Jesus, Chick-Fil-A, and Homosexuality

Enough is enough! As the Chick-Fil-A hysteria has grown, both sides of this issue are becoming more and more inflamed.  The purpose of this writing is to encourage evangelical Christians who are taking a stand for their beliefs and to explain to Christians who are on the “side” of the LGBT community, why many evangelical Christians are taking a stand. If you are not a Christian you are still welcome to read this blog, but if you are offended in any way, just remember that I warned you.  That is not the intent; however, it could happen.

What does the Bible really say?  Comments used against the evangelicals range from the argument that Jesus didn’t say anything about homosexuality to Jesus’ ministry being a radical ministry of love.  So how do Christians explain what the Bible says when people interpret it differently?  Why do some Christians explain away some sections of the Bible and embrace others?  The divide within the Christian community seems to grow wider every day.  Unfortunately, there are many issues surrounding these questions that I will not be able to address here.  This verse comes to mind, and I suggest that it be prayerfully considered.  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”  Matthew 7:13-14.  These are Jesus’ words.  I suggest to you that we Christians need to re-evaluate which road we are traveling. 

Now, on to some arguments that I have heard from both Christians and non-Christians alike.  “What about judge not?”  The verses in question are these, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Matthew 7:1-2.  To explore the meaning of this verse, one must first understand what the word “judge” means.  At least two words in the Bible are used to describe what we consolidate into the word  “judge” today - the word judge and the word discern.  Biblical history suggests that the word “judge” involves making a decision regarding guilt and pronouncing a sentence.  Discernment would be to determine, through God’s spirit, those things that are sinful or not sinful.  Throughout the Bible, believers are told to be discerning.  The apostle Paul even prayed for the believers at Philippi with the following words, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:10-11.  So are Christians “judging” when we say that the Bible indicates that all forms of fornication are wrong, including homosexuality – absolutely not! Are we “judging” when we say that people who practice a Gay lifestyle are going to hell?  Well, yes, we are.  It is only for God to judge and pronounce sentence.  That is not our calling.  (This is why even many evangelical Christians are upset about the activities of Westboro Baptist Church.)

Another argument to be addressed that is quite troublesome because it shows a lack of understanding of the roots of the church is that if Christians are going to say that homosexuality is wrong then we shouldn’t wear polycotton blends, eat shellfish, etc.  These things are referring to laws given by God, through Moses, to the Israelites in the book of Leviticus.  First and foremost, these were laws given to the Israelites.  God had several purposes behind these laws; the first is evident in Exodus 19:5, “Now if you will obey me fully and keep my covenant then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.  Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”  The definition of holy is “set apart”.  This is God promising to “set apart” the nation of Israel for himself as a “treasured possession”.  Therefore, the laws present in Leviticus are God’s covenant with Israel, not with the gentiles.  Can we explain away these laws, then?  No, because if these laws were requirements for holiness then, they should be requirements for holiness now.  So why do we Christians often times not know or obey these laws?  To understand this, one has to look at the early church and the discussion by the apostles and elders over requirements for the gentiles.  The discussion surrounded the requirement of circumcision, and radiated to other areas of life. The account of the Jerusalem council can be found in Acts 15,  but the basic outcome was this, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit not to burden you with anything beyond these requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.  You will do well to avoid these things.”  Acts 15: 28-29. 

Christians should want to be holy, but the purpose of the law is to make us realize that we simply can’t do it on our own.  We are all sinners and only through the shedding of Jesus blood and His resurrection are we imparted righteousness.  Does this mean that we can forget all of the law and do as we please?  Absolutely not!  Consider Jesus words, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  I tell you the truth until heaven and earth disappear, not the least stroke of a pen will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”Matthew 5:17-18.  Consider also, the words of Paul – the man chosen by Christ to be the first missionary to the gentiles. “What shall we say then?  Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?  By no means! We died to sin, how can we live in it any longer?”  Romans 6:1-2.   Jesus made it clear that anyone can be forgiven, but is expected to repent.  It has often been argued that Jesus made it clear that we shouldn’t “judge” when he told the people “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”  This argument tends to overlook that Jesus (who is the ultimate judge) also told her to “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:11.  This command, straight from the mouth of God, indicates that we are not to continue in sin once we have been forgiven.

