A Study in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans – “On the Road of Righteousness” Chapter Twelve: Part 1 – Practically Transformed

 

~ By James Fire

Chapter Twelve– Practically Transformed and Living Sacrifices

(Note: Due to the richness of this chapter, it will be divided up into three sections)

A BRIEF REVIEW –

Having completed the trilogy of chapters in Romans (9-11) that deals with the nation Israel, her condition of unbelief as a nation, and yet always retaining by the grace of God, a believing remnant, and how the nation is distinct from another holy nation (the church), we now proceed to chapter Twelve where the apostle Paul picks up on a previous thread from the end of Romans chapter Eight. 

As previously mentioned, if the epistle to the Romans could be envisioned as a cathedral, chapter Eight would be its highest pinnacle; it glorifies the grace of God as well as the Spirit of God towards repentant sinners, who are transformed saints; as opposed to the relationship that the Holy Law of God has with sinful humanity. It exults in the love of Christ and how nothing (read that as “NOTHING”) can separate us from this Eternal, Almighty Love! All of the blessings and graces and benefits that God simply lavishes upon us, His children who are born of His Spirit (John 3:3-5) are manifested in this chapter full of such doctrines of truth, righteousness and grace.

Read more!

SEPARATING FROM UNBELIEVERS

by A.M. Kisly

VIDEO FEATURE: SEPARATING FROM UNBELIEVERS

In 2 Corinthians 6, the Apostle Paul identifies two opposing worlds, two opposing realms or spheres or kingdoms or dimensions of life. One is described and characterized by righteousness, light, Christ, believers and the presence of God. The other is characterized, or described as lawless, dark, satanic, occupied by unbelievers and the presence of idols.

Two societies, two realms, two spheres utterly different, utterly distinct, completely incongruous and incompatible. And the Apostle says there is no possibility for people in these two kingdoms to be bound together in common work, no partnership, no fellowship, no harmony, no commonality and no agreement does or can really exist.

Scripture Studies from Romans 12:

In Romans 12:1, Paul exhorted us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God. However, in order to do that, we must be "transformed" so that we behave as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven, rather than as one who belongs to the world. Thus, Paul exhorts us strongly to conform no longer, but be transformed and renewed.

He starts with the words "Do not". This is in contrast to the exhortation in verse 1, where he "urged" us to offer ourselves to God. In verse 1, he was telling us something that we, as Christians, should do; in verse 2, he is telling us something that we must not do. There are things that Christians are urged to do, and there are things that Christians are commanded to avoid. The words "Do not" constitute a command.

Thus we, as children of God, are not by any means to "conform" to this world. Peter tells us to "live as strangers here, in reverent fear" (I Pet. 1:17). He also calls God's elect "aliens and strangers in the world" (I Pet. 1:1; 2:11). Our new birth into the kingdom of God necessarily should cause us to feel as if we are strangers and out of place in this world. For instance, our values are different than those of the world. They desire material riches; we desire the riches of God. Moreover, our morals are different than those of the world. Their morals are based on what they consider right in their own eyes; our morals are based on the Word of God. Furthermore, our attitude toward death is different than those of the world. They see death as the end; for us, the death of our earthly bodies will bring us into the presence and glory of God.

Thus, our attitudes should set us apart from those of the world. Having been introduced into the glorious kingdom of God, a kingdom that will never perish nor diminish in its glory, what a shame it would be if we clung to this dying world.

Paul says that we should not conform "any longer", suggesting that we did conform to the world in the past. Men naturally conform to the world. Men strive for the approval and accolades of other men. But man has fallen. To conform to the world is to conform to those under the rule of the "prince of this world" (John 12:31), that is Satan. Since we naturally do conform, we must make a conscious effort to avoid conformance. It is not easy to be set apart. It brings hostility and ridicule from those of the world. "They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you" (I Pet. 4:4). They desire that all conform, because the saints who do not conform "are a sign to them that they will be destroyed" (Phil. 1:28). We convict them by pure lives set apart for God and they resent this.

