All Girl Boy Scout Troop???

All Girl Boyscout Troup?????

Is anyone finding this funny? Who can see the corrosive nature in this? How does this make any sense? The answer, unfortunately is the cancel culture of the American left, specifically new-wave feminism. It is dangerous, unbiblical, and anti-men. I would like to say that I feel sorry for the Boyscouts of America but they had given up the fight decades ago. This was just a matter of time.

Instead of re-shaping the Girl Scouts to cater to the needs of a more aggressive outdoor itinerary, they have attacked the BCA (Boy Scouts of America) and invaded it. This is so typical of the feminist left. The article opens with: "Anything boys can do, girls can do, too;" as if that is what men are debating these days. Men have surrendered that ground decades ago and continue to be culturally pummeled by aggressive feminism everywhere. It has turned the average male into a whiney, controlled, yes-man; eagerly to please any female within ear-shot in fear of being called a misogynist. We can partly thank the #MeToo movement for only exacerbating this issue [see our earlier post that tackles this issue: https://rratedreligion.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/im-a-hypocrite-me-too-exposing-the-hypocrisy-of-hollywoods-me-too-contradiction/].

The logic behind this should be offensive to women who care about cultivating their own identity separate from men. Why not re-cast the girl scouts to offer more historically masculine badgework? No, that doesn't go far enough. They have to actually transmogrify the Boy Scouts to fit their narratives. This troop is a troop of all girls wearing Boy Scout uniforms; how asinine is that? Think about the pure idiocy of this: Girls wanting to be scouts, but not girls scouts, they want to be boy scouts,  still as girls, but as boy scouts, still as girls! What?????? It is almost too stupid to write.

This has Romans 1 written all over it and is what happens when we give up our Christian prerogatives to please the secular world; "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness" (Romans 1:28 ESV). Can you really blame feminism for this? I think not entirely. The BSA ushered this in years ago when they allowed mission drift in the organization and slowly, over time, stepped further and further away from their Christian roots. This is what happens when you allow the pressures of secular social change to strip away Christlike discipleship in your organization. This may seem harsh but the truth is so often harsher than can be realized, it is why people are so averse to it.

Pray for these girls, their parents, the troop leaders, and the Boy Scouts of America. But most of all, pray for radical feminism in America, and on a global scale, it is deconstructing the family while attacking biblical family doctrine worldwide.

Conflict - A Biblical Look

The term conflict invokes mostly negative connotations within secular societies, faith-based communities, and religious organizations. Aside from competitive sports or sanctioned debate, conflict comes with a certain amount of baggage that tends to send those involved into fits of angst or anxiety. Concerning the theological nature of conflict; biblical doctrine provides a much more positive acceptance on this age-old pejorative that gives us all, as persons of faith, a chance to use conflict for the glory of God and the good of humanity. Moreover, the Bible gives us many examples of how to properly respond to conflict while ensuring that we serve God, and each other, with a healthy attitude and proper response.

Although the subject of conflict and the biblical look into how we handle conflict, as believers, is too vast a topic to answer is a simple article, we will look at just one aspect of doctrine: the Sovereignty of God and His relationship to humans during times of conflict. Ultimately sound theology always goes back to God. It is His glory and His worship that should prevail in all situations between human to human struggle; "For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen" (Romans 11:36 ESV). Sovereignty is a controversial subject so we will not open that pandora's box, at least not yet. Suffice it to say that R-Rated Religion holds the position that God has complete and utter sovereignty in all matters, in all situations, and concerning all subjects, and has had this from the beginning of time until the end of time, and beyond. This is important in that it is the theological underpinnings of why we attempt to bring in the triune God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) to our conflicting situations.

Relating to the character of conflict inherent in scripture; “the Bible teaches that we should see conflict neither as an inconvenience nor as an occasion to force our will on others, but rather as an opportunity to demonstrate the love and power of God in our lives.^[1]” We saw this in Genesis with God’s promise to give Sarah and Abraham a child. Sarah's willingness to force her will over the will of God to bear her a child in old age had a catastrophic effect that still plagues the middle-east, to this day, with hatred and resentment. Think of the generations of conflict spawned from this inability to allow God’s sovereign promise through patience. We must not put our will over that of God’s. Much like suffering, conflict allows God to show us our true nature in congruency with his grace and mercy. When we rush to judge others in times of strife, before allowing God to intervene and mediate, we tend to lose sight of true grace over self-indignation; “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13 ESV).

Pertaining to how we answer these issues, Ken Sande writes: “Conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, to serve others, and to grow to be like Christ. These opportunities, which are sometimes described as being faithful to God, being merciful to others, and acting justly ourselves, are commended throughout Scripture.^[2]” Christians need to take these instances of conflict as opportunities to glorify God in all things (2 Corinthians 4:15). Once we do that, we can then realize that this is actually an opportunity to serve one another for the glory of God. This is hard to do but will yield results not normally imagined in our secular society. It is best to view conflict as a means of opening biblical erudition by bringing all members involved into the wisdom and logic of the word of God. We can use scripture to teach and guide ourselves out of strife while enriching our witness and Christlike discipleship.  “Conflict is especially effective in breaking down appearances and revealing stubborn pride, a bitter and unforgiving heart, or a critical tongue. ^[3]” These issues are at the core of most contentious situations; however, scripture deals directly with all problems giving guidance and understanding to all the parties involved.

