US Elections and Divisions Among Brethren

As I sit here trying to engage fully in prayer and study, I find my self flooded with tears. Certainly there is plenty to grieve when it comes to the condition of our nation - the hatred, the resurgence of politician and media-fueled (even engineered) racism, the ongoing holocaust of abortion, and of course - the two primary candidates for the highest office in the land. Yet all of this actually pales to what truly is causing me painful grieving right now, and that is the divisions I am seeing between brothers and sisters in Christ.

My heart is drawn back to my old study of 1 Corinthians and Paul's letter that mostly dealt with a divided church - brother against brother. Where each acted in their own personal interests, ignoring the spiritual needs of their brethren, and callously (brazenly, even) continuing in the divisive behaviors. And I see the same kinds of divisions among Christian brethren today - with the bulk of it being in relation to the current election cycle.

You see, the inarguable reality is that we, as a nation, have been manipulated such as Ephesians 6:12 so clearly illustrates - not flesh and blood, but evil rulers, authorities, cosmic powers of the present darkness - spiritual forces of evil... A nation that has been so greatly blessed by God - a nation that has, despite many failings, been a light of biblical values with a foundation planted on Christian values, has chosen, over time, to listen to those "cosmic power of the present darkness", choosing leaders that seem to be progressively more evil. Indeed, as we have actively rejected God in the public square, removed references to Jesus Christ from our schools and our daily function, we have seen a demonstration of the old physics rule - for every action, there is an equal but opposite reaction.

And here we are at yet another political season drawing to a climax, and I see those who should stand united against the very evil Paul warned of - instead more divided than ever. We are divided over two individuals, both of which represent a history of evil deeds, corruption, and ugliness that should make even a fairly uncivilized person embarrassed, and we have allowed these two to divide brother from brother - church member from church member, and faithful Christians from faithful Christians.

I see supporters of one candidate deriding brethren who cannot, by their own conscious, support that same candidate. I see a lack of love for the brethren (1 John 3:14).  I have seen pride made manifest in ways I never before have seen among Christians. I have seen so-called "Christian Leaders" fuel this division by jumping out early and supporting some of the most ungodly candidates to be considered, over men (and women) who have demonstrated faith and integrity, and who admit their sins and repent of them. I have seen godly men and women mocked by fellow Christians, and even the use of logical fallacies to denigrate believers for not falling in line.

What this election comes down to is this - do we have faith in God that He is in control? I mean - do we GENUINELY believe that God ordains rulers - and that HE has a plan that supersedes our fleshly bickering and quarreling? Do we truly see where the REAL issue is - that it is NOT with our brothers and sisters who don't feel the same need to cast the same vote as you - but with a spiritual darkness that can ONLY be overcome by the power of Jesus Christ? And do we not see that our own bickering and shaming of EACH OTHER only further puts our light under the proverbial "basket"? If I spend my time deriding my brother in Christ because he or she is voting for a candidate I find reprehensible - instead of seeking to proclaim Jesus Christ as my King and LORD, and THE Answer to every other issue we face - then I have bene worse than a clanging cymbal - but a stumbling block.

If I have, unwittingly, contributed to the divisions among the brethren by my words or actions - then I am truly sorry for that and want to repent. One thing I find even more painful than the thought of either primary candidate being elected is the possibility that I have contributed to divisions among the body of Christ.

Sadly, every division that is opened up by attacks on each other is another victory for Satan, who has long used division and confusion as some of his most effective tools.

Let me close with this prayer:

Lord, I come to you with a broken heart. A heart broken because we have brought shame to your Holy Name by placing politics, fleshly desires, and pride before you in our lives.  I pray LORD for my own words, thoughts, and actions to NOT be divisive to the body, but to be only the words of truth - words that edify believers, that lead to conviction to the lost, and that point to Jesus Christ - giving YOU all the honor and glory.

And LORD, I pray that I would remain humble through this all, relying not on my own strength or wisdom, but crying daily for your wisdom. Lord that I would forgive those who have done me wrong, and that I would myself receive forgiveness for any words or deeds that may have contributed to divisions between brethren. 

And finally, LORD, help me to have faith that all is in your hands. Help me to understand my responsibility is to speak truth, in genuine love.  And LORD, please help your people stand firm on your Word - may all honor and glory be yours now and forever - AMEN

Hypocrisy and Current Events

hypocrisy:

     1. a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; especially  :  the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion

     2. an act or instance of hypocrisy

The simple definition of the term would be in application - to claim to believe or hold a belief or view, but your actions or words contradict your claims.

I have been reading, watching, and listening to the constant noise regarding the so-called #BlackLivesMatter movement. I have been trying to absorb all I can to try to understand where those protesting (or participating in much more nefarious activities) are coming from. But the more I read, the more I actually look at facts, the more I spend time in prayer for our nation and for those who are involved, I find the more jaded I become. I have been labeled a racist more times than I can count. I have been told that I just cannot understand - after all, I apparently am afflicted with this now dread disease called White Privilege.

