The American Christian Podcast

Biblical literalism is the method of interpreting scripture that says that, except in places where the text is obviously allegorical, poetic, or figurative, it should be taken literally. The confusion that would result from interpreting the scriputre figuratively would essentially render the Bible null and void.  This is what many have done.  The Bible is God's word to us and He meant it to be believed, literally and completely. 

If God never gave us more than we can handle, why would we need Him?

It is common among Non-Christians and far too many Christians to believe that Jesus somehow just accepted everyone without question, that he never had a harsh word to say about anyone, their beliefs, or their behaviors, and that his only message was for folks to just be happy and be nice.

Jesus told us in scripture that many would say unto Him Lord, Lord, and proclaim how many wonderful works they did in His name and He would tell them depart from me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you. 

My favorite cartoon of all time is Wile E. Coyote and the Roadrunner.  I can remember getting up early on Saturday morning as a kid to watch cartoons.  I could not wait for the Roadrunner.  

I asked my 22 year old daughter who Wile E Coyote and the Roadrunner were and she had no clue.  It seems like I have failed in part of my parenting.  I was about to say that most of you would know what I was talking about, but I guess I need to say that you have to be in your 30s or older to remember this cartoon.

In each episode, the cunning, devious and constantly hungry coyote repeatedly attempts to catch and subsequently eat the Road Runner, but is unsuccessful in catching the Road Runner except on only extremely rare occasions. Instead of his animal instincts, the coyote uses absurdly complex contraptions to try to catch his prey, which comically backfire, with the coyote often getting injured in slapstick fashion. Many of the items he uses are mail-ordered from a variety of companies implied to be part of the Acme Corporation.

One running gag involves the coyote trying, in vain, to shield himself with a little parasol against a great falling boulder that is about to crush him. Another involves him falling from high cliffs, after momentarily being suspended in midair—as if the fall is delayed until he realizes that there is nothing below him. The rest of the scene, shot from a bird's-eye view, shows him falling into a canyon so deep that his figure is eventually lost to sight, with only a small puff of dust indicating his impact.

In one of the episodes, Wile E. tries to lift a boulder out from the ground using a crowbar as a type of lever. When the crowbar gets wedged under the boulder, Wile E. tries jumping on the upper fulcrum position of the crowbar. However, when he does, the boulder gets launched up in the air and then lands Wile E, crushing him.  When he pushes the boulder off, his body is like the bellow section of an accordion and he makes the same type of sound when he walks.  

Yes, I will admit it is a slap-stick type of humor, which most people would not find amusing, but it always brings a smile to my face.

Of course this episode of the podcast is not all about Wile E. Coyote and the roadrunner.  When I thought about the episode I just described, I began to think about the fulcrum that the coyote used to wedge the crowbar against.  

You remember what a fulcrum is right?  It is the pivot point or prop about which a lever turns. It's like a hinge or support. On a see-saw, it is the hinge in the middle that the see-saw balances on.

In a figurative sense of the word, it has a meaning of something that is essential. Simply put, in a figurative sense, the fulcrum would be the main thing or that thing which everything balances on.  

Sometimes I sit in church with the realization that for a lot of folks, and when I say a lot of folks, I mean the vast majority, think the center point of the Christian walk with Jesus is building attendance. We have been raised to make church that "can't miss" thing of the Christian walk.  

I am trying to teach myself the correct biblical language on this subject because biblically speaking, we do not GO to church.  the Bible clearly states that people who have placed their faith in Christ ARE the church.  We cannot go to something that we are!

I need to clarify something before I go any further, because many people are good at hearing what I don't say.  Don't hear what is not being said in this podcast.  Listen to what is being said.  The only text that most preachers and even church people will use is Hebrews 10:25 where the author says that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. 

I agree that this is a command to meet with other believers, but this is NOT the main thing we are to do, yet so many Christians use this as that one thing to determine if a person is walking with the Lord.  Can I tell you something today?  There are many people who attend the building who do not have a close relationship with the Lord.  There are even people who attend the building who are lost and on their way to hell.  

In evangelicalism, the practical disciplines of the spiritual life are:

Go to church, read your bible, and pray daily.  If you want bonus points:

Go to Sunday School and serve in a ministry of the church.  Do not get me wrong, these are wonderful expressions of the Christian life, but they are peripherals, not the fulcrum!!

