I believe God is sovereign over all things.  I know He is in control and I know that nothing on earth can thwart His plan and the fact that everything will end in His glory.  But today, my heart hurts for our country.  It hurts because I truly believe that the election results from Tuesday speak volumes as to where we are as a nation, but also as to where we are headed.  Our country is changing, and not for the better.  Under the leadership of President Obama, not only has religious liberty been trampled on, but so have things such as God’s design for marriage and the sanctity of life just to name a few.  These are indisputable facts.  It’s not to say that prior to his presidency we weren’t headed down this road, but under his leadership the speed at which we are traveling has greatly increased.  To say leading up to and since the election passions have been running high would be an understatement.  Social media sites have been overwhelmed with comments.  Something I’ve noticed during this time were the many references to trust in God’s sovereignty no matter how the election turns out, and now that it’s over, trust in His sovereignty in spite of it.  I’ve referenced that truth in my own comments, doing so because from one end of the Bible to the other, God’s sovereignty is made crystal clear.  But I have to say, I have been confounded by some of the comments I’ve seen as they seem to have implied that belief in God’s sovereignty somehow makes it ok to be passive as it relates to our politics, that somehow belief in God’s sovereignty should keep one silent.  So, does God’s sovereignty demand our silence on political issues?  Because we know He is in control, should we not speak out? 

            First, let me say, I respect anyone’s right to their opinion and it’s quite possible that I have mistaken their comments to mean something they don’t.  But I believe wholeheartedly as a Christian that passivity and silence on matters of faith and politics is not an option.  In fact, I would contend that the churches silence on many issues is the part of the reason we are where we are today.  We can’t afford to be nor should we be silent.  The apostle Paul knew God was sovereign in salvation, but he wasn’t passive in sharing the gospel.  The prophets weren’t passive when they spoke of Israel’s unfaithfulness to their covenant with God.  And when faced with opposition, Jesus wasn’t passive when it came to defending truth.  Now we’re not an apostle, a prophet and certainly not Jesus, but neither should we be passive as it relates to our governments dismissal of biblical principles.  We are to honor our president, we are to submit to government authorities, but we are to submit first and foremost to God.  We are to be humble, care for the needs of others and respect all people, but that doesn’t mean we have to lay our Christian faith down like a doormat for people to trample on.  Christians are to enter every area of life prepared to engage in the defense of biblical principles.  We are to stand in every manner for righteousness and the cause of Christ.  Does God need me as His political ally?  No.  Does He need me to fulfill any of His purposes?  Certainly not! 

            If what was meant by the comments made by some were only that we need to moderate our tone, I agree.  Though Christians can’t be absent from public discourse, we should always be mindful of the spirit in which we enter it.  So I contend we do two things.  First, we pray for our President.  Only when his heart is changed will the policies he advocates change.  It always comes down to what God is doing on the inside, not only for President Obama, but for all of us.  The cure is always Christ.  If you believe in the power of prayer, then you will pray.  Second, continue to be light in a dark world and stand for truth in spite of opposition.  Enter in the debate fully aware that God is sovereign.  His sovereignty does not demand our silence; it assures us in moments of doubt and disappointment that there is hope.  I trust in my God who is sovereign.  Furthermore, I know that one day, not only will He make all things new, but He will also make them right!

Some things may change.  One thing never will.

On Tuesday, Americans go to the polls to exercise one of the most basic fundamental rights as citizens; the right to vote.  On Tuesday, opinions matter and votes count as we elect the man who will lead our nation for the next four years.  I imagine there are very few who remain undecided as to whom they will cast their vote.  There are certainly critical issues at stake for our nation.  We can, however, be assured and take comfort in the fact that we have a God who is in control of everything, this election included.  Whoever will be president will only be president because God has sovereignly ordained it.  God sees beyond where we are able, and no matter what happens on Tuesday, the ultimate end of all things will be His glory.  But God has also called us to pray, so we should, both for our nation (2 Chronicles 7:14) and for the man who would lead it, be that Barack Obama or Mitt Romney.  Though our minds may be made up, let us pray that whichever man we elect as president would be gripped by the grace of God.  Pray that he would love Jesus.  Pray that instead of seeking his own wisdom, he would seek and submit to God’s.  Pray that the president would desire to uphold the Word of God just as he is sworn to uphold the Constitution.  But most importantly, let us also remember, though we are to pray for him and respect him, it’s not a president we serve, but rather a King, the “King of kings and Lord of lords”, the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16).  His reign is neither subject to a vote tally, an opinion or a term limit.  His reign is eternal.  And it is to this King that one day we all will bow (Philippians 2:10).  

