Further. Every. Day.

What We Can Learn From The Whatever Podcast…. Further. Every. Day. Introduction: Segment 1: What do Christians look like in the culture? Here's a clip from the Whatever podcast where two Christians are debating the behavior of leading a man on in a false engagement and not returning any of the $250,000 gained during the engagement. https://youtu.be/fZYP7zXNDto?t=80 1:20-6:08 What are the biblical safeguards against this? Matthew 18:15-20: 15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." We have an instance of this in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 12For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. And we see the desired result later in 2 Corinthians 2:5-7 5But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Church discipline is never to harm but rather to hold people like this accountable, and to keep the Church and God's Name Holy. Segment 2: Is it okay to judge others? A common issue among Christians is that we fail to judge sin as sin. What is so wrong with divining right from wrong with our Bible? In this clip we have a young Christian lady who has kept herself pure and is waiting for marriage. However, she can't bring herself to articulate why others should. She's afraid of “judging” others: https://youtu.be/lMC5LDCQxeY?t=557 9:17-14:41 Luke 6:36-38 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Thoughts? This gal may be saved, but it would appear that she was hardly discipled. Segment 3: How should we interpret the Bible? How do we look in the culture? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqnBSbOlDJM 0:00-2:45 This continues with no real resolution other than our pink haired friend calling Andrew mean and cruel and judgemental. Thoughts? 2 Peter 1:19-21 19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. So what does this mean for the Christian today? Final Thoughts: One Last Question: favorite TV show?

#0156 Christianity, Patriotism vs Pacifism

Introduction: In a country where politics have become more and more heated, should the Christian join in the fray? Or should we sit back with a resignation that simply waits for the return of our Savior? Should we as Christians be involved with the political system? If so, how much or how little should our involvement involve our relationship to Christ?

Segment 1: Does God Condone Patriotism?

Does the Christian have a role in the modern politic? Should we be involved in the issues of our day? Let's take a look via the Chair of Theology to see what Christ did, as well as what God commanded in the Old Testament.

First off, to answer this question, we should understand some cultural context. Who were the Sanhedrin? From Wikipedia:

The Sanhedrin (Hebrew and Middle Aramaic סַנְהֶדְרִין, a loanword from Koinē Greek: Συνέδριον, romanized: synedrion,[1] 'assembly,' 'sitting together,' hence 'assembly' or 'council') was a legislative and judicial assembly of either 23 or 71 elders, existing at both a local and central level in the ancient Land of Israel.

There were two classes of Rabbinite courts called sanhedrins: Greater and Lesser. A lesser Sanhedrin of 23 judges was appointed to sit as a tribunal in each city. There was only one Great Sanhedrin of 71 judges, which, among other roles, acted as a supreme court, taking appeals from cases that lesser courts decided. In general usage, the Sanhedrin without qualifier usually refers to the Great Sanhedrin, which was presided over by the Nasi, who functioned as its head or representing president, and was a member of the court; the Av Beit Din or the chief of the court, who was second to the nasi; and 69 general members.

In the Second Temple period, the Great Sanhedrin met in the Temple in Jerusalem, in a building called the Hall of Hewn Stones. The Great Sanhedrin convened every day except festivals and the sabbath day (Shabbat).

After the destruction of the Second Temple and the failure of the Bar Kokhba revolt, the Great Sanhedrin moved to Galilee, which became part of the Roman province of Syria Palaestina. In this period, the Sanhedrin was sometimes called the Galilean Patriarchate or Patriarchate of Palaestina, the governing legal body of Galilean Jewry. In the late 200s CE, to avoid persecution, the name Sanhedrin was dropped and its decisions were issued under the name of Beit HaMidrash (house of learning). The last universally binding decision of the Great Sanhedrin appeared in 358 when the Hebrew calendar was established. The Great Sanhedrin was finally disbanded in 425.

Over the centuries, attempts have been made to revive the institution, such as the Grand Sanhedrin convened by Napoleon Bonaparte and modern attempts in Israel.

With this context we know that the Sanhedrin would have contained the Judicial, Executive, and Legislative branches of the Post-Exilic Judaean Government.

When Christ confronted this body and the members thereof, it was on policy that affected every part of Jewish life.

Luke 11:46-52

46 And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

47 Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.

48 Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.

49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:

50 That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

That's not to say that Christ did not love the country that He was born into, he was rather passionate about her turning to Him and away from the coming destruction in 70 AD.

Luke 13:33-35:

33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Ezra and Nehemiah both exhibited such patriotism:

Nehemiah 2:3-6

3And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? 4Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. 6And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

Segment 1 Conclusion:

After looking at these models, does it not seem that we do have a model for patriotism within the pages of God's Word? But there are pitfalls here.

Segment 2: What Does Christian Patriotism Look Like?

On the Philosophical note, there are some questions that should be asked of the believer. If we are to be patriotic, what rubric do we get from Scripture and what would application look like?

C.S. Lewis put it well in his Four Loves when he spoke of the wholesomeness of a love of the people, places, and things of one's home country. If one loves the good things of one's home, this is only natural to have a certain preference for these. Lewis Concludes that:

“Of course patriotism of this kind is not in the least aggressive. It asks only to be let alone. It becomes militant only to protect what it loves. In any mind which has a pennyworth of imagination it produces a good attitude towards foreigners. How can I love my home without coming to realize that other men, no less rightly, love theirs?...”