This barely scratches the surface of biblical conflict. Look for more articles on this subject as we will circle back on this topic, from time-to-time,  with more in-depth situations and theological topics that relate to strife and acrimony.

In closure, I believe one constant is evidently pervasive throughout the entirety of both testaments; that conflict is inevitable and without cause to distinguish anytime soon. From the first book of Genesis to Revelations, and all the books in between, conflict is continual and ubiquitous. It seems to be at the core of every teaching in scripture. One could conclude that understanding conflict, and its place in our history and faith will better advance one’s understanding of God’s grace in our lives when handling suffering, defeat, and triumph; "to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). It is through conflict that we allow God to reconcile our differences; that we can successfully overcome correlated strongholds in the secular world so riddled with strife. So the next time you find yourself embroiled in conflict, with yourself, a loved one, or an enemy, focus on how that brings Glory to God by abiding in His word. It will get you through your trouble one-hundred percent of the time. The Bible guarantees it! 

Footnotes:
^[1] Ken Sande, The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, 3rd ed. (Baker Books, 2004), pg. 31.
^[2] Ibid, 40-41.
^[3] Ibid, 37.

Bibliography:
Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict. 3rd ed., Baker Books, 2004.

"Theodicy"​ (the vindication of divine goodness and providence in view of the existence of evil.)

The issue of suffering is probably the most controversial and dogmatic of our time. The question of mankind's suffering is deep-seated and relativistic to every person who populates this great global community. Countless man-hours have been poured into books, lectures, debates, etc. about the issue of suffering; leading us all to no congruent answer. No matter the interpretation or hermeneutical conclusion, suffering exists and it is here to stay. The existence of suffering in the world is as enigmatic and exploratory as the creation and exploration of the cosmos. However, I will charge us all with just one principle concerning this issue: Do not fret with which you have no control.

Ultimately God has the only answer to his benevolence and our suffering. It is an important issue and very dear to some of us who have suffered so much. There have been very insightful authors in the last century that have published extensively interpreting God’s place, relative to our pain, in the world. In some circumstances, we do have the ability to prevent suffering from grasping hold of our lives. How many times do we inflict the pain in our lives, through random acts of buffoonery or carelessness? Moreover, how often is our suffering derived from the lack of implementing God’s purpose in our lives?

But the crux of the “suffering question” stems from those situations that are based out of uncontrollable accountancy. How do we account for God’s grace in the natural suffering of innocence or repentance? It is out of this question that I should base my hypothesis.

I just want to give a basic theme to help assuage our testimony regarding the postulation of suffering. Do not dwell on what caused suffering in our lives, but give focus on what it can bring to our future. Dr. Ravi Zacharias asked in his book The Grand Weaver, “How can you meet God in all your appointments and your disappointments?” If you are spending all your time in grief wondering why this has happened to you (or another), how can you see what good God can bring to you out of it? We need to remember our faith, and God’s promise: “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor], all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ABV) He has the capacity to subvert evil, bringing good in its aftermath. God will find a way to turn our suffering into either peace or a testament to his favor. This may be hard at times, but we have to keep the faith and not sit in pity for circumstances.

Suffering is a matter of point of reference. Remember the old colloquialism “there are two sides to every story;” let’s change that to “there are two sides to every story of suffering.” On the one side there is pain, grief, and accountancy: why am I hurting; I can’t take this pain anymore God; why have you done this to me Lord? We either blame God for this peril in our life (as if it were God’s fault) or we question why he allowed this to happen to us. On the other side of suffering are humility, reverence, and faith. Humility is required to understand that we are going through something important and trying. We need to understand that anger or pity doesn’t help the situation. Reverence: that God is here with us and hasn’t left us. God is going through this with us. Faith means the understanding that no matter the circumstance, Jesus Christ will find a way to turn this tragedy into triumph.

Notice I didn’t use the word optimism. So many people try to convince us to find the good in all things. To find the joy in pain. Be positive about your troubles. Is your cup half-full or half-empty? I ask you if the cup contains poison in it, does it matter if it is half-full or half-empty? How are we to be positive about a two-year-old with terminal cancer? What joy can be found in the decimation of thousands due to a natural disaster? What good can be found of a child raped by his/her family member?

If we walk around looking for jubilation in suffering, we will find only skepticism and doubt. Let me put forth a scenario given in history; how exhilarated was Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. But we can ask what did the crucifixion bring to all of us? How about the salvation of all mankind and the ability for eternal life?

Our suffering should draw us closer to God not away from him. We need to use the suffering in our lives to enrich our testimony and help comfort others who are hurting alongside us. Suffering can be a gift if you allow it to be. People tend to resonate better with empathy than they do with sympathy.

