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

Does God Hear Sinners?

A few days ago I walked by a woman who said “hello” to me. I greeted her in return and then gave her a gospel tract seeing this as an evangelism opportunity. She wasn’t certain of going to heaven but believed the gospel. After offering to pray with her, this woman claimed God heard her prayers every night. She got defensive after I told her one must know Jesus to get into heaven. During our conversation, I kept thinking of what John 9:31 says, “Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does His will, He hears him.”  

The Amplified Bible clarifies the meaning of this better…

“We know that God does not listen to sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and a worshiper of Him and does His will, He listens to him.”

There is a difference between hearing and listening. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines hearing as “the faculty of perceiving sounds.” That same dictionary defines listen as “give one’s attention to a sound.” A person can hear somebody but not listen to what he is saying. As a child, you might have heard your mother calling you to come inside the house but didn’t listen to her because you wanted to stay outside longer.

This reminds me of a humorous story told by Jesse Duplantis. The Louisiana-based evangelist was talking with a pastor who didn’t think God was hearing his prayers. So Jesse encouraged this pastor to cuss. The pastor refused to consider doing such a thing. Jesse then asked, “What’s the matter? You think God will hear you?”

While God may hear all our prayers, He will not listen and respond to some of them for various reasons. James 4:3 mentions people asking for things with the wrong motives. The following parable in Luke 18 illustrates the importance of having the right attitude when praying…

10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 

12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 

13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Once while I lived in Pensacola, Florida, my roommate told me our next-door neighbor was a Muslim. One afternoon I saw this man sitting on his front steps and perceived this was the right time to approach him with the gospel. Although this man was reluctant to let go of some of his Islamic beliefs, he did pray to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. When he showed me his copy of the Koran, I noticed it was written in both Arabic and Old English. That prompted me to give him a King James Bible to read (usually I give away newer translations because it’s easier reading for young believers). This man then told me he had asked God to give him a Bible and wanted it to be a King James Version. God definitely answered his prayers.

There is one type of prayer from sinners that God will always answer...the call for eternal life. One of the thieves on the cross was promised to be with Jesus in paradise (Luke 23:43). In Acts chapter 10, Cornelius’ prayers ultimately resulted in him receiving salvation when he got together with Peter. So if you are not yet born again, your prayers can be heard if you repent of your sins and make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior. He will listen to you!

“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13

God is Still Speaking

Sometimes I’ve witnessed to individuals online by countering unscriptural comments posted on Facebook and in response to YouTube videos. One person wrote back to me claiming, “God doesn’t speak to men. Any man that tells you he hears God’s words is either a liar or delusional.”

“God doesn’t speak to men?” What about Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and all the other prophets? Jesus Himself talked with the Father while He was on the earth. The Apostle Paul’s conversion resulted from a conversation with the Lord on the Damascus Road. Why wouldn’t God speak to us today? Did He suddenly become mute?

On the other hand, there are ministers and religious organizations claiming to be God’s mouthpiece but really aren’t. One denomination has been using the advertising slogan “God is still speaking.” My question for them is, “Which god are you listening to?” It must be “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) because their website states the following…

“No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life's journey – notwithstanding race, gender, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism.”

Aside from the fact that God’s word forbids homosexuality, Jesus said in John 3:3, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Baptism does not save anybody.

I agree God is still speaking. Contrary to what Joy Behar recently stated on ABC’s “The View”, Christians hear His voice not because of having a mental illness. Everyone who wants to know the Lord can learn to recognize His voice if they follow what He has already said in His word (John 10:27). One of the things they should be willing to hear from Him is “Go and sin no more.”

"There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.”- 1 Corinthians 14:10 (KJV)

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)

Hating Sin, Loving Sinners

Some Christians detest the phrase “hate the sin but love the sinner” (or variations of it) claiming it’s unscriptural. While it may not appear verbatim in the Bible, many verses support that idea. One of the most obvious is 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.” Another one is Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

There are a few Scriptures about God hating certain individuals. Psalm 5:5 says, “You hate all workers of iniquity.” Proverbs 6:19 mentions the Lord hating “a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” I believe it’s more accurate to say God hates the actions of unbelievers. 

Jesus said in Luke 14:26, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Does God really want us hating our relatives? Of course not. The word “hate” in this verse would be better rendered as “love less.” What the Lord is saying is we cannot put a family member’s interests ahead of God’s. We should also be praying for our lost loved ones until they hopefully “come to themselves.” Christians shouldn’t have a condescending attitude like the prodigal son’s older brother in Luke 15 or the Pharisees who caught the woman in adultery in John 8. 

Look how the Lord responded to the rich young ruler who approached Him in Mark 10:21, “Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.’” Jesus loved this man even though he valued his possessions more that following the Son of God.

