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SAM’S VARIETY STORE

It’s Fall, and holiday thoughts are knocking on the door of my mind. Memories automatically kick in & my emotions follow suit. I am, by nature, a very nostalgic person! This occurs most during the months of November, December, and January. Like the boxes holding seasonal decorations, my mind opens memorable files for personal review. I prefer to enjoy the holidays in order, not focusing on one before it’s due time. Although I’m not a fan of Christmas-in-July shopping or October Christmas movies, I still enjoy anything that calls up special times, from the past, with people who I hold near & dear. One thought leads to another & emotional “reviews” surface unbidden.

Sam’s Variety Store is one of those significant imprints in my mind. It was located on the Northeast corner of the only intersection on Main Street, in the small Iowa farming community of 2000 where I grew up. If a store could be a friend, Sam’s was mine. As my childhood version of Walmart, it pretty much had everything my young imagination needed. Plus, it had Sam, & he was awesome! Sam was a kind, people-loving man who spoke to, & smiled at, everyone who walked through the doors. In addition to school supplies, household items, toiletries, & clothes, the store also offered appealing confections behind the counter. Looking back, I can see that Sam was also smart in his dealings with kids. He knew it was too hard on kids to have the sugar options too readily available. So, at Sam’s, you had to ask. Sam would personally retrieve your preferred selection & put it on the counter, by the cash register, while he watched you count out the exact change. I liked Sam. And I had great respect for him as the owner of my favorite place to shop. But Sam’s Variety had a couple other perks that appealed to adults & children alike.

On the weekends, there was a popcorn machine AND a snow cone machine set up on the sidewalk. It was indeed a treat to buy either! Although a nickel & a dime went much further in those days, we didn’t always stop. First things came first…food & other needs. A second picture in my mind’s eye is Sam’s two, large, glass display windows on either side of the entrance door. One was scattered with a sampling of items, available for purchase, in the store. The other window showcased my very own, endearing, Grandma Grace’s handiwork.

Grandma Grace became a widow when I was 7 years old. She had cared for my grandpa for two years as he lay fighting cancer, on a hospital bed, on their enclosed front porch. I think they chose that location because there were windows on three sides. It was the most pleasant view & also easy access for visitors. Grandma was a “homespun” woman. There wasn’t much she couldn’t grow, sew, can, or craft. Growing up, she kept my sister & I outfitted in flannel pajamas, slippers, Sunday dresses, & school clothes. Her old Singer machine rarely sat idle. One of my favorite, & last, things she made for me was a jumper repurposed from an old, but classy, coat. My friends would “oo-o & ah-h” and loved the stories behind my clothes. We still make “Grandma Grace” mashed potatoes to this day. They were as legendary as her cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies, & canned Bing cherries.

When Grandpa went Home to Jesus, Grandma supplemented her income by filling Sam’s display window with knitted & crocheted items. Pretty handkerchiefs, baby booties, caps, sweaters, & blankets were never out of reach. Her handiwork was beautiful! Folks could make requests if they wanted a specific color, pattern or design. She was so accustomed to having knitting needles, or crochet hooks, in her hands, that they became a favorite tickling tool for us kids. From her profits, Grandma also gave the four grandchildren 3 presents, each, at Christmas time. Some were homemade & some were purchased. I’ll never forget the time she gave me a (still available) weaving loom. She had taught me simple knitting but here was another opportunity for me to create! I knew these gifts represented a sacrifice of time & money. Because of the relationship my parents maintained with all 4 of my grandparents, we held them in high esteem too. Gifts from them were a “big deal.” Although likely considered small by today’s standards, the love invested in the making & thoughtfulness toward each child, made them irreplaceable in personal value. Sadly enough, in our high-tech, commercialized world, the interaction between grandparents & grandchildren, overall, has been thwarted by busyness, competition, & comparison. And our culture is worse for the lack.

Grandma was a strong woman. I don’t recall her complaining or feeling depressed. If she did, she didn’t let those feelings be known to me. She knew her neighbors & they watched out for each other. I, too, knew most of them. Since she lived only one block from school, we popped in for visits. And my Dad could fix most anything she needed repaired. When I was too young to recall clearly, Grandma battled breast cancer & other female health issues. The summer that I turned 14, she was fighting lymphoma. Her leg was completely swollen, top to bottom. She wasn’t allowed to be up…at all. So, throughout June, July, & August, I took care of her in her home. It’s one of those things I look back on with no regrets. Other family members had to work so my mom stepped in to help me, when needed, if she was current with her responsibilities at my house. As the starting of the school year approached, Grandma worsened significantly until she had to be hospitalized. My last visual memory is peeking into her hospital room & hearing her cry out to Jesus as she raised her hands toward heaven. Cancer had metastasized in her brain & she was in a great deal of pain. On September 14, 1968, Grandma joined Grandpa in heaven.

Although the holidays are bittersweet because I miss the people, I am thankful for the blessings associated with memories. I have a deeper appreciation for the time, talents, & thoughtfulness invested in giving. I have experienced deep bonds of love, companionship, & loyalty with older generations. These values did not transfer automatically. They were not purchased or haphazardly acquired by bribery. Rather, they are reflections, invested in love, over time, that were woven into the fabric of my soul-- by example. What a difference any day can make! Or an hour…a minute… a split second. Not to be taken for granted, relationships are fragile & require intentional tending to not only survive, but to thrive. Sam knew this too. He went out of the way to make his customers feel special.

As much as I love my family, past & present, Jesus Christ is my only guarantee. Without Him, life offers nothing of eternal value. Without Him as the glue, relationships cannot stand firm through time-tested trials. Without Him, no tradition has any soul-nourishing effect.

Because outside of Him, there is no HOPE, & there is no PEACE. Holidays are sweetened by the Truth that rises to the surface when I remember the selfless choices made my parents & grandparents. They laid spiritual steppingstones, designed by the Lord, to lead me to the ONE TRUE GIFT.

Grace In Her Steps © | Stephen Phinney | Vocalist Elijah & Maria Musika:

Visit the iZ Music Channel, hosting both songs and instrumentals HERE.

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Once relegated to the fringes of society, modern Neo-Nazi groups have rebranded and reorganized, forming networks like the “Active Clubs” that blend white supremacist ideology with physical training and online propaganda.

According to the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, the number of these clubs in the U.S. alone surged by nearly 60% between 2023 and 2025, with at least 19 chapters specifically recruiting teenage boys aged 15 to 18. Globally, the movement has expanded into 27 countries, adapting to evade platform moderation while glorifying violence, antisemitism, and racial supremacy. This revival is not merely ideological—it is strategic, militant, and increasingly visible in public demonstrations, social media campaigns, and coordinated intimidation efforts. As history warns, silence in the face of such movements is complicity. The Church, educators, and civic leaders must respond with truth, vigilance, and unwavering moral clarity.

The growing Neo-Nazi movement poses a grave threat to the American people and the sacred principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

Rooted in racial supremacy, antisemitism, and authoritarianism, this ideology stands in direct opposition to the Founders’ vision of liberty, equality, and justice under God. The Declaration of Independence affirms that all men are “created equal” and “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” yet Neo-Nazi rhetoric seeks to divide, dehumanize, and destroy that very foundation. The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, speech, and peaceful assembly—not the glorification of tyranny or the denial of human dignity. As believers, we must recognize that this movement is not merely political—it is spiritual rebellion against the Imago Dei (Image of God) in every person. Scripture warns, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20, ESV), and compels us to stand as watchmen on the wall, defending truth, Yeshua, justice, and the covenantal heritage of a nation built on divine principles.

Neo-Nazi movements today are implementing tactics that include online radicalization, hate propaganda, and targeting minority communities through intimidation and violence.

