Pandemic, Propaganda or Pandemonium

“Satan hindered us.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:18

If Satan hindered the work of the Apostle Paul, we shouldn't be surprised when he hinders us. Satan is very strategic in his assault. Although he is not omniscient, he is still very cunning. He tends to recognize spiritual opportunities and timing better than we do.

Many believe that we are nearing the return of our Lord. Furthermore, many believe that the government's attempts to mandate mask-wearing and vaccination shots are a foreshadow of end-time events, perhaps even the beginning of these events. I do believe that mandates foreshadow the coming mandate of the mark of the beast (Revelation 13). While this may be so, I want us to consider our present situation.

The medical community has used the label, “pandemic,” to describe our world's infection with Covid-19. Some, like Pastor John MacArthur, dispute this label. Most dictionaries define a pandemic as a wide-spread epidemic of a disease. We may debate what constitutes a “wide-spread epidemic,” but I don't choose to argue this point.

Some believe that Covid-19 is just a hoax. They think it is propaganda of the government and news media, trying to use fear to get citizens to obey government orders and mandates. However, Covid-19 is not a hoax. It does exist. People I know personally are suffering from it. Many have died. It is not a hoax.

While I do not believe that Covid-19 is a hoax, I don't want to be swept away with the pandemonium that the government and news media is trying to stir. Common sense, good hygiene and prayer can help us deal with this situation. Next week, I intend to address the subject of masks and vaccinations.

As I write this, my desire to emphasize what I see going on and how we should respond to it. Covid-19 has brought division to our country, typically along party lines. Furthermore, Covid-19 has brought challenges to believers unlike anything we have seen in this generation.

Let me be crystal clear in saying that God is NOT the source of this virus. Our enemy, the devil, is responsible.

The enemy has come to kill, still and destroy. I believe that United States has been a target the devil has been concentrating on. This virus shut down our economy in 2020 (and it has never fully recovered yet). Furthermore, this virus has further divided our nation politically and socially. We are no longer a nation united. Cynicism is at an all-time high in our country. We have a hard time believing anyone.

Worst of all, the devil has used this virus to divide churches. Many argue about whether masks should be worn in church or not. In some places, such as Canada, the government has ordered churches to close, resulting in the arrest of pastors who refuse to comply. Fear and intimidation has kept many out of church here in America. Some churches are struggling to keep their doors open. Others are struggling to reach new people because fear of infection is now an “acceptable” excuse for folks to stay away from church.

Satan is hindering believers. Satan is hindering the Church.

Even though the devil is the source of this virus, God permitted it. Why? I will not attempt to answer that question because I am not God. His ways are above my ways. There are aspects of His will that are not obvious to mankind.

I will say this, though. This virus has unmasked certain problems among church members. First of all, it has revealed that church members lack empathy. Rather than showing compassion, we are debating politics. Would you rather win a political argument or have a healthy family?

With the life and death issues facing so many, you'd think there would be more discussion about eternity. This is a unique opportunity for Christians to spread the Gospel. We are failing badly at this.

You'd think that a situation like this would give Christians the opportunity to demonstrate their faith before a dying world. Rather than living in fear and panic like the world, we should be confident in the Lord and stand on His Word.

Covid-19 is real, but so is God. The devil is cunning, ruthless and powerful, but the Lord is stronger. This is not a time for pandemonium. Neither is it is time for panic.

It is time to use common sense, walk with God, make Him known and live wisely.

Lest We Forget

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” - Psalm 11:3

Do you recall what you were doing on September 11, 2001? On that day I was working, driving to Mercer County, WV. Before I had left my office, a co-worker told me that a plane had crashed into one of the twin towers. As I drove that morning, I had the radio on and listened to the news as events unfolded. It was a time like no other. Fear gripped our nation. Without question, these unprovoked attacks would change our lives. We just didn't know how much.

As I write this, today is the 20-year anniversary of that horrific day. Memories of that day, and the days afterward, are deeply embedded in my mind. Believe it or not, there are still many who applaud the cowardly act of terrorism from that day. Our nation still has enemies that wish to inflict damage upon us.

After intelligence was gathered about the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush addressed the nation and declared war on terrorism. Even though President Bush cautioned the nation that this would be a long process, the nation was squarely behind the President and his plan. At the time, I questioned America's resolve to follow through with such a response. I knew that terrorism is not easily defeated. I didn't think the American people would have the patience required to endure such an effort. It turns out that I was right.

