Censorship and Our Children
I watched an interesting video of a man at a school board meeting trying to read aloud from a book in
the children’s section of the library. The board stopped him after one paragraph, saying it was not
appropriate to share that in a room full of adults. The book was a book about sex, including “how to”
perform certain sex acts…with illustrations. This included homosexual activity. No one on the school
board would condemn the book nor its placement in the library.
The discussions that ensued about the video centered around censorship. I was surprised by the number
of people who plainly stated that there should be no censorship, whatsoever. Those, at the best, are
folks without discernment and/or common sense. Of course, many referenced Hitler having books
burned, etc. I engaged one man and asked him if he honestly thought that there should be no
censorship, for any reason. He said that was exactly what he believed. I asked him if it would be ok if a
library stocked a book where child predator wrote about how to successfully lure young children into
dangerous situations. He didn’t answer except to call me a few choice names. I asked him if public
nudity should be allowed, all the time in all public places. Again, just name calling and he was through
“discussing” the subject.
You see, everybody, believes in censorship. The questions are these: Where do we draw the line and
who decides? When it comes to children, the first and best line of sanity should be the parents. And it
usually is. But then our children go off to school. We trust their care and education to the
“professionals”. That, too, works really well…most of the time. But in too many schools indoctrination is
cloaked under the guise of education. That’s where the censoring of certain books should be exercised
first. Are certain books immoral and degrading? Do some books teach unhealthy sexual ethics? Are
certain books beyond the scope of “need to know” by children. Those books need to go. I’m not
advocating for burning the books. Simply throwing them in the trash will suffice.
But…here are those questions: where do we draw the line and who decides where the line is? Parents,
you have the biggest responsibility. Exercise it. Be your children’s moral and ethical educator; do not
leave that up to the school. School board members, stand up for the innocent children and the most
vulnerable of our society.
We should all take this verse into account when leading and teaching our children: “Finally, brothers and
sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians
4:8 NIV)
Say good things about your Savior.
the children’s section of the library. The board stopped him after one paragraph, saying it was not
appropriate to share that in a room full of adults. The book was a book about sex, including “how to”
perform certain sex acts…with illustrations. This included homosexual activity. No one on the school
board would condemn the book nor its placement in the library.
The discussions that ensued about the video centered around censorship. I was surprised by the number
of people who plainly stated that there should be no censorship, whatsoever. Those, at the best, are
folks without discernment and/or common sense. Of course, many referenced Hitler having books
burned, etc. I engaged one man and asked him if he honestly thought that there should be no
censorship, for any reason. He said that was exactly what he believed. I asked him if it would be ok if a
library stocked a book where child predator wrote about how to successfully lure young children into
dangerous situations. He didn’t answer except to call me a few choice names. I asked him if public
nudity should be allowed, all the time in all public places. Again, just name calling and he was through
“discussing” the subject.
You see, everybody, believes in censorship. The questions are these: Where do we draw the line and
who decides? When it comes to children, the first and best line of sanity should be the parents. And it
usually is. But then our children go off to school. We trust their care and education to the
“professionals”. That, too, works really well…most of the time. But in too many schools indoctrination is
cloaked under the guise of education. That’s where the censoring of certain books should be exercised
first. Are certain books immoral and degrading? Do some books teach unhealthy sexual ethics? Are
certain books beyond the scope of “need to know” by children. Those books need to go. I’m not
advocating for burning the books. Simply throwing them in the trash will suffice.
But…here are those questions: where do we draw the line and who decides where the line is? Parents,
you have the biggest responsibility. Exercise it. Be your children’s moral and ethical educator; do not
leave that up to the school. School board members, stand up for the innocent children and the most
vulnerable of our society.
We should all take this verse into account when leading and teaching our children: “Finally, brothers and
sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians
4:8 NIV)
Say good things about your Savior.
We are Not the Government
I said in this column last week that I would speak of benevolence, especially considering how a Christian
should react to an illegal alien. As I said last week, Jesus refused to get tied up in the politics of the day.
