us through those challenges in order than we might provide help and encouragement for others facing similar situations. 2nd Corinthians chapter 1 states:
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.

Ruhamah is a ministry founder whose experiences as a teenager and young adult contributed to the work of that ministry.  In a piece on The Christian Heart website, she writes about leaving her home in Jamaica at the age of 17 to get out from under her parents' authority.  She went to work for a man who ultimately took advantage of her in an inappropriate way.  She was out on her own and homeless, someone allowed her to live with her - she went to school, got married and had three children, but ultimately left the husband and came with her children to America.

She had become a Christian at age 13, but life had obviously been a struggle. God touched her heart through her experience volunteering at a pregnancy resource center.  She writes:

In 2002, I began volunteering at a pregnancy center in Daytona, Florida, where I worked with pregnant and abused women who shared similar experiences to mine. I loved working with them. In 2008, I moved to Texas with my second husband, and in 2009, I volunteered with a pregnancy center in Katy.

While mentoring a young woman, she mentioned how, at 17, she was kicked out of her home and trafficked. This triggered a memory for me, and I wept, realizing I could have been just like her if God had not protected me. Ever since I accepted Jesus when I was 13, I have always believed He was protecting me.

At that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me about establishing a home for homeless, abused or abandoned pregnant women. She was eight months pregnant and about to be homeless. Praying and crying out to Jesus, I told Him I could not do this, but I was reminded of what happened to me at 17. He made me aware that if not for His grace, I could have become a prostitute or drug addict. Hence, He wanted me to help rescue women who going through this.

After initially wrestling with God, in 2019, Ruhamah Rylander established Keturah's Haven in Katy, Texas. She says, "In 2019, we opened Keturah’s Haven, a place where unconditional love changes lives, two at a time. Since then, we have been able to help almost 300 women. Currently, we have four women and three babies in the house. Nearly all who have been in our program have professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It is a pleasure to do this, and I have seen lives change for the better. Some of our past residents also call to update or ask for advice."

Why the name? You may recognize that Keturah was married to Abraham after Sarah died. Its website states: "...through the offspring of Keturah, Abraham became 'the father of many nations.'" It goes on to say:

Keturah was also the middle name of the founder's late mother. She was known to have a heart that gave abundantly to people in need. Her legacy continues in the heart of Keturah's Haven."

Ruhamah can remind us that because of her experience of what she terms the "grace" that God showed to her.  Clearly, she admits if God had not intervened in her life, it would have taken a different direction. Out of her gratitude, God established a work of faith that has borne fruit in hundreds of lives. Through our struggles, through our trials, we can experience a grace that can motivate and enable us to help others.  

We should always maintain a sense of thankfulness when we consider how God has worked in our lives.  Even though we may have experienced difficulty or are currently in a challenging time, we can be reminded of God's faithfulness and know that He walks with those who are beaten down and brokenhearted.  When we have no where else to turn, we can call upon the Lord and find the resources we need to live a life honoring to Him.

Out of Control

I believe that in some instances, the presence of God can explain what is regarded unexplainable, especially dealing with medical situations. I believe that when we experience health issues, we should certainly pray, and when we have a physical breakthrough, we should praise the Great Physician.  I believe that God is interested in our health, and there may be times when we see Him move in a way that is perhaps beyond our human understanding. We can find this encouraging passage in James chapter 5:
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.
18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

A Faithwire article shares the story of actor Jesse Hutch, who once worked as a whitewater rafting guide.  As the article notes:

One day, while working on a river, things took a turn he could have never expected. It was a beautiful and sunny day, but Hutch said the “water level was at a pretty high peak.”

“This particular rapid … was kicking … and there’s three standing waves,” he recalled, noting he was helping lead others on the water at the time.

His boat capsized and Hutch related: “All of a sudden, I just feel this pressure on my body,” he said. “I’m like, ‘Wow, I went down pretty fast.'” Faithwire states:

Hutch wasn’t panicking, but he knew he needed to swim out. However, the pressure made it impossible. He was forced to make some tough decisions, including going limp to try and relax his muscles and maximize the oxygen he had left.

Water went into his lungs and he relates that it felt like "liquid concrete."  The article continues:

Realizing his life would very likely end, the actor began to recognize he might be “done,” calling it one of the “scariest moments” of his life.

“I knew in my brain I was finished,” Hutch said. “And, immediately after that, I had 100% peace because I ended up in this position where I was like, ‘OK, I’m in your hands, God … I completely surrender.'”

Ironically, despite the pain, chaos, and uncertainty, Hutch said he felt total peace.

“That was the most peace that I ever felt,” he said.

Then he "blacked out" and floated down the river, where he was rescued after being underwater for an estimated 11 to 22 minutes.  He recovered quickly, and Faithwire notes:

Hutch was already a Christian when the accident unfolded, but he said it continues to teach him new lessons, particularly about God and control.

“It gave me a whole new perspective on what it means to let go,” he said. “And I’m still learning from that experience, to be honest. I still have times where I … believe it or not, still find myself trying to get control and be in charge.”

Hutch continued, “And when I went through that drowning experience and drowned to death, God literally taught me a lesson that said, ‘You control none of this.'”

An obvious takeaway here is that God is faithful, and whether we stare down death or wake up in the morning, we can know that He has kept us alive for a reason - our time and His purposes for our time on earth are not completed.  If we see God do what can be considered a "miracle," we can be confident that's according to God's will, and we should give Him praise accordingly.

Actor Jesse Hutch learned a valuable life and faith lesson about control, as well.  We recognize that He is sovereign, and our days are in His hands.  And, each day, we can surrender the decisions of our lives to His guiding hand.  He is full of wisdom and strength, and when we feel helpless, we can know that He is in control. 

The Interruption?