The church building is not the centerpiece of your walk with Jesus and if it is, you need to repent of idolatry.

You can’t sit in church and say… “YES! This is it.” Attending church as a passive action, which most church goers do, is not active participation, anymore than watching football on TV is the same as playing in the game. Jesus didn’t come so you could go to church.

He didn’t tear the veil between the Holy of Holies and the people so you could attend a service. That’s a foundational misunderstanding in the person and action of Christ.

It really irritates me how people will act like others are not “good Christians” because they don't make it to church much.  I see posts on Facebook and other social media platforms all the time where people posting about church attendance in the most condescending manner, basically telling others they aren't good Christians because they don't' attend the building.  News flash, the thief on the cross never attended a worship service a day in his life.

Again, don't hear what I am not saying.  I'm not saying we shouldn't meet together, but did you know I can do that on a Tuesday with three of my Christian friends where we talk about the Lord and read scripture together?

We have this westernized view of worship service.  Did you know there are church gatherings all over this planet that still meet in houses? Where do we get this idea that a person is less of a Christian or not right with GAWD because they don't come to the same building we go to at the same time we go?

We are not accepted by God by our building attendance.  Me attending the building or gathering no more makes me acceptable to God than dressing up a monkey in a three-piece suit, handing him a Bible and a tambourine, and then setting him on the front row, makes him acceptable to God.

Our hearts have to be right, no matter where we are at. This is what’s most important to God, our hearts. Does Jesus dwell there? Is it brand new? 

Every Sunday morning millions of people get ready for church. They put on their best clothes and head off to a geographical location to learn about God and worship Him. But really, it doesn’t matter where the actual church-going Christian is physically. God is much more interested in us understanding what kind of church we are—you and I. Luke even penned what Paul said about this, in Acts 17:24:

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands”

Friend, we house His Spirit at all times (see 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19)–but do we show the world who Jesus really is through us? Or are we thinking that God is giving us a gold star for driving our rears to the nearest church building and sitting there for an hour?

Can we get really honest? I've said this in many messages throughout the years.  Some of the meanest people on the planet go to church! Some of the meanest acting, most unloving people I know attend the building.

They say things like.....“Well…if they don’t go to church then they just ain’t Christian.”

“BACKSLIDERS! You better get back into church if you don’t want to go to hell!”

You know what I want to say to some of these people in response to the things they say?  “So what! You don’t show it! Show me Jesus! If going to church makes me like you, then you can keep it! I don’t want to be like you at all!”

We place so much importance on church attendance, but what about controlling your tongue? What about putting away pride and walking in humility? How loving are you towards those who you don't "go to church with?" Are you filled with the Spirit?  Do you show love? Joy? Peace? Gentleness? Meekness? Kindness? Self-control? 

Can I tell you something, if not, then it doesn't matter if you go to the church building every day!!

Friends, we gotta have change. We gotta change the way the world looks at church-going Christians! Church attendance means nothing if we don’t allow Christ to live through us. If we refuse to do this, then why are we going? We may as well sleep in or go fishing–or whatever. Be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to live through you! Be being the Church! LET HIM OUT OF YOU!!

Listen to me carefully, I'm all for meeting together to worship.  Go. Please go.  

Find one and get plugged in. You are a vital part of the body of Christ! But never find your identity in that building–or in what you do for the building. Find your identity in who lives in you! Why? Because YOU really are, His Church.

Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized. I promise you I have been in churches before where all the preacher talks about is church attendance and tithing.  I want to let you know that I do not subscribe to the lie that God is going to get His money!!

As if God needs your money to accomplish His purposes.  Can I get a witness!  While I say this emphatically, this is also not a way to establish a lifestyle where a person never gives off their monies to the work of the Lord.  

Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes—one for the Levites, one for the use of the temple and the feasts, and one for the poor of the land—which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system.

After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). “On the first day of the week let every one of you lay in store, as God has prospered him…….Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. 

Saints we are no longer under a mandated 10% tithe.  One of the things that has always bothered me is the mandate.  Listen to what 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 says….

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let every man give according to the purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. God is able to make all grace abound toward you, so that you, always having enough of everything, may abound to every good work.”  2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭8‬

How can we be under a mandated 10% and then Paul say under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that we are to give as we purpose in our heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity? Saints if I have to give, if it is a command, then how can it be cheerful? How can it be out of a heart of love? No, he says give as you purpose in your heart, don’t do it grudgingly, and remember that you will reap what you sow.  He gives a reminder that if you give sparingly, then you will get sparingly. The opposite of that is true as well.

