Category Archives: Current Events

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August 7, 2024

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Christianity, Current Events

How should Christian’s respond to the opening of the Paris Olympics?

The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics flaunted transgenderism and celebrated sexual perversion in a display that was lewd and, paradoxically, reminiscent of The Last Supper. The reaction was quick and widespread. Some responded in outrage, some called for a boycott of the Olympics, and some demanded apologies from those responsible. Christians quickly responded and continue to the seek the best response to the shameful tableau. What should characterize a Christian response to disgraceful and displays?

First, men acting as women and promoting vile immorality is wicked. No country, organization or individual should celebrate depravity. The tragic irony of the Paris Olympics’ opening is the producers choice to honor the most egregious desecration of humanity during the prelude to a series of games exhibiting the pinnacle of human potential. The celebration of depraved biological delusion has no place alongside the exhibition of the ability, discipline and skill of the world’s most talented athletes. The bawdy display distracts from those who spent their entire lives in grueling training to reach the heights of their chosen sport. The performers ought to be ashamed of themselves for making the Olympics about them and not about the people who earned the right to be a part of the Olympic games.

Second, Christians should not be surprised when unsaved people act in godless ways. The Olympics games are not sponsored by Christian organizations to highlight the ability of Christian athletes. The Olympics are secular competitions sponsored by unsaved individuals for the entertainment of the lost. Some of the thousands of organizers, hosts, coaches, and athletes associated with the Olympics are Christians. However, Christians make up a small a minority of the total number of people involved. The Olympics have never been about Christian values. Christians should not be surprised by anti-Christian imagery appearing at non-Christian events. Americans are not surprised to find Satanic imagery at a heavy metal concert or to discover immodestly dressed women dancing provocatively during the halftime show of a football game. Nor should anyone be surprised that unsaved people would use an international forum to preach to millions of people their message of flagrant perversion.

Third, Christians should not be surprised by the ungodly acting in ungodly ways, but they should denounce the celebration of homosexuality and transgenderism as a great evil. The event promoted behaviors which God calls abominable, which are contrary to God’s commands, and which pervert God’s design for humanity. The Olympic opening has provided Christians with another opportunity to proclaim God’s design for mankind, marriage and sex.

Fourth, Christians need to be clear about the shamefulness and sinfulness of the abominable display, but they also must remember that the most active promoters of the most wicked, God-hating, humanity-destroying lifestyles are not the enemy. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against . . . spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) The perpetrators of this perverse pageant are also victims. They are slaves bound in sin under Satanic dominion. Compassion must be displayed to those involved. The truth must be spoken and love must always characterize the declaration of truth. (Ephesians 4:15) Because the enemy is not fleshly, the weapons Christians are to employ are not fleshly. (2 Corinthians 10:4) Christians are commanded to conquer evil with good. (Romans 12:21) Hatred, name calling, and lies have no place in the Christian response to this event.

Finally, the Bible gives clear direction to Christians about how to respond when they and their Savior are mocked. Christians are not commanded to respond to scorn with outrage. Christians are commanded to, “lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness,” (1 Timothy 2:2) and to count themselves blessed because they know every slight will be repaid with abundant reward in Heaven. (Matthew 5:10)

Christians must remember God will judge all those who hate Him, His Son, and His children (Revelation 18:3-10) If the event was intended to be a mockery of Christianity or of Jesus- and those responsible for the display have denied the charge- then, unless they repent, all involved will be held accountable by God for their scorn of His Son and His children. The vulgar display will not go unpunished. God will vindicate the glory of His Son.

In the meantime, Christians must proclaim the message of Jesus. (John 15:27) The only hope for the lost world is salvation. The true problem with the world is not debauched sexuality. The true problem is mankind’s bondage to sin. The salvation of the lost is the only solution to this gross deformity of humanity currently masquerading as freedom, inclusiveness and love. This travesty ought to revive the Christian’s passion to proclaim the gospel to everyone because Christian’s recognize the only hope for the world is in the gospel. The Christian must remember the ultimate aim is not a moral world in which Biblical marriage is upheld, unborn lives are protected, church attendance is high and people are kind to each other. The Christian aim is the rescue of sinners from eternal hell to the eternal praise of God. The only way this will be accomplished is through the faithful preaching of the gospel. (Romans 1:16; 10:14-15) The most effective response to this shameful spectacle is the message of salvation from sin through faith in Jesus. Furthermore, the Second Epistle of Peter specifically defines how believers ought to live in a world hostile to Christians, Christ and Christianity. The right response to the world’s evil disdain is a life of quiet submission to authorities, faithfulness in good works, and obedience to God.