People that followed His commands certainly allowed His teachings to affect their political views. He
was clear that we should take care, as much as possible, of people in need.
Church on the Bluff has always been a giving, caring church. However, morally challenged, dishonest,
and scheming people have sought to deceive us (all churches, really). We have to be careful in our
generosity. For instance, we do not give cash to anyone. If they need food, we point them to the Green
Springs Ministry. On rare occasions we have taken them to the Pig and paid for some necessities. We
have paid for an apartment rental but we called the apartment complex and asked if the folks were in
sudden need or did they use churches to pay their rent on a regular basis. We have paid an electricity
bill to prevent the service from being cut off. Again, we call the power company to make sure the
details are correct.
You may not believe the scams we have learned to recognize. One, the “prescription scam”, is easy to
identify. Someone comes in and asks for money to get a prescription filled for their baby/child. Simply
tell them that you will go with them and pay for the prescription. If they say no, it’s because they either
do not have a legal prescription or they are using that prescription at several churches (if they agree, we
do it). The “gas money for an out of state emergency” is popular. But again, the willingness to meet
them at a gas station and pay for the gas usually puts them off. There are many more, and the
inventiveness of a deceitful mind never ceases to amaze me.
But, what about someone who is in this country illegally? How do we navigate those waters? Here is
how we do it: we never ask anyone if they are here illegally. We ask them if they have a need. Food?
Water? Clothing? If they need it and we are able, we help them. Their legal status is a governmental
concern…and we are not the government.
Please don’t get me wrong; I am totally against illegal immigration. If a person breaks the law by
entering our country without authorization, he or she should be sent back to their home country. It is
the law of the land (and yes…a needed law). I would encourage anyone who is here illegally to “self
deport” before you are caught and make your return easier. Then, go through the proper channels to
enter and you will be welcomed with open arms.
Christian, breaking the law puts you at odds with the government. I believe Jesus went out of His way to
make sure He didn’t do that.
Say good things about your Savior.
should react to an illegal alien. As I said last week, Jesus refused to get tied up in the politics of the day.
People that followed His commands certainly allowed His teachings to affect their political views. He
was clear that we should take care, as much as possible, of people in need.
Church on the Bluff has always been a giving, caring church. However, morally challenged, dishonest,
and scheming people have sought to deceive us (all churches, really). We have to be careful in our
generosity. For instance, we do not give cash to anyone. If they need food, we point them to the Green
Springs Ministry. On rare occasions we have taken them to the Pig and paid for some necessities. We
have paid for an apartment rental but we called the apartment complex and asked if the folks were in
sudden need or did they use churches to pay their rent on a regular basis. We have paid an electricity
bill to prevent the service from being cut off. Again, we call the power company to make sure the
details are correct.
You may not believe the scams we have learned to recognize. One, the “prescription scam”, is easy to
identify. Someone comes in and asks for money to get a prescription filled for their baby/child. Simply
tell them that you will go with them and pay for the prescription. If they say no, it’s because they either
do not have a legal prescription or they are using that prescription at several churches (if they agree, we
do it). The “gas money for an out of state emergency” is popular. But again, the willingness to meet
them at a gas station and pay for the gas usually puts them off. There are many more, and the
inventiveness of a deceitful mind never ceases to amaze me.
But, what about someone who is in this country illegally? How do we navigate those waters? Here is
how we do it: we never ask anyone if they are here illegally. We ask them if they have a need. Food?
Water? Clothing? If they need it and we are able, we help them. Their legal status is a governmental
concern…and we are not the government.
Please don’t get me wrong; I am totally against illegal immigration. If a person breaks the law by
entering our country without authorization, he or she should be sent back to their home country. It is
the law of the land (and yes…a needed law). I would encourage anyone who is here illegally to “self
deport” before you are caught and make your return easier. Then, go through the proper channels to
enter and you will be welcomed with open arms.
Christian, breaking the law puts you at odds with the government. I believe Jesus went out of His way to
make sure He didn’t do that.
Say good things about your Savior.