In just a short period of time, our nation seems to have forgotten the tragedy of 9/11. We have forgotten the horrific sight of first responders trying to find survivors in the rubble of the Twin Towers. The catastrophic loss of life in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania are just faint memories to many.

9/11 has since been declared “Patriot Day.” Yet patriotism has since eroded. Rather than uniting together under the flag, we are fighting each other on social media. Athletes kneel at our national anthem and are applauded. Now a second “national anthem” has come out of nowhere to be played before athletic events. We are no longer a nation united. The fragmentation of our nation has made our nation vulnerable to attacks from without and within.

Often it is said that if we fail to learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Our nation tends to only emphasize the parts of history that are pleasing to us. We don't like to reminded of our mistakes and failures. Furthermore, we have grown rather complacent about terrorism. I fear that we are doomed to have history repeat itself.

Worst of all, we are prone to forget God. After 9/11, our nation sought spiritual help. We needed God's healing balm to bring life and hope back to our nation. Why does it take a 9/11 for God to get our attention? While God was not the cause of the terrorist attacks, He did permit them. I believe it was a wake-up call for America. All we did was press the snooze alarm.

The Psalmist posed the question: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” I am not a prophet, but I do believe God tried to get our attention on 9/11. Now the foundations of our nation are in serious danger. Since the foundations are being destroyed, what can we, as Christians, do?

First of all, we need to remember. Rather than rewriting our history books, we need to reread them. Rather than tearing down monuments, we need to remember why they were placed there to begin with. We need to remember our mistakes and learn from them. We need to remember what God has done for us and give Him the credit He deserves.

Secondly, we need to pray. Like never before our nation needs prayer. We need to pray for America and her future. We need to beg God for a mighty spiritual awakening. Apart from an act of God's grace, our nation will self-destruct.

Next, we need to get back to the Bible. Too many Americans trust what they read on social media, or hear from politicians and newscasts. Isn't it time we trust God's Book rather than Facebook? Isn't it time for Americans to trust in God rather than the government? We need a Bible revival once more.

Finally, we need to let our voices be heard. Yes, Christians need to vote, based on Biblical convictions. Furthermore, we need to be unashamed in sharing the life-changing message of the Gospel. People need the Lord. It is time that hear about Him from us rather than the false representation of Christianity spread by the news media and the ungodly influence of entertainers.

Yes, we need to remember 9/11. We need to be reminded that terrorism still exists. Our nation is still vulnerable. Factions within our nation are trying to undermine our freedoms. As Christians, it is time for our light to penetrate the world of darkness around us.

A Mile Wide and An Inch Deep

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.” - Hebrews 5:12

Are you satisfied with the depth of your Christian life? Too many are content with a dab of Christianity on Sunday mornings. They are uncomfortable around zealous believers. They want to compartmentalize everything, including God.

Most believers aren't concerned with spiritual depth. They figure since they got their “ticket punched” for heaven, that is all that is required of them. Devotion, service and self-sacrifice may be required of pastors, evangelists and missionaries, but not them.

It is true that there are more demands on our time than ever before. There is overt pressure to conform to the world's expectations. The fact is that we still only have 24 hours in a day. How we utilize that time says a great deal about our priorities.

In this age of entertainment, the worship of God has been reduced to highly programmed church services. In fact, most American Christians are attracted to “exciting” church services with a groovy band, choreographed events and a brief “life lecture.”

What if all the entertainment was stripped away, is that enough to keep you actively involved in your church? If all your church had to offer is Jesus, would that be enough to keep you engaged?

Sadly, we talk about the sufficiency of Christ when it comes to salvation, but for some reason, He isn't sufficient for our daily lives. This says more about us than it does Him.

In persecuted countries, Christians often have to meet in secret. There are no high-profile stage lights, a popular choir or jazzy entertainment. All they is the Word, the Spirit and each other. That is more than enough for them.

The reason that isn't enough for us is because we are shallow. We lack spiritual perspective and correct priorities. We are spiritually a mile wide but an inch deep. We have style but no substance. We specialize on the superficial to the neglect of the supernatural. Rather than impacting our world with the Gospel, the world is impacting our lives with its propaganda. Sadly, church members know more about the TV schedule than their Bibles. We're more concerned about the next election than Judgment Day.