Although no tithe is demanded of the Christian, the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter (James 1:5). Above all, offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. (2 Corinthians 9:7).

 Many of you may know who Stacy Abrams is. Honestly, I wish I didn't know who she was, but anyway.....

Stacy Abrams is an African American female running for governor of Georgia. She lost the bid for governor of Georgia in 2018 and never conceded the election. She has claimed until just recently that she was robbed and that she was the actual winner of the election and rightful governor. Of course now she has changed her tune and says she never claimed to be the winner.

Of course she lies so much she doesn't know the truth. that's true for all politicians, especially democrats. If you didn't know, just a couple of months ago, SCOTUS ruled in favor of states rights for abortion laws. In a majority decision, they ruled that it was up to the individual states as to whether or not abortions could be allowed.  In effect, it struck down Roe v Wade.

Since then, the left, women's rights activists, and all the crazies have come out in full force to protest that women's rights have been taken away.  Democrat politicians like Stacy Abrams are using abortion rights as campaign material to foster votes.

Just the other day in an interview with MSNBC, that abortion restrictions are at the root of voters' concerns about inflation.  Abrams's comment came after MSNBC's Mike Barnicle asked how she would alleviate Georgia voters' concerns about inflation, noting that abortion "nowhere reaches the level of interest of voters" as the increased cost of living.

"Let's be clear. Having children is why you're worried about your price for gas. It's why you’re concerned about how much food costs," Abrams responded. "For women, this is not a reductive issue. You can't divorce being forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy from the economic realities of having a child."

Did you get that? She said that women should be allowed to have abortions because of inflation. Being forced to have a baby would be too expensive in this time of great inflation.

Last month, she falsely claimed that a heartbeat heard at six weeks is "a manufactured sound designed to convince people that men have the right to take control of a woman's body."

I've often wondered why the things that are coming out of most politicians mouth's today make no sense whatsoever. Why is it that the solutions that are given to problems make no logical sense? Why is it that people truly believe that killing babies to save money is ok? Why is it that there are people out there who truly believe that a man can be a woman and vice versa?

The truth is that people who think contrary to the scripture, people who believe things that are in violation of God's word are lost. According to the scripture they are reprobates.  It is a result of a reprobate mind.

The phrase “reprobate mind” is found in Romans 1:28 in reference to those whom God has rejected as godless and wicked. They “suppress the truth by their wickedness,” and it is upon these people that the wrath of God rests (Romans 1:18).

Paul describes two men named Jannes and Jambres as those who “resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith" (2 Timothy 3:8). Here the reprobation is regarding the resistance to the truth because of corrupt minds. In Titus, Paul also refers to those whose works are reprobate: “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). Therefore, the reprobate mind is one that is corrupt and worthless.

As we can see in the verses above, people who are classified as having a reprobate mind have some knowledge of God and perhaps know of His commandments. However, they live impure lives and have very little desire to please God. Those who have reprobate minds live corrupt and selfish lives. Sin is justified and acceptable to them. The reprobates are those whom God has rejected and has left to their own devices.

If you take a careful look at Romans 1 you will find that this is true of homosexuals, fornicators, idolators.....listen to the scripture.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

That last part just included a group of people who put their stamp of approval on those who are wicked. You might say, I'm not a homosexual, but I see nothing wrong with it. Guess what, you are included in Romans 1. You might say, I'm not a transgender, but we should allow people to have sex change operations if they want them, you know......they need to live happy lives and all....guess what, you are included in Romans 1.

If you put your stamp of approval on ungodliness, wickedness, homosexuality, abortion, the transgender lifestyle, or anything that is contrary to the scripture, you are included in Romans 1.

This is important to understand. The scripture makes no distinction between the doctor who performs an abortion, the woman who consents to it, the politicians who created the laws, or the judge who enforces them. All are guilty.

segment 2 

What does the Bible have to say about the killing of babies?  What does God say?  We need to consider the biblical witness because the Bible is God's Word and the authoritative source for all questions of morality.  That should be the case for every believer.  Now, if a person does not believe the Bible to be authoritative, then that is a whole other podcast for another time.  I consider the bible to be inspired by God, inerrant, and infallible.  It is God's Word to man.

