One Bad Apple

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

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

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

The Manhattan Declaration stated the following on their website…

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

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

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

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

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

“Marriage Equality” Doesn’t Add Up

Although I prayed God would intervene somehow, I wasn’t totally surprised with what happened two days ago. The U. S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that homosexual couples have a constitutional right to marry. This decision overrides same-sex marriage bans passed by voters in various states.

What really disturbs me is the rationale some people use to justify homosexuality. A popular slogan used by gay advocates is “love is love.” What does that prove? That’s like saying, “Blue is blue” or “4=4.” Minnesota Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson tweeted the following statement: “Love is love? So what will we say when the 30yr old loves YOUR 10 year old. When the dad loves HIS 6 year old?”

During the past two years the Human Rights Campaign has encouraged people to use the above symbol to promote “marriage equality.” The Human Rights Campaign should be more accurately named the Homosexual Rights Campaign. Their only focus is helping those who choose to live alternative lifestyles. The HRC has never fought for the rights of any “straight” people such as ministers being imprisoned or tortured for their faith.

It’s totally illogical to compare “gay rights” to civil rights. In 2009 while living in Washington, DC, I attended a rally protesting the DC City Council introducing legislation that paved the way for same-sex marriages to be performed in the nation’s capital. Most of the rally speakers were African-Americans. One of them pointed out, “I’ve never met a former black person in my life.”

Sadly, many gay activists resort to name calling when they come across so-called “bigots” whose convictions differ than theirs. As a Christian, I believe every human being deserves to be treated with courtesy and respect. However, my conscience will never let me condone same-sex marriage. Homosexuality was wrong when the Scriptures were written and it’s still wrong today (see Romans 1:18-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Imagine what would happen if a group of homosexuals were placed on a deserted island. Then come back in one hundred years and see how many people are left on the island. This homosexual society would cease to exist. Only heterosexual unions can fulfill God’s commandment to “be fruitful and multiply.” Heterosexuals reproduce but homosexuals can only recruit.

“Marriage equality” doesn’t add up.

“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

Unequally Yoked

For over a decade now, I have traveled as a missionary lodging at various places where I usually didn't have to pay rent. At the time of this writing, I am seeking a home of my own instead of constantly living out of a suitcase. One day I browsed through the website Craigslist thinking I could find a fellow believer who already has a home and is looking for a roommate. However, I noticed this disclaimer at the top of the Craigslist housing ads…

“Stating a discriminatory preference in a housing post is illegal - please flag discriminatory posts as prohibited.”

One example cited by the Federal Fair Housing Act as a “discriminatory advertisement” is stating the religious preference of a desired applicant. This means if I had my own house or apartment and sought a roommate, I couldn’t legally advertise my wanting another Christian living with me. This reminds me of an incident that occurred last July where a Michigan woman faced a civil rights complaint after posting an ad on her church bulletin board seeking a Christian roommate.

God-fearing people are often accused of being intolerant when setting limitations in line with Scripture. Yet there are times we must “discriminate” and avoid close contact with selected people. 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 warns, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever.” These verses are most often used to advise single Christians not to marry non-Christians. I’ve heard many stories of believers getting hitched to non-believers thinking that will help them win their significant others to the Lord. Often those marriages end in divorce.

Being “unequally yoked” can apply to other situations such as business partnerships and especially roommates. Certain boundaries need to be set if a believer is to have a home that is truly a place of refuge. Personally I couldn’t handle living with someone who smokes, constantly plays ungodly music, or practices witchcraft.

Of course, not all professing Christians make good roommates. During my travels, I have stayed with some difficult people. Several years ago while visiting Florida, a man whom I’ll call “Bernie” invited me to stay in his home. Shortly after moving in with him, I discovered that Bernie was a beer drinker. The next day I had a vision of a beer truck crashing into his house. I felt led to warn Bernie that “his house would collapse” if he continued drinking. Bernie rejected the warning claiming that God often spoke to him while he drank. Over the next few days, Bernie’s behavior worsened. While I tried to sleep, he watched R-rated movies late at night, stomped on the floor, and hollered out curse words. Eventually, I had to move out since Bernie continued giving place to the devil with his drinking.

Another time I lived with a widower who once went on a missionary trip and so I had the whole house to myself for three weeks. I tried to make use of the privacy by fasting and praying but had a difficult time entering into the presence of God. When I talked to a pastor about this, he correctly discerned it was due to certain objects in the house. My roommate still held onto idols that belonged to his deceased wife, a Buddhist of Japanese ancestry. A fellow missionary who also occasionally stayed at the house had encouraged this man to do some “spiritual housecleaning” a few weeks before. When my roommate returned from his trip, I advised him to get rid of additional items but he was opposed to the idea. Not long afterward, we started having other differences and I knew it was time for me to move on.