Their Ideological Core

* White Supremacy: Neo-Nazis promote racial purity and white dominance, often glorifying Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.

* Antisemitism: Jews are viewed as the primary enemy, with conspiracy theories blaming them for societal decline.

* Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: These groups frequently target LGBTQ+ individuals and immigrants with hate speech and threats.

* Historical Revisionism: They engage in Holocaust denial and attempt to rewrite history to absolve or glorify Nazi actions.

* Genocidal Phobic: While their rhetoric is filled with genocidal hatred, they themselves demand a genocide of the Jews AND Jew lovers, Christians, whom they call “Christian Zionist.” A term Hitler popularized.

Tactics and Implementation

* Online Radicalization: Platforms like Telegram host networks such as Terrorgram, which distribute violent propaganda, guides for 3D-printed weapons, and calls for attacks on infrastructure.

* They troll and bait online platform users with tempting discussions to incite hatred and advance their ideologies by “bait and hook.” In particular, they seek out “Jew lovers.”

* These channels have inspired real-world violence, including mass shootings and attempted bombings.

Recruitment Through Culture:

* Music, memes, and coded language are used to attract young followers.

* Former members describe how bands and social events were used to normalize hate and violence.

* Doxing and Threats: Neo-Nazi groups have targeted communities (e.g., Haitian immigrants in Ohio) with bomb threats and public intimidation.

* Reduced Public Visibility: Due to legal pressure and arrests, some groups have scaled back in-person activism and shifted to digital organizing & empowering other sub-culture groups like “No Kings,” and others.

* They thrive off of anti-American rhetoric and restlessness - holding to hostility for America since the United States “murdered” their Führer. Most consider America and Israel a unified nation, fueling their hostility. In this they are proud about hiding behind the skirt of American Freedom.

International Expansion:

* Neo-Nazism is no longer confined to Western nations; similar supremacist ideologies have emerged globally, adapting Nazi tenets to local contexts.

* Their objective is to ignite what they call “The Fourth Reich,” meaning the final eradicating of all global Jews.

Core Reasons Behind Nazi Antisemitism:

* Historical Antisemitism: Nazi hatred built on long-standing European prejudices, including false, and real, accusations of Jewish control over money, media, and politics.

* Scapegoating for National Crises: Hitler and the Nazis blamed Jews for Germany’s defeat in World War I & later World War II, the economic depression, and social unrest. Now blaming Israel for modern genocides. They portrayed Jews as corrupting German culture, even now, blaming Israel for global unrest in the Middle East.

* Racial Ideology (Social Darwinism): Nazis believed in a hierarchy of races, with “Aryans” (white people) at the top and Jews as racially inferior. They claimed Jews could not assimilate and would “degenerate” society through racial mixing.

* Conspiracy Theories: Hitler promoted the idea of a global Jewish conspiracy aiming to dominate nations through capitalism and communism. This was used to justify war and genocide.

* Political Strategy: Antisemitism was a tool to unify supporters, distract from real problems, and justify authoritarian control. Nazi propaganda dehumanized Jews and portrayed them as threats to national survival.

THEIR BOTTOM LINE:

The Neo-Nazi movement is built on a belief system that glorifies racial purity, antisemitism, and authoritarian control, rooted in a revival of Adolf Hitler’s National Socialist ideology.

Its adherents reject democratic principles and constitutional freedoms, even though they hide behind these freedoms, instead promoting a worldview that elevates white supremacy, denies the Holocaust, and vilifies Jews, immigrants, and other minority groups. Neo-Nazis often idolize fascist leaders, symbols, and historical narratives that justify violence and exclusion. Their ideology is not merely political—it is spiritual rebellion against the Imago Dei, the divine image stamped on every human being. By distorting history and weaponizing hate, this movement seeks to fracture societies, undermine truth, particularly the lead Jew, Yeshua, and replace liberty with tyranny. Scripture warns against such deception, declaring, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV). As believers and citizens, we are called to expose darkness, defend truth, and uphold the God-given dignity of all people.

Why do they hate the Jews?

Because they possess significant wealth, steward many of the world’s leading financial institutions, and have demonstrated remarkable success in attaining influential global positions, they stand as a people uniquely marked by God—His chosen ones—destined to receive favor among the nations in the end.

Furthermore, Nazis hated Jews because they falsely blamed them for Germany’s problems and believed in a racist ideology that portrayed Jews as enemies of the state and inferior to “Aryans.” This hatred was rooted in centuries of antisemitism and weaponized through propaganda, race theory, and political ambition.

The bottom line is they are jealous!

Throughout history, the Jewish people have been the object of profound jealousy—both for their resilience and for the relentless favor of God that marks their identity.

Chosen by the Lord to carry His covenant, steward His Word, and usher in the Messiah, they have endured persecution precisely because of their divine calling. Nations have envied their survival, their influence, and their spiritual legacy, often twisting that envy into hatred and conspiracy. Yet Scripture affirms, “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29, ESV), and His favor upon Israel remains a testimony of His faithfulness. This jealousy is not merely political or economic—it is spiritual warfare against a people set apart. As believers grafted into this covenant through Yeshua, we are called not to envy, but to honor, bless, and stand with Israel, knowing that in the end, God will vindicate His people and fulfill every promise spoken over them.

Why did Hitler hate the Jews?

Rumors have shaped the course of world history for generations, often clouding truth with speculation. Yet the reality is so straightforward, even Neo-Nazis recoil from accepting it—because simplicity threatens the complexity of their hate-fueled narratives.

Hitler’s paternal grandmother, Maria Anna Schicklgruber, gave birth to Alois (Hitler’s father) out of wedlock in 1837. Maria was a housekeeper for Baron Salomon Rothschild, a devote Ashkenazi Jew, who took advantage of her sexually. The results? The birth of Adolf’s father, Alois. To cover up this horrid abuse, much later in Alois’s life, Johann Georg Hiedler was later added to the birth certificate.

This family secret brewed upon and became a shameful shadow for Alois. Due to the shame, Alois changed his last name of Schicklgruber to Hitler before Adolf was born. Alois was known for his Jewish hatred due to this incident. Adolf grew up under such hatred, causing Adolf’s loyalty to the memory of his grandmother, promising to avenge her assault. And he kept that promise.

Adolf grew up under the strict beliefs that all races outside of white people were inferior and a threat to not only the Austrians, but to the global masses. As Adolf was growing up, such men as Houston Stewart Chamberlain (Aryan supremacy & antisemitism), Karl Lueger (Catholic Imperialist), Georg von Schonerer (German ethnic purest), and primarily, Hitler’s mentor, Dietrich Eckart (founder of the Nazi Party), who launched Adolf into the most influential circles in Germany.

Historical records indicate that one of Adolf Hitler’s most influential readings was The Protocols of the Elders of Zion—a dogmatic, radical, antisemitic document purporting a prophetic Jewish scheme for global domination. Though backed by Biblical projections, the text fueled Hitler’s obsession with a supposed international Jewish conspiracy. Coupled with his hatred for his seed line grandfather, Senior Rothschild, being Jewish, an elite Jewish financial influencer—Hitler claimed he had sufficient “evidence” to justify his campaign of persecution and extermination.

This delusion, rooted in envy, fear, and spiritual rebellion, became a cornerstone of Nazi ideology. It stands as a chilling reminder of how lies, when baptized in propaganda and power, can unleash unspeakable evil. As Scripture declares, “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie…” (Romans 1:25, ESV), and in doing so, they warred not only against a people, but against the covenantal purposes of God Himself.