Benevolence During Times Like These
What would Jesus do? In the heated, vicious, and hostile world that politics has become I’ve heard that
question in various forms as non-believers and even believers try to interject Jesus into the political
landscape. Now, make no bones about it, our Christian worldview will most definitely influence the way
we vote. But Jesus never sought to change politics or government. He changed the hearts of people,
who then changed the world in which they lived.
I’ve been told recently that Jesus was a socialist as well as a refugee and that would make His followers
vote this way or behave that way. Jesus went out of His way to distance Himself from the political
world. Do we pay our taxes, or do we support the church? Jesus said give to the government was
demanded and give to God what was His. The Romans lied and cheated people out of their hard earned
money through taxes. Jesus didn’t revolt against the Roman tyranny…but he did change the heart of a
tax collector or two, didn’t He?
Even as He walked this earth, many thought He came to establish a political nation and to right the
wrongs being heaped on the Jewish people. The religious leaders even sought to have Him murdered by
the Romans for treasons. Pilate asked Jesus if He was king of the Jewish nation. Jesus said His kingdom
was not of this world. Jesus wasn’t and isn’t a political figure.
So what would Jesus have us do about the immigration fiasco dividing our nation? I believe He would
say…to His people, not the nation…if someone is in need, try your best to meet that need. If you see
someone hungry, feed that person. If you see someone thirsty, give that person a drink of water. But
what if that person is here illegally? Hunger and thirst know no legal status.
I’ll explain further about what I believe to be the Christian church’s stance on benevolence, both to the
legal and illegal residents. Stay tuned for next week.
Bro. Tony
question in various forms as non-believers and even believers try to interject Jesus into the political
landscape. Now, make no bones about it, our Christian worldview will most definitely influence the way
we vote. But Jesus never sought to change politics or government. He changed the hearts of people,
who then changed the world in which they lived.
I’ve been told recently that Jesus was a socialist as well as a refugee and that would make His followers
vote this way or behave that way. Jesus went out of His way to distance Himself from the political
world. Do we pay our taxes, or do we support the church? Jesus said give to the government was
demanded and give to God what was His. The Romans lied and cheated people out of their hard earned
money through taxes. Jesus didn’t revolt against the Roman tyranny…but he did change the heart of a
tax collector or two, didn’t He?
Even as He walked this earth, many thought He came to establish a political nation and to right the
wrongs being heaped on the Jewish people. The religious leaders even sought to have Him murdered by
the Romans for treasons. Pilate asked Jesus if He was king of the Jewish nation. Jesus said His kingdom
was not of this world. Jesus wasn’t and isn’t a political figure.
So what would Jesus have us do about the immigration fiasco dividing our nation? I believe He would
say…to His people, not the nation…if someone is in need, try your best to meet that need. If you see
someone hungry, feed that person. If you see someone thirsty, give that person a drink of water. But
what if that person is here illegally? Hunger and thirst know no legal status.
I’ll explain further about what I believe to be the Christian church’s stance on benevolence, both to the
legal and illegal residents. Stay tuned for next week.
Bro. Tony
Adaptation, Not Evolution
As you know, I keep a few bees. I try not to write too much about them because I know you would get
bored of me going on and about them. But I was reading an article on honeybees the other day and for
some reason the author decided to jump into the “evolution” of bees. She was speaking about the
effects on the planet if there were no bees. Bees pollinate 70 of the around 100 crop species that feed
90% of the world. If bees were to die off, it would be disastrous for the planet. She then made this
statement: “Many have coevolved with flowers.”
You see, I’ve always pointed to bees as proof that things can’t evolve; they either work perfectly or they
don’t work. So, in that line of thinking, I wondered how flowers would grow and prosper if there was a
time when bees didn’t do what they do. So this person’s logic is that at some point (millions or billions
of years ago) an almost bee-like insect of sorts, kind of almost pollinated flowers but that was ok
because flowers hadn’t evolved to the point of needing pollination. That is a convoluted stretch of the
imagination. But…it is what must have happened (with no proof whatsoever) if people want to believe in
evolution.
