A Better Transition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unplanned: A Review

As previously stated in this blog, I don’t go to many movies. Still, I want to be supportive of quality faith-based films being shown nationally. Pure Flix previously released a number of successful motion pictures including the “God’s Not Dead” series. Their latest production “Unplanned” came out last weekend and finished fourth at the box office. It grossed $6.1 million from only 1,059 theaters. I went to see it two days ago.

“Unplanned” is based on the memoir of Abby Johnson, a young Texas woman who worked at Planned Parenthood for eight years. During her tenure there, Abby went through a divorce and two abortions. Later after remarrying, Abby surprisingly found herself pregnant despite using birth control. Although her supervisor suggested otherwise, Abby went through with the pregnancy and gave birth to a daughter.

Often when Abby arrived at work, anti-abortion demonstrators had gathered outside her clinic's fence. A few of them made harassing remarks while holding “Abortion is Murder” signs. However, one woman reached out to Abby in friendship. Marilisa soon married a man named Shawn who became the leader of a ministry now known as 40 Days for Life. 

Through the persistent prayers of her parents and many of the demonstrators, Abby began to have second thoughts about her work. One day she found the file of one of her unborn children that was aborted at the clinic. The turning point came after watching a client’s abortion on ultrasound. Abby soon resigned from Planned Parenthood and has since helped others leave the abortion industry.

“Unplanned” is rated R for “disturbing bloody images” (reminiscent of what happened to “The Passion of the Christ” fifteen years ago). That shouldn’t stop anyone from seeing this movie. Looking at blood isn’t a pleasant sight but it shows the reality that abortion is the taking of innocent human life. Instead of calling abortion providers and their clients “baby killers” as one man did in the movie, pro-lifers wanting to make a difference need to reach out to them in love.

I know a few people who consider themselves “pro-choice.” Hopefully, they will take time to see “Unplanned” and be inspired to choose life. After all, their mothers did.

“If you are willing to advocate for abortion, but unwilling to actually see what you support, then you and your tiny bun really have no relevancy in this conversation.” 

-  Abby Johnson

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)

Homophobia vs. Christophobia

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

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

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

I explained to A-Log that I don’t hate homosexuals but the practice of homosexuality. As stated in my video, I will minister God’s love to homosexuals I encounter while doing street evangelism. But when certain people are not willing to repent of immoral behavior, then I’m commanded by Scripture not to have close relationships with them. 1 Corinthians 5:11 says, “But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.”

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

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

- John 3:19-20

Let Boys Be Boys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let boys be boys!

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

A Permit to Preach

Every minister who takes the gospel to the public occasionally comes into conflict with authority figures. Even in the United States where the Constitution guarantees “freedom of religion”, various laws and ordinances have been passed in an effort to hinder God’s word from going forth.

Two weeks ago in Crystal, Minnesota, I was with a group of soul winners sharing the gospel at a carnival. Although it was in a public park, a carnival supervisor came up to us saying we weren’t allowed to evangelize there because we didn’t have a permit. We continued moving and witnessing in the park until a policeman told us “no preaching”. We then moved outside the park perimeters and talked to individuals walking towards or leaving the carnival.

Then this past week at the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, I passed out tracts along Main Street and struck up conversations with other ministers doing the Lord’s work. One Baptist group was promoting a motorcycle giveaway. When I showed one man there the tracts I was using, he claimed the police in Sturgis have fined people for handing out literature without a permit. Later, I talked with a cross walker named Bob Hunas, who’s also a police chaplain. He said I wouldn’t have any problems as long as I didn’t stand in front of a particular business too long.

It's happened before when fellow ministers, for whatever reason, didn’t want me witnessing to others. One afternoon in Tampa, Florida, I was walking on a sidewalk across the street from a junior high school when a middle-aged man along with seven teenagers were waiting at a corner. I felt led to witness to them. The man said he was a born-again Methodist minister, but told me I wasn't allowed to talk to the students about “religion”. I pointed out I was on a public sidewalk where the First Amendment protects my freedom of speech. The minister responded that as their chaperon he didn't approve of the questions I was asking. I then asked, “Doesn't the Bible say we’re not to be ashamed of the gospel”? The minister hesitated at first, but then hinted at calling the police. Ignoring the threat, I quoted Romans 10:9 to four of the teens (the other three had walked away by this time) and gave them an opportunity to receive salvation. The minister didn't say another word to me as one boy prayed to get saved.

Sometimes it’s best to comply with local laws to avoid wasting time and money defending our rights. One time, I evangelized with a friend near a high school in Springfield, Virginia. There we noticed a police car at an intersection. I approached the policeman to let him know what we were doing. He informed me a local city ordinance required us to be at least one block away from the school. Although I could have contended for my constitutional right to distribute literature on public sidewalks closer to the school, I felt it was best to follow the policeman’s order. There were still many students my friend and I could talk to as they were walking home. Eleven of them prayed with us to receive salvation. 

We should always be respectful to authority but never bow down to the fear of man. Perhaps the next time someone tells me I need a permit to preach, I could open up my Bible and show them what Jesus said in the Great Commission. God’s laws supersede man’s laws.