This is a pure sort of patriotism, one that has gone right and is indeed a beautiful thing.

G.K. Chesterton rightly pointed out that: "The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." This is indicative of something far more important. When God has entrusted families with offspring, there is a responsibility of the parent to care for and nurture their children. In primitive days, we would have to hunt and forage for food. The men doing the dangerous work, and the women nurturing and training the children. In the modern world, we enjoy a peculiar peace and abundance. No longer do most men kill prey and fight other men for resources, in the civilized world that is, but rather we work for wages and vote for security (which is secured through policy focused on minimizing bloodshed.)

America is beautiful for this reason: Though we have effectively conquered the world, our primary modality in the conquered nations of Japan, Germany, South Korea, etc is that we allow them to rule themselves. Now, with the regional stability provided by America, the Church can send missionaries to previously unreached civilizations to spread the Gospel. Such a blessing has never been bestowed upon the World, for wherever the Gospel is heard, the mistreatment of women, slaves, children, and all other evils are now cast into the Light of the Gospel, from which these evils flee.

America is not perfect by any means and many sins have been committed in her name, but that is not a reason to throw her out as though she was some sort of heinous thing. But rather, we should strive to make America more like Christ. This is the work of the Church in the Culture, not so much the government, because the American Government is not a single leader or body, but rather a group of America's citizens.

On the issue of making America more like Christ, some will say that laws do not legislate morality. This is hogwash on the level of someone who says that people will not dance at a party if you play a catchy beat. People will obey laws for fear of consequences. But they will also regard the laws as codifications of Truth, if the premises of the laws are indeed true. Look at the abortion issue, people will end their own children's lives because “Abortion is legal, if it was immoral, it wouldn't be legal.” However perverse that statement may be, there is a ring of important truth: Instituting moral laws affects people's moral sensibilities. Post-fall of Roe v Wade, many people have stopped in person abortions as they are indeed, “illegal”.

But if God ordains Government, then why or how should I involve myself? Is it not predestined? If I don't particularly like a candidate, but they have a record of promoting moral policy, should I stand by the sidelines?

A.W. Tozer had an excellent analogy for this in his Knowledge of the Holy:

Perhaps a homely illustration might help us to understand. An ocean liner leaves New

York bound for Liverpool. Its destination has been determined by proper authorities.

Nothing can change it. This is at least a faint picture of sovereignty.

On board the liner are several scores of passengers. These are not in chains, neither are

their activities determined for them by decree. They are completely free to move about

as they will. They eat, sleep, play, lounge about on the deck, read, talk, altogether as

they please; but all the while the great liner is carrying them steadily onward toward a

predetermined port.

Both freedom and sovereignty are present here and they do not contradict each other. So

it is, I believe, with man's freedom and the sovereignty of God. The mighty liner of

God's sovereign design keeps its steady course over the sea of history. God moves

undisturbed and unhindered toward the fulfillment of those eternal purposes which He

purposed in Christ Jesus before the world began. We do not know all that is included in

those purposes, but enough has been disclosed to furnish us with a broad outline of

things to come and to give us good hope and firm assurance of future well-being.

We will be judged and made to give an account for our actions and inactions:

2 Corinthians 5:10:

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Segment 2 Conclusion:

Are we commanded to be involved with the world? We are commanded to share the Gospel. If there is a tool, such as a 1st Amendment which recognizes our right to share the Gospel, then it would be wasteful indeed to miss the opportunity to preserve such a right. In fact, one can make an argument that sins of omission that lead to the suffering of others are a sin in and of themselves.

Ezekiel 33:6 says:

“6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.”

I don't think it too far of a stretch to say that we were born for such a time as this. Like Ester, our silence or inaction could well be the undoing of God's People. So we should act while we still have an opportunity to affect change in our world for the Gospel's sake.

Segment 3: Cultural Nationalism and Christian Nationalism

What would the purpose of a Christian Nationalism be? To elect representatives? On what basis? History tells us that Republicanism was founded by Christians to abolish the “twin relics of barbarism, Polygamy and Slavery.” This is all well and good, but what of the corruption that we see in the so-called Republican Party today? There's a lack of desire for change, this includes the issue of abortion, of medical freedoms and rights, of exposing children to pornographic images in school. Very few Republicans truly live up to the Christian ideals that founded the party. So what happened to the purpose? The Church stopped believing in the inerrancy of Scripture and began to water down the Gospel.

We see the results in the departures from the Church:

Only 55% of Americans believe in the inerrancy of Scripture via this poll from the American Bible Society:

https://www.baptistmessenger.com/55-percent-of-americans-believe-in-biblical-inerrancy-study-finds/

Those who self identify as Christians is plummeting:

https://news.gallup.com/poll/187955/percentage-christians-drifting-down-high.aspx

Segment 3# Conclusion: Can we ever effectively promote Godly principles in politics if our country no longer believes in the God of those principles?

