When the Facade Crumbles

Prelude: I never thought I would use my blog to post something like this. However, I still hold out the hope that I will keep the “social” in social media. Just so you know, I am not aligned with a political party. I believe in God, that the Bible is His written word to us, that Jesus is the Living Word, and that we are created to bring Him glory.

I have been watching, off and on, different reports of the “protests” taking place in our nation’s capital today (January 6, 2021). This time it is not those we would label as flaming liberals, anarchists, communists, socialists, terrorists, etc. This time it is in the guise of those who would otherwise call themselves conservatives, patriots, law abiding, and, in many cases, Christians. It raises many questions such as: Why do I see more Trump flags than American flags?; Why are a law-and-order president’s supporters showing or, at the very least, allowing such disregard for law and order?; How long will it be before I hear this despicable behavior being blamed on the other side?; and, honestly now, why are people behaving in such a way that we can’t even watch “The Price Is Right” because all the major networks are focused on this embarrassment?

The gospels of Matthew and Luke record Jesus saying that a tree is known by its fruit. (Matthew 12:33 and Luke 6:44) In other words, you can hang a sign on an apple tree that says “Orange Tree” but it will still produce apples. Whatever label they may give themselves (and it does vary depending on the individual event and participants), thugs are thugs. The end does not justify the means. It never has and it never will. The facade will eventually crumble.

I also watched president elect, Joe Biden, speak during this crisis. In all honesty, I believe he was not only saying what needed to be said but he has begun to lead the nation, two weeks before his inauguration, while the current president addressed the lawlessness via a weak tweet. I am looking forward to seeing our future president’s actions match his remarks about protecting democracy.

A word of moderation: Representative MarkWayne Mullin, of Oklahoma, has shared that those committing violence do not represent the majority of the people who are pretesting and that those committing violence should be prosecuted. Agreed. Along the same lines, in the ekklesia, the body of Christ, we are charged to “purge the evil from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) Even though we do not ask for them to cause problems, we are responsible for policing our membership and ridding ourselves of the frauds. The same should hold for groups who raise a voice and present themselves in force. You need to be accountable for those in your midst. From the protestors in Seattle to those in Washington DC, call the evil ones out. Make sure everyone knows they are not a part of you. Distance yourselves from them.

A sentence about my observation of the network news media: During the past four years, especially the past few months, news “reporting” has unashamedly surrendered its facade to personal commentary, opinion, and negative name calling and labeling.

Finally, true followers of Christ reflect the life of Christ in their own spirits, attitudes, communications, and actions. Jesus lived in a time when His people were oppressed by Rome and their own leaders, both civil and religious. Jesus never took part in, condoned, or encouraged rebellion against authorities. He addressed the wrongs but never lost His focus on pointing people to His Father and glorifying Him. 

“One nation, under God”? Not today. Not in our capitol. Not in their hearts.

2020: Can We See Clearly?

(Written after reading Amos 4.)

Is a wildfire sent by God as punishment for sin? How about hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, famines, plagues, pandemics, and the like? Are they divine occurrences, “natural” circumstances, or permanent consequences of the fall of man (Genesis 3:17) but unrelated to mankind’s current refusal to submit to God as kurios? Is it as “cut and dried” as many think?

Where, in the Bible, did the people of God remain faithful as a whole and suffer disaster? Yes, there were individuals who remained faithful and suffered. They are heroes of the faith: Joshua and Caleb, Daniel and his three friends, Jeremiah, the disciples, etc. But their faithfulness stood out against a backdrop of unfaithfulness on the part of the people as a whole. On the other hand, the Israelites where all made slaves in Egypt and this is not specifically identified as being caused by their sinfulness but, rather, by the Egyptians wickedness (Exodus 1:8ff). Does the fact that God saved them from the plagues that fell upon the Egyptians and delivered them from that slavery negate the fact that they suffered as slaves?

From an argumentative standpoint, all have sinned and the wages of sin is death. So, we are all guilty. That argument, however, must include that many have repented and are secure in the hands of God. Sin continues but so does repentance and forgiveness. There is a distinct, important, and eternal difference between sin as a permanent foundation upon which a life is built and sin that is confessed and forgiven. King David was an adulterer, a murderer, and a man after God’s own heart. Such is possible only through God’s mercy and grace when a sinner repents.

When God forgives sin, He removes its guilt from us. The guilt penalty/price was repeatedly paid by sacrificed animals and has been eternally paid by Jesus on the cross. That is what atonement is. That is what atonement does. (Leviticus 10:17; 16:30; Psalm 103:12; Romans 4:7; Ephesians 2:5; etc.)