God has used situations like these to help me grow in Christian character. Nevertheless, 1 Corinthians 5:11 commands, “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.”

There are exceptions when the Lord wants us temporarily residing somewhere for the purpose of ministering to the lost. In Luke 19, Jesus briefly stayed at the home of a tax collector named Zacchaeus. Keep in mind that Zacchaeus initially sought after Jesus by climbing a sycamore tree to see Him. Later the tax collector showed remorse for his unethical business practices and said in verse 8, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”

In October 1996, I made a temporary move to Toronto, Canada. During my first four nights there, I stayed at a youth hostel. The first night I shared a room with a young German man and led him to the Lord. Eventually, God led me to a home available to Christians attending revival meetings in the city.

Another time in San Antonio, Texas, I found myself needing lodging and spent one night at the Salvation Army where I got to lead four homeless people to salvation. There was also a time in Spain when I shared a room with a Muslim from Algeria. He asked me many questions about Christianity. Many spiritual seeds were planted.

God might also lead you to temporarily take in an unsaved person who is in need of lodging and medical care. Jesus talked about this in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Still, we need to use discernment and not extend hospitality to every person who knocks on our door. Christians would be wise not to share their home with people who consistently challenge their faith in Jesus. Look at 1 John 2…

9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;

11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

So don’t let worldly people talk you into being unequally yoked with roommates who will give you constant trouble. God wants us to have homes that are like heaven on earth.

“My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” - Isaiah 32:18

Born This Way?

Since I’ve worked as a disc jockey and keyboard salesman plus owned my own recording studio, I still have an interest in what’s going on with the secular music industry. During last night’s Grammy Awards, Lady Gaga hatched out of a giant egg as she performed her new release, “Born This Way.” The song’s lyrics (inspired by the old Whitney Houston hit “Greatest Love of All”) promote a message of loving one self. Sorry to say, “Born This Way” also endorses homosexuality and people who live a “transgendered life.”

Surely God wants everyone to have a positive sense of worth and not live in condemnation. But apart from the lordship of Jesus Christ, self-esteem can take people down a destructive path. 2 Timothy 3 says that in the last days “…men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”

Psalm 139:14 does say that we are all “…fearfully and wonderfully made.” However, we live in a fallen world resulting in some individuals born with diseases and birth defects. God didn’t make them this way. Just like in Bible times, people born blind and crippled are being healed today.

God also didn’t make people born with deviant sexual desires. Personally I know individuals delivered from homosexuality and transvestism. 1 John 5:4 says, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

We were all born with a sinful nature and in need of the Savior. I pray Lady Gaga will someday recognize the necessity of being born again. The “Poker Face” singer could become a powerful (and definitely an interesting) witness for the Lord if she totally submitted her life to Him.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” - John 1:12-13

Who’s the Real Bully?

Three days before Christmas, President Obama signed into law a bill repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” This action now paves the way for outspoken homosexuals to serve in America’s military. Shortly after the bill was signed, I logged onto the White House’s YouTube channel expecting to see a video about that. Instead, the featured clip was called “It Gets Better” in which “several LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] White House staffers share their messages of hope and support for LGBT youth who are struggling with being bullied.”

As a Christian and as someone who was severely picked on as a child, I certainly don’t approve of bullying anyone. Jesus told us to turn the other cheek and to “love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44) Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Every person deserves to be treated with love and respect even if we don’t agree with his or her behavior.

But while homosexual activists campaign for “equal rights”, many of them threaten lawsuits against God-fearing individuals and organizations that won't embrace their alternative lifestyle choices. The online dating service eHarmony.com was sued for not accepting homosexual advertisements, despite their being other match services available exclusively for gays and lesbians.

Who's the real bully?

Two doctors in California were sued for refusing to artificially inseminate a lesbian because of their personal religious convictions, even though they provided the names of physicians who would provide such services. The California Supreme Court ruled against the doctors!

Who's the real bully?

Recently while walking on the campus of North Dakota State University, I noticed the Memorial Union has a room designated as a LGBT “safe zone.” Yet last July, a Michigan woman faced a civil rights complaint after posting an ad on her church bulletin board seeking a Christian roommate.

Who’s the real bully?

Incidentally, I do not have a victim mentality like some non-believers want to claim. Colossians 2:15 says, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He [Jesus] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” In Christ, I am “more than a conqueror.” (Romans 8:37)

The only person I want to bully is the devil.

“And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” - Romans 16:20