Segment 4#: Where Christian Nationalism Has Gone Wrong

Love for your country is never a bad thing, in and of itself. However, such a love can go wrong. C.S. Lewis put it well when he gave this anecdote in Four Loves:

This third thing is not a sentiment but a belief: a firm, even prosaic belief that our own nation, in sober fact, has long been, and still is markedly superior to all others. I once ventured to say to an old clergyman who was voicing this sort of patriotism, “But, sir, aren't we told that every people thinks its own men the bravest and its own women the fairest in the world?” He replied with total gravity—he could not have been graver if he had been saying the Creed at the altar—“Yes, but in England it's true.” To be sure, this conviction had not made my friend (God rest his soul) a villain; only an extremely lovable old ass. It can however produce asses that kick and bite. On the lunatic fringe it may shade off into that popular Racialism which Christianity and science equally forbid…1

Remember, C.S. Lewis and his audience had lived through the Left's crazed obsession with Racial Superiority in Europe and America with the Eugenics movement fostered by Left leaning thinkers. The culmination of this was in Hitler, Sanger, and the atrocities committed in the name of a better race. Perhaps the old clergyman is harmless. Perhaps there was even an iota of truth at the time; Great Britain was the largest spanning empire to date. However, the note should be made that Conservatism and Christianity often overlap, but one is defined by man and the other by God.

Many people in the Conservative movement act in ways that a Christian ought not. This is not to say that we cannot both fight for what is true. However, one should also remember that we are held to the standard of Truth, God's Word, and not a political party platform.

Segment 4# Conclusion: Love of a party is only as good as the value it provides to Christians ultimate purpose on this earth, the Gospel.

Segment 5#: Does Love Of Country Provide Eternal Benefit or Value?

To answer the question, let's look at the sentiment concerning English Nationalism, as laid out by G.K. Chesterton, a Christian Apologist who lived around the turn of the 20th century:

We are, as a nation, in the truly extraordinary condition of not knowing our own merits. We have played a great and splendid part in the history of universal thought and sentiment; we have been among the foremost in that eternal and bloodless battle in which the blows do not slay, but create. In painting and music we are inferior to many other nations; but in literature, science, philosophy, and political eloquence, if history be taken as a whole, we can hold our own with any. But all this vast heritage of intellectual glory is kept from our schoolboys like a heresy; and they are left to live and die in the dull and infantile type of patriotism which they learnt from a box of tin soldiers. There is no harm in the box of tin soldiers; we do not expect children to be equally delighted with a beautiful box of tin philanthropists. But there is great harm in the fact that the subtler and more civilized honour of England is not presented so as to keep pace with the expanding mind. A French boy is taught the glory of Moliere as well as that of Turenne; a German boy is taught his own great national philosophy before he learns the philosophy of antiquity. The result is that, though French patriotism is often crazy and boastful, though German patriotism is often isolated and pedantic, they are neither of them merely dull, common, and brutal, as is so often the strange fate of the nation of Bacon and Locke.

Now, if you hear a familiar ring in this description of British sentiment towards its own history, rhyming with the 21st Century Anti-Americanism we see in the Left today, perhaps it would be best to look at what is happening in Britain today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTJ4mfxvM-Y

Stealing phones and violating safety policies are the least of the worries. Folks like Tommy Robinson have been speaking out about these gangs attacking women and children.

https://nypost.com/2021/02/13/when-europe-ignored-sex-crimes-of-immigrants-all-women-suffered/

The UK had a society fit to raise children before they committed cultural suicide. They are now bringing into the country the worst of the nations who are sending refugees. What could these kids have done or who could they have led to the Lord, but are now stifled by injuries or death?

Something to ponder.

Final Thoughts:

One last thing: What, besides the United States, is your favorite country?

Four Loves - C.S. Lewis

https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/reflections-october-2019/

The Defendant - Chesterton

https://www.online-literature.com/chesterton/the-defendant/16/

Knowledge of the Holy - A.W. Tozer

https://www.restoringthecore.com/wp-content/restored/AW-Tozer-Knowledge-of-the-Holy.pdf