            Most of us associate this day with Halloween.  But did you know that October 31^st is also a very significant day in the life of the Protestant church?  It is Reformation Day.  It was on this day in 1517 that Martin Luther, a catholic priest nailed his Ninety-Five Theses (stated objections) to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany.  This began what is known in history as the Protestant Reformation.  For Luther personally, it began a long period of conflict with the Roman Catholic Church.  Though men before him expressed concerns with the church, the reformation movement crystallized with Luther. The word reformation means “to form again or to revive” and in Luther’s eyes what needed reviving was the supremacy of the gospel; a right theology in which to worship, a theology centered on God.  Reformation theology is built on what are called the five Solas, a Latin word meaning “alone”.  They are as follows: 

• Sola Scriptura – the church looks to the Bible alone as its ultimate authority (2 Timothy 3:16) 
• Sola Gratia – salvation is by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) 
• Sola Fide – salvation comes through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 1:17) 
• Solus Christus – salvation comes in Christ alone (1 Timothy 2:5) 
• Soli Deo Gloria – life is to be lived to the glory of God alone            (1 Corinthians 10:31) 

            We would do well to see as clearly as Luther saw in his time because the supremacy of the true gospel needs reviving today as well.  Appreciating and embracing the doctrines of the Reformation helps us to that end because they force our return to a right theology, a theology centered exactly where it belongs; at the cross of Christ.  “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.  To Him be glory forever.  Amen.” (Romans 11:36).

             As it has been for a long time, abortion remains a political hot potato.  A few months ago, it was Senate candidate Todd Akin who was criticized for comments he made about abortion.  More recently, Richard Mourdock, the Republican Senate candidate from Indiana was criticized for comments he made concerning his views related to the same issue.  Below is a link to an article written by Albert Mohler in which he expresses how those who oppose Mourdock and the pro-life agenda have misused his words solely for political gain.  Unfortunately, this kind of thing has become way too common in our politics.  More importantly, in this article, Mohler takes the occasion to express the appropriate Christian view concerning abortion and the careful manner in which this view should be expressed.  A must read!  

http://www.albertmohler.com/2012/10/26/the-mourdock-moment-life-death-and-lies-on-the-campaign-trail/?utm_source=Albert+Mohler&utm_campaign=26315e845e-Albert_Mohler_Email_August_6_20128_6_2012&utm_medium=email

            No one old enough has any problem remembering the events of September 11, 2001.  I would venture to say you know exactly where you were when you heard the news of the attack on our country.  I was returning home from taking my daughter to school.  That day is forever etched in most of our memories.  It was a clear demonstration of what evil looks like, perhaps boldest example of it in our nation’s history.  I’m not sure there’s much left to be said about that day that hasn’t already been said, but we should never forget it.  Neither should we forget the days that followed as they were also unique in their own way, quite different from before 9/11 and certainly different from where we seem to be today.  Maybe I’m naïve, but didn’t it seem that we had a different character to our nation for a time following 9/11?  There were those who from the very outset claimed that the United States got exactly it deserved, but their voices were few and little attention was paid to their ignorance.  Although the result of great tragedy, the days that followed September 11, 2001 were different.  Gone for the moment were all the things that seemingly divided us.  For a change, our media reported events instead of creating them.  For a change, our political parties worked together instead of apart.  Gone for the moment was the idea that unity within our nation was impossible.  For a moment in time, politics, race or social class didn’t seem to matter.  For the moment, no one cared about separation of church and state and if they did, it wasn’t voiced.  For the moment, prayer took on new meaning.  We didn’t need to be prodded to pray, we wanted to be on our knees.  For the moment, we welcomed God into every aspect of our lives.  For that brief moment, we humbled ourselves enough to admit that maybe we don’t have all the answers and should seek the only One who does.  What happened to those days?  Why does it take an event the magnitude of 9/11 for us to seek God?  My contention is that it’s not so much in these moments that we reach out to seek God as much as it is that in these moments He seeks us.         

