Just the Facts

In the classic police drama “Dragnet,” Sergeant Joe Friday (portrayed by the late Jack Webb) implored informants, “All we want are the facts.” Parodies have paraphrased this to where many believe Friday frequently said, “Just the facts, ma’am.” The truth is he never uttered that exact phrase on radio or TV. However, it was used to promote the 1987 movie “Dragnet” and as the title of an authorized biography of Jack Webb.

As stated before in this blog, I refuse to pass on chain letters. They often contain outdated or inaccurate information. A new one that’s appeared in my Facebook news feed is Tim Tebow warning us about the government preparing us for a cashless society. I don't believe Tim wrote this. It resembles a meme falsely attributed to another well-known Christian. 

For years, a prayer request has circulated with Joyce Meyer’s name attached to it. It claims twenty churches got burned down in an Indian province called Olisabang. There are no provinces in India. They have states and districts. None of which is named Olisabang. Joyce Meyer Ministries has confirmed that the message did not come from her.

During the last year, fact-checkers have gotten a negative reputation. Some have tried suppressing information about the 2020 election and the coronavirus. That doesn’t mean we should dismiss non-partisan fact-checkers like truthorfction.com (a website I often refer to). So before sharing a meme or story sent to you, please take a few seconds to verify its legitimacy. There’s too much fake news going around as it is. Would you like it if people claimed you wrote something that wasn’t true?

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” - Exodus 20:16

Honoring Nick Kinn

The Bible tells us to give honor to whom honor is due. Yesterday was the 70th birthday of the minister most responsible for helping me become a successful soul-winner. Therefore, I’ve written this tribute to him.

Alex Nicholas Kinn Jr. was born on August 21, 1951, and grew up just west of Minneapolis. Like myself, he went through confirmation at a Lutheran church that didn't teach the necessity to be born again. Following high school and a brief college stint, Nick was drafted into the U. S. Army and got stationed in Germany. After his discharge, Nick returned to Minnesota and continued being an alcoholic. One night, he caused a drunk driving accident that almost killed six people.

Meanwhile, a few Christians had reached out to Nick with the gospel. Two of them happened while he was in the military. Another person had slid a tract underneath his door. A turning point occurred 45 years ago today. After Nick had been out celebrating his 25th birthday, he got down on his knees at 2:00 a.m. and said, “Jesus, if you’re real, I’m tired of being a drunk. Come into my heart.” His life hasn’t been the same since.

Nick immediately started witnessing but didn’t lead anyone to the Lord until almost three years later. While hosting an Amway meeting in his house, Nick had an altar call. One woman came forward to give her life to Christ. After attending various churches, Nick started going to Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park. In 1986, he was asked to take charge of their evangelism ministry. Two years later, Nick left his job at the post office to become a full-time pastor. As he often says now, “I used to be a mailman, but now I’m a messenger.”

I first attended Living Word in 1991. Back then, Pastor Nick also led outreaches called “All-Church Evangelism.” Wednesday night services were canceled once a month during the summer. That was to encourage more congregation members to share their faith. I participated in a few of those but didn’t pray with anyone until three years after my conversion. By that time, I committed myself to evangelize with Living Word every Monday night. Soon I became a team leader and started training other people how to win souls. 

My faithfulness to Living Word’s evangelism ministry resulted in various blessings. Since Nick and I are about the same size, he frequently gave me clothes he no longer needed. One night after returning from an outreach, Pastor Nick asked if anyone wanted prayer. I mentioned my starting a sales job with a meat company that day and needed to make money. Nick suddenly took up an offering for me. I received $68 in cash. That sales job wouldn’t work out for me. Eventually, the Lord led me to go into full-time ministry.

For over a decade, I mostly traveled along the east coast as a missionary. During which, I had little contact with Pastor Nick. Then one night in a Minneapolis suburb, I walked into a bus station. Nick happened to be evangelizing there along with another man I knew named Tom. Nick gave me some of his “Have You Heard the Good News” tracts. Tom then handed me $20. That inspired me to resume regular outreaches with Living Word during return visits to the Twin Cities area. I still enjoy listening to Nick’s teachings before we hit the streets.

I appreciate Nick Kinn’s continued commitment to the Great Commission and also his sense of humor. Often we experience bouts of holy laughter while looking at each other. With the help of other laborers involved with Living Word’s evangelism ministry, over 1.6 million salvations have occurred. Pastor Nick has (so far) ministered in 28 countries and 35 states. May the Lord give him many more years to give the devil a black eye.