We can all sit around and feel sorry for ourselves and pity one another. We can sit in classrooms filled with doubt and blame. We can even question the existence of God in the presence of such unexplainable atrocities. Ultimately, will this stop the pain from happening? Good things happen to bad people. Bad things happen to good people. Questioning the existence of suffering in our life is like trying to predict tomorrow; you cannot quantify what has yet come to pass. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Roman 8:18 KJV) God will use our pain as his instrument for good. Our successes, trials, and tribulations will be the composition of our testimony. Stay steadfast in your devotion to God, and all the faith of his promise to carry you through all things. The suffering of man will extrapolate the testament of his potential.

                   Bibliography

Zacharias, Ravi. The Grand Weaver: How God Shapes Us Through the Events of Our Lives. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2007.

Charismatic Movement: Defining Key Terms | Justin Peters & Costi Hinn - ...

This is one part of an entire series SO4J-TV featuring an in-depth discussion with Justin Peters and Costi Hinn. We strongly recommend that you take the time and listen to this. They do a great job of outlining the Charismatic movement, its origins, theologies, and heresies. If you happen to know people in these movements, these discussions will help you understand it with clarity and love. If you only have time to watch one, this is the one you should take the time to watch.



For further reading look to Strange Fire by John Macarthur Jr. and Defining Deception by Costi Hinn. Remember, never be naive in what you believe, faith is something you work at, not just hold. God Bless!

Science Vs. Religion

One of the biggest areas of diversity disparity between church and community is the notion that science and religion are unable to co-exist. This notion of science versus religion debacle is ruining faith in our youth and unifies an unhealthy stereotype that followers of Christ are illogical, stupid, or uneducated. This growing disparity is slowly dissipating, in the last decade or two, but not without its resistance from both sides of the aisle.

Typical what lies at the root of this opposition is evolution. People tend to conflate all of science with evolution. According to Pew Research, “The rejection of evolution by most evangelicals is largely mirrored by their churches, such as the Southern Baptist Convention and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which explicitly reject the evolutionary theory as conflicting with what they see as biblical truth.”[1] The church seems to exacerbate this topic, leading many of its followers to reject most of the science; or at the least, highly skeptical of its use and function.

You can trace this feud back to the early stages of modern science. The Roman Catholic Church took issues with what many scientists were concluding in their findings and research. This did not pose a threat to the Bible; however, it did threaten what certain prominent theologians were saying about the origins of the Universe. It was “the church” that got it wrong, not the scientist. On the contrary, many early scientists were theologians of devout faith. The father of modern science, Galileo, was a deep man of faith that viewed science as a way of discovering how God reveals his glory through nature, not in opposition to it. For this, he was highly persecuted. Giordano Bruno, an Italian friar and an ordained priest, was put to death for the crime of heresy,  by the Roman Catholic Church in 1600 for his views in astrology.

Ironically it was another religious movement (the Scopes trial of 1925) that advanced the spread of evolutionary teaching in public schools which have been upheld by the supreme court concerning the separation of church and state. According to Pew Research Center; “In spite of efforts in many American states and localities to ban the teaching of evolution in public schools or to teach alternatives to evolution, courts in recent decades have consistently rejected public school curricula that veer away from evolutionary theory.”[2] In an attempt to ban evolutionary theory taught in public schools it did the very opposite. It is the faith community that has cut off its nose to spite its face and continues to drive the younger generation into the arms of evolution.

Over the centuries, as mankind was making some of its greatest contributions to society, the Church was destroying what they refused to understand. You could imagine the line in the sand this did to future men of faith, who had a passion for scientific discovery. Logically this makes perfect sense; if someone in history had a propensity for mathematics, biology, or physics, but key religious figures openly attack their methodologies because it did not comport to their subjective biblical interpretation; wouldn’t people begin to question the validity of that interpretation?

This is what undergirds the whole theological/scientific battle for authority. One of the enormous problems with mankind is not owning our faulty history. All too often are past discretions left forgotten, but it never stops us from repeating them again. You don’t have to embrace the past, to own the past. Many orthodox religions of today are still toying with this conundrum. The United State is seeing this with post-modernism and subjective truth theory; just read the book of Judges: “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Jdg 17:6 ESV).

The answer to this disparity is a community of faith-based scientists who espouse the peaceful co-existence of the Bible and scientific study. This then needs to be supported and promulgated by church communities across the globe, not resisted. Dr. Hugh Ross has been heading projects like these since the early nineties with his Reason to Believe website and lectures.[3] Likewise, Dr. Francis Collins, who headed the human genome project, founded Biologo.org; “BioLogos invites the church and the world to see the harmony between science and biblical faith as we present an evolutionary understanding of God’s creation.”[4] This organization is rolling out a curriculum that presents the evolutionary theory and intelligent design to be taught in schools from of scientific/biblical perspective. Although the aforementioned organizations attempt to answer this disparity of science and religion, it is still being met with much opposition from both the scientific community and the global catholic (small c) church.