GOD KEPT HIS PROMISE

Genesis 12:3 (ESV): “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Fact, God kept His word. Adolf Hitler’s regime stands as one of the most brazen violations of this divine decree. By dishonoring, persecuting, and attempting to annihilate the Jewish people—God’s chosen covenant nation—Hitler invited the full weight of divine judgment. His obsession with antisemitic ideology led not only to the Holocaust but to the utter ruin of Germany’s moral standing, global reputation, and national legacy. The name of Germany, once associated with culture and innovation, became synonymous with genocide and tyranny.

This was no mere political collapse—it was a spiritual consequence of cursing what God had blessed. As Scripture affirms, “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed,” pointing to the Jewish lineage through which Yeshua, the Messiah, came. To war against that lineage is to war against God’s redemptive plan. Hitler’s downfall and Germany’s devastation bear witness to the truth of this covenant: divine favor cannot be revoked, and divine justice will not be mocked.

WARNING TO ALL NEO-NAZIS

To all who align with the Neo-Nazi movement and dishonor the Jewish people, hear the Word of the Lord: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse…” (Genesis 12:3, ESV). When God curses a nation or its people, devastation arrives at every turn. This is not a suggestion—it is a covenant decree from the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Jewish people are not merely a nation; they are the vessel through which God delivered His promises, His Word, and His Messiah, Yeshua. To curse them is to war against the very foundation of redemption. Adolf Hitler’s regime stands as a chilling testimony to this truth: by persecuting God’s chosen people, he invited divine judgment, and the name of Germany was shattered in the eyes of the world. Let this be a warning to every heart that harbors hatred, envy, or rebellion against Israel.

However, I am not stupid. Out of all the Neo-Nazis I have attempted to disciple over the past 40+ years, not one of them, that I know of, converted to the saving Life of Yeshua. Each dug in deeper and maintained their view that I was a simpleton, deceived by “Christian Zionism.” A label that excuses them from conviction of the Holy Spirit, resulting in a hardened heart.

The Lord does not forget His covenant, and He will not be mocked. “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples…” (Zechariah 12:2, ESV). Repent, renounce the demonic spirit of antisemitism, and turn to the God of Israel—lest you too fall under the curse reserved for those who dishonor what He has blessed.

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TRANS-ACTION ANALYSIS

For several years, surveys and cultural observations indicated a consistent increase in Generation Z’s embrace of identities such as bisexual, queer, transgender, and nonbinary.

This surge was often attributed to growing social acceptance, increased visibility, and digital platforms fostering open dialogue. However, recent studies—including those from the Center for Heterodox Social Science and major university surveys—now show a marked decline in these identifications since 2023. Researchers suggest that factors such as changing mental belief patterns, cultural fatigue, and a return to more traditional self-understanding may be influencing this reversal. While the broader conversation around gender and sexuality remains active, the data reflects a nuanced shift in how young people are choosing to define themselves.

In seasons of cultural upheaval, the Word of God remains our anchor.

As the tide begins to shift around gender identity trends, we are reminded that identity is not a social construct—it is a sacred design. Scripture declares, “Male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27, ESV), affirming that our true identity is rooted in the Creator’s intent, not cultural narratives. Many young hearts, swept into movements not by conviction but by fear of exclusion, reveal a deeper longing—for belonging, truth, and purpose. As believers, we must respond NOT with condemnation, but with clarity and compassion, pointing the next generation back to the One who formed them in love and calls them by name.

THE BACK STORY

Transgender identity gained cultural prominence through a complex blend of historical visibility, media representation, social activism, and generational shifts in values.

While gender nonconforming individuals have existed across cultures for centuries—from the hijra in India to two-spirit people in Indigenous North American tribes—modern Western awareness of transgender identity began rising in the late 20th century. The 1990s and early 2000s saw increased advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, with transgender voices gradually gaining space in public discourse. Media played a pivotal role: documentaries, celebrity transitions, and social platforms like YouTube and TikTok allowed trans individuals to share their stories directly, fostering empathy and visibility.

By the 2010s, especially among Gen Z, gender identity became a central topic of conversation. Young people embraced terms like nonbinary, genderfluid, and agender, challenging traditional binaries and emphasizing self-definition to restore “self-love.” This cultural shift was amplified by educational institutions, corporate inclusion policies, and political debates surrounding transgender rights. For many teens, identifying as trans or nonbinary became not only a personal journey but also a form of social alignment—especially in contexts where identity was framed through the lens of oppression and justice.

However, recent trends suggest a nuanced shift. Some young people who previously adopted transgender labels are reevaluating their identities, and cultural fatigue around gender discourse is emerging. This evolution reflects both the power and complexity of identity in a rapidly changing society.

THE BIBLICAL CONNECTION

This is a weighty and sobering topic, and I’ll approach it with biblical clarity and compassion.

Scripture teaches that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), a deceiver who masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). His strategy has always been to distort God’s design—especially in areas that reflect His image. Genesis 1:27 declares, “So God created man in His own image… male and female He created them.” Gender, therefore, is not merely biological—it is theological. It reflects divine order, purpose, and identity.

The transgender movement, while often framed as compassion and inclusion, subtly undermines this created order. When young people are taught that identity is self-defined rather than God-given, they are being conditioned to reject the Creator’s authority, which will result in global protests. This confusion is not accidental—it aligns with the spirit of antichrist, which seeks to exalt self, distort truth, and prepare hearts to receive deception (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4).

In Revelation 13, we see a global system that worships a false image and follows a beast empowered by Satan.

The groundwork for such allegiance begins with identity confusion, moral relativism, and emotional manipulation. When truth becomes subjective and biology negotiable, the soil is ripe for the arrival of one who demands worship and redefines reality.

This is not a condemnation of individuals—many are sincerely searching, hurting, and longing to belong. But as believers, we must speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), call the next generation back to the Creator’s design, and prepare them to stand firm in a world increasingly shaped by deception.

This moment in history is not random—it is divinely appointed. The courage of those who broke the spiral of silence reminds us that truth is not fragile, but fierce, and it flourishes when spoken with conviction.

Though the battle rages on, their witness calls us to rise—not in fear, but in faith. We were not placed here by accident; God has entrusted us with this hour to stand, speak, and shine. Let their stories embolden us to live as those who know the Author of truth and are willing to carry it, even when it costs us comfort.

Reclaiming a Generation for the Word

Beloved, we are living in a time when truth is not only questioned—it is being redefined. Generation Z is growing up in a world saturated with confusion, isolation, and counterfeit identities. Yet beneath the noise lies a deep hunger for belonging, purpose, and truth.

This is our moment—not to condemn, but to compassionately contend.

The Lord has entrusted us with the sacred task of returning this generation to the unshakable foundation of His Word, not through arguments, but through Christ-centered discipleship marked by love, patience, and unwavering conviction.

We must rise as spiritual mothers and fathers, mentors and intercessors, who will walk with them, weep with them, and speak life over them. The Bible is not outdated—it is eternal. And the Gospel of Yeshua is still the power of God unto salvation. Let us not grow weary. Let us not remain silent. Let us be the ones who say, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21, ESV). The harvest is ready. Will you help gather it? Will you help rebuild the ancient paths for the next generation to walk in truth?

Their return begins with our obedience.

Today’s iZ Music, “Return to The Garden.” | Lyrics Stephen Phinney | Vocalist Ryan Whitman | iZ Media Productions

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BRICK BY BRICK

By God’s design, I am a one-task, hands-on-learner. Sticky notes & lists are my friends as an aid to keeping my mind clear & my thinking uncluttered. I generally feel the least frustration when I finish one project before starting another. When I read, I do so with a highlighter in hand, marking what I want to remember. I re-teach what I’m reading by “seeing” it a second time.

