And Now, The Final Word from The Supreme Court

And Now, The Final Word

I just returned from teaching another lesson at The Shepherd's House here in Bend. I love the time I get to spend at "The House"  because the men have become my friends and brothers in Christ. The Shepherd's House is a unique, faith-based residential recovery program. "The House", as we call it, was once a woolen mill the early days of Bend. The ministry is truly "grace based", because unconditional love and acceptance is the heart of the recovery "program". Most of the men have never experienced unconditional love or grace.

Recently I have been leading studies through the book of Daniel. My original intent was to just cover the first six chapters that are filled with familiar stories like the fiery furnace and a lion's den. I wondered how the last six chapters that contain prophecy could be relevant to the men seeking recovery from chemical addictions etc. But, being a retired pastor who has always preferred preaching through a book, it was difficult to toss aside the last six chapters of Daniel. So, yes, you guessed it- we waded  into the prophetic chapters where I discover a universal principle that is still relevant today. That is the point of this blog.

First, a little disclaimer. Prophecy was not included in Scripture to give us a sneak preview about the future or to provide fodder for theological debates. Prophecy, I believe, is meant to motivate us to godly living and deeper faith. Most, if not every, prophetic utterance in the Bible is preceded by or followed by a "therefore"- that is a practical application such as "therefore pray" or "therefore be holy."

Daniel seven and eight include visions that Daniel received about four successive world empires that would rise to world dominance only to fall and be replaced. The visions use animals to describe each successive empire. For example, Babylon was "like a lion". The lion was the national symbol for Babylon. As strong and proud as Babylon was, it fell to the Medes and Persians who were symbolized by a bear. You can read these chapters in Daniel for yourself, but the essence of the vision was that Babylon would be replaced by Persian empire who would then fall to the Alexander the Great and the Greeks. Alexander would die without an heir, and his kingdom would be divided into four parts ruled by four generals. A Greek ruler, Antiochus IV, would invade Jerusalem and defile the temple. Daniel's prophecy  not only predicted the invasion but also the length of time Antiochus Epiphanes would be permitted to defile the temple before the Maccabees liberated Jerusalem. The Greeks eventually fell to Rome just as God had revealed to Daniel.

Now, if Daniel 7-8 were a history lesson we could ask, " what is so special about the Bible?" But, if I take the Bible literally (and I have no reason not to), Daniel wrote hundreds of years before some of these events happened! Greece did not exist as a nation, yet it is actually named by Daniel! The details about the invasion of Antiochus IV include information one could not know in advance unless the author was also in control of history- if it is actually was His Story.

So that leads me to the obvious question: "What does all this have to do with me today? What does it have to do with the men at the Shepherd's House?"

I love how Daniel reverts to poetry in 7:9:

"Thrones were set in place,

 and the Ancient of Days took His seat. 

His clothing was as white as snow;

 the hair of his head was white like wool. 

His throne was flaming with fire,

and its wheels were all ablaze. 

A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. 

Thousands upon thousands attended him; 

ten thousand times then thousand stood before Him. 

The court was seated

 and the books were opened."

If you are familiar with Scripture you note similar descriptions of God on the throne. Consider Revelation one and Ezekiel or the transfiguration of Christ. 

But, the words that fascinate me are the first two and last two lines of the poem that I have highlighted. Little men with big egos may sit on their thrones or behind the desk in the Oval Office and rule a limited kingdom for a limited time. They may rattle their sabers and boast their accomplishments, but each one dies and/or falls to another little man on his throne. But, the eternal God, the ruler of the universe, will upon a day take His seat on The Throne and the great judge will be seated to judge every man, woman boy or girl. Some of us will be rewarded; some may lose rewards and others lose their lives forever and ever. The Great Judge will have the final word. Finally, all the earth will be silent before Him. 

So what about me today? What do I take away from these chapters in Daniel? 

When I consider the choices of the major candidates for President of the United States, I don't want to vote for either. I don't want a President that will appoint more liberal justices to our Supreme Court. I say "our Supreme Court", because I realize their is a higher Court- The True Supreme Court. Some day, when the books are opened, five justices will need to answer for their decision that raped the the institution of marriage. Other justices will be accountable or legalizing infanticide in America. Today, more deaths are caused by abortion than any other reason. Yes, I don't want either candidate to win, but I can trust the God who has written the story. Perhaps America deserves less than desirable leaders. After all, such was the case in ancient Israel.

