THE PROPHET JEREMIAH - A WARNING TO AMERICA AND THE AMERICAN CHURCH

                                                


Jeremiah the Prophet was called by God to warn the ancient southern kingdom of Israel of impending doom brought about by open spiritual rebellion.  By the time Jeremiah began his ministry, the northern kingdom of Israel, known as Samaria, had already been destroyed due to sin and rebellion towards God.  Jeremiah's purpose is to warn the government and religious leaders of the southern kingdom that their fate will be similar if they do not change their ways.  Each time I study Jeremiah, I am struck by how similar the sins committed by Israel mirror the behavior of America at large and, to a certain degree, many in the church.  I share my observations because I believe that America is headed towards the same judgments that Israel suffered and for the same reasons.  Our culture has embraced sin at the highest levels and like no other time in history, we see good called evil and evil called good.  This post is meant as a warning to American Christians.  A large portion of the American church is embracing popular culture, embracing the idolization of entertainers and sports figures and supporting a satanic agenda by purchasing entertainment that directly defies God.  Much like the false prophets in the days of Jeremiah, many American preachers have embraced easy believism which is bereft of any call to repentance.  I will focus on some key scriptures of Jeremiah and show how our society has embraced the same behaviors the Weeping Prophet condemns in Israel.

Jeremiah 2:5  Thus says the LORD: "What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless? 

The first passage I would like to look at, Jeremiah 2:5,  is foundational to this topic.  At some point, our leaders in entertainment, government and, in some cases, the church, have abandoned the principles of God and begun to pursue worthlessness.  God's word is very clear in the above passage, if we pursue worthlessness, we become worthless.  It is the concept of reaping and sowing.  Each of us has inestimable worth in the eyes of God, as demonstrated by the cross, yet, if we begin to abandon the ways of God, and pursue worthless pursuits, we trade that worth for a spiritual worthlessness in which we ourselves declare, "I am of no use to God."

Jeremiah 4:22  "For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are 'wise'—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not."

click here to read about Barna's study on the relevance of the Bible in today's young Christians

Ask the average youth group member about the lyrics to Mylie Cyrus's Wrecking Ball  or Katie Perry's Supernatural.  Next, ask the same youth group member to quote the 23rd Psalm, or even John 3:16, ask them to give a simple explanation of salvation. I think you will be very disturbed by the results.  It is not that the youth are not interested, because they are, sadly, they are not having their questions answered.  Parents are not spending time in Bible study with their children and youth groups have become focused on fun activities and very little Biblical teaching.  As a former youth minister, I can assure you that if you teach teens the Bible, they will ask questions and become engaged.  Our entire culture is geared to teaching evil to our kids, from television, to radio, to movies, to intrusive sex education in schools, to lies about evolution being taught as fact.  We must counter that negative influence by teaching the youth of America the Bible.


Jeremiah 5:30-31  An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: 
  the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes? 

In this passage, Jeremiah points out that the religious leaders are teaching falsely, and the people love it.  One well known pastor and author, Rob Bell, teaches that Hell is here on earth, that eternity is more a quality of life issue than a matter of time, and that God's love demands that we allow room for salvation outside faith in Christ.  If Rob Bell is right then Christ is a liar. Bell went on FOX News to defend his views.

ROB BELL DEFENDS HIS HERETICAL VIEWS ON SALVATION AND HELL. click here

Rob Bell has also given his endorsement for Gay marriage - something expressly forbidden in scripture. Also, in a very eye opening interview with Oprah, Rob Bell never once mentions Christ or judgement when asked about afterlife and salvation. - YOU CAN SEE THAT INTERVIEW HERE - PAY ATTENTION FROM 1:50 ON click here

While you may or may not have heard of Rob Bell, I am sure you have heard of Rick Warren and the Purpose Driven movement.  Rick Warren has turned his pulpit over to Rob Bell and Saddleback Chruch uses Rob Bells teachings.  Obviously, Warren endorses Bell's theology.  The only criticism for Bell from Warren has been Bell's decision to leave the ministry and pursue a career in publishing and conference speaking.  Warren criticized this decision intimating that it diminished Bell's influence.  Warren's Purpose Driven model is a Gospel-lite approach that is more concerned with social injustice than actual salvation. At a World Economic Summit, Warren makes that abundantly clear. SEE WARREN EMBRACING OTHER RELIGIONS FOR "PROGRESS" IN SOCIAL ISSUES click here

A great book exposing Warren's true agenda is New Evangelicalism  by Paul Smith.  You can read my review of this book by clicking here.

