Thank You Very Much

 Even though it's a bit cliche to publish a post (albeit passe' to blog at all) on Thanksgiving that expresses one's thankfulness, as I've never turned down a good cliche; here it goes.

In summary, I'm thankful that I'm adopted into a family. This family is a collection of individuals who are striving toward a common goal. This family is comprised of Jesus followers with the common goal of living a holy life in this world, while preparing for their eternal home in Heaven. Just like my earthly family of a wife and two children are a source of serenity and separation from the bedlam of daily life (let's face it, the routine of constantly "bouncing up against" other people in endless interactions can be exhausting) being a member of the larger family of believers comforts me even further. In addition to bolstering me for my personal experiences, it offers me peace of mind in spite of a world that does all it can to fill me with more and more angst. Like film noir with a flashback, let me fill in some details in the following paragraphs.

I'm thankful that the God speaks to us through the Bible. Therefore, we know that if we faithfully spend time in the word; we're always the "smartest guy in the room". We have the answers to all the questions that people ponder the most. For instance: Why are we here? Where did we come from? Where are we going? Why do bad things happen to good people? Even answers to silly party questions like: What came first the chicken or the egg? Did Noah really fit all the animals on the ark? Are there aliens? Even answers to confusing contemporary questions, such as: What is a woman? He tells us history and what the future holds and reminds us, meanwhile, there is nothing new under the sun. Of course, most importantly, He tells us why He sent His son to die on a cross and what we have to do to appropriate it.

I'm thankful for the family of believers that cover the earth. You have the old adage that "misery loves company", but I feel it is a stronger love connecting faith with company. It's so refreshing and encouraging to hear biblical world views expressed by not only those you personally may fellowship with, but from others all over the world. One of the precious few benefits of social media is having the ability to know the hearts and minds of other Believers you would otherwise never cross paths with. With the constant bombardment of the "Vanity Fair" world we are passing through, it's sometimes easy to feel you're out on an island. But hearing from Christians via radio, YouTube, internet, whatever; can be a real shot in the arm (not a Covid shot). 

I'm thankful for the peace that surpasses understanding. In a culture that is so far down toward an Alice in Wonderland existence (up is down, right is wrong) I can still sleep at night. God said we would witness the crazy, perverted times we live in. He also said that ultimately it will "all come out in the wash" (not sure what Bible version that is) and all wrongs will made right. Terrorists in Israel, transgender, homosexual, and almost limitless perversions applauded in all circles of society, environmental nuts, cultural factions, social media, incredible narcissism (see social media); heard enough? If it wasn't for Christ, I might have to start drinking again. Not only can I sleep at night and get up every day in this mess, I know where I stand. There is no wishy-washy, grey area here. These are issues where I can stand firmly opposed. Why? Because "Thus saith the Lord": Men and women he created them, sex is between a married man and woman, worshiping the created instead of the creator (wacky environmentalists), love thy neighbor (cultural factions), covetousness/lack of humility (social media). Some things I may or may not feel strongly toward personally, but that is immaterial. God said it, I believe it, that settles it; ah, how nice to have clarity!

I'm thankful for the giants of the Christian faith. For all the men and woman over the centuries who contributed so much to the "feeding of the sheep". They may have been translators of the Bible, commentary writers, missionaries, evangelists; or the spouses of those who sacrificed so much for the Kingdom. And the current collection of those boldly standing for Christ on the many media platforms. Thank God, the gospel can be heard virtually anytime/anywhere in many parts of the world due to technology. John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, Paul Washer, Justin Peters, and others who regularly and clearly stand for Biblical standards in our God-hating culture. It's encouraging to know that there are untold numbers not as well-known toiling in like manner in their own circles of influence. I have a special respect for street preachers facing the "slings and arrows" right at ground zero.

Finally, I'm most thankful for what God has "wrought in my heart". My faith has made me a better husband, father, friend, employee, in short, has made me better in total. Not better in "God's eyes", and certainly not in any relation to my salvation as I was completely saved the moment I believed on Jesus Christ. But better in a temporal sense. A better citizen of the world you might say (think of the changes in Scrooge). Being a Christian is not just about fitting oneself for eternity with God, it's also concerned with fitting one to be a light in a dark world. Our joy should shine through everywhere we walk while God gives us life on this planet. Yes, I believe sanctification is technically becoming better as opposed to worse, but it's a different dynamic. Whereas my faith lived out will make me a better person to live with; sanctification is more of a cause than an effect. Growth in sanctification is more closely related to holiness, which may or may not be evident to others. I feel sanctification often pertains to one's vertical relation to God, not so much the horizontal relation to other people (I'm going to turn around before I get too far down this rabbit trail).