For the men at the Shepherd's House, I asked if they could trust God in their situations? Some need jobs. Some struggle with health issues. Some face a turbulent future without the support of family or friends. But, each of the men, and that includes me, can rest assured God will have the final word. 

Do I believe God is both kind and severe as Paul wrote? Do I believe He is in charge of my life now? Tomorrow? Am I at peace with knowing that He will have the final word?

Another Police Shooting- the rest of the story

Another Police Shooting

Hardly a week passes anymore without a report of another black man (usually young) being shot and killed by the police.  I am wearied from hearing these tragic stories. It certainly seems like this is happening more frequently, but I wonder if the prevalence of smart phones has simply captured what used to remain invisible and unreported in the media. Also, social media facilitates the dissemination of information today so almost nothing escapes being exposed to the public.

It is tragic whenever a young person's life is terminated no matter the cause of death. Whether or not the shooting was legally justified, one cannot help but feel overwhelmed by the needless waste of the potential in that young life. Even when the police action is exonerated, the fact remains- a tragedy has occurred. When public rioting and looting is the response to a police shooting or when there is lethal retaliation against innocent police officers, it is even more tragic.

But, I am frustrated by how often the focus in the media seems skewed. Frequently, in the evening newscast, we see pictures of the victim of a police shooting posed in their graduation cap and gown. Yes,the picture emphasizes the tragic waste of another young person's life. The picture of the young man in his cap and gown helps create empathy for the victim and anger toward the police officers who were responsible for the shooting death of the victim.

What often seems to be missing in these reports of police shootings is the fact that several of the victims were involved in criminal activity when they were killed by the police. Being involved in a crime does not in itself justify the death of the perpetrator. But, the near silence in the media about the criminal activity of the victim encourages greater moral outrage against the police. So, all I am asking is what about telling the rest of the story surrounding the incident?

If the motivation for not consistently reporting any criminal activity of the person who was killed by the police is out of respect for the deceased and their loved ones, I can understand. But, when we don't tell the whole story- when we only focus on the tragic death at the hands of police- do we not disrespect the reputation of the police officers and their family if they acted appropriately within the law?

Now, my blog title says that I am a retired preacher so you may ask why am I speaking out on this subject? Every death of a person, young or old, who was involved in criminal activity reminds me of the warnings in the first  chapter of The Proverbs where Wisdom is addressing a young man as a father would address his son.  

         Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction 

         and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. 

         They will be a garland to grace your head 

         and a chain to adorn your neck. 

         My son, if sinners entice you, 

         do not give in to them. 

         If they say, “Come along with us; 

         let’s lie in wait for someone’s blood, 

         let’s waylay some harmless soul; 

         let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,

         and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 

         we will get all sorts of valuable things 

         and fill our houses with plunder; 

         throw in your lot with us, 

         and we will share a common purse”— 

         my son, do not go along with them, 

         do not set foot on their paths; 

         for their feet rush into sin, 

         they are swift to shed blood. 

         How useless to spread a net 

         in full view of all the birds! 

         These men lie in wait for their own blood; 

         they waylay only themselves! 

         Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; 

         it takes away the lives of those who get it. 

The New International Version. (1984). (Pr 1:8–19). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

I believe there are really two basic questions  regarding these police shootings. The obvious question is "why are there so many police shootings?" The bigger question though is "what is happening in our culture- especially that of the predominately black neighborhoods in the inner-city?" Some may answer that it is the result of gang activity. Others point to the breakdown of the family, especially in the black community where too often there is an absence of a positive father image in the family. Did you note above in above quote from Proverbs that it was a father counseling his son about the danger of choosing the wrong friends? Destructive activity often boomerangs to come band and destroy the perpetrator.

Do you. like I, wonder why so many inner-city children are being reared without the influence of a father? I will let the sociologists and professionals offer their answers, but could it also be that our social welfare policies share some responsibility? Then, there is also the question about the lack of influence of the local churches? I pray that God will grant the pastors of our churches (whether inner-city or suburbia) the wisdom and boldness to proclaim truth and to provide biblical counsel for strong families.

