It’s Open Season Christians and Conservatives
Call someone a “sinner”—or some behavior a “sin”—and you’re marginalized as a hateful bigot!
The Hate Crimes Act passed in 2009 was enacted in response to two brutal crimes—one against a student that attackers believed to be homosexual; the other by white supremacists who tortured and killed an African American man.
The problem is that hate crime legislation has evolved into making some crimes worthy of more punishment to placate political correctness.
It’s open season for anyone to say any offensive thing they want about Christians and/or conservatives. Virtually nothing reprehensible is off limits. Even equating Christianity with radical Islamists is becoming common fare to discredit our faith and what we stand for.
If we are a follower of Christ, we are in the battle and we’d better prepare ourselves for it!
Be well versed in what Scripture has to say! Then say it!
Social Justice: A New Definition
Social justice? What could be better than that?
In its early use, “social justice” appealed to a sense of fairness and equity—rooted in Christian morality.
But over time, it has taken on a distinctly anti-scriptural meaning. People are now actually using the slogan to campaign against God and biblical morality.
The Bible affirms and our national birth certificate, The Declaration of Independence, upholds that “all men are created equal.”
And as Genesis 1 reminds us, we are made in God’s image.
Certain behaviors are biblically prohibited by a just and holy God.
By definition, it’s unjust to violate them.
Any definition of social justice that attempts to do so is inherently UNjust.
People are equal in worth and dignity.
Their actions are not equal. A just society ought to approve of righteousness.
Evil conduct deserves society’s censure!
Debt: The Result of Unchecked Appetites
Debt—whether national or individual—is the result of unchecked appetites!
Whatever happened to earning the money to pay for something ahead of time, for being patient, appreciative of what’s been worked for?
1st Timothy 6:6-9 says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
Debt lets us enjoy things sooner, but it doesn’t allow for the risk of unforeseen problems.
To run up consumer debt is to presume on the future.
And what is true in the life of an individual is true of a nation.
Wise investment is praised, as Jesus Himself taught in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25—but squandering wealth, or excessive spending, is never biblically promoted or encouraged!
The National Debt: A Moral, Biblical Issue
The national debt is a moral, theological, biblical issue.
Here’s why!
The Bible is clear. It says, “Thou shalt not steal!”
It’s true individually, and as a nation. By running up unsustainable, unpayable debt, we’ve stolen the future of our young adults, youth and children.
But how can we possibly expect members of Congress to do what’s right if pastors won’t address it from the pulpit—from a biblical perspective.
Paul asks a penetrating question in Romans 10:14: “How can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
Pastors don’t need to be more political—they need to be more biblical! The Bible speaks to economics, whether it’s the economics of a family or the government.
Pastors, voters and the elected need to become more “well-versed!” To understand that obscene debt will have profound implications on our nation, our children and our future.
Where’s All The Money Going?
Where’s all the money going? Waste, fraud, and abuse . . . no question. But at its core? It’s a spiritual issue!
Both political parties address the issue of frivolous spending, but it is spiritual.
Waste: caused by the lack of biblical understanding of stewardship and gross mismanagement.
Fraud: caused by a lack of redemption of the human heart.
Abuse: caused by incompetence, manipulation of the truth, and exploitation along with misuse of resources.
All three could be dealt with by dealing with the sinful nature of the human heart—by installing truly honorable and virtuous statesmen. And with the backing of a godly electorate—insist on integrity in all government!
The need for God in government does not compromise separation of church and state—it establishes integrity, righteousness and good conduct.
America has no problem which—at its core—is not spiritual!
Be well versed in all the issues>>
Gray Hair: A Crown of Glory
I’m taking a risk in saying it—but we’re obsessed with the next generation!
In our culture in the U.S.—youthfulness is celebrated while aging is dreaded. And I’m including the church. Just check out your programs and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
Even healthcare coverage is now extended for “children” up to 26 years of age. What a contrast to just two generations ago—my grandfather’s—when they were self-sufficient by high school.
Proverbs 16:31 indicates that gray hair is a crown of glory, and is gained by a righteous life. Wisdom to share.
Instead elder abuse is widespread and suicide is taking the lives of many of our elderly.
Guess what? God’s plan for the aged is for children to rise up and call their parents blessed, to care for their parents.
Let’s begin by caring for the elderly in our own family!
Be well versed on this important issue>>