In my spiritual life, I’ve found that I retain Truth in much the same manner. I comprehend best if I have a word picture that I can practically apply to my life. According to THE BIBLE REFERENCE COMPANION, there are 340+ verses referencing prayer, a subject that is continually close to my heart. To me, prayer has become far more about a relationship than it is about something I do or check off a list. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it & is safe.” I love that picture! Who doesn’t want to know where to go to feel safe? Psalm 62 says that God is my rock, salvation, hope & stronghold. And, because of that truth, I won’t be shaken. (Check out verses 1&2;5-8.) I’m invited to pour out my heart to Him. Not many people really want to listen to, or deal with, that kind of intense downloading. Thankfully, God isn’t put off by my passionate emotions.

One of my frequent prayers is based on Luke 18:1. “Lord, teach me to pray so that I don’t lose heart.” This verse says Jesus taught that lesson in a parable, which resonates with my word picture bent. In my understanding about prayer through the years, I’ve come to see each offering to Him as a brick. When I pray for others, I am figuratively, & spiritually, building a wall of protection (i.e. tower or stronghold) around their lives, brick by brick. The more I intercede, the higher their wall. And, when I pray specific scriptures over them, I am confident that I am praying God’s will. Truth doesn’t change. God isn’t fickle. He means what He says & He keeps His promises. He knows exactly what He intends by His written, & spoken, Word. His answers are perfectly timed. He is just as faithful & able now, as when Jesus physically walked the earth.

In the Old Testament account, Nehemiah went to great lengths to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. The details of this enormous project are recounted in chapters 1-6. Overall, the bottom line is, Nehemiah didn’t make a move without praying. He prayed before, during, & after every challenge. He prayed honestly, he prayed humbly, & he prayed expectantly. Nehemiah was resolved & he always acknowledged & honored God. It’s understandable why his name means “Jehovah comforts.” There was no question in his mind that he desperately needed God’s help & directives. Sometimes we erroneously separate what we think we can do for ourselves, from other obvious needs requiring Divine intervention.

The Nehemiah story drives home my brick analogy in intercessory prayer. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, prayer is our greatest proactive work. As such, we are called to be “bricklayers,” building spiritual fortresses around people…whether they recognize their need or not. Though I am separated from many of the people I pray for by conflicting schedules, miles, or circumstances, I always pray that they are drawn into the love of Christ & that they will have an unmistakable awareness of God’s presence in their daily lives. Like the united work force in the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall, we can rally together when we hear the trumpet…the call to prayer. When we pray, God fights for us. I don’t know about you, but this is a visual I can wrap by spiritual “arms” around! After God sketched this picture in my mind, my first thought was, “Ok Lord! Who can I enlist to lay bricks on behalf of my family? And who do You want me to be a bricklayer for?”

In my “keep” file, I have an old Focus on the Family pictorial newsletter, published in 2002, to commemorate their 25th Anniversary. I held on to it because of one inspiring picture & the caption under it. The 1930s picture was of Dr. Dobson’s great-grandfather, who “prayed from 11 a.m. to 12 noon every day, for four generations of his family, both those living and those yet to be born.” WOW! Even now, I am taken aback by the vision & the time commitment of a faithful Father/grandfather/great-grandfather who took God at His word. This prayer warrior made a difference in generations of his family. Some he would never meet on earth. But by faith, he believed they would walk with God & make differences for eternity. He understood that the effectual prayers of a righteous man will accomplish much. (James 5:16) In my Bible notes jotted by this verse, I wrote that an effectual pray-er is a person completely committed to God’s will for answers & not his own will. This is not a one- time, once-for-all experience, but something we work at constantly, moment by moment. (See pages 54&55 in WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WOMEN PRAY…an older but encouraging read.) As I see it, EVERYTHING in our walk of faith is moment by moment. That’s how dependency works. “Lord, keep teaching me to pray!”

When we lived in Phoenix, we belonged to a small, intimate prayer group of 4 couples. The thing that drew us together was our desire to pray for our kids who were all teenagers or young adults at the time. Since our move to Kansas 14 years ago, these ladies are still my primary go-to prayer warriors. We have history. That’s important because many things don’t need to be re-explained. I’ve also been blessed with a special Kansas friend who loves the Lord, has a tender heart, & is trustworthy. When the enemy is pounding on the door, I text. And I know they will respond. We carry no assumptions or judgments about what’s happening in each other’s lives. At this stage in life, we readily affirm that we are needy women. We are aware of our natural inclination to lose heart in tough times. We need prayer…& lots of it! Although I have a wider prayer circle with other given needs, my old-timers are where I feel the safest.

The best news about prayer is that Jesus is my/your “bricklayer.” The Word gives account of the many times our Lord drew away from the crowds to be alone…to pray to His Father. How much more should we? John, chapter 17, is a beautiful, spiritually uplifting account of His heartfelt prayer for those who put their trust in Him… for life. Present day, when I can’t adequately express my heart and can only cry “Oh God”, the Spirit intercedes for me according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26&27) When I have no words, He is on the job! Verses 33 &34 assert that Jesus is interceding from His position at God’s right hand when we are under attack.

Are you participating in the building of fortresses, brick by brick, seeking His will for yourself & for others? The trumpet is blowing.

Brick by Brick © | Stephen Phinney | Vocalist Elijah Musika:

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GOOSE SENSE

“In the fall, when you see geese flying south for the winter in a ‘V’ formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a ‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% more to the flying range than if each bird flew on its own.”

“Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag & resistance of trying to go it alone & quickly gets into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it. When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing & another goose flies point. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.”

“Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gun shots & falls out, two geese fall out of formation & follow him down to help & protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, & then they launch out on their own or with another formation to catch up with the group. If we would have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other like that.”

I cannot take credit for this “author unknown” explanation of geese flight patterns. I randomly picked up a goose-silhouetted handout, years ago, in a print shop. As I read through it, I was fascinated by the instincts our Creator designed in these birds. I decided it was a keeper! I didn’t know, at that time, that we would one day live a block from a lake. For 4 years, we regularly watched the geese pattern signal the changing of seasons. One of our favorite things was observing them directly above our house & hearing their exchange of communication. One time, from the angle I was looking up at the sky, they looked like gold glitter as the sun shown on them. It was breathtakingly beautiful!

I can’t help but picture Jesus Christ, flying “point” as the head of His family/church formation. His members live worldwide, are ethnically diverse, & are united by the one belief/ conviction that HE is the ONLY Way, the ONLY Truth, & the ONLY Life. There is no other way to be saved or to enter heaven (Acts 4:12). Jesus is forever the head of His flying “V.” Victory is first, & foremost, experienced internally before it’s lived out externally. This is true no matter what challenges you face, or what country you face them in.

Let’s bring the V illustration closer to home & make it personal. How would your family/church function if you demonstrated goose sense? Where are you in the lineup? Are you creating a resisting drag, as you go it alone, & live aloof? Or are you conscious of the lift provided for you to fly, so you can pass it along to those behind you? As funny as it sounds, what are you honking…truth, love, helpful deeds & endurance? Or do you bring other members of the family/flock down by gossiping, criticizing the leadership, & then making a quick exit when things don’t go your way? Are you an agent for healing and support in tough situations? Sadly, not only do folks sometimes leave family members/believers to die alone, but they often pull the trigger in the first place.

When you set standards for other “geese” that you don’t model yourself…that’s hypocrisy. Practically speaking, you don’t take responsibility for your part in the lift. This independence truly does drag the family/church down. Flesh rationalizes that if only that other goose would fly right, your job would be easier. When this pattern happens often enough, there is no longer enough uplift to create the power advantage. Blame-shifting can be a downward, spiraling cycle and the family/church can’t fly victoriously. The d-r-a-g can even build to the point of the leadership’s resignation &…bingo! The enemy scores again. This is devastating & disheartening!