Christians ought to be deeply grieved by the flaunting of wickedness on such a massive scale. Christians ought to remain steadfast in their commitment to Biblical truth. Christians ought always to remember the greatest need of the world is not proper morals or more religion, but salvation from sin by Jesus. So Christians must respond to the 2024 Olympics’ opening the same way Christian’s were commanded to respond to scorn and depravity in first century Rome. Hate sin; endure persecution; preach the gospel; and do good to all men.

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February 13, 2024

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Christianity, Current Events, Marriage

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Should Christians “Cancel” Alistair Begg?

Alistair Begg is the pastor of Parkside Church outside of Cleveland. His preaching ministry is familiar to many through the Truth for Life radio program. Pastor Begg recently became the subject of controversy when he discussed his counsel to a grandmother whose grandson was marrying a transgendered person. The grandmother wanted to know if she should attend the wedding. Begg related that he asked if her grandson knew she did not affirm his lifestyle and marriage. When she answered that he did, Pastor Begg said, “I suggest that you do go to the ceremony. And I suggest that you buy them a gift.” (You can find the full interview here: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/christian-manifesto-interview and a follow up response to his congregation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2bmFuA40T4)

Begg received a lot of backlash from Christians for his advice to her. American Family Radio removed Truth for Life from its lineup and others called for Begg to repent. In response, Pastor Begg said that he has no need to repent of his words.

Marriage is a major battleground today. Many Christians continue to proclaim the Biblical teaching that marriage is the permanent union of one man with one woman. Opposition to this teaching has been intense at times. Many in Christianity have found reason to soften or deny the Bible’s teachings about marriage.

Pastor Begg is theologically conservative with a long history of affirming the truths of the Bible, including a Biblical view of marriage. He has proclaimed without apology that homosexuality is a sin and that marriage is reserved for a man and a woman. In his response to the grandmother he made clear that the marriage in question is contrary to Scripture.

The issue Begg was addressing was not the legitimacy of homosexual marriage but the advisability of a grandparent attending what many conservative Christians would consider a gay wedding. Her question is entirely different from the permissibility or morality of homosexual marriage. Begg’s response does not indicate a difference of belief about marriage. His response suggests a difference of belief about the role of congregants at a wedding and a difference of belief about how best to show love to others.

The words “marriage” and “wedding” are not synonyms. Marriage is a union of people in a legally and socially approved bond. A wedding is a ceremony where the marriage union is joined. Marriage has a lifelong union as its ideal outcome. Sitting through a wedding may feel interminable, but, ideally, it is not a lifelong event.

Many believe attendees at a wedding are playing an active role in the ceremony as witnesses who give their support to the couple and affirm the legitimacy of the union. This belief has a long history. This view of attendee as participant is seen in the familiar ministerial injunction, “If anyone can show just cause why these two may not lawfully be joined in holy matrimony, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.” For those who hold this belief, attending a gay wedding gives unspoken approval of the marriage.

On the other hand, many see attendance at a wedding as nothing more than observation. The person attending may be expressing their affection for the participants, but attendance plays no active role in the joining of the couple in matrimony. For those who hold this belief, attending a wedding does not necessarily offer an opinion on the propriety of the marriage.

The Bible is clear about the nature of marriage, but says nothing about the responsibilities or role of those attending a wedding. Legitimate applications to weddings can be drawn from the Biblical teachings on marriage. Those applications must be recognized as responses to the Biblical truth, but not the Biblical truth itself.

The Bible does not speak about the congregant’s role in a wedding. Therefore, attendance at gay wedding must be treated as a matter of conscience. Sound, Biblical reasons can be offered for attending, or refusing to attend, a gay wedding. Each believer must carefully, prayerfully and Biblically consider his own response to this issue. Each believer must permit other Christians the liberty to do the same. Christians should not reject or malign someone like Pastor Begg, who has a long history of faithful Biblical teaching, because they disagree with the counsel he gave on a subject not addressed in the Bible.