But people as a whole, particularly nations and specific people groups, remain unrepentant and continue to bear the penalty. When they continue in sin—denying, deflecting, and/or defending it—are they subject to God’s wrath? Would God—does God—bring punishment on them? What form does that punishment take? Did God only use plagues and disasters in nature as a punishment in Bible times? If so, what does He use now? If not, how do we distinguish between God’s wrath and, say, the natural shifting of tectonic plates or development of weather patterns?

The truth will set us free. But do we declare our own version of truth or do we seek God’s Truth?

Such thoughts and discussions can be interesting, even fascinating, and can certainly be time consuming. But we should desire that they be productive. It is vital that we focus our examination to inside the circumference of our own arms' reach. A good starting point can be Amos 5:12-15.

Sometimes People Leave

(It is probably "bad form" to air a grievance or complain about a problem while it is happening. I am happy to say that is not the case here. It is simply on my mind.)

It happens. People leave churches.

Earlier in my ministry, I talked another staff member out of resigning in anger. Frankly, his anger was justified and his staying only made matters worse. (Note: A disgruntled staff member does not engender goodwill in a congregation.) Following his eventual and inevitable departure, an older deacon, we will call him “Fernando Verde”, shared that he learned many years before that it is best to let someone go without trying to talk them out of it.

Since that day, I have followed that advice. The following is my policy, thanks to “Fernando”:

If/when someone leaves/resigns/quits or announces they will, I do not try to talk them out of it.

1. If you have been in prayer about it and believe God is leading you to do it, I would be working against God if I tried to talk you out of it.

2. If it is a decision you have come to on your own but without being convicted or convinced that it is God’s will, it would not be good for you to be persuaded by me if you are not persuaded by God.

Exception: I will try to talk you out of it if God clearly directs me to do it. (This has not yet happened.)

Thoughts—

It is not on me or about me. Your choices/decisions are yours. You need to own them. If you are truly following God, Hallelujah! Move on in joy! If you are following your own direction, you need to take the steps necessary to get back on course, i.e. admit it, ask forgiveness, accept forgiveness, do what can and should be done to fix it where possible, and humbly start again. And, yes, if you are following your own direction and do not believe you need to take those steps, it is better for the fellowship of our congregation if you move on.

Something To Chew On

“Don’t put so much food in your mouth all at once and wait until you chew and swallow what’s already there before you take another bite!” That compound sentence is taken from the files of, “Things My Parents Had To Tell Me Too Many Times.” The urgency of the moment did not allow for a thorough account of the rationale behind it. The basic idea was, “Do what you are told and you will eventually understand… hopefully… maybe… someday… if we let you live.” Agreement, understanding, and wisdom may have been in short supply but past experience had instilled a sufficient measure of fear and a more exhaustive level of mastication immediately commenced.

Having finished reading Jeremiah yesterday, this morning’s devotion time included beginning Lamentations. Normally this would include several chapters, perhaps twenty minutes to half an hour or more. But this morning ended up just being that first chapter. Even before finishing the second verse, it was clear that it was too much, too fast. The need to more fully chew on it and swallow before moving on was clear.

Jerusalem had fallen and, with it, the last hope for Judah. The writer portrays the emotions, the questions, the grief, the bewilderment, the inevitability, the feelings of betrayal, the loss, and the despair so vividly and within such a relative economy of words. Had they ignored what was coming? Was it the worst of all nightmares? Were they dumbfounded? Did they deserve it? Was God’s wrath more than they could bear? Was there enormous regret and grief? Were their spiritual weaknesses now exposed and undeniable? Were they overwhelmed with shame and embarrassment? Did they plead for help?

Yes. To all those questions, the answer is a shivering, “Yes”.

There was no way to read those twenty-two verses without recognizing the course our nation has been on for a very long time. It is as if one is looking into a future—being given a preview of coming attractions—to which we have been prepaying our admission. And it seems to be a future to which we have finally and fatally arrived.

Who will save us? The answer God gave Solomon remains true today. "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

Since God always keeps his promises (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 103:17) and in light of 2 Chronicles 7:14, why is our nation not being healed? Where do we point the finger of blame?