No false teacher has as much acclaim in Christian circles today as Joel Osteen.  Osteen teaches that our words have creative power and if we are unhappy or suffering, we need to speak something out in order to give life to our words.  According to Osteen, if I believe I am blessed that is good but if I say, "I am blessed", that is when blessings begin to come down.  Osteen teaches that we have the same creative power in our spoken word as God in Genesis.   Joel Osteen also stated on Larry King Live that some who do not believe in Christ may gain salvation as God judges their hearts and motives. Osteen says he cannot state that those who deny Christ are not saved click here

Bell, Warren and Osteen are false prophets of the modern age who have captured the hearts(and possibly souls) of millions of American's


Some of America's top religious figures, the ones selling the most books, seem to be "prophesying falsely" on a regular basis.  What will their followers do "when the end comes" and they realize they have been lied to and are not prepared for the return of Christ.  In Matthew 25, Jesus, discussing end times, tells a parable about the ten virgins.  The ten virgins represent the church, 5 were ready for the Bridegroom(Jesus) and 5 were not.
    The 5 who were not, did not have oil for their lamps( oil represents the Holy Spirit) and were excluded from the marriage, or in our terminology, left behind.  According to the teachings of Christ, half of the people who claim to be Christians do not have the Holy Spirit and will be told by Christ. "I know you not."  This is a terrifying thought when we consider that many of the world's Christians are persecuted, but here in America, it is culturally acceptable to be called a Christian.(as long as we don't get fanatical about it)  If Jesus truly meant that half of professing Christians will be left behind, what percentage of that half will come from the American church.  I fear a largely disproportionate number of American"Christians" will be without oil and miss the rapture.

Jeremiah 1:16  And I will declare my judgments against them, for all their evil in forsaking me. They have made offerings to other gods and worshiped the works of their own hands. 

One of the major pitfalls for the nation of Israel was idol worship.  This is not really an issue in America, especially in the church...or is it.  Do we have idols in America today?  If so, who or what are they?   FOX Television answers that question for us, I believe.
                                                         
Today's entertainers have replaced God when it comes to adoration, devotion and instruction.

      
adoration of Elvis                                    fans reacting to the Beatles 


fans at a heavy metal concert

Open displays of worship and adoration for musicians is nothing new in America, but how many of our Christian youth,(and shamefully, adults) openly worship their idols up on stage.  This idolatry does not stop with mere worship, but also indoctrination. Many of today's most popular musicians openly endorse evil.  Beyonce, who started singing in church, openly admits to being possessed by a spirit that empowers her on stage, and has revealed the name of the spirit as Sasha Fierce.

 Beyonce describes being possessed - click here

Beyonce describes Sasha Fierce - click here


Lady Gaga has has come out with her own perfume - Fame - of which she claims was designed to smell like a slut.
                      
     Black- "like the soul of fame"                                Lady Gaga packaged for the children



                                                     
                                                                            Obviously not child friendly

Amazingly, part of the chemical composition of this perfume is based on men's semen and Lady Gaga's blood.  Also notable is Gaga wanted the perfume to be black to represent the "soul of fame."  I wonder how many Christian girls have this perfume and how many Christian parents have bought it for them.

You can see ABC News' release here -

Katy Perry is another former "christian" who has admitted to selling her soul for fame and undeniably sings about welcomed demonic possession in her song Supernatural.

           
Perry admits leaving Christ for fame - click here                          lyrics to Supernatural click here


Our youth(and many adults) are being poisoned by popular culture and parental apathy is probably one of the biggest factors.  It is imperative that parents are aware of the entertainment their children are being exposed to.  If you are a Christian parent, take the time to go through your child's music and movie collection, Google the artists and use IMDB to check out the movies.  We are losing our youth and do not even realize it.  As a parent, take the time to find out what your child is watching, listening to and surfing on the web.  You are obligated before God to do so!


Jeremiah 8:1  "At that time, declares the LORD, the bones of the kings of Judah, the bones of its officials, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be brought out of their tombs. 
  And they shall be spread before the sun and the moon and all the host of heaven, which they have loved and served, which they have gone after, and which they have sought and worshiped. And they shall not be gathered or buried. They shall be as dung on the surface of the ground. 

Jeremiah does not just condemn the spiritual leaders and idol worshipers, but the governmental leaders as well.  A cultural shift has taken place in America, a cultural shift unlike any seen before. This cultural shift is due, in large part, to the current political atmosphere in Washington.  Never have we seen so many policies and ideologies(from both parties) that are so opposed to Biblical truth.  The latest attack on Biblical values comes from a federal judge who overturned a Pennsylvania law defining marriage as between a man and a woman.  PA voters decided to define marriage according to the Biblical definition but U. S. District Judge John Jones III overturned that vote, stating, "We are better people than what these laws represent."  The amazing thing about Judge John Jones III is that he was appointed by President George W. Bush on the recommendation of then Republican Senator Rick Santoram.  Santoram is considered a staunch conservative.

As a nation, we have shifted into a post-Christian era, as our current president declared that America is not a Christian nation.


President Obama declares America "no longer a christian nation" - click here

The Republican National Convention has been battling internally over faith based issues, as many in the Republican party feel that faith based issues have become passe and are ready to abandon conservative social issues in order to focus on fiscal conservatism.  Our money says, "in God we trust" but it seems that money is more important than God to many in the new GOP.

The Democratic party abandoned issues of faith years ago, and now we see the Republican party sliding into same moral abyss.  George H. W. Bush supported Planned Parenthood prior to his being selected as Vice President under Ronald Reagan and Mitt Romney attended Planned Parenthood fundraisers in 2002.  The two parties seem to be two wings of the same bird, both flying away from God.



