09

Jump Start # 1328

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1328

3 John 13-14 “I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face.”

  There are many great lessons in the short 3 John. Often the thrust of the book sounds the trouble with Diotrephes and most of the rest of the book is ignored. We can do that with many sections of the Bible. There are hidden lessons, wonderful applications and delightful truths to be learned if we dig a bit, put some elbow grease into it and look beyond the obvious.

Our verse today is one such gem. There are three lessons from this simple verse.

 

First, not everything the apostles taught is recorded. John had more things to tell them. He did not write them down. It was to be a face to face lesson. What was it? What was so important that he had to tell them face to face? We can guess all day long and never really know. What we have is enough to build a faith, keep us strong and lead us to Heaven. We must not anguish ourselves trying to figure out what is not revealed. Speculations do not build faith. We must trust God and understand that some things were not left to us.

 

Second, the study of inspiration is deeper than we often realize and understand. Our passage today sounds as if John was controlling the situation. He had more thoughts but he was not going to write them down. He was going to come and tell them face to face. Where does God fit into all of this? The thoughts seem to be straight from John, not inspired by God. We know that all Scriptures is inspired by God, but passages like this, remind us that God mingled His will with the thoughts of the writers and they were more than divine secretaries that took dictation from God. The wishes, plans and hopes of the writers come out in these letters. Feelings are expressed. This is much more than lifeless orders from Heaven. We see the passion and energy of the writers. We feel what they felt. Inspiration isn’t as easy and obvious as we often teach it. Many subjects can be so simplified that we do an injustice to the topic. This is true for inspiration. It’s also true on the subject of the trinity, the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts and other topics. We must lower the nets often in our studies and not settle for the quick and easy answer to all questions.

 

Third, some things are best said face to face. That’s the point John is making here. That’s a great lesson for us, especially in this age of fast communication. I heard of an attorney that was sending communications about divorce on Facebook. Apparently, the husband took off and the wife, filing for divorce, didn’t know where he was. I guess that was the only avenue they had to communicate. Somethings should not be said in text messages, facebook posts or emails. Some things are best said face to face. It’s harder and takes more effort and much more courage to say something face to face. When face to face, the person can say something back. The person’s facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language are all apparent. They respond instantly when face to face. Church discipline works much better face to face than a cold letter sitting in a mailbox. It’s harder face to face, but the love and concern for a soul going the wrong direction can be expressed better. Options can be put on the table. The concerned hear the reasons why one has stopped walking with the Lord. Face to face.

 

We can be bold and fearless behind the screen of a tablet or computer. We may say and post things that we’d never say face to face. Maybe some of the things stated should not be.

 

Here is Roger’s short list of things that ought not to be posted or texted. Now this is not Gospel, it’s Mr. Roger’s thoughts. It fits with the theme of this passage.

 

  • Breaking up with someone should not be done by txt or facebook
  • Firing someone or quitting a job should not be done by txt for facebook
  • Scolding a child should not be done by txt or facebook
  • Reproving someone should not be done by txt or facebook
  • Complaining about work, church or your marriage should not be done on facebook
  • Rebuking an elder should not be done by txt or facebook
  • Apologies should not be done by txt for facebook

 

Our texting and facebook has made face to face conversations difficult and even rare. Notice the next time you are out to eat. A table of mom, dad and two kids, and everyone of them will be txting someone. I find myself doing this far more than I like. It’s easy. It’s quick. It’s painless. But some things just need to be done face to face.

 

Fellowship isn’t the same through messages. There is something about hugs, smiles, handshakes and being around each other. Our three grandchildren live a few hours from us. We skype them often. It’s not the same thing as being there. It’s good. Grandma loves it, but it’s missing the hugs, the touches, the presence.

 

Face to face Bible studies are the best. You see the light bulbs coming on in their minds. You see their hearts turning toward Jesus. You are there.

 

Where I preach, we now send out live video streams of our services. The reaction has been amazing. The greatest thing people say is you see facial expressions and body language that you don’t have in just listening to the audio stream. It’s about as close to face to face one can get without actually being there.