Our passion for the Bible and truth, as disciples of Christ, is what makes this topic so relative to daily living. However, our lack of understanding of subjects from a contextual basis is what divides us about interpretation. Dennis Okholm writes; “The wide recognition that all theology is contextual represents a stunning transformation of how one thinks about theology.”[5] Just as we can only derive sound doctrine from the book of scripture by understanding the contextualization in the text; we can only understand the book of nature revealed to us from God by understanding the science that it comes out of. Science viewed from a purely biblical standpoint is no more blasphemous as the Bible viewed from a purely scientific perspective. Both sides need to discard bias and work together for the truth. This is how we overcome and spread the good news of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Notice when people are arguing over creation days, seas parting, and fish swallowing prophets nowhere is the Gospel being proclaimed.

Bibliography

Collins, Dr. Francis S. “About BioLogos.” About Us. Accessed October 30, 2018. https://biologos.org/about-us.

Masci, David. “5 Facts about Evolution and Religion.” Pew Research Center. October 30, 2014. Accessed October 30, 2018. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/10/30/5-facts-about-evolution-and-religion/.

Okholm, Dennis L. The Gospel in Black and White: Theological Resources for Racial Reconciliation. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997.

Ross, Dr. Hugh. “Debating Denominational Differences While Non-Christians Watch.” Home. Accessed October 30, 2018. https://www.reasons.org/.

[1] David Masci, “5 Facts about Evolution and Religion,” Pew Research Center, October 30, 2014, accessed October 30, 2018, http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/10/30/5-facts-about-evolution-and-religion/.

[2] David Masci, “5 Facts about Evolution and Religion,” Pew Research Center, October 30, 2014, accessed October 30, 2018, http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/10/30/5-facts-about-evolution-and-religion/.

[3] Dr. Hugh Ross, “Debating Denominational Differences While Non-Christians Watch,” Home, accessed October 30, 2018, https://www.reasons.org/.

[4] Dr. Francis S. Collins, “About BioLogos,” About Us, accessed October 30, 2018, https://biologos.org/about-us.

[5] Dennis L. Okholm, The Gospel in Black and White: Theological Resources for Racial Reconciliation (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1997), 38.

Get well wish to a great theologian

https://rratedreligion.wordpress.com/2020/05/17/lord-it-belongs-not-to-my-care/

This hymn was posted on Ravi Zacharias Facebook page. For those of you who do not know, he loves poetry and hymns, and so do we at R-Related Religion. Ravi is a great theologian and evangelist and all our prayers and hopes go out to him and his family as he battles a wretched disease. Please take the time to read the hymn and follow Ravi's ministry. It will guard you with the truth that is deprived in the Christian community these days.  We offer this prayer for him during his recovery:

Thanksgiving for a beginning of recovery:
O Lord, your compassions never fail, and your mercies are new
every morning: We give you thanks for giving our brother Ravi Zacharias
both relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue
in him, we pray, the good work you have begun; that he, daily
increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in your goodness,
may so order his life that he may always think and do those
things that please you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"Lord, it belongs not to my care."

1 Lord, it belongs not to my care

whether I die or live:

to love and serve thee is my share,

and this thy grace must give.

2 Christ leads me through no darker rooms

than he went through before;

he that into God's kingdom comes

must enter by this door.

3 Come, Lord, when grace hath made me meet

thy blessed face to see;

for if thy work on earth be sweet,

what will thy glory be!

4 Then shall I end my sad complaints

and weary, sinful days,

and join with the triumphant saints

that sing my Saviour's praise.

5 My knowledge of that life is small,

the eye of faith is dim;

but 'tis enough that Christ knows all,

and I shall be with him.

 - Richard Baxter (1681)

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10156983105531813&id=42463176812&sfnsn=mo

 

Lockdown Critic Banned, Senator Labeled 'Terrorist', Pro-Life Ads Blocke...

This is scary stuff that very few Christians are paying attention to. Censorship is creeping its way into our everyday lives with little, to no, pushback from mainstream Christian communities. We need to act now before it becomes too late.

The Relevance of 1st Peter Amid the Global Pandemic of Today

All too often we, as Christians, allow society to shape and direct our motives. It is very easy to allow our secular surroundings to seep into our faith and dilute its potency. This is not only common but has been occurring in the faith-based since its inception of the Christian Church. What this author intends to do with this article is to show the parallels in 1 Peter from two thousand years ago with the chaos that is happening today and how Peter, very systematically, teaches the early church how to act amid such chaos.

This article will serve as a pseudo-commentary on the book of 1 Peter and relate it to contemporary events. Although we will not go line by line but theme by theme highlighting the strength and purposes of Peter’s exhortation to the dispersed people of faith during horrific conditions; far worse than we see today. The point is to underscore Peter’s instruction to the Christian church as to how disciples of Christ should act and react in the face of chaos and persecution. He discloses to early believers, and by extension to the modern Church, not only why to persevere but how to properly act while we do so.  

The first epistle of Peter was written around 62-63 A.D., most likely from Rome during the reign of Nero.^[1] Most scholars do not argue that it was Peter, the disciple of Jesus Christ        [“Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter)” (John 1:42 ESV)] who wrote it. Peter was an interesting Apostle. He was not only a close follower of Jesus and saw many great things (transfiguration, miracles, crucifixion, etc.…)  but many scholars and theologians referred to him as the most tenacious of the disciples; “his fiery temperament, his quick resoluteness, his fearless courage, and his unreserved candor, were to be purified, glorified and confirmed by his love of Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Ghost^[2]” This is peculiar in that his Epistle is festooned with temperance and caution; showing once again the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and His work in the lives of people who are prone to rash behavior, but have accepted the saving grace and sacrificial  work of Jesus Christ.  