            Think about where we are eleven years later.  Our country couldn’t be more divided.  Eleven years after 9/11, we would consider it progress if we were only in the same place as before that day.  The divisions within our society have intensified and our media and politicians seem only to serve in propagating them.  For a time following 9/11 it appeared we desired God’s intervention, but have since returned to our arrogant and evil ways.  We have this idea that our problems can be solved without God’s help.  In fact, He is often seen as the problem.  So unfortunately, it’s become pretty clear that this momentary seeking of God in the days that followed 9/11 was just that, momentary.  In years past, our nation had a determined resolve in dealing with adversity and in doing so unashamedly sought God for both guidance and comfort.  He would welcome our return now, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).  Comfort for what afflicts us as a nation or each of us individually will never be solved any other way than spiritually.  There are many who can testify to this truth, having relied solely on God for comfort in the midst of their trials.  And I’m convinced that through the evil acts of 9/11, many stand as witness to the fact that what may have been meant for evil, God used for good.  It may be a difficult reality to accept that God uses tragedy this way, but He does.  So though we should never desire days like September 11^th, the tremendous loss of innocent life and the overwhelming grief that results, when they come, when evil is bold or subtle, though never its cause, be comforted knowing that God is both sovereign over it and with us in the midst of it.  Adversity and affliction are often the moments in which He reveals Himself most clearly.  These are many times the moment in which He saves.  Difficulty and tragedy are part of life.  Though we don’t long for a repeat of that day, we can long for a repeat of what happened in the days that followed.   For that brief moment in time, unity stood above division, our nation appeared to be one, and we sought the face of God.  And as always, our God stood ready to save.  Pray this will be the case again.

            I have a question, “What makes a child conceived due to rape or incent not created or less created in the image of God?”  God’s answer: nothing.  What about yours?  No one denies the difficulty and hardship caused by an unplanned pregnancy and no one denies that it is magnified when it occurs in the case of rape or incest.  The abortion issue has been a political lightning rod for a longtime, but due to comments made recently by Todd Akin, the republican senate candidate from Missouri; it has once again re-emerged in prominence.  In response to a question concerning whether or not he believes abortion should be legal if the pregnancy occurred as a result of rape, he said the following, “From what I understand, that’s really rare.  If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try and shut it down.  But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work, or something, I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be on the rapist and not attacking the child.”  Now it must be said that the first portion of his statement was totally inaccurate as there is no evidence that a woman is able to stop conception in the case of rape.  Akin has since apologized for his misstatement.  But the second part of his comment concerning who should be punished in such an unfortunate circumstance was not only accurate but biblical.  Sure, he might have phrased his view in perhaps a better way, but I contend all of us could’ve better phrased some of the things we’ve said before as well.  As you might expect, the Democratic Party pounced on Akins statement in a desire to paint both the Republican Party and especially its nominee for president, Mitt Romney as extreme.  The Republican Party fired back with a response of its own.  They first called for Akin to withdraw from the Missouri senate race.  Thus far, he has refused.  They then spoke of the extreme views that President Obama holds on abortion.  Lastly, the Romney campaign affirmed their pro-life stance, but with exceptions, those exceptions being in the case of rape, incest or health of the mother. 

            It’s no surprise to see biblical authority under attack.  It’s been under attack.  It’s challenged daily, as various interest groups, politicians and citizens debate different cultural issues that exist in our society.  Naturally, abortion and when life begins has not escaped this debate, but along with gay marriage, it is perhaps the most vicious of any of these debates.  This is especially the case during a major political campaign season.  The response of non-Christians should not surprise us.  When you don’t believe in God, why does His authority matter?  If you do believe in Him, it should.  But as Christians, we are also guilty of parsing the issue of abortion on the basis of rape or incest.  This is not a biblical position.  When God said, “Let us make man in our image…” He didn’t follow it up with, “except in these circumstances”.  Since when did rape or incest change the authority and the truth of Genesis 1:26?  Just because a child is conceived in sin, doesn’t lessen their rights nor does it change whether or not that child is made in the image of God.  Is it any less a sin if a child is conceived out of wedlock?  While there are certainly politicians who have spoken out and held firmly to Scripture regarding this issue, many cower in the corner afraid to speak out for fear of their political futures.  And while the Republicans, of which I am registered, seek to take a higher moral ground on this issue, the practical result of Romney’s stance is no different than the Obama position.  Both ultimately place man above God and spit in the face of biblical authority.  God will not be mocked.  I wonder if our politicians realize that we’re living the consequences of our denial of His authority, our sin.  I wonder if they realize that because we suppress His truth and exchange it for a lie that His restraining hand of grace is being removed from our nation.  Mostly, I wonder if they care. 