It takes a lot of faith to believe that improbable scenario. I believe the simplest, and most rational,
answer is that God created bees and flowers to perfectly complement and sustain each other. One
wouldn’t survive without the other and their presence and purpose in the ecosystem sustains other life.
It is an amazing world of nature that God created to perfectly work together to sustain life. If we evolved
we evolved into perfection then evolution has done its thing and we are perfect…we will not evolve into
anything else that works or functions better.
However, a study from England claims that we are still evolving. Why do they believe that? Because
every generation is getting, as a group, taller. We are smarter and we are physically stronger. That isn’t
evolution, that is adaptation. We understand nutrition and so we eat better. We understand how the
body works so we have better medicines and vitamins, etc. but…understand this…we were humans
when we were created and if mankind survives another billion years, we will be humans when we die.
Bro. Tony
bored of me going on and about them. But I was reading an article on honeybees the other day and for
some reason the author decided to jump into the “evolution” of bees. She was speaking about the
effects on the planet if there were no bees. Bees pollinate 70 of the around 100 crop species that feed
90% of the world. If bees were to die off, it would be disastrous for the planet. She then made this
statement: “Many have coevolved with flowers.”
You see, I’ve always pointed to bees as proof that things can’t evolve; they either work perfectly or they
don’t work. So, in that line of thinking, I wondered how flowers would grow and prosper if there was a
time when bees didn’t do what they do. So this person’s logic is that at some point (millions or billions
of years ago) an almost bee-like insect of sorts, kind of almost pollinated flowers but that was ok
because flowers hadn’t evolved to the point of needing pollination. That is a convoluted stretch of the
imagination. But…it is what must have happened (with no proof whatsoever) if people want to believe in
evolution.
It takes a lot of faith to believe that improbable scenario. I believe the simplest, and most rational,
answer is that God created bees and flowers to perfectly complement and sustain each other. One
wouldn’t survive without the other and their presence and purpose in the ecosystem sustains other life.
It is an amazing world of nature that God created to perfectly work together to sustain life. If we evolved
we evolved into perfection then evolution has done its thing and we are perfect…we will not evolve into
anything else that works or functions better.
However, a study from England claims that we are still evolving. Why do they believe that? Because
every generation is getting, as a group, taller. We are smarter and we are physically stronger. That isn’t
evolution, that is adaptation. We understand nutrition and so we eat better. We understand how the
body works so we have better medicines and vitamins, etc. but…understand this…we were humans
when we were created and if mankind survives another billion years, we will be humans when we die.
Bro. Tony
Christians and War
Should a Christian support war? Should a Christian be willing to serve in the military and fight in a war?
Those questions came up as I was reading the account of the bombing of Afghanistan. There are several
ways of looking at that, as seen in religious doctrines. One way is a straight up activist. When called up,
Christians are to honor the call. The pacifist view is that Christians should not kill, period. Then comes
the selective view that if there is a just cause, Christians should take up arms. All three views reference
the Bible in their defense.
In World War 1 a young man named Alvin York was a new Christian who was drafted. He tried to get a
conscientious exemption from fighting due to his religious beliefs. He failed and went to basic training.
There, he again said he did not feel that a Christian should take a life. He was given a pass to go home
and think it over. After much prayer and Bible study, he found peace in agreeing to fight for his
country. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in a battle where he killed 25 of the enemy and
took over 135 prisoners.
In WW2 Desmond Doss also objected to war because of his religious beliefs but was drafted anyway. He
refused to take up arms to the point they were considering a court martial. It was worked out that he
would be a medic and not carry any weapon. He received a Medal of Honor for saving more than 75
soldiers during the bloody battle called Hacksaw Ridge.
I personally agree with the selectivist view and that God would want us to take up arms to protect the
innocent and preserve our precious freedom. I’ve known many brave Christians who have served, each
one willing to fight for his/her country. I believe that the Lord blessed their time in the service and
honored their faith and courage. As seen in the two instances above, God can, and will, use those of
either persuasion.
Thank you to the men and women who have served. God bless America and happy Independence day!
