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

An Open Letter to Christian Democrats

To whom it may concern:

Back in 2016, after posting an article explaining why I’m Republican and voting for Donald Trump, a relative who is a staunch Democrat sent emails challenging my reasons. I responded by emphasizing my opposition to the Clintons returning to the White House. Since then, other left-leaning believers have questioned my political beliefs. Therefore, I ask that you prayerfully read this. We are in the midst of a critical election that will affect our nation's future.

First, I don’t want to demean those whose beliefs differ from mine. Nevertheless, I question how professing believers can endorse candidates whose policies go against God’s word. It’s important to align with a party platform that’s in line with the Judeo-Christian values our Founding Fathers intended for our country.

Some vote for Democrats because that party promotes programs helping the poor. On the surface, that sounds good. However, civil governments didn’t have welfare during the time of the Early Church. Benevolence was the church’s responsibility (Acts 6:1-3). Widows had relatives taking care of them (1 Timothy 5:3–8).

Democrats keep pushing for higher taxes while Republicans seek to lower them. Programs that encourage welfare over employment result in more people dependent on the government. The Republican Party promotes self-reliance. Last year at a church meeting for entrepreneurs, I learned President Trump launched a $100 Billion Initiative offering grants and loans to anyone wanting to start their own business. The Lord rewards faithfulness instead of socialism.

Democratic leaders appear to show concern for the environment by enacting climate change legislation. Their motives are more about globalism and controlling the populace. The idea of global warming is a hoax and a waste of taxpayer dollars. Acts 17:26 says, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.” That would include coastlines, which are not changing due to rising sea levels.

The Democrat party celebrates alternative lifestyles, which Scripture forbids. In 2012 as vice president of the United States, Joe Biden publicly endorsed same-sex marriage. He’s recently stated transgender equality is “the civil rights issue of our time” and that LGBT-free zones “have no place anywhere in the world.” That includes public bathrooms and showers. During a town hall meeting three days ago, Biden endorsed gender transition for children as young as eight years old! If I were a parent, I wouldn’t want my kids forced into sharing locker rooms with students of the opposite sex and questioning how God made them. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

I want to stress two other reasons why Joe Biden should not be president. First, he has talked about issuing a national mask mandate in response to fears over COVID-19. That is unnecessary and infringes on individual liberties. God didn’t intend for us to wear masks. He’s already given us something to protect us from diseases. It’s called an immune system, which can be strengthened through prayer and proper nutrition.

Secondly, Biden’s declining mental state would suggest he’s not fit to serve a full term as president. I’d be leerier of Kamala Harris ascending to the Oval Office. While attorney general of California, she sought to prosecute journalist and pro-life activist David Daleiden who exposed Planned Parenthood for selling baby parts. Both Biden and Harris support unlimited abortion funded by taxpayers up until the moment of birth. It’s disturbing when politicians disregard the sanctity of human life.

I can understand how some people don’t like Donald Trump’s personality. At times, he comes across as cocky and arrogant. While I disagree with how the president says and tweets some things, I like what Fran Tarkenton pointed out at the 2016 Republican National Convention: “A leader gets stuff done.” Trump has accomplished much as a businessman and during his short tenure as Commander in Chief. He’s kept his promises such as moving the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to their capital city of Jerusalem.

In closing, Christians voting for Democrats have used the slogan: “Jesus rode a donkey.” We don’t belong to a donkey or an elephant. We belong to the Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world. Once again, our country needs political leaders who will make decisions in line with His word.

Isaiah 5:20 warns, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Your vote is your voice. Please vote wisely and Biblically.

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual — or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.” - Samuel Adams

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

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

An Open Letter to Julie Brown

Dear Julie,

I happened to log on your Facebook page a few days ago and noticed your post: “Why are Christians condemning Pete Buttegieg [sic] for being gay? Wasn’t Christ loving and kind and accepting of everyone?” I decided to write a response even though it might trigger a flood of negative comments from fans of yours who won’t respect my beliefs. I’m aware you have a significant following from the LGBTQ community. Therefore, I felt the best approach is to post this letter in my blog and then send you a link to that.

First, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I’m an evangelist who previously sought a secular music career. Like yourself, I’ve had songs aired on the Dr. Demento radio show. I enjoyed many of your recordings and saw the movie “Earth Girls Are Easy” based on your song of the same name. I consider you a talented and attractive performer (I’ve always liked redheads). ;)

You asked why Christians are “condemning” Pete Buttigieg for being gay. I don’t condemn Pete as a person. Jesus died for him as well as everyone else. What Bible-believing Christians don’t agree with are alternative lifestyles that go against Scripture. Personally, I know individuals who overcame same-sex attraction and transgenderism with God’s help. Therefore, I cannot accept the idea that homosexuals and transsexuals are born that way.

What I find more troubling is God-fearing business people being threatened with legal action if they won’t participate in events celebrating these lifestyles. One Christian baker who already won a Supreme Court case supporting his decision not to make a same-sex wedding cake was recently sued again for not making a cake acknowledging a gender transition. A homosexual president would likely condone more persecution like this.

You also asked, “Wasn’t Christ loving and kind and accepting of everyone?” The answer to that question is “no.” Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Throughout the gospels, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their pride and religious hypocrisy.

Jesus did reach out to prostitutes, tax collectors, and other sinners. It wasn’t for the purpose of affirming their sin but to offer redemption. He told one woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) The Lord is saying the same thing today to anyone willing to repent of sexual immorality. 

Hopefully, I’m not coming across as self-righteous. None of us are perfect and deserve to go to heaven. Even if you haven’t had a Christian upbringing, perhaps you’re familiar with John 3:16, “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.” Everyone has the opportunity to receive the free gift of salvation. My prayer is that you choose to do so. 

Sincerely, 

Todd R. Post

(The artist formerly known as Krypton)

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” - John 3:17-18

A Better Transition

The first time I heard of someone having a sex change was while listening to “American Top 40” in 1979. Casey Kasem talked about a musician named Walter Carlos who was a pioneer in electronic music (his 1968 album “Switched-On Bach” was one of the first successful recordings to feature a synthesizer). Walter dropped out of the public eye for a number of years and had gender reassignment surgery before emerging as “Wendy Carlos.” I was shocked when Casey wished “her” luck and looked forward to “her” upcoming work. At 15 years old, I couldn’t believe someone changing their sex was something to be taken seriously. 

Fast forward forty years later. We now live in a society of gender fluidity. Individuals of all ages can suddenly change their sexual identity at the drop of a hat. Facebook now offers users 58 different ways to identify their gender. The proofreading app Grammarly recently published a blog article about “how to use gender pronouns respectfully” because “it’s Pride Month.” 

People who won’t address transitioning individuals by their preferred gender can find themselves in trouble. One Virginia high school teacher lost his job for refusing to call a female student by male pronouns. Peter Vlaming (who is a Christian) offered to use the student’s new name and avoid feminine pronouns, but the school wouldn’t accept his compromise. Other God-fearing people have been harassed, threatened, and censored for not calling transgender people their preferred pronouns.

I refuse to conform to this lunacy. The Bible makes it clear God created man male and female…period! There are no alternative genders. Nor does Scripture accommodate individuals wanting to change their sex. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Sadly, some parents have encouraged their children to become transgender. As Charisma columnist J. Lee Grady stated, “This is not just an attack on family values; it’s an attack on basic intelligence.”

If you happen to be someone struggling with gender identity, please don’t interpret this article as hateful. I’m speaking the truth in love plus using common sense. To identify a biological male with a feminine pronoun (or vice versa) is like calling a dog a cat. It doesn’t change who they really are. A few years ago I did street ministry with a man who admitted he used to wear women’s clothes until he was set free from gender confusion. As 1 Corinthians 14:33 points out, “God is not the author of confusion but of peace…”

Are you seeking to change your identity? A better transition is to become a new creature in Jesus Christ. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Homophobia vs. Christophobia

A war continues against Christmas and traditions associated with that. It’s bad enough the PC police insist on people saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” to avoid offending non-Christians. Now a liberal-leaning publication has gone to faultfinding a popular animated classic many of us watched while growing up. The HuffPost criticized “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” for being “bigoted” and “seriously problematic” because of bullying scenes. It was even labelled “homophobic.”

That reminded me of an exchange of emails I had around Christmastime eight years ago. It involved a disc jockey familiar with my old novelty songs still being played on Dr. Demento’s radio show. A New Yorker who calls himself A-Log didn’t like a YouTube video he saw of me preaching against same-sex marriage. He thought it was hypocritical to talk about God’s love but not accepting alternative lifestyles. What I find hypocritical is LGBT activists campaigning for equal rights but trying to force God-fearing individuals into embracing sinful lifestyle choices. 