While the word abortion is not in the Bible, it would be ignorant and intellectually dishonest to say that the Bible doesn't speak to the foundational issue in the same way it would be naive and dishonest to say the Bible does not speak to transgenderism.  These words aren't mentioned in scripture, but God deals with them.  

Scripture makes it clear that the cornerstone of the biblical witness against abortion is the sanctity of human life. People possess innate worth because God created humans in His own image.  

Let's build a case against abortion.

1. We are created in the image of God

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27

We do not have time to dive into the implications of all of this passage, but if we take this verse, we have the case for the sanctity of all human life, we have the case against homosexuality, transgenderism, the case against animal rights.  Sorry PETA, God gave us dominion or rule over all the animals.

But again, all of those issues we will tackle on another episode of the podcast.

Those who do not value human life are in rebellion against God rejecting what the Lord says about human life. Those who claim to be Christians and yet advocate these evils do so in contradiction to what it means to be a Christian, one who is a disciple, a follower Christ. Whether they admit it or not, they blaspheme and offend God by their disobedience to His commands clearly given in His revelation of Himself and His will in the Bible. They want to play God in deciding who lives and who dies based on their own reasoning instead of what the Lord has declared.

Abortion, euthanasia and genocide are just different names given to the willful taking of a human life, which by definition is murder. Each are blasphemy against God because they willfully destroy a creature made in God’s image. These are very serious sins that have brought God’s judgment upon individuals and societies in the past. One of the reasons God had the Canaanites annihilated was their practice of infanticide as part of their worship of Molech (Lev. 20:2; Deut. 12:31; 18:10-13)

Any conversation concerning human value must begin with this scripture in Genesis 1.  

2.  Life is valued from the womb

A detailed exegesis of Exodus 21:22–25 manifests that unborn children are also created in God’s image and that the unborn and adults are of equal value in God’s eyes.

If men fight and hurt a pregnant woman so that her child is born prematurely, yet there is no serious injury, then he shall be surely punished in accordance with what the woman’s husband demands of him, and he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 But if there is any serious injury, then you shall give life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise. Exodus 21: 22-25

We can see here the value of life in the womb.

Psalm 139:13–16 is a very significant passage of scripture when we talk about abortion because it shows that the biblical concept of personhood is present at conception.

13 You brought my inner parts into being;

   You wove me in my mother’s womb.

14 I will praise you, for You made me with fear and wonder;

   marvelous are Your works,

   and You know me completely.

15 My frame was not hidden from You

   when I was made in secret,

and intricately put together in the lowest parts of the earth.

16     Your eyes saw me unformed,

yet in Your book

   all my days were written,

   before any of them came into being.

Wow!  This passage tells us that God's hand is upon the forming of a baby in the womb.  Look science may explain in the physical realm how all of these sequential biological processes work with sperm and eggs and fertilization, but science doesn't tell us who?  Someone testify!  It's God. God's handiwork is all over the unborn child from conception.  

The entire corpus of Scripture argues for the personhood and the incredible worth of unborn children.

What about Genesis 9:6 that explicitly connects the intrinsic worth of every individual to the image of God in which they are created. This verse reads, “‘Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.’

Whether a person wants to acknowledge it, God's hand is all over creation.  Here are some quick examples.  

Sarah – the wife of Abraham. In Genesis 16:1-2 Sarai tells Abram, “Now behold the Lord has prevented me from bearing children.” She understands that it is the Lord that opens or closes the womb. In Genesis 17:16 the Lord says, “I will bless her and indeed I will give you a son by her.”

Hannah – 1 Samuel 1:5 states, “. . . but the Lord had closed her womb.” In verse 11 Hannah prays that the Lord would give her a son. Verses 19-20 state, “And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her and it came about in due time, after Hannah had conceived, that she gave birth to a son; and she named him Samuel, ‘Because I have asked him from the Lord.”

The testimony of the Psalms.

Psalm 100:3, “Know that the LORD, Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”

Psalm 127:3, “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward.”

Jeremiah 1:4-5

“Now the Word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Don't tell me that the bible has nothing to say about pregnancy, the value of human life and killing babies. It's all in there.  I'll say it again, how can you read the scripture, claim to know Jesus Christ, and come away with it is ok to kill babies?  You can't. You either have deny the bible, deny the teachings of God, or deny God Himself.  