Bro. Tony
Those questions came up as I was reading the account of the bombing of Afghanistan. There are several
ways of looking at that, as seen in religious doctrines. One way is a straight up activist. When called up,
Christians are to honor the call. The pacifist view is that Christians should not kill, period. Then comes
the selective view that if there is a just cause, Christians should take up arms. All three views reference
the Bible in their defense.
In World War 1 a young man named Alvin York was a new Christian who was drafted. He tried to get a
conscientious exemption from fighting due to his religious beliefs. He failed and went to basic training.
There, he again said he did not feel that a Christian should take a life. He was given a pass to go home
and think it over. After much prayer and Bible study, he found peace in agreeing to fight for his
country. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions in a battle where he killed 25 of the enemy and
took over 135 prisoners.
In WW2 Desmond Doss also objected to war because of his religious beliefs but was drafted anyway. He
refused to take up arms to the point they were considering a court martial. It was worked out that he
would be a medic and not carry any weapon. He received a Medal of Honor for saving more than 75
soldiers during the bloody battle called Hacksaw Ridge.
I personally agree with the selectivist view and that God would want us to take up arms to protect the
innocent and preserve our precious freedom. I’ve known many brave Christians who have served, each
one willing to fight for his/her country. I believe that the Lord blessed their time in the service and
honored their faith and courage. As seen in the two instances above, God can, and will, use those of
either persuasion.
Thank you to the men and women who have served. God bless America and happy Independence day!
Bro. Tony
Make No Comparison
Over six million men, women, and children were systematically slaughtered in a tortuous ethnic
cleansing known as the Holocaust. God’s chosen people were singled out and imprisoned. Some starved
to death, some were shot, and many died in the inhumane gas chambers. Some were even used as lab
rats in “scientific” studies and experiments. I’m sure there were equally barbaric purges in the
uncivilized and immoral societies in ancient history…but nothing can compare to the attempted
annihilation of the Jews during Adolf Hitler’s reign of terror.
So, when I hear people try to equate President Trump to Hitler, it causes me much concern. To do so
trivializes and demeans the hell that was the Holocaust. I really don’t care if you voted for Kamala
Harris, or if you agree with the democratic political platform. If people want to stand around with signs
proclaiming a “No Kings Day” go right ahead. It’s cute and it does no harm to history. I can understand
that if you lean to the left politically, you could see him as the “bad orange man”. That doesn’t erase the
atrocities of a murderous megalomaniac.
But the Holocaust. Please don’t lessen the horrors of what God’s nation endured. Don’t tell folks that
Hitler and the Holocaust are no worse than deporting illegal aliens or bringing in the National Guard to
quiet destructive rebellion equals Germany’s infamous Gestapo. People do a great disservice to
memories of those who were brutally murdered by the Nazis by wielding that unparalleled abomination
as a political whip.
Bro. Tony
cleansing known as the Holocaust. God’s chosen people were singled out and imprisoned. Some starved
to death, some were shot, and many died in the inhumane gas chambers. Some were even used as lab
rats in “scientific” studies and experiments. I’m sure there were equally barbaric purges in the
uncivilized and immoral societies in ancient history…but nothing can compare to the attempted
annihilation of the Jews during Adolf Hitler’s reign of terror.
So, when I hear people try to equate President Trump to Hitler, it causes me much concern. To do so
trivializes and demeans the hell that was the Holocaust. I really don’t care if you voted for Kamala
Harris, or if you agree with the democratic political platform. If people want to stand around with signs
proclaiming a “No Kings Day” go right ahead. It’s cute and it does no harm to history. I can understand
that if you lean to the left politically, you could see him as the “bad orange man”. That doesn’t erase the
atrocities of a murderous megalomaniac.
But the Holocaust. Please don’t lessen the horrors of what God’s nation endured. Don’t tell folks that
Hitler and the Holocaust are no worse than deporting illegal aliens or bringing in the National Guard to
quiet destructive rebellion equals Germany’s infamous Gestapo. People do a great disservice to
memories of those who were brutally murdered by the Nazis by wielding that unparalleled abomination
as a political whip.
