Navigating the Minefield of Immoral Social Issues

Sometimes I feel as though I know what it must have been like to walk in the shoes of the first Century Christians. Once you have been introduced to Jesus and decided you want a deep, abiding relationship with Him, you often find yourself at odds with Society's standards and principles of behavior. I'm not talking about becoming hypocritically religious, which can look like the Pharisees, whom Jesus called "whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside, but full of dead men's bones and every kind of impurity". No, I'm talking about how we walk among our fellow citizens, who reject and spurn our God and our decisions to try and live righteous lives.

I'm actually thinking of what it must have been like to live in a society that was steeped in the worship of pagan gods and the rituals of sacrifice to an unholy deity. At every turn these early Christians were met with pagan images, symbols, and icons on personal items, public buildings, temples, over doorposts and even in the response to a sneeze: "Jupiter, bless you!" But are we that different? Americans drink out of Starbucks cups emblazoned with a pagan goddess/seductress (attributed to Lilith, Mélusine, or various Nordic pagan sirens). Less subtle, but nonetheless prolific is the increasingly obvious appearance of Baphomet, the goat-headed man with hermaphrodite features who is prominent in Freemason and Knights Templar lore. [NOTE: In 2014, a statue of this pagan icon was made and suggested by Satanists to be placed at the Oklahoma State Capitol building in opposition to the Ten Commandments statue. Thankfully, the state's Supreme Court overruled this proposition. The same thing happened in Arkansas in 2018]. 

But, still, our society is full of logos and symbols that provide subliminal messages regarding pagan and unbiblical ideology. For example, there is the Apple logo, applauding the temptation of Eve; and the CBS logo depicting the all-seeing eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian god who is supposed to represent well-being, healing, and protection. We are also inundated nearly everyday with the Disney logo, and its hidden 666 motif. [Note: You might think I'm over-reaching in my statement regarding the beloved Disney franchise, but I invite you to read a couple of my past posts, here and here]. And before I move on, consider the Chrysler logo: which incorporates the winged god Ahura Mazda. "Mazda" means wisdom, while "Ahura" stands for lord in Avestan, an Iranian language. It is also the name of the god of the Iranian religion Zoroastrianism. While, we as Christians, do not legitimize the pagan religious underpinnings of these symbols and logos, they still are exercising hidden and unconscious spiritual influence in our realm. 

We can also see the effects of the power of hidden pagan rituals in our culture, whether we are conscious of them or not. Abortion is the perfect example. The sacrifice of children is a ritual thousands of years old. We are all familiar with the horrific sacrifices of children to the pagan god, Molek [or Molech], in the Bible. Leviticus 18:21 specifically says, "You must not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molek, for you must not profane [desecrate, treat with disrespect] the name of your God." But are you familiar with Numbers 5:11-31, where instructions are given for inducing an abortion... it is known as a test for an unfaithful wife [or adultery test], a ritual to be used by priests against women accused by their husbands of unfaithfulness. The ritual involves the drinking of "bitter water", a concoction that will abort any pregnancy that results from "having sexual relations with a man other than their husband".  

So, by now you're probably thinking, what am I supposed to do with this information, or maybe, how do I walk out my faith in a corrupt and sinful world that promulgates and promotes ideology that displeases our holy God and offends me? While we are to necessarily avoid partaking or agreeing in such practices, we are also told to show the love of Christ to others in the hopes of leading them to abandon their sinful ways and accept Jesus's invitation for eternal life.

Although we disagree with these practices and belief systems because of our faith, we also have a part to play in the public life of our society. How are we to walk that tightrope? Let me share the Roman Christian theologian and writer, Tertullian's comments to those whom we are not in agreement with (c. 155 - c. 220): We live in the world with you. We do not forsake forum ... or bath ... or workshop, or inn, or market, or any other place of commerce. We sail with you, fight with you, farm with you ... We do not go to your feasts but we patronize your industries. We do not buy laurel crowns but we buy flowers. We do not buy incense for temples but we do for burial. We do not contribute to the temples but we give more for alms than you do. We improve business in that we do not defraud. 