But the last piece of evidence is

3. The love of God for all humanity

The entirety of scripture is about God's love for all of humanity despite our sinful condition.  The bible tells us that "God demonstrated his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

One of my favorite passages of scripture is John 3:17 which tells us that God did not send His son Jesus into the world to condemn the world but that the whole world through him might be saved.  Talk about love for all humanity.  Wouldn't a person think that would include the life that God formed in the womb?  Of course it would.  This is why abortion is sinful.  And may God have mercy on us as a nation for the millions of babies we have murdered on the altar of convenience.

It is clear that God values life.....ALL life.  This includes the unborn baby in the womb.  If you have had an abortion, can I tell you something today?  There is forgiveness in Jesus Christ.  The Bible teaches us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  We do not have to walk around in guilt, shame, and condemnation.  Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was substitutionary.  He took all of our sin, and the wrath of God for breaking God's law and put it on Himself.

He who knew no sin.....

We can know and walk in forgiveness from any sin we commit.  Experience it today by calling out to Him!  Salvation is by grace through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ!  have you placed faith in Christ today? If not, you can

Let me pray for you.....

God bless you today! I hope you've enjoyed this episode of the podcast. You can listen to new episodes every Tuesday and Friday wherever you listen to podcasts. If you would be interested in partnering with The American Christian Podcast so we can continue to deliver biblical truth, you can donate by visiting facebook.com/theamericanchristianpodcast and click on the donorbox link.

You can also email me @ [email protected]

Until next time remember 1 Peter 5:8......

It is so good to be back with you in the traditional podcast format. It has been a while and there is so much to talk about. Today's episode is jam packed so let's dive right in.

If you've been paying attention or have been at least half awake over the last 2 years, you have heard a ton of information on COVID-19, vaccines & mandates. It stopped being about the virus so long ago and has become a politicized weapon. All during the pandemic, COVID was used to scare and intimidate people. People were not allowed to worship together. Businesses were closed. Business went under. People were fired from their jobs because they wouldn't get vaccinated.

Even good Christian people got caught up in it. I heard Christians saying it was our duty to get vaccinated. That's the way we show the love of Christ is to get vaccinated. In doing this we show the world that we care about them.

The message was portrayed as it was some noble and Christ-like action to take the unproven COVID vaccine. The whole basis for all of this was because the so called experts told everyone that the vaccine was first of all, safe.....and that it would prevent further transmission of the virus. Again, it is why thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, lost their jobs.  Those who refused to take it in many instances were fired. I mean, we can't let people who haven't taken the vaccine around others.

Well guess what? It turns out that the vaccine preventing transmission was a total lie.

During a hearing on Wednesday on the European Union’s COVID-19 response, Pfizer’s president of international developed markets, Janine Small, admitted that its vaccine had never been tested before its release to the general public on its ability to prevent the transmission of COVID.

“Regarding the question around did we know about stopping immunization before it entered the market…No.,” This was in response to the questions of  if the Pfizer’ COVID vaccine was ever tested to stop the transmission of the virus before it entered the market.

She continued, “We have to really move at the speed of science to really understand what is taking place in the market.”  

Video clip.......

In other words, we just threw the vaccine out there and lied to everyone that it stopped transmission.

This to me is jaw-dropping testimony. She is admitting to the fraudulent narrative that government tyrants and medical despots concocted lies about the vaccine and used it to enforce vaccine mandates.  This was even the entire purpose of wanting to mandate vaccine passports.

Didn't they say “You don’t get vaccinated just for yourself, but also for others. You do it for all of society?"  Did anyone other than me hear that?

Even Joe Biden in July 2021 said,  “You’re not going to get COVID if you have these vaccinations.”  BTW, he got COVID after being fully vaccinated and receiving like what 10 boosters?

In May 2021, Fauci told CBS News that vaccinated people were a “dead end” for the virus. People these were total lies. The sad part is that anyone who challenged the narrative or claimed otherwise were labeled as conspiracy theorists or COVID deniers or even anti-vaxxers. These people should be locked up in a dark hole somewhere and the key be destroyed so they never see the light of day again for the lies they perpetrated on the world. Think of the livelihoods that were destroyed, small businesses destroyed, careers ended. What about the physical issues many have after taking the vaccine?