God doesn’t love the world system that condones and encourages sin but certainly the people in it. That’s why He gave us Jesus. Therefore, Christians should love sinners not by condoning their sinful actions but by sharing the gospel with them.

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” - 1 John 4:10-11

Me Is Exalted

People called to full-time ministry often face the temptation of making things happen by the arm of the flesh. I’ve heard stories about messes ministers created when trying to expand their ministries ahead of God’s timing. Jesus said in Luke 14:11, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

I’m willing to help a brother or sister advance in their calling if the Lord leads me to. Romans 12:10 talks about “giving preference to one another.” Still, I find it annoying when preachers promote their ministries on my web pages without asking first. A few individuals had frequently done this on my Facebook Wall despite my asking them to stop. That prompted me to change my account settings so people could only write comments in response to my articles and praise reports.

Then one pastor started posting announcements (irrelevant to my writings) about various endeavors he was involved in. The first two times I simply removed his posts. After a third time, I asked this pastor to refrain from doing that. He wouldn’t like it if I promoted my ministry on his Facebook pages. The pastor initially responded with defensive emails insisting I repent for “not helping Jesus.” Eventually, he calmed down and apologized.

The Lord expects us to do our part in fulfilling the Great Commission and assisting brethren in need. That doesn’t mean we are to be manipulated to join a specific cause. God may not want you teaming up with a particular minister because his motives aren’t right. Acts 20:30 warns, “Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.”  

Ministers truly lifting up the name of Jesus (and not themselves) shouldn’t get upset if a certain Christian won’t support them. Mike Murdock says, “You are not called to everybody but to somebody.” Ministers should also avoid trying to validate themselves. As Proverbs 27:2 says, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” God will send the right people to bring encouragement when needed.

Are you called to the five-fold ministry? Great! I exhort you to step out and fulfill what God has put on your heart to do for Him. But don’t try pressuring a church or another preacher to facilitate you. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 15:20, “And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation.” I’ve had friends who repeatedly but unsuccessfully sought another ministry to intern under. Surely young Christians need to be discipled. But there comes a time when one must walk on the water and look to God alone for open doors to go through. 

Remember when the Lord uses you to advance His kingdom, always give Him the glory and not yourself.

“If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” - 2 Corinthians 10:17 (NLT)

A Eulogy for Leonard

Back in 1995, I became friends with another serious soul winner who was part of the evangelism ministry at Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Leonard Micklin led hundreds to the Lord apart from the church’s scheduled outings. Often when I arrived prior to an outreach or service, Leonard was sitting in the sanctuary confessing the word. I admired his faith in God meeting his needs without having a job or car.

Leonard didn’t seek to promote himself but the gospel. He often wore a baseball cap with the name of Jesus on it and sang praise songs after leading someone to salvation. During one outing in downtown Minneapolis, I was the leader but perceived the Lord wanted Leonard to lead our team for a while. Leonard was reluctant but agreed to do so. Later I learned the heads of the evangelism ministry were already nudging Leonard to become a team leader.

Not long after I started working for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Leonard often said, “Say ‘Hi’ to Billy for me” (I would do so at an employee picnic). Eventually, the Lord directed me to step out and live by faith as well. Leonard and I traded testimonies of provision to encourage each other since we were sometimes criticized by well-meaning Christians for not having “a real job.”

In 1999 the Lord led Leonard to briefly work for a mutual friend’s roofing company. I joined them on one assignment even though my heart wasn’t really into it (I was never fond of manual labor jobs). A short time later, Leonard left the Twin Cities area. For seventeen years I often wondered what happened to him. 

This past Monday night before another Living Word outreach, it was announced Leonard had died at the age of 71. Just before his passing on October 1st, Leonard had served six years as the evangelism pastor at a church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

I’m sure many believers in heaven who came to Christ through Leonard are thanking him for his obedience to the Great Commission. May that be our mission as well.

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” - Matthew 25:21

Life is a Vapor

Three days ago a friend of mine along with two companions started on a road trip from Minnesota to Texas. Halfway through the trip, one of those companions learned her father was in a motorcycle accident. The three of them made a U-turn back to Minnesota. Shortly afterwards, the motorcyclist died after being taken off life support. Fortunately he professed to know the Lord.

This reminded me of an incident last year involving another female friend. Ironically she also lived in Minnesota but traveled down to Texas with her new husband. One day the two were in a motorcycle accident. My friend was critically injured but has since recovered. Her husband died at the scene.

