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VOLUME 13 NO.2 | $3.95

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WHO DO YOU SEE? A prophet, a visionary, just a good man, or Son of the LIVING God? Or do you even really see Him at all?

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American Christian Voice Volume 13 No. 2 Contents  Don’t Miss These! ABOUT US 4.Yak Bak 21.Would you like to join the ministry of the American Christian Voice? 27.Puzzle Page!! 36.Where you can buy a copy of the American Christian Voice... 36.Subscription Info 38.War Room Widow 39.ACV TV Launches! FROM THE COVER 10.Jesus: God or Just a Good Man? CENTERFOLD 24.Hershel Woody Williams GOLD STAR ATTENTION 25.Hershel Visits the Gold Star Family Inn 26.Gold Star Family Inn 35.Gold Star Food/Shows Directory 43.Gold Star Business Directory FEATURES 6.Heart Transformation, Not Behavior Modification

HEART TRANSFORMATION, NOT BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

12.The Beverly Hillbillies and My Faith 14.The Top 10 Things Pharisees Say Today 16.The Letter vs. Spirit 17.How Christianity Created the Free Society 18.Why I Didn’t Sing When I Visited Your Church 20.What is Shavuot/Pentecost? 22.Behind the Mask 30.The Lord Says He Will Give You Grace to Reject Rejection 32.Some Advice On Same-Sex Marriage for US Church Leaders From A Canadian 39.The Benevolent Influence of Christianity 40.With Deep Regrets, 'The Shack' Artist Warns About Devastation of Universalism 40.The Shack Movie – Heretical or Healing? 42.Helping Vs Enabling: How To Know Which Is Which HE is the 44.The Power of a Mother’s Devotion AllConsuming 46.Hotlined to a Blessing! Fire! 47.America First!

The Top 10 Things Pharisees Say Today

The Shack

America First! Helping Vs Enabling: How To Know Which is Which

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ABOUT THE COVER: WHO DO YOU SEE? Was Jesus Christ a prophet, a visionary, just a good man, or Son of the LIVING God? Or do you even really see Him at all? For two millenia the world has been impacted by the personage of man named Yeshua. We have gone from, Have you ever heard of Jesus?” to, “What have you heard about Jesus?” see page 10

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yak bak

.Feed Back From Our Readers

As a postal worker, I take umbrage with very hard to lose our jobs. And let’s face it... your article regarding the privatization of we don’t have to treat our customers like we have any competition. the U.S. Postal Despite the fact that the service. (Volume vast majority of mail 13 Issue 1, pages handling is dealing with 10 & 11) Your “junk” mail that no one snide remark wants, how would people about the need get the 3% personal to abolish the correspondence of mail? entire postal Sure they could use the service is both free email method but, reactionary and naive. Cosmo Kramer gets interrogated for wait... what was I Despite the defending? refusing mail from the U.S.Postal annual subsidies system. The Postmaster General was Oh yeah, my job. I work for of the U.S played by Wilford Brimely some of the most arrogant citizens to make hierarchy of any business up the financial shortfall, there are $1.9 billion paid every in America. Why would this climate exist? two weeks in salaries and benefits to well Not even Donald Trump wants 600,000 over 600,000 — number of career people to enter the unemployment statistics. So for now, like the ridiculous employees. Despite the poor attitudes of the waste that the penny causes our economy, hierarchy regarding lost, stolen and our jobs are safe for many years into the damaged packages, postal workers have a future. Also, because of the gestapo-like pretty good gig. As federal workers, it is repercussions that will fall upon me I cannot give you my name. Other than that, why are you picking on the U.S.P.S.? Sleepless in Seattle _________________________ Having retired after 35 years in the U.S. Postal service, I am proud to say I feel like I served my fellow citizens with a very valuable service with integrity and dignity. I will not argue that the U.S. postal service may go the way of the horsebuggy whip, but it is an incredible institution and rich part of American history. Coleen Namwen, Bridgeport, CT _______________________________

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I appreciated the article, “The Family That We Choose”. (Volume 13 Issue 1, pages 16 & 17) It is sad, but true, that I prefer the company of my close brothers and sisters in Christ than my own blood kin. Scripture supports this dilemma but I have tried in vain to attend all of my non Christian family’s events but find so little in common with the conversations they dwell on (negativity, bad mouthing other relatives and obsessive talk of materialism). However, through many of the articles found in the American Christian Voice I have at least drawn some interesting responses to their criticism that always pounced on any peccadillo they deemed hypocrisy. Now I can confidently explain that my righteousness is given to me by the sacrifice of Christ in exchange for my shortcomings without having to make a defense for being human. Thank you for the many spiritual life coaching articles. It makes a difference in my life! Constance McColey, Omaha, NE _______________________________ In your article, “Bad Pest Control Company” (Volume 13 Issue 1, page 47) you liken men, women and children to vermin. Do you really need to be reminded that these, “rodents” as you referred to them are made in the image of God? Mark Woolbright, Kansas, City, MO ________________________________ You mean not everybody should get a trophy? But they participated! Thank you for the article, “Parental Priorities”. (Volume 13 Issue 1, pages 39 from PragerU.com) We are all good at something. It is in the arena of our endeavors where we excel. Therefore, it is at that place we should be recognized. And, no, we do not need to create a “safe zone” to hide from the real achievers. Thank you, as always, for the insightful articles in every issue of the American Christian Voice. Abigail, Holand, Tulsa, OK

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American Christian Voice Magazine

ACV Magazine NEW Mission Statement We encourage our readers to eschew religion and pursue a relationship with God through Jesus Christ as led by the Holy Spirit, thus allowing an open mindedness to differing opinions on complex matters. We strive not to be the fire alarm, but the fire extinguisher. Please be advised

that the contents of this publication often do not represent the positions held by many of the sponsors of the American Christian Voice (or for that matter, the publishers). L R Proof readers Kairos & Yanni (which explains alot), Lorri Sacoulas, Alexis (hidden) and Aisha, the puppy. John took the pic.

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THANK YOU TO OUR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS!

The American Christian Voice magazine is published with the primary purpose being to educate the body of Christ through informative articles (Intelligent), to edify the body of Christ through motivating articles of Christian faith and courage (Inspirational), and to promote the message that disciples of Christ are not under the penalty of sin or condemnation of it (Fun!). It is because of what Christ has done... not what we do that makes us in good standing with God. Our obedience is to Love Him and our fellow sojourners. Now that Christ has cloaked us with His Righteousness, God the Father looks at us as Sons/Daughters, no longer at enmity with Him. We are in training now. That is why this publication focuses on politics. If we are to rule and reign with Jesus Christ we should be very much interested in training here and now. We are dedicated to be Kingdom builders as we realize that our diversity should not impede the method in which God chooses to woo through the Holy Spirit the lost through love. We can err in our theological understanding of doctrine and dogma but love never fails. In the law we find death - in love we find Liberty to obey by desire... not compulsion.

PUBLISHER Lorraine Sacoulas MANAGING EDITOR John G. Sacoulas PATRONS Kay & Joy Friberg SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Veeda Smith, Kathy Caruso O’Neil, Jeremy Storch, Dee Wampler, Marla Woodmansee SYNDICATED WRITERS Tim Challies, Thomas Sowell, Star Parker STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER George Kurland ARCHIVISTS Marvin & Regina Reynolds ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Wilma Dunbar, (417) 2131155 dwdunbar@americanchristianvoice.com PUBLIC RELATIONS Kathy Caruso O’Neil koneil@americanchristianvoice.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Lorraine Sacoulas lorri@americanchristianvoice.com DISTRIBUTION Ubiquity Magazine Dist., Brooklyn, NY Publishers Dist. Group, Allamuchy, NJ David Dunbar, Branson Representative Special thanks to all our prayer warriors that intercede regularly for our sponsors.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or illfitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

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behaviors change with the help of the Holy Spirit

BY OLATUNJI AKINOLA

HEART TRANSFORMATION, NOT BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things – Matthew 12:3335 (KJV). onsider the story of two gardeners tasked with restoring two withering trees for an impending inspection at a given time. They were to work on a tree each. Gardener 1 went to work immediately. He got himself a ladder and a pruning knife. He got on the ladder and soon started cutting off all the dried leaves from the trees. Gardener 2 was slower at starting. He considered what was required of him and then laboriously began to dig up the soil around his own withering tree. He tended it, replaced the old soil with new one enriched with manure. He then watered it day and night continuously.

After a week of both gardeners labouring hard, everyone who passed by and looked upon gardener 1’s tree marvelled saying ‘Oh see how lush it looks! The leaves are all green’. Gardener 2’s tree did not get such remarks instead some jeered and ridiculed him. Still he was not deterred from his task. He kept on watering the tree and tending the soil around its root. As time went on the story changed. Gardener 2’s once withering tree started showing signs of life and restoration. All the dried leaves on it had fallen off and given way to lush and fresh leaves that were green. Gardener 1’s tree however continued to deteriorate. No sooner had he chopped off some dried leaves and the others took their place. He realised his efforts were futile. Those who once praised him for a good job now defected to gardener 2’s side. Alas he had expended and wasted his efforts on trying to alter the appearance of the tree rather than improving the tree’s nutritional state. He was foolishly trying to fix the ‘effect’ of the tree’s malnourished state rather than dealing with the ‘cause’ of the malnourishment. In our text, Jesus declares in no uncertain terms that the state of the tree determines the fruit it bears. If the tree is made good,

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then the fruit will be good. Just as the dry leaves (‘effect’) in our story reflected a problem at the root of the tree (‘cause’), so do problems with our behaviour, speech and appearance (‘effect’) reflect a problem with our hearts (‘cause’). But too many times instead of dealing with the root of the problem by “renewing our minds” as Paul admonishes in Romans 12:2 we set about trying to alter our behaviour without changing our hearts. Alas this is only futile at best for the scriptures tell us that “As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man” Proverbs 27:19 (NKJV). Sooner or later, what is in our hearts will be revealed.

It wouldn't bother me so much that the garden was somewhat big if I didn't have to mow the lawn. Why can't I just mow the lawn once and never have to worry about it anymore? Why on earth do things grow on there that I did not plant? How did they get there? Twice now I have gone to mow the lawn and found two huge mushrooms growing in my garden. Where on God's

Friend is there an issue that you’re dealing with? A habit that’s not so pleasing, a behaviour or trait that is unbecoming of a child of God. Do not despair; heed Jesus’ words of wisdom. Make the tree good, and his fruit good. Remember, God is not interested in behaviour modification, but in heart transformation. Do not expend your energy trying to modify your outward appearance like gardener 1 did with his tree. Instead spend time nourishing your heart and renewing your mind with God’s word. Immerse yourself in His presence and you’ll be amazed that your thoughts, actions, and speech will align themselves with God’s will. Deal with the ‘cause’ of the problem and not the ‘effect’. Do not modify your behaviour; transform your heart with His word instead. The next step....

Watch diligently over your heart Perhaps a lot of people will say my garden is reasonably sized. I beg to differ, I think it's TOO big (the emphasis being on 'TOO'). The good thing is that it comes in handy for BBQs and garden parties where we are hosting a lot of guests, however at all other times, I dread its size. Why? Because I don't like gardening is the simplest and most accurate answer. I have neither the propensity nor the flair for gardening, but I find that come spring and all through summer, I have to keep mowing the garden, if I don't want my house to become "Epping Forest" which also happens to be the name of the district I live in.

earth did they come from? Don't even get me started on those weeds; you know the ones that just shoot up about 5 feet? Maybe you don't but they seem to find their way into my garden. What's interesting (as I have learnt from my garden) is, if you don't plant anything in your garden, something will be planted for you. If you plant something in there, then you still have to keep watch over it and make sure weeds and thorns don't take over what you've planted. So why all these stories, yarning and a bit of a moan about my garden I hear you ask? I'll answer. Consider the following scriptures. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are

stop telling people they have to (blank) true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 The heart is akin to a garden. It forever needs to be watched over or as the bible puts it, it needs to be 'kept'. It's of particular note that the scriptures enjoin us to keep our hearts diligently in one verse and to

Impossible, instead all manner of unwanted plants, weeds and shrubs would have grown on it. Good plants don't plant themselves, they have to be planted! So also, if you do not plant (and keep planting) good thoughts in your heart, they wouldn't plant themselves. Bad ones will be planted in their place. It's also not good enough to just clear out all evil thoughts from your mind (i.e. clearing the weeds and unwanted plants from the garden) and not plant good ones in their stead. They will return only this time even more fortified! (E.g. the huge mushrooms that popped up in my garden). No wonder Jesus said, When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Luke 11:24-26. Friends, have you been keeping watch over your heart? Have you been planting Godly seeds continuously or have you just cleared out the garden once and left it bare? What's growing in the garden of your heart? Remember, if you don't plant anything, something will be planted for you. And what is planted on your behalf is never good and godly thought seeds.

think on these things in the other. In other words, you must do something about the thoughts that are sown in your heart. As with my garden, if you don't plant any thoughts in your mind, then thoughts will be planted for you. If you do plant thoughts in your heart, then you also need to ensure that those thoughts are not corrupted by ungodly thoughts by keeping guard diligently over your heart. Just as with two huge mushrooms appearing in the middle of my gardens even though I didn't plant them, so also 'alien' thoughts will appear in the middle of your heart and take root downwards if you don't plant Godly ones. Have you ever wondered why good plants and flowers don't just plant themselves in a bare garden? Have you seen a garden that was left bare and untended for one year and the owner comes back to find lovely roses planted, all the hedges trimmed, the lawn mown and the garden devoid of weeds.