Ok - I'm fed up. I'm tire of the labels, and I'm tired of the abject lies and hypocrisy being demonstrated. But as always, I want to take a biblical angle on this, so here goes:

What does the Bible say? It says all people are made in the image of God (Imago Dei). Scripture clearly points to the very reason murder is wrong:we are made in the image of God (Genesis 9:6). Further, Jesus clearly commanded that we LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS. Neighbors in this context is not just literal neighbors who look like us, who live near us, who are parts of the same social circles and do the same activities - or who look like us. Our neighbors are humanity. The easy answer to all the garbage we see would be to "love our neighbors". But that is shunned - why? Oh, because it means actually seeing people of other backgrounds and races, people who don't look or act like us - as having intrinsic value in their very lives.

But let us get back to the hypocrisy that spawned this post:

#BlackLivesMatter is probably one of the most hypocritical movements I've every witnessed. The movement began with the shooting of a young man on the street in Ferguson, Missouri. The immediate response, before his body was even cold, was a media-fueled frenzy over the claim that he was unarmed, and that he was shot in cold blood with his hands in the air shouting "hands up-don't shoot!". Yet when the evidence - the cold, hard facts - came out, the officer was shown to have clearly been clearly justified in the shooting, as his life was threatened by the attack by this young man.

But in response to the shooting, long before any real facts were available, large crowds assembled ostensibly to protest the "wrongful shooting" and in a more broad sense - against the "open season on black men" by law enforcement. Protests led to riots, which led to looting. All behaviors that the core of the black community has tried hard to distance themselves from - chalking such behavior as unfair to label them with. Yet it gave ammunition to those who do indeed still hold racist views of African-Americans.
We have heard cries of "open season" on Black men, over police shootings of black men. Yet the actual statistics show something quite different. Last year, the official numbers show that nearly twice as many Caucasians were killed by police as African-Americans. Yet those claiming to want the truth, continue to absolutely ignore the statistics. Telling lies and repeating lies to gain support for your views is repulsive, no mater who does it. If you want justice, then it must begin with facts.

And now we have, after two high-profile police shootings of black men in two different states, and now police officers are being targeted for murder - police officers that are not even connected to the shootings in question. Indeed, the guilt born by the officers killed this past week was exclusively based on wearing a badge (and having light colored skin).

#BlackLivesMatter - blocking traffic on major roads, delaying medical care for a young girl headed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis.

#BlackLivesMatter - spawning, inspiring, and encouraging hate towards Police Officers (even if it really is unintentional).

#BlackLivesMatter - using the label of racist to anyone who points to facts and reality.

#BlackLIvesMatter - conspicuously absent in Chicago where young Black men are murdered every day, by fellow Black males.

#BlackLIvesMatter - conspicuously absent from the abortion clinics all over this nation who have killed more African-Americans than all the wars fought, and police violence taken in this nation's history.

And then we have the politicians who are playing along with this movement, calling for gun bans, stricter gun-control, and other measures that would actually disarm and/or limit access to firearms by law-abiding African-Americans.

Of course, a student of history knows that the earliest gun control legislation in this nation was a response to the freeing of slaves, and was pushed specifically with the intent of keeping guns out of the hands of these freed slaves.

Planned Parenthood, started and built by Margaret Sanger, who had a well-known agenda of eugenics against Blacks. Yet so many in the self-appointed leadership of the Black Community are adamant supporters of...Planned Parenthood, and often are among the biggest supporters of so-called "reproductive choice" (aka - the murder of unborn children). 

We are told that #BlackLivesMatter in such a way that it can't help but be interpreted as ONLY Black Lives Matter. Maybe it isn't intended that way, but when one brings up one of my original points - that ALL lives matter, as we are ALL made in the image of God, the vitriol and anger is unleashed - and the "racist" card gets slammed down.

Indeed, for years, we have heard of the unfairness of being judged by the color of our skin (Dr. Martin Luther King said it beautifully when he said "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Yet we still see hiring practices and quotas, college admissions, and governmental contract requirements that specifically and very explicitly singling out a particular race for preferential treatment, overriding actual qualifications and merit.



How is this not hypocritical?


What is the answer? - What did Jesus say? LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR - something all but impossible if not for a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Does "RISEN" Rise to Greatness? A Review

My wife and I were able to have an all-too-rare "date night" last night, and as part of that night out, we chose to see "RISEN", the latest "Christian" film release from Sony Pictures/Columbia/Affirm Films.

Before I begin, I want to admit that I tend to watch films that are labeled as "Christian" with a very narrow lens.  There have been way too many films labeled as such, that are more worldly and even heretical than anything remotely biblical.

On to the review!

Risen, directed by Kevin Reynolds and screenplay by Kevin Reynolds and Paul Aiello (who also wrote the story), stars Joseph Fiennes as "Clavius" (mostly identified as "Tribute" in the film), a Roman Centurion with a special position in Pontius Pilate's service. 

The film centers around Clavius and his primary task of trying to solve the disappearance of the body of Jesus. Many of the early comments on this film labeled it as a First-Century "CSI".  While this is somewhat of a stretch, the concept does ring somewhat true.

Plot (Warning, some spoilers):

The film opens with Clavius walking in the desert and stumbling into a small home. There he is given food and water, and begins to tell the homeowner his story - beginning with a battle battle to put down a Jewish uprising. After the bloody, but successful mission, he returns to Jerusalem. But before he can even get cleaned up, he is summoned by Pilate to deal with a situation revolving around this "King of the Jews" that had stirred up trouble. He explains to Clavius that he had no choice but to have him crucified. Pilate sends Clavius to supervise the death of the three men crucified, with a special emphasis on this "trouble" in Jesus/Yeshua. But of course, the confirmation of their death is not enough, and the Jewish leaders who are always a threat, demand that he set a seal on the tomb to prevent the theft of the body by the disciples. Thus begins the primary journey for Clavius.