Now for the most confusing of all the misinterpretations that I have read regarding this topic – love.  What is love, exactly?  If you are a parent, do you allow your children to disobey, regardless of the consequences?  I would expect not.  If you are on a hike and your child wants to jump an unsafe distance, I would suspect that you would tell them “no” or stop them in order to protect them.  That is love in action.  God’s laws for our life were given out of His love for His children -a way to protect us from Satan and ourselves.  In the “Love Chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13.  We are told among other things that “love always protects”.  Love does not mean acceptance – “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 

So what about Chick-Fil-A?  Dan Cathy never said condemning words or told anyone they were going to hell.  He simply answered a question about his beliefs and said he supported Biblical marriage.  He gives money to groups who lobby congress to promote those beliefs.  So what?  We are blessed to live in a country where we can express our opinion and give money to whatever causes we want.  We can vote our beliefs.  As citizens of the U.S., we are more responsible than Christians in other countries who don’t have the freedom to vote and express their opinions.  So if you want to support Chick-Fil-A, go ahead.  If you don’t, then don’t.

In conclusion, I suggest to all Christians that we are to live holy lives under grace, attempting to abstain from sin. Praise God for his grace, since this is an impossible task!  Also, instead of vocally condemning the LGBT community in a hateful sounding fashion, love them, instruct them, and pray that God will use you to bring them to faith in Jesus.  What about professing Christians who are also practicing homosexuality?  Paul wrote difficult words for us to hear in 1 Corinthians 5:9-12.  Read these and other verses, but most of all pray!

Called to Controversy:The Unlikely Story of Moishe Rosen and the Founding of Jews for Jesus

“Christians need to recognize that it takes courage to witness to someone who just might be offended, angry, or argumentative.” These words of Moishe Rosen in  “Appendix A”  of Called to Controversy: The Unlikely Story of Moishe Rosen and the Founding of Jews for Jesus gives great insight into Moishe Rosen’s methodology of sharing the gospel with the Jewish people. Called to Controversy is not only about the life of Moishe Rosen, but about the development of the ministry that God gifted to Moishe as his life’s work.  Throughout the book, one sees Moishe Rosen’s life inextricably linked with the Jews for Jesus organization.  The line between private life and the ministry was practically nonexistent; sharing the gospel was a way of life for Moishe Rosen, as it should be for any follower of Christ.

Called to Controversy is an excellent read for those who are interested in witnessing to friends in the Jewish community.  This and my association with friends, who have found renewed meaning and zeal in their Christian faith by learning more about the practices and traditions of God’s Chosen People, were the motivators in my choice of reading/reviewing Called to Controversy.  I was not disappointed.  Learning about Moishe Rosen’s background and the thinking behind Jewish identity, certainly provides insights into how to approach Jews with the gospel message.  More than this, I was unfamiliar with “Jews for Jesus” and was educated about the mission of this ministry and the courage of the early volunteers with “Jews for Jesus”.

Ruth Rosen has created a masterful biography of her father, often written with insights from others who knew him.  These generous revelations from those who knew Moishe Rosen personally and who could attest personally to the deep and abiding love that Moishe Rosen had for the Lord and his dedication to sharing the love of Yeshua with the Jewish people, give the reader a sense of who Moishe Rosen was.  Ms. Rosen has skillfully created a work that paints her father as a real person with both strengths and weaknesses.  This is increasing rare and refreshing in a world where public figures paint a facade of perfection only to later be discovered as less than what they presented themselves.  Throughout the book, Moishe Rosen’s own words (recorded at the beginning of each chapter and within the remembrances of his friends) convey his principles, his concerns, and his unwavering dedication to sharing the gospel.  It is appropriate and exciting to find two appendices at the end of the book written by Moishe Rosen himself.  Ruth Rosen must be given credit for writing in a style that makes the reader feel as though they know Moishe Rosen personally.  Following the biography with these two appendices enhances this sense of familiarity. If Ms. Rosen’s goal was to have readers understand her father as though they had an opportunity to converse personally with him, I believe she accomplished this goal.