Key Apologetic Questions for Parents 1. What is apologetics? 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 2. What key arguments are there for (and against) God's existence? Arguments For God's Existence The Cosmological Argument Argument: Everything that begins to exist has a cause; the universe began to exist; therefore, the universe has a cause. The Teleological Argument (Design Argument) Argument: The universe exhibits evidence of design, which implies a designer. The Moral Argument Argument: Objective moral values and duties exist and require a grounding in a moral lawgiver. The Ontological Argument Argument: The very concept of God implies His existence. The Argument from Consciousness Argument: Human consciousness and subjective experiences cannot be fully explained by physical processes alone. The Argument from Religious Experience Argument: Personal experiences of God provide evidence for His existence. The Argument from Miracles Argument: Miraculous events point to divine intervention. The Argument from Reason Argument: Rational thought and the reliability of our cognitive faculties point to a rational source. Arguments Against God's Existence The problem of evil Argument: The existence of evil and suffering in the world is incompatible with an omnipotent, omnibenevolent, and omniscient God. The problem of incoherence Argument: The concept of God is inherently contradictory or incoherent. The argument from non-belief (divine hiddenness) Argument: The lack of evidence or clear signs of God's existence is inconsistent with a God who desires belief and a relationship with humans. The argument from science Argument: Scientific explanations for the universe and life eliminate the need for a God. The argument from Occam's Razor Argument: The principle of Occam's Razor suggests that we should not multiply entities beyond necessity. The Euthyphro Dilemma Argument: Questions the basis of morality if God is its source. The argument from religious pluralism Argument: The diversity of religious beliefs and the conflicting claims among them challenge the notion of one true God. 3. What are the practical implications of an atheistic worldview? Let's define atheism for the purpose of this podcast. Atheism: the belief that a God (or gods) does not exist. Agnosticism: neither believes nor disbelieves that a God (or gods) exists. (Hernandez, Eric. The Lazy Approach to Evangelism: A Simple Guide for Conversing With Nonbelievers (pp. 38-39). GC2 Press. Kindle Edition. ) There are personal implications Removes meaning/purpose from life. Life becomes "survival of the fittest". No need for law enforcement - there is no morality. There are societal implications Secular Governance: In its purest form, atheism eliminates any need for governance or law enforcement. Education: Anything that you teach your children is fine. There is no right/wrong. Science will be worshiped. Social and Cultural Contributions: Society will become much more tribal in nature. Survival of the fittest takes on tremendous importance in a tribal setting. Human creativity is worshiped. Tribes will define key points of life (like what is right/wrong). But fighting will take place when there is disagreement on those key points. There will be an emphasis on social justice, equality, and the well-being of all people, advocating for causes like environmental protection, human rights, and social reform. There are ethical implications Atheists may base their ethical and moral decisions on secular philosophies such as humanism, consequentialism, or virtue ethics. Morality is often seen as a human construct derived from empathy, social cooperation, and rational consideration of the consequences of actions. 4. Why would a good God allow evil to exist? What is evil? Where did morality come from? God gave man free will. If no free will, then no good. If no good, then no evil. If no good and no evil, why are we talking about it? 5. Why would a good God allow suffering to exist? "What's God doing on a cross?" (John Lennox) "God has become part of human suffering." (John Lennox) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1ipY-4OXOM&list=PLsfMesoEDURkzS6EXzZdranYJKLf8WutE&index=87 Death is not the end "God is responsible for the fact of freedom. Humans are responsible for their acts of freedom." (Video: Is God Good?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfd_1UAjeIA&pp=ygULaXMgZ29kIGdvb2Q%3D

The Apologist: Christians And Self-Defense Story 1#: Joel Olsteen's Church Shooting • WATCH: Barrage of gunfire as officers... Thoughts and Takeaways Segment 2#: West Freeway Church Shooting • Texan NRA Member Who Stopped Church S... Thoughts and Takeaways Segment 3#: Raul Mendez Shooting • He Stopped a Mass Shooting But The Me... Segment 4#: What Are Some Common Misconceptions on Christianity and Self-Defense? Jesus Called Us To Turn The Other Cheek The 6th Commandment is Thou Shalt Not Kill It is for the Governmental Authorities to use lethal force Verses on self defense: 1. Exodus 22:2-3 “If a thief is caught in the act of breaking into a house and is struck and killed in the process, the person who killed the thief is not guilty of murder. But if it happens in daylight, the one who killed the thief is guilty of murder.” 2. Luke 11:21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own mansion, his property is safe.” 3. Isaiah 49:25 “Who can snatch the plunder of war from the hands of a warrior? Who can demand that a tyrant let his captives go?” 4. Luke 22:35-37 “Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler's bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?” “No,” they replied. “But now,” he said, “take your money and a traveler's bag. And if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one! For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels. Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.” 5. Luke 22:38-39 “Look, Lord,” they replied, “we have two swords among us.” “That's enough,” he said. Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives.” 6. Matthew 5:38-39 “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” 7. Romans 12:17 “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” 8. 1 Peter 3:9 “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 9. Proverbs 24:29 “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.” 10. Psalm 144:1 “Praise the Lord, who is my rock. He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle.” 11. Psalm 18:34 “He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.” 6. Psalm 82:4 “Rescue weak and needy people. Help them escape the power of wicked people.” 17. Proverbs 24:11 “Rescue captives condemned to death, and spare those staggering toward their slaughter.” 18. 1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 19. Romans 13:1-7 “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God's appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God. So the person who resists such authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will incur judgment (for rulers cause no fear for good conduct but for bad). Do you desire not to fear authority? Do good and you will receive its commendation, for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be in fear, for it does not bear the sword in vain. It is God's servant to administer retribution on the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience. For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants devoted to governing. Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.” 20. Nehemiah 4:16-18 “From that day forward, half of my men were doing the work and half of them were taking up spears, shields, bows, and body armor. Now the officers were behind all the people of Judah who were rebuilding the wall. Those who were carrying loads did so by keeping one hand on the work and the other on their weapon. The builders to a man had their swords strapped to their sides while they were building. But the trumpeter remained with me.” Trust in the Lord and not your weapon. 21. Psalm 44:5-7 “Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us.” 22. 1 Samuel 17:47 “And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD's battle, and he will give you to us!” Final Thoughts: One Last Question: Favorite Caliber

Five Common Reasons People Leave Christianity

1. The Problem of Evil

The issue of Evil is a serious one that Christianity is uniquely qualified to answer. However, most Christians fail to provide a valuable response to this when confronted on the issue. So what is the problem of evil?