After setting guard, the two begin drinking (the excuse being that they had been up two days with no rest). The next time we see them, they have fled, and the High Priest (Caiaphas) is protesting that the disciples have indeed "stolen the body", and the two guards have fled to the temple for "sanctuary".

So begins Clavius' journey to "solve this crime". Of course, he doesn't find the rotting corpse of this Hebrew - despite turning over every fresh grave in the area and arresting and questioning many, including some close to Jesus. But Clavius does find Jesus -

Clavius is an adherent of Mars, and thus several times we hear him pay homage to Mars, and to leave alms for him at an idol. Yet the film is about a journey - from concrete doubt, to curious investigator, to eye-witness of Jesus.

The Good: The film is encouraging from a Christian point of view. I has no nudity or profanity. The film mixes in biblical quotes that help the story along and remind the viewer (if they have any knowledge at all of the Gospels and first chapter of Acts) of the biblical basis.

The Bad: The film does have significant violence, though there is not a whole lot of direct gore in sight. There are also the typical liberties taken with characters and story plot. There is also the matter of an unidentified Roman Centurion being included in the group of disciples who witness Jesus' ascension.

Also - the disciple Bartholomew is asked why he followed Jesus. Later, when Jesus heals a leaper, he turns to Clavius and says "THIS is why".  Is this trying to say that he followed Jesus ONLY because of miracles?

The film portray some interesting depictions  of Gospel passages (particularly from John 21) as well as basically a reenactment of Acts 1. The  disciples are acted out in a way that was kind of uncomfortable for me at first take - yet it all made sense after having some time to process what I had seen. They were being portrayed quite honestly - as I can imagine the roller coaster of emotions they had experienced, to be met by their Savior alive - It really puts a point to the biblical account of them being accused of being drunk! Also - a hint of what was to come came in the scene as Clavius returned to Jerusalem - an earthquake!

My wife, Diana, commented that she really liked the portrayal of Jesus (played by Cliff Curtis), as he not only looked more culturally realistic, but the actor showed such a "peace" in his look/gaze. I tend to agree with that summary! She also did not care for the Clavius character, as she felt he was depicted as too stoic. With that, I did not so much concur.

So - if you are still reading this, you are probably now wanting me to cut to the chase - is the film good or bad? Is it worthy to go see? Should Christians rush out and support the movie?  I might disappoint you here. I will summarize this with this: Risen, while an admitted fictional story revolving around a historical and biblical true story (the resurrection of Jesus). I rather enjoyed the gospel account scenes sprinkled in, from the disciples returning to Galilee and their fishing boats (and the fishless night), as well as the questioning by Jesus of Peter ("do you love me?"). I also got goose bumps when the Jesus character, while walking towards the horizon, tells them that they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria..." (Acts 1:8)

I will admit, I overall liked this film. I was actually imporessed that it was more "biblical" as an admitted fictional story, than many movies billed as Bible-based "true" stories. The liberties taken are far less Bible-bending than most. I believe this would be a safe movie to take a Sunday School or youth group to, and I would highly advise using it as a launch pad to digging in to the Scripture passages that are portrayed - and discern if they were actually portrayed in a reasonable and biblically-correct way.

Also of interest, contrary to many films in this genera, there is no "ask Jesus into your heart" emotion-rending scene. I give this film bonus points for this!

Episode 4: Who Alone Is to be Worshipped?

Matthew 4:10  Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”

While being tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus responded to Satan's calling for Jesus to worship him in exchange for all the kingdoms of the earth, Jesus said that only the Lord and God is to be worshipped and served. This is an obvious reference back to the commandments given to the Hebrew people in the wilderness so long before, and the command to have no other God before Him.

Yet in John 9:35-38, we read of a man born blind, but given sight by Jesus. The man has been cast out by the Jews for his testimony of what happened - and when Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

Time an again throughout Scripture, when someone bowed down and began to worship any other than God, they were quickly chastised for their mistake. Yet Jesus has no chastisement for this healed man. The man was simply allowed to worship Jesus.

Hebrews 1:6  And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

The writer of Hebrews laid out a picture of Jesus as one to be worshipped, and to boot - to be worshipped by all of God's angels! In fact, if we go back to the beginning of Hebrews 1, we see it is all about laying out Christ's superiority, and then the writer clearly differentiates Jesus from any created being, even angels.

Then we have Paul writing to the church at Corinth, and he identifies Jesus Christ as "their Lord and ours":

1 Corinthians 1:2  To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

The term translated as "Lord" here is κύριος, literally meaning supreme, controller, master, or God.

And let us compare that to: 1 Kings 18:24  and Elijah's challenge: And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the LORD ,(יְהֹוָה - Jehovah) and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” 

Zechariah 13:9  And I will put this third into the fire,

and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name,and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”

God's resend always refer to God as "Lord" - they are terms of worship and adoration of God. So when we see Jesus referred to as Lord, and more directly  - "my God" as Thomas stated, we can understand that Jesus is the only God worthy of worship.

And this brings us to yet another reality - because who else an forgive sins? Stay tuned for the next Episode (Episode 5: Who Can Forgive Sin?)

Episode 3: Sseeking the the Real Jesus - My Lord, My God!