It is "the world" that we are to avoid being conformed to. Note "the world" is different than the earth. The earth is the planet on which we live. "The world", as used in the Bible, is the secular, carnal system of existence that controls fallen man. John describes it as "the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does" (I John 2:16). We are not to "love the world" because "if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (I John 2:15). Also, "anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God" (James 4:4). Though we are commanded not to love the world or to be friends of the world, nevertheless, "God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son" (John 3:16). Despite the fact that the world has turned its back on Him and followed evil, God, in his longsuffering, still has love for the world, enough love to give His Son in order to bring the world back to Him.

Paul says: "but be transformed". Yes, it is hard to avoid conforming to the world, "but" we are given an alternative. The world would tell us that because of God's prohibitions, we are somehow missing out on the joy of life. But Paul points out: "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of?" (Rom. 6:20-21). Godless joy is fleeting. It may be satisfying for the moment, but later it brings shame. In the book of Job, this is summed up: "Surely you know how it has been from of old, ever since man was placed on the earth, that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a moment" (Job 20:4-5). In contrast, Jesus says: "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (John 15:10-11).

Paul says to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind". Notice that he does not says to transform ourselves, but to "be transformed". The transformation does not originate in ourselves, but is accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes to Titus: "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). Our role in the process is to seek and to yield to the renewal by the Spirit.

It is the "mind" that is to be renewed. Clearly, as can be seen from his writings, Paul does not view Christianity as a mindless, merely emotional religion, but a thinking religion. The mind is involved. Paul used his intellect to proclaim and defend his faith: "He reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks" (Acts 17:17). Likewise, Peter says to give "the reason for the hope that you have" (I Peter 3:15).

But, unfortunately, our minds have been corrupted by this fallen world and thus, need renewing. Note that it is the renewing of our minds that will lead to our transformation. "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace" (Rom. 8:6).

Going on, Paul says: "Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is". Thus, the result of our transformation is the acceptance and approval of God's will. One cannot know the complete will of God for his life without being transformed. Conversely, if you are transformed, you will know what God's will is. If you live for God and not for the world, seek God and not the things of the world, then the will of God for your life will be revealed to you. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Prov. 3:5-6).

Once you know God's will, Paul is confident that you will "approve" of it, for he says that you will "test and approve" it. The extent to which you desire to please yourself rather than to do God's will is the extent to which you still belong to the world. But if you would only "be transformed" so that you would be able to "test" the will of God, you will certainly "approve" of it. The Psalmist says: "Taste and see that the LORD is good" (Ps. 34:8).

Indeed, God's will is "good, pleasing and perfect". His will is "good" because it is always in our best interest. If we are in God's will, then all things will work together for our good (cf. Rom. 8:28). God loves us; thus, His will is for our good.

In the following video presentation, Pastor John MacArthur explains the importance of separating from the world.  In this exhortation, he states "It is a classic call by the Apostle to separation from unbelievers. And, in fact, that is the greatest challenge that you as a Christian have, and me too. Not to be bound together with unbelievers is our greatest challenge, to live a separated life is a tremendous challenge, particularly in a culture which is bombarding us with all of the elements of paganism.

It is not only our greatest challenge, it is our greatest source of joy and usefulness when we obey that command. The pure and the polluted share nothing in common ultimately. And the people of God cannot form intimate relationships with those who don't belong to God. All relationships like that are superficial. You cannot make a meaningful relationship with an enemy of the gospel. They live in a different world with a different and completely hostile and antagonistic leader."

Separating From Unbelievers - Pastor John MacArthur

Read more!

LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS – Part 4

by A.M. Kisly

THE TEMPTATIONS AND PULL OF THIS WORLD

Before we get started on Part 4 of Living in the Last Days, I would like to share a few things from my own heart.

This subject is near and dear to me, as I know so many today who are convinced they are Christians, yet are living much like the world. My concern for their spiritual walks grows each passing day because of unrepentance. Rather than returning toward righteous and holy living in obedience to the Lord, I see hearts growing colder, minds embracing the world’s standards and God’s word either being perverted or discarded.

Psalm 84:10 “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

These were the confessions of David on where he would want to spend his time, talent, wealth, as well as his life. Where would we want to spend ours?

Many, who call themselves “Christians” today, deny the power of God in their lives and allow the spirit of this world to dominate them. The world indeed has blinded many eyes from seeing that they are mere imitators of worldly characters rather than followers of Jesus Christ.