An estimated 54 million people die every year. That’s almost 150,000 every day. Many of these deaths are sudden and without warning. Scripture describes just how fragile life really is…

“For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are [like] a shadow [just a breath or a vapor].” Job 8:9 (AMP)

“Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah” - Psalm 39:5

“Surely every man is vapor. Selah” - Psalm 39:11

“Surely men of low degree are a vapor, men of high degree are a lie; If they are weighed on the scales, they are altogether lighter than vapor.” - Psalm 62:9

“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “Vanity of vanities! All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity [futile, meaningless—a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes, merely chasing the wind].” - Ecclesiastes 1:2 (AMP)

“whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” - James 4:14

Psalm 91 does have the promise of a satisfying long life but only for those who dwell “in the secret place of the Most High.” God can steer His people away from tragedies if they listen and obey His voice. On the other hand, Satan lies to nonbelievers by saying they can wait and get right with God at a time of their choosing. 

So before your life becomes vaporized, make sure you’re born again. Don’t roll the dice with eternity.

“Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.” 

- 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)

The Name of the Lord

In Matthew 1:21, the angel Gabriel told Joseph (regarding his wife Mary), “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” The Amplified Bible further states that Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name for Joshua (“Yeshua”), which means Savior.

Occasionally I meet people who prefer to call the Son of God by alternative names. A few years ago while in New York City, I visited a church where the Lord was usually referred to as Yeshua. If I'm witnessing to a Jewish person, I'll use the name Yeshua. Otherwise, I call Him Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” I believe the Lord doesn't mind His people calling Him by different names if done reverently. Married people refer to their spouses by a variety of names: “Honey”, “Sweetheart”, “Dear”, “Darling” and possibly some other nickname in addition to their actual first name.  

When it comes to receiving salvation, it’s important to call on the one name that makes this possible. Some people told me they will only pray to God and not mention Jesus at all. That’s like trying to drive a vehicle without any fuel in the tank. Acts 4:12 says, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Later in verse 18 of this same chapter, religious authorities commanded Peter and John “…not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”

In today’s politically correct society, military and police chaplains have been pressured not to pray in the name of Jesus. Again that short-circuits the power of God from flowing in a person’s life. Their prayers simply won’t work. Look at what Jesus said in John 14…

  

12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 

13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

Strangely enough, I’ve met individuals who object to the name of Jesus simply because the letter “J” didn’t come into existence until about 500 years ago. But regardless of what language a person speaks, there is power when the name of the Lord is spoken with boldness. One morning I was lying in my bed when I suddenly heard a voice speaking in my left ear. Initially, the voice repeated the word “attention.” Then it uttered all kinds of profanity at me. After putting up with it for about five seconds, I hollered, “Satan, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus!” Then the demonic voice stopped.

Another time while evangelizing on the streets of Minneapolis, I approached two girls who told me they worshiped Satan. When I started sharing the gospel with them and mentioned the name of Jesus, one of the girls ran away screaming!  

Never let anyone try to discourage you from using the name of Jesus. It’s one of many weapons God has given us to maintain victory over the enemy.

“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:10-11

Super Sunday

Every year millions of people gather around televisions to watch the Super Bowl. The first time I ever watched it was on my tenth birthday in 1974. I was full of excitement since the Minnesota Vikings was one of the teams playing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. That morning at Sunday school, the teacher noticed my zeal for the big game. In front of the whole class he asked me, “Which is more important…church or football?”

Without hesitation I replied, “Football.”

My dad scolded me when he later found out about this. Back then I didn’t see any benefit in going to church. We attended a traditional institution that gave me wrong perceptions of Christianity (it would be another 17 years before I realized how real God is). 

The Vikings ended up losing Super Bowl VIII to the Miami Dolphins. It would be their second of four Super Bowl losses during the 1970s. My favorite team hasn’t returned to the big game in almost 40 years. I would like to see the Vikings win it at least once before the Lord returns.

Meanwhile, the Super Bowl has become like a national holiday in America. While I worked for Billy Graham’s World Wide Pictures during the late 1990s, pastors often picked a Sunday night service to show one of our evangelistic films. I advised them not to do so on Super Bowl Sunday. Most nonbelievers would prefer watching the game instead of going to church to see a movie.

On a related note, it’s interesting to point out the largest crowd ever gathered at the now-defunct Metrodome (where the Vikings used to play) was not for a sporting event but a Billy Graham Crusade. I was one of those in attendance that Sunday night. 

When I do watch the Super Bowl, one thing I don’t care for is all the hype and commercialism surrounding the game. I wish more Christians showed that level of enthusiasm for getting the gospel out. After all, our Savior won the ultimate victory for us on a more important Super Sunday.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 15:57

The End of the World...Two Years Later

Remember the hoopla about the end of the world that was supposed to occur on December 21, 2012 (according to some people’s interpretation of the Mayan calendar)? Of course that didn’t happen. Those of you reading this are still alive and breathing.