 I cannot help but be blown away by the words of "doubting" Thomas in his confession of faith found in John 20:28 - “My Lord and my God!”  Thomas didn't just express Jesus' position above him ("Lord" - κύριος - literally "supreme authority"), but he also called Jesus God (θεός - Deity/Supreme Divinity).

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian church a description of Jesus that doesn't mince words: "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" -Colossians 2:9. Paul made qualms that he saw Jesus as, quite literally - God.

Further, in answering questions about Jesus - and the highly irregular claims that Jesus was God - Paul wrote to the Philippians: 

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Equality with God? But there is only one God, correct?

The writer of Hebrews recorded something extremely interesting: 

Hebrews 1:8  But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom." (A direct quote from Psalm 45:6) 

If we were to ignore the first phrase, this verse would not be controversial - yet the writer specifically wrote "But of the Son (that's Jesus), he says..." OF Jesus. The writer directly calls the Son... God.

To label anyone, other than God Almighty, as "God" would be blasphemy. So our conclusion must bend to what the inspired biblical writers penned.

Installment #4 will come tomorrow - "Who is to be worshiped but God alone?"

Part 2: Who is "I AM?"

This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. John 5:18

I often hear said that "Jesus never claimed to be God". While in a very limited and literal sense, Jesus didn't use that exact phrase to describe Himself, between the above actions that the Jews were complaining of were understood in their time and context as laying claims to being "equal" with God - Yet there is non other. There is none like God. 

"I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he* you will die in your sins." John 8:24

(*of note - in the original language, there is no personal pronoun “he” there. Rendering literally “believe that I am”.) 

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58

Compare this direct statement by Jesus to Exodus 3:14

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’.”

Or in John 10:30-33, when Jesus said “I and the Father are one", The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.

Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?”
The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”

To lay any claim to being God or equal TO God would be a brazen sin - Yet Jesus is commended for the claim.

Jesus identified Himself with the name/title of "I Am", which is one of the most powerful names God revealed of Himself.

Who is This Jesus (The Deity of Christ) Part 1

Among the great theological debates that rage regarding Jesus and who He is, the greatest is whether or not Jesus IS God. There are some who would profess Jesus to be something less than fully God. They claim faith, yet in “who” are they believing? This short piece is designed simply to answer this incredible question - “Is Jesus God?” Further, to briefly answer the question of “why is this so important?”

Simply put, only the pure, holy, and completely uncorrupted by sin blood could possibly atone for sin. The blood of countless animals and birds never paid the sin debt for Israel. Only the pure, spotless Lamb could pay that sin debt.

And who but God is totally pure and righteous?

To that end, I am going to post a series of entries that deal with Scripture passages that, when taken all together, present a beautiful picture of the real Jesus, who is fully God.

Some say that Jesus never claimed to be God. Others rely on creative translation of selected verses to shore up their claim that Jesus is not God (or Yahweh/Jehovah). Yet a simple review of the Bible reveals a pattern that cannot be dismissed, a pattern that clearly makes the case for Jesus Christ as God.

Over the next few days, I plan to post a series of passages and a bit of comment on each in an effort to stitch together the greater picture of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who IS the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is worthy of all praise and worship. My challenge to the reader - read them, ponder on them, and pray about it, particularly as you accumulate these passages, who is Jesus?

We begin with one of the most clear, yet still controversial passages pointing to the deity of Jesus Christ.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Now, some like to move the comma, or add the word “a” based on the lack of a "definite article", yet the original language gives NO convincing reason to do either. In fact, there are several examples elsewhere that do not create controversy where there is a lack of a definite article. Yet the preponderance of Christian history and understanding agrees that the reference to "the Word" is a reference to Jesus as having the same quality as God the Father.

All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3

What we see here, is that the reference back to “The Word” here is clearly identifying Jesus as the Creator of all, which in the Old Testament is 100% identified as God/Jehovah.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:3

And to further reinforce this idea, let us thing a bit about one of the most powerful names God used in the Old Testament to reveal Himself - "I Am". This will be the subject of Episode 2 in this series. 

Destruction of a Nation and the Christian's Responsibility

A friend of mine posted his astonishment that America could be on the cusp of electing a bonafide "Socialist" to the office of President, from either primary party. I began to formulate a response then realized that my reply would be far more suited to a full-on blog post, so thank you Donny Parrish for kick-starting this!

"Christians" have remained silent too long. Notice that the paths of ungodliness our nation has actively pursued are 100% based in the "squeaky wheel" principal--- homosexuals have "gay marriage" because they screamed and hollered the loudest. God was "banned" from schools because the haters if God screamed and hollered the loudest.

60 million + babies have been murdered in this nation, perfectly legally because the worshippers of self/Molich screamed, hollered, and put their money where their mouth was and swayed the courts (without a single genuine constitutional basis).

And we have become (or are in the edge of) becoming a socialist nation all because of a direct violation of the 10 commandments, particularly the commandment against "covetousness"...  Those who covet what others have are screaming and hollering loudly to get what you have (without working for it). And that gave us the current President, and a few candidates who are now unapologetically pandering to the covetous culture.

And so much more.

There are three fronts in the war for the very soul of this nation---

1. We must begin ON OUR KNEES as God's children, humbling ourselves in out very knees in repentance for our own sin and ungodliness and for our failure to be the "watchmen on the wall".