When God Isn't Enough

Christians, followers of Christ, believers, children of God… We know who we are. We are born again, saved, redeemed, reconciled to God, forgiven, predestined for Heaven, and the recipients of eternal life. Not only that, we have “Heaven on Earth” as the Holy Spirit lives within us. He is all we need. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

We are very capable of telling others how much our relationship with God means to us and that He is our “very present help in times of trouble.” They may be slaves of the world but our treasures are in Heaven. Their hope is in material gain or power but our hope is in Him who carries us through every trial and tribulation.

Until God isn’t enough.

And that seems to be the case more and more. I have a lot of friends (hundreds on Facebook alone) and many, if not most, are card carrying Christians. Yet, in increasing quantities, the testimony I read in posts is this: When life gets you down, when the stress of the work day has piled high, when you need to unload and catch a moment of peace… (this is where the title comes into play) …you don’t go to God in prayer or sit in a quiet place reading His Word. No, in times like this, God clearly isn’t enough, or at least He isn’t preferred. So don’t bend your knees, just bend your elbow. Don’t find a encouraging word in the Bible, just follow an enticing recipe that uses enough alcohol. Hallelujah?

I know the Bible says don't get drunk but it doesn't prohibit drinking a little wine. I know Jesus performed His first public miracle by turning water into wine. But nowhere does it even slightly suggest that we should use alcohol or any other substance to relieve our stress, calm our fears, forget our worries, or anything else He wants to in us.

But perhaps that’s just me. You're sure Jesus understands and is perfectly okay with it, right? So, I’ll let Him have the last word.

"So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:16)

Almost a Nickel

If memory serves correctly (it still does once in a while), I have already posted my two cents worth regarding the current political melee. Since this is an additional comment on that subject, I figure I am up to "almost a nickel."

I have read or listened to many who are saying, in essence, that the only valid choice a biblical Christian has in this election is to vote for Trump. It is, at its bare bones, the insistence that no candidate is perfect but Trump will not do as much harm as Clinton so we are spiritually obligated to vote for him. The arguers of this stance even toss in scriptures, albeit none that specifically address the requirement to vote for the "lesser of two evils." However, they do postulate that their opinion is the authoritative word on the matter.

So, in an attempt to offer some balance, here are some scriptures to chew on ("meditate on" if that sounds more spiritual), beginning with three from Romans 14 (I am using different translations in an attempt to gain at least a measure of the criticism Rick Warren regularly receives.):

Romans 14:1 "Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions." (GNT)
Romans 14:4 "What right do you have to criticize someone else's servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right, and the Lord will make sure that they do right." (CEV)
Romans 14:23 "Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." (ESV)
1 Corinthians 3:18-20 "Don't fool yourself. Don't think that you can be wise merely by being up-to-date with the times. Be God's fool—that's the path to true wisdom. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid. It's written in Scripture, 'He exposes the chicanery of the chic. the Master sees through the smoke screens of the know-it-alls." (MSG)
1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (NIV)
2 Timothy 2:4 "As Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army." (TLB)

What it boils down to, for me anyway, is this: I am seeking to be led by the Holy Spirit who convicts and convinces us of what is pleasing to God and I believe there are a lot of people trespassing on His territory.

P.S. Please, do not assume you know for whom I am or am not voting. This was not about the candidates at all but rather those who assume they are God's 2016 Presidential Election prophets.

Victory Through Humility, Prayer, and Repentance

“The only way to stop this evil and protect Christians is to defeat it – militarily.”

The statement was about ISIS. The writer is a person representing a non-profit religious organization presenting itself as an advocate for Christian evangelism.

Contrast his claim with God’s statement in 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 

It appears God disagrees with this “advocate”. God’s "only way" focuses on humility, prayer, and repentance of His people. To do otherwise is to take/wear His name in vain.

I have unsubscribed from this advocate’s mailing list. It has the appearance of godliness but has denied its power.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

P.S. If you want to know the name of the person and the group, email me and I will give it to you. I may even save the email and forward it to you (but maybe not).

The YMPCA?

One of the benefits of living in this area is the ability to pay dues at one YMCA but being able to use any of them in Kitsap and Pierce Counties. There are currently a total of twelve facilities including camps, family Ys, etc. By and large, most folks have their favorite and that is the one they use. We have enjoyed using the "Y" but are now rethinking our membership.

Recently, "to demonstrate our commitment to our transgender community", the YMCAs of Kitsap and Pierce Counties created a policy allowing people to use whatever locker room (shower, changing, etc.) they identified with in their minds. They want us to be assured that they are taking steps to keep any sex offenders from abusing this.

Really? Consider the following: 1. The policy was created in April and only made public very recently; 2. There is no way to keep all sex offenders from abusing it, only known convicted sex offenders; 3. When a church member inquired about it just yesterday, the person at the front desk said she did not know anything about it.