Determine from today to begin diligently watch over your heart. Give yourself to thoughts based on God's word. Think on God's words, think on these things. You become what you think on, so ensure that what you think on is good. God bless you

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"The difference between heart belief and head belief is the difference between salvation and damnation." (George Sweeting)

Battles are fought in our minds every day. When we begin to feel the battle is just too difficult and want to give up, we must choose to resist negative thoughts and be determined to rise above our problems. We must decide that we’re not going to quit. When we’re bombarded with doubts and fears, we must take a stand and say: “I’ll never give up! God’s on my side. He loves me, and He’s helping me! I’m going to make it! Joyce Meyer

Olatunji Akinola VOL.13 #2 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM

BY JULIA CARPENTER

Do You See Him Now?

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Jesus: God or Just a Good Man?

BY JOSH McDOWELL

Analyzing our 3 options to explain His identity: a liar, a lunatic, or Lord? esus' distinct claims of being God eliminate the popular ploy of skeptics who regard Him as just a good moral man or a prophet who said a lot of profound things.

So often that conclusion is passed off as the only one acceptable to scholars or as the obvious result of the intellectual process. The trouble is, many people nod their heads in agreement and never see the fallacy of such reasoning. Analyzing Jesus' Claim To Be God C. S. Lewis, who was a professor at Cambridge University and once an agnostic, understood this issue clearly. He writes: "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg â&#x20AC;&#x2018; or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the son of God: or else a madman or something worse."

Jesus claimed to be God. He didn't leave any other option open. His claim must be either true or false, so it is something that should be given serious consideration. Jesus' question to His disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15) has several alternatives. First, suppose that His claim to be God was false. If it was false, then we have only two alternatives. He either knew it was false or He didn't know it was false. We will consider each one separately and examine the evidence.

Was He a Liar? If, when Jesus made His claims, He knew that He was not God, then He was lying and deliberately deceiving His followers. But if He was a liar, then He was also a hypocrite because He told others to be honest, whatever the cost, while He himself taught and lived a colossal lie. More than that, He was a demon, because He told others to trust

In the words of Kenneth Scott Latourette, historian of Christianity at Yale University: "It is not His teachings which make Jesus so remarkable, although these would be enough to give Him distinction. It is a combination of the teachings with the man Himself. The two cannot be separated."

William Lecky, one of Great Britain's most noted historians and a dedicated opponent of organized Christianity, writes: "It was reserved for Christianity to present to the world an ideal character which through all the changes of 18 centuries has inspired the hearts of men with an impassioned love; has shown itself capable of acting on all ages, nations, temperaments and conditions; has been not only the highest pattern of virtue, but the strongest incentive to its practice. ... The simple record of these three short years of active life has done more to regenerate and soften mankind than all the disquisitions of philosophers and all the exhortations of moralists."

c i t a n

Historian Philip Schaff

u L r,

a i L

Then Lewis adds: "You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."

Wherever Jesus has been proclaimed, lives have been changed for the good, nations have changed for the better, thieves are made honest, alcoholics are cured, hateful individuals become channels of love, unjust persons become just.

Him for their eternal destiny. If He couldn't back up His claims and knew it, then He was unspeakably evil. Last, He would also be a fool because it was His claims to being God that led to His crucifixion. Many will say that Jesus was a good moral teacher. Let's be realistic. How could He be a great moral teacher and knowingly mislead people at the most important point of His teaching â&#x20AC;&#x2018;- His own identity? You would have to conclude logically that He was a deliberate liar. This view of Jesus, however doesn't coincide with what we know either of Him or the results of His life and teachings.

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says: "How, in the name of logic, common sense, and experience, could an imposter - that is a deceitful, selfish, depraved man - have invented, and consistently maintained from the beginning to end, the purest and noblest character known in history with the most perfect air of truth and reality? How could He have conceived and successfully carried out a plan of unparalleled beneficence, moral magnitude, and sublimity, and sacrificed His own life for it, in the face of the strongest prejudices of His people and age?" If Jesus wanted to get people to follow Him and believe in Him as God, why did He go to the Jewish nation? Why go as a Nazarene carpenter to a country so small in size and population and so thoroughly adhering to the undivided unity of God? Why didn't He go to Egypt or, even more, to Greece, where they believed in various gods and various manifestations of them?

Someone who lived as Jesus lived, taught as Jesus taught, and died as Jesus died could not have been a liar.

Was He a Lunatic? If it is inconceivable for Jesus to be a liar, then couldn't He actually have thought Himself to be God, but been mistaken? After all, it's possible to be both sincere and wrong. But we must remember that for someone to think himself God, especially in a fiercely monotheistic culture, and then to tell others that their eternal destiny depended on believing in him, is no light flight of fantasy but the thoughts of a lunatic in the fullest sense.

unintentional deceiver, a schizophrenic? Again, the skill and depth of His teachings support the case only for His total mental soundness. If only we were as sane as He!" A student at a California university told me that his psychology professor had said in class that "all he has to do is pick up the Bible and read portions of Christ's teaching to many of his patients. That's all the counseling they need." Psychiatrist J. T. Fisher states: "If you were to take the sum total of all authoritative articles ever written by the most qualified of psychologists and psychiatrists on the subject of mental hygiene ‑ if you were to combine them and refine them, and cleave out the excess verbiage - if you were to take the whole of the meat and none of the parsley, and if you were to have these unadulterated bits of pure scientific knowledge concisely expressed by the most capable of living poets, you would have an awkward and incomplete summation of the Sermon on the Mount. And it would suffer immeasurably through comparison. For nearly 2,000 years the Christian world has been holding in its hands the complete answer to its restless and fruitless yearnings. Here ... rests the blueprint for successful human life with optimism, mental health, and contentment."

? D R

Was Jesus

O L or

Christ such a person?

Someone who believes he is God sounds like someone today believing himself Napoleon. He would be deluded and self‑deceived, and probably he would be locked up so he wouldn't hurt himself or anyone else. Yet in Jesus we don't observe the abnormalities and imbalance that usually go along with being deranged. His poise and composure would certainly be amazing if He were insane. Noyes and Kolb, in a medical text, describe the schizophrenic as a person who is more autistic than realistic. The schizophrenic desires to escape from the world of reality. Let's face it; claiming to be God would certainly be a retreat from reality. In light of the other things we know about Jesus, it's hard to imagine that He was mentally disturbed. Here is a man who spoke some of the most profound sayings ever recorded. His instructions have liberated many individuals from mental bondage. Clark H. Pinnock asks: "Was He deluded about His greatness, a paranoid, an

C. S. Lewis writes: "The historical difficulty of giving for the life, sayings and influence of Jesus any explanation that is not harder than the Christian explanation is very great. The discrepancy between the depth and sanity ... of His moral teaching and the rampant megalomania which must lie behind His theological teaching unless He is indeed God has never been satisfactorily explained. Hence the non‑Christian hypotheses succeed one another with the restless fertility of bewilderment." Philip Schaff reasons: "Is such an intellect ‑ clear as the sky, bracing as the mountain air, sharp and penetrating as a sword, thoroughly healthy and vigorous, always ready and always self‑possessed - liable to a radical and most serious delusion concerning His own character and mission?

Preposterous imagination!"

Was He Lord? I cannot personally conclude that Jesus was a liar or a lunatic. The only other alternative is that He was the Christ, the Son of God, as He claimed. When I discuss this with most Jewish people, it's interesting how they respond. They usually tell me that Jesus was a moral, upright, religious leader, a good man, or some kind of prophet. I then share with them the claims Jesus made about Himself and then this material on the trilemma (liar, lunatic, or Lord). When I ask if they believe Jesus was a liar, there is a sharp "No!" Then I ask, "Do you believe He was a lunatic?" The reply is, "Of course not." "Do you believe He is God?" Before I can get a breath in edgewise, there is a resounding, "Absolutely not." Yet one has only so many choices. The issue with these 3 alternatives is not which is possible, for it is obvious that all 3 are possible. Rather, the question is, "Which is more probable?" Who you decide Jesus Christ is must not be an idle intellectual exercise. You cannot put Him on the shelf as a great moral teacher. That is not a valid option. He is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord and God. You must make a choice. "But," as the apostle John wrote, "these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and" ‑ more important ‑ "that believing you might have life in His name" (John 20:31). The evidence is clearly in favor of Jesus as Lord. Some people, however, reject this clear evidence because of moral implications involved. They don't want to face up to the responsibility or implications of calling Him Lord. Excerpt from A Ready Defense by Josh McDowell

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The Beverly Hillbillies and My Faith

This blog is about my experience with childhood physical, emotional and sexual abuse that led me to addictions and mental health issues and how I found a #BetterLifeInRecovery.I share the tools that have taken me #FromDealingDopeToDealingHope in the hopes you can use them to rebuild your life! Together we are #TransformingLivesBySharingRecovery! #HopeDealer #StigmaKiller am sure that this is a confusing title for a blog. After all, what could the Beverly Hillbillies possibly have to do with my faith? Did the show lead me to God, or did it help me get saved? No, it did not, nor did I learn anything about my faith from watching the show. That said, there are similarities between me and other Christians in the church and the Clampett family and the socialites in Beverly Hills.

BY DAVID STOECKER

The Beverly Hillbillies was a “fish out of water” show. It was about a dirt poor family from the sticks that became rich instantly. They moved to Beverly Hills where they were around other rich people. Because of where they were from and how they acted various things happened. They were sometimes looked down upon They frequently did not understand the conversations that occurred around them. They were frequently misunderstood by those they lived around. They did not understand a lot of the things they observed, and when people would try to become their friends there was often issues that occurred. At least in the show, this was always met with laughter and applause. In real life, this is not the case. Instead of laughter and applause there are often bridges burned and greater divides created that separate and hurt one side or the other. Are you still wondering what this has to do with my faith?

I was Agnostic for most of my life. It started in the 5th grade, when I decided that God could not be true because of all of the abuse that I was subjected to and the hypocrisy I saw from those who professed to be Christians (mostly my parents). How could a God that cared about me allow this to happen? It continued through my life as I struggled with various addictions and mental health issues while going in and out of jail and prison. It ended when I turned my life over to God at 37. When it comes to living my life Christ-like, I was definitely the polar opposite. I was a soldier for Satan for probably 2 decades of my life, as I dealt drugs and played a part in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. I had a different lifestyle, used different language and sought after goals that were completely different from Christians. But, after struggling for over 20 years with addictions/anger/depression/PTSD, I gave my life to God and everything instantly changed. Like the Clampetts, I went from being poor to rich overnight. In my case it was not financially, it was spiritually. I then started going to church, and a lot of the things that came out of my mouth were not understood or alienated some people from me. I would talk about my addiction and prison, because that is what my life previously had consisted of. I think of the dirt that the Clampetts sometimes had on their boots that caused others to turn their

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noses up in disdain, except my dirt was on my soul. The Clampetts had Mr Drysdale, who had lived a much different life and had different interests always there to tell them what they need. He was all about the money, which was important to him and he felt should be important to Jed. Today we have the “seeker-friendly” church reaching out to the lost, trying to give me what l already knew. I came to the church for something different, not something comfortable. Change happens not from the ordinary and known but the extraordinary and unknown! I call it as I see it. I found that there are many who don’t, and much like Jethro I get confused when I see sin called something else. I see sin as black

every action God performed in history was motivated by love for His kids and white. I seldom see shades of gray. Do not get me wrong, I still sin. That said, I try to work on my shortcomings and I still see what I did as sin. Here are a couple of examples that I see often:

with that. Other people shaft friends, spend little time with family or ignore the Holy Spirit’s voice because they are busy chasing wants not needs. That is greed, and that is wrong.