Why should this matter for followers of Christ? Because of the issue of discernment. So many people who claim to know Christ believed every single lie that was told. Talk about a lack of discernment. And this is plaguing the church at-large today.....a lack of spiritual discernment. There are some people who cannot distinguish a lie from the truth.

The scripture has much to say about discernment. Mature Christians do not believe lies. That is not to say that Christians can't be lied to and be fooled, the Enemy is clever and crafty, but there should be a level of discernment among God's people. The Holy Spirit ought to be convicting and speaking to you in your spirit and helping you discern truth from lies.  You should be able to know the difference between light and darkness.

Listen to Hebrews 5

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The sign of mature believers is that they have been exercised to discern good from evil. A person who cannot discern good from evil, a person who claims to know Christ but is duped by everything they hear is either an extreme baby Christian or they are lost and do not know Christ at all.  Lies are of the enemy. Confusion is of the enemy. Truth is of God and comes from God and a believer should be able to discern the two.

Discernment is an acknowledgement that we don’t live in a perfect world, but a broken one. God’s creation is shot through with both beauty and death, so it is a gift from the Creator that He teaches His image-bearers to judge the difference.

Jesus, often caricatured as being a nice guy who only smiles and never tells anyone they are doing wrong, nevertheless warned of coming judgment that would separate “the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25). He spared no words in echoing the prophets, warning his disciples about “wolves,” teachers whose words seem to be spiritual but lead to death (Matthew 7:15-20).

How will you know the sheep from the goats or the false teachers from the true teachers or those who are wolves in sheep's clothing if you cannot discern? How are you going to tell? Ephesians 5 tells us to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them or rebuke them. You want to know why so many Christians are embracing ungodly teachings and ungodly worldviews? you want to know why so many supposed Christians are listening to the world and the lies of false teachers and the enemy.....it's because they lack discernment.  

Before we get into segment two, We are so lucky to have you as a faithful listener to The American Christian Podcast. Thank you for your support and continued participation. It is a goal to provide valuable, informative, and encouraging truths that you can apply to your daily life as well as advance the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Would you consider donating monthly to this podcast ministry? Even a one-time donation would be greatly  appreciated. You can donate by visiting facebook.com/theamericanchristianpodcast

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Segment 2

Discernment, or lack thereof, is a huge issue among believers today.  As I was driving down the road the other day I noticed a billboard that read, "Jesus was fed up with politics too." It was a message from an organization called "He Gets Us."  Of course I was curious, so I went to their website to see what kind of message they were preaching. I mean, if they are a Christian organization, then I want to know if they are preaching the true Jesus or one they have concocted in their minds.

So here is what their website says, "He Gets Us is a campaign designed to create cultural change in the way people think about Jesus and his relevance in our lives. It all started with a diverse group of people passionate about the authentic Jesus of the Bible. He Gets Us is an initiative of Servant Foundation, a designated 501c3 organization with a 100/100 Charity Navigator rating. We’re not “Left” or “Right”. We’re not affiliated with any church or denomination. We simply want everyone to understand and relate to the authentic Jesus as he’s depicted in the Bible — the Jesus of radical forgiveness, compassion, and love. This is about getting to know the real Jesus. How Jesus experienced the same problems and emotions that we’ve all been through. It’s about providing a safe place to ask questions, including the tough ones. And realizing that Jesus is as relevant today as he was 2,000 years ago. This is about sharing Jesus’ radical love and acceptance – of everyone. Though you may see Christians as hypocritical or judgmental, that’s not what Jesus was about. Instead, Jesus offered radical compassion, stood up for the marginalized, and understood the human condition and all its frailties because he experienced them too. We want to reveal the actual human experiences that Jesus had in his life and share them with you. His teachings and how he lived just might help you with your job, family, or relationship challenges, as well as issues like rejection, anxiety, depression and more.

Simply put, this is a $100 million ad campaign to tell people about Jesus. After taking a close look, this Jesus they are depicting is not the Jesus of the Bible. This is a Jesus they have conjured up in their own imaginations. Again, the word discernment comes to mind. This is an ad campaign to portray Jesus as this woke, social justice warrior who came to rescue the marginalized, bring equality to the masses, and fight against the political machine. That is NOT THE JESUS OF THE BIBLE!!  