A person observing this might come to the conclusion that the acronym, YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association), has secretly added the letter "P" to the middle of it and changed the formal name to the Young Men's Politically Correct Association. The "M" has apparently become just a nod to the old days when the physical body and chromosomes identified a person's gender rather than the person's current feelings.

Folks were encouraged by the "Y" to send their responses, etc. so I sent the following to the person I believe is the President and CEO of the YMCAs for the two counties:

Dear Bob Ecklund,

Please, know that you are being prayed for during these sensitive times of establishing, refining, enforcing, etc. new policies that are affected by sexual identification/orientation at the YMCA. Navigating the various laws and varying moral standards from different groups at times seems to be a "no win" situation since you can not possibly please everyone.

As a local Pastor, I understand the desire to have those who come be a reflection of the community. In the past year or two, we have seen something I did not anticipate: Lesbian, gays, and unmarried couples with children have been coming to our church. Some come into the worship service and some tend to hover outside the auditorium. In some cases, life circumstances have brought them to the church rather than a thirst for God's truth. Whatever brings them, we recognize our responsibility to love them and teach them God's truth without compromise.

It is my prayer that you will lead the YMCA to continue to be a place open to all people but without being governed or manipulated by any standards other than those God has given us in His word, the Bible.

In His love,

Jim Gantenbein

Jim Gantenbein, Pastor

Kitsap Lake Baptist Church

5802 Wilmont St

Bremerton WA 98312

(360) 373-7728

D.P.B.

(This is a true story that happened many years ago on a particular Sunday morning.)

The youth sat in a circle during "Large Group" time. On the table were milk and brownies. They learned the brownies were made from scratch, heard the list of ingredients, and something to the effect: "There is one more ingredient but there isn't much of it so it doesn't matter. So, who wants a brownie?" A couple of youth began to get up and move toward the table until one girl asked, "What's the other ingredient?" Upon repeating that there wasn't much of it so it didn't matter, she repeated the question. Those youth who had started to come and get a brownie sat down as others began to ask the question. After reading the original list of ingredients again, the unknown ingredient was revealed: "Dog poop." At first they didn't believe it but the worker whose dog contributed the ingredient confirmed the fact.

Thankfully, no one threw up. Astonishingly, one youth said, "I don't care. I'll eat them anyway!" He was even adamant. However, those brownies were disposed of without him eating any.

The point was clear (except to the one): Purity is lost with any amount of contamination. Some of those youth (and workers) still recall that illustration. It made some things very clear and it was not uncommon to hear a response of "dog poop brownies" whenever they heard something that just didn't sit right. It was quickly abbreviated to "D.P.B." as a way to communicate the meaning to each other without seeming vulgar to those who were unfamiliar with the whole story.

All of that to say this: Since videos of Planned Parenthood executives, doctors, etc. callously, even jokingly, talking about the business of murdering babies and selling their parts to eager customers, there has been a rising wave of people defending the industry because of all the other "good things" they do.

I've seen a number of posts defending Planned Parenthood from Facebook friends, including a relative or two, and even posts by one or two former youth. But I don't believe I've seen any by those who understood the truth of the D.P.B. I hope it will continue to impact them throughout their entire life.

And now, the rest of the story:

After we got rid of the contaminated brownies, I shared that they were made after I had made two uncontaminated batches. In fact, the contaminating ingredient wasn't even allowed in the house until the pure batches were mixed, baked, divided, placed on trays, sealed, and secured away from the D.P.B. 

Still, none of the youth would eat one (again, except the one). 

I asked, "Would it help if I ate one?" 

"Yes!"

I took one, took a bite, slowly chewed it (as they watched to see if I would throw up)…

and swallowed it.

They were satisfied and the brownies were gone in a heartbeat!

Decisions are so much easier when you have your heart set on purity. Sadly, there are so many people willing to eat the D.P.B. this world offers.

The Self-Labeled Christian

I just read an article (linked on a Facebook post) titled, "Four Reasons–From A Christian Perspective–Why Kim Davis Is 100% Wrong".

It should have been titled, "Four Reasons–From Someone Who Labels Himself A Christian–Why Kim Davis Is 100% Wrong."