Thesis: If God is good, then how could evil exist? If God is all good, then He is not all powerful, and if He is not all powerful, then He is not good.

This question often comes in response to moments of greatest sorrow and tragedy. Comfort can only be found in relationships with others and a trust in the future God holds. The explanation of Evil will never be of much comfort, just like an explanation of the exothermic reactions of the chemicals in a grenade will never satisfy the heartache of a grieving family mourning the loss of their son, brother, husband, and father in times of war. This explanation CANNOT bring peace in of itself, but it can provide clarity to those who truly wish to understand God, and perhaps attempt to gaze into His metaphorical face and see if the face staring back at them is indeed “good”.

The Explanation: Calling God all powerful can often lead to some failures in logic, if improperly understood. God is all powerful in that He exists outside of space and time and is the uncaused cause of all that happens. In this He can do “anything”. However, if Truth, Logic, Mathematics, and Justice are direct imports from God's essence, as a Painting is a reflection of the mind of the artist on a canvas, then God cannot lie, make a square circle, nor can He commit evil, no more than can a rock be a blade of grass.

God allows man free will. This free will is apparently more important than human comfort or flourishing. Indeed, it separates us from the inanimate. If we did not have free will, we could not love or speak truth but merely react to stimuli as does a venous fly trap, opening and closing in response to stimulus. So in addition to love, hatred, apathy, and nihilism are also possible. If God were to intervene, not only would we not have free will, but we would not know what evil looked like in its complete form. This knowledge gives us the informed consent required for a relationship with a God who is the source of all good. This relationship is one of incredible spiritual intimacy and must be a complete surrender. This, is the reason evil exists. The question should not be why God allows evil, but rather why He allows free will. In this, we can find a complete answer. Does it satisfy you? Again, nothing can satisfy the loss that usually comes with this question, except to fill it with other relationships. In this aspect, God and the family of God can soothe the pain, but not take it away.

2. The Christians In Church

Another common reason given for people leaving the church is the behavior of Christians. One poll by Brandon Flanery published on the site baptistnews.com had politics and other believers as 2 of the 3 highest causes for leaving the church.

3. The God of the Old Testament

Many people do not realize the culture of the day.

Common misconceptions:

Killing Your Own Children:

53:35-55:09

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_FCdrnP3X8&t=2781s

Other religious practices

Women and God (Divorce, Dowry, etc)

4. The Anti-Intellectualism

The conflation of science and scientism has been a real factor in the cultural debate on the inerrancy of Scripture. Many Christians have ceded the linguistic territory of Science to the Secular Humanist and instead embraced a vain, and frankly, lazy approach to “faith” as this nebulous head planted in the sand mantra instead of a belief in facts. Christian scholars and Secular Humanist Scholars have the same evidence. How we interpret that evidence is largely affected by worldview.

Take the Big Bang, for an example. The words Big Bang were originally a pejorative. Only recently did the Secular Humanist even believe that the Universe had a beginning.

Even today, we are discovering that there are galaxies further away than previously imagined. The JWST telescope has created some serious issues for the Big Bang Theory in the context of 14 Billion years.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ynwc0bajfjk

The theory has to keep changing to fit the evidence that the universe could not have formed the way the Secular Humanist interprets the evidence.

But even with this evidence in our hands, the church has widely failed to pursue knowledge in a domain that was previously dominated by Christians: Galileo, Copernicus, Newton, Faraday and more.

This has led to many people “deconstructing their faith”.

https://youtu.be/-GuGcPb2jjQ

https://baptistnews.com/article/i-asked-people-why-theyre-leaving-christianity-and-heres-what-i-heard/

5. The Desire for Freedom

And the number one reason for leaving the church in the modern day, by some polls, is the issue of Biblical Sexual Purity. Whether it's the issue of waiting for marriage or an alternative to Biblical marriage, the issue of Freedom is a salient stumbling block.

Final Thoughts:

One Thing To Remember For The Week:

Do Human Rights Exist? What Exactly Are Rights? What Do Rights Cost?

Introduction: I was scrolling the internet the other day and this popped up into my feed:

https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1798190155569983964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1798190155569983964%7Ctwgr%5Eea080956f8b2bf96a0d5aed8e2d7dee06da4115a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.groupme.com%2Fchats

Some would say that this man had no right to do it, most rational or sane people would anyway. But there are those who claim that this deviant behavior is within the man's “rights”. So that brings the following questions: What is a Right? Do they correlate to responsibilities? If Rights acknowledge value, from where does that value come? What happens to societies that put that value on a sliding scale? What Responsibilities do Right Bearers have?

What is a right:

Webster's 1828:

5. Just claim; legal title; ownership; the legal power of exclusive possession and enjoyment. In hereditary monarchies, a right to the throne vests in the heir on the decease of the king. A deed vests the right of possession in the purchaser of land. right and possession are very different things. We often have occasion to demand and sue for rights not in possession.

6. Just claim by courtesy, customs, or the principles of civility and decorum. Every man has a right to civil treatment. The magistrate has a right to respect.