In other words, we recognize that we are in this world, but are not of this world; we are in a foreign kingdom and not in our true home. We are not to love this world or anything in it; so while we are to love others as Jesus loved them, we are not to compromise our Christian morals or God's Word. And that can certainly mean that we will be hated and ridiculed when confronted with a moral dilemma like that which has arisen around a new reality series, called "Back to the Frontier", and hosted by Christian couple Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of the hit series, "Fixer Upper".

The controversy has arisen because the Gaines's intentionally included a same-sex couple on the show. The show transports three families back to the 1880s where they have to give up modern comforts in exchange for a horse and buggy lifestyle. While I have never seen the show, apparently there has been a strong backlash against the show and its hosts by their largely Christian audience. And the hosts are angry at Believers who do not condone what can be construed as approval for an unbiblical view of human sexuality, marriage, and family. Gaines has fired back, saying, "It's a sad Sunday when 'non believers' have not been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian... It's too much to ask of our modern American Christian culture to talk, ask questions,listen or maybe even learn... [Instead] we judge first, and understand later ... or never".

Now, here's the response from the same-sex spouses .... "Representation matters deeply -- especially for those who are still finding the courage to live their truth. When families like ours are visible, it opens doors for others to feel safe, loved, and validated. Visibility isn't just about being seen; it's about making sure no one feels alone." Ironically, I'm concerned that Christians are increasingly made to feel alone for their beliefs as we watch our faith belittled and our culture accepting and agreeing with lifestyles that our God does not condone. I find it difficult to find any TV show or movie that does not push the gay lifestyle, to the point of including graphic sex scenes. 

What makes me really sad is that I have come to know many gay people, some whom I consider good friends. But we respect each other and I never feel that they expect me to compromise my beliefs in my faith. At the same time, I know that God loves them and we are all sinners. I pray that He convicts them of their sins, just as I want Him to convict me of mine. I thought it was interesting that the same-sex couple defended those "who are still finding the courage to live their truth". But in doing so, they are blinded to the fact that it is God's truth we are to live. I agree with Franklin Graham, who when commenting on this social firestorm, said,"While we are to love people, we should love them enough to tell them the truth of God's Word. His Word is absolute Truth. God love us, and His design for marriage is between one man and one woman. Promoting something that God defines as sin is in itself, sin". 

So, our Society and Culture are continuing to ramp up the promotion of sin and rebellion against God's Truth and His ways. But why are we surprised? The Bible tells us it will happen, and that we will be hated, just as our Lord and Savior was. As  Society embraces, more and more, the sins of this world, we will find ourselves trying to navigate those minefields and hazards that threaten to overcome us as we struggle to defend the Faith while loving others. It's time to straighten our backbone and strengthen our resolve to represent Christ in times of perseverance and endurance. We must be prepared to stand in strength of character and firm dedication to Christ, while we correct in Love as we guide others to righteousness with the help of the Holy Spirit. We are about to enter a new paradigm of what it means to be a true Christian. May we have the determination and strength of will that our First Century Brethren embodied. God be with us!

1 John 2:17.     The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever. 

 

   

 

Righteous Judges Are A Moral Imperative For America!

If you've been paying attention to the lawlessness in our nation, then it can't have escaped your notice that those who have been elected or appointed to govern us have betrayed our trust. The list is long, but today I'm talking specifically about Judges who have broken laws and oaths; committed immoral misconduct; sidestepped the law for political biases; or behaved as activist judges while pursuing judicial overreach. Any or all of these indiscretions undermine the foundation of our national governance, unity, and security. 

As a Christian, I would like to think that our judicial system, comprised of judges and courts, are modeled after God's decision to appoint Judges over Israel in the Old Testament. But a closer look at the history in the Bible and the founding of our nation shows a lack of congruence. In the Old Testament, God sought after and appointed individuals who could be righteous leaders; rightly guiding their people through chaotic and volatile times. They were spiritual intercessors and deliverers of His messages to the people, leading them through their cycles of disobedience and rebellion, repentance and victory. They were oftentimes military commanders and intermediaries for peace. They prayed for the people and sought God's will in all decisions. These judicial appointees had to be men of truth who feared YHWH and hated coveting; champions of God's Law and Justice. 