Each one of his four reasons was from a human/worldly perspective and, therefore, were weak. The closest it came to referencing God's word was: "The Bible actually says nothing whatsoever about same-sex marriage." Does any faithful follower of Jesus Christ actually buy that? By that "logic", so many horrible things must be perfectly fine because the Bible "says nothing whatsoever about" them from the author's perspective. He then goes on to do what has become more and more popular among Christians: Talk trash about Christians in general (and usually the church), especially if they differ from him. I should have known better since the subheading of his blog is "Jesus, Politics & Bathroom Humor." That is not a misquote, either. So a Christian finds that bathroom humor is a proper thing to put out there for the world as a part of following after Christ. After all, nowhere in the Bible does it use the phrase "bathroom humor" so it must be okay. And we all know what a political activist Jesus was.

So, down to the matter at hand: The self-labeled Christian. To be clear, this is referring to our habit (or need?) to verbally or in writing give ourselves the label. There are probably some scholars who can tell us when this began. Although I am not able to pin a date on it, we can be reasonable certain it did not occur until "Christian" was no longer a term of derision and it even enjoyed a degree of acceptance outside the ecclesia. But when the label was created, it was done so by others who observed the lives of Christ followers in Antioch and decided they were all acting (or at least trying to act) like Jesus. Looking at Acts 11:26, they were simply called "disciples" (learner/pupil) until it was too obvious whose pupil they were.

Have parts of God's church ignored its Cornerstone so much and for so long that we have created a new and commonly accepted definition and identify of "Christian"? In truth, I have known less than a handful of people who, because of their actions, were labeled "Christians" by those outside the church. It is always my goal to live so that people see Christ in me and call me by that identity. It is also a goal to not take His name in vain as in the article I just read. I would rather be like Peter and John in Acts 4:13 – "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus."

If you were arrested for being a Christian,

Would there be enough evidence to help convict you?

If they took you in front of a panel of judges,

Could they find a staunch witness to help convict you.

Or would they find somebody who's seen you in the shadows,

But they couldn't repeat all the naked truth they know?

Would the prosecution have the evidence to hang you,

Or would the Master suffer by your show?

If they put you in prison for being a Christian,

Would they have enough evidence to help confine you?

If they gave you a chance to obtain your freedom,

Would you stand your faith or would you deny him?

Would you cop a plea just to save your earthly body,

And let Satan win the soul Jesus bought to save?

Would the prince of darkness win you for his gallows,

Would the Judgement Day see God send you away?

Gary S. Paxton, Evidence, 1977 (hear it here)

We Continue On

This week in review…so far: The Supreme Court upholds Obamacare and declares same-sex marriage legal in all fifty states, whether those states like it, want it, or not; without declaring it, many "people of faith" react as if the world will soon come to an end; and I was finally able to schedule a medical appointment to get an infusion in my back.

Starting at the back and going forward—
As a result of getting older, my L4 vertebra shifts around. Also, a nice big cyst has grown in/on my L3 vertebra. There is a chance the infusion will allow the back to heal over the next few weeks. If not, another infusion will be tried, also attempting to drain the cyst (not a high probability of success). If both infusions do not produce the desired results, surgery will be scheduled to remove the cyst and "bolt" the lower vertebrae (L3, L4, L5?) together and after a period of recovery, I'll be in great shape.

Now, regarding the SCOTUS rulings and despair by the family of God—
Given:

• We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20) who communicate His message ("be reconciled to God") to the world.
• Reconciliation to God can only occur through Jesus (John 14:6) who died on the cross that our sins might be forgiven (Romans 6:10).
• Jesus commissioned us make disciples (followers/students) of Himself wherever people are (Matthew 28:18-20).
• Though many "Christians" don't get it, our lives are already forfeited for the cause of Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 2:20).
• Dead things feel no pain (It only hurts roadkill the first time it's squished).
• God doesn't change (Hebrews 13:8) so His Truth remains unchanged.

Then:

• The judgements/decisions/actions of man do not alter our God-given mission/purpose.
• We should continue in obedience to God (or, for some, get started).

The Lowest Common Denominator

When adding and subtracting fractions, you first convert the fractions to the “lowest common denominator.” Next, convert the numerators so the values of the original fractions are maintained. Then simply add or subtract the numerators, placing the sum or difference above the common denominator and reduce the fraction to its simplest form. If you are confused, ask a fourth or fifth grader to show you.

Communicating effectively with different people works the same way: Find a basic expression all can understand and to which they can relate. Once that is established, use it to communicate and move forward together, not backward. That is how progress is made. Problems occur when individuals fail to value others, fail to value communicating with others, or assume their perspective is held in common or accepted by the others.