“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you” - 1 Thessalonians 5:12

How to Fish for Men

While growing up in Minnesota, my family had property on Big Sugar Bush Lake just north of Detroit Lakes. During the summer months, we spent almost every weekend there. Dad often went fishing. That wasn’t something I particularly enjoyed except when I caught a lot of fish. Years later, the Lord called me to be a fisher of men.

As a young Christian, one of the most powerful sermons I heard compared evangelism to fishing. Pastor Mac Hammond mentioned five key points to successful soul-winning. I will list the points below along with my thoughts on each one…

1. Go Where the Fish Are. Many Christians fish out of their bathtub. If you’re always surrounded by other believers and isolate yourself from the lost, you won’t have opportunities to lead sinners to salvation. Jesus said in Mark 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
2. Go Where the Fish Are Hungry. Although everyone needs to hear the gospel, those who are well-off financially usually aren’t as receptive. That’s why when coming into a new city, I often seek out low-income neighborhoods to evangelize. As Jesus said in Luke 4:18, “…He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.”
3. Use the Right Bait. The right kind of gospel tract can make a difference, especially when given to someone who doesn’t have time to converse with you. Normally I use Nick Kinn’s “Have You Heard the Good News?”, but sometimes hand out million-dollar bills. The latter are good conversation starters. Sometimes the Lord leads me to minister healing to people first before asking questions about their eternal destiny.
4. Present the Bait Correctly. We must always show compassion by speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). It’s the goodness of God that leads one to repentance (Romans 2:4), not guilt or condemnation.
5. Reel Them In. It’s frustrating when I work with believers who take too much time talking about the gospel when a sinner is ready to get saved. Jesus said in Luke 14:23, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

One Christian cliché I find annoying is “we are to make disciples, not converts.” Making disciples starts by being a fisher of men. When doing the work of the evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5), the focus is getting people saved. It’s often been said, “You catch them, He’ll clean them.”

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” - Matthew 4:19

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The Gospel Soul Winning Script

During my early days with evangelism, I developed an approach called the Survey Technique. By asking short direct questions, you can maintain control of the conversation and find out quickly what a person’s spiritual beliefs are. Although the Survey Technique has helped me lead thousands to the Lord, I’m still open to utilizing new methods in reaching people with the gospel.

Rodney Howard-Browne's ministry uses a tool called the Gospel Soul-Winning Script, which originated during their Good News New York campaign in 1999. I became familiar with it a few years later during evangelism outreaches with Rodney’s church in Tampa, Florida. At first, I resisted using the script. I found it restrictive and thought sinners wouldn’t be receptive to me reading the whole thing to them.

Then while taking part in a 2009 outreach with Rodney’s ministry in Washington, D.C., my team leader asked me to “stick with the script.” Wanting to maintain unity, I complied with his request. Initially it felt awkward, but soon I realized the Soul-Winning Script is particularly helpful for those new to evangelism. It minimizes distractions by helping soul winners stay focused on leading people to Jesus. The first time I used the Script, I prayed with 17 people that included an entire Hispanic soccer team. Another time in a different part of Washington, DC, I led another 21 people to the Lord.

Since then, I’ve incorporated parts of the Soul Winning Script when approaching people with the gospel. Regardless of the tools you use for witnessing, the important thing is to go out and make yourself available. More of God's people need to open their mouths so sinners can hear and receive the Good News.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” - Romans 10:14

Amen

Last Sunday, a Methodist pastor turned politician said he was “honored” to deliver the opening prayer for the 117th Congress. Sadly, Emanuel Cleaver dishonored the true living God. While he did recite the Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6:24-26, Cleaver closed his prayer “…in the name of the monotheistic God, Brahma, and the god of many other faiths. Amen and A-woman.” Didn’t he learn in seminary “amen” has nothing to do with gender?

Amen is a word of Hebrew origin that means, “so be it” or “let it be.” It’s something many Christians say when they agree with what a preacher says. “Amen” is sung at the end of some traditional hymns. It’s also a word found at the end of every book in the New Testament except for Acts, James, and 3 John. Some ministers preach that “amen” is not the closing word in the Book of Acts because God wants His people to continue ministering like the early apostles.

I learned from a Christian software program of other significant uses of “amen.” In Deuteronomy 27:15-26, “amen” appears twelve times after each statement of a curse directed toward those who disobey God. Similarly, “amen” is used as a response after statements of promise (Jeremiah 11:5) or praise and thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16:36), and as a conclusion to the first four of the five “books” of Psalms (Psalms 41:13; 72:19; 89:52; 106:48). The only exceptions in the Old Testament are two occurrences in Isaiah 65:16. The phrase “the God of amen” (or “the God of truth”) stresses that God is the one who is “firm”; that is, He is trustworthy and faithfully fulfills his promises.