I believe the slow fade from absolute Truth to “what feels good” has led to an attitude of independence & the decision not to be part of God’s V formation. I love the description of family/church life in Romans, chapter 12. The family/church is one unit, but we are individual members with differing functions. We can still love, be devoted to each other, honor, be diligent, serve, rejoice in hope, persevere in hard times, & be faithful in prayer. And the inspiring list goes on. (Check out all 21 verses.) I think it’s possible to feel “at home” in that connection.

I pray for that end. And I pray I will be intentional in my obedience to Christ’s leading. You shouldn’t rely on another goose to do your designated job. Stay focused on your True Point & support His plan for a victorious flight!

Forgive Through Me © | Stephen Phinney | Vocalist Elijah Musika:

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Listen to the podcast version:

I invite you to walk with me through My American Story—a journey shaped by honor, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

From the barracks of a military upbringing to the frontlines of cultural and spiritual restoration, this story is more than personal—it’s prophetic. It’s a call to remember who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we must reclaim. If you long to see America return to its biblical foundations, I welcome you to join me. Let’s rediscover the legacy worth fighting for.

The series will be released on December 21, 2025!

THE DECONSTRUCTION PROCESS

The ideological war between the “left” and the “right” has done more than divide political parties—it has fractured the very foundation upon which America and its Church were built. What began as a tension between progress and preservation has escalated into a cultural civil war, where truth is no longer absolute and unity is sacrificed on the altar of tribal allegiance. America, once anchored in biblical principles and moral clarity, now wrestles with competing narratives that redefine justice, identity, and freedom. The Constitution is debated not as a covenant, but as a convenience. And the Church, once the moral compass of the nation, is now mirroring the chaos rather than confronting it.

Within the Body of Christ, this war has birthed two competing gospels: one that clings to tradition without compassion, and another that embraces inclusion without conviction. Pulpits have become platforms for political commentary, and believers are discipled more by news cycles than by Scripture. The result is a Church divided—not by denomination, but by worldview. The spiritual authority once held by the Church has been diluted by ideological compromise, leaving a generation confused, disillusioned, and spiritually homeless. To restore what has been destroyed, the Church must repent of its allegiance to earthly kingdoms and return to the unshakable foundation of Christ. Only then can America rediscover the legacy it was meant to steward.

This series will tell the American story through the eyes of a child shaped by the discipline, sacrifice, and honor of military life.

From the cadence of early morning routines to the quiet reverence of folded flags, my upbringing in a military family became a living classroom for understanding patriotism, duty, and the cost of freedom. As a boy, I watched the nation wrestle with its identity—sometimes from base housing, sometimes from the pews of a chapel—and those moments etched into me a deep awareness of America’s spiritual and cultural drift. Through this lens, My American Story unfolds not as abstract history, but as lived experience—revealing how the ideological war between left and right crept into our homes, our churches, and our hearts. It’s a child’s witness to a nation in tension, and a man’s call to restore what was lost.

From my window seat, I came to realize that the ideological divide between “left” and “right” in American politics—born in the upheaval of the French Revolution and cemented in the twentieth century—was never limited to legislative halls or political platforms. Over time, this fracture crept into the heart of the American Church, splintering what was once a unified body into rival interpretations of truth, justice, and spiritual formation.

Over time, America has shifted from being a nation discipled by the Church to one discipled by politics—where elected officials, media pundits, and ideological movements have taken on the role once held by spiritual shepherds, who are now the priests of our land.

The Church, once the moral compass of the Republic, gradually surrendered its prophetic voice to political platforms, allowing cultural narratives to shape theology rather than the other way around. As the war between left and right intensified, pulpits became podiums, and political allegiance began to rival spiritual conviction. In this reversal, politics became the priest—offering identity, purpose, and even a universal type of salvation to a confused generation. The result is a nation no longer formed by biblical truth, but by partisan rhetoric, leaving the Church fragmented and the culture spiritually adrift. To restore America’s foundation, the Church must reclaim its role as discipler, truth-teller, and ambassador of a Kingdom not built by human hands.

Seeds of Spiritual Disruption

Historically, the “right” in America championed tradition, personal responsibility, and moral order—values often aligned with biblical conservatism. The “left” emphasized reform, inclusion, and systemic change—principles that mirrored Christ’s compassion for the marginalized in a method of replication. While both sides claimed moral high ground, their political polarization began to influence how churches interpreted Scripture, engaged culture, and defined righteousness.

What began as civic discourse evolved into spiritual identity.

Churches increasingly adopted political language to frame their theological positions, creating reverberating chambers where gospel truth was filtered through partisan lenses, which resulted in the popular Social Gospel movement.

In the mid-20th century, especially post–World War II, American churches faced mounting pressure to choose sides—not just politically, but spiritually. The rise of the Moral Majority in the 1980s solidified the “religious right,” aligning evangelical Christianity with conservative politics. Meanwhile, progressive churches leaned into social justice, racial reconciliation, and economic equity, often distancing themselves from traditional doctrines. Thus became the church of Laodica, noted in the book of Revelation.

As political categories hardened, theological compromise followed. The conservative camp, in its zeal for moral clarity, sometimes neglected compassion and nuance. The progressive wing, in its pursuit of justice, often diluted doctrinal absolutes. The result? A Church divided not by denominational lines, but by worldview.

This fragmentation weakened the Church’s prophetic voice. Instead of speaking with one accord, believers began doing ‘shout-outs’ of the rhetoric of their chosen political tribe. The gospel was politicized. The pulpit became a podium. And the Bride of Christ began to resemble the kingdoms of men more than the Kingdom of God, which is what I call the Kingdoms at War.

Today, the authentic salvation of being indwelt by the Life of Yeshua has been subtly replaced by a mere intellectual assent to His teachings—exchanging the transformative power of Christ within for a cultural belief system. Instead of releasing the indwelling Life of Christ, many now settle for admiring His words, while denying the very presence and power that make those words alive.

I challenge you—reader, patriot, believer—to pause and consider the weight of what’s unfolding in our nation and our churches.

My American Story is not just another series; it’s a prophetic journey through the eyes of a child raised in the crucible of military life, now matured into a voice calling America back to its biblical foundations. This is a story of honor, identity, and spiritual urgency. If you’ve felt the fracture between truth and opinion, if you’ve watched the Church trade conviction for compromise, then this series is for you. Don’t skim it. Don’t shelve it. Take the time to read, reflect, and respond. The future of our faith and our Republic may depend on voices like these—and hearts willing to listen.

Is this a series that interests you? If so, leave me a comment.

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NATURAL SELECTION PARADOX

The idea that random, purposeless mutations can consistently produce ordered, purposeful complexity is deception at its best.

While natural selection is often hailed as the mechanism by which life evolves and adapts, it paradoxically relies on preexisting systems of information, reproduction, and survival instincts that it cannot itself explain. The paradox deepens when one considers that selection requires something to select from—yet the origin of that “something” remains outside the scope of natural selection itself. From a biblical worldview, this contradiction affirms that design demands a Designer, and that life’s intricate balance is not the product of chance, but the intentional handiwork of a Creator who authored both the beginning and the end.

My Back Story

For years, I had the distinct privilege of studying under Dr. Joseph Kezele—a man whose reverence for Scripture and scientific precision shaped my own approach to Creational truth, as well as being one of the founding members of IOM America.

Dr. Kezele, M.D., is a distinguished faculty member at Arizona Christian University. He serves as an Associate Professor in the Biology Department, where he teaches courses such as Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nutrition and Wellness, Pathophysiology, and, notably, Creation Science Evangelism.

Our sessions were never mere academic exercises; they were spiritual excavations, uncovering the fingerprints of God in biology, cosmology, and anthropology. Dr. Kezele challenged me to think beyond apologetics and into the realm of proclamation—to see creation not just as evidence, but as evangelism. Together, we wrestled with the paradoxes of naturalism, the limitations of evolutionary theory, and the undeniable imprint of divine design.