Effective evangelism or, simply put, telling others about Jesus, works on that principle. It is more than not using “church language” such as salvation and sanctification. It is understanding that the one sharing the good news is responsible for relating to the life of the person who is still headed for an eternity apart from God. Since all who belong to Christ were once in the other person’s position, it is much easier than expecting that person to identify with a position in God’s kingdom they have never experienced. That is one reason new Christians are so effective at telling others about Jesus: Their former life is so recent and they can easily identify with those with whom they are sharing.

Those who have been saints for a longer time may find it harder to communicate using a common denominator. Time in the church can desensitize a person away from the perspective of someone whose life is still fully governed by the values of the world apart God. It is much like clay that is cured. It know longer contains moisture so it no longer responds to external influences in the same way it did when water permeated it. But Christians can once again become sensitive to others without allowing the world’s value system to regain control.

There is a price to pay but it is not as scary as it sounds. The main price is love. Until you love those you want to reach, you will not effectively reach them. To love them, you must put them ahead of yourself. Jesus said something about that. Actually, He affirmed what the Old Testament said: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This kind of love is not about having warm feelings towards others. It is about doing. As DC Talk once sang, “Love is a verb!” Since it is about doing, there must be specific things that can be done. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Go to them. Do not expect them to come to you. You are the one with the Great Commission, not them.

2. Spend time with them. This is not a new concept. The old adage is true. You spell love “T - I - M - E”.

3. Listen to them. Hear their story. As the saying goes, they will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.

4. Carry their burden. Jesus usually earned the attention of His listeners by meeting their physical needs first.

5. Be patient. Be very patient. God knows who will not receive Him. You do not. Some hurts take a very long time to heal. Some people need a long time before they will begin to have hope that they can trust anyone again.

6. Stay humble. Remember you were once ruled by sin, too.

7. Show relevance. People without Jesus need to see how surrendering to Him will make their life better. It is very important to be honest. God does not promise to make us wealthy or popular. He promises to forgive us, make His home in us, and give us eternal life.

Still Learning…and Relearning

She is more than thirty-five years younger than me and, although we have never met, I hope to have the privilege some day. On her Facebook page, in the "About" section, and under "Family", is "About J_____". It simply says, "It's not." Those two words have a greater impact than the 60+ words carefully crafted for their conciseness and entered on my Facebook page. Another lesson on humility.

Last Sunday, I sacrificed my God-given responsibility to be a vessel by which God convicts and transforms His people through the preaching of His word. Instead, we had people from three different ministries share about the work they do which the church has supported to some extent. Of all Sundays, why did we have to have all those first time visitors on a day they would not even get to hear the Pastor preach? I suppose it was because God wanted them to know that this was His church endeavoring to follow His leadership…and it was not about the pastor. I do not remember the last time the people were as blessed or impacted by my preaching. I suspect it has never happened. They are still talking about it. Another lesson on humility and the sovereignty of God.

Did it make a permanent impact, that is, did it really change anyone's life? I am now working on enlisting individuals in the church who lead ministries or serve regularly in other ministries to share on a Sunday in March while I go and preach at one of the ministries that just shared this past Sunday. So, the answer must be, "Yes" because it changed me. Lessons learned.

Liberate Yourself Politically

The wonderful people of Kitsap Lake Baptist Church in Bremerton know that I try hard to keep politics out of what we do as God's people. As a rule, I do not discuss politics. There are more important things.

Many years ago, I made a decision: I will no longer be aligned with any political party. That decision has produced numerous benefits. Here are a few:

• I am free from "loyalty" to any political party or agenda.
• Distinctions between a conservative political view and a biblical view become much clearer.
• The responsibility God places upon His own people to repent appears much greater.
• There are more prayers "for" than "against" (things, people, etc.).
• I am more inclined to search through information on all the candidates and issues to see who supports God's views instead of a political stance.
• I care much more about God's truth and much less about worldly ideologies.
• National patriotism is always subject to and filtered through patriotism to God's kingdom.
• Arrogance cloaked in false piety is quickly evident and disgusting…especially in myself.
• The two greatest commandments are more in our heads than in our lives.
• Satan loves politics.

Bonus:

• My "non-alignment" has made my involvement more meaningful.

Thanks For The Label But, No Thanks

I think Linus had reached the end of his his blanket with the non-sense dished out by others. I am sympathetic.