Peter is writing to a vast area in Asian Minor filled with converted Christians who have undergone great persecution and suffering. Much like the world today; although many in the United States only see it from American eyes; the entire world is dispersed with believers and followers of Christ (i.e. China).  Peter “wants to shape their behavior in such a way as to overcome prejudice against them.^[3]” He exhorts the faithful to stay steadfast in their belief and duties, knowing that Jesus Christ will reward them with “salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:5). Like many of the other epistles written by Paul and James, Peter is comforting the believers to persevere through prejudice, by obedience to God: “ As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,  since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:14-16). Once again, we see this precedent for holiness and separation of thought. As the rest of the world conforms to societal woes and loathing, followers of Christ take on a sacrificial attitude toward suffering and persecution. This is still what the church is called to today.

Although this book of Peter is fairly short, it highlights many different themes that extols the virtues of God’s Kingdom and His followers. First, those who suffer as faithful followers of Christ and will be proven worthy when Christ returns; (1 Peter 1:6-9; 2:18-25; 3:13-22; 4:12-19). Second, Christ died as a substitute for the fallen man. His death and resurrection are the basis for their new life; (1:17-21; 2:24; 3:13-22).  And Thirdly, Christians should live righteously in their domiciles and society, based on a new life in Christ with love and holiness; (2:11-3:7; 1:3; 1:13-2:3).^[4]

Peter writes to the character of first-century Christians in relation to Jesus Christ. He regularly refers to Christ’s suffering and ties that into the life of the believer; “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (3:18). He binds suffering with righteousness (3:8) and suffering as a Christian (4:12). This gives a certain nobility to suffering, as we can honor Christ, by suffering for his sake, as he suffered for our salvation. Now ask yourself, where do you see this attitude in the Church today? In a brief one hour search on Facebook, it will quickly show that the Christian community, and especially leadership, has a depraved view of suffering as noble or with sacrificial thought. Posts filled with hatred to the President and governmental leaders are riddled with contempt and disdain. Where is the piety? Where is the restraint? Where is the Christian virtue Peter is describing in this epistle?

Peter also writes about the caring nature of God, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (5:6-7). God, will reward those faithful in his service, restoring all to his eternal glory. This juxtaposition of God, the redeemer, and Christ, who suffered for our sins, is intentional on behalf of Peter to the disheartened. By interweaving the faithful, with Christ and Abba (the Father), Peter encourages the Church to stay sober-minded and joyful in their good works, that they too, are fulfilling the will of God, through tribulation, as Christ did. During those days, the Church was under heavy-laden persecution for their beliefs; we need to realize that although our Churches may be closed for the time being, consternation and protestation against this may lead to a blemish upon the Church, as a whole, from a community perspective. This will lead to further admonishment of the Church from a secular worldview.

The underlying message of this letter is aimed toward the mission of the Church. The people targeted in this letter, were specifically getting persecuted because of their sacrificial lifestyle, as practicing Christians, who were setting themselves apart from local community interaction. “Sacrificial systems provide a way of effecting reconciliation as the cost is symbolically paid by the offending party and symbolically accepted by the other side.^[5]” This was setting them up as outsiders and causing many (in the faith) to shadow back into obscurity.^[6]  Peter is standardizing the Church, calling them to stand firm in the face of opposition, and do not allow themselves to muddy the waters with ignorance or debased behavior; “ For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. Concerning this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (Peter 4:3-5).  This should set as an example for the faith-community when we rile up the masses to protest, disobey, and fight governmental authority. It will be our honor, obedience, and truth that will re-emerge when all is settled and normal. Then the Gospel message with resound stentorious.    

How does this all speak to the ethos in which we are now living? Where can we pick up our cross daily and follow the Lord (Luke 9:23-24) while still being effective in society? First of all, we can begin by putting forth our ideas and speaking truth to power with kindness, wisdom, and humility. Calling for civil discourse is one thing but coming together in a heard anxious protestor (who might very well be justified) to storm the steps of government does nothing for the cause and certainly does not exhibit Christian virtue.

Moreover, a constant borage of hate and contentment on social media only exacerbates the situation. The comments and writings of many in Church leadership have been appalling; exposing their social justice prowess and left/right-leaning political moorings. The Church is supposed to be politically neutral but ideologically relevant. For example, any Biblicist with an ounce of training knows that being forced to close our Churches and stay home is against the foundational principles of freedom; however, this does not justify the hatred of public officials or the democratic party. Conversely; most people with any knowledge of the Bible can see that the language and manner in which our President speaks out against his opponents could use some grace and restraint; however, this does not rightly rationalize his evilness or condemnation as our Commander-in-chief. Where is the moderation? Where is the civility?