 

Face to face. John had things to tell them. He’d only do it face to face. How about you? Do you have some things that need to be told to others? It’s easy just to send a text, but it might be better to say it face to face. Give that some thought.

 

I think about Revelation 22:4, where it states, “we will see His face.” No image. No facebook post. No text. In the presence of God. Nothing beats presence. That’s why going to the funeral home is important. Sitting in the audience of a wedding is important. Hanging around to watch a baptism is important. Holding hands, giving hugs, smiling, walking out together—all of those can only be done face to face.

 

Maybe today you’ll text less and face to face more. Give it a try, especially with your kids. It’ll be a new experience for some of them. Learning how to communicate is a valuable lesson that will help them all of their lives.

Face to face…

 

Roger

 

08

Jump Start # 1327

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1327

3 John 9 “I wrote something to the church but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.”

  Oh, Diotrephes, what a trouble and a pain you are. The book of Third John is short, only 15 verses. However, in these short verses three names are listed. First, is Gaius, who John loves. Last, is Demetrius, who received a good testimony from God’s faithful. Good men. Good examples. Good people to know. But in the middle is the name that most know this book for, Diotrephes.

 

This troubled soul had a grip on the church John was writing to. He refused to accept what John wrote. He accused John with wicked words. He refused to accept certain brethren and he those that wanted to accept them were removed. He had control over the group. They were in the clutches of what Diotrephes wanted. He was in charge and was not even giving way to an apostle.

 

His spirit didn’t die with him. In far too many places a form of Diotrephes lives today. People unwilling to listen to others. People who are bent on having their way. People who want to be in charge of things. Sometimes that spirit gets into the eldership. Folks misunderstand what shepherding is all about. Instead of leading, they see it as controlling. They want to be the boss. How wrong they are. Congregations that have such people in charge are limited in growth and have the life squeezed out of them as long as they are in a leadership role. Often, the Diotrephes in a congregation is not a man, but a woman. The wife of one of the leaders leads. She controls the shots and she gets her way by nagging her poor husband to death.

 

Poor Diotrephes never understood Jesus. The Lord never acted the way Diotrephes did. The Lord served. The Lord helped people. The Lord accepted, loved and built people up. The Lord was good. For many folks, the only congregation in town has a Diotrephes. Their options are very limited. Diotrephes has been in that role for so long that no one dares to challenge him. Behind his back, people can’t stand him. They all have felt his cruel and mean ways. He has favorites and double standards. He allows family members to get away with immorality and unrighteousness while others are pistol whipped by his abusive tongue for the slightest wrongs. Folks hope for a quick death of Diotrephes, but some how the Lord allows him to live on. Preachers come and go. Families give up and quit. Diotrephes knows how to put on a good show for outsiders. He can be sweet to get what he wants. He thrives on attention, accolades, and compliments. He drops names to look impressive to others. But those that live under his thumb know the true story. It’s not nice. He has turned Christianity into a cult and made himself the head of the group. The group assembles each week out of fear of Diotrephes rather than love for the Lord. They do what he says because he intimidates them into subjection. Diotrephes loves lessons on obedience, however he misunderstands Biblical obedience.

 

Brave men often whisper about standing up to Diotrephes but they fear that they will be tossed out. Diotrephes has his family and others who are loyal to him, mostly out of fear. The poor congregation limps along, doing only what Diotrephes wants them to do.

 

Have you seen this? I have. I could name place after place like this. This spirit is wrong and should not be tolerated. The goodness of God and the Gospel is stunted by Diotrephes.

 

John does three things in these 15 verses about Diotrephes.

 

First, he names him out and gives evidence to the wrong he has done. To this day, the name Diotrephes is sour and bitter among God’s people. We’ve studied these verses. We know his name. He is trouble. Some times trouble must be identified.