Thank you, Lord, for giving me more than I deserve. Let it always be evident that I care more about You, than the things of this dying world. Amen

You Better Get Him!

 I know I'm a little behind the curve on this one but having cut cable (pun intended) out of my life over fifteen years ago, I sometimes (gladly) lag behind what's happening in the media world. Be that as it may, a few nights ago I saw my first He get us ad while watching a college football game at a friend's house. Being a follower of Christ, my ears prick up whenever I hear "Jesus" in public. Whether it's someone using His name in vain (usually the case) or inserted in a television commercial (most unusual). Initially, this could appear to be a very good thing; but not so fast. My natural inclination to assume the worst when anything ostensibly Christian hits the mainstream has served me well... again!

Apparently, a somewhat secretive group of well-heeled so-called Christians thought Jesus Christ and His followers were getting too much bad publicity and decided to engage a company that specializes in branding (or re-branding) products or people. Basically, a PR firm. So, starting a few years ago these ads started showing up in some high-profile broadcasts, especially sports, including the 2022 Super Bowl. You can find them at hegetsus.com or YouTube. Last I knew the only recognizable name that has stepped forward is the head honcho at Hobby Lobby. Which is pretty disappointing as the Green family has always been vocal about their Christianity and I would expect better from them. How these folks came to the conclusions that: a) Jesus needs a PR firm and b) these ads are Biblically aligned, is mystifying. The most gracious take I can offer regarding the "Christians" that are funding this, is that they were bamboozled by the pagans! They were double taken in by slick hucksters. Anyone agreeing with the tenor of these spots is either biblically ignorant or trying to foister another kind of Jesus on us. Which, of course, the Bible warns us about, especially in the last days (and believe me, we are there!).

I perused enough of the ads (about all I can stomach) to be able to use a select few as examples of the misinformation, if not outright heresy, that they convey. For instance, there is one on empowered women (notice the woke language) of the Bible, which states that Bathsheba was raped by King David. In all my years of Bible study, I've never heard the story that way. I know about all the arguments ranging from it was a violent, physical, aggressive sex crime (rape), to it was fully consensual; and all the shades of gray between these two extremes. The point is no one knows for sure. Even the Bible with all its translations doesn't settle the issue. For anyone to boldly state that it was rape, they have to be reading into the text; an elementary, but cardinal error in exegesis. The muddle of Jesus somehow being the exemplar of the empowerment of women, in the sense that He is on their "side" in their struggle against men is ridiculous. Another one trumpets how Jesus was no "stick in the mud" and how he "let his hair down", partying with all kinds of people. This, like so many others, has so many silly inferences, one doesn't know where to start. Jesus certainly hung out with all kinds of people, but it was always with the same goal: turn them to Him and away from sin. These ads leave out that little sweetheart. Probably my favorite (my favorite worst ad!?) is the claim that Jesus doesn't want us to be adults. We are to stay like children forever because...wait for it..., they're so INNOCENT! Where have I heard that one before? So much for T in total depravity (a shout out to my Calvinist friends). So, forget all that stuff Jesus says about sanctification. Apparently, as a little child, you're as good as you get. Not only are these people ignorant of theology, they're also in the dark when it comes to anthropology. Just put a bunch of little children together with limited resources when it comes to toys and snacks. You'll find that pretty much all of them are selfish, self-centered, and opportunistic. Ask them about their antics and you'll find you can add liar to the list. 

Of course, the cherry on top of the Sundae for all these spots is the declaration that Jesus is all about love: first, last, only. The message is clearly: to thine own self be true. Live and look like the world, don't judge anyone, and certainly don't claim Jesus is the only way: that's so unloving! Never mind that's actually what the Bible says. Just make sure you accept everyone as they are (their definition of love). The problem is that represents a different Jesus than He that speaks to us through His word. Real love is telling them accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is the only way to escape Hell. Because we are all born sinners and deserve Hell, but through God's grace He provided the way for us to spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Those who sincerely choose the narrow way will walk, talk, and think different than the world (and different than they used to). Real Believers count the cost and take up their cross daily. You die to self and live to Christ. How popular do you think those ads would be?

A simple summation of these portrayals would be that they elevate man (the human race) and trivialize Jesus. Man is portrayed as inherently loveable from infant to adult. So much so that God is almost compelled to love him. And God's love is perfect as it comes with no conditions. Fear Him, obey his commandments, repent from sin in your life... forget about it! God loves us in our fallen state and has no problem (even prefers) that we stay little children, because they're so innocent! Just be true to self, do a few good deeds, and mention Jesus once in a while; you're good to go.

Of course he gets us... He made us for His own good pleasure. But He didn't make us to do our own thing; He made us to do His thing. Our true God is revealed in the Bible, not in slick, ear tickling commercials.