Meanwhile, when the media posts pictures of victims (I don't like that word) of police shootings, why not share the rest of the story?

7/28/15 -

A Day that will Live in Infamy
When evil became "good"

How in the world did we get to this point in America where a small, but very vocal and militant minority, have forced their values upon the rest of us? When did evil morph into something good? When did what has universally been considered good for thousands of years suddenly become evil?

Only ten years ago who would have conceived we would ever discuss, let alone legitimize same sex marriage?

The 2015 landmark decision by the Supreme Court of The United States stating  that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of  our Constitution.

Five “progressive” (I choose that label on purpose as you will see later) justices declared same sex marriage was legal. Five justices dismantled the timeless institution of marriage. Five non-elected justices called same sex marriage normal and good.  But, what God ordained as good in Genesis chapter three remains good, and what God calls evil or remains evil.

We live in a new world where right is wrong and wrong has become right. We live in new culture where a fire chief in Atlanta was terminated for writing a book based on the Genesis account of marriage and sexuality. We read of a photographer in New Mexico being forced to pay a stiff penalty for refusing to photograph a same sex marriage ceremony. The list goes on. What about the Christian bakers in Gresham, Oregon who have lost their business and face severe harassment from “progressive” people who insist that everybody- except themselves-  must show tolerance. Then there is the pizza shop in Indiana and another cake baker in Colorado- each have faced litigation and harassment for following their convictions based on Scripture.

This is the brave new world we live in. How did we get here and what can we do? What I share in this blog is the result of years of my personal frustration over this militant takeover of our culture and my concern for the future of my grandchildren. My thoughts about these social earthquakes have been refined and strengthened through reading two books: You Will be Made to Care by Erick Erickson and Bill Blankschaen and Why God won’t Go Away by Allister McGrath.  Another book, The Prodigal Church by Jared Wilson, has confirmed my conviction that the contemporary “seeker friendly” Church with its pragmatic philosophy for “doing church” shares blame in the cultural morass we face today.

So, if I have not already turned you off, please grant me grace to continue to opine about the future of our culture, if not the human race. Yes, I am an old, retired preacher, but perhaps I still can speak with clarity and wisdom.

I believe there are moral absolutes that have and must stand the test of time if we are to survive. Consider the following statement, even though made by an ancient church leader centuries ago, Augustine of Hippo, it still resonates today:

                “Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.”

If that statement is not true, then let the “progressives” have at it. Let them challenge and change every moral value we have always held including the biblical covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. Let them, as they already have, attack and dismantle DOMA- the Defense of Marriage Act signed by President Clinton. Let them force schools and businesses to remove all signage for men’s or women’s restrooms. After all, if everybody wants it, it can’t be wrong. But, not everybody is pushing for genderless restrooms. Truth be told, very few of us are comfortable with the idea and find it both absurd and terribly wrong headed! However, the militant “progressives” want to punish the State of North Carolina for even questioning or tweaking the new normal.

How did we get here? It began long, long ago in the Garden of Eden. But, in recent history, it found its footing in the sexual revolution of the 70’s. While much of the Church slept and enjoyed our privileged position, dark forces were actively using the arts and entertainment and higher educational institutions to sow the seeds. My blog is not the place to dig deeply so I recommend the books listed above.

Erickson and Blankschaen, in They Will Make You Care, share some interesting concepts such as the distinction between “freedom of religion” and “freedom of worship.” Have you noticed the new vocabulary coming from the Obama White house and other liberal institutions and the media? They affirm our right to worship as we please. But, our constitution and Bill of Rights guarantees the freedom to practice our religion. The new vocabulary says we have freedom to worship as we please. However, there is a big difference between practicing my religious convictions and expressing my worship. I can worship with or without music. I can dance or recite liturgy. It is my freedom according to the progressives, but they do not grant me the freedom to practice my religious faith and convictions 24/7 if I own a bakery or if I am a photographer who believes that I would violate my conscience and my core beliefs by using my skills to support a same sex ceremony. My religious freedom ends, according to the progressives, when I walk out the door of my church building.

