True Humility

One of my Facebook friends recently posted a meme with this prayer: “Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled of You.” Technically, this is impossible. We are all unique individuals with talents, hopes, and dreams. God didn’t create us to be robots. A Christian can pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and then obey His promptings instead of fulfilling selfish desires. 

A personal example that comes to my mind happened over twenty years ago. While walking around my neighborhood, I saw five boys playing football in a church parking lot. A thought crossed my mind that when their football landed by me, that would be a sign to witness to them. Seconds later, the football bounced my way when one of the boys made a bad punt. However, I wanted to be by myself and went straight home. God kept telling me to go back. So I put my shoes on and hurried to the parking lot where the boys were still playing. After one of them scored a touchdown, I asked the boys to take a time-out. All five got born again.

I’ve heard worship songs with the line “more of You, less of me.” While these may be sincere attempts to be humble, I think they are a bit degrading. Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God is not glorified when man criticizes himself. There’s a difference between humility and being humiliated, which the New Oxford American Dictionary defines as “make (someone) feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and self-respect, especially publicly.” 

John the Baptist did say in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” The Jewish prophet was exalting Jesus’ ministry above his. I like The Message Bible’s rendering of this verse: “This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines.” Preachers need to be cautious not to exalt themselves and their ministries more than the God they serve.

One friend of mine used to pray for God to make him humble until I pointed out what James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Fasting is one way of doing that (Psalm 35:13), but that won’t do much good for one who isn’t submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 

Colossians 2 warns of false humility. Verse 18 connects that with “…worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.” Verse 23 goes on to say, “These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.”

Another way to humble yourself is by seeking to meet other people’s needs. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Jesus famously demonstrated this by washing His disciples’ feet.

The late Mac Davis sang, “Lord, it’s hard to be humble.” The truth is it’s not that hard. We simply need to exalt Jesus and others more than ourselves. C. S. Lewis wrote, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” Another minister pointed out, “Humility is knowing who are you in Christ and who you are without Him.”

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”  - 1 Peter 5:5

My Appointments with Dr. Demento

This past Friday, a well-known radio announcer turned 80 years old. I emailed him a birthday greeting that day but then felt inspired to write this tribute since he helped get my music heard by a wider audience.

Barret “Barry” Hansen was born on April 2, 1941, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating from Reed College in Portland, Oregon, Barry moved to California and earned a master's degree at UCLA plus worked a variety of jobs in the music industry. Eventually, he created a radio show featuring novelty songs and other unusual recordings. A colleague who called Barry “demented” for playing stuff like that inspired a new nickname. The Dr. Demento Show was soon heard throughout the United States and abroad on Armed Forces Radio. It’s probably best known for launching the career of parodist “Weird Al” Yankovic.

The first time I heard of Dr. Demento was in 1982. I became an announcer for KMSC, the radio station at Moorhead State University in Moorhead, Minnesota. During my shift, I played promos for the Dr. Demento Show but didn’t listen to it then. KMSC could only be heard on campus and I still lived at home. Also, KMSC aired Dr. D’s show on Wednesday nights when I usually worked at a roller rink.

It wasn’t until moving to Minneapolis myself when I started listening to the Dr. Demento Show, which aired Sunday nights on KJJO-FM. By 1986, I assembled a home recording studio to create original electronic music. Many people thought Dr. Demento would play my stuff. So I mailed him one of my demo tapes. Dr. D wrote a reply saying he liked what I did with my synthesizers but needed material that was more humorous. A few months later, I sent him “Let’s Blow Up the Tow Truck.” That song and a follow-up called “Hangover” became #1 requests and continue to be favorites on his show.

One day in July 1987, I unexpectedly received a phone call from Dr. Demento. He was writing an article about my music for his Demento Society newsletter and wanted more information. During the next two years, we talked on the phone a few more times. I had considered making a trip to California to personally meet him but that wouldn’t be necessary. In June 1989, Dr. Demento returned to Minneapolis to visit his mother and left a message on my answering machine suggesting we get together. We ended up recording an interview in my studio that he later aired on his program. Dr. D also invited me to attend a gathering of his family members.

Two years later, Dr. Demento conducted a national tour to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his radio show. One of his stops was Minneapolis. By this time, I had become a Christian and stopped pursuing a secular music career. Nevertheless, I went to see Dr. D at a record store where he signed autographs and talked with fans. I was placed on the guest list to attend a live appearance of him that evening at a local nightclub.

