Would Jesus Endorse This Message?

It’s been an interesting last six weeks. My family and I made the hard decision to leave the church we had been attending the last two years, and I’m now rethinking my promotion of Trump for President. All in all, when the dust settles I believe these will be viewed as positive events/decisions. Actually, I already know they’re positive, it’s just that they were/are fraught with hard decisions and second guessing. However I don’t want to deal with these issues from a personal experience, but apply them objectively as a follower of Christ.

During this time I read In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon. A fictional account of Christians from different churches actually living out What Would Jesus Do; not just wearing WWJD bracelets. The book illustrates how much strife and backlash one experiences from society when they live their faith 24/7 in all areas of life, especially when naming Jesus as the source of this guidance. This is why I identify myself as a Jesus-Follower; to me it has more clarity than Christian these days. Too many identify themselves as Christians, but outwardly (I shudder to ponder inwardly), would not be discernible from card-carrying pagans. Somehow, I think there would be less hypocrites of this sort if people had to identify themselves as Jesus-Followers, rather than Christians. Proclaiming oneself a Christian (at least in this country), is almost warm and fuzzy (lukewarm?); akin to being “spiritual”, and who doesn’t admire spirituality? Proclaiming oneself a Jesus-Follower punches people in the face! It conjures up all kinds of unpleasantness; such as sin, homosexuality, Hell, fornication, and worst of all: Judgement!

Actually, I’ve digressed a bit, so let’s get our focus back.

Leaving the church we’ve been attending for the last two years takes a little more explanation. It is a small (20 to 30 attendees, including us and the pastor’s family), Bible Church. We were drawn there based on an on-line Bible Study (ironically, conducted by an elder, not the pastor), I had heard what seemed to indicate the doctrinal view that I was looking for. However, over time it became clear that we differed greatly over the  importance of (in my words), holiness in a true believer’s life. In a nutshell, it would be my (ours, as my family is of one accord in this), feeling of their embracing a Free-Grace stance regarding salvation. I’m sure they would perceive us as adopting a Lordship Salvation stance as I totally agree with John MacArthur in this view. I’m just as sure the reality exists somewhere between these poles, but the gap was still wide enough for us to justify finding a new church. I don’t doubt their salvation based on this differing view, but it’s hard to fellowship with others when there is disagreement in this realm; let alone not feel comfortable with the message delivered (or not delivered), from the pastor. It was a tough decision nonetheless, because we had established relationships with some great folks. But at the end of the day, church is not a social club; it’s where I want to hear the unvarnished Word of God. It’s where the sheep go to get fed; not frustrated.

Now on to the Donald. I know politics involves a certain amount of schmoozing and, unfortunately, outright lying. That’s why as a Jesus-Follower I have never been comfortable with politics. I’m all about being civically minded and involved, but only to the point I am not compromising my principles (which, of course, are founded on God’s, as shared through His Word). That being said, I’ve never heard of Trump being caught in an outright lie, and I believed he was pro-life. I now believe I was schmoozed when it comes to pro-life, as he seems to think it’s okay to kill babies in some situations (it’s never okay to kill babies). As the campaign goes on, he seems to get more political and less discernible from Clinton (or any other candidate for that matter). I mean what was that recent church debacle? He goes from a signs and wonders, hocus-pocus “church” with a female pastor to a United Methodist, female pastored mess! He received some sort of “anointed” prayer shawl as a gift (probably free to anyone with a small love offering), at the first place; and was interrupted by the “pastor” at the second place and told not to talk politics (especially if it involved saying anything negative about Clinton). You invite a major candidate running for President of the United States to speak to your group and ask that politics not be brought up – anyone out there get this? At least the silver lining of this farce was that it’s apparent Trump is not a Jesus-Follower; maybe a Christian, but not a Jesus- Follower. Both of these “churches” belong in the same category with Copeland, Osteen, Driscoll, Hinn, Meyers, and the rest of the clown princes (and princesses),  of rip-off “churches”. So do I vote for a pro-choice, “spiritual” billionaire, because Hillary is even worse?