            This is not only a question for our political leaders; it’s a question for each of us.  Have you ever really read Romans 1:18-3:20?  Thankfully, there’s Jesus!  There is always hope in Him.  But we must never presume upon His grace because He is not bound by it.  It is His unmerited favor.  God doesn’t live in the world of relativism.  That’s the world we like living in because it makes us feel better about ourselves.  The argument of “my stance is more moral than yours” doesn’t win His favor when that stance in itself is contrary to His will.  Sure we want policies that lead to fewer abortions and not more, but don’t mistake an abortion policy that has exceptions for rape or incest as being biblical because it’s not.  God is a holy God.  He is a God of absolutes and He has absolutely made His will clear on abortion, the issue of life and when it begins.  What is also clear is the lack of courage among many of our political leaders.  As they do most things, they view abortion through a political prism rather than the prism of Truth.  They seem more interested in political expediency and advantage than anything else.  Their actions deny God’s blessings for faithful obedience in spite of hardship.  Each political party accuses the other side of being extreme, but what’s extreme is the audacity of both sides to disregard God’s authority.   But more than anything, it appears both parties want to focus on the other side’s position because they really don’t want to have to explain theirs.  But one day, they will.  One day, we all will.

                My wife Karen and I stumbled onto a youtube video earlier in the year called “Newborn Blessing”.  It was a song and prayer from a mother to her newborn baby.  I have included the link below for your viewing.   As I watched the video, I was reminded that as the political season heats up; the issue of life, when it begins and a woman’s right to choose will be prominently debated.  It always is.  Due to recent events, this issue is once again garnering much attention.  But God and His Word never change. There are so many political interest groups that will push their own agenda as it concerns issues of life.  I know that there are those who think differently than what I believe concerning this.  At one time, I held a different and very wrong view concerning abortion.  I held that view because God was never factored into my consideration of what is right.  Included also in this video were several passages of Scripture.  Here are a few:  “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13).  “Your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16).  David, Israel’s greatest king authored this psalm.  He knew that God’s interest in him came even before he was born.  These verses in Psalm 139 are not the only ones that recognize the personhood of a fetus.  When we search the Scriptures, it is impossible to weave around what these passages say regarding when life begins and when His care for us began.  I know our culture is working hard to teach us differently, but God’s Word is clear here; it is clear whether or not we choose to submit to its authority.  Unfortunately, as with many other issues, we have chosen to elevate our thinking above that to which God has spoken.                  

                So, the question remains, “What do we do moving forward in this political season?”  Simply this;  we engage in the political process and seek candidates who maintain a healthy reverence for God; submitting to His authority concerning this and any other issue in which He speaks.  But make no mistake, the issue of life, when it begins and the rights of an unborn child has to be settled in our hearts first and foremost.  Will you hear from Him or will you turn away from His Word?  Politically, this issue may never be settled, but it can be settled inside each of us.  Way too often we have sought human solutions to spiritual issues and they are always destined to fail and dishonor God in the process.  Why not look at this time, and in this moment, to the One who had the first word, and the One who will also have the last.  Don’t look to politicians, political interest groups or your own reasoning for answers.  Look to God for He has had the answer all along.  When you do, you’ll find that not only will no political interest group be able to sway you, but the answers you receive will always be the right ones. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwc33wBf9w0&playnext=1&list=PLB2D58BECF4E63A4C&feature=results_main

I came across this picture and quote from Anne Hathaway and thought it deserved a response; a Biblical one:

                There has been a tremendous amount of media exposure to Dan Cathy’s comments concerning same-sex marriage and his stance supporting the Biblical view of marriage.  Anyone who disagrees with his comments either ought to read the Bible or, if they have, submit to its authority because God’s Word is clear.  To call sin what it is is never unloving.  In fact, I contend it’s the most loving thing we can do.  But the Bible also teaches the manner in which we are to confront sin (in a spirit of gentleness – Galatians 6:1).  When you do, as Dan Cathy has experienced, there will be a price to pay as those who desire to either ignore or attempt to rewrite Scripture will call you every name imaginable.  Below is a link to an excellent article that speaks to the issue of why the church cannot remain silent concerning the issue of homosexuality and what are resulting consequences when it does.  No one denies the difficulty it brings when taking a godly view concerning this issue.  For the Bible says that, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12), and it seems the persecution you face when you speak out on this particular issue is the fiercest of all.  But the Bible also says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).  Remember those who oppose you also oppose our God and because they do, their battle is a losing one.  So be strong in your conviction and pray for those who oppose you.  Pray that just as God has shown you grace, He will show them grace, and have them “…come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4) before it’s too late. Because one day; it will be.             

http://www.bobrussell.org/2012/08/05/dan-cathy-and-the-silence-of-many-churches/

             As I listen to all the commentary around the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado, I must admit frustration.  It seems we always want to find a rational answer to irrational behavior.  Everyone wants to know why this happened and how might it have been avoided.  These are both fair and honest questions, though the answer may never be known and complete avoidance of such horrific acts as this one is unlikely.  But for some, this tragedy has provided another opportunity to push a political agenda, cast blame and to create further division among us as a nation.  I’ve watched this week as some in media have sought to blame the National Rifle Association, acting as if they pulled the trigger.  Only one person pulled the trigger, James Holmes.  I’ve heard others speak of the negative influence of violent movies.  I’ve listened as our presidential candidates commented on this tragedy.  I heard President Obama speak of this as a senseless act; and it was.  If only he thought that taking the life of an innocent unborn child was just as senseless, he might have greater credibility on these issues.  Words always ring hollow when actions speak the contrary.  So as our media seek answers as to why this shooting happened, and our political leaders ponder remedies to deal with potential fallout, one remedy, in fact the only hope, remains largely ignored.  That hope is a return to God!  Of all the problems our nation faces, our biggest problems remain spiritual.      

            It’s time we face the fact that our major problem is not the Second Amendment; it is not the desensitization of our society because of the violence in movies or music.  Our biggest problem is we have alienated God.  As a nation, we have failed to emphasize His will concerning societal issues.  We have failed to believe God when He said, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).  We think we know better, and as a result, we find ourselves reaping the consequences of our arrogance.  That’s why I find the comments of some liberals to be so hypocritical.  They ask why these things happen, yet fail to recognize that these are consequences of the policies they’ve largely supported.  Policies that fail to acknowledge the role of our Creator.  It is not to say that if this were not the case that evil wouldn’t exist.  Evil has always existed, and though not responsible for it, God has always been sovereign over it.  But more and more we fail to emphasize the value of God’s opinion in the public discourse.  Do you think He takes the apostasy of our nation lightly?  Do you think He pours out His mercy and grace to the exclusion of His justice and wrath?  What do you think it meant when Paul wrote, “God gave them up”? (Romans 1:24) What it meant was that God gave them up to their sin and the resultant consequences.

             But fortunately, we have a faithful God.  That’s why we continue to preach and to pray because in light of all that surrounds us, there is always hope to be found in Him.  Individually and as a nation, our greatest hope for change is to seek God’s face.  Instead of denying Him, obey Him.  Instead of running from Him, run to Him.  A seeking heart will always find a welcoming God, “You will seek me and find me.  When you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)  I guess we will never rid society of all its ills.  That is until Christ returns.  But until then, by submitting to God’s will expressed in His Word, we are provided a necessary filter with which to see the world and the events around us, making us less susceptible to its evil influence.  I hope you believe that God’s Word along with prayer has that much power because it does.  I also hope you believe that God will bestow blessing and favor to those who seek His will for their lives.  He will do that for our nation as well.  All of God’s Words are true and just as He meant Romans 1:24, He also meant Malachi 3:7 when He said, “Return to me, and I will return to you”. The question is, will we?