Bro. Tony
Slow, Steady Decline
I had an interesting discussion with a group of people who are fervent, conservative Christians. They
were saying that the United States needed to turn back to God, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV “if my
people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from
their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” I
asked them when did our nation turn away from God? Of course they couldn’t pinpoint a particular
time, only agreeing that it had been a slow, yet steady, decline.
I asked if they would advocate only electing Christian politicians and governing by the Bible. That’s when
things began to get confusing. What brand of Christianity? Are liberal Christians okay, or should we just
vote for conservative Christians? Would there be a Christian advisor to the president so that he would
correctly interpret scripture and insert it into the political mainstream? And who would choose this
person? Things get sticky when you get down to it.
Remember, also, that Christian leaders were complicit (or at best silent) when Native Americans were
forced onto reservations and when slavery was legal, as well as when segregation was the law. Christian
leaders do not guarantee a Christian nation. While our scriptural beliefs should, indeed, shape our vote,
remember that we are electing people to represent us in our government. Christianity isn’t about God
directing the government. In the past, popes have held more authority than kings. It didn’t work out
that well…for the church or the government.
So…is 2 Chronicles 7:14 instruction for a God-fearing nation turning back to God? No. Absolutely not.
Read the first part slowly: “if my people (the church) who are called by my name (the church)”. God is
calling His church to repentance. I’m not nearly as concerned with a government as I am with God’s
church. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that watered down, people-pleasing, faint-hearted, wishy-washy
doctrine has turned out leaders that are so prevalent in our government today…leading our nation into
the depravity and foolishness we see today.
The nation repent and turn from wicked ways? Not until the church does.
were saying that the United States needed to turn back to God, citing 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV “if my
people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from
their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” I
asked them when did our nation turn away from God? Of course they couldn’t pinpoint a particular
time, only agreeing that it had been a slow, yet steady, decline.
I asked if they would advocate only electing Christian politicians and governing by the Bible. That’s when
things began to get confusing. What brand of Christianity? Are liberal Christians okay, or should we just
vote for conservative Christians? Would there be a Christian advisor to the president so that he would
correctly interpret scripture and insert it into the political mainstream? And who would choose this
person? Things get sticky when you get down to it.
Remember, also, that Christian leaders were complicit (or at best silent) when Native Americans were
forced onto reservations and when slavery was legal, as well as when segregation was the law. Christian
leaders do not guarantee a Christian nation. While our scriptural beliefs should, indeed, shape our vote,
remember that we are electing people to represent us in our government. Christianity isn’t about God
directing the government. In the past, popes have held more authority than kings. It didn’t work out
that well…for the church or the government.
So…is 2 Chronicles 7:14 instruction for a God-fearing nation turning back to God? No. Absolutely not.
Read the first part slowly: “if my people (the church) who are called by my name (the church)”. God is
calling His church to repentance. I’m not nearly as concerned with a government as I am with God’s
church. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that watered down, people-pleasing, faint-hearted, wishy-washy
doctrine has turned out leaders that are so prevalent in our government today…leading our nation into
the depravity and foolishness we see today.
The nation repent and turn from wicked ways? Not until the church does.
He Sees the Heart
As I stood in line to pay for gas at a local convenience store, I couldn’t help but notice
that the lady in front of me was covered in tattoos … tattoos everywhere … all kinds of
tattoos, with no particular theme. She had a young boy with her who was no more than
four or five and as she paid for her gas, the clerk pulled out a jar of lollipops and asked
the boy if he wanted one. The youngster glanced back at his mom, eyes wide and a big
smile and he asked, “Can I?” She nodded and the boy eagerly reached inside and took
a red one. “Thank you!” He said. As they exited the store he turned and let out an
enthusiastic “Thank you” to the clerk.
“That,” I thought to myself, “Is because his mom is a good mother.” Then I had a pang
of guilt. I have nothing against tattoos. I have family with tattoos. If I think this thing with
Angie is going to work out, I may even get her name tattooed on my arm. Then why did
it surprise me that this lady’s little boy was not running around in the store like a little
demon, talking back to his mother, and grabbing a handful of the coveted suckers?
