It seems the longer I am working in ministry, the more I hear in this world the question "can a Christian_____________ (fill in the blank)? This question often has the blank filled with such thoughts or positions as "be Pro-Choice", "support so-called homosexual marriage", or the question includes specific activities that one might want to participate in.
For a long time, I took these questions as an open door to question a person's salvation (or the authenticity of their profession)! But I have grown to understand that even born-again Christians can take a position, or engage in activities that fly in the face of God's Word, and do it without even recognizing the err of their ways. How? It goes back to a combination of issues, rooted in a few basic and fundamental elements:
Preaching of the Word (2 Timothy 4:2): Many professed Christians, as sincere as their profession may have been, do not sit under God-fearing, God-glorifying, God's Word-based preaching. Far too many pulpits across this nation have been compromised by the disease called "political correctness", where moral relativism often overrides the Bible. Where "church growth" is measured only in numbers and totally offerings made, not in the spiritual growth and maturity of her members.
How can we expect a new or spiritually immature Christian to grasp the truth, if the truth is regularly compromised, or sugar-coated? The answer should be glaringly obvious...
Lack of Intentional Discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2): Hand-in-hand is Christ's commission to His church - and contrary to what some believe and practice today - was NOT to go grow mega-churches with lots of people and multi-million dollar budgets! His commission to the church was to go make disciples. Making disciples is not a magic formula, or the latest "program". Jesus set the example - it is by living life, together in relationship, talking about God's Word, and living God's Word - together.
It means allowing those less spiritually mature to actually SEE you making decisions, being willing to discuss when you have made bad choices or have recognized your errors. It means being true to the Bible in our words and deeds. It means constantly seeking to become more like Christ, and to put to use the transplanted heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26) God has promised to His people.
It means showing the discernment of the Spirit (Matthew 7:15-20, 1 Corinthians 12:3, 1 John 4:1-3). In that spiritual growth and discernment, you begin to recognize what is right and what is wrong, according to God's Word, even when the specific named position or activity is not explicitly listed in the "dos and don'ts" of the Bible.
A General neglect of the Bible (Matthew 4:4, Jeremiah 15:16, 2 Timothy 3:16-17): God's Word is "sufficient", according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. It is complete, and can equip, teach, correct, and help us to become more righteous. Jeremiah referred to "drinking" the Word of God, which brought him joy because it opened his eyes to the truth that he belonged to God. Jesus in Matthew 4:4 compared the Word of God to nourishment that sustains life.
In general, Christians do not spend the time in reading and praying through the Bible. We can make many excuses, but the fact of the matter is - neglect of God's Word is due to our priorities being not focused on God. Even many preachers and pastors will secretly admit that they don't spend as much time in the Word as they should or would like! But for many, the lack of emersion in the Bible leads to thinking and actions being void of God's point of view.
I have often said (and heard said) that if a professed Christian has to ask if he or she can do something as a Christian, the answer is probably "you shouldn't"! The fact that you have to ask in the first place is a sign that the spirit is already telling you "no", but you are trying to find a way around it.
As to positions on moral issues (abortion, homosexuality/"homosexual marriage", etc.), again, to you truly believe the Bible? Do you take it for what it says (the full council of scripture), or do you prefer to pick-and-choose, and interpret according to your emotions and fleshly desires?
When we spend time in God's Word and prayer, the Lord will apply and engrave it in our hearts. We are better equipped to recognize (discern) the truth, and as we grow in Christian Grace, we no longer are deceived when scripture is taken out of context, misquoted, or completely abused.
Words have meanings. Words in context have much more meaning. Are you willing to set aside your own desires of the flesh, your own emotions, and accept God's Word? If you pick and choose, you are really saying that the Bible is not trustworthy. If that is your belief - then maybe its time to ask "am I a Christian"?
Monday, January 27, 2014
What Do I Mean By "Lonely"?
I have been asked about the title of this blog - "what do you mean by "lonely"? Let me clarify, lest someone get hung up in the wrong "perception"...
I have a loving wife in Diana who indeed fulfills the example of "an help-mate" as God created wives to be. I have two absolutely awesome daughters that mean the world to me in Anna and Selah that give me great joy. I have a family spread out in all directions that I love and respect, as well as a circle of friends both in and out of the ministry who support me, pray for me, and lift me up.
