Abortion Myths Still Strong in America

This week marks the 38th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision, which made abortion legal in America. Legal during the entire 9 months of a woman’s pregnancy. Millions of Americas have died through abortion, a term that has become a common part of America’s vocabulary, but a term that too rarely reminds us of the violence that it causes.

While abortion has its cold hearted advocates, most Americans prefer another option. However, these same Americans, who know in their heart there is something inherently wrong with the practice, have bought into one of the biggest lies of the abortion movement—the so-called “right to choose.”

Because Americans value individual freedom, it’s been an easy sell. I wouldn't have an abortion myself, they say, but what right do I have to tell someone else how to live? It certainly sounds very American. That was partly why we fought the War for Independence. British monarchs from London telling us how to live in Boston, Philadelphia and everywhere else up the colonial seaboard? So this abortion lie ties in easily to our entire heritage.

But Americans have forgotten to ask the ‘why’ question. Why wouldn’t you have an abortion yourself? Is it mere preference, similar to a beach lover not taking a vacation to the Alaskan tundra? Or is it something more? Maybe you wouldn’t have an abortion because it’s immoral. There is a vast difference between saying ‘I wouldn’t eat sushi myself, but who am I to interfere with another’s right to do so’ and saying ‘I wouldn’t physically abuse my children, but who am I to interfere with another’s right to do so’.

If abortion is a safe procedure, with no serious mental, physical or emotional problems for the woman to consider; if it is not illegal or immoral; if it is not killing a human being or an offense against society and our Creator, then why would you not have an abortion?

Too Much Silence

Today, of course, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday. And while we could (and probably always will) debate the merits of Dr. King getting a federal holiday in his honor, there can be little debate, if any, regarding the merits of his contribution to American betterment. Dr. King was a catalyst for incredible change.

One of the things I’ve been thinking about today is my reluctance to herald Dr. King as a truly great American. In case you don’t know me personally, I write from a white, conservative, Republican-leaning, evangelical, fundamental Christian perspective. And as much as I appreciate Dr. King’s work in the area of civil rights, his personal failures dampen my enthusiasm to embrace his life whole-heartedly. There seems to be credible evidence of his immoral sexuality, drinking, Marxism and Hinduism. I won’t go into all of these things but they seem to have been a part of his later life.

But I was awakened to some of my hypocrisy today when I thought of George Washington. Back to my first paragraph. If George Washington doesn’t get a day in his honor, why should Martin Luther King? So I’ve been thinking some about Washington and King. George Washington was a really good guy in my book—not perfect—but good. Washington’s big moral deficiency was that he was a slave holder. And ‘moral deficiency’ is way too benign. Slavery is repugnant; it’s an outrage and a horrendous sin against God.

So I have some questions for myself. Why am I hesitant to extol the greatness of King because of his adulteries but not hesitant to extol the greatness of Washington in light of his enslavement of other humans? Could it be that I have discriminatory qualities? Can I overlook Washington’s sin because it was more distant than King’s? Can I overlook Washington’s sin because it seems more bound to his culture than does King’s? Hmm. Some things for me to think about today.

Anyway, I do know two things. First, God does incredible works through imperfect people. And second, while King had many imperfections, his heart had been captured by Jesus who directed his mind and his life to this great quest of greater equality for black persons in America. His life is worthy of remembering. His memory is worthy of honor.


P.S. I’ve blogged in the past regarding two things.

First, that Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” is one of the finest pieces of American literature. You should read it. Second, Dr. King’s statement: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” is one of his finest, and one of my favorite all-time American quotes. We need to stop the silence.

A New Year Resolution

AW Tozer’s classic book The Pursuit of God is as relevant today as it was decades ago. If you’ve never read the work, put it on this year’s “to do” list. One of his most poignant paragraphs is the following:

The modern scientist has lost God amid the wonders of His world; we Christians are in real danger of losing God amid the wonders of His Word. We have almost forgotten that God is a Person and, as such, can be cultivated as any person can. It is inherent in personality to be able to know other personalities, but full knowledge of one personality by another cannot be achieved in one encounter. It is only after long and loving mental intercourse that the full possibilities of both can be explored.

I think, for the most part, the American evangelical church, has lost God. We do, in fact, want instant results for our zeal. We aren’t interested in fostering a relationship with God. And too often, we want a list rather than listen and learn. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating a subjective faith in which we do whatever we want because we’ve “heard” from God, downplaying the role of Scripture. God does speak through His Word. What I’m highlighting is the danger of a Bible only-emphasis. The Bible is the Word of….GOD. It is not an end. It is a means to an end…knowing and understanding God (cf Jeremiah 9:24).

So don’t expect to know God by one encounter only. Don’t think there’s a quick route to communion with Him. Knowledge of the Holy One will only come through painstaking labor of lingering with Him. Won’t you make this a year of knowing God, whatever the cost?

I’m not much of a fan of contemporary music. I don’t just mean the sound of modernity. I mean the lyrics too. Even good sounding songs are typically poorly written (that’s another blog article). But one song has gripped my heart. It’s not perfectly written and I think certain portions could be strengthened, but it comes very close to perfection. Certainly, its sentiment is perfect.

All I once held dear, built my life upon,
all this world reveres and wars to own,
all I once thought gain I have counted loss,
spent and worthless now compared to this.
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You.
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy,
my righteousness; and I love You, Lord.