Finally, I must express that Called to Controversy has inspired me to find out more about “Jews for Jesus” and the work being done within the Jewish community.  I have visited the “Jews for Jesus” website, looked up videos on youtube.com, and purchased Witnessing to Jews by Moishe and Ceil Rosen.  This book has revolutionized how I view the need for witnessing to the Jewish community.  Thank you to Ruth Rosen and Thomas Nelson Publishing for writing and publishing such a tribute, not to Moishe Rosen, but to the Lord Jesus whom he served.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Big Miracle - Movie Review

Ok, so I'm breaking with with my normal format of book reviews to post a movie review. 

Big Miracle is the true story of the efforts in the 1980's to free 3 whales trapped in the arctic by a wall of ice.  My comments regarding this movie are mostly geared to how parents can use this movie to provide positive spiritual education (discipleship) for their children.  Because my oldest child (age 11) has developed a recent interest in marine biology, we took her to see this movie before any viewer reviews posted.

First, let me say that this movie shows many people/businesses/government doing the "right thing for all the wrong reasons".  Unfortunately, doing the right thing for money, public relations, political gain, etc is the way of the world. Often our motives are not pure and we find ourselves trapped in this form of hypocrisy.  This is an opportunity for parents to point out to their children what the Bible says about our motives and to remind children that "The Lord looks on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Secondly, this movie was rated PG for language.  There were frequent occurrences of the "d word" and "hell".  Once the abbreviation "SOB" was used.  Also, once a word calling someone an illegitimate child was used.  Harder language such as the "f-word" was not used (thankfully).  I would suggest that the maturity level of your children be considered before attending this movie.  Our oldest could not believe the language and commented afterward that the movie would have been better without it.  Our youngest, who is 8, would have been much better off without this exposure.

Thirdly, I would like to point out something that seemed rather minor, but that some parents may feel the need to explain to their children.  In one scene, the baby whale, "Bam-bam" dies.  As the Greenpeace worker cries, one of the community leaders leads a prayer in his native language.  (My assumption is that this is a prayer for the spirit of the animal, such as is common among other Native American communities.) This prayer is not sub-titled and will not be an issue for most viewers, however, I felt it was worth pointing out because of our family discussion after the movie.  In addition, my youngest daughter (age 8) was upset by the death of the baby whale. 

In conclusion, while this movie has many good qualities and many opportunities for discussion with an older, more mature child, I would recommend that parents be very cautious about taking a younger child to this movie.  The language alone is a serious deterrent to viewing this movie.  While we enjoyed the movie, we will probably be using some of the real life drama to aid in our discussions about Biblical morality and the Christian worldview for weeks to come.

Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan

Ascent from Darkness by Michael Leehan is an eye-opening explanation from the first person point-of-view of what a person experiences when they commit to working for God’s enemy, Satan. More importantly, however, is how God used Christians who crossed Mr. Leehan’s path to plant seeds of salvation, either through prayer, personal example, and/or forgiveness.  This book will give the Christian who is strong in their faith, the assurance that God is in control and He is victorious. 

First of all, I must tell the reader that I agonized over writing this review.  Mr. Leehan expressed that he is not a writer at the beginning of Ascent from Darkness.  I must say that the visual images that he presented in the book will not leave my mind.  His descriptive writing is extremely visual and powerful.