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January 9, 2024

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Current Events, Sexuality

Has science discovered a genetic link to sexual behavior?

Recent headlines declared, “Scientists discover genetic underpinnings of bisexuality.” A study by two men at the University of Michigan explored the connection between same sex behavior, bisexual behavior and number of children. The study did not seek to find a genetic basis for sexual behavior. The authors were examining how genes controlling same sex behavior are passed on in a population. Since same sex behavior is notoriously inefficient at producing offspring how is it passed from one generation to the next?

The study relied upon the United Kingdom Biobank which combines genetic sequencing with a wide array of other data and allows researchers to trace connections between genes and outcomes. The study compared over 450,000 individual genomes with the donor’s answers to survey questions regarding sexual behavior, offspring and risk-taking. In doing so they found a correlation between a specific set genes, male risk taking and male bisexual behavior. In other words, males possessing a particular set of genes showed a greater tendency towards risk-taking and/or bisexuality.

This study did not prove a person is genetically predetermined toward a particular sexual orientation. Rather, it presupposed genetic influences upon sexual behavior and acknowledged the affect of other factors upon sexual behavior. The authors did not address sexual orientation or sexual identity. They did not assert that any specific genes produced any specific sexual behavior. The study did show a link between a certain set of genes, bisexual behavior, risk taking and number of children.

One interpretation of the presence of certain genes in those who engage in bisexual behavior is that the genes play an important role in the person’s sexuality. The fact that the genes associated with bisexuality are also associated with risk taking suggests an alternative explanation. The genes in question could be less about sexuality and more about risk aversion or thrill seeking. More research is required to determine the most accurate explanation of the function of those genes.

Scientists did not discover a previously unknown genetic basis for bisexuality. The study presupposed such a link and showed a strong connection between bisexuality, risk taking and a specific set of genes. Even if in the future a determinative link is shown to exist between sexual behavior and a specific portion of the human genome such a genetic correlation will remain unable to speak to the morality of sexual orientation, behavior or desire.

Only the Creator has the authority to determine if something is moral or immoral. Genetics may result in an individual having a natural bent towards a particular sin, participation in that sin is never justified because of a natural inclination towards it. The Bible consistently shows that man’s bent toward sin is proof of moral corruption. Desire is not an extenuating circumstance but an aggravation of the offense. God’s Word remains true and clear in its condemnation of all forms of sexual activity outside the bounds of heterosexual marriage.

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February 14, 2023

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Christianity, Current Events

Are Christians Fascists?

A Christian organization aired two commercials during Super Bowl 57. In response, at least one politician described the sponsors of those ads as fascists. Is there any truth to that claim? Are conservative Christians fascists? The following is not intended to be a defense or critique of He Gets Us or its advertising. Instead, this is a direct response to claims being leveled against He Gets Us with the intent to defame all morally conservative Christians.

No, Christianity is not fascist. To start with the obvious, Christianity predates fascism by 1900 years. To equate fascism with Christianity is to ignore nearly two millennia of Christian teachings which have nothing whatsoever to do with fascist ideas. Christianity and fascism do not share any important philosophical ideals. Fascism is clearly defined and well understood by students of history. A short description of fascism is that it is a militant nationalism which is often connected with racism and tyranny. A fuller explanation of the tenets of fascism can be found in any reputable encyclopedia.

Anyone who is familiar with history will know Christians are not fascists. Certainly some Christians have followed fascist regimes. The German Lutheran Church in the 19030’s and early 1940’s is one clear example of Christians and churches who promoted fascist principles. However, the German Lutheran Church during the time of Hitler is noteworthy because it is a clear example of the abandoment of Christian principles for political convenience. When the Lutheran Church in Germany began to uphold fascist ideals, it ceased to be Christian.

The upholding of conservative Christian morals is not fascism, Christian Nationalism or an attempt to turn America into a theocracy. Biblical Christianity is not racist, hateful or militaristic. All those things can be found among professing Christians and Christian groups, but not one is an integral part of Christianity. Racism and hatred of others are plainly contrary to what the New Testament teaches is basic Christian behavior. Any thoughtful reading of the New Testament will show that Christianity is utterly contrary to the ideals of fascism.