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” - Mark 16:15

Women's Rights?

44 years ago today, the U. S. Supreme Court issued the infamous Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion in this country. Since then, over 55 million unborn Americans have been killed. Fortunately, we have a new president who is pro-life and plans to appoint conservative judges. Other politicians have campaigned to defund Planned Parenthood, an organization that uses taxpayer funds to terminate pregnancies.

Nevertheless, abortion advocates continue raising their voices. Yesterday in our nation’s capital, the Women’s March took place. Thousands of women protested in Washington and other cities for their “right to choose.” Prior to this march, a group called New Wave Feminists was removed as an official sponsor because of their pro-life stance. 

Much misinformation is spread by women’s rights groups. Many of them claim “the pro-life movement is anti-women.” A 2010 Rasmussen poll revealed that 58 percent of women believe abortion is morally wrong in most cases while 49 percent of men agree with the same statement. In other words, women are less supportive of abortion than men.

If you’re one who considers yourself “pro-choice”, then I recommend making better choices than fighting for the right to kill babies. First, I urge you to invite Jesus Christ to become your Lord and Savior. That will hopefully result in you receiving the revelation that all children (born and unborn) are precious to God. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” It wasn’t until after becoming a Christian that I recognized abortions as morally wrong.

Secondly, choose not to have sex outside of marriage as the Bible clearly forbids fornication. I rarely hear of married women having abortions. Still, if you find yourself facing an unplanned pregnancy, prayerfully consider contacting an adoption agency. Many childless couples have been on waiting lists hoping to adopt one. You could be a great blessing to prospective parents…and your child.

“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

Hunting Allowed

I’ve never had much interest in hunting. The only time I’ve done so happened when I was 19. One day I went for a country drive with a friend who brought along his BB gun. Just for fun he shot at birds sitting on road signs and telephone lines. My friend encouraged me to take a few shots and I killed just one bird. Since then, the closest I’ve gone hunting was playing Duck Hunt, a video game featuring a dog that laughs every time a player fails to hit any ducks.

This past week a huge controversy erupted over a Minnesota man’s recent bowhunting trip in Zimbabwe. A dentist named Walter Palmer killed a lion that was part of an Oxford University research project. This lion named Cecil had been lured from the grounds of a wildlife preserve by Palmer’s safari guides. 

In response to accusations of poaching, Dr. Palmer issued a statement saying he thought he had hunted legally and offered an apology. Nevertheless, the dentist received death threats plus had hundreds of protesters stand outside his office demanding “justice for Cecil.” How about demanding justice for aborted babies (especially those whose body parts were sold by Planned Parenthood)?

Animal rights activists need to realize man and beast are not equal in God’s eyes. Man is the only being created in the image and likeness of God. Scripture even encourages hunting. In Acts 10:13, Peter was commanded in a vision to “Rise...kill and eat.” The first book of the Bible mentions two hunters by name. Genesis 10:9 describes Nimrod as “a mighty hunter before the Lord.” Genesis 25:27 says, “Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field...” 

One could argue animals shouldn’t be hunted at all unless they are used for food or clothing. Proverbs 12:27 says, “The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting...” Either way, two of my favorite preachers happen to be avid hunters: South African-born revivalist Rodney Howard-Browne and Pastor Mac Hammond of Living Word Christian Center in suburban Minneapolis. Pastor Mac goes on elk hunting trips every year and then testifies of God speaking to him while camping out in the wilderness. 

One sign posted on the front door of Walter Palmer’s office claims he will “rot in hell” for Cecil’s death. The truth is multitudes of people will go to hell not for killing animals but rejecting the gift of eternal life available only through the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. 

“Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” - Matthew 10:31

“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

Real Courage

For years I’ve enjoyed watching NFL games on TV especially when the Minnesota Vikings are playing well. This fall I will be watching fewer (if any) games if a particular player makes it through training camp and continues receiving massive publicity. Last weekend, a University of Missouri defensive end named Michael Sam was drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams. A homosexual who “came out” this past February, Michael reacted to the news of being drafted by kissing his boyfriend. That incident was broadcast all over national TV and the Internet. 

Not everyone in the NFL was pleased with Michael Sam’s kiss. Miami Dolphins strong safety Don Jones tweeted “OMG” and “horrible” but later deleted those politically incorrect words and offered an apology. Nevertheless, the Dolphins fined and suspended Jones who is now required to attend “sensitivity training.” This kind of training actually desensitizes people of sinful behavior.

It’s ridiculous for Michael Sam’s entry into the NFL to be compared with Jackie Robinson breaking Major League Baseball’s color line in 1947. For one thing, someone’s sexual preference is exactly that...a preference. A man or woman can choose to obey God’s standards regarding sex. For the liberals reading this who want to label me a “bigot” or a “hater”, let me clarify that I don’t hate Michael Sam as a person but I hate the sin of homosexuality. God didn’t create man to have sexual relationships with another of the same gender (see Romans 1:26-27).