But most importantly, I have a Savior who died to set me free from sin. Who paid my debt in full through His precious blood, and who has indeed sent the Great Comforter, the Holy Spirit - who dwells in me, and who is with me always. This is MY Savior, who promised to never leave me or forsake me - so I totally understand that I am never ever TRULY alone!
But in this world of ministry, especially when serving as the only pastor/staff, of a small and spread out congregation, separated by miles from the nearest other pastor who can grasp the specific context I minister in.
Some have described pastoring as standing as an "island in the sea". It has taken me quite some time to begin to wrap my mind around that illustration. Another way of describing it - think about your own local church. Everyone has a pastor... except for one person: the pastor.
Not a day goes by that the Lord skips showing me His goodness and grace. Indeed, not a day goes by that I am short of things to be thankful for.
And while I have never been asked to suffer as the Apostle Paul suffered for the sake of the Gospel, I do understand day-by-day at least in a small part, just how difficult and how "lonely" ministry can be.
But I also have the confidence and the surety that I am exactly where the LORD wants me, doing exactly what HE wants me too! And for that, I wouldn't trade a thing!
I have a loving wife in Diana who indeed fulfills the example of "an help-mate" as God created wives to be. I have two absolutely awesome daughters that mean the world to me in Anna and Selah that give me great joy. I have a family spread out in all directions that I love and respect, as well as a circle of friends both in and out of the ministry who support me, pray for me, and lift me up.
But most importantly, I have a Savior who died to set me free from sin. Who paid my debt in full through His precious blood, and who has indeed sent the Great Comforter, the Holy Spirit - who dwells in me, and who is with me always. This is MY Savior, who promised to never leave me or forsake me - so I totally understand that I am never ever TRULY alone!
But in this world of ministry, especially when serving as the only pastor/staff, of a small and spread out congregation, separated by miles from the nearest other pastor who can grasp the specific context I minister in.
Some have described pastoring as standing as an "island in the sea". It has taken me quite some time to begin to wrap my mind around that illustration. Another way of describing it - think about your own local church. Everyone has a pastor... except for one person: the pastor.
Not a day goes by that the Lord skips showing me His goodness and grace. Indeed, not a day goes by that I am short of things to be thankful for.
And while I have never been asked to suffer as the Apostle Paul suffered for the sake of the Gospel, I do understand day-by-day at least in a small part, just how difficult and how "lonely" ministry can be.
But I also have the confidence and the surety that I am exactly where the LORD wants me, doing exactly what HE wants me too! And for that, I wouldn't trade a thing!
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Perception = Reality?
One of the struggles pastors have is with perception. I cannot even begin to guess how many times I have hear the old chestnut "pastors only work one day a week!". Maybe there are some who claim to be pastors who don't pray, study, and actively minister. But a dedicated pastor and minister of the Word will spend the hours in prayer and study that is so necessary to "rightly dividing the Word".
Of course, this perception of pastors is very similar to that of school teachers... After all, they only work 9 months out of the year, right? Well- not if they take their responsibility seriously. There is no way to effectively teach without preparation. And when you add the many hours in meetings, training, grading,extra duties,most people who haven't been there would be shocked.
It all comes back down to perception. Those on the "outside" see a pastor show up Sunday morning, preach, and go home. They assume he just walked in and spit out a sermon and went home. Never mind that he has at least one more Sunday service to preach or teach, he likely has some form of Wednesday ministry to prepare for, fields calls from church members, visits, and anywhere from 6-12 hours per sermon in study and writing,hours in prayer,and possibly voluntary work for the association or denomination in which the church associates. Pastors are generally "on call" 24/7, all while trying to be a husband and father, and a member of his community.
And he lives his life under a virtual microscope both from the outside world, and maybe more troubling, by his own flock.
I know of a pastor who's ministry was nearly destroyed over one person's perception. This man picked up aluminum cans in his "off time" to supplement his income. He had done this for quite some time. One day, a church member saw the bags of cans in his vehicle, which included beer cans, and - instead of speaking to their pastor, this church member picked up the phone and began a wave of calls that spread through a major portion of the congregation. Of course, the story that spread was not of a pastor trying to make ends meet by picking up and selling aluminum cans. The story was that the pastor had been drinking and was scripturally disqualified from being a pastor (1 Timothy 3:1-7). By the next time the congregation assembled together, there was a sizable faction ready to run the pastor out of town. The pastor was blind-sided because nobody had the brotherly love to speak to him, beginning with the church member who began the whole episode. Even more sad, the church split over the issue, not because the pastor had done anything at all wrong, but because members were more concerned about their personal pride (they couldn't stand admitting that they were the wrong ones for backbiting and passing judgement without evidence). One person's perception caused chaos and pain.