Rather than hearts that are captivated by the Creator of all that exists,  by Christ, who has sacrificed His own life to pay the price for our sin, many in the church are carried away by every deceptive lie and enticement this world will offer them. Whatever our age may be, we must take the warnings in the Bible seriously. 

In Romans 12:1-3, the Apostle Paul said,

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Paul instructs the Corinthians believers to come out of the world and its influences:

“Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what partnership has light with darkness? And what harmony has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 

Dr. Henry Morris explains, “yoked together”,

Paul is using a metaphor here based on Deuteronomy 22:10 and Leviticus 19:19, which forbade plowing with an ox and ass yoked together, or attempting to interbreed animals of different kinds. The clear inference is that believers and unbelievers are SO DIFFERENT in character and interests (as well as ultimate destiny) that they should never be “yoked” together in situations requiring strong agreement of attitudes and goals. (e.g., marriage, churches, business partnerships, lodges or other organizations with religious overtones). The prohibition does not forbid participation in all secular or charitable organizations (see 1 Corinthians 5:10 for who not to keep company with) or friendships. Such connections should, however BE SEVERED when one’s Christian faith is in jeopardy, or his Christian conduct and influence is endangered. One can witness to unbelievers without partaking of their beliefs or sinful behavior.

Why do we not heed the warnings, why do we seek to satisfy our fleshy desires and ignore the word of God? Remember Paul told Timothy not to let himself become tangled up in the affairs of this life.

And in 2 Peter 1:3-11 -

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

--The addition of these Christian graces is the natural outgrowth of the divine nature of which we partake; if they are not being cultivated, we should examine the reality of our professed faith to be sure that we truly are trusting in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. –HMM

I believe the Christian church is in a crisis. The compromise with this world has perverted the truth of God’s word and the effectiveness of the Christian witness to a world facing judgment. If you are a Christian and your mind is absorbed by the world’s standards, its culture, its influence, its entertainment…you are compromised. You are in essence shaking your fist at God telling Him that His way is not perfect, and it is not for you.

We have got to lay our lives down for the purposes of God. We were created by Him, for His purposes and His good pleasure. We must understand that! To rebel against Him is to refuse His plan for our lives and to join forces with the devil, himself.

Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts! Seek Him while He may be found.


Living In The Last Days – Part 4
THE TEMPTATIONS AND PULL OF THIS WORLD

*This series is used with permission by the writer, Quek Koh Choon

In Part 4, we now focus on some problem areas we will encounter in the last days. The subject is very wide indeed but we would be concentrating on several broad categories.

The first of these broad categories is "The temptations and pull of this world". This affects God's children in several ways. Firstly, the world can impose her standards and values upon the people of God, sometimes in a subtle way but at times even in ways that are more direct and blunt. Take the example of cigarette advertising. In our society today, we are fortunate that we recognize the ills and dangers of cigarette smoking, and advertising to promote cigarette smoking is now a thing of the past. However, not too long ago, and even now in third world countries, cigarette smoking is promoted in advertisement as part of the good and finer things in life. The cigarette companies ensure that the advertisement projects a young successful man or woman who has made it in society, surrounded by the so-called fine things of life like a luxury car, a huge mansion, lots of friends and all of them puffing on the finest brand of cigarettes, each looking refreshed and contented with the smoke around them. We know better than that, but many young people in the third world today are subtly influenced to associate cigarette smoking with success and sophistication.

Here is a good illustration of how something that is harmful and dangerous can be projected as something sophisticated and associated with success. Cigarette companies are aware of the dangers of cigarette smoking, but the monetary profit and returns are so great that some are prepared to cover up the facts in order to continue to harvest the benefit. The sad consequence would be millions who will suffer from lung cancer and other associated ailments of the lungs and the heart.

The world can affect the children of God in like manner. Through the mass media, through books, through even the study of literature, philosophy and other apparently respectable avenues of knowledge, God's children may be led to believe that a certain lifestyle or a certain manner of living or values are manifestations of being progressive, liberated and modern. It may not be cigarette smoking; it may be something else. The motivation may not be money making; it may be for self or status or even at times out of frustration and ignorance; nevertheless, it is almost always engineered by the prince of this world who seeks to stamp his influence on as many as possible.