Jesus' biggest battles didn't come from the political realm, it came from the religious realm. The pharisees and saducees were the most religious groups of Christ's day and who He had the biggest problem with. It was because of their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Jesus didn't come to ease racial tension or make everyone equal. In fact His words were that He came to seek and to save that which was lost.

Jesus wasn't this woke social justice warrior who wanted us to accept and love everyone no matter what they believe, say or do. In fact, social justice is not biblical justice at all.

The most grievous act of injustice ever known to mankind was Jesus who was arrested and delivered to the Jews. He endured an unfair trial. He was mocked, beaten, made to wear a crown of thorns, made to carry His own cross, nailed to said cross, and scorned until He hung His head and died. Certainly, on the third day, He rose to victory, fully vindicated. But it wasn’t because of the actions of men, but by the power of God.

If social justice were Jesus’ charge, He should have neglected the cross altogether to instead focus on delivering the Jews from the Romans. The Jews were expecting Jesus to come as their earthly King and free them from oppression. But instead of leading a resistance and establishing His kingdom on earth, Jesus walked around performing miracles and preaching about a Kingdom in another realm.

SOCIAL JUSTICE IS NOT A “GOSPEL ISSUE”

Believers are to seek first the Kingdom of God and HIS righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Yet, those fighting for social justice often find themselves seeking first the cares of men and their own self-righteousness. They fight for what THEY believe is right.

Why did Jesus, whom they say came to serve the marginalized in society, share a lesson on how to love others using a parable of a marginalized race of people. (Luke 10:25-37). (Fun Fact: The “Good Samaritan” was a Samaritan, and the Samaritans were a discriminated against race amongst the Jews (John 4:9; 8:48)).

Moreover, they’d have to explain why the parable of the “Good Samaritan” wasn’t a tale of the Samaritan bringing his “neighbor’s” attackers to justice!

If Jesus were all about social justice, why did He, when He knew John the Baptist had been unfairly arrested, not go visit John in prison or attempt to rescue John from his unjust execution, but instead kept traveling and preaching the Gospel (Matthew 11:1-6)!

They’d need to explain a lot about Jesus, because these and other instances suggest Jesus’ actions weren’t driven by social justice but His Father’s business. Did that business include love and compassion? Indeed! But that does not obligate us to take up every cause that man says is right. But it does require us to tell the world the truth, call men to repentance and declare that the Kingdom of God is at hand.

When Jesus came the first time, He did not come to make right all injustices.  He came to live a sinless life and die as a substitute, not make everyone equal.  As long as we live in this fallen world, there will always be injustices.  But I will promise you this, the 2nd time he comes, he will make right all wrongs.  It is not our job as believers to make right what is wrong. Mainly because our idea of justice is flawed. We are flawed.  How can a sinful people ultimately make perfect, Godly judgments. We can't!  We cannot do that because we are not the judge.  The perfect judge will one day set all things right and His judgment will be perfect.  

Knowing the true Jesus of the Bible and one that has been fabricated by man takes discernment.  Being able to discern the "He Gets Us" ad campaign takes walking with Jesus.

This brings us to the true gospel. Jesus came to call men to repentance, not social justice. Does he accept everyone as they are? Yes, with the full intention to change them into who they ought to be. Jesus never accepts sinful people with the intent to leave them in that condition. And here's a hot take, if you have no desire to leave your sinful condition, you cannot be saved in the first place.  Yes, you heard it correctly. If you have no desire to repent, change and come out of your sinful condition, you cannot be saved.

Jesus Himself said in Luke 13 that unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish.

Jesus says, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance

Jesus told His disciples to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins

Have you been saved? Have you seen you have a need to be saved? Have you  believed on the person and work of Jesus Christ? Have you accepted Him as the ONLY way to get to God? Not by good works, not by church attendance, not by giving money or doing good things, but by turning from your sins and placing faith in Christ? If not you can.

The scripture says with the heart man believes unto righteousness, but with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  Have you confessed your sins and believed in your heart that Christ died as a substitute for you and that He was raised again the third day? You can do that today right where you are in your spirit.

Let me pray for you....

God bless you today! I hope you've enjoyed this episode of the podcast. You can listen to new episodes every Tuesday and Friday wherever you listen to podcasts. If you would be interested in partnering with The American Christian Podcast so we can continue to deliver biblical truth, you can donate by visiting facebook.com/theamericanchristianpodcast and click on the donorbox link.

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Until next time remember 1 Peter 5:8......