Spiritual depth does not increase because the pastor tells jokes or the choir sings a new song. Instead, we grow deeper as we take God seriously, depending on Him and obeying His Word in spite of hostile circumstances. Although we try to avoid trials, they often make believers stronger. We don't need to live in fantasy-land, being saturated with entertainment in an effort to avoid responsibility or problems.

Such things as prayer meetings and Bible Study classes are avoided by most church members. These meetings are not flashy events. But how can we grow deeper if we refuse to have communion with God?

As our culture continues its decline into ungodliness, we can expect persecution to increase. If such a scenario plays out, we will need more than Sunday glitter and religious entertainment. We'll need to be deeply grounded in God's Word, anchored in truth and fervent in prayer.

Are you willing to go deeper? 

God's Wake Up Call

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” - Romans 13:11-12

If you've ever stayed at a hotel or motel, you already know that you can ask the desk clerk to call you at a certain time the following morning. This wake-up call is meant to keep you from oversleeping. Even though most hotel and motel rooms have an alarm clock, a wake-up call from the desk clerk is usually available.

I feel like God is giving America a wake-up call right now. Recent events have shaken our country, yet most remain unconcerned. Instead of flocking to churches in search of spiritual help, too many are looking to Washington for relief. Perhaps we should change our currency to read, “In Government We Trust,” rather than, “In God We Trust.” Even though we are aware of bureaucracy and corruption in our government, we would rather trust the government than God.

Consider the news headlines of the past couple weeks. There was a massive, destructive earthquake in Haiti. We've witnessed the political disaster in Afghanistan that has created a humanitarian and spiritual crisis there. Flooding has killed several in Tennessee. Ida is expected to be a dangerous hurricane when it reaches landfall in America this weekend, potentially endangering many lives. Covid-19 numbers are ever increasing. Thousands continue to die as the Delta variant of the virus ravages our land. Things are a mess in our country right now. While God is not the source of pain and disease, He may permit such conditions to occur as He calls men and women to repentance.

I believe this is God's wake-up call for America. Most people continue to sleep through the storm, unconcerned about conditions until it is too late. Many believers are pressing the snooze alarm so they can avoid as much of the problems as possible.

Paul wrote, “...now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” We are in a spiritual crisis here in America, but most treat it as a normal condition. We have become immune to our problems. We have allowed familiarity to remove the shock value from current events.

We should be alert. If you were in a hotel and a fire broke out, you'd want to be notified, even in the middle of the night. Sleeping during a fire is often fatal.

Well, a fire is engulfing our land. Souls are at stake. While we argue about politics and constitutional rights, the fire is spreading. While debates go on about whether to wear masks or not, or whether to get the Covid vaccine or not, our country is going down the drain. While it is good to uphold the Constitution, it is better to be passionate about the standard of God's Word. Realizing the late hour we are living in, we should be more serious about our situation.

Even a casual reader of the Bible would realize that people are avoiding God's warnings. If you read Romans 1:18-32, you'll understand that the very sins God has condemned is embraced by our country and encouraged by those in the highest offices of leadership. Verse 32 states, “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Not only is there judgment coming for those who commit such sins, but the same condemnation will come to those give hearty approval to those who commit such iniquity.

The word needs to be proclaimed on the street corner, on television and on the internet. Jesus is coming soon. Judgment is imminent. It is time to repent and turn to Jesus.

The only hope for America at this point is a mighty spiritual awakening. Apart from this, our nation will continue its hopeless downward spiral into certain, imminent destruction.

God is giving us a wake up call. Will you heed it?

Discerning The Truth

 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:21

We are living in the misinformation age. Falsehood abounds these day, promoted by those who firmly believe that they are spreading the truth. It is so easy to believe everything you hear. Well-meaning people are often guilty of spreading rumors and lies. Social media is the main culprit of this campaign, yet the roots run deeper than that.

From the Garden of Eden until now, the devil has been deceiving people by feeding them lies disguised as truth. Presently, our culture has fallen for his lies. It is shocking to behold the level of deception our society embraces these days.

It creates a dilemma for serious Christians. We are bombarded with all kinds of conflicting information. What do we believe and what should we avoid?