Let us not underestimate the temptations and pull of this world. We should remember the rich young man who came to the Lord Jesus to seek for eternal life. He went away sad because he could not give up his riches (see Matthew 19:16-22). The love of money and wealth can be a snare and bondage. Lot chose the plains of Sodom, seeing that it was rich and fertile. However, years later, he found it difficult to free himself from Sodom and Gomorrah, so much so that the angels of God had to seize his hand and bring him out, outside the city.

The world can suck us into her system and it may not be so easy to get out. It was said that many young ladies, when asked about their choice of an ideal marriage partner in today's society, preferred their men to have the 4 "Cs" - namely cash, credit card, car and condominium. Sadly, they left out a very important "C", that is, character. (** I would add to that Christ.)

No doubt, their choice has been influenced, in no small way, by the standards and values of this world. The 4 "Cs" have been associated with success and achievement in society and this has been ingrained in the minds of many young people, Christians and non-Christians alike. For God's children, the effect can be very subtle. It can begin with the thought, "After all, as Christians, we should be good stewards of our money". So, the idea may start off with wanting to invest wisely which may be appropriate up to this point. But before long, the Lord's people may find themselves speculating in shares, foreign currencies and properties, no longer just investing but being carried away with the business of pursuing more and more money, and being involved and immersed in worldly affairs and gambling to a point that they lose sight of the spiritual and the eternal. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 sounds out the warning loud and clear -

"But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang".

Moses, as a young man, was faced with the temptations and pull of the world. Brought up as a prince in the splendor of Egypt, surrounded by the knowledge of the times and in the midst of wealth and power, Moses had a choice. He chose not to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, but to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sins, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt (see Hebrews 11:24-26). Will we allow the world to impose her values and standards upon us? Or, like Moses, will we choose to identify with something far more beautiful and meaningful in God's desires and values for us?

The temptations and pull of this world can affect us in another way. Besides imposing its values and standards of living upon us, the world can subtly cause MORAL DECAY to set in. Included in this are lust, sin and corruption. We may not have to look very far to see this illustrated. In the many films and books today, and among them are big box office attractions and best sellers, we can see the so-called hero often depicted as a man who is very individualistic and rebellious, one who believes in violence to right a wrong and he will not hesitate to arrogantly break many arms or to pump in bullets along the way, even hurting passers-by and damaging property all in the name of apparent justice. Such a hero is also one who does not believe in commitment and responsibility in marriage relationships. Women just swoon over him and he goes from one woman to another with such rapidity that one wonders whether there is any moral decency at all in his life.

In the world of pop music, lyrics glorifying drug addiction and loose moral values are sung with gusto and though the lives of the various pop stars are morally degrading and way out there, yet, millions of young people idolizes them and desire to pattern their lives after theirs. Some of the songs and lyrics are not just morally unacceptable, but the spirit behind the songs can actually be very damaging spiritually; yet the further these pop stars stray from good moral values, the more popular they seem to become. Those who seek to pattern their lives after the hero in the film or the pop star may think themselves as not "squares". They believe they can think for themselves and are different from the so-called establishment. In reality, they are under the bondage of moral decay and corruption. One day, they may wake up too late to realize this and their lives may have already been badly hurt.

However, moral decay is not just affecting the young and the gullible. It affects all strata of society, including the so-called sophisticated and educated who indulge in activities ranging from gossip to immoral behavior; only they may not be so obvious or conspicuous to the eyes of the public.

Even religious circles are not spared. We read and hear of churches anointing homosexuals as bishops, and talking about a review and a more liberal view of various moral issues in society. For instance, consenting adults of the same sex can enter into a marriage union, approved by the church. The world can exert so much pressure as to cause even churches to compromise on moral issues which have clear scriptural teaching and backing. From what we can understand, this pressure would increase in the last days.

In 2 Peter 2:10-20 and 2 Peter 3:3, we see a description of the activities of the flesh and moral decay. In the last days, lust, corruption and indulgence of the flesh can become the order of the day and verse 20 suggests that even God's children who have escaped the defilement of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can also become entangled again in them, the last state being worse for them than the first. The influence of the world in the direction of moral decay will not spare even those who are children of God and we must take this seriously. It is with this concern that the apostle Peter sounded out the following warnings.

"Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking to and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found in Him in peace, spotless and blameless" (2 Peter 3:11-14).

Indeed, we need to be diligent in keeping ourselves free from the defilement of this world, and in maintaining a holy conduct worthy of our high calling.

The pull and temptations of this world can affect God's people in another manner, and this is manifested in disloyalty to God as well as outright rebellion and denial of the Lord. We are aware of how Demas, in love with the world, deserted Paul. In the Old Testament context, Korah was one man who epitomized the spirit of arrogance and rebellion, for he wanted the status and honor which were reserved by God for the house of Aaron. This longing for status and recognition on Korah's part was probably due to his yielding to the temptation of the world. The world's standards and values can draw Christians so far away that they begin to rationalize as well as harden their hearts and conscience to a point that they would reject the Lord's ways for their own lives.

We see the Lord Jesus Himself referring to this in Matthew 24:10-12 in the context of the last days. The prospect of many falling away, the reality of the love of many growing cold and denying the Lord are harsh reminders of how difficult the last days will be like. We need to take care of our own lives lest we too be disqualified and fall along the wayside.

Hebrews 6:4-8 spells out the dangers and seriousness of falling away and denying the Lord. The consequences and judgment of such a matter cannot be taken lightly. In the book of Hebrews, again and again these words of exhortation appear - "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…"

The world can seek to impose its standards upon us; it can sow the seed of moral decay and move us in the direction of falling away from the Lord but if we maintain in openness before God and refuse to harden our hearts and conscience when we hear His voice, there is still hope for us to overcome. On the other hand, if we co-operate with the spirit of the world and seek to have the better of both worlds, desiring what the world has to offer and yet still clinging somewhat to the promise of eternal life, then we are toying with the perils that may plunge us into a situation where there is no turning back! Let us not toy with the grace of God!

Also read: Part 1 , Part 2  , Part 3 ,  Parts 5-6 , Parts 7-8 Read more!

ISRAEL, ISLAM AND ARMAGEDDON

by A.M. Kisly

VIDEO FEATURE: ISRAEL, ISLAM AND ARMAGEDDON

Author and researcher, Dave Hunt, explains the history of Islam and the truth behind Arab claims to the land of Israel . Also discussed is the history of the PLO and their bloody exploits under Yasser Arafat, who established what is called by some the most successful and bloodiest terrorist organization ever known. This video further exposes the fact that the PLO agenda does not include establishing peace with Israel , but rather pretends peace until an opportunity to destroy Israel presents itself. As Arafat himself once declared: "Peace for us means the destruction of Israel."

In Ezekiel, God says: "Therefore, thus saith the Lord God: Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the nations, and against all Edom , who have appointed my land into their possession ." (Ezekiel 36:5)

It would seem these words are being fulfilled before our very eyes, as demonstrated in this video. Learn how Israel and the city of Jerusalem are at the forefront of issues before the United Nations - who speak of the land as if it were their possession. And, of course, the Arabs (descendents of Edom ) have in all of their textbooks and maps "appointed" the land of Israel to themselves by insisting it is their ancient homeland.

Dave Hunt exposes the truth about the so-called "Palestinian" people, their history, and their religion, in a series of teachings that clearly and simply explain the Biblical view of today's events unfolding in the Middle East. Overflowing with powerful fast-moving visuals spanning centuries of history and biblical prophecy to clarify current events and future prophecies. Great contemporary tool for evangelism. Pastors across America are showing this thorough documentary to their churches. A gigantic history lesson compressed into one hour!

With more than 3,000 years of history, Jerusalem is mentioned an astonishing 800 times in the Bible, and prophesied to play a key role in world destiny. Many of these prophecies have already come to pass, with some yet to be fulfilled. This video shows how the current peace process is fraught with peril, why it is impossible for Jerusalem to know true peace in our age how the Antichrist will lead the world's armies to destroy Israel, the truth about the Vatican's intentions, and the Palestinian myth. It powerfully corrects much of the "misinformation and propaganda" aggressively advanced by the world media and others.

