Reach Out and Resist

I will continue using Facebook as a ministry platform despite them force-feeding us propaganda (including added links about COVID-19 that I do not approve of). Earlier this week, a sponsored ad from singer Carole King came up in my News Feed in which she thanked Dolly Parton “for inspiring me to record my own vaccination song.” I had no interest in hearing the song. When I clicked on the ellipsis, nothing happened. I couldn’t hide the ad. The only way to prevent it from coming up again on my News Feed was to block Carole King’s Facebook page.

I’ve also been doing this with Facebook ads “celebrating” pride month. This year several of them have appeared in my News Feed. One by iHeart Radio claimed you “can’t cancel pride.” I did so by blocking their page. James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5 both say, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 

To anyone wanting to label me a hater, I need to clarify something. I do not hate homosexuals. By His grace, I love them as God loves them. What I hate is the demonic deception that's blinding their minds (2 Corinthians 4:4). In his book “A Queer Thing Happened to America,” Dr. Michael L. Brown encourages Christians to “reach out and resist” when relating to homosexuals: reach out to them with compassion but resist gay activism with courage. 

The late D. James Kennedy stated, “Tolerance is the last virtue of a depraved society. When you have an immoral society that has blatantly, proudly, violated all of the commandments of God, there is one last virtue they insist upon: tolerance for their immorality.” LGBT advocates are wasting their time and money trying to convince me to condone lifestyles the Bible calls an abomination. I pray they repent before it’s too late.

“But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.” - Psalm 63:11

A Pan of Panera Bread

I’m a traveling missionary who frequently patronizes Panera Bread. I enjoy sitting inside their restaurants drinking coffee and eating an occasional bagel while working online with my laptop. I was glad to see the one closest to my home finally allow indoor seating again after three months of doing take-out and drive-thru orders only. So I resumed going there earlier this week.

Unfortunately, I saw something on Thursday that made me turn around and leave. The windows had artwork of a rainbow with the caption “CELEBRATE WHO YOU ARE.” I assume this is in observance of Gay Pride Month. As a Christian, I find this offensive. The rainbow is a sign of God‘s promise not to destroy man again with a flood (see Genesis 9). It was never meant to symbolize deviant lifestyle choices. I happen to know former homosexuals and transsexuals who got delivered with God’s help. Therefore, I do not buy the lie that gays are “born that way.”

I avoid spending my money at places that openly endorse LGBT causes. Hopefully, this rainbow artwork is an isolated incident. Until it’s removed, I will not go inside this location again. If I see this sort of thing become normal at other Panera Bread restaurants, then they will lose not only me as a regular customer but other God-fearing patrons.

This panning of Panera Bread has been emailed to their corporate office. I pray somebody there took time to read it.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” - 1 Corinthians 10:31

What Would Jesus Do in Orlando?

Pulse nightclub in Orlando

Last Sunday morning in Orlando, Florida, a Muslim man walked into a gay bar and went on a shooting spree. 49 people plus the gunman were killed. Another 53 were wounded. Not counting massacres done to Native Americans during the Westward Expansion, this was the worst mass shooting on U. S. soil.

From an eternal perspective, the greatest tragedy regarding any large loss of lives are those who died without knowing the Lord. While it’s possible there were Christians among those killed in Orlando, it’s likely most of them weren’t. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” Fortunately verse 11 offers hope to those who repent, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." I posted these verses on my Facebook page along with a prayer for laborers to reach out to the survivors with the gospel so they recognize their need for salvation. 

Unfortunately, my comments were misinterpreted by a few of my Facebook friends. Four of them unfriended me. Others wrote some not-so-positive remarks. One accused me of “discriminating” against gays. In response, I pointed out that when I’m doing street evangelism and encounter homosexuals, I usually don’t witness to them differently than I would to heterosexuals. We all need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Quoting what Scripture says regarding immoral behavior isn’t discrimination but warning of the consequences if one doesn’t repent.

Another friend mentioned Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:1 (KJV), “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” I’ve noticed many people are quick to judge murderers as hell-bound but God still used Moses and Paul to write parts of the Bible (including Scriptures opposing homosexuality). A proper interpretation of God’s word shows that a Christian is supposed to judge but without being judgmental or hypocritical. Jesus said in John 7:24, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

One of my other Facebook friends posted this simple question: “What would Jesus do?” Jesus would likely respond the same way He did to the woman caught in adultery in John chapter 8...extend mercy but then say, “Go and sin no more.” (verse 11) 

Jesus wouldn’t want us throwing stones but demonstrating His love towards those affected by the tragedy in Orlando. Chick-fil-A employees there showed up for work last Sunday (a day they are normally closed) to prepare and give away food to first responders and people donating blood to victims of the shooting. This certainly demonstrates Christlikeness considering Chick-fil-A experienced protests after their CEO spoke out against gay marriage in 2012.