Dr. Demento and I met again the following year when he made another visit to Minneapolis. I put together a recording titled “Too Much TV”, a fictional story composed of television show titles that originated as a Toastmasters speech. I played it for Dr. Demento but found out he already aired a similar recording on his show.

It wasn’t until 2015 when I got another new recording (“Seal Dog Theme”) played on the Dr. Demento Show. Five years earlier, Dr. D ended the syndication of his program. He now produces an online version. Although I periodically check his playlists to see when my songs have aired, I avoid listening to the online programs mainly due to cuss words that no longer need to be censored.

I hope Dr. Demento had a happy 80th birthday. More importantly, I pray that he and fans of his reading this will recognize the importance of being ready for eternity. While God wants us to enjoy ourselves on earth (Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart does good, like medicine”), we will all someday stand before His throne to give an account of our lives. Hell is no laughing matter. I don’t want to see my fellow Dementoids and Dementites going there.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16

Casting Out Devils

Mention the Great Commission and most Christians only think of “preaching the gospel to every creature.” Yet Jesus gave other commandments in the sixteenth chapter of Mark. One of which in verse 17 is to cast out devils. That commandment must be important. It is listed before speaking in tongues and laying hands on the sick.

Many churches in Western nations don’t do deliverance ministry at all. Some ministers believe Christians cannot have a demon. I can testify that this is not true. Over the years. I’ve witnessed numerous devils cast out of God’s people. I’ve done my share of exorcisms.

During the mid-1990s, I became close friends with “Stacy” (not her real name), a middle-aged woman often placed on my team during our church’s evangelism outreaches. Despite her faithfulness in sharing the gospel, Stacy was often oppressed. One particular afternoon while I prayed for Stacy, these words came out of her mouth: “You can’t have her! You can’t have her!” I recognized this as Satan speaking through my friend and commanded him to come out in Jesus’ name. Stacy fell over and was motionless on the floor for several minutes.

Sadly, my friend didn’t stay delivered as she continued giving place to the devil through bitterness. One night after an outreach, Stacy burst into the church yelling accusations against the evangelism pastor. She had to be forcibly removed from the premises. The last time I heard from Stacy was when a mutual friend handed me a note from her laced with profanity.  

Christians can become “repossessed” by being disobedient to God’s word. After healing the man by the pool called Bethesda, Jesus told him in John 5:14, “See, you have been made well.  Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”  Jesus also warned in Matthew 12…

43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 

44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 

45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

Every human is full of something. One must feed on God’s word to stay strong spiritually especially after receiving deliverance. Otherwise, that leaves room for the devil to get in. 

Last Sunday, my friend Gretchen and I ministered to a woman who “lost her faith” due to terrible things that happened to her and her eight children. Mercedes insisted the devil has more power than God. Gretchen and I spent about twenty minutes testifying how God will provide and protect those who put their trust in Him. Mercedes’ countenance changed after she prayed to recommit her life to the Lord.

I like what Jim Kaseman says: “If you talk more about what the devil is doing than what God is doing, then you are a devil worshipper.” We don’t need to be demon hunters looking for demons behind every doorknob. But when they manifest, then we must be ready to deal with them.

 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” - 1 John 4:4

Godly Disobedience

Coronavirus lockdowns have forced many places to close or change how they do business. For two months now, I haven’t been able to get a haircut, hang out at coffee shops, or attend most church services in person. Nevertheless, there are Christians who are quick to preach about “obeying the laws of the land” (Romans 13:1-6, Titus 3:1-2). I agree with that to a point. For example, no one should violate the speed limit except for policemen catching criminals and first responders trying to save lives.

Sometimes civil disobedience is necessary when a law contradicts the higher laws of God. These individuals in the Bible wouldn’t have fulfilled their divine destinies had they followed every man-made ordinance…

• The Hebrew midwives were ordered to throw newborn boys into the Nile River (Exodus 1:16). One mother hid her son for three months and then sent him floating down the river. Moses eventually led the Israelites out of captivity. 
• Esther went against protocol by appearing before King Ahasuerus even though it could have cost her life. Her actions prevented the Jews from being killed.
• Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to worship the king of Babylon and instead prayed to the true God. All of their lives were supernaturally spared.
• The early apostles were commanded not to preach in the name of Jesus. Peter responded in Acts 5:29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Yesterday I exchanged emails with a fellow American who claimed we aren’t living in times of persecution. Baloney! For the past few years, Christian business owners refusing to support homosexual events have been harassed and fined. Lately we’ve had governors and mayors issuing threats against pastors and churchgoers just for having worship services. This goes against the First Amendment of the Constitution, which is the highest law of the land.