Sadly, an enormous portion of these comments and attacks are coming from the pulpit and church leadership. This looks nothing like the behavior Peter exhorts followers of Christ to act and respond to persecution. We, as the believing body of Christ, owe it to our Savior to lead right now in the community showing sacrificial suffering and obedience to the rule of law. For it is the ideas and principles of the mind and heart that win the day; that is our battleground. After all, we have the greatest and most effective playbook of principles and ideas ever to have existed: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12 -13).

In conclusion, “Martin Luther justly designates the Epistle of St. Peter as one of the most noble of the New Testament. It exhibits a wealth of thought, a dignity, a fervor, a humility and love, a believing hope, a readiness for the advent of Christ, in exact harmony with the individuality of the Apostle.^[7]” The first book of Peter is a wonderful kaleidoscope of struggle, grace, and duty. I appreciate Peter’s linkage of the Christian plight with that of the suffering servant.  His passion for stewardship of God’s grace is poignant and naturally flows into living an exemplary life of obedience to God in the face of opposition. He lines out a life lived, with honor, while the world casts us out, for our belief. This is a great book for the Christian pariah, or outcast, as a philosophical treatise for those who feel that the Church is on the fringe. In this way it relates to our twenty-first-century world of YouTube, Hollywood, and the twenty-four-hour news cycle. When we feel like society is hedging out faith-based communities, we can turn to 1 Peter for guidance.

Bibliography

Childs, Brevard S. Biblical Theology of the Old and New Testaments: Theological Reflection on the Christian Bible. Fortress Press, 2011.

Desilva, David A. An Introduction to the New Testament: Context, Methods and Ministry Formation. InterVarsity Press, 2004.

Grudem, Wayne A. ESV Student Study Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway, 2017.

Marshall, I. Howard. New Testament Interpretation: Essays on Principles and Methods. Wipf & Stock, 2006.

“Peter and John.” MIN7012 W9 L2. New Testament Context and Theology, Mar. 2018, Warrensville, South University.

Schaff, P., et al. A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: 1 Peter. Logos Bible Software, 2008.

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[1] Introduction commentary, Wayne A. Grudem, ESV Student Study Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2017), 1669.

^[2]P. Schaff et al., A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: 1 Peter (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2008), 3.

^[3] David A. Desilva, An Introduction to the New Testament: Context, Methods and Ministry Formation (Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2004), 841.

[4] Key Themes commentary, Wayne A. Grudem, ESV Student Study Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2017), 1669.

^[5] I. Howard. Marshall, New Testament Interpretation: Essays on Principles and Methods (Eugene, Or.: Wipf & Stock, 2006), 358.

[6] P. Schaff et al., A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: 1 Peter (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2008), 6.

^[7] Ibid, 6.

An attack on the Christian Family

Click on the link, then read the article:

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/ellen-degeneres-parents-who-oppose-kids-sex-transition-dont-love-unconditionally

Here is the reality: the family is now, has been, and will always be a focal point for spiritual warfare. If the enemy can breakdown the family its triumphs; “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand" (Matthew 12:25 NRSV). If those that oppose God can breakdown the family, confuse genders, and make parents feel as if they do not love their children because they believe in God's order, civilization will crumble. Look at the fall of Ancient Rome and Greece. Their fundamental family structures were in shambles. We now see (and have seen for the past 50 years) this same ideology of subjective truth without condemnation slowly chip away at the fabric of our families, here in America (and across the globe).

Beware of celebrities championing this as heroic or loving. This is not loving at all but tantamount to child abuse. These such cases showcase how "Hollywood" and the media manipulate society's view on what is right and wrong and what is loving and what is bigotry. This is so much more dangerous than most people realize. This is society choosing the wants and desires of "man" over the natural order of God. It is man-centered worship; elevating what we want over what God decrees. Endorsing these situations, as Ellen did, is a dangerous and very serious path that civilization seems to be headed toward with little, to no, rebuttal from the Church. In some instances, the Church is heralding this as loving or gracious.

Paul warns us of this in Romans:
"So they are without excuse; for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles" (Romans 1:20-23 ESV).

We (the Christian Community) must fight against these ideas and (subjective) truths before we find ourselves persecuted for not allowing our children to run free, unchallenged, and unafraid of the wrath of God.

Apologia

A Poem
By Oscar Wilde

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Is it thy will that I should wax and wane,
Barter my cloth of gold for hodden grey,
And at thy pleasure weave that web of pain
Whose brightest threads are each a wasted day?

Is it thy will That my Soul’s House should be a tortured spot
Wherein, like evil paramours, must dwell
The quenchless flame, the worm that dieth not?

Nay, if it be thy will I shall endure,
And sell ambition at the common mart,
And let dull failure be my vestiture,
And sorrow dig its grave within my heart.

Perchance it may be better so I have not made my heart a heart of stone,
Nor starved my boyhood of its goodly feast,
Nor walked where Beauty is a thing unknown.

Many a man hath done so; sought to fence
In straitened bonds the soul that should be free,
Trodden the dusty road of common sense,
While all the forest sang of liberty,

Not marking how the spotted hawk in flight
Passed on wide pinion through the lofty air,
To where the steep untrodden mountain height
Caught the last tresses of the Sun God¹s hair.