On the flip side,pastors struggle with many of the stumbling bocks everyone struggles with. All while being constantly being reminded that he is going to answer to God for how he handled the ministries entrusted to his care.
And we wouldn't trade it for the world! There is no greater calling!
Of course, this perception of pastors is very similar to that of school teachers... After all, they only work 9 months out of the year, right? Well- not if they take their responsibility seriously. There is no way to effectively teach without preparation. And when you add the many hours in meetings, training, grading,extra duties,most people who haven't been there would be shocked.
It all comes back down to perception. Those on the "outside" see a pastor show up Sunday morning, preach, and go home. They assume he just walked in and spit out a sermon and went home. Never mind that he has at least one more Sunday service to preach or teach, he likely has some form of Wednesday ministry to prepare for, fields calls from church members, visits, and anywhere from 6-12 hours per sermon in study and writing,hours in prayer,and possibly voluntary work for the association or denomination in which the church associates. Pastors are generally "on call" 24/7, all while trying to be a husband and father, and a member of his community.
And he lives his life under a virtual microscope both from the outside world, and maybe more troubling, by his own flock.
I know of a pastor who's ministry was nearly destroyed over one person's perception. This man picked up aluminum cans in his "off time" to supplement his income. He had done this for quite some time. One day, a church member saw the bags of cans in his vehicle, which included beer cans, and - instead of speaking to their pastor, this church member picked up the phone and began a wave of calls that spread through a major portion of the congregation. Of course, the story that spread was not of a pastor trying to make ends meet by picking up and selling aluminum cans. The story was that the pastor had been drinking and was scripturally disqualified from being a pastor (1 Timothy 3:1-7). By the next time the congregation assembled together, there was a sizable faction ready to run the pastor out of town. The pastor was blind-sided because nobody had the brotherly love to speak to him, beginning with the church member who began the whole episode. Even more sad, the church split over the issue, not because the pastor had done anything at all wrong, but because members were more concerned about their personal pride (they couldn't stand admitting that they were the wrong ones for backbiting and passing judgement without evidence). One person's perception caused chaos and pain.
On the flip side,pastors struggle with many of the stumbling bocks everyone struggles with. All while being constantly being reminded that he is going to answer to God for how he handled the ministries entrusted to his care.
And we wouldn't trade it for the world! There is no greater calling!
posted from Bloggeroid
Sunday, January 12, 2014
We All Have A Testimony
The Testimony of Israel includes both great and glorious times of faithfulness and devotion to the One True God, as well as many times of great apostacy where they as a nation were completely unfaithful to God, and walking far outside of God's Word and leadership. Yet it is through the Jewish people, and the line of David, that God used to bring redemption through the precious blood of Jesus.
In that testimony, when God's people were at the very lowest point, that God used their neighbors the Assyrians and then in a larger way, the Babylonians- two groups/nations that were as far from Godly as any to ever walk the earth, to bring correction to His people.
This dark window is an inseparable part of the "story of Israel". God used those who were not His people to bring His people back to Himself.
A lot of people have a personal story/testimony with a similar chapter. I have never hidden mine, as I am incredibly thankful that my LORD showed mercy and grace to me long before I was born-again. In my own book, the chapter of my earlier days of college at the University of Central Arkansas. That was a period of time where I had essentially jumped completely off the boat I had been raised in, turning to the flesh, and in particular - alcohol. My academic progress was hurt, but more significantly, I was further from a relationship with God than at any point in my life. My future was in jeopardy in many ways, and there really wasn't much further to fall... It was at that very lowest time when God used the Mormons, through my very best friend in the world, to rip me from the gutter I had put myself in. I needed the extreme legalism, I needed to feel like somebody(other than my parents) loved and cared about me. They seemed to nhave all the "right answers". So I bought what they were selling, hook, line, and sinker. For about 8 months, I walked the life of a member of the LDS organization. God used that time to completely liberate me fromnthe craving for alcohol. He also drew me to His Word. Towards the end of that time, the inconsistencies and contradictions in addition to the very awkward leaps I was asked to take to explain the glaring errors (even visible to me as a "lost" soul) I was seeing. I walked away.