Christianity declares all people are created in the image of God (James 3:9) and all people share the same parents (Genesis 3:20). Consequently, racism is repugnant to those who practice the second great commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) Jesus commanded Christians to show love to all people, including their enemies, to bless those who curse them and to pray for those who persecute them. (Matthew 5:44) Such a loving response to different and difficult people is not compatible with fascism. This response of Christian love also applies to those who would call Christians fascists. Christians are to love the very politicians who would slander and malign them.

Christianity teaches submission to all governing authorities, but denies that any government is the ultimate and final authority. All who are in power have been given that authority by God. (Romans 13:1) Every government and world leader stands beneath God. The Christian should always ready to “obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Civil disobedience must always be done with respect to the King, President, Governor or Fuhrer, but such respect in no way weakens the believers commitment to obey God no matter how earthly powers may threaten or demand total obedience. Fascism cannot co-exist with a commitment of ultimate allegiance to God alone.

Christianity is not fascist, but denies key tenets of fascism. To declare any Christian group fascist because it opposes homosexuality and abortion is ridiculous. Such a statement shows a willful misunderstanding of history and a deceitful attempt to inflame the emotions of others. This is not new. Equating Christians with fascists has been a popular response to Christians speaking about issues of abortion, homosexuality or transgenderism or to Christians expressing their desire for more Christians in state and federal leadership. Christians must answers these false claims with lives and testimonies that show the love of Christ while faithfully opposing that which the Bible declares to be evil.

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January 24, 2023

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Current Events, Prophecy

Is the drying up of the Euphrates a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy?

Apparently the Euphrates River is drying up. Images online show how severe drought in the region has significantly reduced the water levels in the river and the canals fed by it. The Euphrates river flows through Syria and Iraq into the Persian Gulf. This river is one of the two major rivers surrounding the Fertile Crescent where human civilization is first recorded to have flourished. The Euphrates River was important to the great Empires of the ancient world, including the Sumerian, Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian Empires. Abraham the father of Israel was born and grew to manhood in a city along the banks of the Euphrates.

The Euphrates continues to be important today and it will play a major role in the events at the end of the world. Revelation 16:12 foretells of a catastrophic drying up of the Euphrates which will allow a massive army to march from the east into Israel. Right now the areas feeding the Euphrates have suffered a drought and the river’s water volume has dropped considerably. Is this a fulfillment of the prophecy of Revelation?

This question can be answered in one word. No. Most of the book of Revelation (chapters 4-19) describes events in Heaven and on Earth that will occur during a period of time known as the Tribulation. The Tribulation will last for seven years and will begin with the rise of the Antichrist to worldwide power. The Tribulation is marked by catastrophes unlike anything the world has experienced since the day’s of Noah’s flood. The drying up of the Euphrates mentioned in Revelation 16 takes place well after the beginning of the tribulation.

Revelation describes three series of seven judgments that will strike the earth during the Tribulation. The drying up of the Euphrates is the sixth judgment of the second series. Before the Euphrates dries up there will be massive earthquakes, devastating war, worldwide famine, the death of billions of people and other equally horrific catastrophes. Since none of those natural disasters have happened yet and since the world is not currently under the dominion of a single tyrant the present drying up of the Euphrates can be declared with certainty to not be the event prophesied in the Bible.

Asking if certain events fulfill Biblical prophecies is not a bad thing. However, we must be careful to avoid hysteria over these events. All must beware of people who sensationalize dramatic world events. If you read or listen to someone who says the equivalent of, “The Euphrates dried up and you won’t believe what happened next” or, “you won’t believe what they found,” then be on guard. Phrases like that are usually the words of a charlatan more concerned with selling something or gaining subscribers than declaring God’s truth.

The Bible does not tell about future events so readers can pinpoint when Jesus is going to come back. The Bible tells us about coming events so all will know the character of God and so people will prepare themselves for the return of Jesus. To be ready for the return of Jesus two things must be done. First, you must trust Jesus as your Savior from your sin. Second, after salvation you must live in holiness so your life will be pleasing to Him when He returns.