Three years before that, the motion picture “2012” was released. It was well produced but biblically inaccurate since the movie showed the whole earth flooded by a great tsunami. God promised in Genesis 9:11, “...never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” In addition, the world will suffer through a seven-year tribulation period before the return of Jesus Christ. Some believers think we are in the tribulation right now. That won’t begin until the antichrist signs a seven-year peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27).

One noteworthy event happened for me on “doomsday.” I had returned to my hometown of Fargo, North Dakota for the holidays and stopped to see my mother who was recovering from a stroke. For over 20 years I had prayed for her to come to know the Lord. After talking with Mom for a while, she agreed to let me lay hands on her and pray for her health to improve. Then I got to lead my mother in a prayer to receive salvation. Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Later that afternoon I went evangelizing in downtown Fargo. I walked the streets offering gospel tracts to people while wishing them a Merry Christmas. Most of them accepted a tract from me. Three men took time to pray to receive the best Christmas gift of all...eternal life through Jesus Christ!

The Lord has tarried His return because He wants more people coming into the kingdom of God. So until we die or go up in the rapture, let’s continue to be about our Father’s business.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” - Matthew 24:36 

Show Me Your Face

How would you respond if a new neighbor knocked on your door wanting to meet you but disguised himself with a mask or a hood? You would probably think that person is being weird or has something to hide. That same principle is true when connecting with people on the Internet.

Occasionally I receive Facebook friend requests from individuals that don’t have photos of themselves in their profiles. Usually, I’ll accept such requests if I already know the person. Some folks are not computer savvy and may not have photos readily available to post online. But if I don’t know the person, then I’m not obligated to accept their friend request.

One time I received a friend request from an evangelist I never heard of who had a lion’s face for his Facebook profile photo. I searched through his photo albums but couldn’t find a single picture of this man. Immediately I thought of the Don Potter song, “Show Me Your Face.” While that song is technically about seeking the Lord, I have come to the realization some Christians need to stop being so shy. Psalm 139:14 says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Children of God should not be ashamed to show their faces in public.

Some people like to be creative and use artwork for their Facebook profile picture. But if you are looking to expand your circle of influence, it’s only common courtesy to have photos of yourself available for the public to see. A few individuals have told me they don’t like using email because it seems so impersonal. Even the Bible mentions the value of face-to-face communication. 2 John 12 says, “Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”

I’m always open to meeting new people online. But if you are serious about knowing me, don’t hide your profile. Show me your face!

“So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” - Exodus 33:11

Secret Salvations

Last Tuesday night while evangelizing in a park, I approached two men and a woman who all claimed to be Christians. But when I asked them to say “Jesus is my Lord”, none of them would do that. The woman replied, “My relationship with God is personal.” I then pointed out Jesus said He won’t confess us before the Father if we won’t confess Him before men (Matthew 10:32-33). After ministering to the three for a few more minutes, they all prayed to get born again.

There are examples in the Bible of people being afraid of professing faith in Jesus. His brothers didn’t speak openly of Him “...for fear of the Jews” (John 7:13) as well as the parents of a blind man healed by Jesus. These parents insisted their son speak for himself “..,for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.” (John 9:22)

Following the crucifixion, a secret disciple named Joseph of Arimathea who also feared the Jews asked for Pilate’s permission to “...take away the body of Jesus.” (John 19:38) Then on Resurrection Day “...the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews.” (John 20:19)

And of course there was Peter denying the Lord three times following Jesus’ arrest. But after being filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Peter preached the gospel with boldness. The Apostle Paul also preached fearlessly in the midst of all kinds of calamities.

Most believers in Western nations don’t have to face severe persecution like those who live within the 10/40 Window. Recently I read about a former Muslim from Syria now living in Oklahoma who is suing a church for publishing his baptism announcement. The church had assured him his conversion and baptism would be kept secret. However, radical Muslims noticed the online announcement when he traveled back to Syria. As a result, this man was attacked, kidnapped, and tortured for days before escaping.

In publications like The Voice of the Martyrs, I’ve seen photos of believers’ faces partially hidden. Certainly I don’t want to be critical of brethren who feel this is necessary to protect themselves and their families. Regardless of where we live, God wants us to use wisdom so we don’t attract more persecution than necessary. 

On the other hand, Jesus said in Luke 17:33, “Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” We are expected to testify of Him even in the most difficult circumstances. Look at what the Lord said in Matthew 10...

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 
17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 
18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 
19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 
20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”

Secret salvations will become more difficult during the tribulation period. Many believers will be confronted with the decision to take the Mark of the Beast or lose their heads. 

In the meantime, closet Christians shouldn’t be afraid to testify of their faith especially if they live in countries with religious liberties. Jesus died for us publicly for everyone to see. We should be willing to live publicly for Him.

“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” 

- Proverbs 29:25