A-Log also asked for proof that I’m not a homophobe. That would depend on how he defines that word. One might think a homophobe is simply somebody who’s afraid of gay people. The New Oxford American Dictionary describes one as “a person with an extreme and irrational aversion to homosexuality and homosexual people.”

I explained to A-Log that I don’t hate homosexuals but the practice of homosexuality. As stated in my video, I will minister God’s love to homosexuals I encounter while doing street evangelism. But when certain people are not willing to repent of immoral behavior, then I’m commanded by Scripture not to have close relationships with them. 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.”

People who label evangelical Christians homophobic are really Christophobic, which is an irrational fear of Christians. Have you noticed those who preach the loudest for “tolerance” and “diversity” will tolerate diverse belief systems except for Christianity? Just mentioning the name of Jesus Christ causes some to panic. That’s sad considering the Lord came to save sinners, not to condemn them.

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” 

- John 3:19-20

Let Boys Be Boys

During my childhood, I was never a Boy Scout partially because of my lack of interest in camping and other outdoor activities. Nevertheless, I believe in the ideas the Boy Scouts of America have promoted for over 100 years. Their well-known motto is “be prepared.” Sadly, the BSA didn’t prepare for what Christina Hoff Sommers calls “The War on Boys.”

Five years ago, singer Carly Rae Jepsen and the band Train were scheduled to perform at that year’s National Scout Jamboree. Both backed out because of then-BSA policies forbidding homosexuals. Jepsen stated, “As an artist who believes in equality for all people, I will not be participating in the Boy Scouts of America Jamboree this summer.” If I was attending that jamboree, I’d rather hear Fred Flintstone sing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.”

The Boy Scouts of America have since amended their policies. First, they allowed “openly gay youths” to join at the beginning of 2014. Then in July 2015, the BSA ended their blanket ban on homosexual leaders and employees. Church-sponsored Scout units can still maintain exclusions for religious reasons. This compromise has resulted in some churches disallowing Boy Scout groups from meeting in their buildings.

If I was a parent, I’d be leery of any homosexual leader installing ideas in my children that are contrary to the word of God. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Fortunately, there are Christian alternatives to scouting such as Royal Rangers.

Earlier this week, it was announced the Boy Scouts of America are changing their name to “Scouts BSA” since girls will be welcome to join starting next year. This wasn’t because of mass protests by young females demanding equality. There is already a club for them called the Girl Scouts. Instead, the BSA has succumbed to corporate funding pressures by feminists, leftists, and other organizations aiming to homogenize and blur gender distinctions.

The BSA slogan is “Do a Good Turn Daily.” One good turn they should do is stand up for their own oath which states, “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” Accommodating homosexuals and children’s gender confusions contradicts this oath and will have negative consequences for eternity. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 warns that the effeminate will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Boys and girls were designed differently so that most of them eventually complement each other in marriage. While it’s good for the sexes to do certain activities together, they also need time apart. Boys need to learn to become men and girls need to learn to become women. 

Let boys be boys!

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” - Genesis 1:27

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

Transformation by Christ

It’s often been said we are our own worst critic. Many of us have characteristics about ourselves we wish were different. When I was younger, I often got permanents because I liked how I looked with curly hair. Eventually I stopped getting those because I grew tired of the time and expense involved. Besides that, Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made...” All of us should be thankful for how God designed us.

However, we now live in a day where people are celebrated for changing their gender. This past week the media has been bombarded with reports of a former Olympic athlete becoming a woman. Bruce Jenner now prefers to be called “Caitlyn” and be addressed by feminine pronouns. Because of this gender reassignment, Jenner has been awarded this year’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award by ESPN. Even more disturbing is Jenner professing to be a Christian and claiming God gave him “the soul of a female.”

As a minister of the gospel, I cannot accept this claim. God designed Bruce as a man...period. If only he would spend more time studying the Bible. Romans 12:2 commands us to “...not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” It’s ironic the gay community embraces sex change operations yet they demonize former homosexuals who through God’s help overcame same-sex attraction.

One who truly submits himself to Christ becomes “a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17) and can continue “...being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18) Just yesterday, I watched a powerful testimony of a man who had lived as a woman but then realized he was living a lie.

I pray Bruce Jenner will draw closer to the Lord and again become the man he was created to be. Mutilating one’s body parts is never the solution. It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a cancer. Godly change comes from the inside out.

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” - Psalm 139:13 (NLT)

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

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