 

Second, John says, “If I come, I will call attention to his deeds” (v. 10). John has already done that. John is not afraid of him. He thinks more of the church and the brethren than his own skin. If he comes, it would be a showdown at high noon and only John would walk away. Diotrephes was a lot of talk. He was tough when John wasn’t around. “If I come” was a shot sent over the bow of Diotrephes’ ship. If I come, it won’t be tea, laughter and good times. If I come, you are going down. If I come, someone will be tossed out and it will be you. If I come, your days are over. God’s people sometimes need to have a backbone to stand up for what is right. This is not a call to be mean, cruel or ugly. That is never the way. Jesus did get in the face of the Pharisees, after three years of rejecting Him. There comes a time when a congregation must draw a line in the sand and take a stand with God. There comes a time, in the spirit of Luther, that something needs to be nailed to the front door of the church building. We are coming to such places with the ungodliness of homosexuality. There comes a time when we cannot but speak what we have seen and heard, as Peter told the officials who wanted him to hush up. The congregation where Diotrephes was lacked a backbone. He had gone way too far. It should never have gotten to this point. Some people do not belong in the leadership role of God’s church because they do not have the right heart nor understanding. There is no “first” among God’s people. Too often friends are appointed to leadership roles solely because they are friends, not because they are leaders. Disaster usually follows and friendships end. John might come. If he did, Diotrephes’ days were over.

 

Third, John tells the others, “do not imitate what is evil, but what is good” (v. 11). This verse follows the Diotrephes verses. This is a call to the others. Don’t do what Diotrephes is doing. Do not support him. Do not defend him. He is wrong and don’t the rest of you do wrong either. Bullies always have followers. The wanna be’s learn from the bullies. Spiritual bullies are no different. Do what is good. Stop putting people out of the church. Stop rejecting what the apostles wrote. Stop being a little Diotrephes.

 

It is sad that we have to have this story in our Bibles. We’d hope that everyone was on the same page. We’d like to think that everyone smiles, loves and gets along in God’s neighborhood. It should be that way, but Satan finds a way in. He always does. He’ll use one of us to mess up the good that is taking place. He’ll get one of us to complain, whine, take charge, get upset, or become a rebel. When he does, it stops the momentum. It diverts attention away from teaching, growing and praising to dealing with issues and upset folks. But maybe this story is here to help us, to warn us, and to keep a Diotrephes among us from rising up and doing wrong.

 

Pride was Diotrephes’ problem. Maybe he wanted to be one of the apostles. Maybe he wanted to be as well known and loved as John was. Maybe we simply do not know. Pride will keep us from admitting sins. Pride will make us bigger than what we are. Pride will make us think that we are different and better than others. Pride is like sour milk, it stinks.

 

Where Diotrephes missed it was in the initial steps of becoming a following of Christ. Jesus said to “deny self, take up our cross daily and follow Him.” Deny self—that’s what Mr. Diotrephes never did. He never got rid of self. He was killed by self. He loved self too much. He couldn’t see Jesus for self. Now, he was in trouble because of self. Most like Mr. D, never learn. They never see the damage that they have caused. They never understand. What they do is split the church. They find enough who are afraid to stand up and they dig their heels in and destroy decades of any good that the church has done.

 

Sad, sad, sad. These things should never be this way. The only hope is through teaching. Honest hearts change. It may take a confrontation. It may take some standing up. Those are painful days when that happens. The future, if it has any hope, must get Diotrephes to change.

 

There are many of our readers who are surviving with a Diotrephes among them. It’s time to get some nails, find the hammer and head to the front door of the church building. It’s time to stand with God. Wrong, even when it is one of us, must be dealt with, not tolerated.

 

We don’t have an apostle John coming, but we do have the Lord coming some day. He will come…

 

Roger

 

07

Jump Start # 1326

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1326

1 Thessalonians 5:14 “We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

  As the apostle Paul concludes his first letter to the young church at Thessalonica, he gives them a list of practical and helpful things to keep them going. Notice a couple of things from this verse.