Now my heart's desire is to know You more,
to be found in You and known as Yours,
to possess by faith what I could not earn,
all surpassing gift of righteousness.
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You.
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy,
my righteousness; and I love You, Lord.

Oh, to know the pow'r of Your risen life,
and to know You in Your suffering,
to become like You in Your death,
My Lord, so with You to live and never die.
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You.
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy,
my righteousness; and I love You, Lord.
Knowing You, Jesus, knowing You.
There is no greater thing.
You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my righteousness;
You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my righteousness;
You're my all, You're the best, You're my joy, my righteousness;
and I love You, Lord.

If you're into making "New Year's Resolutions" certainly put this one on your list--Knowing God more fully. I'm not into resolutions, but it tops my goals for this year. I'm on the heels of the Apostle Paul "that I might know Him..." (Phil 3:10).

Post-Christmas, Pre-New Year

God is glorious. While Christmas 2010 has passed without my adding any insights to cyberspace, I would want to offer this simple adage...God is glorious. If Christmas is about anything, it is that God makes all things right…in His time. Yes, Jesus was birthed into this world… “the Word became flesh” in the words of John. That’s why we’ve celebrated and continue to celebrate December 25th. Jesus, the Savior is born! But it would be some decades between His arrival and the moment His innocent blood would be shed, effectively reconciling sinful man to our holy God. His birth was only the beginning, the starting point of a life that would be offered. The message of “peace on earth” gloriously heralded by a “multitude of the heavenly host” could only be achieved at Golgotha, some thirty years later. But it was achieved…all in God’s timing. And there is much more that will be achieved…all in God’s timing.

Vote Yes To Retain Judge Zell Fischer

One of the lesser known issues Missouri voters will be facing is whether to retain Supreme Court Judge Zell Fischer—appointed to a two year term by Governor Matt Blunt on October 23, 2008.

I’ll be voting yes.

Judge Fischer is a 1985 graduate of William Jewell College, my own alma mater. While I am proud of my heritage and of many aspects of the college, Jewell was the first place I encountered liberals en masse. There were political liberals, theological liberals, economic liberals—even moral liberals. I truly grew up at William Jewell College. My Camelot was shattered and I was introduced to the real world in all of its insanity, illogic and Epicureanism. But I digress. Fischer’s choice of college is not the reason I’ll vote for retention.

Nor is it his choice of university for his law degree. That would be the University of Missouri—Kansas City. I didn’t know UMKC even had a law degree program. No offense to Judge Fischer or any other graduate of UMKC’s law program, but it just doesn’t sound too lofty. I suppose I’m predisposed to shiver in the shadows of the Ivy League. You know, that chill that pulsates up your spine when you encounter a lawyer from Harvard, Yale or Princeton. Those places have an aura of brilliance. I guess being a Kansas City native has inoculated me from my own area’s offerings, something about familiarity breeding contempt.

Fischer’s northwestern Missouri heritage isn’t a deciding factor either. Did I mention I’m a Kansas City native? City boy meets country bumpkin. Fischer’s even a member of the Tarkio Rodeo Board. Yee-haw!

And neither would I vote to retain because the Missouri Bar Association recommends it. Their statement reads in part:

“…attorneys who responded to survey questions rated Judge Fischer on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing “not at all” and 5 representing “completely.” Judge Fischer received his highest scores for being courteous toward attorneys (4.54), issuing timely opinions/decisions (4.45), and treating all parties equally regardless of race, sex or economic status (4.44). Judge Fischer was not rated below a 4.14 in any category. The committee also reviewed opinions written by Judge Fischer. Those opinions were in accordance with Missouri law. The opinions provided clear and cogent explanations for Judge Fischer’s decision. The Appellate Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee recommends that Judge Zel M. Fischer BE RETAINED."

I’m pre-disposed to do the opposite of what a liberal legal organization tells me to do. Still, the Bar’s recommendation is insightful, especially in light of the controversy surrounding Fischer’s appointment two years ago.

The judicial appointment process in Missouri is a bit complicated. Most people think the governor, like the president, picks his man (or woman) and forwards the candidate for approval. Well, kind of. The difference is that an “independent” committee, the Missouri Appellate Judicial Commission gives the governor a list of three names to chose from. So technically, it is the Governor who nominates, but he can only choose from a pool of three candidates that are forced upon him. Supposedly the process is meant to de-politicize judicial appointments. But it does just the opposite. The Commission’s selection process is secretive and the members are selected by the Missouri Bar, a fairly liberal, left-leaning group.

In 2008, the commission forwarded to Governor Matt Blunt, a conservative Republican, two judges from the Western District’s Court of Appeals along with Zell Fischer, who had only been a circuit judge from 2 years. The other two nominees, with the experience and prestige, were viewed as fairly liberal. It was if the Commission was daring the Governor to nominate the inexperienced conservative. He did. Now Fischer faces a retention vote by the people of Missouri—a vote required by law (the first general election after appointment).

But it's Fischer’s recent comments at a gathering of my former Baptist denomination that convinced me the most to vote for his retention. The Pathway reported some of his statements at a worldview conference sponsored by the Missouri Baptist Convention:

“My vision for America is that we recognize that our present crisis is not merely economic and political, but it’s moral in nature. At the root of these times should be the realization that people in positions of authority have walked away from some timeless truths—honesty, integrity, an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, and the simple notion that you ought to treat your neighbor the way you treat yourself, that you ought to treat your colleague with honor and respect for his ideas.