It’s because I don’t always look at people through God’s eyes. I forget that he doesn’t
see what I see when I look at the young goth girl with pink hair, or the grizzled
motorcycle rider. I forget that God doesn’t care about pigmented skin, dyed hair, or
leather vests. He sees the heart. That’s all. We would do well … I would do well … to
remember that.
that the lady in front of me was covered in tattoos … tattoos everywhere … all kinds of
tattoos, with no particular theme. She had a young boy with her who was no more than
four or five and as she paid for her gas, the clerk pulled out a jar of lollipops and asked
the boy if he wanted one. The youngster glanced back at his mom, eyes wide and a big
smile and he asked, “Can I?” She nodded and the boy eagerly reached inside and took
a red one. “Thank you!” He said. As they exited the store he turned and let out an
enthusiastic “Thank you” to the clerk.
“That,” I thought to myself, “Is because his mom is a good mother.” Then I had a pang
of guilt. I have nothing against tattoos. I have family with tattoos. If I think this thing with
Angie is going to work out, I may even get her name tattooed on my arm. Then why did
it surprise me that this lady’s little boy was not running around in the store like a little
demon, talking back to his mother, and grabbing a handful of the coveted suckers?
It’s because I don’t always look at people through God’s eyes. I forget that he doesn’t
see what I see when I look at the young goth girl with pink hair, or the grizzled
motorcycle rider. I forget that God doesn’t care about pigmented skin, dyed hair, or
leather vests. He sees the heart. That’s all. We would do well … I would do well … to
remember that.
Apply Biblical Truth
According to my email for just today, I have won two tool sets, an expensive cooler, a Nintendo, and a
Coleman hot tub. Not only that, I also have three different packages out for delivery, but they were
unable to deliver them for some reason and need my name and address. Am I a fortunate man, or
what?
Well, I have won nothing and there are no undeliverable packages en route to my home. This sort of
attempt to get personal mail is called “phishing”. When I give them the information they want, I will not
hear from them again. At best, they will sell my address and email address to folks, or, if I give them any
financial information, they could steal money from me.
There are evil, unscrupulous, thieves in this world, aren’t there? There are folks out there who are
unethical and have no sense of morals, outside of their own conniving minds and selfishness. As I said
last week, that is why the Bible is, and always will be, relevant. But…let me take that a step further and
give the reason.
Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) tells us: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint”. The revelation
spoken of is the Word of God. Without the Word of God, there will be nothing to restrain the evil hearts
of humankind. Think about it: who says there should be a family unit consisting of one man and one
woman? What authority tells us that there are only two sexes? Where do we get the idea that sex
outside of marriage is wrong? I could go on with a large list of things that the Bible tells us that calls for
restraint. To take the Bible out of the collective consciousness will result in chaos and disorder.
We can certainly see that in the actions of people today. You can’t believe the Bible and say that same
sex relationships are good. You can’t believe it and say that transgenderism is normal and healthy. You
can’t apply Biblical truth and say that abortion is just another method of contraception. So what does a
society do? They just disregard the Bible and the accompanying Christian beliefs. You don’t have to
look very hard to see that in our nation.
Coleman hot tub. Not only that, I also have three different packages out for delivery, but they were
unable to deliver them for some reason and need my name and address. Am I a fortunate man, or
what?
Well, I have won nothing and there are no undeliverable packages en route to my home. This sort of
attempt to get personal mail is called “phishing”. When I give them the information they want, I will not
hear from them again. At best, they will sell my address and email address to folks, or, if I give them any
financial information, they could steal money from me.
There are evil, unscrupulous, thieves in this world, aren’t there? There are folks out there who are
unethical and have no sense of morals, outside of their own conniving minds and selfishness. As I said
last week, that is why the Bible is, and always will be, relevant. But…let me take that a step further and
give the reason.