1. How can you look down on someone who is watching pornography or using drugs/alcohol when you have a gluttony issue? Addiction is addiction, no matter how you slice it. Just because yours may be more socially acceptable does not mean that God sees them any differently. 2. Here all I really have is the name of a book, “50 Shades of Grey.” Have you read it? I had a friend tell me that she had read the book. When I asked her if she was okay with her husband watching pornography she told me that was sick. She was offended when I told her there was no difference between watching it and reading it. 3. Greed, the “name it claim it” creed and the “prosperity gospel” seem very close to the same thing, although people keep telling me they are different. Some people have a lot of money. There is nothing wrong

Because of these examples as well as many more, I am the fish out of water much like the Clampetts. I try to understand what I am seeing, but I interpret people’s actions instead of just listening to their words and get confused. I am used to taking things at face value, which is what I did in the world I used to live in. Back then it was life and death, so you had to learn how to read people and the best way to do that was by their actions. Now that I am in a battle for my eternal soul, it seems to even more important that I prepare myself to be successful and here are the 5 Pillars I have found to do that: 1. God/Jesus/Holy Spirit - This is where I found my hope, faith and strength. Without hope and faith, change is impossible. If I don’t have hope that it can change and the faith to pursue change, I am stuck right where I was. Recovery programs refer to a Higher Power, but “there is no High like the Most High!” (This was stolen from Mike Rogers new church in Springfield, MO) 2. Bible – I say the book of James in particular, which is a great guide to help you live a better life. In recovery they talk about the 12 steps, in life I say there is no better game plan for living your life than the Bible! 3. Mentor - Find someone who is living the life you would like to live, and ask them to help guide you there. In recovery programs, t hey call this a sponsor. Someone who is living t heir lives sober that has worked through the 12 steps to guide you through the 12 steps. In my walk, I would find someone that is walking the Christian walk I want to walk that can, with the help of the Bible, guide me to an improved walk. 4. Accountability Partners – These are people with similar goals to yours that can encourage and support you while you encourage and support them. The best way to see if they have similar goals is by fruit inspecting, or gauging them by their words and their works. 5. Church/Small Groups – This is the place where you gather with a group of people who have similar goals and gain

hope/faith/strength. In recovery they talk about 12 step meetings, in life I talk about small groups which are set up with a specific topic! Hi, my name is David Stoecker and I am a person in longterm recovery. For me that means I have not used drugs or alcohol since January 31st, 2009 and since then I have dedicated my life to helping others. I am a husband, father, sponsor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, hope dealer, stigma killer and motivational speaker. I was abused as a child which led to a lot of mental health issues. I used alcohol and other drugs to escape from my past and feel normal. I was introduced to methamphetamine my senior year and almost immediately dropped out of high school. Over the next 25 years I died more times than I can count on one hand and went to jail more times than I can count on my fingers and toes. I thought nothing would ever change. Boy was I ever wrong. I asked God for a miracle and He answered that prayer. It was not easy. I had to work for it, so I focused on my recovery like I did my addictions.

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it is hard to shake off the religion your past has stuck you with

BY CAREY NIEUWHOF

The Top 10 Things Pharisees Say Today hances are that if you’re a Christian, your desire is to be more like Christ. That’s great. But are you? How would you know?

A recent Barna study owned me. The survey revealed that 51% of the North American Christians polled all possess attitudes and actions that are more like the Pharisees than they are like Christ. In other words, the attitudes of most Christians were described as self-righteous and hypocritical. According to the study, only 14% of Christians surveyed reflected attitudes and actions that better resembled the attitudes and actions of Christ. What surprised me (as well as study author David Kinnaman) is how my attitudes and actions still need work…. I’m far too much like a Pharisee and not enough like Jesus. I was so bothered by it I taught an entire series about it. And you can watch a conversation David Kinnaman and I had about the research here. What breaks my heart is that I think the Pharisee in many of us is killing the mission and effectiveness of the church. So how do you know how much Pharisee resides within you? The attitude of many Christians today is more like the Pharisees than it is like Jesus. In Defense Of The Pharisees (Well, Almost Defense) Before we jump to that, I understand that in many church circles, to simply say the word ‘Pharisee’ is to immediately conjure up an image of a villain. Pharisee=bad.

were sincerely seeking God. After all, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, both Pharisees, arranged for Jesus’ burial. They were sympathetic to Christ and, from what we can tell, ultimately ended up following him. Similarly, the mission of the early church was radically advanced by a converted Pharisee—Paul. And yet Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their pride, lack of compassion and hypocrisy. The irony, of course, is this: the people who purported to love God most ultimately killed him when he showed up. This isn’t about Jews and Gentiles. It’s about religious people (like you and me) who in the name of God deny who God really is.

So why follow the rules? Following the rules is a response to the love of God. And your attitude should be one of gratitude, amazement, and humility. 3. “You Shouldn’t Hang Around People Like That.” I understand that we have to choose friends for our kids carefully. But when applied to adults, this thought process stinks. One of the reasons many churches aren’t growing is because Christians don’t know any non-Christians.

Denying God is exactly what we do when our attitudes justify us more than they reflect the heart and love of Christ.

If many of us were preaching the parable about being the salt of the earth today, we’d switch it up and command the salt to stay in its hermetically sealed box and never touch any food.

People who say they love God sometimes kill him when He shows up.

Of course, Jesus said the opposite. Salt needs to get out of the box to season food.

So what do today’s Pharisees say? Based in part on the research and in part from my own experience, here are the top 10 things today’s Pharisees say.

And Jesus paid a price for that among religious people. They couldn’t fathom why he would hang out with tax collectors, hookers, and other notorious sinners.

A word of caution. As you read them, don’t think about who these phrases remind you of nearly as much as you think about how they reflect your attitude and actions.

When was the last time you hung out with a hooker?

If we all do that, we will all be better off and the church will be stronger for it.

Yes, it is.

1. “If He Knew The Bible As Well As I Did, His Life Would Be Better.” Yup, there it is. Judgment and selfrighteousness rolled up into a neat little package. I really want people to read their Bibles. But when I get smug and superior about reading mine, I miss the point.

And yet the Pharisees were, to some extent, well-meaning people. They studied the law and knew it as well as anyone.

2. “I Follow The Rules.” And if you do, awesome.

Their downfall, among other things, centered on their self-justification and selfimportance.

But that’s not what got you into Christianity, is it? You got in because of the mercy which Christ extended to you when you broke the rules.

But there’s evidence that some Pharisees

Following the rules doesn’t keep you in the

love of God any more than it got you into the love of God.

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Convicting, isn’t it? Disturbing, isn’t it?

Many churches aren’t growing simply because Christians don’t know any nonChristians. 4. “God Listens To My Prayers.” Prayer is amazing. And we do trust that God listens to our prayers. But, as we’ve said before in this space, prayer is not a button to be pushed nearly as much as it is a relationship to be pursued. The smugness and certainty with which many Christians talk about prayer must strike people as weird, weird, weird. The biblical portrait of prayer is as much about broken people embracing the mystery and majesty of a forgiving God as

kill the god you created in your own image much as it is about anything. When prayer becomes a predictable formula that manipulates or controls God, you can be pretty sure you’re no longer praying. Prayer is not a button to be pushed. It’s a relationship to be pursued.

righteous religion and authentic Christianity these days than Tim Keller. Keller points out again and again in his preaching that religious people say things like “Of course I’m a Christian”… and that underneath is a pernicious idea that they have somehow earned the favour of God by

5. “Sure I Have A Few Issues, But That’s Between Me And God.” And if you keep it between you and God, people will never be able to relate to you.

and demand that we stand up for Christian values, I think the biblical argument runs the other way. As I outline here, maybe one of the best things Christians today can do is let non-Christians off the moral hook. Christians should live out Christian values deeply and authentically. But why would we hold non-Christians to a standard they don’t believe in, anyway? Jesus and Paul never appeared to do this… not even once.

Perfect on the outside and flawed on the inside—that’s the accusation Jesus levied against the Pharisees.

9. “I’m Simply More Comfortable With People From My Church Than I Am With People Who Don’t Go To Church.” This is one major reason why you and your church are incredibly ineffective at reaching unchurched people.

When people on the outside look at pretend-to-be-perfect Christians, it does three things:

If you want to change that, go to some parties and get to know some people who are far from God.

It alienates them.

You will discover that God likes them. And you might discover you do too.

It makes them think you’re fake… because even they know we’re all broken. It suggests God can’t help them. The antidotes? Transparency. Vulnerability. Honesty. When you let people know you don’t have it all together but you’ve met an amazing God, many people suddenly want to join in.

6. “They Just Need To Work Harder.” Jesus loved the poor and had compassion on broken people. Many Christians today don’t. (Selfrighteousness rears its ugly head again.) Yes, I am very familiar with the passages in scripture that talk about hard work and prudence. I try to live by them. But when I allow my relative ‘success’ to serve as a basis to judge others… I miss mercy. Compassion should be a hallmark of Christians. The early church’s compassion in the first few centuries after Jesus’ resurrection was one of the key reasons the Christian faith spread so rapidly, even amidst extreme persecution. 7. “Of Course I’m A Christian.” Few people are better at explaining the difference between moralistic self-

And people – who at one time didn’t follow Jesus – might even start following Jesus.

their obedience and faithfulness. True Christians, he says, by contrast, are filled with wonder, amazement, and gratitude that God would accept them despite their brokenness? When asked whether they are Christian, they say things like “I know, isn’t that unbelievable? Can you believe that God would extend his mercy to someone like me through Christ? I am amazed! Grateful! Overwhelmed!” I love Keller’s heart on this. By the way, if you want to hear an extraordinary message on the prodigal sons (sic), do yourself a favour and spend 38 minutes listening to this message. 8. “More People Need To Stand Up For Christian Values.” As Christendom slips away in our lifetime here in the West, we long for what used to be. But moving forward we will have more in common with our first-century counterparts in Christianity than with our 20th-century forebears. They lived out their faith in a world that didn’t share their values, but rather than fight their nonChristian counterparts, they laid down their life for them. While some people might get very angry

10. “People Who Don’t Go To Church Can Come If They Want To.” And Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Too many churches are all about the preferences of its members than the push of the Gospel. Here are some suggestions on what you can do if you serve in a church where people don’t want your church to change. Again, please hear me, because this is as much a challenge to me as it is to anyone else. There is a Pharisee that lives in me. But before we leave this, can you imagine what would happen if Christians today exuded the love, truth, grace and mercy of Christ? I think the church would be different.

And what’s with all the “God hates this and God hates that?” Why do we primarily define God on the basis of what God hates rather than what God loves; what God condemns rather than what God appreciates? Carlyle Stewart

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a short sermon worth reading

The letter vs. spirit he letter of the law versus the spirit of the law is an idiomatic antithesis. When one obeys the letter of the law but not the spirit, one is obeying the literal interpretation of the words (the "letter") of the law, but not necessarily the intent of those who wrote the law.

BY DENNIS CHALLEEN

The letter of the law vs. the spirit of the law | Community columnist Sep 4, 2012: Recently you may have read about a Florida airboat tour captain who hung a fish over the side of the boat, and a 9-foot alligator attacked and bit off his hand. To compound his misery, he was charged with feeding an alligator, which is a criminal act in Florida. Another story out of the South tells of a hunter who shot a wild turkey and threw it and his gun into the backseat of his car. As he was driving away, the turkey revived, went berserk and clawed the gun, which went off, injuring the hunter. The turkey escaped, and the hunter went to a hospital and was given a ticket for transporting a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. Whenever I read cases like these, I think about the judges who will be imposing sentence upon these offenders. Most judges would consider whether the offender should be locked up, fined, placed on probation, ordered to pay restitution or receive treatment for drug, alcohol or mental illness; whether mandatory sentences apply, if community service hours should be imposed and what might serve as deterrence to the offender or others. After all these thought processes, the judge might say to himself, why are they even prosecuting these guys? Haven’t they suffered enough by the consequences of their acts? The good old boys at the local tavern will probably never let them live down their carelessness. These types of cases are not that uncommon. Some folks get their cars in front of trains resulting in serious accidents. If they survive, they are subject to being charged with failure to yield to trains. Every fall we read about deer hunting accidents where people are unintentionally

injured or killed. The charge can be negligent use of a firearm or manslaughter.

Some crimes are inherently wrong (e.g., murder, assault, stealing, rape) because a civilized society cannot function allowing its members to commit such crimes. No one seriously questions such laws. However, there are a multitude of crimes that are wrong simply because a legislature declares them to be wrong (e.g., exceeding speed limits, underage drinking, not wearing red when hunting, lacking a license, failing to pay taxes, having more than one spouse at a time, littering, driving on the wrong side of the road). Most states define these offenses differently and levy different punishments. In a democracy, majority rules, and laws are always subject to political change. Further circumstances vary from state to state: Feeding alligators is not a problem in Minnesota, while driving snowmobiles on highways is of little concern in Florida.

do a job, and by God he was going to do it. Experienced judges will often point out that sensational emotional, high interest criminal cases are often simple in the legal issues involved, while a mundane small claims court case may have a multitude of complex issues requiring legal research using shelves upon shelves of books in law libraries. Do judges carry the content of all these books in their heads? No, it’s impossible. Until the middle of the last century, judges had the time to do their own legal research; then the overcrowded caseload made this overwhelming and law clerks (young beginning lawyers) were hired to do the research. Legal research has now evolved into using expensive Internet subscription services. However, the judge must still determine the issues involved and whether to apply the “letter” or “spirit” of the law. And that’s always controversial.

When I was teaching at The National Judicial College, I often cited controversial cases to pose dilemmas for judges and their judicial philosophies. It always created spirited discussion among the judges who were from diverse states throughout the country. Some viewed themselves only as instruments of society’s need to punish wrongdoers — that judges should not be social workers. Do the crime, do the time. Treating people differently for the same crime is unfair. They followed the letter of the law. Opposed to this view were judges who believed they were there to temper justice and fashion the consequences to each unique individual. They argued that making justice uniform doesn’t require a human — a computer or wall chart could accomplish the same result. They looked to the reason for the law and followed the spirit of the law. Thus, the justice a person receives in court often depends upon what judicial philosophy the presiding judge subscribes to, and to what degree that judge has any built-in biases and prejudices. I had one Southern judge in class who readily admitted he treated offenders differently if “they weren’t our kind of people.” He said he was voted into office to

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editor’s note: God always gave us examples of the letter of the law verses the spirit of the law. “The sabbath was made for man not man for the sabbath.” and David eating the show bread. That same bread could elicit death or a blessing. It just depended on the letter vs. the spirit. This should not be confused with situational ethics in which ethics remains resolute.