“My belief is that this nation will not be restored with public policy alone. I believe that what’s going to be required is public virtue. That emanates from our traditional institutions—life, liberty, and religious freedom.”

“I want to support leaders who can govern this nation in a manner where they can handle more than one problem at a time. Our forefathers worshipped a very big God, and they knew that our God is an awesome God, and He not only reigns in heaven but He reigns on this earth, and He’s here today.

“The Bible says, ‘If we owe debts, then debt, if we owe respect, then respect.’ Well I say we owe a debt to our nation’s history and the principles upon which it was founded. So the time has come to take a respectful stand. We must not be timid to pursue with all strength but also in a dignified manner what has always been the source of America’s greatness—our faith in God and our religious freedom.”

I think a judge who understands he is accountable to God will make a very excellent judge. I'll be voting YES to retain Judge Zell Fischer on the Missouri Supreme Court.


Other judges who currently serve on the Missouri Supreme Court include Patricia Breckenridge, Mary Rhodes Russell, Laura Denvir Stith, , Richard Teitelman, Michael Wolff, and Chief Justice William Ray Price.

Go here if you are interested in other judicial elections in your area. Judges on the appellate level and higher have no opponents—the vote is whether or not to retain them. Circuit court judges and lower have opponents.

Day of Prayer for Persecuted Church

Sunday, November 14 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church and is fast approaching. If you'd like more information here are a couple of the best.

Open Doors is connected with Brother Andrew and is very credible and effective in this area. They offer a free promo kit to churches.

Voice of the Martyrs is another incredible organization well worth your time and support.

I hope you'll do something to remember suffering Christians throughout the world, especially on Sunday, November 14.

God's Attributes--part2

God’s attributes get classified in a lot of different ways. I suppose it is inherent to human nature to lump things together (remember Jr. High biology: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species…?). Maybe it’s a way to enhance our memory. Ultimately, I find these classifications unhelpful and unnecessary. But more about that later.

I wish I knew who started this classification business. Books about God’s attributes almost universally skip over the development of the thought and classifications which I would find fascinating. So maybe I’ll write a book on it myself.

Somehow over the course of time, different folks starting using different terms. I have neither an accurate nor exhaustive understanding of which terms and systems came first and which ones were a later nuance of an older system. Most systems use only two categories. My guess is that the oldest classification system is the one preferred in the Reformed tradition which refers to God’s attributes as either “communicable” or “incommunicable.” We can find it in the Belgic Confession of 1561. In Article 8 we read of the Trinity’s “incommunicable properties”.

While those are lofty terms, they have a rather simple meaning. A “communicable” attribute is one that God has “communed” or “communicated” or given to man; whereas an “incommunicable” attribute is one he has not. Common examples are that God’s omniscience (all-knowing) is an “incommunicable” attribute since humans are not all-knowing; and that God’s mercy is a “communicable” attribute since most humans show mercy (to some degree).

Other systems use different terms to describe basically the same thing: namely there are some attributes of God that only He possesses and there are other attributes of God that humans share. Those systems use the following terms: Transient/Intransient; Transitive/Intransitive; Moral/Non-moral; Transferable/Not Transferable.

Donald Macleod, in his book Behold Your God, observes that,

None of these [classifications] has much to commend it and certainly none is to be regarded as authoritative. Scripture nowhere attempts a classification... All the suggested classifications are artificial and misleading, not least that which has been most favoured by Reformed theologians - the division into communicable and incommunicable attributes. The problem here is that these qualities we refer to as incommunicable adhere unalterably to those we refer to as communicable. For example, God is "infinite, eternal and unchangeable" (The Shorter Catechism, Answer 4) and these are deemed to be incommunicable properties: and God is merciful, which is deemed to be a communicable property. But the mercy itself is "infinite, eternal and unchangeable" and as such is incommunicable. The same is true of all the other so-called communicable attributes such as the love, righteousness and faithfulness of God. One the other hand, to speak of omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence as incommunicable is equally unsatisfactory. If we remove the prefix omni we are left simply with power, knowledge and presence, all of which have analogies in our own human existence. (p. 20-21)

I agree. Just because certain words get that wonderful little prefix “omni” doesn’t mean that we should negate that God’s other attributes are possessed by Him in perfect form. While God’s “omni-love” or “omni-forgiveness” sound awkward, we must remember that while we share with God a certain quality, He always possesses it in perfection, humans in imperfection. So, every attribute is transferred by God to His creatures in some fashion. Some we can enhance (mercy, love, forgiveness, for instance); others we cannot (eternality, for example).
Other systems use:

Theological/Biblical: words not found in the Bible versus those words that are found in the Bible

Positive/Negative: the positive being those which ascribe perfections to God, and the negative those which deny imperfections.

Essential/Dynamic: essential attributes relate to God’s being—who He is; dynamic refers to what He does (sometimes called Absolute/Relative).

Categories: Metaphysically (Self-Existent, Eternal, Immutable); Intellectually (Omniscient, Faithful, Wise); Ethically (Holy, Righteous, Loving); Emotionally (Jealous; Patient; Compassionate); Existentially (Free; Omnipotent); Relationally (Transcendent; Immanent).