But my story wasn't over then, thank the Lord! For early in 2001, while I was reading the second book of the Jerry Jenkins & Tim LaHaye series "Left Behind" series, I again "heard" the saving Gospel. The Holy Spirit convicted my heart, opening my eyes and heart to confess my sins, to repent of a lifetime of rejecting and running, and to confess Jesus Christ as MY LORD and SAVIOR. I was born-again, beginning the most incredible chapter of my life: following and serving the LORD.
Do I believe that the Mormons are a true church? Not even close. There are massive problems with their theology, doctrine, and so much more. Yet while I am convinced they are terribly wrong, I am reminded that God can use ANYONE to accomplish His purpose and will. I am thankful for that chapter of my life. Now I pray for the souls of those who have not been liberated from that false "church".
Also of interesting note, having moved several times over the last 25 years, the Mormons somehow continue to seek me out. Sometimes it is a year in-between, sometimes two or three. And each time, I see it as an opportunity to share the REAL Gospel of Jesus Christ. Usually, the missionaries that have found me thank me and excuse themselves.
Humorous happening- the new pastor at Park View Baptist Church (who followed me when I was called to my current pastorate here in Clinton) had a late- evening pair of visitors, asking for me there at the parsonage. You guessed it: Mormons! While the entire congregation at Park View has heard my testimony, including that chapter, Bro. Sheppard had not, so he was shocked, to say the least! So now Bro. Sheppard knows my testimony now.
In that testimony, when God's people were at the very lowest point, that God used their neighbors the Assyrians and then in a larger way, the Babylonians- two groups/nations that were as far from Godly as any to ever walk the earth, to bring correction to His people.
This dark window is an inseparable part of the "story of Israel". God used those who were not His people to bring His people back to Himself.
A lot of people have a personal story/testimony with a similar chapter. I have never hidden mine, as I am incredibly thankful that my LORD showed mercy and grace to me long before I was born-again. In my own book, the chapter of my earlier days of college at the University of Central Arkansas. That was a period of time where I had essentially jumped completely off the boat I had been raised in, turning to the flesh, and in particular - alcohol. My academic progress was hurt, but more significantly, I was further from a relationship with God than at any point in my life. My future was in jeopardy in many ways, and there really wasn't much further to fall... It was at that very lowest time when God used the Mormons, through my very best friend in the world, to rip me from the gutter I had put myself in. I needed the extreme legalism, I needed to feel like somebody(other than my parents) loved and cared about me. They seemed to nhave all the "right answers". So I bought what they were selling, hook, line, and sinker. For about 8 months, I walked the life of a member of the LDS organization. God used that time to completely liberate me fromnthe craving for alcohol. He also drew me to His Word. Towards the end of that time, the inconsistencies and contradictions in addition to the very awkward leaps I was asked to take to explain the glaring errors (even visible to me as a "lost" soul) I was seeing. I walked away.
But my story wasn't over then, thank the Lord! For early in 2001, while I was reading the second book of the Jerry Jenkins & Tim LaHaye series "Left Behind" series, I again "heard" the saving Gospel. The Holy Spirit convicted my heart, opening my eyes and heart to confess my sins, to repent of a lifetime of rejecting and running, and to confess Jesus Christ as MY LORD and SAVIOR. I was born-again, beginning the most incredible chapter of my life: following and serving the LORD.
Do I believe that the Mormons are a true church? Not even close. There are massive problems with their theology, doctrine, and so much more. Yet while I am convinced they are terribly wrong, I am reminded that God can use ANYONE to accomplish His purpose and will. I am thankful for that chapter of my life. Now I pray for the souls of those who have not been liberated from that false "church".
Also of interesting note, having moved several times over the last 25 years, the Mormons somehow continue to seek me out. Sometimes it is a year in-between, sometimes two or three. And each time, I see it as an opportunity to share the REAL Gospel of Jesus Christ. Usually, the missionaries that have found me thank me and excuse themselves.
Humorous happening- the new pastor at Park View Baptist Church (who followed me when I was called to my current pastorate here in Clinton) had a late- evening pair of visitors, asking for me there at the parsonage. You guessed it: Mormons! While the entire congregation at Park View has heard my testimony, including that chapter, Bro. Sheppard had not, so he was shocked, to say the least! So now Bro. Sheppard knows my testimony now.
posted from Bloggeroid
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
It Is Well...