In time, we distilled our shared convictions into what we called Creation Evangelism—a framework that marries Genesis truth with Gospel urgency. It’s more than defending the faith; it’s declaring the Creator through every atom, every ecosystem, every human soul. Under this banner, we equipped believers to confront cultural deception, reclaim biblical identity, and present Christ not only as Redeemer, but as Originator. That legacy continues to shape my ministry today, especially as I seek to awaken Gen-Z to the wonder of a world spoken into existence by the Word Himself.

So…what exactly is Natural Selection Paradox?

Natural Selection | A Biblical Contrast

In the modern age, few theories have shaped cultural thought more profoundly than Darwin’s concept of natural selection. It proposes that life evolves through random mutations and survival pressures, gradually favoring traits that enhance reproductive success. While this framework attempts to explain biological diversity, it inherently denies divine authorship, moral absolutes, and the sacred identity of mankind. In contrast, Creation Evangelism is not merely a rebuttal—it is a proclamation. It declares that life is not the product of chance, but the intentional handiwork of a sovereign Creator whose image we bear and whose Gospel we are commissioned to share.

Natural Selection: A Gospel-less Mechanism

Natural selection rests on several core assumptions:

* Randomness over purpose: Mutations are accidental, not intentional.

* Survival over sanctity: The fittest survive, but there is no moral compass.

* Death as a creative force: Extinction and struggle are seen as necessary tools of progress.

* No need for a Creator: Life can be explained without divine intervention.

This worldview strips humanity of intrinsic worth, reducing us to biological machines driven by instinct and adaptation. It offers no hope for the soul, no redemption for the fallen, and no eternal purpose. As Romans 1:25 warns, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.”

Declaring the Glory of God

Creation Evangelism begins where natural selection ends—with intentional design, divine authorship, and eternal purpose. It is rooted in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This is not a poetic metaphor—it is a foundational truth. Every molecule, every heartbeat, every star in the sky testifies to a Creator who speaks order into chaos and breathes life into dust.

Key pillars of Creation Evangelism include:

* Design reveals the Designer: Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

* Man is made in God’s image: Genesis 1:27 affirms our sacred identity and purpose.

* Creation points to redemption: Colossians 1:16–17 reveals that all things were created through Christ and for Him.

* Evangelism is embedded in creation: Romans 1:20 says that God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen, leaving humanity without excuse.

Creation Evangelism is not just apologetics—it is missional theology. It equips believers to confront deception, awaken identity, and proclaim the Gospel through the lens of creation. It affirms that the same God who formed the stars also formed the soul, and that every creature is a witness to His glory.

The Urgency of the Hour

In a generation saturated by evolutionary dogma and cultural confusion, Creation Evangelism is a prophetic call to return to the foundations. It is a lifeline for Gen-Z, who are searching for meaning in a world that tells them they are accidents. It is a balm for the grieving, reminding them that death was never God’s original design—and that in Christ, resurrection is not only possible, but promised.

As we continue to model through IOM America, this message must be clear, creative, and uncompromising. It must speak to the heart, not just the intellect. And it must always point to the One who said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” (Revelation 22:13)

To faithfully preach the truth of creation, we must remain deeply rooted in our identity as image-bearers of the Creator—declaring His glory not as distant observers, but as living testimonies of the One who formed all things by His Word.

Today we feature Roddy Bullock & Dr. Stephen Phinney!

In a generation saturated with evolutionary deception and identity confusion, two uncompromising voices are rising to confront the crisis at its root. Roddy Bullock, author of Without Excuse, Evidence for Creation by God, and Dr. Phinney, prophetic teacher and founder of IOM America, are joining forces to proclaim a bold, biblically anchored message: Identity in Creationism.

Together, they will expose the cultural fallout of rejecting the Creator—revealing how evolutionary humanism erodes morality, distorts identity, and undermines the authority of Scripture. With Roddy’s scientific and theological insight and Dr. Phinney’s prophetic urgency, this collaboration will equip believers to defend the faith, restore biblical identity, and evangelize from the foundation of creation.

Listen to part two of the full videocast.

Center for Eschatological Studies | The End Times Chronicles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

LOST ALIVE

I lost you alive

To the draw of the earth

To lies of the enemy

That promised self-worth

You took just one look

You never came back

Lust led to the bite

Life under attack

The deceit was compounded

My intimacy lost

Prideful declarations

Closed eyes to the cost

Exhausted & independent

You replanted again

The weed’s curse overtook

Your best doctrines of men

The lack in the dirt

Cannot be perfected

And all the vain trying

Left your soul neglected

Eden was real

You chose to doubt

Worshiping creation

Left you locked out

The Garden isn’t yours

I took it away

Only Christ can make new

My earth on His day

Once & for all

Yoke your life to Me

I’ve patiently waited

To set your soul free

Humility, brokenness

Repentance from sin

Christ’s indwelling life

To His rest enter in ©

I scribbled this poem on a yellow legal pad, years ago, while nursing wounds from a relationship loss. It served to complete my soul’s need to sort things out before I deposited the pad on a stack of papers “to be filed.” In that process I went back, again, to the beginning, pondering from my limited perspective, how our Creator might have felt about the broken union in His original family. What He had known was gone. And the precedent for choosing sin, running & hiding had been set. Forever forward, pride’s natural tendency propelled future generations to flee, deny, & reject proposed offers of reconciliation & restoration… both with God & with people.

If you have been the recipient of a living death relational split, you may agree with me that nothing hurts quite like it. To be blindsided, out-of-the-blue feels cruel, especially when you didn’t even know anything was amiss. The enemy can then try to capitalize on our vulnerable state of mind, fueling our thoughts toward bitterness. If we continue to hold a grudge & grow hard-hearted, it’s a no-win situation. And we will see the offender as a relational “prodigal.”

I’ve Lost You Alive reflects a breach in trust…ultimately with God, but also with people. Feeling left out & stuck in a cut-off relationship can seem worse than physical death. Because it feels intentional, purposely rejecting & often illusive. Spiritual connectedness, while physically separated, is much preferred to living spiritually separation & residing near the person who walked away. The sandpaper effect of prodigal relationships hasn’t been lost on me. These relational rifts are multifaceted & rear their heads in unexpected ways. Gossip, lying, betrayal, cheating, stealing, & comparison rooted in self-love, are bred in everyday life situations…with friends & family, in marriage, at work, church, & community.

Relational erosion is often unseen, IF you assume it can’t, or never will, happen to you. God has been very gracious to me. When I feel hurt by another’s insensitive words or actions, He always asks me the same question. “What am I showing you, about yourself, in this situation?” When His searchlight reveals my soul, & I see my own shortcomings in that moment, I am rightfully reminded of my own need for His proclaimed forgiveness. Plus, He reminds me that He knows the other person’s heart better than I ever will. Then the temptation to be unforgiving falls away, my finger stops pointing, & I don’t react like a stranger I don’t even know! Refusal to submit to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, in the moment, can lead to a very lonely, bitter, emotional place. Healing comes only when we humble ourselves before the Lord & stop focusing on the person who hurt us. This is the first step toward reconciliation…recognizing our own issues.

I know I’ve struck a very raw nerve here. I still grapple with the obedience God requires of me when my heart feels like ground meat. But is there anyone who hasn’t been hurt & devastated by another misunderstood soul? Thankfully, our heavenly Father has provided THE way out of what we see as our foiled relational Eden. His forgiveness, redemption & reconciliation stand securely today. These words are easier said in haste than practically applied in conflict. In this, Jesus is our perfect role model. He experienced a rejecting sorrow that we never will, & He carried the condemnation we could never bear… all without hatred or retaliation toward his false accusers. The answer is the same as it was in the beginning…becoming part of His family, again, through the atoning acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ. Only when we are freed from any remnants of comparing bitterness, are we willing & able to open the door of our hearts & welcome the prodigal in.