All of these systems ultimately aren’t too helpful. A few trips on the Bible bus and you’ll get a pretty good handle on terms that come right out of the Bible itself and those that come out of a theology book. And, with just a little background in language, one quickly understands words that are defined either positively or negatively.

What ultimately matters is that we know God. To know Him we must study the Bible—the record of His own self-revelation. AW Pink, in his work The Attributes of God, says it well:

“A spiritual and saving knowledge of God is the greatest need of every human creature. The foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in Holy Scripture. An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped.

”

It is my hope that you know God in a personal way. Not in the abstract. He is not a philosophical contemplation. He is “the God of all flesh” and He is to be known, worshipped and obeyed. Studying His attributes is the best way at doing this.

List of Attributes
(not exhaustive)

The Omnipotence of God
The Omniscience of God
The Omnipresence of God
The Simplicity of God
The Transcendence of God
The Aseity of God
The Condescension of God
The Wisdom of God
The Eternality of God
The Greatness of God
The Unity of God
The Personality of God
The Veracity of God
The Sovereignty of God
The Wisdom of God
The Incomprehensibility of God
The Infinitude of God
The Impassibility of God
The Invisibility of God
The Immanence of God
The Immutability of God
The Immortality of God
The Love of God
The Goodness of God
The Grace of God
The Mercy of God
The Compassion of God
The Patience of God
The Faithfulness of God
The Forgiveness of God
The Joy of God
The Holiness of God
The Righteousness of God
The Wrath of God
The Vengeance of God
The Jealousy of God
The Justice of God

The Attributes of God

This past Sunday I started teaching on the attributes of God. “Attributes” are simply characteristics or qualities of God. Try describing your spouse or parent or child or dear friend to someone. You’ll use words that are descriptive of their qualities—they are kind (or grumpy); generous (or stingy); loving and sweet; giving and selfless; etc. These are that person’s attributes.

The word “attributes” is a theological word. That is, you are not going to find it in a chapter and verse of the Bible. It’s like the word “trinity” or “rapture”. The word itself cannot be found in the Bible, but the concept can.

About the closest place in the Bible of using the word “attribute” is in I Peter 2:9 “that ye should show forth the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (KJV). The greek word is ἀρετή and is rendered “virtues” or “excellencies” in other translations. I prefer that word “excellencies”. “Praises” has other connotations and seems to obfuscate that 1 Peter 2:9 is teaching the church to show or declare the attributes of God.

I haven’t tracked down the first usage of the word attribute, mostly do to a lack of time rather than interest. So if any of you have a bit of extra time on your hands, I’d appreciate the research help. I found it coincidently used by John Bunyan, author of the great The Pilgrim’s Progress.

Near the end of his Bedford Jail incarceration, Bunyan composed A Confession of My Faith, and a Reason of My practice, published in 1672. In it he extols some of God’s attributes:

I believe, that this God is almighty, eternal, invisible, incomprehensible, &c, ‘I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect’ (Gen. 17:1). ‘The eternal God is thy refuge’ (Deut. 33:27). ‘Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever’ (I Tim. 1:17; Job 11:7; Rom. 11:33).
I believe, that this God is unspeakably perfect in all his attributes of power, wisdom, justice, truth, holiness, mercy, love, &c. His power is said to be eternal (Rom. 1:20), his understanding and wisdom infinite (Ps. 147:5). He is called the just Lord in opposition to all things (Zeph. 3:5). He is said to be truth itself and the God thereof (II Thess. 2:10; Deut. 32:4). There is none holy as the Lord. ‘God is love.’ ‘Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?’ (Job 11:7).

John Owen, the Congregationalist, defines attributes as “His infinite perfections in being and working (Rev. 4:8‐11).” More specifically they are his, “goodness (Ps. 119:68; Matt. 19:17), power (Exod. 15:11; Ps. 62:11; Rev.19:1), justice (Ps. 11:7; Zeph. 3:5; Jer. 12:1; Rom. 1:32), mercy (Ps. 130:7; Rom. 9:15; Eph. 2:4), holiness (Exod. 15:11; Josh. 24:19; Hab. 1:13; Rev. 4:8), wisdom (Rom.11:33, 16:27), and the like; which he delighteth to exercise towards His creatures, for the praise of his glory.”

James P. Boyce, the Baptist, in his Abstract of Systematic Theology, writes the attributes of God are, “those peculiarities which mark or define the mode of his existence, or which constitute his character.”

Robert L. Dabney, the Presbyterian, defines them as “those permanent, or essential, qualities of His nature, which He has made known to us in His Word. . . . They are traits qualifying His nature always, and making it the nature it is.”

Well, I have a lot more to say about God’s attributes. In fact, I’ll be saying those things every Sunday morning at my local church for the next three months.

Which of God’s attributes are you benefitting from at this phase of your life? Give Him thanks today for who He is!

A Belated Labor Day Meditation and the Parable of the Two Sons Part 2

It’s interesting that there is still another aspect of Jesus parable in Matthew 21:28-32. While the parable is about salvation (read this earlier post) and about who ultimately has changed their thoughts and their ways about honoring the Father, you still cannot help but get an understanding that Jesus wants children of the Father working.

