May 26,2023

"Smelly Little Orthodoxies"

As we find ourselves living more and more in an Orwellian world of word games, we are experiencing what Orwell called the “smelly little orthodoxies” that are contending for and crushing our souls. The new regulations of the new regime of "Wokeness" stink to high heaven. The insidious aspect of all of this is that "Wokeness" philosophy seeks to deceive Christians into believing that "Wokeness" ideology is from Biblical theology. The twisting of scripture and the distorting of biblical truth has all the hallmarks of demonic deception. You recall that the devil was a liar from the beginning and that he is the father of lies. You also remember that the whole world lies in the lap of the evil one! The autonomy that demands abortion on demand, the declaration of gay "Pride," the decision to transform into a transgender entity and demand we confirm their identity or suffer their wrath, these and many more are not only smelly little orthodoxies, but they are also direct acts of rebellion against God and attacks against the Church of Jesus Christ.  The apostle Paul was right as he declared that we wrestle not against flesh and blood…. “Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”  Ephesians 6:10-13 We are living in a day when this might not be the last word, but it certainly is a central moment for the church and for our culture. How shall we then live? Serving Him with you, until He comes for us. Fred

May 19, 2023

“Every country gets the government it deserves." -Joseph de Maistre-

I would like to believe that this maxim was not true, but these days this axiom is hard not to believe. The revelations and disclosures this week concerning the lack of transparency, the misleading and misdirection, if not deception and corruption of many of our nation’s intelligence institutions, as well as medical and research organizations, and of course “The Press” has brought us to a low point where the truth has become the lie and the lie has become the truth.   This is not a politically partisan perspective. As Alexander Solzhenitsyn reminds us; "The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either, but right through every human heart." We, the Church, are to be the salt and the light, the pillar of truth, manifested by love and made visible by our life and our lips. We as Christians who are Americans should not only be aggravated and annoyed but also angered. We, the Church, must retain our convictions of truth and compassion for people. We must pray for our governmental leaders and prepare for our ministry opportunities to make disciples. As far as I know, Jesus has not retracted the great comment - “All authority has been given unto Me.” and He has not rescinded the great commission, “Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them all I have commanded you.” And do not forget, “And behold - I am with you until the end of the age.” We must live with holy conduct and a heavenly outlook. Do not lose heart and do not lose focus. Serving Him with you, until He comes for us. Fred

May 12, 2023

“Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears.” -Rudyard Kipling-

This is often true, but I fear that it is sometimes false. My fear today is all too true. It is that the Church has not only become marginalized by its irrelevance, but it has also become the ideological target of cultural cancellation. The irony is that Christianity was the foundation which led to the formation of America.   However, in a recent Pew Research study it is reported that evangelical Christians are the most disliked religious expression in America. In fact, many today believe that Christianity is intolerant, irrelevant, oppressive, and in fact, dangerous.   The American Church today is in unmapped territory and uncharted waters. The days are dark and the times are troubled for our culture and for the Church. However, from a global perspective and historical viewpoint, has it not always been this way?    As Dostoevsky reminds us, "The darker the night, the brighter the stars. The deeper the grief, the closer is God!" More importantly, as Jesus commands us- “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)   Troubled hearts are fearful hearts. Jesus, knowing exactly what His eleven disciples and all of us need in troubling times declared; “Behold an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:32-33)   Spend some time reflecting on the following Old Testament passages and how the Lord comforted His people during troubling times. Don't forget....It's all about Him.  Psalm 23:4 - Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.   Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”   Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”   Serving Him with you, until He comes for us. Fred

May 5, 2023

"Ordinary Unhappiness"

It was Sigmund Freud's prescient observation that reminded us of the human reality of our experience of ordinary unhappiness. This side of heaven, it is a given for fallen finite man. But today we are experiencing unordinary unhappiness. The cultural crisis, mixed with a spiritual stagnation is leading quickly to a societal collapse. Even the Surgeon General has this week acknowledged a crisis of loneliness in America. Many have been diagnosed with depression and have sought comfort in what has been coined, “Positive Illusionism.” They simply create lies and fabricate a functional fiction that they can believe and live out in their "safe place". Deception of any type is destructive for it is a lie and an evasion of reality and truth. Might I suggest that you focus on true truth. Jesus said, “Sanctify them in truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) That makes sense, since He is “the way the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)  I am the first to admit the degrading degeneration of our Western world, since many have jettisoned truth, turned to lies, and run from the light to the darkness of our day. However, the exhortation from the apostle Paul and the command of scripture is; “Finally, brethren, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 Censorship has arrived and suppression is apparent, and more is coming against the church. But they cannot control your mind…unless you let them. Let your mind dwell on these things. Serving Him with you, until He comes for us. Fred