God hates rebellion but He is also against cowards tolerating godlessness. 500 years ago, a German priest named Martin Luther opposed corruption by the Roman Catholic Church that resulted in religious freedom for multitudes of people. This same country later allowed an Austrian named Adolf Hitler to gradually take away personal freedoms. Think that can’t happen here in the United States? Bad things happen when good people do nothing. 

A future law people should not obey is taking the mark of the beast. As A. W. Tozer once said, “To be right with God has often meant to be in trouble with men.”

But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.” - Acts 4:19

I Still Believe - A Review

With the coronavirus lockdown in effect, many of us remained at home this past Easter weekend. The night before Resurrection Sunday, a friend I was staying with recommended seeing a new movie he had downloaded. I watched it the next morning.

“I Still Believe” is about Christian rock musician Jeremy Camp. The movie begins with Jeremy leaving his hometown in Indiana to attend college in California. There he meets a woman named Melissa. Not long after the two get engaged, Melissa discovered she has cancer. Jeremy temporarily moved in with her parents to care for his fiancé who he later married. Melissa has successful surgery but the cancer came back. During another hospital stay, it appeared she was supernaturally healed since her pain went away. Sadly while Jeremy went to inform the doctors, Melissa suddenly died. After a time of mourning, Jeremy was inspired by a note written by his late wife to continue making music. He would go on to a successful career.

While it’s God’s best for His people to live a long life of divine health, the reality is that doesn’t always happen. We live in a fallen world where Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). “I Still Believe” reminded me of having a significant other that died at a young age. During the late 1990s, I became close friends with a woman who ended up spending time in a psychiatric hospital. Despite my praying for her, Jolene died of hardening of the arteries. She was only 38 years old.

“I Still Believe” demonstrates that true love involves sacrifices and sometimes suffering. Even when our prayers appear to go unanswered, God is still on the throne and has a good plan for our lives. Because movie theaters are currently closed, “I Still Believe” is available online from various sources. I recommended seeing this movie.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” - Jeremiah 29:11

Chickening Out?

The fast food chain Chick-fil-A is known for being closed on Sundays and promoting Christian values. Back in 2012, founder and then-CEO Truett Cathy spoke out against same-sex marriage. Threats of protests by gay activists prompted politician/minister Mike Huckabee to spearhead a Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day. Long lines of customers arrived to show their support.

Since then, Chick-fil-A continues to be assaulted for their “anti-LGBT” stance. New restaurants opening up in certain cities have faced protesters. What’s ironic is hours after the 2016 gay nightclub massacre in Orlando occurred, the local Chick-fil-A opened that Sunday to provide free meals to first responders, blood donors and victims’ families.

Last month, Chick-fil-A announced they will stop giving donations to the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Many Christians interpret this as Chick-fil-A cowering to the homosexual agenda. Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council stated, “Many people have fought for Chick-fil-A and for them to capitulate to the bullies is betrayal.” Conversely, Franklin Graham said after calling current CEO Dan Cathy, “Chick-fil-A remains committed to Christian values.”

Nevertheless, a few friends of mine are boycotting Chick-fil-A including a former lesbian who believes they have “chickened out.” As for myself, I haven’t gone to Chick-fil-A that much to begin with. I don’t like their coffee and their chicken sandwiches are overpriced. I’d rather go to McDonald’s for the former and Wendy’s for the latter.

It’s up to Chick-fil-A which charities they support. Personally, I think they’re sending the wrong message by cutting ties with the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. There are reports of Chick-fil-A giving to questionable organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center that has labeled conservative Christian ministries as “hate groups.” 

I pray Chick-fil-A reconsiders the direction they are going.

“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” - Galatians 1:10

One Bad Apple

Until someone gave me my first MacBook Pro in 2006, I was mainly a PC user. That was usually my only option when using a computer at the public library. Since then I’ve grown to appreciate Apple products. Currently, I’m on my third MacBook Pro. Last fall I purchased an iPad primarily for its extra features in GarageBand (which is used to create my music). I’ve also owned two iPods. Unfortunately, some issues have dampened my enthusiasm with Apple Inc.