The use of “amen” as a response to a preceding statement continues in the New Testament. It appears after doxologies (Ephesians 3:21), benedictions (Galatians 6:18), the giving of thanks (1 Corinthians 14:16), prophecy (Revelation 1:7), and statements of praise (Revelation 7:12).

One time I ministered to three boys playing near a school. After I led them all to the Lord, one of the boys asked if it was necessary to say “amen” at the end of every prayer. I told him I didn’t think so but advised him to always pray to the Father in Jesus’ name. I hope Emanuel Cleaver remembers that if he’s called to lead another congressional prayer. Praying to false gods violates the First Commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.”

So be it.

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” - 1 John 5:21

More Than a Prophet

Muslims believe Jesus was only a prophet. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines prophet as “a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God.” A prophet sent from God will tell the truth regardless of the hearer receiving it. So if a true prophet doesn’t lie, let’s examine some of Jesus’ words from the Bible (which was written 500 years before the Koran).

First, Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Notice Jesus said He was THE truth…not a truth. He also said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Followers of Islam argue that Allah (their word for God) had no son. Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of God in 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.” He later said in John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

The Koran encourages its followers to “kill the infidels” (Surah 9:5). Jesus said a few things contrary to that…

“But I say to you, 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.” - Matthew 5:44

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” - John 10:10

“They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.” - John 16:2-3

Muslims deny that Jesus died on the cross. On the other hand, Jesus stated in Matthew 17:23, “…and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.”

When giving the Great Commission, Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” I’ve seen that power manifest using Jesus’ name, not Muhammed, whom Muslims esteem as the greatest prophet.

Many Muslims are concerned about their good deeds outweighing the bad. A religion (not a relationship) puts people into bondage. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Jesus also said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” One of them is you must be born again. (John 3:3, 7) No amount of good works will remit sin. “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36)

Based on what Jesus said, it’s obvious He is more than a prophet. He is the Son of God who is coming back again. Are you ready for His return?

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

Close Doesn’t Count

Last weekend I went to a gathering at a friend’s house. There we sat around a bonfire eating food and also played some games. One of them was bean bag toss. The object is to toss bean bags across the yard and into a hole. The game’s similarities to horseshoes reminded me of an old saying: “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” A close loss is still a loss. 

When it comes to receiving eternal life, close doesn’t count. Jesus told one man who answered a question wisely, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:34) Shortly after I became a Christian in 1991, my sister commented on how our parents were so close to being saved. They were raised in traditional churches but drifted into New Age beliefs. One can know a lot of spiritual truths without knowing “…the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Fortunately, I had the privilege of leading my mother to the Lord before she passed away.

Over the years I've ministered to numerous people who came close to praying with me to receive Jesus in their heart. Suddenly, they were distracted by a ringing cell phone or a friend who insisted on them leaving. Hopefully, other laborers have since led many of them to salvation. Regardless, we won’t see people who almost made it into heaven. One must be born again before they die to pass through the Pearly Gates. You are either in or lost for eternity.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” - Matthew 3:2

My Faith Compels Me to Vote Red

Once again, we are in the midst of an election that is becoming more contentious than in 2016. As previously stated in this blog, I vote for Republican candidates because that party’s platform is more in line with Judeo-Christian values. Nevertheless, I have a few friends and relatives who vote for Democrats. I won’t belittle their convictions but question how professing believers can support policies that go against God’s word.

There’s a meme circulating online by progressive Christians titled “My Faith Compels Me to Vote Blue.” Here’s my response to all their listed reasons…

“Refugees and immigrants should be fully welcomed.” I’m okay with foreigners moving to America if they do so legally and assimilate as law-abiding citizens. I don’t agree with letting just anyone cross our borders. Would you welcome a stranger into your home without knowing his intentions? What if that stranger wanted to rob you or cause harm to your family?

“All people deserve access to affordable healthcare.” I agree medical costs could be less expensive. However, I believe in divine healing and see a doctor only when necessary. 2 Chronicles 16:12 says, “And in the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe; yet in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians.”

“Women should have autonomy over their own bodies.” What about the bodies of unborn children inside pregnant women? Shouldn’t they have a right to live? Instead of encouraging abortion, those babies can live by promoting adoption as an alternative.

“Every race and gender and orientation deserves respect.” The Bible forbids homosexuality and transvestism. Christians can share the love of Jesus with those practicing immoral lifestyles without condoning them. Romans 1:32 warns, “…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.”