7. Just claim by sovereignty; prerogative. God, as the author of all things, has a right to govern and dispose of them at his pleasure.

https://www.youtube&&.com/watch?v=Fst0tesgrlY

Theology: Where does the individual derive their rights? When God set up those rights, can they be taken away? What happens when you violate God's Law? Do you lose your rights or do you receive punishment? (I'd argue the latter in God's economy).

Philosophy: How do rights differ when they are derived from God, vs from the State or a social contract? What are the ramifications of moving from a Theological Origin of Rights to a Social Contract framework of rights?

Culture: Traditionalism has become popular in the modern culture, but what is being yearned for in the non-Christian Culture when non-believers opine for Traditional Values? What doors does this situation open for the Christian?

Politics: Once Rights have been taken out of the God-Given Framework and been transferred to the Social Contract Framework, how do consequences and responsibilities change? When permissions have been given to adults to expose themselves to children, what happens to parents who react justifiably to such interactions?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSnMyGDW15A

Economics: What happens to your family when your Rights are taken?

5:11-8:58

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwmiZBeYjaA

Conclusions:

Final Thought: What is the right you hold most dear?

Suicide - Why Does It Happen?

Pre-Program

If you are someone that is dealing with suicidal thoughts right now, then dial 988 for immediate help.

Introduction:

Moms and Dads - please note that today's podcast is dealing with a very sensitive subject. We recommend that you listen to the podcast first before allowing your children to listen to it. Remember, if you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts then please dial 988 for immediate help.

Suicide happens - and over the last two years, it's been happening more and more. Why does it happen? When did this all start? Let's look at these questions and more as we walk Further Every Day.

Suicide - General Discussion:

The suicide rates in the US have been going up over the last two years (2022 and 2023). But why? Here's some general statistics and then we'll delve into other questions.

Theology:

What examples of suicide do we have in the Bible?

Abimilech (Judges 9:52-54)

Samson (Judges 16:29-30)

Saul (1 Samuel 31:1-4)

Saul's Armor Bearer

Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23)

Zimri (1 Kings 16:18)

Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5)

Is a Christian condemned to Hell because they committed suicide?

Philosophy:

What are the most common causes for suicide that we see?

Mental Illness/Personality Disorders (anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, etc.)

Traumatic Experience (physical abuse, sexual abuse, war)

Bullying

Drug Addiction (including prescription)

Eating Disorders

Unemployment

Social Isolation/Loneliness

Relationship Problems

Terminal Illness

Chronic Pain

Financial Problems

Lack of Purpose in Life

Genetics (maybe from mental health issues in the family)

Culture:

What are some reasons that we struggle with addressing the suicide issue, especially in the church?

Partly because there is a lack of understanding about the underlying causes of depression - which is a chemical imbalance (serotonin) in the brain

Partly because of historical stigma (be it from family or church or other)

Partly because we don't have adequate knowledge of good resources

What are some of the other impacts on a family or the loved ones of a person who has committed suicide?

Emotional - family and loved ones can end up feeling a lot of guilt

Physical - mental and physical health can suffer due to depression and guilt

External Circumstances - difficult situations are now exacerbated due to a key person involved in day-to-day activities in support of others are no longer there to offer that support

Social - a stigma has been attached to those that remain (they must now deal with that)

Politics:

What has been done by our government to address this and should the government do more?

On the issue of what's been done:

The creation of the 988 hotline

On the issue of what can be done:

Become a better educator on the issues of suicide - spread the key information

Help point people to support groups

Economics:

What is the economic impact of suicide on the US?

What is the economic impact of a suicide on a family?

Final Thoughts:

One Last Thing:

Today's One Last Thing will be unique. Today, we pray for those who are experiencing depression and lack of hope.

Key Website References:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/suicide.htm

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html

https://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/07/23/15-common-causes-of-suicide-why-do-people-kill-themselves/