Lost Alive © | Jane & Stephen Phinney | Vocalist Elijah Musika & iZ Worship Singers:

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EXCESSIVE PUNISHMENT

This podcast and essay were originally prepared for our Identity Politics Series on our secondary Substack channel, scheduled for release on October 27, 2025. However, at the strong urging of my publisher, we’ve chosen to share it now on our primary platform—The End Times Chronicles. May this message stir your convictions and challenge your thinking. - Dr. Phinney

The Eighth Amendment protects individuals from excessive bail, fines, and cruel or unusual punishment, anchoring the justice system in humane and proportionate treatment.

The Ninth Amendment, often overlooked, affirms that the enumeration of specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that other unlisted rights are denied to the people. Together, these amendments form a vital defense of personal liberty—ensuring that justice is not only fair, but that freedom, particularly in Christ, is not confined to what is merely written. They remind us that the Constitution is a living covenant, designed to protect both the dignity and the divine worth of every citizen.

Justice or punishment? You decide.

In Utah, the decision to pursue the death penalty against Tyler Robinson—the man accused of murdering conservative activist Charlie Kirk—has ignited a national debate over justice versus punishment. Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray stated that the move was made independently, based solely on the nature and evidence of the crime, which included political targeting and endangerment of children. The question remains: is this justice, or retribution? Biblically, justice seeks restoration and accountability under divine order, while punishment alone can reflect vengeance without transformation. In this case, the death penalty is being framed as a defense of sacred freedoms—particularly the right to speak without fear of violence. Whether viewed as justice or punishment, the decision underscores the gravity of the crime and the moral weight carried by those entrusted to uphold the law.

This may ruffle a few feathers, but here’s where I stand…

My belief regarding the death penalty is anchored in the redemptive heart of the Gospel. While justice must be upheld and consequences rightly administered, I hold that every soul—even one guilty of the most grievous crimes—should be given time and opportunity to encounter the saving grace of Yeshua. The Holy Spirit is not bound by prison walls or human verdicts; Biblical Paul proved that. He moves in the darkest places, calling the lost to repentance. To end a life prematurely is to potentially cut short the divine work of conviction, transformation, and salvation. I believe in justice, but I also believe in mercy—and mercy always leaves room for redemption.

Keeping the condemned alive is not a denial of justice, but a declaration of hope. Scripture teaches that “God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). If we truly believe in the power of the indwelling Life of Christ, then we must also believe that no one is beyond His reach. The death penalty may satisfy the demands of law, but it can silence the possibility of eternal life. My conviction is simple: let the Holy Spirit have time to work. Let the Gospel be preached. Let grace be extended. Because even in the final hours, Yeshua still saves.

If Tyler were to truly accept Yeshua as his Lord, Savior, and redeeming King, the power of his testimony would be nothing short of transformative for the world.

It would stand as a living witness to the mercy and reach of God—a declaration that no soul is beyond redemption, no act too dark for the light of Christ to penetrate. In a culture gripped by vengeance and despair, such a testimony would pierce through the noise with the unmistakable sound of grace. It would not erase the consequences of his actions, but it would proclaim the miracle of a heart made new.

Tyler’s confession of faith would carry prophetic weight, especially in a time when justice and mercy are often seen as opposites. His story could become a vessel of warning and hope—a sobering reminder of sin’s cost, and a radiant display of Yeshua’s power to save. If genuine, his testimony would not glorify his past, but magnify the One who conquered it. And in doing so, it could call others—perhaps even those most hardened—to consider the reality of a Savior who still reaches into prison cells and whispers, “You are mine.”

Biblical justice is never void of grace, nor does grace negate the consequences of breaking the law. In God’s economy, justice and mercy walk hand in hand. Scripture reveals that true justice is not merely punitive—it is restorative. When a person violates divine or civil law, consequences are necessary to uphold righteousness and protect the innocent. Yet even in judgment, God’s heart remains fixed on redemption. As Romans 3:26 declares, “He is just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” This means that justice, rightly administered, can become the very doorway through which grace enters.

When consequences are carried out with integrity and compassion, they create space for repentance. They expose the need for a Savior and invite the offender to encounter the mercy of Yeshua. Grace does not erase the law—it fulfills it through the cross. The thief on the cross still died, but he died redeemed. In this way, biblical justice becomes a sacred instrument: not just to correct behavior, but to awaken hearts. When justice is rooted in truth and tempered by grace, it doesn’t just punish—it restores. And in that restoration, the Gospel shines brightest.

Matthew 5:38–39 (ESV) | “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

While “an eye for an eye” may seem logical and even fair in the realm of human justice, it ultimately falls short of solving the deeper problem of sin and spiritual death. Retribution may satisfy the law, but it does not transform the heart. In fact, it can close the door to redemption by ending a life before the soul has a chance to encounter the indwelling Life of Yeshua. God’s justice is not merely about balancing scales—it’s about restoring what was lost. When we prioritize punishment over grace, we risk silencing the very testimony that could emerge from a repentant heart. True justice leaves room for mercy, and mercy opens the way for salvation.

I have no desire to see Tyler burn in Hell—that is not justice, that is eternal loss. My deepest hope is to one day see him standing beside me on Heaven’s side, redeemed by the mercy of Yeshua. No matter the weight of his sin, the cross is heavier still. If the Holy Spirit reaches his heart and he surrenders to the Lordship of Christ, his testimony could become a beacon of grace, not a monument to judgment. That is the power of redemption—and the heart of the Gospel.

How are those features doing?

I was honored to lead an online discussion for a major news network on the deeply controversial topic of delaying the death penalty for a convicted individual. Anchored in my biblical conviction—that every soul deserves time to encounter the indwelling Life of Yeshua—I presented the case for mercy without compromising justice. My premise was simple yet profound: while the law must uphold consequences, it must also leave room for redemption. In that moment, I witnessed something extraordinary—one of America’s leading atheists, known for his staunch opposition to faith-based reasoning, was moved by the spiritual depth and moral clarity of this position, and I was able to lead him to Christ. The conversation shifted from legal theory to eternal truth, and by God’s grace, he engaged not with resistance, but with curiosity. It was a powerful reminder that when biblical justice is presented with grace and conviction, even the most unlikely hearts can be stirred.

Another case I had the privilege of engaging with was that of Ted Bundy. While he awaited execution on death row, a fellow believer and I were given the opportunity to share the Gospel with him. In that sacred moment, the message of redemption pierced through the darkness—and yes, he responded. Ted Bundy received Christ as his Lord and Savior, a testimony to the boundless reach of grace even in the final hours of life.

If Yeshua didn’t extend His grace to us, the outcome would be unimaginably tragic—because without it, we would all stand condemned. Scripture is clear: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). That death isn’t just physical—it’s eternal separation from God. Grace isn’t a soft option; it’s the only lifeline we have. Without the unmerited favor of Christ’s sacrifice, we would be left to face the full weight of divine justice on our own—and none of us could stand.

We’re absolutely right to say it plainly: we would all end up in Hell. But praise be to God, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). His grace doesn’t ignore justice—it satisfies it through the cross. And because of that, we’re not just spared—we’re invited into eternal life, indwelt by His Spirit, and commissioned to share that same grace with others. Without Yeshua’s grace, there is no hope. But with it, there is redemption, restoration, and the promise of Heaven.

Our Founding Fathers, in crafting Amendments 8 and 9, demonstrated a profound awareness of the need for justice that is both fair and restrained.