Whenever possible I avoid doing business with companies that support abortion and the homosexual agenda. When Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, AT&T (a longtime sponsor of the Gay Games) was the only long-distance carrier that worked with it. That plus not wanting to be locked into a contract discouraged me from getting an iPhone. The following year, Apple donated $100,000 to oppose Proposition 8 that defended traditional marriage in California. I didn’t know about this until two years later. After Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died, Tim Cook became their CEO and came out as gay.

Apple claims to be an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t discriminate on the basis of religion. Yet they have shown a double standard in this area. In 2010, the iPhone/iPad application for the Manhattan Declaration, a Christian organization promoting family values, was removed from the iTunes Store. This was the result of a small but very vocal protest by those favoring gay marriage and abortion. The Manhattan Declaration app was originally accepted by Apple and rated as “4+”, meaning it contained no objectionable material. Meanwhile, the iTunes Store continues to allow apps by Planned Parenthood and numerous homosexual dating sites.

The Manhattan Declaration stated the following on their website…

“We emphasize with great sincerity that ‘disagreement’ is not ‘gay-bashing.’ Anyone who takes the time to read the Manhattan Declaration can see that the language used to defend traditional marriage, the sanctity of human life, and religious liberty is civil, non-inflammatory, and respectful. The Manhattan Declaration clearly calls its signers to reject ‘disdainful condemnation’ of those who disagree and declares that all people are worthy of respect, because all are loved by God.”

Apple has continued this hypocrisy by removing the apps of other organizations helping homosexuals overcome same-sex attraction. Among them were the now-defunct Exodus International and most recently Living Hope Ministries.

Changes with how Apple computers are manufactured may eventually result in me shunning them completely. Earlier this month, my 2011 MacBook Pro stopped booting up properly. I brought it to a certified Apple technician who informed me his business has decreased. Newer MacBook Pros have parts soldered together as opposed to using screws, making the laptops more difficult to repair. I suspect this is to force people into buying new Macs more often. Older models can be repaired or refurbished for less money. Even that option may disappear if Apple continues a policy of planned obsolescence.

I pray God raises up people who will come up with better computers and other products so Christians won’t have to make buying decisions that conflict with their moral convictions.

“I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.” - Proverbs 8:12 (KJV)

An Open Letter to Jon Lindgren

Jon is the former mayor of Fargo, ND 

and an outspoken critic of religion

Dear Jon,

I’m a Christian missionary who has read many of your articles published in The Forum and in your blog. My motive for writing this letter is not to stir up a debate but inspire you to think about a few things since you call yourself a “freethinker.”

First, let me point out that I once thought of myself as an atheist but was really more of an agnostic. While growing up in the Fargo-Moorhead area, my parents made me attend a traditional Lutheran church that gave me wrong perceptions of Christianity. For years, I questioned God’s existence until hearing a motivational speaker point out how the order of our universe is evidence of a Creator. Not long afterward, I prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. My life hasn’t been the same since.

I read that you once considered yourself a believer but had walked away from the faith. Throughout my 24 years of doing street ministry, I’ve met other people who said the same thing. That often happened in response to a tragedy or they never really knew the Lord to begin with. One cause of the latter is churches “having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:5) That’s why many mainline denominations are losing members. People’s spiritual needs aren’t being met there. Fortunately, there are churches alive and growing because the Word of God is taught accurately and the Holy Spirit is allowed to function during services. 

People frequently ask me why God allows bad things to happen such as wars, crime, storms, accidents, and disease. There is a simple answer to that. We live on an accursed planet largely ruled by Satan. Even the Bible calls him “the god of this world.” Man has a free will and can choose to follow God or (by default) the devil. You may not believe the devil is a real entity but I can testify from experience he comes to steal, kill and destroy. Denying the existence of the supernatural is like denying gravity. We might not see these things with our physical eyes but there are consequences when we ignore spiritual and natural laws.