Rabbi Jonathan Cahn wrote a ground breaking book comparing prophecies in Isaiah to current events in modern day America.  The Harbinger shows how America may just be about to fall under major judgment from God.  Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn address the presidential inaugural prayer breakfast - click here
If you have not seen Jonathan Cahn's address at the presidential inaugural prayer breakfast, click the link above, it is long but well worth viewing.


Jeremiah 4:1  "If you return, O Israel, declares the LORD, to me you should return. If you remove your detestable things from my presence, and do not waver,  and if you swear, 'As the LORD lives,' in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory."

All is not lost or hopeless.  I believe this nation can experience a revival, but it will depend on the American church submitting to the authority of God.  I do not write this because I believe all is lost, but because I believe that we have an opportunity to see one more big move of God before the end.  I do believe we have lost the cultural war, but I believe the real battle is for the souls of individual Americans.  I believe the battle must start in a church that calls for holiness in it's members, a church that demands accountability of it's leaders and a church that stands on the literal interpretation and application of scripture.  The church needs to get back to the basics of Bible, prayer, true discipleship.  If we are willing to call for repentance in our churches and to purge those who will not repent, we can see the church grow in it's moral authority and begin to affect the greater society.

I named a few people who need our prayer, Rob Bell, Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, Beyonce Knowles, Stephani Germanoti(Lady Gaga), Katy Perry, President Obama, our government leaders, and judges all need our prayers.  Each of these people is loved by God.  Christ died for every one of these people, just as He died for you and me.  Pray, pray, pray, and then pray some more, read your Bible, live your Bible and love people into the kingdom.

As Christians, we need to take responsibility by not supporting sin with our entertainment choices.  We need to direct our youth to things that honor God and steer them away from that which glorifies the things of Satan.  Jeremiah's warnings went unheeded by the people of Israel, to disastrous results,  let's not make the same mistake or experience the results that Israel suffered.

CULTURE WAR - CHRISTIANS NEED TO STAND FOR TRUTH - BUT IN LOVE

This weekend, we discovered that my middle son's favorite movie franchise has decided to promote the gay agenda.  Apparently, a character in How To Train Your Dragon 2 is going to come out as gay and the movie makers are planning on developing this story line in HTTYD3.  My son, and our family is sadly disappointed, to say the least, as we will absolutely not support such a decision by paying to see this movie.  Here is a link to the article:  click here for article

    My wife and middle son are huge HTTYD fans, since the first movie.  They have gotten posters, stuffed animals, Wii games, dvds and even bedding.  HTTYD2 has been highly anticipated since it was announced and plans to go to the theater to view the film have been well under way.  When news of a character in the film coming out as gay reached our house, my son was crestfallen, and he fully supported our decision to skip this movie.    He asked me why the gays had to take this away from him.  If you have read this blog, you know that we recently left the Boy Scouts of America over it's decision to allow openly gay boys to join the program.  Leaving Scouts was hard on my son as he felt it was taken from him by a group of people who were attempting to promote a lifestyle that the Bible clearly calls sinful.  In his mind, he saw this as just another thing the gays have stolen from him and he expressed anger toward the gay community.

 I believe that the current trend we are facing in America will lead to a marginalization of Christians and Christian values that can only end in out right persecution of people of faith.  What we hold as Biblical values is being called hate speech and it is only a matter of time before legislation passes that makes such speech open to prosecution.  For the past 1700 years or so, it has been relatively easy to follow Christ in Western civilization.  Most of the western world built it's laws and mores on morals found in the Bible.  That is all changing and the change is happening far more rapidly than anyone expected.  I recently read an article in which the Anglican church was lamenting the slide into immorality England was experiencing due to the policies of the current prime minister.  Much the same could be said about American culture and the influence of our current political leadership.  Suddenly, many Christians are finding their faith challenged and I fear outright persecution will be upon us before we know it.

The point I wanted to get across to my son, and the point I want to make here is 3 fold.  First and foremost, Jesus told us to count the cost of following Him.  Second, no matter how difficult and unfair this life may seem, heaven will be worth it . Third, we need to direct our anger in the right direction, not at people, but at the spiritual forces behind the evil that people do.

When Jesus saw that multitudes were following Him, He knew they were expecting utopia.  Jesus did not come to establish a Utopia, He came to save that which was lost.  As Jesus began to explain to the people that following Him came with a cost, they mostly abandoned Him.  The Christian life was not meant to be easy, just look at the life of the Apostle Paul.  For the first time in hundreds of years, Christians in the Western world will have to count the cost of discipleship and will have their faith tested in ways they never expected.

The best part of our faith is the reward that awaits us in heaven. Romans 8:18 says, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."   Our lives here are but a shadow of what is to come.  This life, this world we live in, is temporal and nothing we gain here materially can come with us when we cross over into eternity.  Eternity will be so amazing that we cannot comprehend it.  As we see our culture turn on us, we have to keep heaven in sight and know that the best is yet to come.  We can battle discouragement by keeping eyes on the prize that awaits us and looking forward to one day standing in the presence of our loving almighty God.