The power of music, in my view, is second only to the power of God's Word when it comes to touching us to the very soul. Combine the truth of God's Word with music, and we have an incredibly powerful tool to help plant great comfort, solid biblical doctrine, and even conviction in the hearts of mankind.
One such song/hymn that stands about among the greatest - indeed it is my unquestioned favorite, is It Is Well, sometimes called "Peace Like a River". With words penned by Horatio Spafford, and music by Phillip Bliss, this hymn cuts directly to the core of the matter - the absolute truth that, for those who have completely trusted the Savior Jesus Christ, even the worst this world can deal out to us can be handled and overcome by the very grace of God. There is unbelievable comfort in truly KNOWING the Savior. Not a promise of ease or physical comfort - but He does promise to never leave us or forsake us Hebrews 13:5-6!
Several weeks later, when Horatio was able to travel, he asked the ship's staff to let him know when they neared where the collision had occurred. When the time came, he went out on the deck and watched the sea "billows" roll, while contemplating what had befallen him. But instead of being overcome with grief, great comfort came over him - and the words of this great hymn were the result.
Horatio Spafford knew the grief of painful loss. Yet his faith in his Savior sustained him - and gave him a message in music to help us today. Know that the Lord is with you. And cling to the last verse - come sweet Jesus!
One such song/hymn that stands about among the greatest - indeed it is my unquestioned favorite, is It Is Well, sometimes called "Peace Like a River". With words penned by Horatio Spafford, and music by Phillip Bliss, this hymn cuts directly to the core of the matter - the absolute truth that, for those who have completely trusted the Savior Jesus Christ, even the worst this world can deal out to us can be handled and overcome by the very grace of God. There is unbelievable comfort in truly KNOWING the Savior. Not a promise of ease or physical comfort - but He does promise to never leave us or forsake us Hebrews 13:5-6!
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,Spafford truly understood what he was writing. This hymn followed two massive catastrophic, life-changing events in his life. The first was the "Great Chicago Fire" of 1871 in which destroyed him financially. The second, and more poignant was the loss of all four of his daughters when the ship they were traveling on in the Atlantic collided with another ship. His wife, Anna, sent him the telegram message "saved alone".
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Several weeks later, when Horatio was able to travel, he asked the ship's staff to let him know when they neared where the collision had occurred. When the time came, he went out on the deck and watched the sea "billows" roll, while contemplating what had befallen him. But instead of being overcome with grief, great comfort came over him - and the words of this great hymn were the result.
Horatio Spafford knew the grief of painful loss. Yet his faith in his Savior sustained him - and gave him a message in music to help us today. Know that the Lord is with you. And cling to the last verse - come sweet Jesus!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Is Israel, Israel?
It has been no secret that I have long been a supporter of the nation Israel. I have been a staunch defender of her rights to her biblical lands, as given to the Hebrew people by God Himself. I have been adamantly against any effort to force Israel to withdraw back to the completely indefensible pre-1967 borders. I have used the same scriptural references in defense of ongoing support of the nation. (Genesis 12:3)
Yet I see a trend in modern Israel that truly concerns me. As a nation, just how much are they reflecting and BEING God's people? They have rejected Jesus, just as their forefathers did. But even that doesn't appear to be reason to turn our backs on the nation that calls itself "Israel". I have inquired of seminary professors, and even practicing Jewish people as to how today's Jewish people, especially in Israel, the so-called homeland, can claim to be practicing their faith, when there is no sacrifice (must be necessary if they do not accept the atoning death of Jesus Christ)? Yet even that isn't enough to convince me to turn from Israel.
Indeed, Israel is playing the victim in the region. They are subject to massive hatred by the vast majority of their neighbors. There are many nations who have called very loudly for the extermination of Israel and "all the Jews". Israel has been, and continues to be, the recipient of terrorist attacks since the re-establishment of the nation Israel in the years following World War II. She has been directly attacked repeatedly, including a handful of wars, all of which led to Israel's military victory, despite some often overwhelming odds.
But something very close to my heart has surfaced recently, something that really causes me to question my support of the nation Israel. Something that makes it quite evident that the nation's leaders are not followers of God (YHWH). Something that flies in the face of Scripture. Something that God made very evident was completely and totally unacceptable.