One of your articles talks about “ditching religion.” I would agree with that concept depending on your definition of religion. Many dictionaries define it as “a system of faith and worship.” Although Christianity is often labeled as a religion, it was never intended to be a system of do’s and don’ts but a relationship with the Creator who loves us very much. The word religion originates from the Latin word religio, which means “to bind.” Religion can become a form of bondage to well-meaning people trying to follow God’s laws without knowing Him personally. Cults and other religious groups contribute to this bondage by adding rules not based on Scripture.

Another one of your articles makes the claim “…all faiths basically are the same. All believe their faith is the absolute truth and that all others are fake or false.” That’s not entirely true. Universalists believe “there are many ways to get there” despite various religions often contradict each other. Jesus simplified all this by saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

A more recent article of yours denies the existence of miracles. Often people don’t believe in them because they have never seen one. I used to be like that. However, Christians who obey the Great Commission can expect to see signs following such as the sick being healed. I’ve seen this happen many times by using the name of Jesus. Have you thought about why some people use His name as a cuss word but not Allah or Buddha? Satan may influence people to blaspheme the Lord’s name but he still must bow whenever a Christian speaks the name of Jesus with boldness.

This letter may not change your skepticisms. Hopefully, it has you thinking about your standing with the Lord since you’re entering your eighties and will likely step into eternity soon. It’s unfortunate many ungodly things have been done by church leaders in God’s name. However, that’s not an excuse to run away from Him. Every person will someday stand alone before His throne to give an account of their life.

In closing, I want to ask you a simple question: If Christianity were true, would you become a Christian? If your answer is “no”, then I disagree with your use of the term “freethinker.” You are closing your mind to the possibility of Christianity being the real deal. But if your answer is “yes”, then I encourage you to ask the Lord to make Himself real to you. Don’t look to a particular church or denomination for truth but in the person of Jesus Christ. He will reveal Himself to anyone who diligently seeks Him.

Sincerely,

Todd R. Post

42

A friend once invited me over to his place to watch “42”, a biopic about Jackie Robinson. The title comes from the uniform number Jackie wore. When he became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era, Jackie initially faced all kinds of discrimination and persecution. His courage and playing abilities opened the door for other black athletes to play on the professional level. Nowadays, Jackie’s uniform number is retired by every Major League Baseball team except during the annual “Jackie Robinson Day” on April 15th when every single player wears #42.

A couple weeks before seeing the movie “42”, I learned of another fact involving that number. One morning I made my usual trip to Caribou Coffee. They offer a 10-cent discount for correctly answering a trivia question. The question that day was, “What is the Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and Everything?” I answered “Jesus Christ.” That wasn’t the answer the Caribou employee sought. Instead, it was “the number 42.” This is according to the science fiction novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

Numbers in the Bible have symbolic significance. The number 42 is connected with the Antichrist. Revelation 13:5 says the Beast will hold dominion over the Earth for 42 months. In 2 Kings 2:23-24, bears mauled 42 youth after they mocked Elisha for his baldness. On the other hand, the Gospel of Matthew lists 42 generations in the Genealogy of Jesus. It’s also interesting to point out the Gutenberg Bible is known as the “42-line Bible” because it contained 42 lines per page.

Incidentally, I still received a discount on my coffee. I stated the number 42 wouldn’t help anyone get into heaven. The only true “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and Everything” is Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:6

Memories from a Cautiously Optimistic Vikings Fan

Sports fans in America love rooting for the underdog. Just over a year ago, the Chicago Cubs had many people pulling for them (myself included) as they won their first World Series in 108 years. Now another franchise with a reputation of losing big games has a chance of finally winning it all. It happens to be my favorite football team.

The Minnesota Vikings began playing in 1961 as an NFL expansion team. Eight years later, they appeared in their first Super Bowl but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Three years after that, I started watching Vikings games on TV while growing up in Moorhead, Minnesota. The following season, they reached Super Bowl VIII, which was played on my tenth birthday. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a Super Sunday for me as the Vikings lost to the Miami Dolphins.

Nevertheless, I remained a Minnesota Vikings fan with quarterback Fran Tarkenton as my favorite player. Throughout the rest of the 1970s, I watched almost every Vikings game on TV. They consistently won their division but never went all the way through the playoffs. Among the disappointments I endured seeing were two more Super Bowl losses and the infamous Hail Mary game against the Dallas Cowboys. By the end of the decade, I was watching fewer games and spending more time at the roller rink.