STOP SAYING WE ARE A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS WE ARE NOT. If you are an American born in the USA you are NOT an immigrant. Immigrants are people NOT BORN in the USA who come here to become Americans. If your parents or grandparents immigrated here, but you were born here you are NOT an immigrant. 13 percent of the US population is made up of immigrants. That means 87 percent of the population is NATIVE BORN. Almost 90%. That means we are a nation of native-borns. We are NOT a nation of immigrants.

this is the intelligent part we warned you about

How Christianity Created the Free Society

Christianity and Freedom: Historical Perspectives, a new collection of essays edited by Timothy Samuel Shah and Allen D. Hertzke, explores the many ways in which Christian beliefs and institutions made critical contributions to the freedoms cherished by Christians and non-Christians today. The first of a two-volume set, this book brings together theologians, patristic scholars, philosophers, historians, political scientists, legal theorists, medievalists, and classicists from different religious backgrounds. In various ways, each illustrates how Christianity influenced concepts such as limited government, private property, constitutionalism, and religious freedom. As Shah states in the introduction, this narrative flies in the face of the contemporary Rawlsian consensus that liberalism somehow liberated us from the dead authoritarian hand of the past. In this schema, Christianity was the problem to which liberalism was the solution. Closer attention to what political philosopher John Rawls himself called “the facts of historical experience” demonstrates that this is simply not true. People have relied, consciously or otherwise, on Christian resources to identify and correct violations of freedom, including those committed in the name of the Christian faith. Christians as Liberators, Christians as Persecutors Any discussion of freedom and Christianity quickly surfaces the numerous instances in which Christians have undermined human liberty. Reference is invariably made to the various Inquisitions, the witch trials conducted by Puritans, forced conversions, and other instances of intolerance.

Christianity and Freedom A particular strength of this collection of essays is that none of the authors denies that Christians and Christian institutions have on many occasions violated the rightful freedoms of others. This frank acknowledgment, however, is accompanied by an argument that permeates many of the papers: that it was, for the most part, Christianity that provided the moral, theological, and cultural principles upon which Christians and others have drawn to condemn unjust coercion. In other words, people have relied, consciously or otherwise, on Christian resources to identify and correct violations of freedom, including those committed in the name of the Christian faith. This suggests that liberalism by itself did not — and perhaps never could — generate the conceptual tools needed for this type of critique.

BY SAMUEL GREGG

n many books that trace the development of Western civilization, “the birth of freedom” is often identified with the various Enlightenments. Certainly, the Enlightenment made contributions to human liberty that Christians would not wish to do without, as no less an authority than Joseph Ratzinger once observed. Nonetheless, it is a myth that serious appreciation and promotion of freedom and its moral and institutional supports was somehow dormant until the late seventeenth century.

It is true that after Constantine, many Christian rulers and thinkers embraced some acceptance of religious coercion of heretics and non-Christians. Nonetheless, chapters by Shah, Robert Louis Wilken, Elizabeth DePalma Digeser, and Kyle Harper illustrate how these early Christian arguments for everyone’s religious freedom were firmly rooted in the Christian conception of human nature, its understanding of the economy of salvation, and its insistence on the reality of free will. Similarly, Elizabeth H. Prodromou’s overview of the Eastern Orthodox treatment of liberty shows how its foundational teachings give “pride of place” to freedom and to man’s consequent responsibility for his own condition. Particularly intriguing is the claim by the distinguished Augustine scholar, John Rist, that Augustine’s qualified endorsement of force to deal with heresy is inconsistent with some of his most important theological and philosophical arguments about the nature of freedom.

Medievals and Early Moderns

In this vein, several authors point out that arguments against religious persecution don’t originate with figures such as Locke, but go much further back. Before the Enlightenment, the Reformation, and the Middle Ages, third- and fourth-century Latin Church Fathers such as Tertullian and Lactantius had already articulated strong cases for religious toleration. It is important to note that these ideas had to be worked out in a context in which there were no arguments for religious liberty that could be “pulled off the shelf.” It is common to claim that this interest in securing religious freedom was a result of Christians being persecuted. The implication is that as soon as Christians got hold of the levers of power they conveniently forgot any commitment to the religious liberty of heretics, pagans, and Jews.

If there is a significant lacuna in this book, it is that only one chapter addresses the contribution of medieval theologians and canonists to the development of freedom. Fortunately, the chapter concerned contains a thorough treatment of this subject. Without trying to excuse medieval Christendom’s failings, Ian Christopher Levy points out that this is a world in which everyone believed that the state’s responsibility for the common good meant that people had to be protected from heretical ideas. People’s souls were, after all, considered to be at stake. Levy also shows that the medieval world was far more tolerant than most people realize, provided that one tries, as Levy does, “to understand that society on its own terms.” The point being made here — one that should be noted by those who would reduce religion to a purely private phenomenon — is that projecting highly secularist twenty-first century conceptions of tolerance upon the medieval period is a deeply anachronistic exercise. Levy examines the judicial workings of canon law, as well as inquisition and trial procedure. These, he argues, embodied a high degree of due process and protection for the rights of defendants. continued on page 37

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it’s okay if you don’t want to honor visitors in congregational worship for both traditional hymns and modern worship songs. I love them both! But the way the music was structured and implemented in your church was just not conducive to congregational worship. It was good, it was professional, but thinking about it now, I can’t help but wonder if perhaps it wasn’t a bit too good and too professional. I wonder if the desire for excellence may have robbed it of much of its usefulness. It’s worth considering: If our desire for excellence puts the music out of reach for the congregation, perhaps we’re pursuing a wrong definition of excellence.

BY TIM CHALLIES

Why I Didn’t Sing When I Visited Your Church t was a joy to finally visit your church this Sunday, and to worship with the believers there. You know I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time. Just as you promised, the pastor is an excellent communicator and a man who loves God’s Word. His sermon was deeply challenging and led to some great conversations with my children.

Now, you asked me why it looked like I wasn’t singing. I know that was probably a little awkward, so thought I’d send along a brief explanation. Primarily, it’s because… …I was not familiar with the songs. Your church has a tremendously skilled group of musicians leading them and it was a true joy to hear them play and sing. They sound as good live as they do on their album! But, unless I missed something, all of the songs on that Sunday were drawn from their own music. There weren’t any hymns in the service or even any familiar worship songs. So it’s not that I didn’t want to sing; it’s just that I didn’t know the songs. I want to be fair—every church has some of its own songs, and there is nothing wrong with that. I tried to follow along the best I could so I could learn some of yours, but even then… …the songs weren’t congregational. Most of them seemed to have been written with the band in mind more than the congregation. What I mean is that they were unpredictable and often went beyond my vocal range and ability. This made them tough to learn and difficult to sing. Sometimes I would just begin to think I had

it, but then… …your singers would ad-lib. Twice through that final chorus they sang it one way, but then on the third they did something I didn’t see coming and just couldn’t follow. Was I supposed to follow them up the scale as they went high on that final chorus, or was I supposed to stick with the original melody? I didn’t want to mess it up, so figured I’d better keep it quiet. I might have had help there, but… …I couldn’t hear the congregation sing. I wanted to learn from the people around me, but I couldn’t hear them. A lot of them seemed to be singing along, but they were far quieter than the band. Don’t get me wrong, I love loud music and often crank it to silly levels when I’m at home or in my car. (I’ve even got it at an obnoxious level as I write these words.) But as I understand it from Colossians 3:16, a key element of congregational worship is hearing the congregation. Singing is in the realm of “one-another” ministry, meaning that we are to sing for the other people there. But that was tough because… …it felt like a performance. We were in a darkened room sitting on theatre-style seats. The band was on a brightly-lit stage at the front of the room, singing their own songs with the volume cranked right up. This set a context that struck me as more concert than church. I really enjoyed watching the band and listening to them, but it felt to me that they were doing rather than facilitating the worship. So finally I just sat back and enjoyed the show. Now, please don’t think I’m trying to rekindle the old worship wars. I believe there is room

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older testament jewels

FROM RABBI JEREMY STORCH

What is Shavuot/Pentecost? Shavuot, which means "weeks" is one of the most important feasts in the entire Jewish calendar. Traditionally, it is called "the festival without a date." Once, when it was calculated from the New Moon, it would fall upon a different date each year from Sivan 5-7. During the period of Jewish Diaspora, however its date was fixed at Sivan 6. Today, the Jews remember it as the day the Lord gave the Torah at Mt. Sinai. In 2017 the Shavuot begins the evening of June 3rd. Originally, it marked the end of the grain harvest, which began with the sheaf of Firstfruits (barley) and proceeded through the count of fifty days. Later, it came to be associated with the giving of the Torah. Jewish rabbis teach that Moses received the Law on this date, that Noah received His covenant from the Lord on this date, and that even Abraham received his covenant on the date.

To contact Jeremy for ministry in your congregation, for a radio or television interview or other special event, or for The Holy Spirit empowered the church on this date (Acts 2). Therefore, the obvious inference information on his albums or teachings, is that this festival represents major changes in God's prophetic program. It seems to mark please call or email: the change from one dispensation to another. The Tabernacle Jewish people also commemorate the Ketubah, or marriage contract between Israel and the Lord that took place at Sinai. Believers remember that Pentecost also acts as a marriage contract between Messiah and the church. Jews read the Book of Ruth on this date, and memorialize King David, who was said to have been born and also to have died on this date. Today, Jewish people stay up all night to "decorate the bride." They read, study, and pray in the belief that at some time during the night, the heavens will open for a brief moment and prayers will be answered.

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united on the most essentials

Would you like to join the ministry of the American Christian Voice? The American Christian Voice Ministry Team is looking for retired persons who would like to join us in promoting this magazine in your area.

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We would send you approximately 75 copies of each issue that we publish. You can then distribute them to hospital waiting rooms, nursing homes, Christian Bookstores and any place magazines are displayed. You have the option to cover the cost that we charge ($25.00 or approximately 33 cents per copy) and just paper your travels with them or you are permitted to sell each copy to book and gift stores. An example: Sell each copy for $1.50 and the retailer would sell it for $3.95. You would receive $112.50 less your $25.00 and have $87.50 for gas and lunch expenses. (However magazines are normally sold on consignment.) As your ministry grows, you can order as many issues as you would like at $25.00 per box of 75. If you have been blessed by the ACV just think how rewarding it will be to bless others that would never have come across it otherwise! Just drop us a note with your first $25.00 check or call us with a credit card at: (417) 336-3636. Obviously you would not need to pay for a personal subscription anymore. It’s a win, win... when you help us grow, we help you grow!

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therefore there is no condemnation

Behind the Mask

BY KATHLEEN CARUSO O’NEIL

On the front cover of this issue, the name of Jesus seems to be masked behind a fence of black, but once you see it, it is hard to see anything else but His beautiful name. It is the same when you let the wall down long enough to meet our wonderful Savior and realize a new identity. In that identity you become brand new. There is nothing left of the old you except some bad habits and false beliefs, that change as you renew your mind by washing it with the Word – Jesus and the truth He left for us in the Scripture. Each day, as we press into Him, the real person that you have become begins to shine brighter and brighter. Your body is now a home for the Spirit of Christ and you have a new guidance system that when you listen, leads you on great new adventures and divine encounters where you can share this new life with others. Before, we were fools for ourselves and the world, and now, we are free to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, and live out the ways that seemed so foolish to us when we were lost. As we follow the Spirit’s lead, we find ourselves living a new purposeful life. Take off your mask and let others in. Your new identity will protect you from friends and enemies alike if you will take the bold step and let Jesus in. It isn’t difficult. There are only a couple of requirements. You must believe in your heart that Jesus paid

Texting is a brilliant way to miscommunicate how you feel, and misinterpret what other people mean.

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he Mardi Gras Carnival is a big deal in New Orleans and there everyone hides behind a mask. It gives them permission to be fools. There is no accountability when you have no identity. In truth, people who have not been able to see the Jesus that loves them, and made a way for them to have a relationship with Father God, are also foolish in many ways. They are free to do whatever feels good and to live by their feelings. They often hid behind masks of friendship, religion, career, family, cliques, hatred, anger, bitterness and hurt feelings. They are blinded to their opportunity for salvation and carefully guard their fences.

the full price for your salvation by coming to earth, choosing to go to the cross and take our sins, past, present and future, onto Himself. Confess this with your mouth and you will step into a life you never imagined possible. Read it here in Titus 3:3-7 NLT“3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.[a] 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” And in John 3:16, 17 KJV“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Titus 3:3-8 The Message (MSG)- 38 “It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.”