For that reason, if given the opportunity to speak to Mr. Leehan personally, I would ask him to preface the book with a warning.  It is my opinion that books dealing with the subject of the occult have the power to influence the reader in ways that they do not even recognize.   I would only recommend this book to Christians who are strong in their faith and who have a fair understanding of spiritual warfare. 

Part of my reason for this warning is what I experienced personally the day after I finished this book.  While the book’s theme is God’s deliverance of Mr. Leehan from the hand of Satan and his fallen angels, I found myself overcome with the discernment of evil around me.  The day after I finished this book, I found it difficult to focus in church, snapped at my family members, argued with my husband, and felt a deep sense of depression as I heard in my head suggestions that I was lazy, a bad cook, etc.  I believe what I experienced was a form of spiritual oppression. I prayed throughout that day and later found that a friend was praying for me also, although she did not know why she was led to pray for me.  I must say that I did not choose to read this book in ignorance, my life’s path has led me to work and school situations where I have gotten to know individuals involved in the occult.  I have read other Christian books on the topic of spiritual warfare, but none has affected me in this way. In choosing to read Ascent from Darkness, please be aware of your own spiritual condition and prayerfully consider whether this is the book for you.

In addition, I found the imagery on the cover and at the beginning of each chapter to be objectionable.  While I understand the intent of contrasting the dark with the light, I believe showing a cross upside down (coupled with the cross right-side up) is a poor choice of illustrating the contrast.

In conclusion, Ascent from Darkness is a powerful book that celebrates God’s victory over evil.  Do not enter into this reading lightly, only after prayer, due to the detailed descriptions of the activities of Mr. Leehan when he was under Satan’s influence. Would I recommend this book to others?  Of my personal friends there are a few to which I may recommend this book that are strong in their faith and have a grasp of what spiritual warfare is. Would I recommend it to an immature Christian, still being fed “milk” – definitely not.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Babylon's Falling by William G. Collins

Babylon’s Falling, expertly written by William G. Collins is a fascinating journey into the mind and life of the Daniel of scripture.  Written as historical fiction, Babylon’s Falling recreates the setting of Biblical events with historical references of ancient Mesopotamia that make the reader feel as though time travel has certainly been accomplished.

Upon reading multiple reviews of Babylon’s Falling, I determined to read the book through at least two times – once to evaluate the book from a literary point-of-view and a second time to evaluate the Biblical accuracy.  I have read it far more than two times in my journey to discover the truth behind its words.

From a literary standpoint, I give Babylon’s Falling 4 stars.  Mr. Collins has obviously mastered the interweaving of historical setting, cultures, and facts into his writing in a delightfully informative, yet entertaining attempt to draw the reader into Daniel’s world.  He begins on the road to Babylon.  As we suffer with the exiles, we discover the character traits of Daniel.  While much of this part of the tale is conjecture on the part of Mr. Collins, his building of the setting and the character traits of Daniel are integral to the remainder of the story.  He keeps the traits of Daniel believable to those who know the Biblical account.  I found myself thinking, “Daniel must have possessed these traits and skills to be the man of God recorded Biblically.”  Therefore, conjecture on part of the author has been done in a thoughtful way, only to enhance the Biblical meaning.

From a Biblical perspective, I also give Babylon’s Falling 4 stars.  The chapters that directly deal with the Biblical account of Daniel are amazingly accurate.  As I read and compared the words to scripture multiple times over, I discovered accuracy even in small details. The accuracy of Nebuchadnezzer’s  dreams and details such as King Nebuchadnezzer falling on his face before Daniel and ordering incense to be burnt in Daniel’s presence in Daniel 2:46 and the queen telling Belshazzar about Daniel in Daniel 5:10, continues the meshing of historical setting and Biblical facts to enhance the reader’s understanding of the characters and events.