The third point is directing our anger properly and not allowing our zeal for God to translate into hatred for the lost, who need to see God's love through us.  As we see people forming groups to promote things that God condemns and that harms society in general, we have to remember that the Bible tells us in Ephesians 6:12 " For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  Our battle is not with the lost souls but the evil force directing them, Satan.  As we recognize our enemy is a spirit being, bent on our destruction, that brings the battle into a spiritual realm with prayer being our primary weapon.  The people who are working hard to thwart God are pawns of Satan and are entitled to see God's love through us.  

As I saw my son's anger being directed to a group of people, I took the opportunity to explain to him that those people are loved by God and God desires them to come to salvation.  I believe the enemy creates factions so we get distracted from the true battle. If the church is busy directing anger toward the homosexual community, Satan wins a two fold battle. The first thing is we are attacking people that Christ loves and died for rather than showing His love and compassion toward them as people. How can a person be led to repentance and salvation if we, who are tasked with presenting the truth, are busy directing hate and anger toward them.  The second thing is we become distracted from the Great Commission by focusing all our energies on side issues.  We become focused on the symptoms rather than the disease.  Lost people are not going to Hell because of a specific sin in their lives, they are going to hell because they have rejected Christ.  Sinners do not reject Christ because of a specific sin in their lives, they have specific sin because they reject Christ.  Our job is to lovingly present Christ and the Holy Spirit brings conviction and repentance. 

We cannot ignore sin, we cannot endorse sin by purchasing entertainment that promotes sin and we cannot allow sin in the congregation.  We must stand up against sin and injustice but we cannot attack people or groups of people, we need to figure out a way to balance presenting truth with demonstrating God's love.  Yes, the conversation needs to take place that addresses sin in an individual's life, but that conversation needs to take place between two people who have established a relationship in which the goal of presenting Christ's love is central.  Within the church, sin needs to be confronted, addressed and corrected directly, with the lost, we need to address sin in the context of Christ's love and sacrifice and allow the prompting of the Holy Spirit to direct that conversation.  

In so many ways, we have failed to stand for truth and allowed the culture to turn a very bad corner and in so many ways, we have stood for truth in anger and in a spirit or hatred.  It is imperative that we stand for truth, but not at the cost of the souls of the lost.  We must pray for guidance to stand firm in love and keep the goal of making disciples our primary objective.

HIGHLIGHTING THE TEMPORAL VS. THE ETERNAL - LESSONS FROM ECCLISIASTES

King Solomon spent a lifetime pursuing temporal fulfillment.  He amassed wealth, collected beautiful women, and built monuments to himself.  At the end of his life, King Solomon looked at all he dedicated his life to and realized it was vain and worthless.  King Solomon was no fool, in fact, he is heralded as the wisest man who ever lived, yet at some point, he strayed from his commitment to God and dedicated his life to worthless, temporal pursuits.  Solomon started well, asking God to give him the wisdom to rule over Israel, holding a nationwide worship service and seeking to dispense righteous justice to the people.  One wonders how this could have gone wrong.

The mistake Solomon made first was disobeying God's command to not mingle with surrounding cultures.  Solomon quickly sought to form alliances with the surrounding kingdoms through marriage, beginning with marrying the daughter of the Pharaoh in Egypt.  Undoubtedly, this was a wise move politically and financially, but turned out to be spiritually destructive.  By marrying into different cultures, Solomon allowed his culturally diverse wives to bring their evil practices into Israel to the point that he mixed the profane with the holy and allowed foreign gods in the Temple of YHWH.  Solomon's heart became divided and he sought fulfillment in fleshly pursuits.  Many of the pursuits of Solomon would not be considered sin, in and of themselves, but in the context in which he sought after them, these pursuits became as the sin of idolatry.  Solomon put the his personal interests and passions before his dedication to God and the pursuit of holiness.

The lesson I come away with when reading the book of Ecclesiastes is that when we forsake the eternal for the temporal, we will always come away unfulfilled and hollow.  God has given us an eternal awareness and it is up to us to choose to sow in the field of eternal things rather than the field of the temporal.  When we pursue wealth for the sake of wealth or fame for the sake of fame or amass great possession for the sake of ownership, we miss the eternal perspective of Godly stewardship.  Wealth, fame, and material possession is not evil if these things are sought after and used to promote the Gospel of Christ.

The American Church is poisoned by the notion of the American Dream because we feel we are entitled to a certain lifestyle or standard of living.  We are called to pursue holiness, not stuff.  Solomon spent a lifetime getting and acquiring. Solomon admitted that he denied himself no pleasure, whatever he desired, he went for it, and in the end, he looked back on all he experienced, on all he acquired and lamented that it was all a vain chasing after the wind.  Solomon looked over a life spent enjoying worldly success, success only dreamed of by most human beings, and he despised it all.  It is not until we get the the final paragraphs of his writings that we see his point in writing - pursuing God and holiness is the only worthwhile pursuit, the only pursuit that will bring fulfillment, the only pursuit that has eternal value.