The presence of faith in the lives of Americans has reached a plateau, according to another survey. For the Christian, our faith in Christ is more than just a practice, it is a relationship with a living God, who gives us the ability to see beyond ourselves and to experience His presence daily. We can find strength and wisdom for living through the Word of God and power of the Spirit. In 1st Timothy 3, Paul writes about the strong foundation that our faith in Christ provides:
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.

Several months ago, I reported to you some of the findings of a Pew Research study on the practice of faith.  I stated at the time:

The survey summary said that in this most recent study, conducted over a seven-month span in 2023 and 24: "62% of U.S. adults identify as Christians. That is a decline of 9 percentage points since 2014 and a 16-point drop since 2007."  But it adds, "...for the last five years, between 2019 and 2024, the Christian share of the adult population has been relatively stable, hovering between 60% and 64%. The 62% figure in the new Religious Landscape Study is smack in the middle of that recent range."

Now, Gallup has released data that shows a stability among various faith groups.  It states in a survey summary:

Americans’ religious preferences have generally held steady in the past five years, after a sharp increase in the percentage of Americans with no religious affiliation and concurrent declines in Protestant and Catholic identification over the prior two decades. In 2024, 45% of Americans identified as Protestant or nondenominational Christian, 21% as Catholic and 10% as another religion, with 22% not identifying with any religion. Those figures are each within one percentage point of their 2018-2020 levels.

The data shows that, "Religious preferences are starkly different between younger and older Americans. More than three in 10 younger adults...have no religious preference, compared with about one in eight baby boomers and fewer than one in 10 of those in the Silent Generation (who were aged 79 or older in 2024)." In fact, among young adults, religious 'nones' rival Protestants as the largest religious subgroup."  Younger adults are the Gen Z and Millennial groups, encompassing adults between 18 and 43 years of age. 

Overall, as the summary relates: "The decline in religious affiliation in the U.S. over the past two decades is thus largely a result of generational change, as younger adults — who are much more likely to have no religious identity — have replaced older generations, which had relatively few unaffiliated members. However, population replacement does not entirely explain the decline in U.S. religiosity. Within each birth cohort, more adults over time have reported they have no religious identity."

Even though we are in a period of stabilization, the trajectory does not bode well for the practice of religion in the years to come. As Gallup notes: 

U.S. religious identification has stabilized after experiencing substantial change between 2000 and 2020. This change was largely driven by young Americans without a formal religious affiliation entering adulthood. That contrasts with older generations of U.S. adults, who overwhelmingly adhered to a Christian faith.

In Gallup language, that includes Protestant, Catholic, LDS, and others.

It warns:

If substantial shares of adults in future U.S. generations continue to eschew religion, Christian religious identification will drop into the 50% range once the millennial generation becomes the oldest generation of Americans, if not sooner.

The good news is that decline in the practice of the Christian faith does seems to have leveled off, according to Pew and Gallup.  But, the trends are still ominous.  What we need is a divine interruption.  Even though the trends may indicate otherwise, we can see pockets of revival and spiritual awakening that are occurring, and people, especially younger generations, are turning their hearts toward the Lord. 

So, we can continue to look to the Lord to show us spiritual deficiencies in our own lives and take the God-inspired steps to remedy those.  We can also be devoted to prayer for people to come to Christ. That God would use us individually and collectively to bring people to Him.  The trajectory is an opportunity, and the Church can move forward in the power of the Spirit in order to dramatically impact the world with the gospel.

Promoting Death

There is violence in our country and around the world.  It's violence that is committed against the child in the womb and, as we've seen over the past few years, there is hostility toward those who stand for the unborn in the form of attacks on churches and pregnancy resource centers.  We can pray for peace, but realize that there is a spiritual war that is occurring.  Proverbs 24 states:
10 If you faint in the day of adversity,
Your strength is small.
11 Deliver those who are drawn toward death,
And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
12 If you say, “Surely we did not know this,”
Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?
And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

CBN.com reported several weeks ago that, "A bombing at a reproductive and fertility center in Palm Springs, California...shocked Americans of all stripes — a tragedy purportedly perpetuated by a man media sources claim was a 'pro-mortalist.'”

A 25-year-old man, Guy Edward Bartkus, was arrested for the crime.  The article went on to say:

“The subject had nihilistic ideation,” FBI Los Angeles’s field office assistant director Akil Davis said, according to Fox News. “And this was a targeted attack against the IVF facility. Make no mistake, we are treating this, as I said yesterday, as an intentional act of terrorism.”

He continued, “We are fairly confident that Mr. Bartkus is … our primary suspect, a person of interest.”

The article quoted from Tracy Walder, described as "a national security contributor for NewsNation and a former federal agent," who said, "This essentially is the idea that it is more humane to kill humanity to prevent future suffering,” adding, “He believes that he is doing the humane thing.”

U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli noted, “An anti pro-life manifesto believed to be authored by the suspect has been located and is being examined by the FBI,” adding,“We are happy to report that no embryos at the IVF center were damaged by the explosion.”

The clinic issued a statement, which said, according to CBN: 

“We are heartbroken to learn that this event claimed a life and caused injuries, and our deepest condolences go out to the individuals and families affected,” the statement read. “We are immensely grateful to share that no members of the ARC team were harmed, and our lab—including all eggs, embryos, and reproductive materials—remains fully secure and undamaged.”

The facility said their mission has “always been to help build families” and that this event reminds them “how fragile and precious life is.” 

The website, Not the Bee, the sister website to The Babylon Bee, which reports on actual news.  It said:

Now to the manifesto, which took some digging to find (it is archived here if the site is taken down by authorities).

The suspect is a "pro-mortalist," or follower of "Efilism," which believes sentient life is a curse that needs to be destroyed. In simpler terms, he is an atheist who mocks God and wants to wage war on pro-lifers.