“Mass incarceration and the death penalty are not pro-life.” Our prison system could use some improvements. However, the Bible calls for capital punishment upon those who commit murder. Genesis 9:6 says, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.” It’s contradictory for pro-choice advocates to say a woman can murder her innocent unborn child but then claim the death penalty is wrong.

“The planet and atmosphere are our responsibility to care for.” I agree man should be good stewards of the earth’s resources. However, Christians should be more concerned with people’s eternal destinies. The only thing we can take to heaven with us is souls. God will someday renovate this world with fire. (see 2 Peter 3:10)

“All faith traditions are equally valid.” Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Christians shouldn’t be preaching doctrines that discourage people from getting born again. Jesus told the Pharisees in Matthew 15:6, “Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.”

“Poverty and hunger are unacceptable.” When doing street ministry, I go out of my way to offer food and then the gospel to homeless people. Sadly, some individuals are poor and hungry because they choose to be. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 commands, "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” Christians shouldn’t endorse government programs that promote welfare over employment.

“Black lives matter.” So do the lives of Latinos, Asians, Native Americans, and Caucasians. Acts 17:26 says, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth…”

“God is not a straight, white republican man.” I happen to be one. Thankfully, my God is willing to forgive everyone regardless of their race or political beliefs. “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

A Facebook friend found the “Vote Blue” meme posted on a page honoring Jimmy Carter. The 39th President of the United States professed faith in Jesus and even taught a Sunday school class. Ever since he left the White House four decades ago, the Democratic party has radically changed. Their increasingly socialistic policies go against what the founding fathers intended for this country. References to God have been removed from their party platform. 

My faith compels me to vote red. 

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” - Deuteronomy 30:19

Why I Resist Wearing Masks

Last week, a pastor in Florida asked his Facebook friends if they thought there was a political agenda behind the requirement of wearing face masks. I wrote a response saying there was (more on that later). The pastor originally liked my comment but then unfriended me after someone else posted an opposing viewpoint. Since this pastor allowed public comments on his wall, I then wrote: “It’s sad the devil is using masks to divide believers.” The pastor reacted by blocking me.

Days before I posted this on my social media pages: “What would Jesus do regarding COVID-19? I can’t imagine Him staying home and wearing a mask. He’d be out healing the sick.” That stirred up negative remarks from a minister’s wife I met four years ago. She insisted God wants us to wear masks and quoted Isaiah 26:20 claiming it’s a command to self-quarantine…

“Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past.”

This verse was a command to Israel during a time of divine judgment. It had nothing to do with a pandemic. I kept reminding this woman Christians are under a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6).

The coronavirus is real. I know a few people who have been infected including three elderly ministers who have recovered from it. What I dispute is the seriousness of the virus to where government leaders are forcing businesses and churches to shut down. The mainstream media continues to highlight the number of cases attributed to COVID-19. Yet I’ve seen increasing proof these statistics are inflated. 

One minister I know shared a story involving a woman in Tyler, Texas. She along with her husband and their children went to a place that provided free COVID-19 testing. After waiting in the hot sun for two hours, they left without getting tested. A few days later, they received a call from this place saying her entire family tested positive for the virus. She pointed out why that was impossible. The lady on the other end of the phone replied, “Oh, then never mind…disregard this message” and hung up. I've since heard many stories like this.

Despite many businesses opening up again, an increasing number of them are requiring customers to wear masks. This is mostly in areas where Democrat Party leaders are imposing ridiculous restrictions upon their constituents. I’ve refused to wear masks except in certain situations… 

• Two months ago, I flew to Denver to meet up with a friend for a road trip to his house in Virginia. Originally when my ticket was purchased, passengers weren’t required to wear masks but that changed days later. At the Minneapolis airport, I kept my mask off until hearing a Southwest employee announce they had to be on before boarding the plane. After getting settled in my seat, I noticed a woman nearby not wearing a mask at all. None of the flight attendants said anything to her. Therefore, I kept my mask off my face until we landed.

• Three weeks later, I went with a fellow missionary on a road trip from Virginia back to Minnesota. Twice I stopped to use the bathroom at businesses that posted signs saying masks were mandatory. I complied since it only took me a couple of minutes to use the toilet. 

• The following Monday, I showed up for an evangelism outreach at a local church. I was shocked to find out church leadership required us to wear masks. I still took part in the outreach but felt awkward considering this church preaches divine healing. Unless the Lord leads me otherwise, I will wait on going out on the streets with them again until the mask mandate is lifted.

• A couple of weeks later, I bought a new laptop computer at an electronics store that gave out masks at the front door. I put one on but kept the mask off my nose because it’s hard to breathe through those things (I’ve seen videos proving masks reduce oxygen intake and won’t stop the spread of many diseases include COVID-19).

