July 17, 2026

Every Spot of the Old World is Overrun with Oppression -Thomas Payne-

Much of the modern Middle East is governed by an ancient worldview that has created a cultural vortex that cries “death to all Jews and Christians”.  Some are overt, others are covert. But make no mistake - - Hate is the operative word. The ideology of Islam is a geopolitical religion that will rule the world by coercing and conquering all other religions by conversion or death. Death seems to be the choice of the day. Death to the Jews, death to America, death to Christians, and death to all Muslims who will not submit to this tyrannical view of history and prophecy. What are we to do? Clearly the Crusades of 1,000 AD offer little guidance as a model for anyone today. Christians are to be known by their love to the unlovable as evidenced by our Lord toward us.  Islam is now known by its hate. The juxtaposition is clear. We are to love our enemy, pray for them, and share the good news. As John Mitchell reminds us, “Love is sincerely wishing God’s very best for someone else and doing what you can do to see that come about.” The most loving thing I can do is share the good news of eternal life even to those who wish my death. I am not suggesting blind optimism, and we must reject fatalistic pessimism. We are not to deny the reality we live in or surrender to despair. The solution is Biblical Realism. Read the Book of Acts and see how the early Church, that lived in a hostile world of death, managed to manifest the love of God and literally change the world…for the good! Many died and most lived with injustice. However, the providential hand of God manifested the sovereign plan of God in a very hostile environment. That is because the gospel does not depend on environment but on relationship. As I read my Bible it reminds me that the truth of the future allows me to be at peace in the present. I may not be safe in this world, but I am eternally secured for the next one. Serving Him with you Until He comes for us, Fred

July 10, 2026

Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty we are free at last." ~Martin Luther King~

Freedom is what this country is based on. Freedom from a monarch, freedom from a despotic king. That is what we celebrated last week, July 4th and 250 years of freedom. This is a freedom that demanded a revolutionary war, a fight for freedom, which has resulted in the greatest country in all of Western civilization. I remember going to see the “Freedom Train” in 1976 as it made its stop in San Jose, California, celebrating 200 years of American Freedom. It was quite a sight to see fifty years ago. However, there is another kind of freedom that is elucidated in the book of Romans. It is not simply social or political freedom; it is theological freedom, and it is forever! “Therefore, let it be known to you, men, brethren, that through him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things from which you could not be freed through the law of Moses.” (13:38-39) Did you see it? “Freed”. It actually is the Greek word for “Justified”.  It often means to be declared righteous and free from the guilt of sin before a holy God. In a court of law, it involves forensic justification and being declared not guilty! Declared innocent. Of course, this only comes through believing in who Jesus is and what Jesus did. As the Apostle Paul reminds us earlier in his letter to the Romans: Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 If you are reading “Friday with Fred” I assume you are free. How about telling someone else this week, who is not free, how they can be free. Serving Him with you Until He comes for us, Fred

July 3, 2026

 

Living in the Land of the Luddites

If you want a challenge to your sanctification, try being without the internet for 7 days. I never knew how dependent I was on it for my domestic and ministry life. Communication through email GONE! Zoom meetings GONE! Zoom Classes GONE! Calendar coordination GONE! Alexa and Siri help GONE! Talk about frustrating. I had to go to different places at different times to find access for classes and send and get emails so I could respond to emails to perpetuate academic life, church life, and home life. All of which was a very large disruption to my life. HOWEVER, looking at this from a different angle…… There was a bit more silence in my life. There was a bit more quiet in my life. There was a bit more calm in my life. There was a bit less TV in my life. There was a bit more GOD in my life. Therefore, I will obey the psalmist: “Be still and know I am God.” Serving Him with you Until He comes for us, Fred P.S. As of this writing time of this Friday with Fred…. I still have no internet!