No really, that's what he says:

I think we need a war against pro-lifers.

The man's ideology is that there is nothing purposeful in the universe and God isn't real, but somehow humans are screwing everything up so we should all die. Attacking a fertility clinic was a way to stop babies from being born (reports say no eggs were damaged, however).  

And, as the story continues, it says: "And like most atheists, he is angry at God."  It states: "Pro-mortalism (support for death) or anti-natalism (against birth) is becoming more popular among deranged left-wing atheists who view humanity as a disease, and they justify their genocidal darkness by claiming they are compassionate."

Live Action noted: "In complete opposition to this nihilistic perspective, pro-lifers believe that every human being, regardless of their manner of conception, has intrinsic value and deserves the right to life."

The destructive act could have taken the lives of multiple embryos stored at the facility.  A pro-life perspective, I believe, would regard those embryos as human life. The Christian Post noted, referring to in-vitro fertilization, "...many pro-life organizations and religious bodies have expressed concern that the practice violates the sanctity of human life." Lila Rose, founder of Live Action, is quoted as saying, "...over 90% of tiny boys and girls created via IVF only to be frozen, discarded, or killed. This is not pro-life. Every human life begins at fertilization, yet IVF treats human beings as disposable..."

That certainly is a huge moral dilemma that the IVF industry must address.  While I believe that in-vitro fertilization has helped scores of families have children, those who are part of that industry, including clinics in Alabama, have to answer the question about what happens to discarded embryos.  After the Alabama Supreme Court rightly determined that an embryo is human life, the Alabama Legislature whiffed on an opportunity to deal with this question; instead, giving IVF clinics in the state a pass. 

We certainly see a willingness to discard human life all around us. It's what causes a person to consider taking the life of another in a murderous act.  It certainly is seen in the minds of those who would participate and/or promote the termination of a human life through abortion.  And, it's manifested through heinous acts toward those, such as pregnancy resource centers and other pro-life ministries, who are fighting to preserve life.  

In a violent world, the gospel can confront the evil that is in the hearts of men and women.  People have developed warped views such as "pro-mortalism," hating life itself and the Creator of life.  The presence of Christ in a person's heart can shift their thinking because their hearts have been changed.

Dangerous Times

Recent news stories can remind us of the concept of people being denigrated and perhaps even losing their lives for their deeply held beliefs. Jesus even taught that those who would choose to follow Him, in some cases, would find their lives in danger. Religious persecution is a fact of life in our world today, but we know that we can find strength and courage in the Lord. Jesus taught in Matthew chapter 5:
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The news out of Boulder, Colorado over the weekend is heartbreaking, and is indicative of the hatred of those who profess a faith in God.  In this case, as CBN.com reports:

A man shouting "Free Palestine" threw an incendiary device Sunday into a crowd of people on a pedestrian mall in Boulder, Colorado, burning at least eight people who were walking to raise awareness for the plight of the Israeli hostages in Gaza. The F.B.I. says it's investigating the incident as a terror attack.

One bureau official called it a "targeted terror attack," although the Boulder police chief was initially reluctant to call it terrorism.

A 45-year-old man described as an "Egyptian national" was arrested.  A spokesman for the Trump Administration said that the man was in the country illegally after exceeding the provided time for his visa. The article goes on to say:

CBS News reported that the walking group said in a statement, "This is not a protest; it is a peaceful walk to show solidarity with the hostages and their families, and a plea for their release."

The attack comes just two weeks after another man acting in the name of Palestinians reportedly admitted to the shooting deaths of two young staffers from the Israeli Embassy in Washington outside a Jewish museum.

These acts of violence against people apparently because of their faith are common and they are evil. Violence against Jewish people has become tolerated in our country and reflects a hatred against people because of their faith practice.  

We don't see it as much in America, but Christians around the world find themselves with a target on their backs.  I was troubled by the report of an evangelist in the nation of Uganda, not far from where Daniel Okabe and his family have done ministry through Impact Ministries in Mbale and their radio station, which is also called Faith Radio, a ministry that we certainly endorse, even though they are not affiliated with us.  

A Morning Star News story published at The Christian Post in early May related:

Islamists killed an evangelist after he led several Muslims to faith in Christ at an open-air event in eastern Uganda last month, sources said.

David Washume of Manga cell, Mungoma Ward, Nabumali town council in Mbale District was stabbed to death on April 3 as he made his way back from three days of preaching in the Nalondo, Buwalasi and Nabumali areas, area sources said.

The article said:

With fellow evangelist Fred Wepuhulu, Washume incorporated quranic verses and biblical references in his preaching, emphasizing the divinity of Christ and the humanity of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, said one of those attending the event. Washume spoke in the town of Nabumali on the third day of their campaign.

The report continued:

Washume and Wepuhulu were returning home to their area of Nabumali the night of April 3 when they were attacked at about 10 p.m., Wepuhulu said.

“As we were nearing our village, we met three masked men dressed in Muslim attire, with knives, while speaking the Arabic language,” Wepuhulu told Morning Star News. “They stopped us and told us to surrender our bags.”

The assailants found Bibles and a Quran in Washume’s bag, he said.

They shouted to kill the two men - Wepuhulu managed to escape, but Washume did not. The story says:

Moses Kutosi, chairperson of local council 3 of the Nabumali Town Council, said he received a phone call at 6 a.m. the next day informing him of a dead body in a pool of blood near a Bible college chapel in Nabumali.

Washume was a resident of Mbale and his body was taken there following the attack. A relative said: “The knife which the assailants used to kill him was found at the scene of crime, including a written note saying, ‘You, infidel, will meet Allah in judgment,’ and other Arabic words which could not be understood..."