The God of Law Introduction: What was God's purpose for law? Why does man have laws? What makes a law Godly? Is there a connection between God's Laws and Man? What does the existence of Law reveal about God Himself? Theology: What 3 purposes does law serve in God's economy? The Law: Serves as a mirror Restrains Evil Serves as Revelation of God's Heart The Law Serves as a Mirror: James I:23-25 says: "For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he be­holdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straig way forgetteth what manner of man he was. For whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, an continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." Romans 3:20 states: “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” So we see that the Old Testament Law is meant to provide us spiritual awareness of our condition in relation to God the Father. The Law Restrains Evil: Leviticus 19 is a great example of a sundry list of laws with differing purposes. Some of these are moral, others appear to deal with health issues. We even see laws that recommend the treatment of leprosy. The Law Serves as Revelation of God's Heart: Let's look at the laws surrounding leprosy. Why did God allow leprosy to exist? What occurs with leprosy and why did God have such definitive prescriptions surrounding it? First, what is Leprosy? From the CDC website: Hansen's disease is caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. The disease can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose. In some cases, body parts may lose their sense of touch and pain, increasing the likelihood of injuries such as cuts and burn. https://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/about/index.html Typically from poor sanitary conditions, Leprosy is a slow moving inward disease that eats the individual from the inside out. It is not always apparent at first, and can grow for a long time. Does this sound at all like sin? How did God go about treating it? The individual who is fully given over to the infection, once identified was put out of the camp until they died or were cured. Who cured leprosy? In addition to Christ, Elisha, under the power of the Holy Spirit, also directed Naaman the Leper to bathe in the Jordan in a baptism of faith. It seems that God's laws and natural law have some very interesting coincidences, or perhaps convergence. Philosophy: If God built for us a picture of His World, Law and Heart in His Law, what should we as Christians think of Law? How would Law be important to our understanding of our worldview? Is it possible that God laid out Law, Theological, Natural, and Governmental, so that we could understand the fixed position of God as an entity? Let me explain. If God is unchanging, the same yesterday, today, and forevermore, then that in of itself, is a law. If God revealed His Law to us, then we can gaze upon the Law and gaze into the nature and contours of God's very essence. This thought is sobering, when one confronts it. God's unyielding nature provides a harsh position in light of that which does not conform with His Holiness, sin. THIS is why relationship is the linchpin for our worldview. Through relationship with Christ, we can become like God and therefor fellowship with this unyielding pillar of unchanging Holiness. The Law is our mirror, protector, and revelator bringing us closer to, or further from, God. Culture: So how has man twisted the image and comparison that God ordained in Law? Corruption, Greed, Unjust Standards, and all other forms of perversions have crept into our legal system. In America, we used to have a Common Law system, which still somewhat persists today. In this system, there had to be an injured party and defendant. Now the nanny state can draw up complaints and put you in jail for anything that they really want. We now enshrine evil practices with children and P*rn and Drag Queen Story Hour. We punish righteous people for defending themselves, and we allow doctors to “assist in su*cide”. What does this culture say about our view of the image God create? Politics: Starting in Genesis 9:3-6 man was given the mandate of Law. God gave us the opportunity to partake in the governance of ourselves, and to partake in the image He created. How has man perverted God's original intents for the Law? Economics: What does the above say about what we've come to value as a society? Final Thoughts: One Last Thing: Favorite outlandish or normal law

The God of Law

Introduction:

What was God's purpose for law? Why does man have laws? What makes a law Godly? Is there a connection between God's Laws and Man? What does the existence of Law reveal about God Himself?

Theology:

What 3 purposes does law serve in God's economy?

The Law:

Serves as a mirror

Restrains Evil

Serves as Revelation of God's Heart

The Law Serves as a Mirror:

James I:23-25 says: "For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he be­holdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straig way forgetteth what manner of man he was. For whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, an continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."

Romans 3:20 states: “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

So we see that the Old Testament Law is meant to provide us spiritual awareness of our condition in relation to God the Father.

The Law Restrains Evil:

Leviticus 19 is a great example of a sundry list of laws with differing purposes. Some of these are moral, others appear to deal with health issues. We even see laws that recommend the treatment of leprosy.

The Law Serves as Revelation of God's Heart:

Let's look at the laws surrounding leprosy. Why did God allow leprosy to exist? What occurs with leprosy and why did God have such definitive prescriptions surrounding it?

First, what is Leprosy? From the CDC website:

Hansen's disease is caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. The disease can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose. In some cases, body parts may lose their sense of touch and pain, increasing the likelihood of injuries such as cuts and burn.

https://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/about/index.html

Typically from poor sanitary conditions, Leprosy is a slow moving inward disease that eats the individual from the inside out. It is not always apparent at first, and can grow for a long time.

Does this sound at all like sin?

How did God go about treating it? The individual who is fully given over to the infection, once identified was put out of the camp until they died or were cured.

Who cured leprosy? In addition to Christ, Elisha, under the power of the Holy Spirit, also directed Naaman the Leper to bathe in the Jordan in a baptism of faith. It seems that God's laws and natural law have some very interesting coincidences, or perhaps convergence.

Philosophy:

If God built for us a picture of His World, Law and Heart in His Law, what should we as Christians think of Law?

How would Law be important to our understanding of our worldview? Is it possible that God laid out Law, Theological, Natural, and Governmental, so that we could understand the fixed position of God as an entity? Let me explain. If God is unchanging, the same yesterday, today, and forevermore, then that in of itself, is a law. If God revealed His Law to us, then we can gaze upon the Law and gaze into the nature and contours of God's very essence. This thought is sobering, when one confronts it. God's unyielding nature provides a harsh position in light of that which does not conform with His Holiness, sin. THIS is why relationship is the linchpin for our worldview. Through relationship with Christ, we can become like God and therefor fellowship with this unyielding pillar of unchanging Holiness. The Law is our mirror, protector, and revelator bringing us closer to, or further from, God.

Culture:

So how has man twisted the image and comparison that God ordained in Law? Corruption, Greed, Unjust Standards, and all other forms of perversions have crept into our legal system.

In America, we used to have a Common Law system, which still somewhat persists today. In this system, there had to be an injured party and defendant. Now the nanny state can draw up complaints and put you in jail for anything that they really want. We now enshrine evil practices with children and P*rn and Drag Queen Story Hour. We punish righteous people for defending themselves, and we allow doctors to “assist in su*cide”.