One aspect of Old Testament judges that fascinates me is their role as military commanders. Whether Israel faced threats from external forces or internal chaos, their leadership role was to provide unity among the citizens and victory against oppressors. Their decisions often-times required courage, moral backbone, and Divine strategies that determined the fate of Israel and other nations, as well. The Bible Analysis website drives home the fact that the Judges of ancient Israel possessed a unique aspect in their governance style -- they intertwined faith [resulting in spiritual restoration] with their military actions for national survival. 

While Old Testament Judges were required to have faith in YHWH and His promises, while praying and seeking God's will for the common good of the people, there are no such stipulations or qualification required for our judges according to the U.S. Constitution. In fact, our recent history of judges who have violated their oaths of office [and the laws of this land!] through personal or political bias has been astoundingly obvious. 

Modern day judges take an oath whereby they "do solemnly swear (or affirm) they will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that they will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon them as [the office they were appointed or elected to] under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God." I think it has become glaringly apparent that they fear no repercussions if they choose to follow their own conscience [or that of powerful influences]. 

If only they contended for God like King Jehoshaphat in appointing judges in the nation of Judah. He placed all the judges in office, city by city, and said to them: Take heed what you do: for you judge not for man, but for YHWH, who is with you in the judgment... And he charged them, saying, This you shall do in the fear of YHWH, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. 

As much as we like to say that our government is based on Christian principles, how can we believe that, when God's law requires judges to fear Him, while the Constitution bans the same qualification? Under Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution, the only requirement seems to be that judges are to be men and women of good behavior. But what is the Constitution's definition of "good behavior". If left up to men, the lack of a definitive guide for what good behavior is, it simply becomes a term left up to the discretion of the individual. Can we agree that Good Behavior can [and should] be defined only from the boundaries of God and His established morality? 

So, that brings me to this salient point ... We, as Americans, need to demand that our elected and appointed judges be kept to a standard of the law that meets God's moral guidelines and criteria. That means, as a society, we should no longer tolerate the circus we've seen over the last few years of prejudice, partiality, political discrimination, and flagrant misrule and mayhem in our legal system. We're better than this! Or, at least, we need to recognize that the direction we've come from and where we're headed indicates how far off the [narrow] path we are!

Who could have imagined, just 20 or 30 years ago, that our country would be experiencing a flood of millions of criminal and illegal people, resulting in innocent citizens being murdered and terrorized; many of whom are arrested but allowed to go free by activist judges?  And as writer, Jack Hibbs, has pointed out in his article on Harbinger's Daily, the state of Texas is the target of a scary Islamic movement that would see the creation of an Islamic city in which to establish Sharia law. Will this become a reality; two completely diametric models of governance? One in which King Jehoshaphat would be appalled? YHWH will definitely not be with this city in their judgments! As Hibbs writes, "Make no mistake, this is equivalent to the Old Testament establishment of "high places" of pagan worship centers".

So, if we consider ourselves a Christian nation, where are the Churches and the pastors? We've already seen the degradation of our nation through the laws that offend our God, having allowed abortion; marriages between same-sex partners; changing the genders of His created children; the creeping tolerance and excuses that leads to the acceptance of pedophilia [Hibbs reports that "yet again, California has lessened the laws against pedophilia"]. Where does it end? I'm afraid in judgment of America!

There are millions of Americans that are riding high on our recent political elections and appointments. But a political revival doesn't equal a moral and spiritual restoration, which is what we desperately need. In summary, I'd like to refer us to a study at biblehub.com regarding King Jehoshaphat's reign. After forming an unrighteous alliance with wicked King Ahab, Jehoshaphat is confronted by Jehu, the seer, for helping the wicked and loving those who hate God; actions that would invoke God's wrath and judgment. He travels throughout the kingdom of Judah, with the express purpose of bringing the people back to God through repentance. He appoints judges who will act with justice and the fear of God, without partiality or bribery, and emphasizing his commitment to righteousness, justice, and God's law.