Even though there are Muslims who are peaceful, so called, "moderate" Muslims, there is an element that is committed to carrying out the teaching of jihad, that involves attacking and perhaps even killing those who belong to other faiths.  Let it be said that Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God, and as the light of truth is being shone, we hear stories from throughout the Muslim world that people are coming to Christ.  

When we hear stories about people losing their lives because of their faith, we can be encouraged to pray for and find ways to stand with the persecuted.  The United States has reflected a commitment to the cause of religious freedom around the world, and we should certainly speak up for the right of others to practice their faith.  And, we can do that while also recognizing our directive by Jesus to share the love of Christ and the truth of Scripture, because we acknowledge that Jesus is the only way into a relationship with God.  

We should be so forthright and passionate about our faith and so intent on loving others that we do not keep our faith to ourselves.  We don't have to be intimidated by those who would reject God and even those who would place our lives in danger - that is not so prevalent in America, but we do face that hostility from those who don't know Him.  Our mission is to keep loving God, loving others, and demonstrating His truth to a world that needs to know Him.

A Step Forward

I remember a conversation I had with a guest on The Meeting House who spoke of "assignments" from God, and I think that can be an accurate description of the activity that we do at God's direction.  We have basic principles by which we operate, but from time-to-time, there may be special assignments that we are given to do - short-term or long-term.  We just have to make sure that we are listening for God's dispatch and are compliant.  Paul's life demonstrates this divine direction. In Acts 16, we can read:
5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.
7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.
8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.
9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

It started as a one-off, but God had plans to expand a particular ministry outreach that was undertaken by a group of Southern Baptist churches in Georgia.  The Christian Index reported: "What began as a simple coat drive for Hurricane Helene victims has grown into a long-term mission of love..."  The effort was organized by Haw Creek Baptist Church in Cumming, GA.  The article relates:

This ongoing ministry has been marked by personal investment, practical support, and a desire to meet physical and spiritual needs. Shad Faulkner, pastor of Haw Creek in Cumming, says the point of reaching out to those impacted by the storm is simple. “Ultimately, the goal is to get them to trust us and know that we love them. That’s how we can tell them about Jesus.”

How this got kickstarted began with a call to the church's youth pastor from a congregation member about sending supplies to Helene victims as cold weather was setting in. He contacted the local Baptist association, and the next day, the first truck of supplies was heading to Western North Carolina. Then, there was a request for toys for Christmas. Pastor Faulkner states: "Before I knew it, we had 400 families signed up, so that’s about 700 people that we were going to serve in Waynesville. And we had about 150 volunteers on our end, ready to go.” The article states that the youth minister, Jason Power, "...had another idea. 'I want to give them Bibles,' he said, 'good, leather, Bibles.'"  It goes on to say:

Power explained, “In my mind, I’m thinking I’d like to hand the head of each family a Bible, and say, ‘Here’s the most important thing we’re giving you. We’re giving you toys and stuff, but here’s what can change your life.’”

Faulkner raised the issue of cost, which would be significant for quality Bibles. Within an hour of raising the idea, Power called him back and said, “I’ve got the money for the Bibles. There’s a business owner who wants to donate $25,000.”

He shared that they served Christmas meals to some 400 families, provided a Christmas celebration for the kids and gave the families Bibles.  

One assignment from God had been extended - it had grown into something much more.  The ministry added another key leader, according to the article:

Butch Kirk of Boots on the Ground ministry and a member of Pine Crest Baptist Church in Cumming, had been making trips to North Carolina with food and supplies for months.

“At first,” he said, “I just went up to Old Fort, and I was feeding people out of the back of my trailer, cooking them hot dogs and hamburgers.” Since then, he estimates he’s served more than 3,000 meals.

“We started a little place called The Refuge” in Old Fort, he said, “and we have a distribution center, and there’s a little kitchen in it so we're able to prepare meals and feed the community and distribute goods there. And now,” he added, “we've started having church on Sunday.

Then there was Chuck Bragg - The Christian Index shared the story of his and his wife's involvement:

Chuck Bragg and his wife are also a part of the effort to reach affected areas of North Carolina with physical and spiritual help. He recalled that people were initially skeptical of his motives. Bragg and his wife had bought some chicken at a restaurant and were looking for people to help when they stopped at one house on a Sunday evening. The homeowner told him, “We're tired of people handing us a bottle of water and taking our picture.”

Bragg assured the man that it was not their intent. The next Monday, he said, “I was back up there with building materials to help them get back into their home in the weeks to come. So that was the first relationship that we were able to build. And then it was from that home to another home to another home.”

The ministry group also did an outreach around Easter this year. 

Here is something that started with, actually, as Bragg says, "a box of chicken and a prayer in October..."  God has multiplied the efforts and brought together a consortium to do ongoing ministry.  

What we have to do is yield to God.  We may think He wants to do one thing - say, collect supplies for disaster relief. But, out of that act of obedience, He did something else entirely; and it's impacted not only the recipients of the aid, but the providers, too; as one volunteer said: "I think it's not just what has happened to the people there, but it's what's happened to us as Christians.”

So, we must be careful not to put God in a box, as if that were even possible.  But, we also should not try to duplicate or expand a ministry effort when He has set an expiration date.  We have to remain sensitive to the Spirit, full of His love, and go where He calls.  And, when He shows us that the assignment is completed, we can look back and give Him praise for His faithfulness.

It's important that we are watchful, sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and responsive to those divine appointments that come our way.

Where He Wants Us To Be

Believers in Christ are directed to follow the Lord, so that we might, as Jesus said in John 15, abide in Him. When we are in the center of His will, it is a place of peace and confidence, a place where we can experience joy and contentment - regardless of circumstances. Being in God's will does not exempt us from trial, but we are enabled to stand strong, even in trouble. Proverbs 3 paints a picture of a life in pursuit of the will of God:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
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 St. Louis Cardinals have put together a pretty nice season so far, with the season now about a-third over - they trail the Cubs by a handful of games in their division and would be in the playoffs if the season were to end today. 