In the parables, not everything Jesus talks about has a meaning. Some might wonder what the ‘vineyard’ is, and I can even imagine some former tea-totaling modern Baptists grasping even here for a Bible passage that smiles upon their sinful use of alcohol (would you believe I know a Baptist deacon raising a vineyard for wine production? Okay, way off point I know…maybe I’ll opine at another time). The vineyard has no secret meaning in the parable—it’s just the context in which Jesus tells His story.

But there is a side-point to this parable—that God’s children are actively involved in God’s work. It’s timely because we Americans just celebrated Labor Day. God’s children need to labor. Remember the old hymn:

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun,
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care;
Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.

Or how about the really old hymn (from my grandparents generation):

O land of rest, for thee I sigh! When will the moment come
When I shall lay my armor by And dwell in peace at home?
We’ll work till Jesus comes, We’ll work till Jesus comes,
We’ll work till Jesus comes, And we’ll be gathered home.

The first thought is that there is work to do and the second thought is that this work is God’s work. We modern Christians are busy, feverishly active in doing things, so few need help embrace the first thought. To be sure, there are a few lazy, slothful, passive Christians who are doing nothing while waiting for the trumpet blast to call us home. If you find yourself in that group, give some thought to this point.

But most need help embracing that the work we are doing must be God’s work. The question of our age is: is what we are engaged in the King’s business (or to use the imagery of our parable—the Father’s business)?

James Montgomery Boice puts it this way:

“That is an especially important word to our generation, for many today are working—it is an age of work, an age of sometimes feverish activity—but most of what is done is not for God. It is work in our vineyards, for our profit, the end being our ease and glory. I am convinced that in any normal gathering of contemporary Christians the majority have never done any consistent work for God and are unlikely to do so unless their present understanding of discipleship or their present life-style changes. They do not serve in church offices. They do not teach Bible classes. They do not witness. They do not bring friends or neighbors to church. If the truth be told, they do not even pray or read their Bibles much. Yet they suppose all is well with them and that God is somehow pleased with their nonperformance. They would say that they have no time for those things, being so busy elsewhere.”

Could it be that you are so exhausted doing your own work, you have no time to work for the Father?

Jesus and His Parable of Two Sons

Matthew 21:28-32

28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They said to Him, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

Is simply “saying” that you are loyal to God enough? Is professing some kind of attachment to God and His kingdom sufficient for holy living? The obvious answer to those who have some understanding of the Bible’s teaching is NO. We need more than talk. We need actions. Allegiance to God is more than about what you say. It’s about what you do. Jesus talks of that many times and he teaches that truth in this parable.

You’ve probably heard about the wife who complained to her husband he wasn’t showing her very much love and affection. He defensively responded that he remembered telling her that he loved her. She responded that in twenty five years of marriage he had only told her one time that he loved her—and that was at the wedding ceremony itself. He responded, “Honey, I told you then I loved you and if it ever changes, I’ll let you know.” He thought words were enough. She needed actions.

Neither of these two sons in Jesus’ parable gave an appropriate response. The first son gave a defiant response: “I will not go!” That’s hardly any way to talk to anyone with whom you have a relationship let alone one’s own father. The key to this son, though, is that later, he repented of his sharp tone and disloyal spirit and he went and did what the father asked.

The second son gave a deceptive response. He said what he thought his father wanted to hear. He gave the words of obedience, but he did not go and do what his father asked.

The essential truth of this parable is that folks who associate with Jesus and profess their devotion to him can be traitors (doing is more important than saying). We don’t hear much of that word any more. It’s also relegated to classic literature and action movies. “Traitors” aka: Benedict Arnolds, spies, haters, infiltrators, dirty scumbags, betrayers, double-crossers, renegades, mutineers, insurgents, deviants, defectors, two-timers, turncoats, and dissidents. Benedict Arnold, Julius and Ethel Rosenburg, Alger Hiss, Aldrich Ames…all synonymous with traitors. People who said one thing, but did another.

The focus of Jesus is on the second son. It was an obvious connection to the religious leaders who were seeking to entrap him. They were the ones who had pledged loyalty and affection to God, but they didn’t show it. They ignored John’s preaching and stubbornly held to only an appearance of righteousness. Open sinners, on the other hand, repented. While they at first lived lives in hostility to God and His claim on their lives, they repented and changed.

Maybe you’re like that child. Defiant, selfish, preoccupied and dishonoring of God. Maybe, you, like this son in Jesus’ story, don’t care at all about what the Father wants. But maybe you are realizing there is more to life than your schedule. Do you know God created you for His purpose, not your own? Do you realize there is forgiveness in Jesus? The good news of the Bible is that you can change. Today! With the power of Jesus, you can start serving God and honoring Him!

Maybe you feel more like the second son. You’ve always given the right answers, but you know that deep in your heart you resent it. You ignore God every chance you get. You do whatever it takes to look good on the outside to please some people in your life, but you don’t love God and you don’t do what He says to do. Could it be that you’re not really His? In an early chapter of Matthew Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord’, ‘Lord’, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father in heaven.” Doing God’s will is the best way we can know we love Him. It’s not a perfect test, because some people do the right things but for a wrong reason. Even they can be traitors to God. But it at least starts there. Are you sure you truly love God?

Former GOP Chairman Announces Homosexuality

There’s a lot to be said of former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman’s announcement this week that he is homosexual.