 

First, notice the action words that Paul wanted the brethren to engage in. He lists, admonish, encourage, help and be patient. The chapter before ends with words that would help those who were mourning the death of the righteous. There, Paul tells them, comfort one another with these words.

 

These action words reveal to us that we all do not need the same thing. Some need encouraging. Others need admonishing. Others need just a little more time, patience. Still others need comfort. This tells us that we are not all going through the same things at the same time. Some of us are struggling, others are mourning, and still others, need a kick in the pants. The challenge of shepherds in the church is to recognize who is where. How disastrous it would be to admonish someone who only needed some comfort or encouraging. This is sometimes done. The results are not pretty. The wounded Christian feels crushed and abandoned by his own people. Instead of support, he received fingers pointing at him and rebuke. He cannot understand why they don’t understand. This reminds us that one size fits all leadership rarely works.

 

There is also the challenge for the preacher in these action words. Some sermons need to teach. Some sermons need to admonish. Some sermons need to be encouraging. Sermons cannot be the same all the time and the reason is, a segment of the congregation would not be helped if that were the case. Encouraging sermons are the easiest to preach. But that is not always the most needed item at the moment.  Preachers must understand that. To always admonish in your sermons makes the congregation feel that they can never do anything right. The preacher is never happy. He makes them believe that God is never happy. More, more, more, like the demanding high school coach, the congregation feels pushed and exhausted. Paul’s list includes patience and encouragement.

 

The second thing that we notice in this list is that the brethren were in different conditions spiritually. Look at the words again. Paul says that some are  unruly, some are fainthearted, some are weak. The list isn’t pretty: Weak Christians, fainthearted Christians, unruly Christians.  Implied in this list is that some are strong. If there wasn’t any strong ones, then who would do the admonishing, encouraging and helping?

 

Unruly has to do with obedience. Some are rebels. They will push the envelope every time. They need a string tied to their ankles because they are always go off somewhere where they don’t belong. The unruly need a good dose of Biblical authority. They need to understand that God rules. They must learn the pattern of the New Testament. Rebels become radicals which quickly become apostates if they are not taught. Admonish them. This doesn’t have to be mean, ugly or in your face. But there are out of bounds lines that they need to recognize. They must learn what God is like and what He wants. The wild at heart can be tamed under Christ. One of the virtues Peter wanted Christians to add to their faith is self-control. Pull your feelings, emotions and thoughts in. Line them up under Christ. Deny self, follow Christ. The unruly can be a challenge, but they can be taught. Admonish them.

 

The fainthearted reminds me of the cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz. All the things he would do if he only had the nerve. And that’s the problem, there is no nerve. Afraid and fearful are the components of the fainthearted. Some faint at the sight of blood. Some faint at the first sign of trouble. Maybe not literally faint, but definitely not sure what to do or where to go. Fear is fed by weak faith. Fear leads to doubting. Eventually, the doubter drops out. Now, from the outside, it’s easy to see the unruly and the fainthearted as the same. Both quit. However, they quit for different reasons. Being scared and being a rebel are not the same. Paul’s words to those who are afraid is to encourage them. They need to understand that God is with them, even through the valley of the shadow of death. They need to remember that God is always on the throne. They need to know that tough times are not a time to go and hide, but to walk with the Lord. Encouragement is what they need. Build them up. Put some oxygen back into their souls.

 

The weak are yet different from the unruly and the fainthearted. Weak in faith is what is intended. Weak backs, weak minds and weak faith doesn’t do anyone much good. In the parable of the sower, the shallow rooted seedling soon withered away because of the blazing sun. There was no depth to it. The roots couldn’t reach down to the moisture that it needed. It dried up and died. The same happens to the Christian today. Weak faith is illustrated by poor attendance. Weak faith doesn’t think spiritually very often. Wrong choices, wrong friends, wrong results are what happens when one has weak faith. Again, the unruly and the weak may seem the same from the outside, but they are so different. Not understanding that will result in doing the wrong thing. The weak needs to be strong. There is one common way that happens, drink deeply into the word of God. Study. Classes. Sermons. Reading. Asking questions. Grow that faith. Use that faith. Turn the light on for the Lord. Help the weak. Be there. Support them. Show them. Guide them.