It was his leadership and devotion to God that rescued Judah from God's judgment. He knew that repentance was necessary for his appointed judges to restore Israel back into God's grace. This nation needs that same understanding. But it's going to take a national embrace of repentance -- not just from the righteous citizens, but from the political leaders and the elected and appointed judges, as well. This nation may still be in the glow of what they perceive a political victory, but that's not enough to avoid God's wrath. 

We citizens must pray and cry out with intercession for the hearts of all Americans! Pray that God will raise up leaders who are willing to forego their personal power, influence, and wealth to return us to a nation that fears and reveres Jesus Christ! Pray that the pastors in the Churches are willing to be courageous in the pulpit, putting aside their reputations and luke-warm sermons, to confront the leaders as Jehu did to Jehoshophat. Let them be more concerned about offending God than offending the people in the pews. 

When we lack repentance as a nation, we worship ourselves, rather than our God who, I believe, founded this nation as a beacon of His love, moral character, and justice. We've got to re-establish God's moral laws, and it begins with moral judges dedicated to manifesting His righteous judgment. When, we as a nation, can rule from God's moral character, we need not fear God's wrath. Rather, like in 2 Chronicles 20, we will see our enemies destroy themselves.

2 Chronicles 19:5-7.     He [Jehoshaphat] appointed judges in the land in all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, and he said to the judges, "Be careful what you do, for you do not judge for man, but for the LORD who is with you in the matter of judgment. So now let the fear [reverent awe] of the Lord be on you [to keep you from making unjust decisions]; be careful in what you do, for there is no injustice with the LORD our God, or partiality, or acceptance of a bribe".

 

Our Need to Rediscover God's Biblical Truth

For some time now, I have recognized that the path that I have been on to discover Biblical Truth for myself is somewhat distinct from other Christians that I have encountered. I didn't grow up in the Church, and in fact, did not come to my salvation until my early 30s. Perhaps that plays a part in distinguishing my walk with the Lord. And, furthermore, perhaps that is why I have not fallen for the deception that I see infiltrating the organized Church. I'm going to be honest and forthcoming here ... my heart grieves for what I can only describe as "religion that is false"; a system of faith and worship that lacks the underpinnings of absolute trust in Jesus/God, a complete understanding of His plan of redemption for mankind, and an infallible knowledge of His Word and Character.

Instead, as I minister and interact with my fellow Christians, [whom I continue to love and serve with] I see too many people graduating from online religious "universities" with fancy-titled degrees, but yet have no simple recognition of the Scriptures I quote. I see too many people who constantly seek prayer for everything they do, whether out of fear or uncertainty in their walk. I see too many people willing to put their eternal future in the hands of a self-proclaimed "prophet" who teaches and preaches words that tickle their ears. It seems that Christians today are more interested in finding ways to convince God to make their lives more comfortable and happier, than they are in seeking ways to know Him deeper, serve Him more faithfully, and die to themselves, that they might gain true life in Him. 

I have heard other authors refer to this scenario as "religious humanism", but I'm even suspect of this form of terminology because it still focuses on man, not God! Religious humanism is explained as centering on "human needs, interests, and abilities", within the framework of organized religion or congregational traditions. But that is exactly why I'm concerned about the state of the Church! Just like secular humanism, it's belief system is centered on man, not God! Why aren't our religious institutions instructing their members about God's needs, interests, and abilities?!? Have we forgotten that we are subject to Him, not the other way around? 

How did we get so far off track from what Jesus taught and what the Church in the Book of Acts knew -- That His Holiness, His Sovereignty, His Righteousness, and His Justice, are just as important as His Love, Mercy, and Grace? I am seeing far too many people living out of their souls, rather than connecting to God through their spirits. And I am constantly amazed that far too many Christians are unaware that they are a three-part being; body, soul, and spirit. Because our soul consists of our mind [our thoughts and opinions], our emotions [feelings and responses of our flesh], and our free will [the ability to make decisions based on those thoughts and feelings], we often smother our spirit, who is our true identity, made in the image of God, and our direct link to Him. 