I’m not judging brethren who choose to wear a mask. However, I wish some of them wouldn’t look down on us who trust in the Great Physician. One organization calling itself The Gospel Coalition recently released an article titled “4 Reasons to Wear a Mask, Even if You Hate It.” TGC has released other articles critical of ministers who preach a so-called “health and wealth gospel.” Healing is part of the atonement as well as salvation (Isaiah 53:5).

Some Christians say we should put on masks to “love your neighbor.” I agree we need to be sensitive to those fearful of the virus. Currently, I attend a church where the pastor has never worn a mask. He does have congregation members wearing them during services but haven’t been shamed for doing that. The best way to love your neighbor is obeying the Great Commission, which includes laying hands on the sick and seeing them recover (Mark 16:17-18).

Other mask-wearing Christians are quick to preach about “obeying the laws of the land.” Those in America need to be reminded this nation was founded by God-fearing men who stood up against tyranny from the king of England. Nowadays, pastors and congregations have been threatened with fines and jail time for having meetings. Meanwhile, politicians like New York City mayor Bill de Blasio encourage Black Lives Matter protest gatherings where “social distancing” (a phrase I now detest) isn’t practiced.

So how should Christians respond to the coronavirus? Test positive for faith, keep your distance from doubt, and isolate yourself from fear. I will trust God through this exaggerated pandemic without wearing a mask. What about you?

“And in the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe; yet in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians.” - 2 Chronicles 16:12

The Case of the Missing Verses

Many of my favorite preachers read from the old King James Version of the Bible. Personally, I have a hard time with its archaic English. That’s why I prefer using the New King James Version. It’s close enough to the KJV to where I can follow along and better understand what God is saying in HIs word.

Still, there are King James Only advocates who criticize translations such as the New International Version for missing certain verses and phrases. For example, Colossians 1:14 in the NIV says, “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” It doesn’t include the phrase “through His blood” used both in the KJV and NKJV. 

Does this mean the New International Version dishonors the blood of Jesus? No! Six verses later it talks about “making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Ephesians 1:7 in the NIV says, “In him we have redemption through his blood…” Revelation 12:11 refers to “the blood of the Lamb.” Many other examples could be cited. 

The above meme being shared on social media is misleading. The missing verses are included in the New International Version’s footnotes. So why weren’t they placed in the main text? The King James Version was translated from the Textus Receptus, a Greek edition of the Bible completed in the 16th century. The NIV and most newer translations are based on older manuscripts that don’t include the missing verses. This refutes claims made by some King James Onlyists that verses were removed by translators with a satanic agenda. None of those missing verses alter basic Christian doctrine.

The bottom line is no Bible translation is 100% perfect including the much venerated King James Version. That’s why it’s wise to use tools like a Strong’s Concordance and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us when reading His word. He will reveal truth to those sincerely seeking it.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” - Mark 13:31

Why I Stand with Rodney Howard-Browne

When preachers take a stand against religious tradition or government tyranny, there will be believers and nonbelievers that won’t like it. Such is the case with Rodney Howard-Browne, a South African-born revivalist who also pastors The River Church outside Tampa, Florida. Initially, Rodney became known for holy laughter manifestations at his meetings. While that still occasionally happens, the focus of Rodney’s ministry is seeing souls saved.

The first time I saw Rodney Howard-Browne was in Toronto in August 1996. God mightily touched me at those meetings. A few weeks later, Rodney started his church. I never got to visit there until 2002. In the meantime, I attended more Rodney Howard-Browne meetings at my home church in Minnesota and one in Pensacola, Florida. Contrary to popular belief, Rodney wasn’t part of the Brownsville Revival but did pray for Randy Clark, the minister God later used to spark the Toronto Blessing.

For almost two decades, I’ve made seasonal moves to Tampa and attended many services at The River plus went evangelizing with them a few times. In my opinion, this church is more committed to the Great Commission than any other I’ve been to. Every student at their Bible school is trained to be a soul-winner. Pastor Rodney is aiming to complete a 300-city tour before the end of the year. The purpose of this is to preach the gospel and equip believers to do the work of an evangelist.

Another thing I respect about Rodney Howard-Browne is his generosity. Every Sunday morning, his church sends out buses all over the Tampa Bay area to pick up people needing a ride. The River also provides free bags of groceries. After one Christmas Day service, Pastor Rodney fed the entire congregation a lamb dinner. Another free meal was offered the following week on New Years Day.