2. We must be far more proactive in sharing Jesus Christ with this list and dying world. It IS NOT ENOUGH to "invite people to church".  That has NEVER been enough, not does it fulfill the Great Commission.  But just as the first front (and step) towards actually doingsomething is humility before God, we must also BE the salt and light as Jesus Commanded. We cannot live like the world, yet expect the world to act like Jesus. It just doesn't work that way! Repeat the first front!

3. And we must be willing to stand for the TRUTH, live out the TRUTH, vote for the TRUTH, even if it means our pocketbooks are affected, even if it means our "friends" might reject us, and even if it is inconvenient and painful (I do not believe Jesus promised an easy road!). Every time we bend our morality for financial or social gain, we betray our hearts and faith. The "fruits" of our faith become very evident - by their lacking of real impact.

Christianity is not a passive spectator sport, it is a way of life. If our hearts are not absolutely broken for the ungodliness (and what the Bible clearly spells out is the coming result for it), if we don't grieve for the lostness all around us, if we are not so broken that we are willing to speak up for the TRUTH, then stop pretending to be offended by all the garbage around us, and by path this nation is traveling. You are part of the problem. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (and be a part of the solution).

Miracles From Heaven - a Review

A couple of months ago, I received an invitation to view an advanced screening of Miracles From Heaven in Little Rock.  Having not been familiar with the movie or its source (supposedly a true story), I was interested to at least investigate. What I discovered was that this movie was produced by the same folks that produced the film version of Heave Is For Real. This immediately kick-started the critic in me.  But, despite there being other suspect personalities, particularly of the Word Of Faith and hyper-spiritualist camp (most notably, T.D. Jakes), I was willing to at least "suffer through" the film for the sake of honesty.

So along comes yesterday eveing.  I took my elder daughter, Anna along as back-up.  We arrived a bit early, and found that Columbia/Sony really is pulling out the stops to promote this "Christian Faith-based film" (the reps' own words).  Not only were baggies with poster, pen, and other material (including the ubiquitous comment card and church sponsorship/promotion request), but they handed out pretty t-shirts!

On to the film:

Based on what is billed as a true story, the film retells the story of Annabelle Beam and her journey through a terminal diagnosis and what is considered a miraculous healing.  Annabelle (or Anna), middle daughter three Beam children is a vibrant youngster full of energy and life (and faith) when she get sick.  After weeks of ongoing vomiting, a swelling abdomen, many visits to the ER, and various specialists, receiving diagnosis varying from bacteria and viruses to lactose intolerance, mom gets desperate and finally pushes an ER doctor into digging deeper.  What they finally find is that she has a motility disorder. Basically her digestive tract is not receiving the signals from the brain and thus are essentailly shut down.  Young Anna is referred to the only pediatric Doctor specializing in this disorder (as yet incurable).  But this doctor in Boston (the Beams live in Texas) has a 9 month waiting list and Anna doesn't appear to have that long.  In desperation, Mrs. Beam takes Anna to Boston without an appointment, makes a desperate plea to the receptionist, but apparently comes up short. At dinner, they meet Angela, a waitress (played by Queen Latifa), who befriends them.  They have an adventure touring Boston with Angela as their tour guide, beginning a friendship that serves as a great help in the ongoing struggle. Sure enough,my he Pediatrician's office gets Anna in the next day and after a series of tests, the specific diagnosis is confirmed, and is the worst- the disorder might be manageable (the experimental medication has serious possible side effects and is not covered by insurance), and it only provides some quality of life, not a cure.

Things improve a bit for little Anna until she goes into serious relapse and in her faith actually says she wants to die so she can be go to Heaven where she won't hurt any more.

Anna is stabilized enough to go home to Texas.  Her older sister talks her into climbing the massive old cottonwood tree in their yard. An accident happens, with Anna falling 30ft.  A dramatic rescue ensues, Anna is rushed the the hospital where they find not only that she is nearly unscathed, but they find over the course of the next few days, her digestive disorder is gone.

Now- on to the nitty gritty-

This film is family-friendly from the point of the lack of violence, adult content, language, etc.

There is a great deal of positive in the film, with my personal favorite being the overall family dynamic where the parents and children have a very loving and self-sacrificing relationship. The film also does portray the very real battle people of faith have with the hardships that life throws at us (in the case of the Beam family thisnwoukdninclude not only Anna's sickness, but a new start-up business and serious financial issues made worse by the care costs for Anna).

But there is plenty of reasons to not endorse this film.  The film depicts several unscriptural theological concepts, including g out-of-body experience, trips to Heaven and direct verbal visits with God "in Heaven"). Even more concerning was a briefly mentioned, but blatantly-heretical moment (reinforced by the emotion of the scene) that implied everyone gets to Heaven "in their time".

I found it rather interesting that the Beam's church pastor was depicted (I'm sure unintentionally) as rather shallow in his preaching, and it even results in some church members making some off-handed judgments against the Beams (which contributes to Christy Beam "losing faith"), and thus withdrawing from church attendance.

The producers of this film are well-acquainted with tugging at heart strings, and you will likely need most of a box of tissues by the end.  What I found particularly interesting (and encouraging) was that my 11 year-old daughter easily identified the questionable theology, and herself expressed concern over the universalist statement.  I must say I am very proud of my own Anna!