So, what is the objective take-away here? I hope it is that if you follow Jesus, and have some similar conundrums; you’ll look to God’s Word to help solve them. You will have to make tough choices; sometimes change your mind as more information comes to light.

 Find a good church (even if you have to leave a bad one), and decide: are we to vote for someone (anyone), even if there are no good choices; because it’s the patriotic thing to do? – or – in the eternal picture, is it better not to vote, as we are in this world, but not of it; so why vote if there is not a candidate that Jesus would endorse?

What’s a Believer to do?

Donald "trumps" Hillary

For the last several years I haven't followed much of the news (as “news” is only what is deemed such by a very partial press, often with an agenda – liberal vs. conservative), and for my entire life, I haven’t been a “political person” (what that means to me, is that by and large, there’s a dime’s difference between most politicians. Republican, Democrat, etc. are politicians, and by nature have to be well versed in the art of compromise. Therefore, I find it difficult to get passionate about any flawed (as we all are), human. When you know the Good News and the King of Kings, it’s hard to get too interested in lesser things. However, I’m open-minded enough to recognize Christians taking opposite stances in this realm, from in this world but not of it non-participation; to getting as civically involved as one can without compromising Christian values. All of this is to introduce my thoughts on the up-coming presidential election.

Vote for Trump.

Thank you, and good night.

Maybe I should elaborate.

Not voting for Trump, is akin to voting for Clinton; which is unthinkable. Admittedly, Trump was probably not my choice during the primary, but now the choice is clear (and easy). Maybe the lesser of two evils, but the Clinton evil is so much more so.

I believe she is dishonest and ruthless, but most importantly, she supports Planned Parenthood and the murder of babies. Although, Trump is also ruthless, and not always forthright; he is not a staunch supporter of killing babies. He still has to strengthen his voice in opposition, but at least we have something to work with.

So yes, I am a one issue voter, when the one issue separating candidates is killing babies. Some call that simplistic, I call it obedient. Actually, I’m more of a two issue voter in the sense that the homosexual agenda is the other one. Again, Trump is more of an outspoken supporter of traditional marriage and Clinton is trying to equate the battle for “rights” of homosexuals with legitimate civil rights (such as racial equality). Just a casual observation of the Democratic National Convention would have revealed the freak show that it is, dripping with Hollywood and music celebrities spouting off. The not so subtle message emanating from there was: men are idiots, women are brilliant, and homosexuals (and anyone else - without scrutiny), and their lifestyle need to be embraced (no pun intended).

Like the old commercial said: “this is not your father’s Oldsmobile”. This is not your father’s America, and Trump recognizes it. Yes, America was built on immigration, and became a beacon to the world based on this. It was also founded on Judeo-Christian ethics, and people coming to this country understood and respected; if not embraced it. The vast majority of those immigrating here, until probably the last generation or two, wanted to become American. So it made sense to have open borders to grow and expand; this made us great.

That was then, this is now. We have to hear endlessly about peaceful Islam, while Sharia Law flourishes and terrorist attacks in the name of Allah continue all over the world; homosexuals not only are out of the closet, they are out the front door parading down the street and demanding you condone their sin! But in the name of Political correctness, you better not express contrary opinions.

Strength in diversity has morphed into weakness due to inclusion. Too many are allowed at “societies table”, pushing their own agenda. If you lead a reprobate lifestyle (or support those that do); if you don't love Jesus (the only One True God), and this country; you need to leave the “table”. Criminals should be (stay), in jail; illegals who have records, or commit crimes should leave; homosexuals should repent from their sin, but if not, should shut-up and stop mocking God and marriage. 
Shut the borders, profile and herd up potential illegals/terrorists, tell homosexuals (and any other sexual pervert), that they are not entitled to special rights and should be thankful if their lifestyle is not criminalized.

I’m under no illusion that Trump in reality agrees with this entire philosophy, but he certainly comes light-years closer than Clinton; that’s good enough for me. On these issues Trump says what I want to hear. Clinton says nothing that I want to hear.

Just maybe we can keep this thing afloat a little longer if we show Jesus that enough of us are not afraid to obey His Word. There is still an amazing display of His Grace in the beauty this world offers. Let’s appreciate it before He removes His protective hand. 