In recent years, Rodney has talked more about political matters during his services. At first, I wasn’t fond of listening to what sounded like conspiracy theories to me. Soon I realized God was using Rodney to warn Americans about our freedoms being lost if the wrong people are elected. Earlier this year, he gave me a copy of his latest book “Socialism Under the Microscope.”

During the current coronavirus pandemic, most pastors have gone to live streaming only. Rodney’s church had continued public gatherings but added the following precautions...

1) Enforced a six-foot distance between family groups in the auditorium as well as overflow rooms.
2) All the staff wore gloves.
3) Every person who entered the church received hand sanitizer.
4) In the farmer's market and coffee shop in the lobby, the six-foot distance was enforced with the floor specifically marked (even though farmer’s markets and produce stands are expressly exempted).
5) The church spent $100,000 on a hospital-grade air purification system that provided continuous infectious microbial reduction rated to kill microbes including those in the coronavirus family.

All this wasn’t good enough for Hillsborough County. This past Monday, Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a warrant for Rodney Howard-Browne’s arrest. This is the same sheriff who was honored on January 12th during a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at The River (I was there for that service). Nevertheless, Rodney turned himself in and was released 30 minutes later after posting a $500 bond.

Some have criticized Pastor Rodney for “endangering” his congregation. I find this accusation ridiculous. Pastors cannot force people to attend their churches. Churchgoers come at their own volition. Rodney and his wife Adonica advised congregation members who were sick or fearful of the virus to stay home and watch services online.

Pastor Rodney has also been accused of being a lawbreaker. Many Americans have never taken an oath to defend the Constitution, which is the highest law of the land. Rodney and Adonica did that when they became naturalized citizens of the United States. The First Amendment clearly states our government has no right to prohibit the free exercise of one’s religion and to peaceably assemble.

Christians are to obey authorities except when it would cause them to violate God’s commandments. An example can be found in Acts chapter 5 when the apostles were commanded not to preach in the name of Jesus. Peter responded in verse 29, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” If Jesus, the Apostle Paul, John the Baptist, Esther, Daniel, and other prophets followed every man-made ordinance, none of them would have fulfilled their divine destinies.

I have questions for believers who have judged Rodney for not obeying the laws of the land. Would you have reported Jews in hiding to the Nazis had you lived under their regime during World War II? What if you reside in a Muslim or Communist-controlled nation where it’s against the law for Christians to have gatherings? This conflicts with Hebrews 10:25, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Rodney Howard-Browne is not the only pastor who has been prosecuted for exercising his First Amendment rights. Last Sunday, a church service in Fort Lauderdale was shut down by four armed policemen. Another pastor in Louisiana was charged with misdemeanors for having services. The mayor of New York City has threatened fines and permanent closure against churches and synagogues (notice he didn’t mention mosques) who don’t practice social distancing. These could set precedents for politicians to come up with other excuses to close down churches. How many Christians are willing to put up with no public meetings if this continues beyond Easter?

Last Wednesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a 30-day stay-at-home order but classified religious services as Essential Activities (many politicians have labeled liquor stores, marijuana shops, and abortion providers “essential“). Hours later, Pastor Rodney announced a temporary cancelation of services to protect his congregation from death threats his church received and false arrests by authorities. The next day, the Hillsborough County Council reversed its stance and recognized churches as essential despite opposition from the mayor of Tampa who is openly gay.

Whether or not you agree with Rodney Howard-Browne’s ministry, all believers should be supportive of him and other preachers standing up for their Constitutional rights. It’s often been said, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.”

I choose to stand with Pastor Rodney.

“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” - 1 Corinthians 12:26

Think Before You Share

It’s often been said, “Think before you speak.” As James 1:19 says, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Nowadays with texting and emails, we should think twice before typing and posting something online. In the words of one pastor friend: “Put brain into gear before putting mouth/finger into action.”

Too many people quickly share stuff on social media without checking its veracity. As a result, hoaxes have circulated for years such as the “22 Christian missionary families that will be executed today in Afghanistan.” I have a policy not to forward any chain letter or meme and will block (but not unfriend) individuals who persist in sending me these messages.

One type of chain letter that can have negative consequences is those involving missing people. I’ve received messages with pleas such as, “If it was your child, you would want all the help you could get.” If it was my child and he/she was found, I wouldn’t want these messages to continue circulating. In recent months, many alerts appeared in my Facebook news feed with the appeal, “It takes seconds to share.” It also takes seconds to click the link provided to see if an alert has been updated. Most missing child reports I’ve seen online have already been resolved. 