As I reflect on Solomon's writing, I recognize how much I am affected by the idea of the American Dream, the desire to live comfortably and acquire stuff.  Sadly, I realize that much of my effort is but a vain chasing after the wind that has no eternal value.  I have been challenged by Solomon's writings to have a more eternal perspective and to put the resources and gifts that God has given me to good use.  I have been challenged to pursue and promote holiness in my home and to focus on being a better ambassador for Christ outside the home.

We have been blessed with the Holy Scriptures, yet we so often neglect them.  Take a look at Ecclesiastes, pay close attention to the last chapter, especially, and see if God does not call you to have a different perspective on your life.  If you are feeling unfulfilled, if you are feel that life is meaningless, take Solomon's advice and pursue things of eternal value and let God worry about the temporal.  I promise you it will transform your life if you put these things into practice. May God bless and keep you as you seek to do His will in your life!

THE BIBLE BATTLE IN A SOUTH FLORIDA SCHOOL ENDS WELL

   An elementary school teacher in South Florida attempted to stop a student from reading his Bible in her classroom.  Surprisingly, the Broward County School Board defended the student's right to read his Bible in class.  The teacher, S. Thomas, declared a free reading time in which students were told to spend time reading their book of choice.  A young man in the class took out his Bible and began to read.  When the teacher saw that the child was reading a Bible, she instructed him to put the Bible on her desk, as it was not appropriate reading material for school.  Apparently, this was not the first time the student was instructed to not read his Bible in class, as the boy's father directed him to not give up his Bible if so instructed.  The student informed the teacher that his father told him not to comply with her orders to not read the Bible.  The teacher then instructed the boy to call his father, from the classroom, in front of the class.  Ms. Thomas left a voice message for the boy's father which stated in part, "I noticed he has a book, a religious book, in the classroom.  He is not permitted to read those books in my classroom(emphasis added)."

The boy's father took this situation to the superintendent of schools.  Surprisingly, the school board sided with the boy and released a statement that religious books were permitted at school and could be read before school, after school and during free reading periods in the classroom.  It is refreshing to see a religious liberty issue going the right way, especially in the classroom.  What is disturbing is the mindset of Ms. Thomas, an educator who wants to restrict religious freedom in her classroom.  This was not about school policy as much as it is about a teacher who is anti-christian.

The attitude of Ms. Thomas, and teachers like her, only serves to alienate people of faith from the public school system and reinforces the resolve of those who have chosen to homeschool their children.  The school board permits the reading of religious materials, but many of the teachers in the classroom are philosophically opposed to the Bible and it's moral commandments.  This opposition creates a hostile environment for children of faith.  Just try bringing up Biblical creation in a biology class and see what happens.

This is a victory for the church, but as we win little battles here and there, we are losing the culture war.  Popular culture defies Biblical teachings in music, movies and print media.  Many comedy shows such as SNL and Family Guy blatantly mock Christ and christian values.  Raunchy comedy seems to be the biggest blockbuster hits in the box office and people who claim faith happily throw their money to sin in a movie theater on Saturday night and go to church on Sunday.  Until the Church takes a stand against sin, sin will continue to steamroll over society.

Paul Rubeo, the father who stood up for his son's right to read the Bible in school, should be commended for taking a stand for righteousness.  Paul Rubeo is a true American hero and hopefully he will inspire other believers to speak out against sin and injustice.  Thank God for Paul Rubeo and his brave son.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC THAT LEAVES NO DOUBT TO IT'S MESSAGE

I have noticed a disturbing trend in contemporary Christian music, the lyrics and album art do not reflect anything Christian.  Music is a big part of my life and I like most styles.  Many years ago, God convicted my heart concerning the secular music I collected and listened to.  I trashed thousands of dollars worth of music and music related memorabilia.  What helped me most were bands like Bride and Bloodgood that had a great hard rock sound with blatantly Christ centered lyrics.  I discovered bands like Whitecross and Guardian, who looked and sounded like any other hair metal band, but gave glory and honor to Jesus.

Since then, I have collected hundreds of "Christian" CDs.  Lately, I have noticed that some of the biggest names in Christian music have been putting out a music that is indistinguishable from secular music.  The album art is questionable and often contain occultic symbology and the lyrics never mention God or Jesus. Toby Mac surprised me the most with his most recent album which has nothing in the artwork or lyrics that would lead anyone to believe that he is a "Christian artist".  A look at his website reveals not word one about salvation, a relationship with Christ or even a Biblical reference.  Instead, you get to read about his greatest musical influence being Bob Marley.

As I became aware of artists like Toby Mac and Skillet who leave the listener wondering where the message of faith lies, I became increasingly diligent in listening to the lyrics of the music I enjoy.  In so doing, I discovered a band that I never really gave much attention to previously, Kutless.  Kutless leaves no doubt about the fact that they are dedicated to Jesus Christ.  Often in this forum I draw attention to things that are negative, but today, I want to focus on some very positive and committed musical artists.

Most of the music I purchase comes from bands in Europe.  These bands are making the style of music I like best and they write very Christ-centered lyrics.  One band I discovered recently is called Affector.  They sing scripture - period.  Affector has a driving symphonic/metal sound but the words of their songs come straight our of the Bible.  Another symphonic/metal band that sings God honoring songs is Harmony.  Both bands are from Europe, both bands sing in English and both bands hold their own musically.  I have lent my CDs to unbelievers who love good metal and they were blown away.