In December 1980, I was home one Sunday afternoon watching the Minnesota Vikings play poorly against the Cleveland Browns. I left the living room just before the game was over. Suddenly, I heard Mom and Dad cheering as Ahmad Rashad caught a winning touchdown with no time left. Since then, my parents jokingly asked me to leave the room whenever the Vikings faced defeat. They often seemed to play better when I wasn’t watching them. Similar incidents happened with come-from-behind playoff wins over the New York Giants in 1997 and last week’s “Minneapolis Miracle” against the New Orleans Saints. I had been watching the latter game from a restaurant but left early thinking the Vikings would let that game slip away.

Dad had talked of us seeing a Minnesota Vikings game as a family but that never happened (he passed away last month). My parents went to a game by themselves in 1984 when the Vikings had one of their worst seasons ever. They barely won that contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

I attended my first Vikings game two years later after moving to Minneapolis. One night I was at a club where the disc jockey announced he had two free Vikings tickets for the first person who could tell him who played keyboards on the Beatles’ song “Get Back.” I knew the answer was Billy Preston and rushed to the DJ booth to claim the tickets. A college classmate went with me the next night to see the Vikings beat the Dolphins in a preseason game.

Due to the high prices plus preferring the comfort and convenience of seeing games on TV, I never sought to buy Vikings tickets. Still, I’ve been to a few other games. In 1999, a friend’s mother had season tickets and offered to let her son and me attend the home opener. The Vikings lost that one to the Oakland Raiders.

Starting in 2013, I’ve spent part of the year living with a Vikings fan who’s also an occasional evangelist. As Mr. Minnesota, my roommate dances around near the stadium in a Mask-like outfit attracting crowds and then hands out specially-designed gospel tracts. In exchange for filming him, Mr. Minnesota bought both of us tickets for that day’s game if he found a pair from a scalper who wasn’t charging too much money. I haven’t been to a winning game with Mr. Minnesota except for one.

Prior to a Vikings game against the Houston Texans in 2016, I approached a homeless man sitting near the stadium displaying a sign asking for help. After offering him a bag of Doritos, this man offered me a ticket someone had given him. Mr. Minnesota later bought one off the street. Both of us got to see the Vikings win 31-13. At that point, they were 5-0 for the season but then slumped to finish with an 8-8 record.

This season I initially shied away from watching NFL games in response to many players not honoring the national anthem. Gradually I relented as the Minnesota Vikings played better than expected and finished the regular season at 13-3. I’m still a bit reluctant to watch today’s NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. As much as I want to see the Vikings win, I don’t want to get my emotions stirred up and then experience another letdown. The Vikings have lost in their last five NFC Championship appearances including two in overtime. But if they win today, the Vikings will compete in their first Super Bowl in 41 years…and in their home stadium to boot!

Here’s something else worth noting. Back in late 1976, I had a dream of having been in some kind of coma and then asked my mother if the Vikings had won the Super Bowl. She said they did by beating the New England Patriots. In real life, the Vikings eventually lost that season’s Super Bowl to the Raiders who had narrowly beaten the Patriots in an earlier playoff game. However, this dream would become prophetic if both the Vikings and Patriots win their respective games today and then if the Vikings come out victorious in Super Bowl LII.

Regardless, I won’t base my happiness on the outcome of a football game. Some might call me a fair-weather fan but I disagree. The Minnesota Vikings will always be my favorite team. But even former head coach Bud Grant told one interviewer, “Football is entertainment. It’s not life or death.” In response to his being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Bud stated, “We’re stars. We’re not heroes. We’ve done nothing heroic.”

As Christians, we can always be winners. In fact, Romans 8:37 says we are more than conquerors. After throwing last week’s winning touchdown pass, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum told a Fox Sports reporter that the most important moment of his life was meeting his Lord and Savior. Go Team Jesus!

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” - Colossians 3:2 (KJV)

Will Universalists Go to Heaven?

Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, “According to your faith let it be to you.” God’s promises of salvation, healing, and provision are available to everyone but don’t happen by default. One must be willing to receive those promises and then obey His instructions for them to manifest.

A concept isn’t true just because a group of people believe it. That certainly applies to the doctrine of universal reconciliation, which states everybody will spend eternity in heaven. It’s scary to think what the Lord will say to ministers who preached this false gospel when they stand before His throne. 