One of the stalwart players for the franchise announced recently that last season was his last.  Movieguide reported:

The Saint Louis Cardinals’ Matt Carpenter recently decided it’s time to hang up his cleats to be a full-time dad after 14 seasons in the MLB.

He officially announced his retirement on Sports Spectrum’s “Get in the Game” podcast.

“God really just put it on my heart that it was time to come home and be a dad,” Carpenter said. “I’ve got two little kids. I’ve got a third-grade daughter, Kinley. I got a first-grade son, Cannon. And they are just in such fun ages. I just didn’t want to miss out on any more things that you miss as a professional athlete.”

The article goes on to say:

Throughout his entire career, Carpenter let God guide him. That became especially evident when he made the call to retire.

“For all of my children’s lives at this point, I haven’t been that constant figure at the house due to the demands of a Major League Baseball season,” he said. “I mean, the one benefit of playing professional sports is you do have an offseason where you come home and you are there every single night and you’re spending hours a day that someone that’s working a normal job maybe doesn’t get to spend. You can kind of double down on that time. But then once the season starts, you’re gone a lot and just that tugging on my heartstrings in that specific area when it comes to my wife and children was a big one.”

“As we as we went through the off season, it just became clear and clear to me that, you know, God wanted me here at home,” he added.

The Movieguide piece links to an MLB.com article that noted that Carpenter had spent 12 seasons with the Cards and, "The infielder/designated hitter will be eligible for entry into the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2028, where he will likely be easily elected as a fan favorite and one of the core pieces of a Cardinals franchise that was a dominant force in the National League in the 2010s." That article added: "Some of the best moments of Carpenter’s career came during the playoffs, where he smashed six home runs and drove in 21 runs in 56 postseason games..." The article said that 2024 was Carpenter's final season. CBS Sports reported that the 39-year old Carpenter "played 59 games for the Cardinals last season but was not signed on the free-agent market this past winter."

Those who play professional sports have a unique set of challenges - for those with families, life during the off-season is quite different than during the season, where players spend plenty of time away from home.  Matt Carpenter decided that he would no longer pursue playing Major League Baseball - he believes he was being called home to be with his family.

You have experts who talk about a work-life balance.  Certainly those who work at a job have responsibilities there, and there could be tension with the primary responsibility before God to be a husband or wife, mother or father. We can rely on the wisdom of God to guide our steps so that our priorities line up with His will for our lives.  There can be a tension that will appear, and we have to allow Him to show us how to navigate that. 

And, change will come - wherever God has you from an occupational standpoint will likely not be permanent.  We have to be in the Word and in tune with the Spirit to discern when He is moving on our hearts to make a change.  He doesn't leave us, fortunately, to our own devices - just as Matt Carpenter knew the right time to make his move, we can make sure that we are in the center of God's will at that particular moment, and be willing to move with Him as He leads us to new adventures - whether it's work, our church life, new responsibilities in other areas, or new ministry opportunities.  The good news is that He when we are connected to Jesus, we don't have to rely on guesswork.

Step By Step

Recent polling shows that the Bible seems to be experiencing a resurgence, with Bible sales last year spiking and usage of a well-known Bible app surging earlier this year. But, we have to remember that we have to approach the Bible in a way that promotes spiritual growth. Paul wrote to Timothy in 2nd Timothy chapter 2:
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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.

A recent article at the Lifeway Research website is sobering and challenging; it says:

In the past few years, Americans have grown generally more positive toward the Bible, but that doesn’t mean they’re reading it more.

According to a Lifeway Research study, U.S. adults increasingly view the Bible as a book worth reading multiple times, but few have actually done so.

Here's a statistic worth noting, "...more than 2 in 5 Americans (44%) say the Bible is a book to read over and over again, up 4 points from the previous study. Yet 9% say they’ve read it all more than once, unchanged since 2016. Still, half of Americans have engaged with the Bible beyond just a few stories."

Andy McLean of Lifeway Christian Resources is quoted as saying: "Of course, with that increase in sales, one would also hope that Bible engagement is on the rise. In other words, we want people reading their newly purchased Bibles, which I think shows up in the data and my experience as a Bible publisher.”

When you break it down regarding American Bible readership:

9 in 10 Americans have read at least some of the Bible, 4 in 5 have read more than a few sentences, and 1 in 5 have read the entire Bible at least once.

Around 1 in 10 U.S. adults (9%) say they’ve never read any of the Bible personally.

Another topic area the survey measured was the method that people used in reading the Bible.  The survey summary article noted:

Among those who have read at least part of the Bible, around a third say their approach to reading it includes systematically reading through a section a little each day (34%), looking up verses or sections suggested by others (34%) and looking up things when they have a need (33%).

But is it true? Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, related: “Americans’ brief descriptors of the Bible coincide with the pattern in a series of studies Lifeway Research has done on the state of theology in which Americans are consistently split down the middle on whether the Bible is 100% accurate or not literally true,” adding, “While very few Americans have outright disdain for the Bible, there is no clear majority convinced it is completely true or life-changing.”  Only 48% of Americans, according to the survey believe that the Bible is true.  But, that's up from a 2016 Lifeway survey, which revealed that just over a-third - 36% believed in the truth of Scripture. 

So, we see that Americans generally have some positive things to say about the Bible, but many have not read it completely.  And, less than half believe that it's true.  So there is room for growth. 

People approach Scripture or, as it's said, "engage," in different ways. But, we have to make sure that our Scriptural engagement leads to life change and spiritual growth.  Some will be positive about Scripture, but may not have a high commitment level to read it consistently.  And, consistency is a major contributor to Christian maturity.  