Cathy and I have raised three children. Though they are not quite perfect, I am more proud of them than I ever was of myself at their ages, and I would still give my life for any or all of them even if I totally disapproved of what they say or do. That includes my wonderful daughter-in-law. (I hope, someday, to have a son-in-law and another daughter-in-law added to that group.) By the way, whenever we disapprove of each other's actions, we never are afraid of each other. The love is always stronger than the faults. (Secret: We know God is real and that the Holy Spirit works to convict us of sin and convince us to change. We believe if people resist God's leading/urging but not our's, then something is probably wrong with us.)

My deep appreciation to all of you who do not question the love we have for our children nor criticize the values we maintain. It is probably safe to say that you know we have the same regard for all people.

Given that reality, it grieves me when any friends or acquaintances act on the apparent assumption that we are ignorant, fearful, and hateful because we do not agree with them or their stance on an issue. I think it says less about us than it does about them.

Without getting into a litany of individual sins, I believe sin is wrong and always separates us from God who can not look upon sin. That everyone sins does not negate the fact that we should not sin. The action that pleases God, when we sin, is confession and repentance. This is in stark contrast to tolerance. Tolerance is not agape love. Tolerance is loathing because it carries no hope for holiness.

Jesus said much about agape love. Two of those things were, "If you love me, keep my commandments," and the affirmation of "Love your neighbor as yourself." By placing God first—which does precede "love your neighbor as yourself"—I can properly love others.

To Date, I Have a Problem

2012 Presidential front runners: 1. A cult member who also is pro-life and pro one-man, one-woman marriage; 2. a person who calls himself a Christian but is pro-choice and has stated his support for gay marriage.

So, why is this a problem for me?

1. The teachings of the cult (The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints) include that Jesus became a god, that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers, that God was once a man like me and became a god, that we can become gods, that Jesus and God are not One, that there are three different "heavens" and God is only in one of them, that there is not a literal hell and that all will be saved except for the few "sons of perdition" who will be punished for a time and them be annihilated, and a host of other teachings that are in direct contradiction to God's Word (the Bible) and stem from the other scriptures used by the Mormon church—specifically Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price—as well as teachings of the church leaders—"prophets"—throughout the history of the cult.

2. Nowhere in God's Word is abortion condoned under any circumstance while life is the creation of God and the very reason Jesus came (John 10:10). Nowhere in the Bible is any kind of marriage acknowledged except between a man and a woman and the sinful practice of homosexuality is recognized in the Bible, even specifically identified such as in Sodom. Additionally, gay and lesbian behavior is clearly condemned in both the Old and New Testaments (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Deuteronomy 23:17; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 7).

On the one hand, a person who calls himself "Christian" but stands against the teachings of the Bible…well, if Jesus really is "Lord" (kurios: supreme in authority) of his life, then his life would reflect God's values and not those in opposition to the Bible.

On the other hand, a person who calls himself "Christian" but his Christ is a man-made, altered version the Christ of the Bible…well, he is following a false god and his election will only serve to confuse those weak and immature believers who do not perceive the difference between man's doctrines and God's.

I can not and will not vote for someone who supports the notion that murdering a baby is okay and places perversion on the same pedestal as holy matrimony. I can not and will not vote for a polygamist who worships a false god and diminishes my Savior, Jesus Christ. I will not even appear to validate a pagan religion.

God called me to be a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that gospel impacts souls for all eternity. That has, does, and will always take precedence over the privilege and responsibility of being a patriot citizen. I am to regard the eternal as infinitely more important than the temporal.

It would be better for the United States of America—with all the freedoms, privileges, wealth, and other advantages—to cease to exist than for the gospel of Jesus Christ to be diminished, weakened, confused, changed, or otherwise denigrated. Countries/nations are of the earth and, therefore, are ultimately worldly, carnal, and temporary. The kingdom of God is eternal. Placing more importance on the physical world (and our elections do that very thing) than the spiritual is not of God but a "scheme of the devil" (see Ephesians 6:10) and we must stand firm against it (not just try to survive it). Murdering innocent unborn babies and endorsing or engaging in homosexuality are disgusting and sickening sins to me, personally. Yet, murderers and sexual deviants who turn to and believe in God will be given eternal life. Good, honest, decent, and moral people who never believe in the one true God will enter into eternal condemnation because they have not believed in the only Son of God (John 3:18).

Please, note that I am not insisting on a perfect candidate. They do not exist. That is not because they are politicians but because they are people and "all have sinned." But I seek a candidate who is "a man after God's own heart" rather than after the heart of people.

So, what will I do this election? I will seek to find a write-in who really does seek to follow the one true God. If that search fails, I may not cast a vote at all. LIke others, I am not voting for a pastor, but, apart from a clear word from God to the contrary, I will not vote for either of the two leading candidates.