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Hershel Woody Williams Rank: Corporal Organization: U.S. Marine Corps Company: Division: 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division Born: 2 October 1923, Quiet Dell, W. Va. Departed: No Entered Service At: West Virginia G.O. Number: Date of Issue: 10/05/1945 Accredited To: West Virginia Place / Date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945 Hershel “Woody” Williams was born on a dairy farm in 1923 in Quiet Dell, West Virginia. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division. During the battle, Mr. Williams displayed “valiant devotion to duty” and service above self as he “enabled his company to reach its objective”. Mr. Williams’ actions, commitment to his fellow service members, and heroism were recognized on October 5, 1945, when he received the Congressional Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman at the White House. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 23 February 1945. Quick to volunteer his services when our tanks were maneuvering vainly to open a lane for the infantry through the network of reinforced concrete pillboxes, buried mines, and black volcanic sands, Cpl. Williams daringly went forward alone to attempt the reduction of devastating machinegun fire from the unyielding positions. Covered only by four riflemen, he fought desperately for four hours under terrific enemy small-arms fire and repeatedly returned to his own lines to prepare demolition charges and obtain serviced flamethrowers, struggling back, frequently to the rear of hostile emplacements, to wipe out one

position after another. On one occasion, he daringly mounted a pillbox to insert the nozzle of his flamethrower through the air vent, killing the occupants and silencing the gun; on another he grimly charged enemy riflemen who attempted to stop him with bayonets and destroyed them with a burst of flame from his weapon. His unyielding determination and extraordinary Hershel Williams heroism in the displaying face of ruthless Congressional enemy Medal of Honor resistence were directly instrumental in neutralizing one of the most fanatically defended Japanese strong points encountered by his regiment and aided vitally in enabling his company to reach its objective. Cpl. Williams' aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. Mr. Williams’ devotion to duty, service members, veterans and their families began long before that battle and before he entered the Corps. As World War II began, Woody came into direct contact with families in his own community when he delivered Western Union telegrams informing the Gold Star families of the death of their loved one. Woody says that those experiences gave him a “greater appreciation for life and an understanding of a difference in death in the normal world as expected in life, and those lost serving in the military for their country". He noted that “consideration and recognition of the families of those lost in war was very inadequate.” This observation and his personal commitment to veterans and their families led him to help create the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation in 2012. The activities of this foundation allow Mr. Williams to continue his devotion and commitment to those who have served and the Gold Star families who have lost loved

WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #2

ones to that service above self. His foundation is focused on honoring Gold Star Families and their fallen Heroes by establishing Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments in communities in all 50 states, offering scholarships to Gold Star Children, sponsoring outreach programs and events, and educating communities about Gold Star Families and the sacrifice they have endured.

To date, Woody and his foundation are responsible for establishing 18 Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the United States with 45 other monument projects underway in 34 states. The Foundation continues to grow its reach by being involved in multiple USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams (T-ESB-4) USNS Lewis B. Puller (T-ESB-3)- Sister ship USNS Lewis B. Puller Namesake: Hershel W. Williams Builder: NASSCO – San Diego, California Laid down: August 2, 2016 Notes: Operated by Military Sealift Command General characteristics Class and type: Expeditionary Transfer Dock Length: 784 feet (239 m)[1] Aircraft carried: MH-53 and MH-60 helicopters[1] USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams (T-ESB-4) is an expeditionary mobile base vessel under construction for the United States Navy. She is expected to enter service in 2018.

USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams (TESB4)

initiatives across the country from Manchester, NH to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Mr. Williams began his military career with a commitment to country, service members, veterans and families. He continues that commitment through his active Gold Star Family members and dedication participants Amy Looney engagement with (L) and Ryan Manion (R) stand in front of The Missouri Gold Star Families Memorial on April 19, 2017 at College of the Ozarks in Point local communities in recognizing and Lookout, MO commemorating the service and devotion to duty of our service men and The $498 million contract for the vessel, women. then unnamed, was awarded to the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company Some facts about Woody: (NASSCO) in December 2014.[2] Her Following the war, Woody worked for the name was announced as Hershel "Woody" Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for 33 Williams by Secretary of the Navy Ray years as a Veterans Service Representative, Mabus on January 14, 2016, honoring allowing him to continue serving veterans Hershel W. Williams, a World War II and their families. Marine Corps infantryman who earned a Medal of Honor in the Battle of Iwo Jima.[3] Her keel was laid on August 2, 2016,[1] and she is scheduled to be completed in early 2018. She will be operated by the Military Sealift Command, and is planned to operate in the Pacific Ocean.

Still today, Woody serves on the Governor's Military Advisory Board in the State of West Virginia. His state legislature in West Virginia has included him in the Hall of Fame for the state named him a Distinguished West Virginian in 1980 and in 2013. He is on the “Wall of Fame” in the Civic Center in the city of Huntington, West Virginia, nominated and selected by the former recipients who received this honor. His actions have often been recognized by our military and its highest officers, recently the Secretary of the Navy named T-ESB 4 (Expeditionary Sea Base Ship 4),

John Sacoulas presents Mr. Williams with commemorrative TShirt representing the Memory Lock Memorial Fence Project the USNS Hershel "Woody" Williams mobile base sea vessel. She is expected to enter Navy service in early 2018. In his hometown of Fairmont, WV, the 32 million dollar Hershel “Woody” Williams Armed Forces Reserve Center is the only National Guard facility in the country named after a Marine.

Hershel Williams locking on replica dog tags to the Memory Lock Memorial Fence at the Gold Star Family Inn in Branson, MO. Woody retired after serving 20 years in the Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves.

The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Hershel “Woody” Williams Post 7048 in Fairmont, West Virginia and the main bridge in Barboursville, West Virginia are named for him as well.

He served as the Commandant of the Veterans Nursing Home in Barboursville, WV for nearly 10 years, helping veterans who were often in their last years of life.

Woody has literally penned dozens of Resolutions to help veterans and other causes in West Virginia and throughout the United States.

VOL.13 #2 | WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM

No one has given more for the nation than the families of the fallen.

he term Gold Star Family is a modern reference that comes from the Service Flag. These flags/banners were first flown by families during World War I. The flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the armed forces of the United States, during any period of war or hostilities in which the armed forces of the United States were engaged. If that loved one died, the blue star was replaced by a gold star. This allowed members of the community to know the price that the family had paid in the cause of freedom.

members make when a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or other loved one dies in service to the nation. Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is the last Sunday of September and Gold Star Spouses Day is April 5. The strength of our nation is our Army. The strength of our Army is our Soldiers. The strength of our Soldiers is our families. The Army recognizes that no one has given more for the nation than the families of the fallen.

The number one request from the dying on the battlefields has always been, “Please take care of my family”.

Our goal is to honor the Gold Star Families by providing one week in our Gold Star Family Inn located in beautiful Branson, Missouri. These rooms "Who is a Gold Star Family Member"? "A wife, husband, mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, parent will be nicely through adoption, foster parents who stand or stood in place of appointed parents, children, stepchildren, children through adoption, brothers, suites that have the sisters, half brothers, half sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, all grandchildren and grandparents of a member of the Armed Forces of amenities as the United States that sacrificed their life for our way of life, while well as free serving in the United States Military." tickets to the hottest shows in

WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #2

Gold Star Club

“A Buck in the Box in the Back” 100% of the proceeds donated to the Gold Star Club will be used to directly secure the facility to bless a family of the fallen. We all can play a small part of this by “putting a buck in the box in the back” the first Sabbath/Sunday of every month. All we are asking for is $1.00 per month. So, even at a dollar per person we can collectively make a difference! So… can we add your church to the list and have you join the Gold Star Club by signing up for the donation box and presenting it to your fellowship? Together we can make a difference to the families that made the greatest sacrifice of all! Your church’s name will be painted on one concrete block of the Gold Star Family Inn to encourage many other fellowships to join in.

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The United States began observing Gold Star Mother's Day on the last Sunday of September, in 1936. The Gold Star Wives was formed before the end of World War II. The Gold Star Lapel Button was established in August 1947. Today, the nation recognizes the sacrifice that all Gold Star Family

Who hasn’t thought, “What can I do to honor these special families? How can we reach out to family members that have lost a loved one who has fallen in the service our country?”

town to honor a fallen hero's family.

You will be able to follow our progress and your involvement at:

www.GoldStarFamilyInn.com

Online readers, we’ve included a link to printable PDF puzzle page!

ACROSS 1 Get water by hand 5 Annoying insect 9 Capture 12 Son of Abraham 14 That hurts! 15 Blaze 16 Fish tank dweller 17 Do __ others 18 Peak 19 Protect 21 Honor your father and __ 23 Continent 24 Traded the check for money 25 Site of Jacob's well 28 Island 29 Court 30 Capital of Morocco 33 Speak in public 37 Fortify 38 First woman 39 Card game 40 On earth __, good will toward men 43 Start over 46 Hubbub 47 Secret of Samson's strength 49 Scorches 51 Stylish 53 Wise man 54 Pencil remover 55 Type of star or watch

58 What a clock tells 59 Distant 62 Sesame Street's grouch 64 Northeast by north 65 Otherwise 66 Brother's daughter 67 Spots 68 One of the Gospels 69 Cheese DOWN 1 Hole 2 Avails 3 School subject 4 Outcast 5 Orange cheese 6 Sister 7 Feign 8 Doubting __ 9 Nook 10 Weaponed 11 Lager 13 Roman title 15 Honor your __ and mother 20 Italian money 22 Capital of Norway 24 Uses as a reference 25 Switch 26 Past times 27 Unconsciousness 31 Jam fruit 32 Average (abbr.) 34 A king of the Amalekites

35 Ocean movement 36 Son of Seth 41 Many are called, but few are __ 42 Move gently 44 Twin brother of Jacob 45 Tiger-lion 48 Nation of Jews 50 Mythical animal 51 Cooked in oil 52 Sacrificial animals 53 Escapade 54 Gas burner 56 Did well 57 Biblical word for You idiot! 60 Contagious disease 61 Request 63 Radioactivity unit

Dear Lord, Help me not despise the things I do not know or understand. ~William Penn

puzzle page

Answers to CrossWord Puzzle on Page 47

Answers to Sudoku Puzzle on Page 33

God Loves you just the way you are, not the way you should be. Because no one is as they should be. - Brennan Manning

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gracefilled fellowships

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FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Sunday School: 9:30 AM Praise & Worship: 10:30 AM (Children's Church and Nursery Available) Sunday Evening Service: 6 PM 300 W Hensley St, Branson, MO (417) 334-4308

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First Presbyterian Church Pastor Tom Wilcox see service times at: jimbakkershow.com/morningside/ churchservices/

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A week without a Sabbath is perpetual bondage. 28

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His life is your life, His death is your death, His righteousness is your righteousness

S t i l l Wa t e r s International Ministries

Waking the World to their Loving Creator Okay, so we are not a typical church but we are a training ground to make disciples for Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit! Come visit OUR FAMILY Sunday morning at 9:45 am and you will see what we mean.

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Join us for weekly services: Erev Shabbat (Friday) 7:30 pm Shabbat (Saturday) 11 am (417) 3347373 www.TheTabernacleinBranson.com

religion brings condemnation

BY CINDY JACOBS

The Lord Says He Will Give You Grace to Reject Rejection Mike: Hi, Mike and Cindy Jacobs here at Generals International. Cindy [and] I was just saying something the other day that I thought would be really encouraging to all of our friends. It was a little saying that was actually in a clip that Barbara Wentroble did. It was SW, SW, SW. What does that stand for? I call it SW cubed. It means, "Some will, some won't, so what?" Here's the deal with that, and the context of that is this: As you're going through your life and there's things that you're offering to people, there's things that you've received from the Lord, and you get all excited and you share it with people. Some will get it. Some won't get it. But so what? Just go with the ones who have the ability to receive. Some people have eyes that see. Some people don't have eyes that see. But in this season, I'm believing for you that more people will be the first SW, "some

will." Just disregard the "some won't" and go with the ones that will.

Cindy: Yes, and I want to just speak into that because the Lord would say, "There is a real attack from the enemy, trying to make people feel rejected and abandoned and confused." The Lord is just speaking to me for you. Rejection can be the daily bread of a pioneer. You're doing something, you're starting down a new path. Whether it's for your generation or to connect the generations, maybe you're working on a new business idea. The Lord is saying to me that it's not about whether they're saying that they like your idea. It's a God idea.

going to give you the grace to reject rejection. He's going to give you the strength to know you're loved so much by your Father that you are not abandoned. Even if man should abandon you, even if your friends should abandon you, God will never forsake you. He is always there with you. Continue pioneering, continue straight ahead. That confusion's going to melt away. You're going to know what to do, so just don't be deterred from your path that God has set your feet to walk on. Just continue straight ahead, and you are going to be successful, and you will find a lot of people that will stand with you. Amen. Many blessings.

The Lord says just press ahead for it. The fact that people are pushing back against you really is an indicator that you're going the right way. So, no pushback; you're not a pioneer. Pioneers always have that. There's always that giants in the land, they're going to come up against you. I said, no giants, you're not in your promised land.

Cindy Jacobs is an author, speaker and teacher with a heart for discipling nations in the areas of prayer and prophetic gifts. She and Mike—her husband of 43 years—co founded Generals International in 1985. This article originally appeared at:

Generals.org So, I just want to encourage you, the Lord is Nick Morris Licensed Insurance Agent HealthMarkets Insurance AgencySM Health | Medicare | Small Group | Life | Supplemental

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a double feature from a canadian brother, ay?

Some Advice On SameSex Marriage For US Church Leaders From A Canadian n June 2015, the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples can marry in all 50 states, setting off a flurry of reaction by Christians and virtually everyone else on social media and beyond.