Color Me Stupid

With a background in law enforcement (specifically in a county jail environment), I feel that I’m more qualified than most who spout off on the police shootings that have been high profile on the news. Anyone who has never gone through law enforcement training and/or worked in the field cannot really understand the dynamic of having to make instantaneous life or death decisions. Those of us who have walked this walk know the feeling of functioning in an environment that is often antagonistic and rampant with (especially with current technology),  Monday morning quarterbacks. Add to the mix the PC mindset and you have a recipe for chaos.

All of these shootings (including the choke-hold death in New York), had at least one thing in common: they all involved individuals who did not comply with orders from police officers. At this point, let me mention the shooting of a 12 yr old boy in Ohio. This was a terrible result of a series of bad decisions, from the adults responsible for the boy, to the boy, and the responding police officers. It’s different from the other situations and doesn’t apply to this narrative.

Those who cry that these individuals should not have been killed for such “minor” offenses such as broken taillights, selling cigarettes, or whatever; I would agree. But those who think they were killed for these reasons are taking the wrong view. They all ended up dead as a result of their stupid behavior. That’s right; stupid. Any person who does not do what the police tell them to do is displaying stupidity. I’m not here to play Dr. Phil, or Kildare (it’s an old reference; look it up), and advance reasons why people do such things, because ultimately it doesn’t matter on the streets in real time. Cops don't have the luxury of exploring psyches when their lives are on the line - Right Now! Many of the same morons aforementioned, would also cry they were killed because of their race. Wrong again: if every one of these tragic scenarios had involved stupid white people, it would have played out the same.

This whole Black Lives Matter movement is a joke on so many levels that I would need a separate post just to address it (hummm?). Since most young, black males die at the hands of young, black males; why didn’t this movement start a long time ago? Because its goal is not about “saving” black lives, it’s about stirring up the ignorant, thug sub-culture that pervades our urban areas. Although these thoughts are my own, I was more than pleased when I came across one of my present-day heroes of the Cross, Voddie Baucham, expressing similar feelings regarding these issues on a You Tube video of an interview he gave. That these views are expressed by a brilliant, black man adds a credibility that I could never have (based on skin color alone, never mind the fact I just don’t have his credentials and eloquence).

What does this all have to do with a Christian blog: a lot. We live in the days when people call evil good and good evil; substitute darkness for light and light for dark.
Isaiah said these folks were in for a bad time. These folks are those who defend the stupid behavior of these criminals. Especially those who defend it to the point of starting a movement! As I mentioned, my background is in the jail environment. It never ceases to amaze me (sadden might be a better word), how many people easily accept a criminal lifestyle. And how many of their "loved ones", are so accepting of it. It’s the norm! Evil is good; darkness is light. Many (just as many who are not in jail), identify as Christian. But their behavior indicates that may not be the case. You noticed I said may not be. None of us knows for sure. But I do know the Bible clearly states somebody is going to be in Hell. So when we are told to be separate, and to identify and confront sin; we need to have some indicators. As Kenny Rogers once said, “…we need to know when to hold them, when to fold them, and when to walk away, even run”. Pretty sound Biblical advice when you’re referring to witnessing, curtailment of witnessing, and avoiding reprobate behavior.

I don’t think it’s too far-fetched to suggest that possibly all of these men killed by the police would still be alive if they had demonstrated the fruits of the Spirit when confronted, instead of pride, selfishness, and stubbornness (if not malice). More Holy Spirit and less enablers is a great formula for anyone.

The police are that thin, blue line that protects us from the thugs and those that seek to exonerate them (defense attorneys, family, liberals, Hollywood – wow; what have I done now!). They are the little Dutch boy with his fingers in the dyke. And these days the dyke is springing too many holes at too fast a pace. God in his limitless mercy, is allowing us the benefits of law enforcement even as society continually mocks and degrades the brave men and women in this field. Believe me when I tell you when God removes his protective hand from this measly planet and all Hell really breaks loose; you better know that Jesus knows you!