Long story short, I am not going to discount the apparent fact that the main character was a very sick young lady, who was out of options, and who, after a terrifying fall, went into "spontaneous remission". For that matter, I have no issue with the assertion that life is a miracle, or that God works out small "miracles" all around us every day.  I firmly believe that God is still in the healing business. But when you ad I what a child "saw" and her supposed conversation with God in Heaven as as factual as any other observable fact, throwing in magic butterflies and out-of-body experiences and a promotion of universalism, I just cannot recommend the film. I will say, Martin Hendedson did an admirable job portraying Kevin Beam. Jennifer Garner at times was believable as Anna's mom, Christy Beam.  The young ladies playing Anna's sisters were adorable. Queen Latifa's character, Angela, is immediately like able, even if not very plausible. The other fun character is the pediatrician Dr. Nurko (played by Engenio Derbez).

Are You a "Values Voter"?

     It really is a simple question: Are you a "values voter"?  I suppose I need to begin with defining the term.  A values voter is someone who participates in the election process by casting their votes for the candidates that most closely reflect their values.  Anyone can be a values voter - as values are individual. So with that bit of housekeeping in order, let us proceed.

     I consider myself a "values voter" because I try my best to determine what candidates on my ballot come closest to representing what I believe.  While I do not insist on a candidate holding the same specific doctrinal positions I do, or even be a member of "my church" or particular denomination, I do believe for a candidate to represent my values, they should be a born-again Christian. I further have a priority list of issues and positions that range from absolute, non-negotiable values, to those things that I can tolerate some variance in, to those things that have little weight in my values list. For example, among the issues that are non-negotiable are abortion (100% pro-life) and the biblical definition of marriage - one man and one woman (for life).

     But believe it or not, I have respect for those with very different views from me on my core issues, so long as they are genuine in their stand and with their vote.  Consistency that matches ones actual beliefs is admirable, and indeed brings me to the point I wish to make:

     If you consider yourself a "values voter (which I believe anyone taking the responsibility of voting seriously should be), then you will take the time and effort, no matter how "busy" you may think you are, to actually look at what the candidates say and believe. One glaring example of this is Jerry Falwell Jr. of Liberty University. Jerry has decided to throw his name and the name of Liberty University behind a candidate.  Of course, for such a public figure, particularly ministry-related, this can be a rather precarious step, regardless of who one supports. But I question if Mr. Falwell actually has even taken a moment to pray over his endorsement. With professing Christians in the race who have no qualms admitting their need for salvation, Mr. Falwell has decided to throw his weight behind a candidate who has a rather lengthy history of supporting "abortion rights", "gay marriage", and has praised socialist medical systems across the border. Certainly I am a firm believer that anyone can be changed in the very heart by the Divine hand of God through His Holy Spirit. Yet This particular candidate Mr. Falwell has chosen to endorse has never actually repented of his support of those very positions that Falwell himself claims to abhor.  This candidate has even specifically stated recently that he has never asked God for forgiveness, even going so far at one point to say "thats not my thing".

     This is the same candidate who has made a fortune through both shady and sometimes quite dishonest business practices, casino operations, and even strip clubs. This is a many who has made such a mockery of marriage as to render any opinion he now might express rather weak at best.

     And this endorsement by Falwell Jr., the son of famed evangelist and preacher Jerry Falwell Sr., who made a great deal of his name by leading the "moral majority" and their campaign against morality in this nation (love him or hate him). So the Falwell name goes from staunch opposition to smut and rampant sin, to endorsing a candidate who had made his fortune off of smut and sin. This is the same candidate that even Planned Parenthood has said they could live with (could it be the friendly statements he has made on their behalf defending the abortion mill? Or maybe the donations he has made to them over the years?).

     But let us take another glance at this situation - maybe one doesn't hold the same moral and biblical positions as the traditional Falwell family positions or mine.  But what does this candidate stand for that, just maybe, could be in some way redemptive?  He has a campaign slogan he rests his entire political fortune on - "lets make America Great again".  Hey - I like that! So, please tell me how that is going to come about (and what might that actually look like)? Oh, wait - so this candidate doesn't really have much of a plan to actually bring this to pass. But hey - he has some great hats and t-shirts available that say "Lets make America Great"!

     Well, maybe this candidate is going to fix the economy, right?  After all, we have record numbers on public assistance, record numbers unemployed or otherwise not in the workforce. So this candidate brings up coming down on China with tariffs because of unfair Chinese trade practices. Ok - thats fine. Except that this candidate has profited hugely by that same-said China trade situation that he now condemns.

     So again, I ask - are you a "values voter"? Do you actually care enough to measure available candidates by your own values (assuming you actually really know where you stand on the issues)? Regardless of your moral and political positions, I import you to do do-diligence and actually vote according to your beliefs and values, even if they are contrary to mine. But don't just base your vote on what the media tells you (about ANY candidate). Don't just rely on sound bites. What does the candidate really stand for and on? What is their record, whether in the political realm, or the private sector?

     But if you have made it this far and are still reading, and hold to what you believe are biblical/Christian values, please - for the very name of the Christ you profess - be careful who you support.

     And finally, I found the following to be rather convicting.  We are NOT stuck trying vote for the "lesser evil".  As I have said many times over the years, the "lesser evil" is still evil!

http://www.stepstopoliticalepiphany.com

     Please take voting seriously. Take any endorsement you chose to make just as seriously, and PRAY!