Or how the little flower he trod upon,
The daisy, that white-feathered shield of gold,
Followed with wistful eyes the wandering sun
Content if once its leaves were aureoled.

But surely it is something to have been
The best belovèd for a little while,
To have walked hand in hand with Love, and seen
His purple wings flit once across thy smile.

Ay! though the gorgèd asp of passion feed
On my boy’s heart, yet have I burst the bars,
Stood face to face with Beauty, known indeed
The Love which moves the Sun and all the stars!

A sinner's Creed

As I toil among this labyrinth of pain,

God has freed me of impeding disdain.

Alone I walk against the covetous man.

Hoping to cleanse my soul of all I that I can.

For the time has come for me to clench,

That faithful grasp of God’s recompense.

Laborious evil entrenched my mind,

With lascivious pleasures of our kind.

The wicked mind poisons the soul,

And accepts the price for whom the bell tolls.

But God as my shield in this face of demise,

Will wash my sin and counter my prize.

For decay is my body to suffer his wrath,

And life to my spirit sought after the path.

Now me and my house will serve the Lord,

Extolling grace, love, and the salvation accord.

That the age of man once lost as I,

Can find truth everlasting on the day we die.

National Day of Prayer

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Join us tonight as we raise up thanksgivings to our Lord and savior. Although we cannot meet physically, we can come together in prayer and offer our supplications to God. Here is the link for the National Day of Prayer website where they will be holding a service. We hope to see you there. 

How Should We Dress for Church? // Ask Pastor John

This is a very pertinent question that is no longer asked. I left the Church for twenty years to chase after the world only to find the world in the Church when I returned.  One aspect of this is the way and manner in which people come to corporate worship. This treatment does a good job of addressing this tragedy.

Beating children or Spanking children, Is there a difference?

Where does Church leadership stand on this issue these days? Where do you stand?

R-Rated Religion: Thanksgiving Amid a Pandemic

R-Rated Religion: Thanksgiving Amid a Pandemic: The Importance of Thanksgiving in a Pandemic By: Samson            Looking for and finding reasons to be thankful amid a global pande...

Thanksgiving Amid a Pandemic

The Importance of Thanksgiving in a Pandemic

By: Samson

           Looking for and finding reasons to be thankful amid a global pandemic where hundreds of thousands of human beings are dying while millions more are getting sick is both difficult and challenging. Many people would find this topic to be absurd, paradoxical, and foolishly naive. Although it may sound bizarrely optimistic and paradoxical but from the biblical perspective, people of faith are not only exhorted to praise God in times of crisis but required to give Him thanks even when extreme suffering is afoot. Like so many other aspects of Christianity, the walk of faith is a paradoxical one juxtaposed along-side of the secular world. This article will explore the biblical call to people of faith to be confident in the sovereignty of God during this pandemic while giving Him thanks for we have in this world. 

           First, let us tackle the paradoxical relationship believers have with the secular world. This is not only difficult to comprehend but it is even harder to practice. Early on in biblical history God sets a predicate for this separation from the secular world and people of faith. He establishes this with the creation of the people of Israel; “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you” (Genesis 17:7 ESV). After God leads His people out of Egypt He directs Moses and the Hebrews to Mount Sinai where he declares: “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (Exodus 6:7). We see the early stages of God separating His chosen people from the rest of the world to sanctify, commune, and educate them. This is the basic theme of Leviticus. Most Christians have a problem with the book of Leviticus, but its purpose could not be more relevant to our topic. The book of Leviticus could be summed up in one word: holiness. “Holiness was essential for the presence of God to remain in the tabernacle. In that holiness also involves ‘separateness,’ holiness was demonstrated when the nation distinguished itself from other nations; this distinction in effect constituted Israel as a ‘holy’ nation (Exodus 19:6).”[1] Here we see a precedent for living outside of normal culture and realizing that living a life in faith, at times, calls for believers to reason, act, and obey God contrary to the mainstays of normative cultures and common customs of our secular counterparts. This theme is further exemplified in the New Testament with the proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven and salvation through Jesus Christ. 

           Now that we have established an Old Testament foundation for Holiness and the philosophy of separation leading toward a better relationship with God, we can unpack what the New Testament requires of people who follow Christ concerning the world. This is where theology and pragmatic application of said theology is so crucially important. Jesus Christ echoes these same points all through His gospels but with greater division. In the gospel of John Jesus speak of the world hating believers because of Him and therefore hating the Father (John 15:18-25). In Luke He calls on disciples to renounce all that he/she has to follow him. The book of Mark has Jesus speaking of gaining the whole world yet losing their soul (Mark 8:36). Even in the book of Matthew Jesus calls on followers to deny themselves (Matthew 16:24). Not to mention the verses that speak to family division and unrest. Christ outlined a life lived unto Him and His glory meant recognizing that truth could, and would, call for separation from the life around us and within us; “do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.  For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.  And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:34-39). 