Two days ago, a friend posted one that turned out to be seven years old. My investigation also found the above meme from the mother of that once-missing child. I don’t understand why some people keep resolved alerts posted on their Facebook pages. Not everyone takes time to scroll through all the responding comments to see a possible update. It’s better to delete the entire post. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that not all missing person alerts are legit. Some are posted by abusive parents and spouses who have court orders not to go near their estranged relatives. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has warned that sharing these photos may put lives at risk. Sometimes the "missing people" in these posts aren’t missing but hiding for their safety.

So think before you share. Better yet…Pray first! Then check for a location and date in the missing person report. If it doesn’t include these, contact the local police to confirm the report is real. Once again, God’s people should have higher standards when sharing information. 

“Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked.” - Exodus 23:7 

Is That Gold Dust Real?

Twenty years ago I made my first visit to Calvary Campground in Ashland, Virginia. One of the speakers for their Winter Campmeeting was a Brazilian named Silvania Machado. After standing on the platform for about twenty minutes during praise and worship, Sister Silvania brushed gold dust out of her short blonde hair plus had oil flow from her hands. I didn’t dismiss these signs but questioned the purpose of them. A few people in the congregation later testified of being healed.

I’ve seen gold manifestations at other places. The year before during a church service in Oklahoma, the fillings in my mouth changed from black to a whitish-gold color. Other people supernaturally received gold teeth (I later met a man in Germany who received four of them). I’ve also seen gold dust appear on ministers such as Joshua Mills while they are preaching.

Although I don’t seek after signs like this, gold dust has shown up on my face and in my Bible. One time with the latter, I found some while looking up Hebrews 13:2 about entertaining angels. I believe the Lord used that as a reminder to look to Him as my source instead of a job I considered pursuing. Other friends of mine have seen manifestations of gems and angel feathers. During a house meeting in North Carolina, the host showed me manna that just appeared on her carpet.

Religious critics will mock these manifestations by asking, “Where is that in the Bible?” Manna appeared for the Israelites while they wandered in the wilderness. Why wouldn’t God do something like that today? I’ve been to Kaye Beyer meetings where manna suddenly showed up on her Bible and later disappeared. I didn’t notice anything that indicated this was fake. 

Unless you are close-minded to the supernatural, a better question to ask is “Does this sign point people to Jesus?” I remember hearing the late Bob Shattles testify of gold dust manifesting on himself in public. He used that as a witnessing tool and led many people to salvation. Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

It’s true people can fabricate some of these things. Charisma magazine recently published an article suggesting the oil flowing from a Bible during revival meetings in Georgia could have been a hoax. Still, we shouldn’t reject real signs and wonders. Nor should Christians worry about deception as long as they keep their eyes on Jesus. John Arnott often says, “We have to have more faith in God’s ability to bless us than in Satan’s ability to deceive us.”

Always remember: Signs follow believers but believers shouldn’t follow after signs.

“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” - Isaiah 43:19

Another One Rides the Bus

Not having owned a car for almost two decades, I often use public transportation to travel around the country. Whenever possible, I avoid overnight trips by bus. I had done that in June 2016 going from Boston to Virginia. A pastor in South Hill wanted me to lead outreaches there and offered to buy the ticket. Then a few days ago I took a bus from Tampa, Florida to Washington, DC. The Southwest and Amtrak fares were higher than usual. So I checked the Greyhound website and found a one-way ticket for only $69. 

Greyhound restricts passengers to one free carryon and one checked bag. Two extra bags may be checked for $20 each. Usually, I travel with four bags (one of them filled with tracts and gospels of John). I repacked my stuff into three bags by downsizing and placing my duffel bag into one of my suitcases. My backpack was used as the carryon. Despite using a scale at the missionary house to get everything within weight limitations, both my two suitcases were slightly over 50 pounds according to Greyhound’s scale. Fortunately, the employee told me not to worry about that and only charged me for the extra checked bag.

While at the Tampa Greyhound station, I went online with my laptop and also witnessed to a homeless man who earlier helped bring one of my suitcases inside. He was already a believer. Later after getting in line, another homeless man approached me complimenting my doing God’s work but it was obvious he wanted money. Instead, I gave him two of the bags of chips brought with me and a gospel tract. He rambled on about beliefs inconsistent with the Bible. Fortunately, that conversation was cut short because it was time for me to board the bus.

Despite riding an express bus, the layovers on this trip seemed longer…one to two hours at a time. Another thing I wasn’t happy with was the “free Wi-Fi” on buses now limited to 100 MB per device. However, free movies were available online that didn’t count against the data limit. I watched “I Can Only Imagine” and “Wonder Woman” plus part of “Toy Story 4.”