Faith Radio desires to be a trusted source of Biblical teaching, as well as information, that can build you up spiritually.  But, as the now-late Kay Arthur used to say, we have to study God's Word for ourselves. Reading the Bible through in a year is an admirable goal and it gives us a working knowledge of Scripture, but we also need to examine the Scriptures - studying and meditating on these words from the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate what we find there.  And, as James directs us, we are to do more than just be "hearers" of the Word, we have to be doers - to be obedient to the instruction that the Lord gives to us.  In an information age, we have to make sure we are choosing and personalizing the right information - and the Bible gives us the truth we need to resist the philosophies of this world.

North of the Border

We can depend on the Holy Spirit to give us the right words to say - as we yield to Him, we can be confident that He will speak through us. This applies to our day-by-day communication, as well as those difficult situations we might face. Matthew chapter 10 includes these words from Jesus:
16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.
18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;
20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

A recent article at RealClearReligion declared that a Canadian student, a Coptic Christian, Rafael Zaki, "was ultimately expelled from a public university because he held the 'wrong' opinions."  It goes on to say:

At a boiling point for liberal democratic values both in Canada and around the world, we cannot afford to fail this Orwellian test. Zaki’s case illustrates that free speech is not as protected in Canada as most Canadians would hope. Canada must remember that free speech means free speech — even if most people, rightly or wrongly, consider one’s opinions to be unsavoury.

So, what did this student actually do that was so horrific? The article, by Joseph Bouchard and Garion Frankel, notes:

Zaki, a Coptic Christian, was first expelled from the University of Manitoba’s medical school in 2019, after he published an essay on Facebook comparing abortion to other human atrocities. The post, the university and 18 confidential complainants alleged, was “unprofessional,” and called into question his ability to understand his responsibilities as a doctor. After the university overturned the expulsion due to procedural errors, he was again expelled recently for the same “offence.” Zaki has once again taken his appeal to the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench once again in late March.

The article points out that, " The Charter’s Section 2 states that everyone has the fundamental freedom 'of conscience and religion, thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication.' Beyond Zaki’s right to privacy on his own private Facebook page, the University’s dismissal of Zaki, despite his efforts to accommodate, goes against these fundamental rights."  It goes on to relate:

The University may claim the dismissal had nothing to do with Zaki’s beliefs, but they cited them as the primary source of concern over ethics. The 2021 summary of the court case, in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba, itself states that “because he could not change his beliefs, he was expelled.” 

Surveys show that there is a strong pro-life component among doctors in the Commonwealth, with the RealClearReligion article stating:

Polling since the last few decades indicates that a strong minority of doctors identify as pro-life, while even more have diverse views on abortion access. Practicing OB-GYNs have already characterized themselves as pro-life. Christian hospitals also exist, including in Canada — there are 31 faith-affiliated care centres in Manitoba alone, with varying policies surrounding abortion and other faith-sensitive care. As shown, it is possible to be a Christian, and to hold a variety of beliefs on medical care, and be a health professional, even a doctor.

Currently, under Canadian law, doctors and nurses are allowed to refuse to provide abortion care based on personal and religious reasons. This also applies to other medical practices that may interfere with religious views on life and death...

In conclusion, the authors state:

At a time when authoritarianism is on the rise globally, Canada has an opportunity to act as a standard-bearer for freedom of expression. But free expression means free expression — even when the opinion being expressed is far out of line with that of the majority. Rafael Zaki’s political views should not preclude him from becoming a doctor. That is not the sort of thing that happens in a liberal democracy. 

A piece I came across at the website, The Hub, presented new Prime Minister Mark Carney, then a candidate for the post, as someone who seems to be devoted to punish speech in which he does not agree.  It states:

At last week’s federal leaders’ debate, Mark Carney invoked the Charter with lofty words: “One of the core responsibilities of the federal government and the prime minister is to defend the fundamental rights and liberties of Canadians.” But in a recent campaign rally in Hamilton, Ontario, the Liberal candidate lamented the “sea of misogyny, antisemitism, hatred, conspiracy theories—the sort of pollution that’s online that washes over our virtual borders from the United States.” Framing it as a kind of toxic runoff, he promised: “My government, if we are elected, will be taking action.”

The writer, Joanna Baron, goes on to say:

But speech isn’t carbon emissions. And the harms of restricting it—especially under vague and subjective definitions of “hate”—are not benign. Unlike hazardous chemicals or viral outbreaks, the “harm” of a Tweet is a cultural and interpretive judgment, not a measurable scientific fact. Once governments begin defining and punishing digital “harm,” the effect is to chill lawful expression, restrict dissent, and outsource judgment to unelected regulators and risk-averse platforms.

Carney, as the article points out, was critical of people in Canada expressing their freedoms during the COVID pandemic...it states:

In early February 2022, amid the Freedom Convoy protests, Carney took to the Globe and Mail to denounce demonstrators—most of whom were peacefully opposing lockdowns, school closures, and vaccine mandates—as guilty of “blatant treachery.” The protest, he declared, was “sedition.” He demanded the government “[choke] off the money that financed this occupation.”

So, it does seem that Mark Carney is Justin Trudeau 2.0 - an extension of the speech restrictions that were seen during the previous administration. And, here in America, we know that there are those who are devoted to allowing one viewpoint - a viewpoint that is contrary to Scripture - to stand.  That's why you have groups like Alliance Defending Freedom who are challenging companies who buy into rhetoric and action that would limit free speech in the workplace and in financial transactions.  

We know that the teachings of Scripture are perceived as a threat by many, a challenge to their pursuit of a brave new world, a utopian existence in which progressive policies reign supreme. We should not be intimidated by those who would challenge our beliefs - and we certainly should not be afraid to challenge unbiblical points of view - presenting compelling arguments without shutting people down.  Because, we can be confident in the power of the Scriptures to win hearts to Jesus. 