BY CAREY NIEUWHOF

The social media reaction ranged from surprising to predictable to disappointing to occasionally refreshing. I write from the perspective of a pastor of an evangelical church in a country where same sex-marriage has been the law of the land for a decade. That does not mean I hold any uniquely deep wisdom, but it does mean we’ve had a decade to process and pray over the issue. I hope what I offer can help. It’s my perspective. My fingers tremble at the keyboard because my goal is to help in the midst of a dialogue that seems far more divisive than it is uniting or constructive. There will be many who disagree with me, I’m sure, but I hope it pulls debate away from the “sky is falling/this is the best thing ever” dichotomy that seems to characterize much of the dialogue so far. The purpose of this post is not to take a position or define matters theologically (for there is so much debate around that). Rather, the purpose of this post is to think through how to respond as a church when the law of the land changes as fundamentally as it’s changing on same-sex marriage and many other issues. Here are 5 perspectives I hope are helpful as church leaders of various positions on the subject think and pray through a way forward. 1. The Church Has Always Been Counter Cultural Most of us reading this post have been born into a unique season in history in which our culture is moving from a Christian culture to a post-Christian culture before our eyes. Whatever you think about history, theology or exactly when this shift happened, it’s clear for all of us that the world into which we were born no longer exists. Viewpoints that were widely embraced by culture just decades ago are no longer embraced. For some this seems like

progress. For others, it seems like we’re losing something. Regardless, things have changed fundamentally. But is that really such a big deal? For most of the last 2000 years, the authentic church has been counter-cultural. The church was certainly counter-cultural in the first century. Even at the height of ‘Christendom’ (whenever that was), the most conservative historians would agree that Christianity as embraced by the state was different than the authentic Christianity we read about in scripture or that was practiced by many devout followers of Jesus.

• Wait until marriage to have sex? • Clean up their language? • Stop smoking weed? • Be faithful to one person for life? • Pass laws like the entire nation was Christian? Seriously? Why?

Being counter-cultural usually helps the church more than hurts it.

Why do Christians expect non-Christians to behave like Christians? Why?

If you think about it, regardless of your theological position, all your views as a Christian are counter-cultural and always will be. If your views are cultural, you’re probably not reading the scriptures closely enough.

Most people today are not pretending to be Christians. So why would they adopt Christian values or morals?

Regardless of your theological position, all your views as a Christian should be counter-cultural. We’re at our best when we offer an alternative, not just a reflection of a diluted or hijacked spirituality. 2. It’s Actually Strange To Ask Non Christians To Hold Christian Values As the Barna Group has pointed out, a growing number of people in America are best described as post-Christian. The majority of Canadians would certainly qualify as having a post-Christian worldview. The question Christians in a post-Christian culture have to ask themselves is this: Why would we expect non-Christians to behave like Christians? If you believe sex is a gift given by God to be experienced between a man and a woman within marriage, why would you expect people who don’t follow Christ to embrace that? Why would we expect people who don’t profess to be Christians to:

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Please don’t get me wrong. I’m a pastor. I completely believe that the Jesus is not only the Way, but that God’s way is the best way. When you follow biblical teachings about how to live life, your life simply goes better. It just does. I 100 percent agree. I do everything I personally can to align my life with the teachings of scripture, and I’m passionate about helping every follower of Christ do the same. But what’s the logic behind judging people who don’t follow Jesus for behaving like people who don’t follow Jesus? Why would you hold the world to the same standard you hold the church? NonChristians usually act more consistently with their value system than you do. It’s difficult for a non-Christian to be a hypocrite because they tend to live out what they believe. Chances are they are better at living out their values than you or I are. Jesus never blamed pagans for acting like pagans. But he did speak out against religious people for acting hypocritically. Think about that.

I know you want to believe that’s not true (trust me, I want to believe that’s not true), but why don’t you ask around? You’ll discover that only a few really surrender their sexuality. Not to mention the married folks that struggle with porn, lust and a long list of other dysfunctions. If you believe gay marriage is not God’s design, you’re really dealing with the same issue you’ve been dealing with all along— sex outside of its God-given context. You don’t need to treat it any differently. By the way, if you don’t deal with straight sex outside of marriage, don’t start being inconsistent and speak out against gay sex. And you may want to start dealing with gluttony and gossip and greed while you’re at it. (I wrote more here about how to get the hypocrisy out of our sex talk in church.) At least be consistent…humbly address all forms of sex outside of marriage. The dialogue is possible. We have that dialogue all the time at our church. And people are grateful for it. We also talk about our greed, our gluttony, our jealousy and our hypocrisy as Christians. It’s amazing. Jesus brings healing to all these areas of life, including our sex lives. If you don’t talk about straight sex outside of marriage, don’t talk about gay sex. 4. The Early Church Never Looked To The Government For Guidance Having a government that doesn’t embrace the church’s values line for line actually puts Christians in some great company—the company of the earliest followers of Jesus. Jesus spent about zero time asking the government to change during his ministry. In fact, people asked him to become the government, and he replied that his Kingdom is not of this world. The Apostle Paul appeared before government officials regularly. Not once did he ask them to change the laws of the land.

He did, however, invite government officials to have Jesus personally change them. Paul constantly suffered at the hands of the authorities, ultimately dying under their power, but like Jesus, didn’t look to them for change. Rather than asking the government to release him from prison, he wrote letters from prison talking about the love of Jesus Christ. Instead of looking to the government for help, Paul and Jesus looked to God. None of us in the West are suffering nearly as radically as Jesus and Paul suffered at the hands of a government. In fact, in Canada and the US, our government protects our freedom to assemble and even disagree with others. Plus, it gives us tax breaks for donations. We honestly don’t have it that hard. Maybe the future North American church will be more like the early church, rising early, before dawn, to pray, to encourage, to break bread. Maybe we will pool our possessions and see the image of God in women. And love our wives radically and deeply with a protective love that will shock the culture. Maybe we will treat others with self-giving love, and even offer our lives in place of theirs. Maybe we’ll be willing to lose our jobs, our homes, our families and even our lives because we follow Jesus. That might just touch off a revolution like it did two millennia ago. Perhaps the government might even take notice, amazed by the love that radical Jesus followers display. Instead of looking to the government for help, Paul and Jesus looked to God. 5. Our Judgment Of LGBT People Is Destroying Any Potential Relationship Even the first 72 hour of social media reaction has driven a deeper wedge between Christian leaders and the LGBT community Jesus loves (yes, Jesus died for the world because he loves it). Judgment is a terrible evangelism strategy. People don’t line up to be judged. Judgment is a terrible evangelism strategy. People don’t line up to be judged. Instead, they flee. If you want to keep being ineffective at reaching unchurched people, keep judging

them. Judging outsiders is un-Christian. Paul told us to stop judging people outside the church. Jesus said God will judge us by the same standard with which we judge others. If you want to be ineffective at reaching unchurched people, judge them. Paul also reminds us to drop the uppityattitude; that none of us were saved by the good we did but by grace. Take a deep breath. You were saved by grace. Your sins are simply different than many others. And honestly, in many respects, they are the same. People don’t line up to be judged. But they might line up to be loved. So love people. Especially the people with whom you disagree. Those are a few of the things I’ve learned and I’m struggling with. The dialogue is not easy when culture is changing and people who sincerely love Jesus sincerely disagree. I think there’s more hope than there is despair for the future. The radical ethic of grace and truth found in Jesus is more desperately needed in our world today than ever before. Is the path crystal clear? No. But rather than being a set back, perhaps this can move the church yet another step closer to realizing its true mission. Show grace. Respect those with whom you disagree. Please spend at least as much time praying for the situation and for people you know who have been hurt by this dialogue as you do cgriping about this article, others like it or on your social media channels. Maybe spend more time praying, actually. That’s what we all really need. And that’s what will move the mission of the church forward.

Sudoku Answers to Page 27

3. You’ve Been Dealing With Sex Outside Of Traditional Marriage For A LONG Time. If you believe gay sex is sinful, it’s really no morally different than straight sex outside of marriage. Be honest, pretty much every unmarried person in your church is having sex (yes, even the Christians).

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liberals can only deny this through intellectual dishonesty continued from page 17

One reason for this relative freedom in medieval Europe was the Christian teaching that the faith had to be freely chosen. Another was the medieval world’s particular concern for knowing the truth — including religious truth — and its conviction that truth could be established through rational demonstration. A precondition for such exercises is a high degree of freedom of inquiry. Not only did this result in the world’s first universities emerging in medieval Europe; it also implied limits on what could be compelled. For what was at stake was truth, first and foremost, rather than freedom of speech for its own sake. This Christian reliance on natural law for thinking through people’s freedoms and responsibilities vis-à-vis the truth did not disappear with the Reformation. It made its way across the Atlantic to the Americas and was crucial, as David Lantigua states, to Bishop Bartolomé de las Casas’s defense of the Amerindian peoples. John Witte outlines how it also shaped the political and legal treatment of liberty questions by many Protestants. Prominent examples include John Calvin’s treatment of the idea of rights and Johannes Althusius’s explication of the relationship between the Decalogue, natural law, and religious and civil liberties.

Revision, Not Rejection Many of the Reformers’ ideas about liberty, church, and state were highly influenced by covenant theology. This played a crucial role in shaping the American treatment of particular freedoms. It did not amount to a complete break, David Little establishes, with the idea of unity between church and state. Nonetheless, this set of ideas did help establish a strong

Arguments against religious persecution don’t originate with figures such as Locke, but go much further back. Before the Enlightenment, the Reformation, and the Middle Ages, third- and fourth-century Latin Church Fathers such as Tertullian and Lactantius had already articulated strong cases for religious toleration.

philosophical convictions, the powerful Christian impact on the emergence of societies that take liberty seriously should be recognized by anyone interested in truth rather than pressing particular ideological claims. The unanswered question, which falls beyond the scope of these essays, is how many liberals are willing to reconsider some of their urban legends about the relationship between Christianity and liberty.

BY SAMUEL GREGG

Indeed, Levy notes that this was a society in which “there remained a consistent recognition of religious freedom by both divine and natural law.” Of course, such religious freedom was not unlimited. The same is true today in all societies that recognize religious liberty as a right. Moreover, if religious liberty can be derived from the natural law, then the same natural law provides this freedom with its ends and parameters.

attachment to conscience protections in some American colonies. In William Penn’s case, Little argues, conscience protections were also grounded in the demands of reason.

On that subject, alas, I am not optimistic.

www.Stream.org These reflections have implications for one of those perennial debates about the American Founding: i.e., how much colonial America’s commitment to liberty was shaped by distinctly secular Enlightenment concerns rather than Christian claims about freedom. Surveying a range of sources, Matthew J. Franck maintains that while the American Founding was certainly influenced by Enlightenment and moderate Whig ideas, Christian theological arguments played an equally important role. Franck goes so far as to maintain that “one cannot say with confidence that even among the elite founders (excepting always Franklin and Jefferson, clearly the most heterodox) there was a self-conscious ‘jettisoning’ of key Christian beliefs, much less any consensus on their part that among the people at large, the Christian faith was a mere opiate of the masses.” Though Franck does not press the case, I’d suggest that his argument should be considered carefully by those Christians of what might be called a traditionalist disposition who doubt the American experiment’s longterm compatibility with orthodox Christian belief. In this regard, Franck’s essay underscores one of this book’s more important themes. As Daniel Philpott writes in his essay on Christian contributions to modern democracy, “the secular liberal narrative merits sharp revision. Revision, not rejection.” It is not a simple matter to sort out which (and how) different and sometimes opposed forces helped actualize particular political, cultural, and economic achievements. Yet these essays make it clear that the widespread liberal claim that Christians and the Christian religion somehow stood holus bolus in the way of the development of free societies is untenable.

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at least Russell was intellectually honest

The Benevolent Influence of Christianity

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened” (Matthew 13:33). It is agreed among Bible expositors that the “leaven” of this parable signifies the pervasive and benevolent influence of the kingdom of Christ, as this “leaven” would make its presence felt from the first century onward. In his classic work on the parables, Trench noted that Christianity, “[w]orking from the centre to the circumference, by degrees. . . made itself felt, till at length the whole Roman world was, more or less, leavened by it”. In an important treatise on the parables, Taylor affirmed that the leaven represents “the good, wholesome, aggressive influence which Christ introduced into the world when he came to earth, and lived and died, and rose again, as the Savior of sinners”. The Roman World There is, perhaps, no more graphic portrait of the vileness of the Mediterranean world than that which is painted by Paul in the opening chapter of his epistle to the Romans. It is dismal indeed. William Barclay observed: “When we read Romans 1:26-32 it might seem that this passage is the work of some almost hysterical moralist who was exaggerating the contemporary situation and painting it in colours of rhetorical hyperbole. It describes a situation of degeneracy of morals almost without parallel in human history. But there is nothing that Paul said that the Greek and Roman writers of the age did not themselves say”. The Scottish scholar then proceeded to document his depiction with ample citations from ancient historians who commented upon this period of depraved history. It was into this hostile environment that the

religion of Jesus was inaugurated, gradually but surely changing for the better the moral climate of that world. If one is inclined to think that this appraisal is biased, perhaps we may appeal to the testimony of a writer who never could be accused of entertaining sympathy for Christianity. A Modern Skeptic Testifies Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), an agnostic (occasionally professing atheism), has been characterized as the most influential philosopher of the twentieth century. In 1950, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. He was a militant opponent of the religion of Jesus Christ, even producing a popular essay titled, “Why I am not a Christian.” I mention this to demonstrate that whatever testimony is elicited from him certainly will not arise from a heart that is disposed toward the Teacher from Nazareth. Be that as it may, Russell, oddly enough, became an unwitting witness to the truth of the “leavening” activity of the Christian system in the Roman world. First, the philosopher commented concerning the barbarous practice of infanticide (i.e., the destruction of newborn infants) — a practice common in the Roman world. “Infanticide, which might seem contrary to human nature, was almost universal before the rise of Christianity, and is recommended by Plato to prevent overpopulation” . Second, Russell gave a nodding tribute to the influence of Christianity relative to the status of women in the Roman world. “In antiquity, when male supremacy was unquestioned and Christian ethics were still unknown, women were harmless but rather silly, and a man who took them seriously was somewhat despised” Third, there is this comment regarding Christian benevolence in general. “Christianity, as soon as it conquered the state, put an end to gladiatorial shows, not because they were cruel, but because they were idolatrous. The result, however, was to diminish the widespread education in cruelty by which the populace of Roman towns were degraded. Christianity also did much to soften the lot of slaves. It

Our world may be thankful indeed for the lingering influence of Jesus’ life and teaching upon this Earth.