God's Not Dead 2, An Early Review

We just got home from an advanced screening of God's Not Dead 2 in Little Rock, Arkansas.  I will say right off the bat that this one is a better overall film than the original, an odd and somewhat surprising departure from the usual pattern of sequels often coming up short of the original.  That being said, there are some serious concerns I have which will be touched on in this entry.

From the web site:

From the college classroom of GOD’S NOT DEADto the public square in GOD’S NOT DEAD 2, the name of Jesus is welcomed less and less with each passing day. If Christians don’t take a stand today, will we even have a choice tomorrow?

Welcome back to Hope Springs … home not only of Hadleigh University, but also Martin Luther King Jr. High School, where beloved teacher Grace Wesley helps students understand and enjoy history. Her love of teaching, her love for her students, and her love of life all come from the same place: her love of Christ.

So when Brooke, a hurting student grieving the loss of her brother, reaches out to Grace, their coffee-shop conversation naturally leads to Grace sharing the hope she finds in Christ.

When Brooke later asks an honest question about Jesus in the classroom, Grace’s reasoned response lands her in big trouble—almost before she even finishes giving her answer.

With the principal and superintendent joining forces with a zealous civil liberties group, Grace faces an epic court case that could cost her the career she loves and expel God from the classroom—and the public square—once and for all!

GOD’S NOT DEAD 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Pure Flix movie from 2014 and features an all-star cast. Coming to theaters beginning April 1, 2016, GOD’S NOT DEAD 2 will have audiences standing proudly for what they believe … while they still can. Where will you stand?

The short:

MPAA Rating : PG (for the life of me, I cannot figure out where that rating came from, see below)

Featured Actors (Character): Jesse Metcalfe (Tom Endler), David A.R. White (Pastor Dave), Ray Wise (ACLU lawyer Pete Kane), Robin Givens (Principal Kinney), Hayley Orrantia (Brooke Thawley, Melissa Joan Hart (Grace Wesley), Ernie Hudson (Judge Stennis), and several more, including The Newsboys with other rolls from the original film reprised by the same actors.

Ratings Content: None- no nudity, no violence, no profanity, no adult situations, no sexually provocative or innuendo. Indeed, I could not find anything worthy of a "PG" rating, other than the name of Jesus.

The GOOD: As mentioned above,Mathis is an extremely "clean" film, with no morally concerning content. Also, there was what I perceived as a more focused attempt to make the presentation of the Gospel more "natural"/less contrived.  Some of the characters are actually believable, and most of the acting is at least average or better.  This movie presents an almost believable illustration of someone struggling with their faith when the circumstance that led them to faith no longer applies. As is typical for PureFlix and David A.R. White films, there is a sometimes awkward juxtaposition of comic relief with very serious material, though even that was less of a forced nature in this movie than its predecessor.  Finally, this film is entertaining and encouraging, even if somewhat predictable. And praise God there isn't the formulaic "dying breath conversion" so common in Christian films (especially from this company). And believe it or not, there will be some "Amen" moments as the plot deals with some current event controversies (maybe too many forgone film?).

The BAD:  this film is not without its flaws. Some production gaffs- one of the most glaring is that "Martin Luther King Jr. High School" (filmed at Benton High School, in Benton, AR)  had Benton School District busses. Yet the setting of the film doesn't match.  There are a few day/night mismatches in the storyline (mostly not too noticeable).

Things to be cautious or even disturbed about (if you are concerned with spoilers, you might want to skip the following):

Most of the factors to be cautious about, or that present an issue fall under the theological/doctrinal umbrella. The most concerning was a consistent lean on experience and "feelings" as evidence of God and faith. One of the main characters bemoans how God doesn't "feel close", but instead like "He is a million miles away" and that she "cannot hear Him speaking to me any more".  A single reference to God audibly speaking to her might have been almost excusable. Unfortunately, it is a repeated concept in the film (Charismatic viewers will probably classify this as a GOOD thing, but I digress).  

Another concern that will likely no phase many evangelical viewers- the unscriptural "ask Jesus into your heart" Soteriology, along with a lack of any mention of repentance. 

 A fresh believer (from the original movie), just months (in the two movie timeline) into his new faith and full of questions for Pastor Dave (David A.R. White), the verbalizes his "call to ministry", to be a pastor to his country (China). Add to this that there is no indication that any of the characters have a regular church family (especially confusing with this young man's "call to ministry".  I also wonder why there was no demonstration of the main character, Grace (Melissa Joan Hart) having a regular church home/family (and none come stand beside her in her "trial".

And of course, as has become a predictable part of most of these kinds of films, especially from PureFlix- some fairly contrived circumstances, some of which may very well feel so forced because of editing. Quite possibly the editing was a bit heavy-handed in spots, leaving some plot gaps. 

Summary Thoughts:  While God's Not Dead 2 has some theological issues, particularly with Soteriology and experience-based, pragmatic faith,mismatch least partially redeems itself by not shyingnawaynfrom challenges to our faith and the reality that JesusnHimself warned us of: that there is a cost to following Him. The over-arching message is "will you stand on your faith, or are you "ashamed of the gospel?" Not everyone will even blink at the "issues" this film has (some of which were detailed above), but the vast majority of Christians who see this movie will leave encouraged, and Impray, more willing witnesses of the hope that is in them in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). 

