March 25, 2022

Whenever you take down a fence you should always ask the question, what did this fence keep out? - G.K. Chesterton -

It seems like our country is taking down quite a few ethical and moral fences these days and it has not occurred to us to ask the question, “What did that fence keep out or what did that fence keep in?” The University of Pennsylvania has as its motto: “Laws without morals are useless.” However, it seems that neither laws nor morality govern the idea that William Thomas, a.k.a. Lia Thomas, having been born a male, sees “herself” as a female swimmer. But we must not forget that as Christians and for any sane person - our bodies tell us who we are and that we do not tell our bodies who we are. A few days ago, the democrat-sponsored Supreme Court nominee was asked to define the word “woman.” Her response was “I cannot do that.” How about, “Can you spell transgender agenda?” A few weeks ago (March 10, 2022) Senator William Smith (D-Md.) proposed new legislation in Maryland that would legalize “abortion” up to 28 days after a child is born. Senate Bill 669, also called the “pregnant person’s freedom act of 2022,” provides that a newborn baby can be left to die for up to a month after being born in the event that the “mother” decides she no longer wants to keep it. We are living in a physically borderless country and now it seems that we are in an ethically fenceless one as well. I am currently teaching a seminary course on ethics. So you cannot blame me for being a bit disturbed and bothered by all of this. As believers in Jesus Christ, we must demand the time to think and develop the habit of thought. As Richard Weaver wrote in his book, Ideas have consequences, in 1948, so too today, ethical beliefs have consequences. We are watching them transform our country and our culture. Serving Him with you until He comes for us, Fred

March 18, 2022

“After Darkness, Light" “Post Tenenbras Lux”

In this present darkness, the church must become a beacon. The governments of the world seem to talk much and do little to control one power-intoxicated man who would be king. We have seen this story played out before with the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Castro, Mao, and Xi. We have seen the deceptive promises of commonism, communism, and socialism mutating into despotism. The latest form is called, “Putinism.” However, there is another storyline weaving its way through history. It is called the Kingdom of God, which was inaugurated and maintains a permanent beachhead established upon the foot of the cross and the door of the empty tomb. John the Baptist proclaimed it. Jesus preached it. And the church patiently awaits its final fulfillment. Until that day, in every baptism, we proclaim allegiance to Him. In every celebration of the Lord’s supper, we remember His mysterious plan, giving thanks. And at every funeral, we anticipate and declare that great day of resurrection.  As Seneca reminds us, “The whole world lives in uncertainty. Live immediately.” Sometimes it might feel like life is uncertain and that God is out of control. But the truth is: nothing and no one can negate His promises or nullify His plans. And so, my fellow Christian traveler, remember that we have not come this far to come only this far. Although it is true that, the arc of history doesn’t always bend toward justice. Sometimes the bad guys win. It is also true that our King and His kingdom will one day win. Live well. We are part of history -- His Story. Serving Him with you until He comes for us, Fred

March 11, 2022

"Chutzpah is that quality enshrined in a man who, having killed his mother and father, throws himself on the mercy of the court because he is an orphan." - Leo Rosten -

Sounds like the perspective of Vladimir Putin. Many are pinning their hopes to stop this war on NATO which was created to do three things in Europe: keep America in, Germany down, and Russia out. Looks like Russia is seeking a way to get in.   I had lunch last week with a native-born German who serves in ministry in Germany and has lived in and speaks Ukrainian. He is involved with the refugees and the horrific humanitarian crisis that so many people are having to deal with because of an unprovoked invasion.   It is a sign of hope that many political liberals, atheists, and those in the media who do not fit the first two categories, agree that this war is not right, it is unfair, it is bad, and it is immoral. It is a good sign because these designations can only be held in any universal way if there is a universal truth to appeal to that allows for an ultimate standard. Of course, the political liberal and atheist do not have an ultimate moral standard by which to measure ultimate right or wrong. But God has placed a conscience inside every man or woman that knows better, even if they do not allow for the existence of God. The Apostle Paul reminds us of the fact that we know there is something that created creation. The heavens declare it and we are without excuse. (Romans 1:20) We know some things are just right and some are wrong because our conscience feels it. It is a law within us. (Romans 2:14-15)     The next time you find yourself talking to someone who is not a Christian and who declares a moral absolute regarding the war, ask them; Why is it wrong? Why is it evil? Why is it immoral? Who said it is? Is that your opinion or your personal viewpoint? What makes something ultimately right or wrong, good or bad, moral or immoral? There are two options: It is because I say so, or the Lord God declared it.     Shakespeare reminds us, “Things are neither right nor wrong but thinking makes them so.” I don’t think so. Serving Him with you until He comes for us, Fred

March 4, 2022

"The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." ~ Oswald Chambers ~

There is a lot to fear in the world these days. It is obvious if you live in Ukraine the fear is palpable.  Living in America provides many situations and circumstances that can cause us to be fearful or at least, fretful. We seem to find ourselves situated between perverted malice on one side and massive incompetence on the other: Governmental intrusion and overreach into our lives…. Religious freedoms being attacked… Basic morality being perverted if not eliminated…. Financial instability or at least uncertainty is a certainty. I can imagine fear was the order of the day for Moses at the Red Sea. With Pharaoh murderously chasing down Moses and the children of Israel, they find themselves facing the Egyptian charioteers before them and behind them their backs up against the Red Sea. In the midst of such a frightening situation Moses declares, “stand still” (which meant certain death) “fear not” (when there was every reason to fear), and "see the salvation of the Lord” (which at that time seemed a very long way away.) We can either fear everything and run or we can face everything and rise. It all depends on where we look and to whom we look. What are you afraid of today? We all find ourselves in different circumstances and situations and many of them are frightening and fear-producing. But remember: Faith is fear that has said its prayers. I find myself praying more these days. Serving Him with you until He comes for us, Fred