Writing to the Church at Thessalonica, Paul wrote, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Paul gave the Thessalonians, and ourselves, great advice. Prove all things. Before believing or repeating information, do your homework and find out the truth.

I find that many are afraid of the truth. They are scared of what they may learn. Others are too consumed with their own preferences that they never seek to discern the truth.

Here's the problem we face today. We are bombarded with information. We simply do not have time to research every item that comes along. What should we do then? Very simple. If it isn't important enough to perform research on, it isn't important enough to put confidence in or share with others.

Notice that Paul wrote that we are to “prove ALL things,” (emphasis added). We are to do more than discern the truth when it comes to the news, current affairs or international headlines. We are to discern the truth about ourselves, sin, and most of all, God.

Spiritual discernment is sorely lacking among people today. We are prone to accept everything we hear as being true. Whether it is a slick TV preacher or a soundbite from a sermon, people tend to believe everything they see and hear. That is disturbing.

Some say that practicing discernment is being judgmental. However, the Bible tells us to contend for the faith (Jude 3). Furthermore, Paul instructed the Galatians: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8-9). It is not only acceptable to discern good doctrine from bad, it is actually commanded. We need such discernment today. 

The problem with a lack of discernment is that it results in the spread of false doctrine and deception. Too much is at stake to allow this to occur. 

When it comes to doctrine, discernment is based upon one thing: the truth of God's Word. In fact, the Bible is the basis for discernment in every aspect of life. In a society where “everything goes,” the ultimate result will be ruin. 

As Christians we have the responsibility to discern the truth. Everything should be tested by the standard of truth. This generation is failing the test. 

It is time to put away the newspaper, turn off the nightly news, avoid the hype of social media and get alone with God. 

Open your Bible. Discover the truth. Discern the truth. Declare the truth.

Why People Hate The Truth

 “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” - John 3:20

As I have written before, truth is under attack in our country. From the highest levels of government on down, there is a major effort to resist and reject the truth.

It has been said many times before that the facts are our friends. Yet the same ones who say, “Trust the science,” do so only selectively themselves. In this time of a “pandemic,” only certain aspects of the truth are communicated. For a long time, little was said about the small percentage of people infected by Covid-19 and the high recovery rate from the virus. Even now, the emphasis is only placed on the negative side of the story. Interesting, isn't it?

I do not suggest that Covid-19 isn't real. It is. Neither am I underplaying the devastating results it can bring. I am merely pointing out that only some of the facts are being broadcast.

Selective truth is the hallmark of the news media these days. Social media is even worse. Inaccurate statements, partial quotes and outdated news flood Facebook and Twitter.

The fact is that Americans really don't want to hear the full, unadulterated truth. We prefer information packaged to suit our preferences.

Many embrace the concept of relative truth. I wrote about this in last week's blog. This mode of belief is convenient and easy --- just believe whatever you want to believe & that makes it true for you.

Why do people resist the truth? Why is there such a hatred of truth in our society today? Jesus explained this in John 3:20: “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” Truth is similar to light. It exposes and reveals reality. For this reason, many reject and hate the truth. As Jesus explained, a man doesn't come to the truth, “...lest his deeds should be reproved.”

Mankind would rather enjoy sin, despite all of the deceitfulness and destruction it will bring. When truth exposes their sin, the result is a violent reaction of selfishness, pride and rebellion. No one likes to be told they are wrong. Humans don't like to be shown to be moral failures.

However, pretending that sin has no consequences does not change its outcome.

Sin promises immediate happiness, but ultimately deceives, enslaves and destroys lives. On the other hand, truth may hurt or humble us at first, but it in the end it enlightens, liberates and invigorates people. For the most part, humans have short-term vision. We look for immediate gratification rather than discern the long-term consequences.

Truth is hated because people hate God. The concept of a holy God unnerves people because of their sinful failures. They'd like to avoid or reject the reality of judgment. As humans, we'd rather defend our sins, even if it results in destruction, rather than humbly confess our sins and receive grace.

Christians should not be shocked by the moral decay of our country. Those who reject truth are doomed to face the consequences of lies and deceit.

I find it ironic that social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are determined to dictate truth for their users. The news media has jumped on board with “fact checking.” Certainly there is a great deal of misinformation and lies being spread these days. Yet even these information giants are enemies of the truth. When the Gospel truth is proclaimed, it is rejected by the very ones who have appointed themselves as the truth police.