In no way do I condone what happened in Orlando. If I were to know any of the victims' family members, I would be compassionate towards them regarding the loss of their loved ones. However, if I was asked to speak at their funeral, it would be dishonest for me to say they are “in a better place” if I wasn’t certain they knew the Lord and lived their lives for Him.

Homosexuality can be a very sensitive subject especially around those who have close friends that are part of the LGBT community. Nevertheless, Christians should never be afraid to speak the truth of God’s word. We can reach out to homosexuals with Christ’s love without condoning their lifestyles.

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” - Proverbs 28:13

Godly Discrimination

One sign we’re living in the last days is society’s increasing acceptance of homosexuality. At the time of this writing, 36 American states have legalized same-sex marriage. In response to Florida being the most recent, a Tampa Tribune writer claimed it “should represent no threat to anyone’s personal faith.” Baloney!

In many other places, Christian business owners who stood up against the homosexual agenda have been severely persecuted. One Colorado baker named Jack Phillips was threatened with jail time for refusing to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. Instead of going to a different bakery, the two men filed a lawsuit. A judge ruled Phillips was guilty of “discrimination” and ordered him to make wedding cakes for other same-sex couples who visit his store. He has since stopped making wedding cakes altogether.

One homosexual wrote to me claiming Jesus never discriminated against anyone. Therefore, Christians shouldn’t do that as well. A closer study of Scripture would reveal otherwise. Although the Lord doesn’t want anyone to perish, He will resist certain individuals such as the proud (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). Likewise, Christians are to distance themselves from certain types of people. Among them are those who contentiously promote false teachings...

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” - Romans 16:17

“Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” - Titus 3:10-11

“If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don’t invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work.” - 2 John 1:10-11 (NLT)

We are also to avoid fellowship with professing believers living in willful sin. 1 Corinthians 5:11 says, “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.”

Now it’s different if you are ministering to sinners. Jesus reached out to thieves and prostitutes not to affirm their behaviors but to give them opportunities to repent and be transformed. Likewise, Christians can cultivate friendships with unbelievers in hopes that they will come to know the Lord someday. However, we are not to feel guilty when boundaries must be set with those who repeatedly reject the truth of God’s word. 

It’s not always hate to discriminate.

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” - 2 Corinthians 6:14

Get a Clue

Ever since I was a kid, the Minnesota Vikings have always been my favorite football team. However, actions by one of its players have somewhat dampened my enthusiasm for them. Punter Chris Kluwe (pronounced “Clue-ee”) has spoken out publicly in favor of same-sex marriage in response to a marriage amendment that’s on the Minnesota ballot for this Tuesday’s election. Chris even posed shirtless for the homosexual magazine “Out” despite claims not to be gay himself (he has a wife and two daughters).

Kluwe and other same-sex marriage advocates have campaigned for “marriage equality.” If homosexual marriages do become legal throughout the United States, it’s possible polygamous and incestuous marriages will be as well. When one university professor was arrested for a three-year, consensual affair with his adult daughter, his attorney noted, “It’s OK for homosexuals to do whatever they want in their own home. How is this so different?”

I will continue rooting for the Vikings. However, I am also praying for Chris Kluwe to have a divine encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ so that he will hopefully become a godly role model for young football fans and (more importantly) his two daughters. Legalizing same-sex marriage will never make homosexuality acceptable in the eyes of God just as legalizing abortion doesn’t make it right to murder unborn children.

“For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” - Romans 1:26-27, 32

Coexisting with the "Tolerant"

One objection to Christianity I sometimes hear from non-believers is that religious differences have supposedly caused more wars than anything else. As a result, we are now seeing similarly designed bumper stickers urging people to “coexist” and have “tolerance” of one other.

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines coexist as “exist in mutual tolerance despite different ideologies or interests.” Ironically, many people who advocate tolerance are in reality intolerant of Christianity because of Scripture that won’t condone their lifestyle choices. Ronald Reagan once said, “The frustrating thing is that those who are attacking religion claim they are doing it in the name of tolerance. Question: Isn’t the real truth that they are intolerant of religion?”

Jesus did pray for unity in John chapter 17 but only amongst believers. The Lord doesn’t like strife and division within His body. Psalm 101:5 (NLT) says, “I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.” We are also commanded in Ephesians 4:27 to give no place to the devil.