I do believe universalists who are born again but lack biblical knowledge will get into heaven. It wasn’t until a year into my faith walk when I received the revelation that Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6). We are saved by faith in Christ, not because all our spiritual beliefs are 100% in line with Scripture.

However, mature Christians who suddenly become universalists cross a dangerous line when they start promoting their “gospel of inclusion” to where it discourages nonbelievers from getting right with God. 1 Timothy 4:1 tells us, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” In Matthew 15:14, Jesus refers to “...blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”

Jesus also said in Mark 9:42, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” It reminds me of the time I witnessed to a woman who claimed there’s no such place as hell and even tried to use Bible verses to back up what she believed! As I walked away from this woman, I thought about the little boy that was with her. If he grows up believing there’s no hell and dies without knowing the Lord, both he and the woman could face eternal torment.

James 3:1 warns, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” Universalists will have to give account for the lost souls who could have gotten saved had they heard the true gospel from them. I pray every professing Christian reading this who endorses universal reconciliation will repent before it’s too late.

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” - Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT)

It’s the Same Old Song

A few years ago I spent the weekend at a Christian retreat center in central Minnesota. In the sanctuary, Terry MacAlmon’s “Precious Lamb of God” was repeatedly heard on a CD player in between meetings. This is one of my favorite songs by Terry. However, I chose to stay away from the sanctuary as much as possible.

It’s happened before when I got tired of a song because the pastor, worship leader, or person in charge overplayed it. One minister I know habitually plays the same song over and over on his iPod at the end of his meetings. A favorite of his is Roy Fields’ “In the Presence of Angels.” I liked that song when first heard at the Lakeland Outpouring meetings in 2008. Now I cringe whenever hearing it. That’s unfortunate since it’s really an anointed song.

Another tune that’s become annoying to me is the David Ingles composition “Lord We Magnify You.” There’s a church I’ve attended for many years that (in my opinion) still sings that hymn too much. At one recent worship service, the piano player announced “let’s sing this just once” but then went through it several times before moving on to the next song.

One might argue we will sing the same song over and over in heaven. Revelation 4:8 says, “The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!’” But it later says in Revelation 5:9 and 14:3 they “sing a new song” in heaven. Many verses in Psalms command us to do the same thing.

Jesus told us in Matthew 6:7 to avoid vain repetitions in our prayers. I believe this can also apply to music used in worship. Perhaps the Lord would be more pleased if we occasionally waited on Him and then sang spontaneous songs downloaded to us from heaven. 

Our God likes variety and freshness.

“Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise in the assembly of saints.” - Psalm 149:1

Free Radicals

To some people, the word radical has negative connotations. For example, “radical Islam” refers to Muslims carrying out suicidal bombings such as the one this past Monday in Manchester, England that killed 22 people and injured more than 100 others. Although there are peace loving Muslims who condemn such attacks, the fact is the Koran has verses endorsing acts against “infidels” who won’t convert to their religion.

The liberal media wrongly compares “radical Christians” to radical Islam. Yes, there have been a few violent acts carried out by extremists in the name of God. However, true followers of Jesus will not kill their enemies except for soldiers defending their country or officers confronting criminals. Even renowned atheist Richard Dawkins stated, “There are no Christians, as far as I know, blowing up buildings. I am not aware of any Christian suicide bombers. I am not aware of any major Christian denomination that believes the penalty for apostasy is death.”

The New Oxford American Dictionary has several definitions of radical. One is an adjective meaning “(especially of change or action) relating to or affecting the fundamental nature of something; far-reaching or thorough.” Another is a noun meaning “a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform.” Radical can also refer to a surgery or medical treatment that is thorough and intended to be completely curative.

Most people don’t know the word radical used to have a different meaning. Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines it as “pertaining to the root or origin.” The word originated from the Latin word radicalis, meaning “root.”

Perhaps you’ve heard of a free radical. It’s a chemistry term describing atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Spiritually speaking, God wants us to be free radicals - free to be radical for Him. Jesus could have been considered a radical as He upset the religious leaders of His day. Today there are radical Christians who won’t let religious people suppress their gifts and callings. A radical Christian walking in love is really a normal Christian.

My life was radically changed after making Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior 26 years ago. All believers can bring radical change for good to society as well as people’s eternal destinies by obeying the Great Commission. You may not be appreciated at first by those in your sphere of influence. Regardless, our goal is to please the Lord.

“But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, ‘These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.’” - Acts 17:6