Christ or Convenience

 There's no doubt that Americans in general and Christians in particular are soft and flabby. Obviously in a physical sense (you can't go anywhere in public without seeing an alarming number of obese people, many of them young) but also as it pertains to a spiritual mindset. They just don't want to stand on principle if it means they have to exert themselves or sacrifice. Case in point is professing Christians who continue to patronize Amazon, Walmart, PayPal etc.; any organization that supports abortion or LGBTQ propaganda. 

The list of companies that support these evil agendas is long; from automakers to sporting goods. It's virtually a who's who of high-profile companies that most people do business with on a regular basis. Admittedly, many people could be ignorant of where a business stands on these issues. But that excuse only goes so far. As Believers it's our responsibility to do a little research. We happen to subscribe to some Christian news sources, so we're usually ahead of the curve (why every Christian doesn't subscribe to one is a good question). However, when we share this information with others at church or elsewhere, the response has been pretty much the same: a non-response. That is, not even indignation, let alone a commitment to end patronizing such organizations.

That's the real disappointment. Not that these places support this junk, Heathen are going to fulfill their job descriptions. And make no mistake about it, these organizations are pagan through and through. Most of them are run by boards that only care about the bottom line. Which is really ironic, because it is costing them money, albeit probably not a lot. But think about it. Before these companies went woke (and trumpeted it) anyone would shop there. Christians, pagans, homosexuals, abortion supporters, pro-life supporters and on and on. You went there to buy stuff you need or want, from a car to chewing gum. Unless you were openly discriminating against certain people, everything was beautiful. But some dopes thought it would be good to politicize these businesses that just existed to sell their stuff. The pagan leadership of these businesses knuckled under to the evil movements and started celebrating right along with the wackos. It makes no sense except when you realize that it's a fallen world and man's heart is desperately wicked.

So, we find ourselves having to wrestle with whether we want to spend our dollars with places that support (if not outright fund) causes and issues antithetical to true Christianity. Sure, it takes a little research and backbone to trod this road, but come-on, this is kid stuff compared to what Believers experienced throughout history (and are still experiencing in some parts of the world). And you don't even half to give up anything physically, I'm not talking about privation. You can still purchase all the useless crud you want (another discussion altogether); you just may have to find a different source. Taking a stand for Christ should take precedence over saving a few dollars or making a few less stops in your air conditioned and heated vehicle (probably heated leather and remote start too). 

I'm aware of the objections (I've formulated some of them myself) like what about the Christian who works at one of these places? It's always the "little guy/gal" who feels the pinch first. Some of the larger organizations will never be hurt by losing the "Christian" business, but some poor minimum wage cashier may lose their job; how loving is that? Or they take in millions, so my little contribution isn't going to fund anything; good or bad. Scenarios like these are certainly possible, but it has to be looked at from a proper angle. That is, on judgment day what are you going to say when asked about any stand you took for Christ. Certainly not patronizing any organization that reflects God hating practices or stances, regardless of peripheral issues or personal inconvenience, is standing for Christ. Quite frankly, I'm not concerned about individual employees on the balance. Especially if they are not followers of Christ. If they are followers, they should ask if they should be taking a wage from such an organization. If they honor God, He will honor them, and they will land on their feet. 

Another troubling aspect of this discussion is Christian organizations that utilize the services of the afore mentioned entities. They will offer payment options, sell merchandise, and otherwise patronize the very businesses in question. I've even seen it with the more conservative even "fundamental" websites. Unfortunately, our own church has members who clearly don't think this is a big deal and that we're overthinking it. I'm not positive, but I believe church funds are also spent at these places without any concern. Trying to address this issue I feel would be about as well received as a sermon on divorce or the horrors of Hell (Jesus talked about them, but then again, he wasn't worried about losing any church attendees). But, as we are living (again) in an era of lukewarm churches, it shouldn't be a surprise there are so many lukewarm Believers. I'm not saying it's a salvation issue, but certainly an obedience issue.

What's a body to do? Spend some time and effort to see where your money is going ultimately. You don't have to get crazy and ferret out business meeting minutes or click endlessly around websites to find all you need to know. Many are blatantly behind perverted agendas and are proud to display it on their sites or promote it in the media (think Home Depot, Target, Ben & Jerry's etc.). To find the rest of the weasels just go to one of the many watchdog websites that will list those businesses that are behind the woke agenda in general and abortion, homosexual, LGBTQ, trans in particular. Just type in the search bar: companies that support ______. Even easier, subscribe to American Family Association or One Million Moms. They do all the work for you. All you have to do is read/listen and act. You'll also discover there are many more options than you ever knew for living life without Amazon, Walmart, Sam's and on and on. It can actually be fun to be creative as you take a stand for Christ.