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has stated, “Discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation is not consistent with our values and is unacceptable in the National Football League.” I will now be more discriminative of the games I watch including the Vikings who happen to play against the Rams during their regular season opener on September 7th. Harassment from gay activists has now invaded my favorite sport. I find this unacceptable.

While the media went nuts over the "bravery" of Michael Sam’s kiss, little was said about the Philadelphia Eagles signing Alejandro Villanueva (pictured above), an Army Ranger who served three tours of duty in Afghanistan plus received a Bronze Star for rescuing wounded men on the battlefield while under enemy fire. Yet two days before he got drafted, Michael Sam won this year’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award. If Michael were to get saved and then publicly renounce his homosexuality, that would certainly be more courageous than him coming out of the closet.

Throughout the Bible, God’s people took courageous stands for righteousness even when it went against the law. The Book of Daniel has two memorable examples. In chapter 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a large golden idol. Later in chapter 6, Daniel himself was cast into the lion’s den for a similar violation. God supernaturally protected His men in both instances.

At the time I finished writing this article, I exchanged emails with a Facebook friend facing a dilemma. His sister is a lesbian getting married next month. My friend asked for advice since he planned to attend the same-sex wedding ceremony despite his sister insisting he remain quiet when the minister says, “If anyone feels this couple should not be united in Holy Matrimony...speak now...or forever hold your peace.”

Ephesians 5:11 says to “...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” It's another thing to go to an ungodly environment for the purpose of reaching out to sinners with the gospel. I once heard a street preacher testify of walking into gay bars to evangelize. I advised my friend not to attend his sister's wedding ceremony but show up at the reception with the intent to minister. 

Real courage is speaking the truth in love.

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”  - Matthew 10:28

The Same Love

During my teens and early twenties, I was a regular listener of Casey Kasem’s radio show “American Top 40.” That inspired me to subscribe to Billboard magazine whose record charts Casey based his weekly countdown on.

Nowadays I avoid listening to most of today’s hits because of the increased amount of profanity and sexual content in the lyrics. Still, I occasionally log onto Billboard’s website to find out what’s happening with the pop music scene. There's now a song in the Top 20 by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis called “Same Love” that openly endorses same-sex marriage. Some of the song’s lyrics attempt to discredit the Bible’s prohibition of homosexuality…

The right wing conservatives think it's a decision

And you can be cured with some treatment and religion

Man-made rewiring of a predisposition

Playing God, aw nah here we go

God loves all his children, is somehow forgotten

But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five hundred years ago

While other Billboard.com readers wrote positive remarks about the success of this “gay anthem”, I wrote one that wasn’t. As a result, it got me blocked from adding future posts to the website. It’s sad how those who are the loudest to promote “equality” and “tolerance” are very intolerant of those opposing their views. My comments were not hateful. I simply stood up for biblically-based morals this nation was founded upon.

Philippians 2:2 talks about “…having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” The next verse goes on to say, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Same-sex marriage advocates don’t seem to care how their actions are affecting future generations especially parents who want to raise their children “…in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) People who demonstrate true agape love put the needs of others first instead of seeking to fulfill their own lusts.

A featured performer on “Same Love” is a woman named Mary Lambert who considers herself “a gay Christian.” In the chorus she sings, “I can't change even if I tried/even if I wanted to.” She also sings a portion of 1 Corinthians 13:4 (“Love is patient/love is kind.”) It would be helpful for Christians to remind themselves of that Scripture whenever they have the opportunity to minister to homosexuals. We should show the same love to them as to other sinners.

It’s also worth noting Mary was originally raised Pentecostal but then after her parents divorced, she became a lesbian as well as her mother. Let’s pray for laborers to cross the paths of both Mary and her mother so they receive inner healing from past hurts and deliverance from deception.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” - 1 Timothy 4:1

The Law of Love

This past Tuesday in front of the State Capitol in St. Paul, Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill making same-sex marriage legal in Minnesota effective August 1, 2013. This so-called “history-making” event was attended by thousands of people. I happened to be in St. Paul that evening but was evangelizing by a lake five miles from the Capitol.

A few hours before the bill was signed, an old childhood friend who I reconnected with through Facebook posted the music video for “Love is the Law.” This song by the Suburbs was a regional hit thirty years ago. I used to like this song but was saddened to learn the Minneapolis-based group had donated use of it for the cause of “marriage equality.”

The Bible has a few things to say about the law of love…

“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” - Romans 13:8

“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” - Romans 13:10

“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” - Galatians 5:13-15

Same-sex marriage activists who claim to be believers need to study the Bible more. It’s hypocritical for them to preach about love when they often express hatred toward God-fearing individuals who don’t agree with their beliefs. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” One of those commandments is to “flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18). That includes homosexuality (see Romans 1:18-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Jesus also said this about the last days: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) People who willfully disobey God’s commandments can harden their hearts to where they become desensitized to His voice. It is only through the Holy Spirit that one can truly walk in God’s love (see Romans 5:5).

Non-Christians may demonstrate acts of kindness but cannot fully obey the law of love unless they first become born again. Then they must be willing to lay aside their own selfish desires and follow all of God commandments instead of cherry-picking those they agree with.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” - 1 John 4:7-9

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

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