Look for some interesting characters (played by themselves), including Lee Strobel, author of "Tje Case For Christ", and real-life cold-case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace who serve as witnesses in court.

Some of my more "militant" (some call it "cage stage") Reformed friends will have a difficult time just enjoying God's Not Dead 2 specifically because of the above issues. But for those able to either filter through or overlook these concerns, you will likely enjoy this film, possibly more so than the original.

What IS The Gospel?

We hear a lot in this nation the term "Gospel". Those of us in ministry focus a great deal on the term - yet so many have such a limited understanding of what the Gospel REALLY is.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:16 "it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

In a nutshell, the Gospel is the power of God for salvation - It is the outpouring of God's Grace and mercy towards sinners. It is the testimony of the miracle wrought by God in Jesus Christ - who, as John 1:1 clearly indicates has existed alongside God the Father from the foundation of the World (without beginning or end). This Jesus who "emptied Himself" to take on flesh, to dwell among mankind (Philippians 2), who lived without sin (though tempted in all means Hebrews 4:15), and who willingly gave His life for all who would believe.

But WHY would Jesus give His life for us? Because of His great love - and because we all sin and fall short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23).  We all deserve, even if we might seem to be relatively "moral", nothing but eternal damnation - because the wages, the just payment for sin is - Death (Romans 6:23).

I spent decades of my life with the belief that I could somehow balance out good for bad in my life. If I just did enough stuff that appeared to be the kind of stuff one just "ought" to do - then I would get entry into the "Pearly Gates".

But God...

You see, God doesn't leave folks in ignorance - He grants, through His Holy Spirit knowledge and conviction of sin. He then fulfills His promise to give us a new heart (His), and even a new mind (Ezekiel 36:26). He then regenerates us, granting us (through His Grace), faith unto salvation. The gift of Eternal Life, that is all, totally, and 100% a GIFT of God - that not a one of us could possibly brag or boast of what "we" did... Ephesians 2:8-9

And He did it all for HIS glory.

The Gospel... it isn't just words.  It isn't just a "prayer". It is a very real, tangible, and powerful change in us, brought, empowered, and sustained by the Lord of lords, the King of kings - bought by His own precious blood.

Who Do You Associate With?

In my decade and a half in education, I attended many conferences and conventions, with the vast majority being music and band focused (logical, as I was serving as a band director at the time).  I am fairly certain that most of my friends still in that field would agree that there is value in conferences, but also you have to filter through and make decisions about what to attend and what not to attend. Indeed, if offered a conference that pushed an educational or music agenda known to be seriously flawed or even harmful to our students, a discerning educator would avoid that conference.

In the realm of church work, conferences have become a multi-million dollar business.  One can find "Christian" conferences on every angle and aspect of church work, methods, growth, and theology. These conferences are put on by denominational entities, publishers, ministry-related businesses, and many other groups. And just like in every other field, there are solid, biblical conferences, as well as those that push and stretch the definition of "Christian" to extremes. I have attended a few, and have a few ministry friends who love attending conferences. Yet a troubling trend is developing that begs for a whole lot more discernment from Christian leaders, especially those who take groups of youth (or adults) to many of these conferences. Discernment that begins, not with snazzy titles or catch phrases. Discernment that goes beyond glossy, high-energy promotional materials. We need a healthy dose of discernment regarding the reality of what is being taught or even promoted by said conferences.

Might I suggest beginning with a sincere look at who the promoters and organizers of said event are. Do they follow a biblically sound statement of faith and purpose? Is the event a profit-driven production? What is the core message (not the advertising catch phrase)?

As a pastor, I am constantly bombarded with advertising through every medium for conferences that cover every corner of ministry, and from many doctrinal and theological perspective. Sadly, many have underlying them, some troubling foundations.  First, who are the speakers? An extremely popular conference going on this weekend that several friends are attending called the Passion Conference.0, proudly features a Charismatic self-described woman preacher who espouses Word of Faith, name-it-claim-it theology (Christine Caine). Other popular conferences of late have featured similar slates of speakers from experiential, charismatic speakers with similar questionable doctrines mixed in with other, more reliable speakers. Many of our Christian leaders gladly take group ® young believers to these conferences, where they sometimes are taught that experience trumps genuine faith and obedience. Where consumerist church is demonstrated, and pragmatic/experience-based revelation is often more valuable than the Word of God, rightly proclaimed.

Don't get me wrong, we could learn a few things from some ministries that may be somewhat different than our own.  Ed Stetzer and Thom Rainer published a book a few years ago titled Transformational Church.  In that book, the authors did research-based investigation of somnolence fastest growing congregations in the nation, examining the useful parts of what those groups were doing to impact their communities. They did not deal with denominational or doctrinal issues, but instead sought the functional things these congregations and leaders were doing that really made a difference. This book has a great deal of useful information, without a heavy promotion of the various theologies espoused by those studied.

But when one attends a conference, the speakers are under no constraints. How many churches our own association would invite a Charismatic, oneness Pentecostal, Word-Of-Faith preacher to be a guest preacher or to lead revival services? Yet would we will load up a bus and take impressionable young believers to be influenced by the same teaching?

At best, we present a form of stumbling block of confusion to our brethren. Much worse, we may actually be endorsing theologies and doctrines that fly in the face of Biblical Christianity.

Discernment...not just another big word in the a bible, but a command to believers, and particularly to Christisn leaders in the church, for the sake of the faith and our brethren.