Includes footage of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

Read more!

Religious Freedom Threatened - The Chick-Fil-A Controversy

by A.M. Kisly

This weeks support of religious freedom, freedom of speech and Chick-fil-A's President Dan Cathy stirred up firestorm of hatred and anger.  However, this controversy has also revealed that there is a lot at stake, mainly religious freedom in this country. I don't know about you, but I was taken back by the spin the liberal media, elected officials and supporters of gay marriage put on this story. What started out as an interview with a Baptist newspaper took a perverse twist when those pushing political agendas took hold of Dan Cathy's comments and proclaiming that it is hate speech.  Talk about a brainwashed society, hate speech?

Within days, elected officials in Chicago, Boston and New York were pledging to deny the company access to their cities. Huh? Incredible, isn't it. But more incredible was the anger expressed by some fellow believers at other believers for showing their support of Dan Cathy on Chick-fil-A day, to stand for religious freedom and to protect his business. After reading some of those rather ugly comments, a couple of good questions came up that we need to address, as I'm sure you may be asked them too.

For those who want to read an accurate account of the Chick-fil-A controversy, you can do so here: Al Mohler

So here's the question:

Why Are Many Christians Picking Just Two Issues To Vilify - Abortion and Gay Marriage?

The following excerpts are taken from the book, One Nation Above God: Permission granted to print, copy, or distribute.

There will always be a moral divide in America, but this should not deter us from making a difference. Instead of continually criticizing, we should thank Christians who are involved in promoting the sanctity of life and marriage. I wish there were more who would engage the culture.

Those who ask this question often fail to recognize foundational truths. 

Certain "rights" and "wrongs" called absolutes are given by God to save man from himself. In the same way that a foundation supports the entire structure-house or skyscraper, foundational biblical truths support the social structure. Nearly all social issues are related to the stability and structure of the God-ordained family. All issues cannot be equal-if everything is a priority then nothing is. "Can we legislate morality?" No and yes. No, we cannot change a person's heart by forcing a set of laws or rules upon them, BUT we can restrain evil and deter wrongdoing. Most laws are connected to some type of moral system-the laws of a nation establish the foundation. For example, some legislators have attempted to redefine marriage and the family in order to accommodate gay-marriage. I believe Christians err when they embrace one of two extremes. At one extreme are those who insult, or who are violent toward those trapped in this lifestyle; homosexuality appears at the top of their sin list; there is very little love or compassion. The other extreme excuses this sin and looks the other way. Biblically speaking, homosexuality, like all sexual sin, is morally wrong and harmful. In Matthew 15:19, when Jesus said, Out of the heart comes evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications . . . these defile a man, He condemned all sexual activity outside of marriage-"fornication" includes all illicit sex. Many other passages in the Bible contain strong warnings against any sexual activity outside of marriage as well. This really isn't debatable.

God's principles are guardrails through the canyons of life. They don't prevent us from enjoying life; they protect us from falling. You may say, "Times change." And you are correct, but God's standards do not. The sin that once amazed us now amuses us; just look at what is considered "entertainment" today. No matter how many laws are passed in favor of same-sex marriage, it will not change God's mind. I am the Lord thy God-I change not (Malachi 3:6). Marriage between a man and a woman is a foundational truth that cannot be degraded, changed, or altered. This applies to abortion as well: Psalm 139:13 says that God formed my inward parts; He knit me together in my mother's womb. We will always have the "freedom" to choose, but no one has the "right" to do what is wrong-no one!

On the issue of abortion and gay-marriage, there is only one position-God's position. Topics such as the environment, health care, and poverty, are all affected by the stability of society, which, in turn, is dependent on the stability of the family (as God designed it). We should be concerned about the environment; however, how can we truly be concerned about the environment but not saline abortions-where a salt solution is injected into the mother's sac for the baby to swallow? Once swallowed, the baby begins to experience a violent, slow death-so violent that the mother can actually feel the baby in her womb fighting for his or her life. How can we truly be concerned about health care and not D & E abortions-where a large crushing instrument is inserted into the uterus as the physician grabs the baby with this instrument and pulls off pieces (limbs) until he or she is completely removed from the mother? What a travesty to place oil drilling in Alaska, or the spotted owl before the sanctity of life and marriage. "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:30).