If your soul is smothering your spirit, you cannot hear or receive the voice of our Creator, who through the Holy Spirit is always ready to give us His wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and fear of the Lord. If you can't hear Him, you can't receive those gifts and will most likely fall prey to human or demonic influences, which are far less rewarding than anything God wants to give you. 

I can remember a specific night when, while watching a documentary about a ministry that introduced the mighty love of Christ to people who desperately wanted a relationship with Him, that I was suddenly overcome with the weight and reality of my sinful nature, and I found myself weeping uncontrollably as I asked Jesus to forgive me and accept my repentance for all the ways I had sinned and hurt Him. One minute I was sitting on my couch moved by the testimonies of others, and the next minute, I felt the overwhelming pain of what my sins cost Him. I realized then, that although I had previously asked Him into my heart and been baptized, that that experience now seemed like a superficial human act of compliance to the traditions of the Church. This ... this was a supernatural experience in which I understood, for the first time, just what my life was worth to my Savior -- that He loved me so much that He would suffer so greatly for me, so that I could be redeemed and we could begin a deeper relationship as I entered into a lifetime of service to Him. 

I cannot stress enough how important it is to open your Bible and begin an earnest study of God's Word. It is there that you can begin to meet Him and grow in your understanding and commitment. It is where you will find the depth of His commitment to us; and what He expects back from us in this mutual relationship. It is where you will find His promises that extend far beyond anything the world offers. We often hear of the "mysteries of God", but there are no mysteries when you seek Him in His Word. I have quoted this verse often (it is my husband's favorite) ... Proverbs 25:2 says, It is the Glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to search it out. Our Father in Heaven loves it when we search for the clues He leaves us to answer our questions. And it is definitely true that the Holy Spirit will reveal more as you seek more. 

Our God is so much bigger than we've ever been taught. But when all you hear is that God is love and grace and mercy (which He is!), and you don't hear that He is also righteous and just, then you don't really need to be concerned about the consequences of your actions ... He's going to always love you, right? And there is a huge void in the Church regarding those attributes, which has greatly affected our culture and societal morals. It then becomes all about us, and our needs, and our desires. If you aren't conscious that God is Holy and Righteous, above all else, then you aren't going to worry about what He thinks about killing your unborn child. As a society, we are focused on the conditions of our lifestyle, instead of the conditions of our heart and spirit, where Jesus resides. 

As we long as we "do not forsake the gathering together" in our church houses on Sunday, we can convince ourselves that we are good Christians. But the rest of that passage exhorts us to meet for instruction and to encourage each other to no longer sin [after receiving the knowledge of the truth] so that we can avoid divine judgment, should we continue to willfully and deliberately sin. Just meeting together on a Sunday doesn't atone for our continuance in sin. The Church should be equipping us for the spiritual war that is waging all around us in the spiritual realms right now! We desperately need to understand that, just as the saints in the Book of Acts did. We have a spiritual responsibility to go into the world and not only expose the darkness in our midst, but instruct and train and disciple our fellow man to serve the One True God and His Kingdom here on earth! Sadly, America and her churches have failed in this duty. And please don't try to convince me that we are primarily a Christian nation. Does our society and culture bear the fruit of that label?  

I do not write this post to discourage or malign. I write to pour out the frustration and sadness of my heart as I see that we have fallen far short of the honor and praise that is due our Messiah and Savior. I love this nation. It is still the best place on earth to live. But for how long? I sincerely worry that our shallow demonstrations of covenant with our God are deteriorating, and that a false representation of what Jesus modeled for us has no imperishable foundation. Our churches pray for revival, but why would God trust us to defend and fight for how He would want to revive us? We've allowed His marriage covenant to be perverted; His sanctity of life to be rejected; and the bodies of our children to be corrupted, modified, and altered beyond His design. We need the bold and courageous spirit of Jesus's followers in the First Century to be sown into our spiritual lives. We need to rediscover the truth of the Bible and the perfect, immutable, power of His Word to awaken in our land. I know this is not my eternal home, but I pray that we can make it as close to Heaven as we can. 

Psalm 119:160     The sum of Your Word is Truth (the full meaning of all Your precepts), and every one of Your righteous ordinances endures forever.