Bands in the States that are making great Christian Rock are Theocracy, Place of Skulls and believe it or not Stryper, who just released a new album.  There is no reason for a believer to buy secular rock that dishonors God and promotes sin.  There is enough good music, in any genre, being made by fellow believers.

I am constantly in search of new bands that honor Christ.  If you want to discover some great rock and metal, head over to Youtube and check out the bands I mentioned above as well as some on the following list:

1. Rob Rock
2. Narnia
3. Golden Resurrection
4. Driver
5. HB
6. Grinmark
7. Joshua Perahia

If you know of good metal/rock bands that are praising God, leave me a comment an let me know.

THE COMPOSITION OF THE BIBLE IS THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE TRINITY

As I drove to work today, I listened to the reading of an op-ed piece from our local newspaper.  In the article, the writer was expressing his views on the Bible.  I was refreshed to hear someone speak well about the Bible in a local newspaper and began to ponder the things that the writer stated.  I began to consider the Bible and how it was so intricately fashioned by God.  I began to consider that fact that the Bible is one book made up of many distinct books which made me consider the Trinity and how hard it is to explain to someone how God is one yet three distinct persons.

As I have had occasion to teach the Bible in numerous settings, inevitably, someone will ask about the Trinity.  In fact, one of the toughest questioners I have had on this subject is my son Daniel who often asks difficult questions and will not accept half answers.  I have used the egg illustration, and the water illustration, and the illustration in which I explained that I am a father and a son and a brother but still only one man.  Unfortunately, none of these illustrations can fully explain or capture the true nature of God being three in one.  The concept of God being trinity is indisputable(probably a good topic for a future blog) but explaining it in a manner that is understandable is another matter altogether.

I began to see a correlation with how the Bible is one book made up of many books and realized I may have discovered a simple, yet effective explanation for the Trinity.   In fact, I tested this new explanation out on my son tonight and it hit home.

The Bible is one book.  The word Bible means Book.  The Bible is made up of 66 books.  Everyone of those 66 books is Bible, yet each one of those books can stand alone and none needs any of the other books to be true and inerrant.  Each of the 66 books has a distinct purpose, style and personality.   Together, all 66 books has(not a grammatical error, as you will see below) one message and purpose, to reveal God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

This is true of God as He expresses Himself to us as Tri-une.  One God, three distinct persons with distinct purpose(ministry), style and personality.  God the Father does not need God the Son or the Holy Spirit to be fully God nor does the Holy Spirit need the Father or Son to be fully God and so on.  Each member of the Trinity is God yet together, they are God with one purpose, to express the fullness of His love to His creation.

Whenever the topic of the Trinity comes up, I am always reminded of Deuteronomy 6:4.  In our English Bibles it reads: Hear O Israel, the LORD our God the LORD is one.  A literal translation would actually read as follows: "Hear O Israel, YHWH our God, YHWH are one."  (YHWH is God's name with the vowels removed.  The Hebrew scribes removed the vowels so no one could pronounce God's name, that it might not be taken in vain.)  Notice the grammatical mixture of the singular with the plural.

Just as God has given us His word, one Book made up of 66 books, so to God has chosen to express Himself to us as Trinity, one God - three persons.

I hope this makes sense and allows for a better understanding of the person and nature of our glorious God.

OH BLESSED RESURRECTION SUNDAY!

                                                               He is risen indeed!

What a blessedness it is that we celebrate the most significant event in all of history, the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  This one event sets Yeshuah Ha Messiach apart from all other so called religious figures, our Savior conquered death and the grave in order to give us life eternal.  This week, as our family observed Passover, we looked to the death of our Lord and today, we join all of our brothers and sisters around the world in celebrating His walking out of the grave on the third day.

The significance of this single event is the hinge that all of history turns.  This event changed how we recon the calendar, this event proves, once and for all that Jesus is the Word made flesh, this event gives us hope of a future resurrection and eternity with God.  As I have been studying the Psalms the last couple of weeks, I have seen specific Psalms that pertain to specific events in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Firs, in Psalm 69, we see what may very well could be the attitude and heart of Christ in the garden of Gethsemane:

Psa 69:1  To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. Of David. Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. 
Psa 69:2  I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. 
Psa 69:3  I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God. 
Psa 69:4  More in number than the hairs of my head are those who hate me without cause; mighty are those who would destroy me, those who attack me with lies. What I did not steal must I now restore? 

As I read this passage, I am reminded of the anguish with which Christ prayed, in the Garden, prior to His arrest, as He shed "sweat like drops of blood" and asked the Father to "let this cup pass from me.." but in obedience relented and prayed "Not my will, but yours be done."  Jesus, as a man, feared the cross, as we saw in His words, "the flesh is weak," but Jesus in His deity proclaimed, "the Spirit is willing."