Those who ask this question often want to avoid controversial issues. 

Today, foundational truths have been neglected, watered-down, or avoided altogether in the hope of "not offending," "securing an audience," or being "politically correct." Nevertheless, we are to do what is right because it's right, not because it's popular. Politics that once focused largely on the economy, national security, and the deficit, now tackles important moral issues. These major issues have enormous implications; to remain silent actually makes a statement that we are not concerned enough. This is not just about the loss of jobs; it's about the loss of morality. We're not just talking about adding millions of dollars to the national deficit; we're talking about aborting millions of babies. We're not only talking about fluctuations in the housing market; we're talking about creating life simply to destroy it. Topics that are "too controversial" are often critically important; we can no longer ignore them.

In response to the question, "Why are many Christians picking just two issues to vilify-abortion and gay-marriage?" I believe that Christians are not vilifying certain issues at the expense of others; they are underscoring the enormous importance of them. Unfortunately, those who are bold in supporting biblical truths are often seen as irrational, judgmental, bigoted, and intolerant, when the opposite is true. How can we warn if we never confront; correct if we never challenge; and contend if we never question? We must speak the truth in love!

Unfortunately, we forget that apathy today will be our downfall tomorrow. The greatest threat to Christians in America is not false religion, secularism, atheism, or any other "ism," but compromise and apathy. When we compromise and remain apathetic, we avoid the difficult truths of the Bible and decentralize the Scriptures. We "play" Christian but compromise everything that Christ stood for. We pursue riches, wealth, and prosperity, but neglect boldness, righteousness, and godly confrontation. When we compromise, we can easily become insensitive, indifferent, ineffective, and self-righteous. "Where does Christianity destroy itself in a given generation? It destroys itself by not living in the light, by professing a truth it does not obey" (A.W. Tozer). Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but the conscience of the state." He continues, "If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority." What an insightful perspective, especially for us today.

Politics won’t save America; however, we cannot ignore our God-given civic responsibility and the massive impact that politics has on our society. Make no mistake about it: America’s leaders play an enormous role in shaping the direction of the country: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). For instance, there are legislators who support partial-birth abortion, as well as gay-marriage and other disturbing legislation. Do we honestly think that God is not concerned about our laws? “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20).

Politics is not always a bad word. It refers to governing or leading a group of people. We don’t have to abandon our ethics or compromise our principles to be involved in politics—what good is salt left in the shaker, or a light that is hidden? Contextually, when Jesus referred to being the “salt and light,” He was referring to holy living at the individual level, but the overlapping principle applies to all areas.

Politics has been instrumental in movements to protect the unborn and the poor, as well as the abolition of slavery, and civil rights, to mention only a few. These events all transpired because Christians took action. Leadership matters!

That said, we must always remember that our first priority is the preaching of the gospel. It is salvation that transforms the sinful heart.
Read more!

A Christian Manifesto

by A.M. Kisly

"I believe that pluralistic secularism, in the long run, is a more deadly poison than straightforward persecution." - Francis Schaeffer

There are some who say that we have lost the culture war. I believe that this statement is true in many ways. Yet in saying so does not mean that I believe Christians should give up and give in to the humanistic (man is the measure of all things) tyranny taking our country. Quite the contrary, Christians need to stand for righteousness, proclaim Christian values and stand firm upon the Word of God. That is our reasonable service.

In fact Romans 12:1 states just that:

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

We are now living in what almost looks like a "post-Christian" culture. Further, we are in the war of all wars...a spiritual war with a growing intensity that no one could have ever imagined. Brannon Howse of Worldview Weekend stated,

"Every Christian must prepare and understand the nature of this spiritual battle because it is coming with an intensity none of us ever imagined-right here, right under the dimming light of our U.S. Constitution. Second Timothy 3:1 tells us that in the last days perilous times will come, and, my friend, they are here."

The time has come where we must earnestly contend for the faith. Christians MUST understand how to apply biblical principles to every area of life. The compromise with this world must end, and as it is written in Ephesians 6:13:

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

The following address was delivered by the late Dr. Schaeffer in 1982 at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Read more!