 

Patience with everyone. This includes the lists above and it also includes those not on the list. The unruly, the fainthearted, the weak all need time to grow, change and become.  Impatience will be the death of any group. The strong has to be patient. Sometimes they are not. Sometimes they get weary of having to help so many others. When we are not patient, we say things that we shouldn’t. We get irritated with one another. We get testy and it strains relationships.

 

The congregation Paul was writing to, the congregation that you are a member of, is made up of a mixture of people with all kinds of backgrounds, baggage and often, issues. We want a perfect church. You will not find it. Everyone congregation has problems. Every congregation has bright moments and dark secrets that it is ashamed of. Every congregation needs the Lord.

 

Paul’s words were not to drive off the unruly, the fearful, and the weak. They needed them. They could change. They could improve. Too many would rather have problem members leave. But the problem is, who is the problem member, or better yet, who is not a problem member. All of us are on this journey with Christ. We may not be unruly or fearful, but we still need help. We still need encouraging. We still need to be taught. We still need one another and we especially, still need the Lord.

 

Too many congregations bump and bruise and shoot their own wounded. That’s not only a shame, but it’s a violation of our passage today. This is not what Paul said. Help. Encourage. Admonish. Be patient. I expect more members drop off and drop out because of their feelings toward one another than what is taught. It’s hard to be a part when you are not accepted as a part. It’s hard to feel loved when you are not loved.

 

Each of us can do so much to help each other. Love, support, defend, teach and encourage are things that most of us can do. If we pointed the finger less at each other, if we gossiped less and encouraged more, the attitude and the atmosphere of most places would change. I met a young man from St. Louis a while back. His name was Ian. He had been bullied by friends and school most of his life. He hung around me a lot the week I was with that church. One evening he told me, “I just love this place. The people are the best. They accept me as I am.” I think young Ian was on to something there. I think that church was on to something. Instead of pointing out our differences, let’s highlight what we have in common. The top of the list is Jesus. From that, we build incredible relationships that make a difference spiritually.

 

We need each other. That was Paul’s point!

 

Roger

 

06

Jump Start # 1325

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1325

Acts 5:3 “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?”

  Our passage today is taken from the sad decision by Ananias and his wife Sapphira to lie to Peter, the church and especially to God. The early church was growing. Things were looking good. There had been a few bumps, particularly the conflicts with Jerusalem officials and the apostles. Peter had been in an out of jail for preaching, but he was courageous and the church continued to grow. The fourth chapter ends with many wealthy disciples selling property to give money to the poorer disciples. They were united in heart and committed to each other. What they had was a special fellowship in the Lord.

 

The fifth chapter of Acts opens with this thought continuing. Another couple sold a piece of property and gave money to the apostles. Another generous heart. More good being done. However, in this good, this one couple, Ananias and Sapphira, lied. They didn’t have to sell their property. They didn’t have to give all the proceeds to the apostles. When they claimed that they did, but they didn’t, that is when trouble entered. They lied. They lied to God. They wanted to look better then what they were. They wanted to look like the others who were giving. They said one thing and did something else.

 

God’s reaction was swift. Peter confronted the dishonest Ananias and in an instant he dropped dead. Shortly afterwards the same thing happened to his wife. Together in this scheme, together in this lie, and now together in death, punished by God. This seems to be the first Christians killed. It wasn’t by the hand of persecutors as Stephen and James would receive later in this book, but it was in punishment for lying to God. This would send a chill through the church. God would not tolerate false pretenses. Lying was wrong. Lying to make yourself look better than what you are is worse. Lying propelled by pride is the death of a soul.

 

What they were seeking, they got, but it was not in the manner that they were expecting. They were wanting people to know them. Other than Barnabas in the last chapter, all the other disciples that gave are not known to us. This couple would have been among them. They would have done a good deed but a generation or two later, it would have been forgotten except by Heaven. Now, because of their lie, they are known through all generations by those who read the Bible. Yes, people today know their names. However, it isn’t good. What is known is that they lied to God and their lives were taken because of it.