In today's time, there is one regularly-done equal to the act described (prohibited) by the Lord in Leviticus 18 - and that is abortion. Abortion is the singe most selfish act invented by mankind. Aborted children are figuratively offered on the altar of the "me first cult". Israel's government has been paying for abortions for some women, restricted to cases of rape, insets, and direct threat to health. While I still do not agree with that, it much mirrors the rest of the "civilized world" (using the term loosely), Israel is preparing to open and expand their funding of abortion without those limitations or criteria.
Government Panel Recommends Free Abortions
From Jerusalem Post
Christian Post
Israel desperately needs a King Josiah of Judah, who will return the nation to God's Word.
And it is this latest move by Israel's government that causes me great concern. I fail to see how the slaughter of unborn babies in any way glorifies the God they claim to belong to. But I'm sure their Islamic neighbors laugh aloud that these supposed "people of God" would return yet again like a dog returns to his vomit... (Proverbs 26:11) to their self-destructive ways.
There are Christians here in the US who have committed themselves to fighting ungodly abomination of abortion here at home, who are like myself - supporters of Israel. I cannot help but think we might ought to take a step back and re-evaluate that support.
And to take it a step farther - maybe its time we were brutally honest in our appraisal of the modern nation of "Israel", questioning if they really are representative of the "Israel" of the Bible that God so clearly promised to bless or curse those who bless or curse them...
Until next update...
"I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” ~Genesis 12:3Further, I look back throughout the Old Testament at God's great judgments on those nations and people who came against Israel - even when God was actually using those attacks to judge His people. Syria crushed Israel, and subsequently was crushed. Where are the Babylonians today?
Yet I see a trend in modern Israel that truly concerns me. As a nation, just how much are they reflecting and BEING God's people? They have rejected Jesus, just as their forefathers did. But even that doesn't appear to be reason to turn our backs on the nation that calls itself "Israel". I have inquired of seminary professors, and even practicing Jewish people as to how today's Jewish people, especially in Israel, the so-called homeland, can claim to be practicing their faith, when there is no sacrifice (must be necessary if they do not accept the atoning death of Jesus Christ)? Yet even that isn't enough to convince me to turn from Israel.
Indeed, Israel is playing the victim in the region. They are subject to massive hatred by the vast majority of their neighbors. There are many nations who have called very loudly for the extermination of Israel and "all the Jews". Israel has been, and continues to be, the recipient of terrorist attacks since the re-establishment of the nation Israel in the years following World War II. She has been directly attacked repeatedly, including a handful of wars, all of which led to Israel's military victory, despite some often overwhelming odds.
But something very close to my heart has surfaced recently, something that really causes me to question my support of the nation Israel. Something that makes it quite evident that the nation's leaders are not followers of God (YHWH). Something that flies in the face of Scripture. Something that God made very evident was completely and totally unacceptable.
Leviticus 18:21 "You shall not give any of your children to offer them to Molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord."
In today's time, there is one regularly-done equal to the act described (prohibited) by the Lord in Leviticus 18 - and that is abortion. Abortion is the singe most selfish act invented by mankind. Aborted children are figuratively offered on the altar of the "me first cult". Israel's government has been paying for abortions for some women, restricted to cases of rape, insets, and direct threat to health. While I still do not agree with that, it much mirrors the rest of the "civilized world" (using the term loosely), Israel is preparing to open and expand their funding of abortion without those limitations or criteria.
Government Panel Recommends Free Abortions
From Jerusalem Post
Christian Post
They built the high places of Baal in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to offer up their sons and daughters to Molech, though I did not command them, nor did it enter into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. ~Jeremiah 32:35
“Say to the people of Israel, Any one of the people of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. ~ Leviticus 20:2
Israel desperately needs a King Josiah of Judah, who will return the nation to God's Word.
"And he defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, that no one might burn his son or his daughter as an offering to Molech." ~ 2 Kings 23:10
And it is this latest move by Israel's government that causes me great concern. I fail to see how the slaughter of unborn babies in any way glorifies the God they claim to belong to. But I'm sure their Islamic neighbors laugh aloud that these supposed "people of God" would return yet again like a dog returns to his vomit... (Proverbs 26:11) to their self-destructive ways.
There are Christians here in the US who have committed themselves to fighting ungodly abomination of abortion here at home, who are like myself - supporters of Israel. I cannot help but think we might ought to take a step back and re-evaluate that support.
And to take it a step farther - maybe its time we were brutally honest in our appraisal of the modern nation of "Israel", questioning if they really are representative of the "Israel" of the Bible that God so clearly promised to bless or curse those who bless or curse them...
Until next update...
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