There’s the personal pain of his struggle and his tragic acquiescence to a lifestyle that is physically, psychologically and spiritually damaging. I’m not sure whether he resisted these inclinations for these past years are whether he pursued them privately. Regardless, he has now openly declared himself homosexual and is pledging to help fight for homosexual marriage in California.

But foremost in my mind is that this is yet another snapshot of why the Republican party should not be embraced as America’s savior for conservative Christians. There were whispers several years ago about Mr. Mehlman’s sexuality. One might more clearly understand now why the Republican party has been so ineffective at carrying out a moral agenda.

Two conservative Christians, Ken Blackwell and Ken Klukowski, have written an op-ed piece for Fox News entitled “Disaster Looms If GOP Changes Course On Gay Marriage.” Ah, yes, the proverbial “what will happen to the Republican party if they don’t satisfy the Christian Right?” But when will the Christian Right demand results instead of platform statements?

The Republican Party, while often having a commendable party platform, has been very unhelpful in addressing the issues godly citizens should be focused on.

St. Patrick's Day

He wasn't red-haired nor Catholic, and surprisingly, not even Irish. But Maewyn Succat did become known as Patrick. And when the Catholic Church bestowed "sainthood" upon him many years later, he officially became St. Patrick of Ireland.

He didn't guzzle beer or chase snakes out of Ireland or even teach the Trinity using a shamrock (though he did believe the doctrine).

What Patrick did do, was to preach the gospel of Jesus. Druid idolatry was worthless as is any other form of religion known to man. What the Irish of the 5th century needed is what America of the 21st century needs: Jesus. A savior who forgives repentant sinners.

Some 2 million people celebrated the day in New York City today. Sadly, their focus was not on what Patrick valued most...his Savior, Jesus Christ.

National Prayer Breakfast -- More About Politics Than Prayer

I just read a few blurps of Secretary of State Clinton's remarks as well as President Barak Hussein Obama's remarks from the National Prayer breakfast.

Not surprisingly, their comments were political, not spiritual, though they took some shots at "organized religion" encompassing true, gospel Christiianity I suppose. All comments were devoid of the issue--that America has departed from its worship of the one true God. Jesus wasn't even mentioned.

Still, God in His mercy averts His judgment on a stiff-necked and arrogantly rebellious nation. May He give us repentant and humble hearts!

I was surprised to learn the history of the National Prayer Breakfast. Interestingly, a watch group called Citizens for Responsbility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) had asked the President and others not to attend. The letter is here.

Belated Happy New Year

These words from AW Tozer are worth reflecting on as we enter into a new year:

Every new year is an uncharted and unknown sea. No ship has ever sailed this way before. The wisest of earth's sons and daughters cannot tell us what we may encounter on this journey. Familiarity with the past may afford us a general idea of what we may expect, but just where the rocks lie hidden beneath the surface or when that "tempestuous wind called Euroclydon" may sweep down upon us suddenly, no one can say with certainty....

Now more than at any other time in generations, the believer is in a position to go on the offensive. The world is lost on a wide sea, and Christians alone know the way to the desired haven. While things were going well, the world scorned them with their Bible and hymns, but now the world needs them desperately, and it needs that despised Bible, too. For in the Bible, and there only, is found the chart to tell us where we are going on this rough and unknown ocean. The day when Christians should meekly apologize is over--they can get the world's attention not by trying to please, but by boldly declaring the truth of divine revelation. They can make themselves heard not by compromise, but by taking the affirmative and sturdily declaring, "Thus saith the Lord."

This World: Playground or Battleground? pp. 9-10

President Obama Omits God From Proclamation

Our President, Barack Hussein Obama, issued yesterday his first Thanksgiving Proclamation as America’s chief executive. He continues a long, established and worthy tradition.

However, the President has dramatically changed the nation’s focus. “As we gather once again among loved ones, let us also reach out to our neighbors and fellow citizens in need of a helping hand.” In the early days of American history, thanksgiving wasn’t about turkey dinners and neighborly kindness. It was about worshipping God and giving Him thanks for His blessings to us.

In fact, America's first thanksgiving proclamation, issued by Plymouth colony Governor William Bradford in 1623, ordered citizens to participate in a 3 hour worship service.

Now I, your magistrate, do proclaim that all ye Pilgrims, with your wives and ye little ones, do gather at ye meeting house, on ye hill, between the hours of 9 and 12 in the day time, on Thursday, November 29th, of the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and twenty-three and the third year since ye Pilgrims landed on ye Pilgrim Rock, there to listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings.

President Obama does indicate thanksgiving is to be directed to someone, but it is for“the contributions of Native Americans, who helped the early colonists survive their first harsh winter and continue to strengthen our Nation.” So God is out and the coastal indians are in.

Granted, Obama isn’t the first recent President to move our focus from God to each other, but I believe he is the first to omit any personal reference to God. Sure, the word “God” does appear once in his proclamation, but it is from a quotation from George Washington. Sadly, the President’s proclamation is befitting of this new age in which America finds itself.

The President also fails as a history teacher. According to the President, Abraham Lincoln “established our annual Thanksgiving Day to help mend a fractured Nation in the midst of civil war.” Wrong! Abraham Lincoln established it to give thanks to God. It wasn’t about the “mend of a fractured nation” at all. It was about acknowledging God.