Remember

Sacrifice is a key concept of the Scriptures, and on this day after Memorial Day, on which we remember the sacrifices that those who have served in the U.S. Military have made for this country, I think it's important to remember that they have given their lives for a cause bigger than themselves...and to reflect on our Savior, who gave His life so that He might redeem fallen humanity. Hebrews 10 states:
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.
7 Then I said, 'Behold, I have come-- In the volume of the book it is written of Me-- To do Your will, O God.' "

In the Old Testament, there was a system of sacrifices that God established, to provide a reminder of the sinfulness of the people and their need for God.  But, ultimate atonement did not come until Jesus laid down His life as the perfect sacrificial Lamb, slain, as the Bible says, "for the sins of the world."  Because Jesus died, we can be free from the power of sin and the power of death.

A recent Crosswalk.com article highlighting some aspect of Memorial Day reminds us of the freedoms that we have as Americans, freedoms that those who have served were willing to fight for and to die for.  One of those freedoms, according to the piece by Elizabeth Delaney, is "Freedom of Religion." She writes:

This country was founded on the right of each citizen to choose and practice their religious preference freely. In fact, many of the colonies that formed an alliance in 1776 to begin forming the United States of America were fleeing Europe because of religious persecution, according to the Library of Congress. Therefore, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the First Amendment. It also protects a person's right to explore the deep questions in life, publicly live out what they believe in a peaceful manner, and protects a person from being threatened or harassed for living out what they believe, according to Alliance Defending Freedom.

Another freedom is "Freedom of Speech," about which she writes: "While this is often connected with a person's freedom to speak their mind regarding politics, it also applies to religion. In America, the First Amendment protects our right to talk openly about Jesus anytime and anywhere."  She adds:

People can also pray publicly, whether that's in a restaurant over their meal, while standing on the street, walking through a park, at sporting events, or wherever they happen to be. Students are allowed to pray in school when it’s student-led. Most other countries around the world don't get to enjoy this freedom.

Other freedoms that she highlights are freedoms "to Assemble" and "to Choose Our Leaders." 

She also notes that "Our Military Protects Our Country," writing:

If it weren't for our military, we wouldn't get to enjoy living in a land that's free and safe from the invasion of foreign powers. Our military fights on our behalf so that we can live a peaceful life, work toward our dreams, and enjoy obtaining whatever our personal American dream happens to be. Our veterans deserve our gratitude, and they deserve to be honored for the sacrifices they make on behalf of the rest of the nation. While America may not be perfect, there's a reason more people are trying to become American citizens rather than leaving America.

In addition, as Delaney points out, states are free "to Make Autonomous Decisions."  

She also recognized recent developments, including a commission established by President Trump to defend and preserve the First Amendment right of freedom of religion.  The White House also maintains an office that is devoted to supporting faith expressions. 

This is an incredible tapestry of freedoms we enjoy as Americans - I believe these are gifts of God in a nation that has been established on principles that are consistent with the Bible.  And, those who have served in our military, through their sacrifices, have been used of God to preserve the freedoms that have been established. 

We have been granted incredible freedom in Jesus Christ, and those have been acquired for us because of His willingness to lay down His life and the unselfish act of experiencing brutality and death for us.  That freedom came with a cost. 

On this day after Memorial Day, as Christians, we can be grateful for what Jesus has done for us. And, for the freedoms we have as Americans, too.  We now have the capacity to lay down our lives, recognizing that, as Galatians 2 says, we have been crucified with Christ, but we live because Christ lives in us.  We can humble ourselves before the Lord and be willing to serve Him and others because of the deep love that He has shown. 

What is That?

Perhaps one of the most compelling pieces of evidence for God is the dramatic change that He can make in the lives of His people. As it's been said, the story, the testimony of life change, is a person's own story, and you really can't argue with that. So, we should live with a desire to please God, to serve Him wholeheartedly, and demonstrate to the world what Christ has done in us. Paul writes to Timothy in the 1st chapter of the book of 2nd Timothy:
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,
10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

If you are entering the state of Alabama, you will see a huge green sign welcoming people to the state - on it are the words, "Sweet Home Alabama."  In 1974, the southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd released that song, which has become legendary. 

Wow - didn't see that one coming, did you?  Three years later, tragedy struck the group.  The History Channel website notes:

On October 20, 1977, during a flight from Greenville, South Carolina, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the tour plane for Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd crashes in a heavily wooded area of southwestern Mississippi during a failed emergency landing attempt. The accident killed band-members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines as well as the band’s assistant road manager and the plane’s pilot and co-pilot. Twenty others survived the crash.

The band ceased to exist for 10 years, when the group started up again, according to its website, with a new lead singer: Ronnie's brother Johnny took the helm and the band's legend continued.  Meanwhile, yet another Van Zant brother, Donnie, co-founded the band .38 Special.  Donnie and Johnny have a band called, Van Zant. 

So, why this journey through musical history?  The Van Zant brothers have a new project. According to Crosswalk.com, "Two rock legends are teaming up to sing the name of Jesus, driven by a shared mission to see souls saved."  It goes on to say:

In November they released their first Christian album Always Look Up, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart and includes such faith-focused tracks as Awesome God, Jesus Christ, Praying and Leaning on the Cross.

The brothers say they had long wanted to make a Christian album and found inspiration during Covid, feeling led by God.

"We just said, 'You know what? God's putting it on us to do this,'" Johnny said.

Every song on the album is an original. The song Jesus Christ, for example, was inspired by a painting of the crucifixion on the wall in their studio.