What does this culture say about our view of the image God create?

Politics:

Starting in Genesis 9:3-6 man was given the mandate of Law. God gave us the opportunity to partake in the governance of ourselves, and to partake in the image He created. How has man perverted God's original intents for the Law?

Economics:

What does the above say about what we've come to value as a society?

Final Thoughts:

One Last Thing:

Favorite outlandish or normal law

Is the Bible Inerrant? What About Bible Translations?

Introduction: Is the Word of God Inerrant? What exactly is the Word of God? Is it the Bible that you hold in your hands at Church? What if someone spills coffee on it, is the Word of God lost? What if it's mishprinted ? Have you ever heard of the Evil King James Bible? Let's talk about that as we watch our culture stray further every day.

The Problem:

Many Theologians have ceded, or even gleefully proclaimed the notion, that the Bible is “not infallible, inerrant”, and is capable of harboring errors in its depiction of God's Word.

From Wikipedia:

There are 3 types of inerrancy or infallibility:

Some theologians speak of the "infallibility" of the Bible. This can be understood in one of three ways.

Some authors use "inerrancy" and "infallibility" interchangeably.

For others, "inerrancy" refers to complete inerrancy and "infallibility" to the more limited view that the Bible is without error in conveying God's self-revelation to humanity.[3][12] On this understanding, "infallibility" claims less than "inerrancy".

Citing dictionary definitions, Frame (2002) claims "infallibility" is a stronger term than "inerrant": "'Inerrant' means there are no errors; "infallible" means there can be no errors".[13] Yet he acknowledges that "modern theologians insist on redefining that word also, so that it actually says less than 'inerrancy.'" Harold Lindsell states: "The very nature of inspiration renders the Bible infallible, which means that it cannot deceive us. It is inerrant in that it is not false, mistaken, or defective".[14]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_inerrancy

Here in an edition of Life and Letters, we see a representative argument from the liberal scholar:

“The doctrine of inerrancy is more post-biblical, even modern. And it has been particularly influential among U.S. evangelicals, who often appeal to the doctrine of inerrancy in arguments against gender equality, social justice, critical race theory and other causes thought to violate the God's infallible word.

The doctrine of inerrancy took shape during the 19th and 20th centuries in the United States. A statement crafted in 1978 by hundreds of evangelical leaders remains its fullest articulation. Known as the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, the statement was a response to emerging “liberal” or nonliteral interpretations of the Bible. According to the statement, the Bible speaks with “infallible divine authority in all matters upon which it touches.””

https://lifeandletters.la.utexas.edu/2021/07/what-is-biblical-inerrancy-a-new-testament-scholar-explains/

https://defendinginerrancy.com/chicago-statements/

Theology:

If God's word contains errors, what does this say about God?

Philosophy:

If God is incapable of keeping errors out of His Bible, then what does this mean for morality, eternity, and salvation?

Culture:

What Cultural allowances should be made if God's Word is inerrant? What happens if you may pick and choose as you please?

Politics:

Why have nations continuously attempted to rewrite God's Word? What does this allow the government to accomplish?

Economics:

What economic incentives are there for scholars to make their living upon “debunking” the Bible?

The Story

So when DID the Inerrancy issue become a topic of debate? Well, the issue became a heavy point of contention in the 1800s, you know, when the Counter-Reformation and the Humanist Enlightenment movements were in full force.

An article at conversation jeeringly puts it this way:

Roots of Fundamentalism

“Christian fundamentalism has roots in the 19th century, when Protestants were confronted by two challenges to traditional understandings of the Bible.

Throughout the century, scholars increasingly evaluated the Bible as a historical text. In the process they raised questions about its divine origins, given its seeming inconsistencies and errors.

In addition, Charles Darwin's 1859 book “On the Origin of Species” – which laid out the theory of evolution by natural selection – raised profound questions about the Genesis account of creation.

Many American Protestants easily squared their Christian faith with these ideas. Others were horrified.

Conservative theologians responded by developing the doctrine of biblical inerrancy. Inerrancy asserts that the Bible is errorless and factually accurate in everything it says – including about science.

This doctrine became the theological touchstone of fundamentalism. Alongside inerrancy emerged a system of ideas, called apocalyptic or “dispensational premillennialism.”

Adherents of these ideas hold that reading the Bible literally – particularly the Book of Revelation – reveals that history will end soon with a ghastly apocalypse.

All those who are not true Christians will be slaughtered. In the wake of this violence, Christ will establish God's millennial kingdom on Earth.”

https://theconversation.com/fundamentalism-turns-100-a-landmark-for-the-christian-right-123651

Theology:

What does the Bible say about the philosophies of man and diverse doctrines?

Philosophy:

If the purpose and intent of a movement is not honestly seeking the good of an institution such as the Church, what challenges befall the Church if she accepts the precepts of such antagonists uncritically?

Culture:

Now that we abolished the inerrancy of God? What did Nietzsche's Dead God provide in the Culture? What are the results?

Politics:

After God was dead in the 19th Century, what did man do in the 20th Century across Europe through Asia?

Economics:

What does the Chinese Communist Party do with the Bible today? What is the purpose of this?

Final Thoughts:

One more thing: Favorite book of the Bible