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

What began as a harvest celebration between European settlers and indigenous communities nearly four centuries ago has become our cherished tradition of Thanksgiving. This day's roots are intertwined with those of our Nation, and its history traces the American narrative.

Today, we recall President George Washington, who proclaimed our first national day of public thanksgiving to be observed "by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God," and President Abraham Lincoln, who established our annual Thanksgiving Day to help mend a fractured Nation in the midst of civil war. We also recognize the contributions of Native Americans, who helped the early colonists survive their first harsh winter and continue to strengthen our Nation. From our earliest days of independence, and in times of tragedy and triumph, Americans have come together to celebrate Thanksgiving.

As Americans, we hail from every part of the world. While we observe traditions from every culture, Thanksgiving Day is a unique national tradition we all share. Its spirit binds us together as one people, each of us thankful for our common blessings.
As we gather once again among loved ones, let us also reach out to our neighbors and fellow citizens in need of a helping hand. This is a time for us to renew our bonds with one another, and we can fulfill that commitment by serving our communities and our Nation throughout the year. In doing so, we pay tribute to our country's men and women in uniform who set an example of service that inspires us all. Let us be guided by the legacy of those who have fought for the freedoms for which we give thanks, and be worthy heirs to the noble tradition of goodwill shown on this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 26, 2009, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all the people of the United States to come together, whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place where family, friends and neighbors may gather, with gratitude for all we have received in the past year; to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own; and to share our bounty with others.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Now contrary to the President’s thinking, thanksgiving doesn’t have a “spirit [that] binds us together as one people”. Thanksgiving and gratitude is more than “FOR” something. It is “TO” someone. Who is responsible for plenty? For freedom? At this point, America’s are divided. Folks like me, say these blessings come from God. I’ll heed the words of Psalm 95

1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

I know this post borders on complaining which seems contradictory to Thanksgiving. But if Emanuel Clever happens to read this post, it isn’t yet Wednesday!

Thanksgiving Preparation

In our preparation for Thanksgiving, 2009, I’m posting one of my favorite pieces on history: Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Proclamation. You’ll notice its focus on God as the Giver of blessings.

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Prepare for Thanksgiving

Kansas City’s Congressional Representative, former mayor Emanuel Cleaver, recently circulated a “Dear Colleague” letter to drum up support for H. CON. RES. 155, a Resolution he introduced this past June. His cause appears to be languishing in the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Cleaver’s Resolution is to make the Wednesday before Thanksgiving a “complaint free” day.

Whereas the average person complains approximately 15 to 30 times per day, resulting in roughly 4,500,000,000 complaints spoken every day in the United States;

Whereas complaining keeps people focused on current problems stultifying their innate abilities to seek and create positive, harmonious solutions;

Whereas complaining has been shown by research psychologists to be detrimental to a person's physical and emotional health, relationships, and to limit their career success;

Whereas the `A Complaint Free World' organization is to be recognized for its efforts to encourage people to redirect their minds toward more positive, constructive, and rewarding lives and for its goal to positively inspire at least 1 percent of the global population (60 million people) to become complaint free;

Whereas thousands of people across the United States, including many students, have already adopted the complaint free attitude; and

Whereas `Complaint Free Wednesday' will be observed on the day before Thanksgiving, providing each person in the United States a day free from complaining in order to prepare for a day of gratitude: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--

(1) supports the goals and ideals of Complaint Free Wednesday;

(2) encourages each person in the United States to remember that having a positive life begins with having a positive attitude; and

(3) recognizes and reaffirms the meaning of Thanksgiving by asking each person in the United States to use `Complaint Free Wednesday' to refrain from complaining and prepare for a day of gratitude.

Now before I send you on to the pundits who are having some fun with Missouri’s 5th District Representative, I would like to point out one piece of profundity from the former Methodist minister. Did you catch this line: “providing each person in the United States a day free from complaining in order to prepare for a day of gratitude” ?

My point is that nothing worthwhile comes without preparation. Thanksgiving dinner will not. Neither will genuine gratitude. For Christians, thanksgiving is an extension of worship. Because we’ve been loved by God and saved through Jesus, we are to live every moment grateful to Him and His blessings. Unfortunately, we think good, spiritual things will happen without adequate preparation. It’s why many Christians leave the church parking lot on Sunday morning disillusioned. They experienced no enriching worship. They use words like boring, stale, lifeless and other sundry adjectives to describe the thing they gave no preparation to. They live a week without a relationship with God, no time in Bible reading, serving God, fellowshipping with other believers and instead watch impure TV shows and listen to tawdry music. They probably even bicker and argue with family members as they drive into the church parking lot on Sunday morning, believing that some mystical force will suddenly transform them into thankful, worshipping believers. Their problem? Lack of preparation.

And that is America’s problem as well, Our countrymen will scope out grocery store discounts on turkey; they’ll bake pies and roll out noodles and do other various things to prepare for a dinner on the fourth Thursday of November. Sadly, however, they won’t prepare their hears or their minds to give thanks to their Creator for His magnificent blessings.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host!
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

So, thank you Representative Cleaver. It may not be the most eloquent of all bills, but it is a refreshing reminder of truer things.

For those who can’t resist cynicism, go here.

Wilson's Outburst "YOU LIE!"

