Chickening Out?

The fast food chain Chick-fil-A is known for being closed on Sundays and promoting Christian values. Back in 2012, founder and then-CEO Truett Cathy spoke out against same-sex marriage. Threats of protests by gay activists prompted politician/minister Mike Huckabee to spearhead a Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day. Long lines of customers arrived to show their support.

Since then, Chick-fil-A continues to be assaulted for their “anti-LGBT” stance. New restaurants opening up in certain cities have faced protesters. What’s ironic is hours after the 2016 gay nightclub massacre in Orlando occurred, the local Chick-fil-A opened that Sunday to provide free meals to first responders, blood donors and victims’ families.

Last month, Chick-fil-A announced they will stop giving donations to the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Many Christians interpret this as Chick-fil-A cowering to the homosexual agenda. Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council stated, “Many people have fought for Chick-fil-A and for them to capitulate to the bullies is betrayal.” Conversely, Franklin Graham said after calling current CEO Dan Cathy, “Chick-fil-A remains committed to Christian values.”

Nevertheless, a few friends of mine are boycotting Chick-fil-A including a former lesbian who believes they have “chickened out.” As for myself, I haven’t gone to Chick-fil-A that much to begin with. I don’t like their coffee and their chicken sandwiches are overpriced. I’d rather go to McDonald’s for the former and Wendy’s for the latter.

It’s up to Chick-fil-A which charities they support. Personally, I think they’re sending the wrong message by cutting ties with the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. There are reports of Chick-fil-A giving to questionable organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center that has labeled conservative Christian ministries as “hate groups.” 

I pray Chick-fil-A reconsiders the direction they are going.

“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” - Galatians 1:10

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

“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

A Lesbian Returns to the Lord

Of all the times I’ve gone out evangelizing, I’ve met very few people who admitted they were homosexual.  With more of them nowadays “coming out of the closet”, I’ve considered witnessing at gay pride events but haven’t done so yet.  One reason is I rather spend time talking with people who are receptive to the gospel.  I’ve had homosexuals contact me through the Internet that wouldn’t receive the truth of God’s word.  They simply wanted to defend their chosen lifestyles.

Still we should always be ready to minister to whomever the Lord puts across our path.  Last weekend I joined a Hispanic church in reaching out to the homeless at a park in Tampa, Florida.  While other people from this church gave away food and toiletries, I handed out tracts plus the gospel of John to those who didn’t have a Bible.  During this outreach I had a lengthy discussion with a backslidden lesbian.  “Latoya” (not her real name) had gotten saved when she was twelve years old.  Five years later Latoya’s then-boyfriend forced her to have sex with him.  That incident caused her to have negative feelings toward men. 

Fortunately Latoya was open to hearing what I had to say.  I briefly talked about how I had lived a promiscuous lifestyle before giving my life to the Lord nearly 23 years ago.  Then with a gentle tone in my voice, I read to Latoya 1 Corinthians 6:9-11...

“Do not be deceived.  Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you.  But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

I pointed out that people addicted to any kind of fornication (whether heterosexual or homosexual) could be set free by the power of God.  After it appeared I gained Latoya’s trust, she agreed to let me pray for her.  First I spoke a blessing over Latoya and bound up the demonic spirits influencing her.  Then I asked Latoya if she was willing to recommit her life to the Lord.  She prayed with me to ask Jesus Christ back into her heart. 

A short time later, a friend of Latoya’s interrupted our conversation.  At that point, I felt a release to move on and minister to someone else.  Just like most of the other people I’ve led to the Lord, I likely won’t see Latoya again until we get to heaven.  Either way, I look forward to hearing how the Lord continued transforming her life.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 1:6

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

An Open Letter to Barack Obama

Dear Mr. President,

I’m a Christian missionary who has previously lived and worked in Washington, DC. I write this letter out of concern for the great nation that you currently lead.

Yesterday you held a “Gay Pride” reception at the White House. I first found out about this after discovering a lesbian teenager was invited to attend. Constance McMillen, a Mississippi high school student, had her senior prom canceled because she couldn’t take her “girlfriend” to the prom.

In an interview two years ago at Saddleback Church in California, Pastor Rick Warren asked you to define marriage. You replied, “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. Now, for me as a Christian...it’s also a sacred union. You know, God’s in the mix.”

As a Christian, Mr. President, why are you publicly endorsing lifestyles that clearly go against God’s word? As a brother in Christ, I strongly advise you to read Romans 1:18-32 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. By encouraging people to live immoral lifestyles, you are leading them on the path of eternal separation from God.

Mr. President, what would happen if Malia or
 Sasha decided to become a lesbian at a young age? What if one of your daughters wanted to bring a “girlfriend” to her prom? Gay activists would tell you that you should be supportive if you really love your daughter. But 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.” Jesus also gave a severe warning in Mark 9:42 to those who cause a child who believes in Him to sin.

Mr. President, the Bible defines all sexual activity outside of marriage as a sin. By encouraging teenage homosexuals, you are not only enticing them to violate God’s word but also to break the law regarding sexual activity with minors. I recognize that being the President of the United States is a difficult job for you cannot please all the people all the time. But ultimately, you will have to answer to God for decisions that affect the lives of millions.

Contrary to what you said last year in Turkey, the United States of America was founded upon the Judeo-Christian ethic. Continued disregard of these moral values has resulted in broken families and a misled generation of young people with no solid foundation of what’s right and wrong. In a few years, we might see individuals protesting for the right to marry their relatives, pets, or plants!

Even the Father of Our Country opposed homosexuality. On March 14, 1778, at Valley Forge, George Washington ordered a practicing homosexual within his ranks to be "drummed out of the military." I can't imagine what Washington would think of what's happening now in the city named after him that recently legalized same-sex marriages.

Let me clarify that I am not a homophobe and will minister God's love to homosexuals I encounter while doing street ministry. 2 Peter 3:9 says that God is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. I personally know former homosexuals who overcame same-sex attraction with God’s help.

In closing Mr. President, I will continue to pray for the well-being of you and your family. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 commands us to pray “…for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.” But I’m also praying that you repent of making ungodly decisions.

May God have mercy upon America and her leaders.

In Christ,

Todd R. Post