One day every human will face God. We will not be judged based upon human standards. Instead, we will be judged based upon the truth of God's Word. You may resist and reject that truth, but it will be the ultimate standard by which judgment will be rendered.

We can either embrace the truth now and find liberty or reject the truth and remain enslaved in sin. We can stand for the truth today and enjoy glory ahead or we can denounce the truth to our own destruction.

That is the truth.

Absolute Truth Or Relative Truth?

 “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” - Judges 21:25

It seems like this world has gone crazy! Our society has gone wild, embracing ideas and lifestyles that have been condemned for centuries. In the name of “progress,” we have seen perverted lifestyles become legal and common sense has become extinct.

Just in my lifetime, we've seen gay marriage encouraged and legalized. Now the transgender lifestyle is praised. Anyone who objects to these immoral acts, based on the Bible, is ostracized by society as a whole. There is a big push for the legalization of the “recreational” use of marijuana. In fact, it is already legal in some states. What is next? Legalized prostitution? Legalized bestiality?

The fact is that our society is headed towards lawlessness. We are very much like Israel in Judges 21:25: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” When there is no leadership that supports moral standards, society begins to crumble.

Today, few believe in moral standards. Rather than believing in absolute truth, many believe in relative truth. “Relative truth,” is the belief that what is true for me is not necessarily true for you … and vice versa. Our colleges are prone to indoctrinate young people with the philosophy of relative truth. With relative truth, you pick and choose the truth you wish to live by.

The problem, of course, is that there is absolute truth about moral issues. God has given us this truth through His Word. Relative truth is the wishful thinking of progressive-thinking people, who wish to avoid responsibility for their actions. Those who embrace relative truth can choose to believe in God if they wish … or choose a god of their own making. Many don't believe in God at all. When you talk about the Bible with a person who believes in relative truth, you are quickly told that you can't judge them since they live by a different truth than you. In an attempt to avoid accountability to God and responsibility for their actions, relative truth has become a popular belief. However, relative truth does not negate natural laws (like reaping and sowing), neither does it change reality. Relative truth has lured many intelligent people to foolishly live in a fantasy world. Relative truth is simply not truth at all.

If you want to see the first example of relative truth, look to the Garden of Eden. The serpent told Eve that God's command about the forbidden fruit was not true. The serpent presented Eve with another option … a different truth that would fit the opportunity. Eve fell for this lie. The doctrine of relative truth brought sin to Adam and Eve – and us. Sadly, this younger generation is ignorant of history and is doomed to repeat it.

Truth is under assault in our nation. Relative truth is just a way for people to avoid the real truth. They hate God and His law. They think that if they pretend God does not exist, He won't. If they pretend there is not judgment for sin, it won't come. If they pretend that there are no consequences for sin, then they will never reap what they've sown. Relative truth is pretense. They are pretending. This isn't truth, it is a childish game that will lead to destruction.

There is absolute moral truth. God has specified this in His Word and He will hold everyone accountable. He doesn't play games. Neither should we. When we consider the serious ramifications for sin, it should produce a holy fear of God. The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

When we understand sin and its consequences, it should lead us to appropriately understand the cross of Calvary. Furthermore, it should point us to the One who died on that cross. The cross shows us the nature of sin and its consequences, because sin required such a costly sacrifice. Also, the cross shows us the immense love God has for unworthy rebels like us.

Unbelievers often accuse Christians of believing in a harsh, judgmental God. They accuse God of being unjust because He demands that people repent and believe in His Son. They think that this is the demand of a tyrant. What they fail to understand is that sin is the greatest crime that mankind can commit. This crime offends the holy nature of God. Mankind sinned long before Jesus came to earth. Jesus came to die for our sins. He came to provide a remedy for our self-inflicted, fatal condition. Rather than a tyrant, God is a loving, compassionate God. The cross demonstrates that. Rejecting the sacrifice of Christ is a foolish act since the blood of Christ is the only remedy for our sin.

While others reject absolute moral truth, it doesn't change the fact that God exists and all us must stand before Him in judgment soon. For your own sake, seek real truth. You'll find that Jesus is the very truth that you need.

That is an absolute fact.