I’m sure not whether Representative Joe Wilson (R-South Carolina) should have apologized for his outburst of “You lie!” during President Barrack Hussein Obama’s address Wednesday to the joint session of Congress. Specifically, the President was ticking down supposed “lies” of detractors of his socialistic, government controlled health-care plan. When the President said his plan wouldn’t insure illegal immigrants, Wilson responded and a whole new sage unfurled.

Time Magazine called it “the heckle heard ‘round the world.”

Rep. Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat, stated: "I thought the governor [Mark Sanford] had embarrassed us enough, but Mr. Wilson has gone even lower."

In a CNN interview following the Joint Session, Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Wilson's outburst was "totally disrespectful -- [there's] no place for it in that setting or any other and he should apologize immediately." "

I was embarrassed for the chamber and a Congress I love," Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday on ABC's "Good Morning America." "It demeaned the institution."

And on and on and on go the quotes, pundits, side-stories and rants.

I can’t help wondering myself whether Mr. Wilson crossed the line. But that wondering has gotten lost in other feelings that protrude more strongly into my being.

The first is the hypocrisy. Do you remember the President’s address. During the controversial section when the frustrated South Carolinian blasted forth, President Obama said

Some of people's concerns have grown out of bogus claims spread by those whose only agenda is to kill reform at any cost. The best example is the claim, made not just by radio and cable talk show hosts, but prominent politicians, that we plan to set up panels of bureaucrats with the power to kill off senior citizens. Such a charge would be laughable if it weren't so cynical and irresponsible.It is a lie, plain and simple [my emphasis].

There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants. This, too, is false – the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally. And one more misunderstanding I want to clear up – under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place.

I suppose one could argue that the President, in those two paragraphs, a) didn’t direct his accusation to any one specifically, only the generic “it” is a lie; and b) used more innocuous language like “bogus claims” “a charge…cynical and irresponsible” “false” and “misunderstanding”. But I think it’s quite clear the President was calling these detractors “liars”.

So, is it acceptable for the President to call “prominent politicians” liars if he doesn’t do it directly? Is that what this controversy is about? That it was the President’s speech and his time to do what he wanted? There is some truth to that in my mind. But the vitriol that’s out there against Wilson seems to overlook the President was doing the same.

Second, and I only have my memory, but Democrats were very disrespectful to President Bush during his several of his speeches. For example, here’s ABC Nightline host Ted Koppel with his round table guests following President Bush’s February 2, 2005 State of the Union address:

“When the president talked about the bankruptcy of Social Security, there were clearly some Democrats on the floor who thought that that was taking it too far. And they did something that, apparently, no one at this table has ever heard before. They booed." [ABC, Nightline, 2/2/05]

I won’t take the time (right now anyway) to show just how President Obama is lying. Ooops, strike that…of how President Obama is enunciating verbage that may not best reflect what some perceive as the reality of a truthful outcome of his health care proposal. But here’s just one quick grab for “Exhibit A”:

“I happen to be a proponent of a single payer universal health care program. I see no reason why the United States of America, the wealthiest country in the history of the world, spending 14 percent of its Gross National Product on health care cannot provide basic health insurance to everybody. And that’s what Jim is talking about when he says everybody in, nobody out. A single payer health care plan, a universal health care plan. And that’s what I’d like to see. But as all of you know, we may not get there immediately. Because first we have to take back the White House, we have to take back the Senate, and we have to take back the House.”

--BARACK OBAMA

Go here for the video.

"I have not said that I was a single payer supporter...."

--BARACK OBAMA
on Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 in a town hall meeting in New Hampshire

In the end, Representative Wilson’s outburst was unfortunate because it deflected attention away from Obama’s true lies. The President is intentionally trying to mislead the American people to embrace this nightmare.

The Bible On Labor

With the Labor Day weekend here, I thought I'd post a few verses of the Bible having the word "labor" in them. So without comment...


Exodus 20:8-10
8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

Psalm 90:10
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away

Psalm 127:1
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Proverbs 23:4
Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 2:11
Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:12
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

Hebrews 4:11
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Revelation 14:13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

There Is Nowhere God Isn't -- The Omnipresence of God

Psalm 139: 7-12
7Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 11If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. 12Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

I have three quick thoughts about this passage and its truth, usually labeled as an attribute of God as “omnipresence”.

It is a clear teaching of the Bible.

AW Tozer (Knowledge of the Holy) wrote: “Few other truths are taught in the Scriptures with as great clarity as the doctrine of the divine omnipresence. Those passages supporting this truth are so plain that it would take considerable effort to misunderstand them. They declare that God is imminent in His creation, that there is no place in heaven or earth or hell where men may hide from His presence. They teach that God is at once far off and near, and that in Him men move and live and have their being.”

It should stop Christians from sinning.

Charles Spurgeon (Treasury of David) wrote:“This makes it dreadful work to sin; for we offend the Almighty to his face, and commit acts of treason at the very foot of his throne. Go from him, or flee from him we cannot: neither by patient travel nor by hasty flight can we withdraw from the all-surrounding Deity.”

It should encourage lonely Christians.

Andrew Bonar (Christ and His Church in the Psalms) wrote “What a comforting thought to a believer! If God’s eye is on me, then I am blessed, though I be obscure, and though I suffer unheeded by man. He is with the prisoner in the Inquisition, with the soldier, the sailor, the miner; yes, he is so truly with his saints, that wherever their dust may be laid, he will find it, and gathering every particle from the dark grave, will raise up therefrom a glorious body.”