Through the Eighth Amendment, they rejected excessive bail, harsh fines, and cruel or unusual punishment—ensuring that the law would never become a tool of oppression. And with the Ninth Amendment, they affirmed that the rights of the people extend beyond what is written, protecting individual liberty from being diminished by omission. Together, these amendments reflect a deep commitment to preserving human dignity, limiting governmental overreach, and upholding a justice system rooted in moral conscience.

Our judicial system, in its pursuit of justice, has tragically crossed a line that few are willing to acknowledge: it has sent more souls to Hell than most citizens care to admit.

When courts dispense punishment without regard for redemption—when they extinguish lives before the Gospel can be heard—they wield a power that was never granted by God. Scripture makes clear that only the Lord is the righteous Judge, the One who discerns hearts and offers mercy through Yeshua. To presume eternal authority over a soul is not justice—it is spiritual arrogance. Who gave us such power? Not God. He calls us to uphold truth, yes—but always with the hope that even the vilest offender might be transformed by grace before facing eternity.

Christ-centered justice is not merely a legal concept—it is a divine reality rooted in the character and work of Yeshua.

Scripture reveals that “righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne” (Psalm 89:14), meaning that true justice flows from the heart of God, not the hands of man. In Christ, justice is perfectly fulfilled—not by ignoring sin, but by bearing its full weight on the cross. “God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement…so as to be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:25–26). This is the mystery and majesty of Christ-centered justice: it satisfies the demands of holiness while extending mercy to the guilty.

Unlike human systems that often confuse punishment with justice, Christ-centered justice restores what was broken. It confronts evil, defends the innocent, and calls the sinner to repentance. It does not compromise truth, but it always leaves room for redemption. As Micah 6:8 declares, “He has shown you, O man, what is good: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” In a world bent on vengeance or lawlessness, the justice of Yeshua offers a higher way—one that heals, redeems, and transforms. It is not blind; it sees with compassion. It is not cold; it burns with holy love. And it is not temporary; it leads to eternal restoration. That is the justice we must proclaim, embody, and defend.

Here’s my challenge: If we claim to believe in Christ-centered justice, then we must live and lead like it matters—not just in our churches, but in our courtrooms, our policies, and our public discourse. It’s easy to demand punishment; it’s harder to advocate for redemption. But if we truly release Yeshua, we must ask ourselves—are we leaving room for the Holy Spirit to work in even the darkest places? Are we defending justice with grace, or just mirroring the world’s thirst for vengeance?

The judicial system was never meant to be the final judge of a soul. That authority belongs to God alone. So let us rise as a people who uphold truth without abandoning mercy. Let us challenge the culture of retribution with the Gospel of restoration. And let us never forget: the same grace that saved us is powerful enough to save anyone, even Tyler. If we deny that, we deny the very heart of the cross.

Tyler, I am praying for you!

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CREATION EVANGELISM

Within the framework of Creationism, Yeshua is not merely a participant in creation but its divine Architect, the preexistent Logos through whom all things were made.

His identity is inseparable from the Genesis account, as well as the believer’s identity, where the Spirit hovered and the Father spoke—yet it was the Son who executed the command, forming light from darkness and order from chaos. Creationism affirms that Yeshua is not a created being but the eternal Son, fully one with the Father, whose fingerprints mark every atom, every star, and every soul. To understand creation rightly is to behold the majesty of Messiah—Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer—whose incarnation was not a beginning, but a divine descent into the very world He formed.

Proclaiming the Gospel from the Beginning

Creation Evangelism is the Spirit-led proclamation of the Gospel rooted in the literal, historical account of Genesis. It affirms that the identity of God as Creator is foundational to understanding sin, redemption, and the authority of Scripture. In a culture touting evolutionary humanism and moral relativism, Creation Evangelism calls the Church to return to the beginning—to proclaim Christ not only as Redeemer but as Creator, Sustainer, and Judge.

Yeshua as Creator

Scripture declares that “By Him all things were created… all things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). Yeshua is not a passive figure in creation; He is the divine Logos (John 1:1–3), the active Agent through whom the Father spoke the cosmos into existence. Creation Evangelism begins here: with the preeminence of Christ in creation, affirming His eternal nature, divine authority, and intimate involvement in forming mankind in His image.

The above videocast is more than a teaching—it’s a mobilization. Roddy Bullock and Dr. Phinney will challenge passive Christianity, confront secular ideologies, and call the Body of Christ to reclaim its voice in the public square. From the courtroom to the pulpit, from the classroom to the mission field, Creation Evangelism is the frontline of spiritual warfare—and the beginning of revival.

Creation and the Pathway of the Gospel

The Genesis account is not peripheral—it is the theological bedrock of the Gospel. Without a literal Adam & Eve, the doctrine of original sin collapses. Without a historical Fall, the need for a Savior is diminished. The talk of judgment and hell is fruitless. Romans 5:12–19 draws a direct line from Adam to Christ, revealing that the first man brought death, while the second Man—Yeshua—brings life. Creation Evangelism restores this narrative, confronting cultural deception and affirming that the Gospel begins in Eden, not merely at Calvary.

Confronting Cultural Deception

Modern secularism promotes a worldview where man is autonomous, morality is subjective, and truth is fluid. Evolutionary theory, and I mean theory, often cloaked in scientific prestige, undermines the authority of Scripture and the dignity of man. Creation Evangelism exposes this deception, declaring that man is not a cosmic accident but a divine image-bearer, which diminishes the sharing of the Gospel. Evolution dissolves this calling, a plan Satan actively propagates. Psalm 139:13–16 affirms that each life is fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together by the Creator with purpose and design.

Evangelism Rooted in Identity

Creation Evangelism is not merely apologetic—it is prophetic. It speaks to identity, purpose, and destiny. Gen-Z and the broader Church are starving for clarity in a fog of confusion. By proclaiming that mankind was created male and female, in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), Creation Evangelism restores biblical identity and confronts the gender and identity crises of our age. It affirms that every soul is created with eternal value and accountability before a holy God.

Did you know that Evolution is the leading ideology that sustains the deception of gender neutrality?

The Role of the Church

The Church must reclaim its prophetic voice, declaring the whole counsel of God—from Genesis to Revelation. Creation Evangelism equips believers to defend the faith (1 Peter 3:15), disciple nations (Matthew 28:19–20), and confront false ideologies with truth and grace. It is not a niche ministry—it is a foundational mandate. As Paul did in Acts 17, we must begin with the Creator when engaging a pagan culture, proclaiming that “He made from one man every nation of mankind” (Acts 17:26). When the depraved ideologies of Evolution come into play, it sends this commission to the faded background of cultural depravity.

From Creation to Consummation

Creation Evangelism is not merely about the origins of science—it is about destiny. The same Yeshua who created the heavens and the earth will return to judge and restore them. Revelation 21:1–5 promises a new creation, where sorrow and death are no more, the New Earth. By proclaiming the Creator, we prepare hearts for the Redeemer and point souls to the coming King. In a world unraveling at its foundations, like in the story of Nehemiah, Creation Evangelism rebuilds the walls—one truth, one soul, one generation at a time.

Today we feature Roddy Bullock & Dr. Stephen Phinney!

In a generation saturated with evolutionary deception and identity confusion, two uncompromising voices are rising to confront the crisis at its root. Roddy Bullock, author of Without Excuse, Evidence for Creation by God, and Dr. Phinney, prophetic teacher and founder of IOM America, are joining forces to proclaim a bold, biblically anchored message: Identity in Creationism.

Together, they will expose the cultural fallout of rejecting the Creator—revealing how evolutionary humanism erodes morality, distorts identity, and undermines the authority of Scripture. With Roddy’s scientific and theological insight and Dr. Phinney’s prophetic urgency, this collaboration will equip believers to defend the faith, restore biblical identity, and evangelize from the foundation of creation.

Listen to part one of the full videocast.

Center for Eschatological Studies | The End Times Chronicles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.