Is There a Divine Personality?

(This was an article written for our church newsletter.)

Quick, write down everything you know about Jesus' personality...no, not the things He did, how He responded to situations, the things He said, etc., but His personality. Was He an extrovert, ISTJ, ESFJ, Type A, or intuitive?

The truth is, although we know a lot about Jesus—who He was, what He said and did—we seem to know very little about His personality. We know how He chose to spend His time but we know very little, if anything, about His "likes" and "dislikes."
Jesus, being fully human, must have had a personality, natural preferences, and a "comfort zone." Why would God's word not include information of such interest and importance? After all, it contains a great deal about what he said and did.
In God's kingdom the important things are what we say and do, not how we feel or what we like.

Some verses to guide us:
"Faith without works is dead." (James 2:17, 20, 26)
"Do what is right." (Genesis 4:7; 15:26; Deuteronomy 6:18; 12:25; 21:9; 1 Kings 11:38; Psalm 106:3; 21:3; Isaiah 56:1; Amos 10:35; Romans 12:17; 13:3; 2 Corinthians 8:21; 13:7; 1 Peter 2:20; 3:6; and 1 John 3:10)

In Him Pastor Jim 

Marley's Ghost

In Dicken's classic, A Christmas Carol, Jacob Marley returns as a ghost to warn Ebenezer Scrooge to change his ways or he will end up in the same predicament as Marley. After a very revealing night, Scrooge does turn his life around and as the saying goes: "All's well that ends well."

The United States of America has a similar opportunity to learn from another country's, even a continent's, past before it is too late. I would encourage anyone and everyone to view the following video blog (Keep in mind that Pat Condell is a British comedian who spends much of his time bashing religions, including Christianity.): http://www.jihadwatch.org/2010/06/pat-condell-on-ground-zero-mosque-is-it-possible-to-be-astonished-but-not-surprised.html

In the movie version of the television classic, The Little Rascals (a.k.a. Spanky and Our Gang), Alfalfa says, "I'm usually a lover, not a fighter, but in your case, I'm willing to make an exception!" I identify with him. I stay out of political debates and agonize over confrontation. But in this case, I'm willing to make an exception! This is not even political. This is spiritual. Islam, like all false religions, is founded by Satan and has the destruction of God's kingdom as its end.

Exposure

It has been a real joy to connect and reconnect on facebook with many friends from days gone by. Checking the profiles and comments of friends—going back to elementary school, junior high school, high school, and college—reveal a wide diversity of current beliefs and convictions.

Some past friends have continued on steadily with some ups and downs. Some have walked away and stayed away from the faith that was a part of their lives when younger. Some walked away but came back later when their way of doing things produced bad results. Some found a faith they never knew before and are thriving in it today.

One very common element in almost every (perhaps every) situation: The responsible adults in the lives of these friends when they were younger. Some adults lived consistent lives of faith, some never pretended to have any faith in God, and some had a major breakdown in the way they lived that left a significant impression on the child or youth.

Those who looked to adults as their paradigms risked major disappointment. Those who looked to God have sometimes had difficult lives but were never disappointed by their role model.

Moral?: People mess up. God does not. Keep your focus on God.

Recession Proof

Much has been and will continue to be written regarding the recession, including Christians and the recession. Far be it from me to go against the crowd. So sit down and plug in your iPod because you will probably want the distraction while reading this. But you need a reason to continue so let me tell you that I think Christians can be (even "should be") recession proof.

You are not going to read some nonsense about Christians who have real faith in God will be healthy, wealthy, and wise. I have sinusitis, the equity in our new house dropped by $50,000 in its first year, and I do not have any idea how to change it. But I still have real faith in God…and a solution to how believers can be recession proof.

Here it is: Die. It seems that memorial services are currently my lot in life and I have noticed that every single person who dies is unaffected by the recession. As a matter of fact, those closest to the deceased remain less concerned with the recession while in mourning than they do when not in mourning. But I am not advocating suicide. I just completed "Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training" and I am personally opposed to taking your own life. But there is another way to "die".

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no long I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20 ESV)

To shorten this whole thing way down…

Only allow eternal things - things of the Kingdom of God - to govern your life. The recession, along with most of the other things we worry about, is earthly and temporary. If you live for Jesus, with His mind in you, then the recession is something for which you will refuse to change the direction, focus, and purpose of your life.

If you don't die with Him, you can't live for Him.