 

Peter asks a question that needs to be asked, sadly, almost every day. He asked, “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie?” Why? Lying has become so common that we expect it. We’ve become pretty good at lying. It gets us out of trouble. It keeps us from doing what we don’t want to do. It is easy and pretty comfortable. There is a cost to lying. Ananias found that out. Lying destroys trust. The teenager who lies to his parents will find his freedom clipped. Couples that lie to each other, become suspicious. Lying at work can cost you your job. Lying on taxes can lead to an audit. Lying to God can make us believe that we are better than what we really are. It can lead to us thinking all is fine, when it is not.

 

In the parable of the sower, the seed which really grew and produced a crop was planted in a heart that was honest and good. It was honest. The prodigal came to his senses when the fog of sin and lies was lifted and he saw what he had truly done. Honest to God. Honest with others. Honest with yourself.

 

When we are not honest with ourselves we will not seek the help that we often need. We will not change as we often should. We will stay put when we should be on our knees asking God to help us and forgive us. The hymn, “I need Thee every hour,’ comes from an honest heart. Such a heart needs God as much on a Monday as it does on a Sunday. It knows the difficulties of the day and it knows the weakness of the heart. God is needed. God is needed for guidance and decisions. God is needed for forgiveness. God is needed for fellowship.

 

Ananias, was rich, but he was actually poor. He is like one of the churches in Revelation that thought they had a name but were actually dead. He never got it. Jesus said that the greatest in the kingdom would be the servant. It’s not through bragging, pride that one becomes known, it’s through humbleness and helping others. Some folks like to talk about themselves. Their favorite song is, “I did it my way.” Their pride keeps them from shinning. They have to tell others what they did. They have to drop little hints about how great they are. Why? They have the Ananias syndrome. They want to be some one without being a servant. They want their name praised. They want others to notice. They want honor. Why?

 

There can be no other reason than Satan filled their heart. Satan filled Peter and he messed up. Satan filled Judas and he messed up. And when Satan fills our hearts, we say dumb things, we do wrong things and we trip and stumble. It happens every time.

 

The answer is obvious. Have the heart like Jesus. Be a servant. Heaven knows. You don’t need to toot your horn. Praise the Lord in all you do. See to it that the honor and glory goes to God, not you. Fill your heart with the Love of the Lord and then there will be no room for Satan to get in there.

 

Lying Christians—it’s like calling someone an honest thief. Those words simply do not go well together.

 

Be honest. Be truthful. Be a servant. That’s the answer.

 

Roger

 

02

Jump Start # 1323

Posted on April 2, 2015 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 1323

Acts 5:27-29 “While they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.”

  I expect it’s time for me to say something about my Indiana. We are generally known for basketball, corn on the cob and a 500 mile race in May. I was born in this state and have lived a big portion of my life here. I returned back to this state eight years ago. Lately, Indiana has been in the news for a negative reason. The governor signed a religious freedom law, called, RFRA, that allows people to practice what they believe. The backlash has been horrid. Companies are banning travel to Indiana in protest. Hollywood has ridiculed the governor. The signed bill has been twisted to say things it never intended. Today, the Indiana legislature goes back to try to smooth out some of the difficulties and try to save face. The governor of Arkansas, facing a similar bill, refused to sign it until it was changed.