So let me ask again, how did we get to this place? I believe some (perhaps much) of the blame falls on the church itself. The liberal Church has tossed aside the Bible in favor of social justice (that is a noble pursuit) and other lesser pursuits rather than the Gospel. Some Evangelical Churches have become virtually silent in speaking to the issue of sin and repentance. Pulpits no longer resonate with the voice of a prophet crying out for righteousness. We have lost our saltiness and prefer to appeal to the sweet tooth of our generation. Shouldn’t we apply Scripture to pressing issues like family, marriage and living Christ-like in the business world?

Some pastors have courageously addressed racial justice and prejudice. Movements like Black Lives Matter has made this a front-burner-issue, but do we pastors also remind our congregations about the grave social injustice of abortion and the dangerous challenges against the family and marriage? I suspect racial injustice is a politically correct topic. It is not be politically correct to address same sex marriage and abortion from the pulpit, but they are certainly wrong and do threaten our very survival.

I can hear somebody say that would be “preaching to the choir” to talk about abortion or same sex marriage. My response is somebody must speak to the choir (congregation) about these issues. If we don’t, the media will and already is molding the thinking of our youth and some adults in the church. I agree it is the parents’ responsibility to shape our children’s values, but many of our youth come from broken and non-churched homes. Sadly, many who sit in the worship centers week after week do not have a biblical worldview. There is a vacuum of solid biblical, theological teaching.

We are where we are today in our culture because what we believe shapes what we do. If this is applicable to us as individuals it also applies to the culture at large. When men declare that God is irrelevant or doesn’t exist- when men believe we are not created in God’s image but are the product of random chance (atheistic evolution) it not only affects our understanding of the origin of life, but can and has affected our morals and values.

If evolution is a process that is moving the human race forward- progressing us upwardly- than is it not also reasonable to believe evolution also guides and affects us socially and culturally? In fact, the case is made that one of the motivations behind the militant push to transform culture and throw off traditional values is based on the theory of social evolution. So the liberal progressive considers the Church and Christianity as archaic institutions that block social progress. These social engineers will not stop with same sex marriage. Already there are calls for polygamous, incestuous, and group marriages. The one who led the charge to be free from God in the Garden of Eden will not stop until he has been ultimately defeated by the only King who is sovereignly above all rulers and philosophers and social engineers in this world.

Remember the slogan behind Barak Obama’s first campaign? “Change you can believe in!” Few who voted in anticipation for the promised change dreamed it would include transforming our culture and removing traditional social values like the sanctity of marriage. Do you recall how the White House was lit up to celebrate the wonderful change in the definition of marriage after the Supreme Court decision? Also, by chance did you catch the promises about appointing justices to the Supreme Court in each of the recent political conventions ? One promised justices that would uphold the Constitution and traditional values. The other promised justices that dared to think outside the box and bring more social changes. Hmm! One anticipated “progressive” justices.

Meanwhile, we are in a battle for truth and for righteousness. We must not remain silent. When the Nazis moved to exterminate Jews and homosexuals and other “sub humans” many Germans remained silent because they were not Jewish but members of the Christian Church. Then Hitler came against the church, and there was nobody to cry out for them.

 Have we forgotten Jesus’ call to take up the cross and follow Him- in other words, to prepare to die? Every first Century believer understood what it meant to carry a cross. Someday, we who follow Jesus may also face severe persecution here in America as we become more and more marginalized. Now, is the time for us to be the voice in the wilderness like John, who dared to call wrong- wrong, and lost his head for it. What are we willing to lose?

I leave with a few Scriptures for your contemplation:

Mt. 12:30             Jesus said, “He who is not with me is against Me, and He who does not gather with Me scatters.”

Rom. 1:18-32      There is no clearer description of where we are today and how we have gotten to this place and why the social progressives are so militant. It is as if Paul was speaking to our culture today.

Psalm 37:12-13  “The wicked plots against the righteous, and gnashes at him with his teeth. The Lord laughs at him; for He sees his day is coming.”

By the way, never forget the words of a wise philosopher and baseball legend, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” God will have the last word in this struggle for truth and righteousness. Perhaps He will awaken His church and His prophets to help turn the ship around. Over and over throughout history God has moved in His mysterious to thwart the plans of the wicked. So we can sing “the wrong will fail and right prevail with peace on earth, good will to men.”