Then we come to Psalm 22, a graphic foretelling of the crucifixion of our mighty Emmanuel:

Psa 22:1  To the choirmaster: according to The Doe of the Dawn. A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 
Psa 22:2  O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. 
Psa 22:3  Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 
Psa 22:4  In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. 
Psa 22:5  To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 
Psa 22:6  But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 
Psa 22:7  All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 
Psa 22:8  "He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!" 
Psa 22:9  Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. 
Psa 22:10  On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. 
Psa 22:11  Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. 
Psa 22:12  Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 
Psa 22:13  they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. 
Psa 22:14  I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; 
Psa 22:15  my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. 
Psa 22:16  For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—
Psa 22:17  I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; 
Psa 22:18  they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. 
Psa 22:19  But you, O LORD, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! 
Psa 22:20  Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! 
Psa 22:21  Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen! 

In this we see not only the physical pain of the cross but also the emotional and spiritual anguish our savior suffered on our behalf.  In the opening line we see the horror of the Beloved Son as he, for the first time is separated from the presence of His Father.  This all done to rescue us, who deserve no rescue, all this done to demonstrate the depth of His love for us, His rebellious creation.

Then, we come to Psalm 30, the foretelling of the proclamation of Christ at his resurrection:

Psa 30:1  A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple. I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. 
Psa 30:2  O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. 
Psa 30:3  O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit. 
Psa 30:4  Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. 
Psa 30:5  For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. 
Psa 30:6  As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved." 
Psa 30:7  By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed. 
Psa 30:8  To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy: 
Psa 30:9  "What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? 
Psa 30:10  Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!" 
Psa 30:11  You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, 
Psa 30:12  that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! 

God has revealed His plan of redemption way before He brought it about.  Jesus, the Word made flesh, told us His plan thousands of years prior to His death, burial and resurrection.  Mankind anticipated redemption, we celebrate the work of Christ and now look forward to the final chapter - the return of Christ, also well documented throughout the Psalms!

HALLELUJAH  HALLELUJAH CHRIST IS RISEN!

One day we will follow Christ in resurrection and so be with the LORD forever.

What a blessed day to commemorate is our Blessed Resurrection Day!

THE BIBLE BECOMING LESS RELEVANT TO AMERICAN CULTURE ACCORDING TO BARNA RESEARCH GROUP

Today, Barna Research Group released the findings on it's annual "State Of The Bible" survey.  The results are not good, from a faith based standpoint.  In the study, Barna found that the Bible is becoming less relevant to today's American culture, at the same time, findings indicate that the majority of Americans agree that moral and ethical values are in decline.  Interestingly, while 8 in 10 Americans agree that the country is in moral decline, most do not attribute a departure from the Bible as a contributing factor, but rather point towards entertainment's influence as the main culprit.  I believe that the lack of Biblicaly based values leads to poor entertainment choice, which does contribute greatly to the decline in today's morality.

Barna reported 5 key findings based on their study.  Overall, Barna still views America as a "Bible friendly" nation, but trends indicate that this is rapidly changing.  According to Barna, antagonism towards the Bible is on the rise, while those who view the Bible as God's word and relevant to daily life is declining, especially among the younger generations.  As churches continue to embrace purpose driven and seeker/emergent concepts and Christians continue to live dual lives, this trend will only continue.   If believers do not lovingly model Biblical lifestyles, how can unbelievers see the Bible as anything other than an ancient book of platitudes and parables?

Barna's first finding is that, for the first time ever, just as many people are ambivalent towards the scriptures as those who embrace the Word.  Nineteen percent of Americans see the Bible as God's word and actually read it at least 4 times per week.  At the same time, nineteen percent of Americans see the Bible as nothing any more special than any other book written by men, stating emphatically that they do not believe it is the Word of God.  Just 3 years ago, only nine percent of Americans felt this way.  A 10% jump in 3 years is alarming to say the least.  

Barna's second finding is that young Americans categorized as Millennials(born between 1984 and 2002) are far more likely to hold the Bible in disdain.  A full 39% claim to have never read the Bible - ever.  This is very troubling, as this group is moving into positions of leadership and influence.  Even as 50% of Americans, overall, claim to believe the Bible has all the information needed to lead a fulfilled life, only 35% of Millennials hold this view.  What kind of Biblical legacy will the generation being raised by Millennials inherit if only a third of Millennials  currently believe the Bible is worth passing on?

Barna's third finding is that Americans do not have time to read the Bible.  This is a common  complaint I here form many fellow believers.  The truth is we find time to do things that are important to us.  Of the 47% who claim to be frustrated that they do not have time to read the Bible, I wonder how many miss their favorite show each week or miss dinner regularly.  We have time to do what we see as important, so if you are in the 47% who claim lack of time as the reason for not reading, chances are reading your Bible is just not a priority.  

Barna's fourth finding is that fewer people attribute lack of Biblical influence for the moral decline of society.  As stated above, entertainment is blamed by most Americans for the decline in moral values.  Because the culture sees the Bible as less relevant, less impact is attributed to it's decline in societies esteem.  As fewer people hold the Bible up as inspired, fewer people will realize that the current moral decline is accelerated by lack of Biblical standards of conduct.  