Donnie is quoted as saying, ""We just told each other, if we could just bring one person to Christ, it would be worth this whole project, really," adding, "And I think we've done that a lot over -- to the glory of God. He gets the glory."

Crosswalk.com reports:

The two men came from a family of faith.

"Our father knew the Bible back and forth, and if you didn't want to listen, you had to listen. And if you had to use the bathroom while he started preaching, you were in trouble," Johnny said, laughing.

That foundation eventually became personal, although -- they acknowledge -- they weren't as close to God in their younger years.

"You go out, and you're not thinking about Jesus or heaven, and you're out there having your good time and trying to make a living and wanting the best of this and best of that, and you kind of put that on the back burner," Johnny said of faith. "But God said we go through trials and tribulations. And you know, when you start going through those trials and tribulations, you really start going, 'Whoa, I really need Jesus Christ in my life.'

"And we think it's cool to love Jesus. We think we're the coolest guys in the world here," he added with a smile. "We love praising His name, and anytime we can do it, we're there."

For those who hear the album, Johnny says the goal is clear: "Bring them closer to God, closer to Jesus."

It's always gratifying when you see or hear of high-profile people who speak of our Savior. These brothers are legendary in that Southern rock music genre, and from that platform, they have the ability to leverage their notoriety for the sake of the gospel.  I think of the musical talent they have and how God calls each of us to take what He has given in order to bring glory to His name.

In Exodus 4, God asked Moses, concerning the rod he possessed, "What is that in your hand?"  God directed him to throw it down and it became a snake - through that encounter, God demonstrated His power.  We can consider what the Lord has given to us - a gift, a talent, a platform, a relationship, or something else - and recognize that His purpose can be fulfilled through what He has given to us.  

The Van Zant brothers, after 17 years, have recorded a record - it speaks of Jesus.  We can remember what Scripture says about doing everything we do for the glory of God. 

Reach

In order to stay spiritually sharp in the midst of the dullness that we can find in the world, we must immerse ourselves in the presence of God, through His Word and by fellowshipping with Him in prayer and worship. In the 119th Psalm, the Psalmist declares:
15 I will meditate on Your precepts, And contemplate Your ways.
16 I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.
17 Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word.
18 Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.

Faith Radio is devoted to being a place where you can go for sound and reliable Biblical teaching, music that exalts the Lord and helps draw you into His presence, and information that is consistent with a Biblical worldview perspective.  

National Religious Broadcasters, of which Faith Radio is a member, has teamed up with the Barna Group for a survey the measures the effect of Christian media on our culture.  The fourth installment of a series of reports based on the data was released just days ago. 

The first report noted that: 

More than 60% of American adults report consuming Christian media in some form, whether through television, radio, podcasts, news websites, social media, or YouTube. This is not an occasional interaction—among these users, half engage with Christian content at least once per week.

28% of these "users" are considered to be "heavy," in other words, they "consume Christian media across an average of more than six platforms on a weekly basis and more than two different platforms every day."

The NRB report points out that those who use Christian media are "multi-platform."  It states: "As digital and broadcast technologies continue to converge, the most engaged audiences are not choosing one medium over another. Rather, they are integrating Christian TV, podcasts, YouTube channels, and social media into their daily rhythms."  Over two-thirds - 69% - utilize digital and broadcast. 

The second report broke this down, and the usage statistics are remarkably close in percentage.  Among those using Christian media, 41% say they utilize social media, 39% use YouTube, 36% say they consume Christian radio, 35% Christian TV, and 30% Christian news sites and podcasts, not including sermons. 29% indicate they use sermon podcasts.  The social media stats are skewed by a heavier percentage of those in the Gen Z and Millennial age groups.  Just a note here: Faith Radio, in addition to being a network of radio stations, utilizes most of these other forms of media, as well.

The third report in the NRB/Barna Group "State of Christian Media" series notes this:

Christian media isn’t just widely consumed; it’s also largely respected. Two-thirds of the general population view Christian media as valuable and trustworthy, and that figure rises to four in five among those who use Christian media. Practicing Christians (defined as those who attend church monthly and consider their faith very important) express the strongest levels of affirmation. Even among those who don’t identify as born again, roughly half view Christian media in a positive light.

Almost 90% of Christian media users see Christian media as "valuable" and "trustworthy," indicating they see those terms as "very true" or "somewhat true."

The fourth report dug into some of the motivation for using Christian media.  The report states:

The top motivator cited by users is encouragement, followed closely by a desire to love God with their mind and learn more about the Bible. Christian media is not merely an alternative to mainstream content—it is actively sought out for the unique emotional and spiritual support it offers.

And, it is seen as an alternative to what you might call "mainstream" media.  The report notes:

A substantial share of users—66% overall, and 84% of heavy users—say they turn to Christian media in part to avoid mainstream platforms. This reflects not just personal preference but a deep hunger for media rooted in truth, hope, and transcendence. In a cultural moment marked by uncertainty and ideological fragmentation, Christian content creators are stepping in to meet this need with clarity and conviction.

I think you could sum this data up by saying...Christian media matters.  In a time in which we need hope and encouragement, Christian media, including Christian radio, provides a message that will offer just that.  We can thank God for using technology to make His truth known and to lift us the name of Jesus through various forms of media.

That being said, we can consider how we can get more of God's Word into our spiritual diet.  The more we immerse ourselves in the truth of Scripture, the more our lives will reflect that truth.  Our ability to know and apply the Word of God will grow and we can discover more about Him and His ways.  

We encourage you to not only listen to Faith Radio on-air and online in real time, but to avail yourselves of other forms through which we communicate - whether its through the various podcast platforms that offer Faith Radio content or the video opportunities, such as our YouTube channel or Meeting House TV on Frazer Christian Television.  We are present on social media, as well - through Facebook, X, and Instagram.