Proverbs 29:18 (NIV) tells us: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint”. The revelation
spoken of is the Word of God. Without the Word of God, there will be nothing to restrain the evil hearts
of humankind. Think about it: who says there should be a family unit consisting of one man and one
woman? What authority tells us that there are only two sexes? Where do we get the idea that sex
outside of marriage is wrong? I could go on with a large list of things that the Bible tells us that calls for
restraint. To take the Bible out of the collective consciousness will result in chaos and disorder.
We can certainly see that in the actions of people today. You can’t believe the Bible and say that same
sex relationships are good. You can’t believe it and say that transgenderism is normal and healthy. You
can’t apply Biblical truth and say that abortion is just another method of contraception. So what does a
society do? They just disregard the Bible and the accompanying Christian beliefs. You don’t have to
look very hard to see that in our nation.
Nothing Has Changed
The cycle has begun: A new pope and a call for a more “progressive” church. Society cries out again for a
church that changes with the times. “Things have changed,” they shout, “we know more now than they
did thousands of years ago. The church needs to catch up.” My question is: what do we know now that
we didn’t know then that would change the doctrine of churches?
What do we know about homosexuality that enlightened us about same sex desires? We do not know
what causes same sex attraction. Is it nature? Are we born that way? Is it nurture? Does culture mold us
to be like that? The fact is that the brightest of true scientists have no idea. All we truly know is that
carnal minds are accepting and tend to be supportive of that lifestyle…Just like they were two thousand
years ago. Nothing has changed.
The same goes for transgenderism and abortion. A fallen and depraved world wants the church to
approve of such and just move on. But we can’t. The Bible doesn’t need to change. Why? Because it
was a perfect book when written and it is still that perfect book. You see, people haven’t changed in
these thousands of years. Sure, we may be smarter about some things, able to do rocket stuff, and
certainly the 1965 Mustang is prettier than the rough wagons pulled by donkeys…but the Bible wasn’t
written to give us those things. The Bible was given to us so that the corrupt heart of fallen man could
be made into a heart that reflected the character and purpose of a holy God. And the heart of mankind
has not changed. Not one bit.
The lust of the heart today is exactly like the lustful heart of people thousands of years ago. Our hearts
and lifestyles still harbor hate, greed, anger, selfishness, and jealousies as we seek power and authority.
And, yes, people still want to act on deviant sexual desires. That's what the Bible addresses. That’s what
the Bible seeks to change. Every one of those carnal yearnings dishonor the character and purpose of
God. And they bring pain, heartache, troubles, and darkness into the lives of His creation.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
church that changes with the times. “Things have changed,” they shout, “we know more now than they
did thousands of years ago. The church needs to catch up.” My question is: what do we know now that
we didn’t know then that would change the doctrine of churches?
What do we know about homosexuality that enlightened us about same sex desires? We do not know
what causes same sex attraction. Is it nature? Are we born that way? Is it nurture? Does culture mold us
to be like that? The fact is that the brightest of true scientists have no idea. All we truly know is that
carnal minds are accepting and tend to be supportive of that lifestyle…Just like they were two thousand
years ago. Nothing has changed.
The same goes for transgenderism and abortion. A fallen and depraved world wants the church to
approve of such and just move on. But we can’t. The Bible doesn’t need to change. Why? Because it
was a perfect book when written and it is still that perfect book. You see, people haven’t changed in
these thousands of years. Sure, we may be smarter about some things, able to do rocket stuff, and
certainly the 1965 Mustang is prettier than the rough wagons pulled by donkeys…but the Bible wasn’t
written to give us those things. The Bible was given to us so that the corrupt heart of fallen man could
be made into a heart that reflected the character and purpose of a holy God. And the heart of mankind
has not changed. Not one bit.
The lust of the heart today is exactly like the lustful heart of people thousands of years ago. Our hearts
and lifestyles still harbor hate, greed, anger, selfishness, and jealousies as we seek power and authority.
And, yes, people still want to act on deviant sexual desires. That's what the Bible addresses. That’s what
the Bible seeks to change. Every one of those carnal yearnings dishonor the character and purpose of
God. And they bring pain, heartache, troubles, and darkness into the lives of His creation.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)