 

Our Jump Starts have never been a political format. I for one, do not get too excited about politics. Mostly, because people push agendas and vote by emotion rather than their conscience and their brains. But what is happening, is something that affects righteous people. Our verse today, fits perfectly with the tone of our day. Peter and the other apostles had been arrested and imprisoned for preaching Christ. They are released and threatened not to preach anymore. The local authorities are through with Jesus. They must have thought once He was executed, the movement would dry up and go away. Instead it exploded. Word spread that Jesus had risen and was now in Heaven. Those devote followers wouldn’t back down, even when threatened, some of them killed and others put in prison. They kept preaching. Our verse tells us that the Council gave “strict orders” not to continue teaching about Jesus. Peter ignored that order. He was preaching Jesus. He didn’t care what the law said. He didn’t care what the Council said. He took his marching orders from Heaven, and no one else. There would be consequences to Peter’s decision. More trouble followed. James would be put to death. The followers of Jesus would be severely persecuted. But here we are, all these years later, still teaching, still believing, still walking with the Lord. Peter is our example, not just for the state of Indiana, but for our nation.

 

Some thoughts:

 

1. It’s time for many of us to see that it’s a different world today than what many of us grew up in. The homosexual agenda is powerful and loud. It has shifted from tolerance to intolerance of anything else. They use fear, threats and intimidation to push what they want. They are not a nice movement. They get away with bullying those who disagree with them. They eventually will try to drive out marriage between a man and a woman. It’s not that they want same sex marriage, they want that to be the only option. Their numbers are not many, but they have hid themselves behind falsehoods, such as they cannot help it, they cannot change, and have likened their cause to civil rights. Any who dares to oppose them are accused of homophobia and are destroyed in the media and social media as someone who hates. The homosexual movement is filled with inconsistencies, hypocrisies and wrongs. What they expect others to do for them, they will not do the same. They want tolerance of their views, but will not tolerate those who disagree. Accept them or be destroyed is the mentality. There is a war taking place within this country.

 

2. The legislature is not the place to make man moral. Laws cannot change the heart. There seems to be too many rules, too many laws and all of that is to try to make folks get along and be nice. It’s not going to happen. You can’t make folks tolerate something that they disagree with. Laws are not the answer. It didn’t work in Peter’s day and it won’t work today.

 

3. These issues are not going to go away. Once the barn door has been opened, it will continue to get worse. It won’t be long until there may be laws about what you can’t say, including in public churches. Teaching against homosexuality may get to the point of being a hate crime. People may attend services to just monitor and watch for such violations. Churches could get fined. Understand things could get a lot worse. Store owners are being sued today because they will not engage in things that they do not believe. They are being forced to go along or go to court. The next step is to take it to the churches. Many spineless churches are already caving in and changing long standing beliefs about abortion, homosexuality and same sex marriage. They have left the Bible long ago to even have rules that they vote upon.

 

Where does all of this leave us? I don’t need a law, RFRA, to tell me to practice what I believe. God tells me that. It is not a time to be ugly, mean, rude or offensive. Jesus never was. However, it’s not the time to hide our faith for fear of being called a bigot. Practice what your faith tells you. Don’t let a group of people, a law, or social media define nor change what you believe. To stand with Christ means you will be hated. He told us that. To challenge ignorant ideas will bring the wrath upon you. I saw the other day a blog that stated “Sixteen ways the Bible supports homosexuality.” Wrong. Sixteen times it was wrong. Out of context passages. Misused statements. Many will read such things and walk away believing that. Satan’s armies grow every day. Error and fear are two great tools to fill those troops.

 

Most have not thought things out. Most are not very deep. A shouting match in a public place doesn’t accomplish much. My experiences are that the militant homosexuals do not want to discuss, they want a scene. Drama is important to them. So they will fuss loud if others are around to hear them. The offensive words, name calling and ugliness will be huge. It may hurt, but practice what you believe.

 

If the folks in LA don’t want to come to Indiana, that’s fine. We have plenty of water here. They don’t. We have some fine people here. We have many who love the Lord and simply want to do what the Bible says. We are being pushed. We are being bullied. Some of us are ready to put a stake in the ground and say, “Enough.” As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Paul was set for the defense of the Gospel. So must we.

I will continue to write, teach and preach the Bible as I understand it. Laws or no law, we must obey God rather than men!

We have a short Jump Start booklet on Same-Sex marriage. If you would like one for free, email me: Rogshouse@aol.com

 

We will cling to the Lord!

Roger