While traveling from Orlando to Jacksonville, there were fewer passengers on the bus. So I played worship music through my earphones wanting to enter into the presence of God. That was hard to do even though I never had to let someone sit next to me. A young man two rows behind me talked loudly on his cell phone. I had to remind him the driver instructed us not to use speakerphones. 

While in Jacksonville, I mostly did stuff online since the Wi-Fi in the stations didn’t have a data limit. I considered getting food in the Greyhound cafe but decided against that because of the high prices. When it was time to board the bus again, we were suddenly told to get on a different one. The previous bus I rode had mechanical problems. I hurried to retrieve my jacket and neck pillow left behind (the checked baggage had been transferred) and then picked another window seat close to the front. Later while the bus traveled north on Interstate 95, the young man who talked loudly on his phone started playing music through the speaker. Other passengers complained about it using profanity. The driver issued many warnings but didn’t kick him off the bus.

More stopovers were done in Savannah, Georgia, Fayetteville, North Carolina and a short one in Stony Creek, Virginia. There I hurried over to Subway to get a $2.99 roasted chicken sub plus a free vitamin water from filling out an online survey. I had mostly snacked on chips and wanted something more nutritious. Then in Richmond, I sat in the cafe watching YouTube videos on my iPad. I was really tired and not in the mood to talk to anyone or do anything productive.

My bus finally arrived at Union Station in Washington, DC around 9:15 a.m. A friend picked me up to take me to his house in Fairfax, Virginia. It felt good to lay down on a bed. Usually, I don’t sleep well in moving vehicles. During the little sleep I got on this bus ride, I dreamed of having back problems. This was probably due to my lower back feeling uncomfortable.

Despite my desire to save money, I don’t want to do an overnight bus ride again. It reminds me of a story involving Smith Wigglesworth. The British “Apostle of Faith” often traveled by train first class. Someone once asked him why he was “wasting God’s money.” Smith answered, “I am preserving God’s servant.” Every minister has probably traveled in uncomfortable circumstances but it’s better for him to stay refreshed so he can be at his best at a moment’s notice.

“Be ready in season and out of season.” - 2 Timothy 4:2

Why I Boycott Babylon Bee

Anyone who knows me will tell you I enjoy comedy. Jesse Duplantis and Kenneth Copeland get me laughing with some of their preaching stories. Worship leader Roy Fields would make a great stand-up comedian with his impersonations of fellow ministers. In my monthly newsletter, I used to publish jokes in a “Holy Humor” column. Nowadays, I usually share a “Friday Funny” on Facebook and Twitter. As Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart does good, like medicine…”

However, Christians should avoid humorous materials that contain profanity and conjure up immoral images. Colossians 3:8 says, “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” The next verse goes on to say, “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” It grieves me to see believers share misleading news stories on their social media pages even if it's meant to be a joke. One source of that is Babylon Bee, a satirical website often compared to The Onion.

A minister I know recently posted on Facebook a Babylon Bee article claiming: “Bernie Sanders Praises China For Eradicating Poverty By Killing All The Poor People.” I wrote a response pointing out this is fake news. My friend removed my comment and added, “I do not care if this site is satirical.” While I appreciate his desire to expose the dangers of socialism, spreading lies about a politician is not the solution. Jesus said it’s the truth that makes us free (John 8:32). It would be better to share writings with documented proof like Rodney Howard-Browne’s latest book “Socialism Under the Microscope.”

In August 2017, Babylon Bee published an article that included the following paragraph…

“Although Joel Osteen took flak over the weekend for closing up his church to flood victims and all but disappearing during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the megachurch pastor reportedly returned to the city on his luxury yacht ’S.S. Blessed’ to make amends Tuesday by tossing copies of ‘Your Best Life Now’ to stranded flood survivors.”

Many people believed this story and circulated it as if it were true. In her Charisma column “Watchman on the Wall”, Jennifer LeClaire wrote in response: “Can we get some responsibility in journalism, please? I suppose Joel is an easy target at some level since he's a happy guy with a mega church and mega prosperity. But the Bible warns against bearing false witness. This was clearly an assignment from the pit of hell to slander him at a time when we should be focused on helping Texas recover.” I totally agree. Nevertheless, Babylon Bee has continued releasing phony reports about Joel and other ministers that Facebook friends have shared.

I refuse to waste my time reading bogus articles like those published by Babylon Bee. Even though satirical sites usually have disclaimers, not everyone notices them. It’s a bad witness to the world when Christians don’t take time to investigate and pass on fraudulent stories.

“You shall not circulate a false report.” - Exodus 23:1