There is such a thing as being too narrow-minded when it comes to God wanting to do new things through His people. Rodney Howard-Browne says, “Some people are so narrow-minded that they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.” In Acts 5:38-39, Gamaliel offered sound advice about reacting to new moves of God. Unless disciples are obviously promoting dangerous practices, it is wiser to be tolerant than repressive. Otherswise, we might find ourselves “fighting against God.”

But one thing Christians cannot tolerate is doctrine opposing the Word of God. One YouTuber wrote to me claiming, “All religions teach the same truth.” Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to Father except through Me.” Notice Jesus said He was THE truth…not a truth.

Nevertheless, Christians should be compassionate towards those that don’t know the truth of God’s word. Some of you might have co-workers or even a spouse who are non-believers. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

But some men don’t want to live in peace. Take a look at Islam for example. The God of the Koran is certainly not tolerant of non-Muslims...

“I will throw fear into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Then smite the necks and smite of them each finger. That is because they opposed Allah and His messenger. Whoso opposeth Allah and His messenger, (for him) lo! Allah is severe in punishment.” - Surah 8:12-13

Some people reading this might ask, “What about the Crusades?” Throughout history, atrocities have been carried out in the name of God. But that doesn’t mean God Himself was behind those things.  Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 to “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Of course, we must resist evil in cases of war and confronting criminals.

As “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), we are to be in this world but not of it. Therefore, I exhort you to be intolerant of sin but tolerant of people who hold views contrary to Christianity. By speaking the truth in love, God can use you to lead some of them to Him.

“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”

- Hebrews 12:14

Should Christians Boycott?

Last night before going to bed, I was reading news headlines on the Internet and learned that the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company was temporarily changing the name of their “Chubby Hubby” flavor to “Hubby Hubby” to commemorate same-sex marriage being legalized in their home state of Vermont. I was appalled but not totally surprised considering Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have used company profits to support other ungodly causes such as abortion advocacy. Now I have another reason not to buy Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Every Christian has had to decide whether or not to avoid purchasing certain products or services based on moral grounds. Years ago while I was a prayer meeting, one man there suggested boycotting Best Buy because the electronics company sponsored a rock music festival where Ozzy Osbourne was the headlining act. At first, I was in favor of the idea. But a few days later, I was praying when the Lord specifically told me to go to Best Buy. When I showed up at the store, I noticed a boom box that I wanted to buy was on sale. I purchased it immediately.

On the other hand, I made a personal decision to boycott AT&T initially because of them sticking me with a phone bill run up by an ex-roommate. Years later, I learned the communications giant sponsored the “Gay Games” and other homosexual causes. Since then I have continued shying away from doing business with AT&T. That's one reason why I haven't purchased an iPhone. However, there were a few instances when I bought AT&T long-distance calling cards because I needed one and didn’t have other choices at the store where I was shopping.

Some Christians refuse to patronize restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages. Certainly, I don’t agree with sowing money into the liquor industry. But one could still enjoy the food at such a restaurant and then minister to the waiter or waitress who served the meal. It’s not up to any individual to dictate where we should eat or not eat. Romans 14:3-4 says, “Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant?”

As a general rule, I believe Christians should not knowingly invest a large portion of their finances into companies that clearly have an anti-Christian agenda. Nevertheless, situations may arise when it’s impractical to totally boycott a business or service as previously cited in the AT&T example. Regarding any decision in life, always “let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15)

“Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—‘Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,’ which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect.” - Colossians 2:20-23

Something Fishy

The Ichthys (also known as the "Jesus fish") is a widely recognized symbol initially used by the early Christians as a secret way of expressing their faith. Nowadays, this symbol is used openly not only by believers but for unbelievers who have perverted it to promote their ungodly beliefs. Atheists have put "Darwin" fishes with legs on the back of their cars. In response, some Christians display a "Truth" fish eating the Darwin fish with the caption, “Survival of the Fittest.”

This afternoon while I was working on my laptop computer at Panera Bread, a young woman sat at the table next to me with a “rainbow fish” bumper sticker pasted on her laptop. When I asked her what that meant, she said that it endorsed a belief in both gay rights and Christianity. I asked her if she ever read the entire Bible. When she replied that she had not done so, I told her that I was a minister and pointed out that homosexuality and Christianity cannot be compatible. After referring to Romans chapter 1, 1 Corinthians 6, Galatians 5, and Revelation 21, I closed by politely saying, “Anyone who claims to be a disciple of Jesus cannot pick and choose what they want to believe in the Bible. They must either believe the whole thing or not at all.” The young woman sat silently for a couple of minutes and then walked away. I pray that this woman will take the time to read the word of God for herself.

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to seeing someone create a sanctified alternative of the rainbow fish as a way to minister the truth of God’s word to homosexuals. 

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11