Barna's fifth finding, and most encouraging, is that technology is affecting the way people utilize scripture.  Of he those who claimed to be newer readers of the Word, 26% attributed it to downloading a Bible app onto their phone.  I have the ESV app on my phone and find it to be a very useful tool.  As technology grows, so to will access to Bible helps and teachings.  

The spiritual future of America does not bode well if current trends continue in the same direction.  Bible teaching churches are challenged with holding firm to the truth of scripture while at the same time presenting the Word in a way that is relevant to a younger generation that embraces immorality as a cultural norm.  The temptation is to move to a more seeker sensitive model that allows people to feel accepted and loved without ever confronting sin and it's destructive nature.  Sin is still dangerous, even if our society endorses it in every way imaginable.  The Bible is still the inspired Word of God and does not change with the whims of the culture.  I would like to encourage you, as a believer, to take the time - make the time- to read your Bible daily and ask God to allow it to speak to you and shape your lifestyle.  The future of America just may depend on it! 

WHEN CHRISTIAN LEADERS FALL - PASTOR BOB COY RESIGNS DUE TO MORAL FAILURE

If you are, or ever have been a part of Calvary Chapel, you know former pastor Bob Coy.  Coy was the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale, a 20,000 member mega-church.  This past Sunday, Bob Coy's congregation was informed that he had resigned, citing "moral failure" as the reason.  Subsequently, unsubstantiated rumors and suspicions have been flying around the internet, rumors that will not be given any credence in this forum.  The news hit me last evening like a punch in the face, as I pondered all the ramifications of this news going public in a big way.

Those of you who know me, especially from Florida, know that Calvary Chapel was a very big part of my life for a number of years.  I did not serve at the Ft. Lauderdale church, but I was a deacon at a smaller Calvary across town, where I oversaw a myriad of ministries. During that time, I witnessed more than a couple "moral failures", many of which were swept under the rug.  I did attend Calvary Chapel Bible College classes at the Ft. Lauderdale church where I had occasion to meet Bob Coy and trade pleasantries.  We were vague acquaintances at best and were on opposite sides of a minor dust up over a church plant in Boca Raton.  Aside from all that, what I know about Bob Coy is what I have gleaned from the many sermons I have heard him preach on the radio and in person.  I have even been in the habit of listening to his sermons on the radio, here in Knoxville.

Having said all that, this news about former pastor Coy is devastating on a number of levels.  It is devastating to Coy as it has destroyed his image as a man of God, it is devastating to the Coy family as their pain and humiliation is on public display, it is devastating to any people who might be directly involved in Coy's "moral failure" and it is devastating to the ministry of Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale.   Moral failure is not a victim-less crime.  As I pondered the ramifications of this news, I felt physically sick, primarily because of the high profile black eye this gives to the church in the secular media.  This "moral failure" only goes to reinforce my conviction that the church needs to start policing itself and promoting holiness and sanctification within it's membership, a conviction I have been writing about for some time.

How do we react when christian leaders fail?  I have been reading a great deal of articles and comments on this story and have witnessed everything from anger towards Coy to full support.  What is the proper response?  At first, I felt a twinge of anger towards Bob Coy, but that was completely unwarranted.  Bob Coy did nothing to me personally and I have nothing to forgive him for or be angry with him about.  I certainly do not condone his actions that led to his resignation,  I applaud Calvary Chapel for not making light of this tragedy.  The thing that I keep coming back to is that an omniscient God knew this was going to happen 30 years ago when Coy and his family moved to Ft. Lauderdale to plant a church, just as God knew David would fail with Bathsheba, when David was anointed king over Israel.  This does not excuse "moral failure" in any way, but it does help put things in an eternal perspective.  Just as David suffered great loss over his sin with Bathsheba, so too will Coy, and rightfully so.  I do not know the nature of Coy's "moral failure" nor do I know the circumstances leading up to his confession and resignation, I do hope that he came forward of his own accord, not because he got caught and had no choice but to own up.  I find it hard to imagine a man who is in the pulpit up to 8 times per week could be engaged in a lifestyle of sin and continue to be effective in ministry.

Coy's failure is further evidence of the fallibility of man.  No one is immune to the attacks of the devil.  Coy, being such a high profile servant of God becomes a very high profile target of Satan as well.  Undoubtedly, Coy enjoyed rock star like accolades and praise heaped upon him by many of his congregants.  I imagine it would be hard to remain grounded in such an environment.  Moral failure is inexcusable for anyone, and even more so for a minister of the Gospel.  Calvary Chapel has reported that it is currently working towards Coy's restoration, I just hope that the people of God in his life do not sugar coat his behavior but take the time to minister to him in a meaningful way.

Romans 8:28 is still in play - All things work together for good, for those who love the Lord and who are called according to His purpose.  After all the hooplah in the press dies down, there is good that can come from this.  I would hope that at the very least, this will cause believers to examine their lives and submit to God privately, as God has demonstrated that He is not adverse to bowing our knees publicly.  Now is a time for prayer.  Prayer for Bob Coy, prayer for his family, prayer for any one directly impacted by his "moral failure" and prayer for Calvary Chapel Ft. Lauderdale, but most of all, prayer for personal conviction and church wide revival.