           The Apostles supported this lifestyle of living by faith and not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7); that is the world around us that we see, interact, live, etc. To be a true disciple of Christ, the believer will elevate the scriptures and exhortations of Jesus Christ over the incitements and urgings of societal normative misgivings; “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

           This might seem as if we are belaboring this point and by now you might be thinking “ I thought this was about thanksgiving” but herein lies the rub; Christians have a hard time separating living in the world, with all the secular entrapping’s that entails, and walking in faith. This is where sound theology and practicality clash. In all things and all circumstances, people of faith elevate and exult the word of God over the bastions and conventions of the secular world. This is our mandate. What does that look like? How is the separation of secular society (in which we live) and biblical doctrine relevant to thanksgiving during a pandemic? Only scripture can answer that. 

           One principle of biblical doctrine in both the Old and New Testament that is abundantly clear is that fear, for a believer, is not something that should engulf our life or response to a crisis. Fear and panic are a virus, unto itself, for the believer because it leads to a lack of faith that God is both present and in control of all things. We are asked to only fear God; “ And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day” (Deuteronomy 6:24). The Old Testament is replete with scriptures about fearing God, not the world around us. Proverbs declares that the genesis of wisdom is the fear of the Lord (9:10). Jesus himself tells us not to fear for our own lives because the Father knows exactly what is good for us (Matthew 6:25-34). Fear leads to panic and panic leads to rash and irresponsible decision making. Just look at the misinformation disseminated over the internet and the level of animus in the United State Government. Panic and fear are infesting our society and our culture that may change how we interact with each other for years to come. As followers of Christ, we rise above the fray. It is time to let our light shine (Matthew 5:16) for others to witness our lack of fear knowing that we abide in Christ (1 John 2:5-6) who abides in us (John 15:4).

           Words and definitions are important. We see in the media how easily you can manipulate those listening/watching/reading by showing ambiguity or misusing words to garnish a particular outcome. Words, and their proper meaning, in context, matters. So how do we look biblically at thanksgiving? That word invokes images of puritans and Indians sitting joyously around a picnic table with a cornucopia and turkey. That is not the biblical image we are presenting. Here is a strictly textbook view of biblical thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving - (תּוֹדָה, todah; εὐχαριστία, eucharistia). The act of offering thanks or being thankful, usually to God. Often connected to provision, deliverance, or God’s character. Commonly associated in Scripture with meals and worship. The concept of thanksgiving evolves theologically throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, it is closely tied with the verb “to bless” (בָּרַךְ, barakh; e.g., Deut 8:10). The most common Hebrew noun used for “thanks” (תּוֹדָה, todah) derives from the verb “to praise, confess” (יָדָה, yadah) … In the New Testament, thanksgiving is often a response to the redemptive work of Jesus (e.g., Rom 7:25).[2]

This means so much more than simply giving thanks for something you are grateful for. It is an act of worship in which you praise God for what HE is doing for you, through you, and to you. It is God-centered and God-focused. This theologically appropriate understanding matters and cannot be overstated or overemphasized.

           So, what does all this mean in light of this pandemic? Where is the paradoxical point of living a separate yet, interwoven existence with the secular and pagan worldviews? Simply stated: believers act contrarian to popular and conventional wisdom. When the world panics, we are calm. When society fears, we have hope. When people loathe, we have joy. When civilizations questions God’s benevolence, we give thanks and praise God. Christianity is the true, and first, counter-cultural movement and continues from the ancient of days to today.

This all leads to our main thesis:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7). 

Knowing that God is in control, and despite our worldly desires, believers not only rejoice but give thanks to God for this time at hand. Pray always and be thankful for the shape and position you are in. Look for God’s glory and faithfulness in this predicament. I.e., if you are dismayed because Churches cannot meet (as is this author); we can meet online. You might be sick, but others have died. You cannot go to work; be thankful to spend more time with your family. You might be furloughed, but stimulus checks are in the mail. You did not get a stimulus check; most companies are forbidden from shutting off services. Your service was shut off; people lived for thousands of years in the most primitive conditions and survived with joy in their hearts. Someone you know died from coronavirus; they are now with our Heavenly Father without worry, pain, or remorse. If you simply allow yourself, you can bless God by being thankful to him in the most grievous of circumstances. 

Thankfulness is more than respect toward God or a mandate, it is a healthy way to look at life. Thanksgiving is a biblical approach to combat the terrible manner in which most people, who do not know Christ (and unfortunately some who do) exist. In a way it is an act of spiritual warfare; “you will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). You can proclaim the good news of Christ during this terrible pandemic just by being thankful. 

People around you will be curious as to why you lack fear and loathing during this pandemic. They will wonder where that peace and joy comes from. They will begin to examine their philosophy of life and wonder what the Kingdom of God really is. Thereby believers can rightly proclaim that it is in the midst of all of us, even as we combat this terrible virus. “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:20-21). Be thankful for your part in this Kingdom and proclaim its good news during this pandemic giving God the praise and glory He rightfully deserves knowing “that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). 

  [1] Mark F. Rooker, Leviticus, vol. 3A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 47.

[2] Chris McKnight, “Thanksgiving,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).