BY WAYNE JACKSON

n one of his delightfully instructive parables, Jesus set forth the following concept regarding his approaching reign:

established charity on a large scale, and inaugurated hospitals”. While Russell was in error regarding his assertion that the gladiatorial games were abolished on the basis of idolatrous associations, rather than on moral grounds, he nonetheless conceded the benevolent effect of the Christian system.

For citations, see: Jackson, Wayne. "The Benevolent Influence of Christianity."

ChristianCourier.com

God’s Power Exceeds All Limits Do you really believe God has the ability to do anything? Are you measuring the Lord’s power by your own limited expectations? “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us.” (Ephesians 3:20, MEV). When you have the Holy Spirit dwelling within, you are given access to His unlimited power.

However, there is an IF factor. IF you are not judging others, IF you have a pure heart regarding material gain, IF you treat your fellow man the way you want to be treated, IF you give God what is His and Caesar what belongs to him, IF you actually have a relationship with Him, IF you kill the religious spirit within you... until then, stop whining about God not doing your bidding.

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the shack attack

The Shack Movie – Heretical or Healing?

With Deep Regrets, 'The Shack' Artist Warns About Devastation of Universalism he cover artist behind The Shack says he has deep regrets about being involved in the project that has captivated millions.

A movie review of The Shack

BY ADAM C. PELSER

BY JESSILYN JUSTICE

"The movie release of The Shack has brought all this back to my mind and I felt the need to apologize to all who I may have led astray by my promoting the book. I look back and see how little discernment I had. And I regret and apologize also for waiting this long to publicly share this," Dave Aldrich wrote in a Facebook post. Aldrich says author Wayne Jacobson approached him in 2006 about designing the cover and the interior pages for William P. Young's personal reflections turned into a novel for public consumption. In 2009, he praised how the project impacted his career path, and said he was "blessed" with the opportunity. Eight years later, as the movie version of the book claims success, Aldrich says he's been convicted about his work. "Embracing The Shack, as I did, led me to other books, other authors who had started out on the straight and narrow, having solid biblical beliefs, but strayed off into apostasy land. Rob Bell, Jim Palmer, Brian McLaren, to name a few of those by whom I was inspired. That 'inspiration' led me to the edge of this Universalist belief. I thank the Lord that He pulled me back from that edge," Aldrich says. "The Shack's story wonderfully painted this picture to me of an incredibly knowable and loving God, one full of forgiveness, but without being judgmental. The fact is that there are two inseparable sides to God. He is both love and judge," he continues. "Again, this thing called 'free will' has given us the ability to willfully accept God's gracious gift of His Son, Jesus, who died on a cross to save us from our sins, or willfully reject His gracious gift. Jesus did die for the sins of the whole world, but tragically most of the world has and will refuse Him," Aldrich concludes.

few nights ago, my wife Katie and I attended an emotionally moving, even if a bit clichéd and melodramatic, presentation that encouraged us to reflect on the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and on the age-old question, “Why does God allow evil and suffering?” But we were not at church, and we were not in an academic lecture hall. We were at a movie theater.

WWW.AMERICAN CHRISTIAN VOICE.COM | VOL.13 #2

We were watching The Shack, the new movie based on William Paul Young’s bestselling 2007 novel by the same title. The book has been the subject of a great deal of criticism on account of some of its troubling theological claims. Rather than offering another review of the book here, my aim is to provide a theological review of the movie on its own terms. The first thing to note about The Shack is that whatever we say about its theology (not to mention its screenwriting and acting), in a culture that values shallow entertainment over substantive enquiry, it is remarkable that any major motion picture would encourage its viewers to wrestle with important theological issues. Unfortunately, although the movie offers a poignant and potentially healing response to the problem of evil and suffering, it also is suggestive of some unbiblical theology about the nature of God and the unique truth of Christianity. God in Three Human Persons? One of the unbiblical teachings that seems to be suggested by The Shack is that God the Father, and perhaps also the Holy Spirit, became incarnate along with the Son. After struggling for years with grief, guilt, and anger at himself and God, the movie’s main character, Mack, receives a mysterious note in his mailbox inviting him to visit with God at the very shack where his young daughter was brutally murdered years before. When he arrives at the shack, Mack meets the three divine Persons of the Trinity in the forms of a black woman (the Father, “Papa”), a Jewish man (the Son, Jesus), and an Asian woman (the Holy Spirit, whose name “Sarayu” is a

Sanskrit word that means “wind”). What should we say about this representation of the Godhead? First, Jesus taught His disciples to refer to the first Person of the Trinity as “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9). Yet, the Father is not human and does not have a human sex or gender. The Bible clearly teaches that God’s image is reflected by male and female alike (Genesis 1:27) and that His children come “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Revelation 7:9, ESV). All people are bearers of the image of God and all who place their faith in Jesus for salvation are equally members of the body of Christ, regardless of nationality, race, and gender (cf. Galatians 3:28). Nevertheless, The Shack’s fictional representation of the three Persons of the Trinity in human form might lead viewers to develop an unduly anthropomorphic conception of the Godhead. It might also communicate the unbiblical view that all three Persons of the Trinity became incarnate. In fact, at one point in the movie, Papa reveals crucifixion scars on his wrists as evidence that he suffered with Jesus on the Cross. This scene seems to suggest that the Father not only became incarnate, but also was crucified along with the Son (as the book explicitly claims). This teaching stands in stark opposition to the Bible and the ancient Christian creeds, all of which attest that it was the Son, and not the Father or the Holy Spirit, who became incarnate and died on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins. What’s in a Name? Another theological problem in The Shack is its implicit suggestion that Christian beliefs about the nature of God are irrelevant to true faith. In a conversation with Mack about Christianity the character of Jesus denigrates religion and remarks, “I don’t care what you call him. I just want to see people changed by knowing Papa.” This sentiment is reminiscent of Shakespeare’s Juliet who muses, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” The problem, of course, is that different religions do not simply refer to the same God by different names; rather, they hold different, and in many cases contradictory, beliefs about God’s nature and character. Contrary to what The Shack suggests, people of different faiths do not all have faith in the same God.

No Unredeemable Evil The problematic theology in The Shack unfortunately detracts from some valuable aspects of its response to the problem of evil and suffering. One valuable element of the movie’s response to the problem is its hopeful message that there is no unredeemable suffering. God offers forgiveness even to the worst of sinners (so we should too!) and He is able to bring good out of even the most horrific evils. The movie also clearly communicates that although God allows suffering, which He then redeems, that does not mean that He is responsible for causing the suffering. As Papa explains to Mack, “I can work incredible good out of unspeakable tragedies. That doesn’t mean I orchestrate the tragedies.” The Healing Power of Our Suffering God Another valuable element of the movie’s response to the problem of suffering is its poignant portrayal of a God who suffers with us. In The Shack the divine Persons never try to explain to Mack why his precious daughter was allowed to suffer and die, but they share in his deep sorrow, demonstrating their unfailing love for Mack

As I watched the movie, I was reminded of the Christian philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff, whose son Eric died in a tragic mountain-climbing accident. In his book, Lament for a Son, Wolterstorff writes, “Instead of explaining our suffering God shares it. But I never saw it. Though I confessed that the man of sorrows was God himself, I never saw the God of sorrows. Though I confessed that the man bleeding on the cross was the redeeming God, I never saw God himself on the cross, blood from sword and thorn and nail dripping healing into the world’s wounds.” He explains that through his immense grief over Eric’s death he finally was able to see that, in Jesus’ sacrificial death on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins, “God is not only the God of the sufferers but the God who suffers. … Through the prism of my tears I have seen a suffering God.” I have never had to endure a tragedy like the one Nicholas Wolterstorff and his family suffered or like the one fictionally depicted in The Shack. I cannot even imagine the pain of having to bury one of my children. But reading Wolterstorff’s lament helps me to see God’s suffering love more clearly through the prism of my tears. Even if we cannot understand why God allows His children to suffer, we can be comforted and healed by the knowledge that in Christ He suffers with us and for us and that one day He will redeem all our suffering. On that great day, God will come to live with His children, not for a weekend in a mystical shack, but for all eternity in the new heaven and the new earth, “and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe

every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore” (Revelation 21:3–4, ESV).

CONTINUED

and his daughter. Moreover, in Scripture names matter. Names connote character. In fact, God’s name is so important to Him that the third of the Ten Commandments instructs the Israelites, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7, ESV). This does not mean that God privileges a particular language’s translation or pronunciation of His name. But to suggest that all religions’ names for God, and the theologies those names connote, are equally valid (or unimportant) is to dishonor God’s holy name.

To be clear, I do not encourage you to go see The Shack. The potentially healing aspects of the movie’s response to the problem of suffering are unfortunately bound up with unbiblical suggestions about the nature of God and the uniqueness of Christianity. Rather than spending your money on a movie ticket, I encourage you instead to buy a copy of Wolterstorff’s Lament for a Son or C. S. Lewis’s A Grief Observed and The Problem of Pain. And if you are suffering, my prayer is that you will let the one true triune God meet you in your suffering so that your heart might be healed.[5] Adam C. Pelser is an associate professor of philosophy. He writes and teaches on ethics, emotions, virtues, and philosophical theology. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamCPelser. _____________________________________ editor’s note: If there are any flaws in the allegorical story that is The Shack, it pales in comparison to the condemning, legalistic depiction of God that religion has perverted for thousands of years. As offended as some are to God being played as a woman; it reminds us that God is neither male nor female and chooses to reveal Himself in the traditional, masculine leadership role. This narrative still insists that all who enter a relationship with God, ultimately, must do so through the Son. All Christians need to see this movie. Religion always errs on law. This musing concentrates on the mystery that is Grace. Get extra butter on your popcorn and enjoy!

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the least of these are not beggars

Helping Vs Enabling: How To Know Which Is Which e are told to help the needy and we are also told to be wise.

BY JOE

The challenge is to do both simultaneously. Is it possible that our “help” isn’t actually helping? Could we be enabling instead? How do we know the difference? What are some guidelines? First, some definitions: Helping is doing something for someone else that they are not capable of doing for themselves. Enabling is doing things for someone else that they can and should be doing for themselves. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Yet we all too often find ourselves enabling instead of helping.

his son’s truck. I know this father and am absolutely convinced that he was deeply empathetic of his son’s plight. I doubt if this father slept much knowing his son was in jail, but he wisely allowed his son to suffer the consequences of his actions. By the way, the son never drove after drinking again. We Might Like The Feeling Of Control. This one is more prevalent with enabling parents, but it works like this: mom or dad just can’t allow those apron strings to be cut, so they will allow a grown child to continue to live at home, often paying Junior’s bills and letting him get by with doing little to improve himself. The parent, in a perverted way, allows his son or daughter to become co-dependent so he can maintain control over the child.

Maybe not, but continually giving without following up on how the gift was used is your problem. Yes, doing so is a hassle, but if you continually buy groceries for a friend who doesn’t know how to manage his money, you are not helping. We Think Suffering Is Always Bad. None of us like to see someone suffer, but preventing suffering is often not wise. I have a 40 year old friend who vividly recalls the time when, as a teenager, he was arrested for drinking and driving. Upon being notified by the police, his father chose to leave him in jail overnight instead of bailing him out. Furthermore, the dad sold

Allow God To Work. When you intervene by not allowing someone to suffer the consequences of his actions, you are limiting how God can work in that situation. Galatians 6:7 tells us, “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant”. Allowing another to suffer those consequences is, in effect, partnering with God. Remember: comfortable people have zero motivation to change their behavior. Hebrews 12:11 is an apt reminder: “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way”. Guard Your Heart.

Why Does This Happen? Knowing The Difference Is Hard Work. We could simply be too lazy to discern whether we are really helping or not. It is easy to throw money at an issue and pat ourselves on the back, thinking, “Well, I have done my part. How the gift is received is not my problem.”

Simply giving without requiring accountability is irresponsible. We need to develop discernment to help us know the difference between helping and enabling.