In conclusion, the preface of Babylon’s Falling said it best, “This book is a work of fiction.  I hope the reader will allow the author some latitude in the use of certain historical people and events.  In the end, I pray this work will inspire the same hope that Daniel had in his God.  Perhaps what he teaches us is to have the courage and faith to dare!”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Clicques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks:Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite

Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks: Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite is a masterful following of the stream of consciousness of a young girl in middle school through the unique challenges faced by her family. Living in a primarily Christian town in rural America, the community befriends a couple who recently moved into the area.  This couple is portrayed as decidedly non-Christian. The wife (Isabel), in particular, is portrayed as self absorbed.  Although the family of April Grace allows the couple to move into their home, Isabel has an attitude of wanting to be served.  The lack of gratefulness and the sense of entitlement she exhibits is in sharp contrast to that of the community where she has found herself.  McCrite shares April Grace’s opinions of this woman with such childlike emotion that, if it weren’t for the skill of writing, I would believe a tween girl actually wrote this book. The sharp contrast of the attitudes of the world versus the attitudes that we are supposed to have a Christians is startling raw, but the message is well made.  I found myself examining my own attitudes as I read this book.  In the end of the book, the couple finds themselves becoming a part of the community.  The reader sees Isabel becoming more malleable as she finds that she can play an important part in the community and as she realizes how much the community has done for her.  The reader sees changes take place in Isabel, that although an acceptance of Christ is not indicated, a change of her heart condition has taken place. This book illustrates an excellent example of how Christians should be the “salt” and “light” to those with which we come into contact.  I would recommend this book to tween readers with the caveat that, although not detailed, subjects such as pregnancy and issues surrounding pregnancy are discussed.

As I read this book I kept in mind the audience for which is was written and I wondered why there are so few book of this caliber available for the tween set.  The issues surrounding pregnancy in the book involve a married couple and are very focused on April Grace’s concern for her mother’s health and her fear that her mother could die.  April Grace’s mother experiences fatigue, paleness, and nausea, but because April Grace has not been told of her mother’s condition in the beginning, the writing revolves around her fears that something is very wrong. Sometime after April Grace is told that she is going to be a big sister, her mother is diagnosed with preeclampsia and requires bed rest.  The artful way this is handled should not present a problem for most tween girls.  Girls who have younger siblings can probably relate to April Grace’s fears during her mother’s pregnancy.  The author handles this issue by showing how April Grace’s mother retains the heart of a servant even though she needs to be served.  It is a fine portrayal of humility that is inspired by reality. In every issue that April Grace encounters, the reader sees that emotion is not wrong, but that our responses, our decisions, are crucial.

I am allowing my own 11 year old daughter to read this book.  She read up to chapter 7 in one sitting and was so involved in the book that I had difficulty getting her to put it down. I intend to add this book to her reading library as well.  If you are looking for a fiction for your tween daughter that deals with real life issues such as relationships and attitudes and shows the response that Christians should have, this is the book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: Billy Graham: Nearing Home - Life, Faith and Finishing Well

Billy Graham's new book,  Nearing Home:  Life, Faith, and Finishing Well,  has a central theme that God can use anyone who is willing, regardless of age or ability.  Primarily written to relate to a middle age to senior audience, Rev. Graham uses plentiful Biblical examples of persons who were in their later years who were used by God in amazing ways.  Secondary themes include preparation for old age, the psychological and physical issues that accompany aging, wisdom that comes from experience, and the falsehood spread by society that the contributions of the aged are no longer valued.  Then in true evangelical style, Rev. Graham explains what the Bible teaches about heaven, followed by the gospel message for readers who may not know where they will spend eternity. 

I would recommend this book to anyone of any age, particularly middle age and up.  While the intended audience appears to be this group, younger persons will learn what to expect as they age and will come away with a new respect of seniors and issues that seniors face.  Through reading this book, my learning was not limited to ways that God can use me in later years, but ways to be available to God's calling now.  Also, I have gained a greater understanding of the words of my now deceased grandmother.  Rev. Graham's words will be an asset in understanding and learning from the issues of my parents and mother-in-law as I minister to them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255