It would be easy to smugly say, “He is getting what is owed to him.” While this may be true, we need to continue to pray for this person, encourage him and wish him the best. Grow A Backbone. It all boils down to saying “no” when we find ourselves doing things for someone who could and should be doing it for himself. This is especially tough with friends and family, but that “no” can be the best help we could ever offer. Concluding Thoughts We Can’t Deal With The Strife. Again, this one is specific to parents. The child needs to be told “no”, but the parent would rather enable the child than deal with the ensuing strife that “no” brings. Whether it be a toddler who throws a tantrum in the grocery store aisle or the adult child who begs for rent money, mom or dad will too often acquiesce because they can’t handle the consequences of tough love. What Should We Do? Realize That God Expects Us To Be Good Managers Of His Resources.

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God expects us to be both helpful and wise. Part of that wisdom involves monitoring our help to make sure we are not enabling. Sometimes the very best help is a loving and firm “no”. www.christianpf.com/author/joe/

editor’s note: Please research the misconception that “The least of these” are the poor. They are not. The least of these are the ones that spread the Gospel.

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we all are to some degree

The Power of a Mother’s Devotion

BY TIM CHALLIES

(Christian Men and Their Godly Moms) Tragic circumstances often bring out the best and worst of our character. They stretch our endurance, build our discipline, and strengthen our resolve. They expose the godliness we have cultivated in our hearts. But tragic circumstances can also expose the sin that remains within us. They bring us to situations beyond our strength and control, and at such times we may react by being callous or overbearing toward others. They magnify our weaknesses and leave us humbled with our insufficiency. So far in our series, we have looked at a number of men who had the privilege of being raised by both of their parents. Today, we turn to a mother who was forced by tragic circumstances to raise her sons on her own. Though this trial eventually brought out her weaknesses and sins, it was her steadfast devotion that shone most brightly through her life as a single mother. With godly determination and unfailing love, she brought up her sons in the discipline of the Lord and provided for their every need. It is little wonder, then, that many years later Charles Hodge would pay tribute to his mother as the one person in the world to whom he owed absolutely everything. In this entry in “Christian Men and Their Godly Moms,” we see power of a mother’s devotion.

Joy and Grief Charles Hodge was one of five children born to Hugh and Mary Hodge. Mary was born in 1765. Historians know little of her younger years except that she was exceptionally beautiful and that at the age of 20, following the death of her parents, she moved to Philadelphia to live with her brother. It was here that she met Hugh, who experienced something like love at first sight. They courted for a number of years before marrying in 1790. Hugh was a member of a wealthy and influential family that had settled in Philadelphia in the early 1700s. Hugh’s father, Andrew Hodge, had made a fortune in international trading and had also been active in local and national politics. A pious Christian, Andrew was involved in building and promoting Presbyterianism in America. Hugh grew up in the midst of affluence, was educated at Princeton College, and then trained as a doctor. Though for a time he pursued a

career as a merchant, he returned to medicine soon after his wedding and established himself as a respected Philadelphia physician. Both he and Mary were committed Christians who hailed from a long line of Presbyterians. From the beginning, the Hodge’s marriage was marked by tragedy. Their first three children succumbed to disease one after the other, the eldest to yellow fever and the next two to measles. Their fourth child, Hugh Jr., was the first to survive infancy. Their fifth and final child, Charles, was born less than two years after his elder brother. The boys’ father would soon be gone as well. When Charles was just 7 months old, his father died of yellow fever, leaving his family with little more than a small piece of property that generated a meager and inconsistent income.

Parenting and Providing Alone This early theological training laid a foundation that would mark the rest of Charles’s life. Thankfully, Mary was a determined and capable woman who resolved to care for her sons and to provide for them to the absolute best of her ability. To do this, she often had to rent out much of her home to boarders, sometimes leaving only a single room to herself and the boys. Circumstances forced her to move house often, usually to smaller quarters. Yet even while she bore such weighty responsibilities, she remained active in her church and community and even established a soup kitchen to serve impoverished women. She placed great emphasis on her sons’ education, working long hours and demeaning jobs to ensure they could attend good schools. She herself took the lead in their Christian education, tutoring them especially in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. She arranged for her sons to meet with their pastor to recite the Catechism’s questions and answers and, when they had mastered it, to participate in his Bible study. This early theological training laid a foundation that would mark the rest of Charles’s life. By 1810, Mary’s limited means forced her to send her boys to live with relatives in Somerville, New Jersey. This was the only way they could gain a superior education at an affordable price. In the two years Charles was away from home, he and his mother remained in constant contact through letters, and her chief concern was

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his development in godly character. She emphasized the value of hard work and of living a deliberate, structured life. She also encouraged him to find older Christian men who might be able to take on a kind of paternal role. Much of what Charles would become and would accomplish can be traced to the foundation laid by his mother in catechizing him and inculcating in him Christian virtues. Charles showed his affection for Mary in the words that began his letters: “My Dear Mother,” “My Dearest Mother,” or “My Dear Mamma.” He might close with “I am ever, my dear mother, your affectionate Charles,” “I remain, dear mother, your son,” or “My dear mother’s affectionate son.” The next step in the boys’ education was Princeton College. Though Mary moved to Princeton and was together again with her boys, these days proved to be especially difficult. The War of 1812 severely impacted Mary’s income from her property, and she was forced to welcome more boarders and to do laundry for her neighbors. But she persisted, and through humbling, hard work, she earned enough to support her family and to keep her children enrolled in school. Charles began his studies at Princeton in 1812 and quickly distinguished himself as an able student. In his senior year, revival suddenly swept the school, and he was caught up in it. He began to question whether he was taking his faith seriously enough and whether he was a Christian at all. Through a time of soul-searching, he came to the conclusion that he was saved but that he must also formally join himself to the church. He made a public profession of faith at Princeton Presbyterian Church on January 15, 1815. He understood this profession to be a kind of culmination or completion of the childhood nurture and admonition he had received from his mother and pastor. A desire to pursue ministry soon began to stir within him. Mary was not thrilled with this decision, perhaps because his older brother was pursuing a respectable career in medicine (he would go on to become an expert and innovator in the field of obstetrics) or perhaps because of her low estimation of Charles’ abilities. It was some time before he convinced her to give her assent. He eventually returned to Princeton for this purpose. Charles believed he might be called to frontier missions, but as soon as he

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Charles and Mary would always remain in close contact but, sadly, their relationship would experience times of strain and even begin to cool. It seems likely that Mary’s greatest strength in her steadfast devotion was also one of her greatest weaknesses. The determined oversight and influence she had exercised in Charles’ younger years became overbearing and meddlesome as he aged and gained his independence. Her inner drive for excellence also kept her from ever expressing satisfaction with Charles’s labors and accomplishments. He despaired of ever pleasing her. After Charles graduated, he began to pursue Sarah Bache, whom Mary harshly criticized as an unsuitable match. Though she would

later retract her words, she had wounded her son and damaged their relationship. Mary may have been hurt by her diminishing influence over Charles, as he developed a deep friendship with his colleague, mentor, and father-figure Archibald Alexander. At one point, Charles would tell his brother that he did not even know how to get near to his mother anymore and lament that she “appeared to have lost a good deal of her feeling for me.” To our mother, my brother and myself, under God, owe absolutely everything. Still, it came as a great shock and sorrow when, in 1832, Mary died. Her death came so suddenly that he was not able to be at her side. Though their relationship had cooled by the end, he gratefully acknowledged that she had the most significant and shaping influence on his life. In tribute to his mother, he would say, “To our mother, my brother and myself, under God, owe absolutely everything. To us she devoted her life. For us she prayed, labored, and suffered.” You, too, may be raising your children in circumstances you did not expect and would not have chosen. You, too, may be solely responsible for instructing them in the Christian faith and providing for their needs. Learn from Mary that God will supply all that you need to carry out

steadfast devotion until the end. Learn from Mary that he uses every bit of your faithful effort, even if that effort is mingled with sin. Learn from Mary that in your daily toil, you are not alone. Because even more than you are devoted to your children, God is devoted to your good in Christ Jesus. Information for this article was drawn from Charles Hodge by Paul Gutjahr, Charles Hodge by W. Andrew Hoffecker, and The Life of Charles Hodge by A.A. Hodge.

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graduated at 22, he was offered a faculty position at Princeton. He accepted and remained there for his entire career. He would go on to become a stalwart defender of Reformed theology and a leader within Presbyterianism. He would write notable commentaries on a number of key New Testament epistles. His magnum opus would be his three-volume systematic theology that remains in print today. But perhaps his greatest influence was in the thousands of seminarians he trained and dispatched into ministry across the United States and the world. For good reason, some began to call him “The Pope of Presbyterianism.”

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Hotlined to a Blessing! wenty years ago, I answered the phone and the person on the other end said, “This is Department of Human Services, is this Marla?” Surprised and wondering why they were calling me, I said, “Yes.” She continued, “You’ve been hotlined for child abuse. I am calling to set up a time to come to your house to begin investigating you and your children.”

I muttered, “I-n-v-e-s-t-i-g-a-t-i-o-n? For, what? Who is this again? I’m sure you have the wrong person. I’ve been hotlined? Are you serious?” I was sure that they’d called the wrong person or this was a bad joke!

By Lauren Enriquez

“Nope,” she said. “You are the right person.” After we hung up the phone, my hands were shaking and my stomach was churning. I was flabbergasted, to say the least. Many thoughts were running through my brain: I’ve never abused my children. My children mean everything to me. Next to Jesus, my children are the most important people in my life. This is a mistake! How could I be involved in such a horrible mistake? Who would call DHS and make up such a terrible lie about me? Why is this happening? During this time, I was a single mother of two children. My son was 4 years old and my daughter 2. Ironically, only a few days earlier, my parents had counseled me about disciplining my children more. They said I was a “softie” and my children needed more discipline. The false accusation and fear of DHS taking my children away got the best of me. I began experiencing headaches and stomach aches. I could not believe that I was being investigated for child abuse. When the DHS representative came to my house she asked us many questions and spent time with each child, alone, away from me. After spending time with us, her conclusion was that my children were well mannered, content, and joyful. Her report stated that I was not abusive and appeared to be a very loving, concerned, and caring mother. After the investigation was over, I began to question God why this had happened to me.

This led me to dig deep into Scriptures to try to figure out why I would be accused of something I did not do. I learned that there is an adversary, called our enemy (Satan), who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he can destroy (1 Peter 5:8). So it was the enemy who accused, lied, and tried to destroy me. I also discovered God’s goodness and how much He loves me. According to Psalm 136, God is good, and His love endures f-o-r-e-ve-r. Praise the LORD! God’s kindness, love, grace, and mercy also endures forever. When Jesus started his ministry, He taught about the “good news of the kingdom” and demonstrated this by healing the sick, casting out demons, and causing the paralyzed to walk. When Jesus was on a mountainside, he began teaching the crowd about a way of life that promises salvation and peace in the midst of trials and tribulations on this earth. He taught what is commonly known as The Sermon on the Mount, or, The Beatitudes. Beatitude means blessing, so Jesus began to teach how they could be blessed:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

discover a blessing from God. On that day, I chose to trust God, forgive the accuser, and embrace the peace that passes understanding. I know that you have faced difficulties, and maybe you have been falsely accused. Jesus is not the cause of those problems. Jesus desires to bless you, be kind to you, and pour out his lovingkindness onto you. He wants you to embrace the words He spoke through The Beatitudes and discover His blessing, today!

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Matthew 5:3-10 Jesus wanted them to know that the kingdom of heaven was available to them now. The kingdom of heaven is the spiritual rule of God existing in the hearts and lives of those who put their trust in Jesus Christ. As I learned The Beatitudes, I had a revelation: The persecution I had experienced from being falsely accused and lied about could be the avenue for me to

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put the mask on first AMERICA FIRST! ut on your own oxygen mask before helping those around you. That’s what every frequent flyer ignores on every flight they take. They have heard that trite instruction way too many times before. And since familiarty breeds contempt, when real emergencies come up they claw for the masks and fumble them on the kids first as they slowly lose consciousnes.

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Galatians 6:9

CrossWord Answers to Page 27

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. You’re no good to anyone else if you’re incompacitated. America can no longer bless the world as we have in the past. We are broke. If we do not put America first, we will not recover. If we do not recover, the world will implode.

Despite what all of the isolationist and globalist pundits believe, the United States stops rogue nations from taking over the planet. Charles Krauthammer was more explicit in a Washington Post op-ed: “The Paulites, (reference to neoisolationist, Senator Rand Paul) pining for the splendid isolation of the 19th century, want to leave the world alone on the assumption that it will then leave us alone. Which rests on the further assumption that international stability — open sea lanes, free commerce, relative tranquility — comes naturally, like the air we breathe. If only that were true. Unfortunately, stability is not a matter of grace. It comes about only by Great Power exertion… World order is maintained by American power and American will. Take that away and you don’t get tranquility. You get chaos.”

BY JOHN G. SACOULAS, managing editor

I tried to fit you in the walls inside my mind I try to keep you safely in between the lines I try to put you in the box that I've designed I try to pull you down so we are eye to eye When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world? I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world How could I make you so small When you're the one who holds it all When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world Just a whisper of your voice can tame the seas So who am I to try to take the lead Still I run ahead and think I'm strong enough When you're the one who made me from the dust When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?

So, yes, we must make America first, not to be selfish but in order to bless.

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