BOOK REVIEW - "WHEN CULTURE HATES YOU: PERSEVERING FOR THE COMMON GOOD AS CHRISTIANS IN A HOSTILE PUBLIC SQUARE" BY NATASHA CRAIN

Nobody really wants to be at odds with society. But that's not always possible, especially when those with a differing world view are trying to influence society in a guiding it to lemming cliff, and you opening your mouth about a better alternative is considered a threat. Apologist and podcaster Natasha Crain has written the timely book "When Culture Hates You: Persevering for the common good," which informs us why we're in this situation and guidelines on response.

Part One, consisting of the first five chapters, is titled "Understanding the Hate." In this, Crain reminds us that Jesus and Scripture warn we will be hated by the world. We are introduced to the concept of "the common good," and how that "common good" can be politicized for the purpose of trying to silence those from a traditional Christian worldview. Crain answers five objections to a Christian influence in the public square, as well as giving us the acronym ACT to describe how we should persevere: 

1. Know your (Biblical) Authority, 
2. Strengthen Conviction, and 
3. Maintain Tenacity.

The second part of this book, "Responding to and Persevering Through Today's Most Prominent Charges," gives suggestions on how to deal with antagonists like the mainstream media, secular social justice advocates, and feminist and LGBTQ+ activists. In each of five chapters, dealing with charges of being Dangerous Christian Nationalists, Power-Hungry Oppressors, Controlling Misogynists, Cruel Rights-Deniers, and Hateful Bigots, Crain defines the issues and focuses on the reality as opposed to the subjective, inflammatory name-calling. Each of these chapters include Quick Responses to 5 Popular Challenges and 7 Actions for the Common Good. She closes the book with an admonition to let our light shine in spite of hate, and provides resources.

As I stated at the beginning, this is a timely book, and I recommend it for personal reading and to discuss in small groups.

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'25 SUMMER READING LIST, #23 - "WHEN FAITH IS FORBIDDEN" BY TODD NETTLETON

First, a little housekeeping. I have been recommending these books in alphabetic order by title. However, I realized that what would have been today's book was fitting for the Independence Day, so I'm moving up the ones scheduled for July 2nd and 3rd one day.

"When Faith is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians" by Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs is an inspiring devotional book, telling stories of our brothers and sisters who are enduring persecution. Some of these have two or more parts (one story has five parts), and these are an encouragement I have gone through this twice, and yes, this is one that is on my list to use again.

 

'25 SUMMER READING LIST, #9 - "IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS" BY GLENN PENNER

 

I have previously mentioned Biblical theology when I mentioned the New Studies on Biblical Theology series. A refresher: Systematic Theology looks at all Biblical verses on a topic; Biblical theology focuses on the development on a topic in the Biblical book. 

No, "In the Shadow of the Cross: A Biblical Theology of Persecution & Discipleship" by the late Glenn Penner (former director of Voice of the Martyrs Canada) is not part of the above mentioned series, but it takes the same technique. It goes book by book into looking to see what it says about persecution.

Naturally, we avoid persecution. Yet it says "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12, emphasis added). And this book on persecution is not depressing but encouraging.

BOOK REVIEW - "IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS: A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF PERSECUTION AND DISCIPLESHIP" BY GLENN PENNER

I wrote the review on Sept. 23, 2024, and posted in on Amazon and Goodreads at that time, but I decided to wait on this review until today - October 31, aka Reformation Day. I thought this would be a good blog for the combination of Reformation Day, All Saints Day (Nov. 1), and International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (First Sunday in November, which is the 3rd this year). It's also gives us thought as we head to the voting booth as well.

My wife and I have spent over a year reading a few pages of this book each week. It definitely gave us food for thought.

Former director of Voice of the Martyrs Canada and professor at Oklahoma Wesleyan University Glenn Penner has written a powerful book. "In the Shadow of the Cross: A Biblical Theology of Persecution and Discipleship does an awesome job of going through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and dealing with how much persecution is a part of Scripture.

We tend to think American Christianity is normal. Au contraire. Both historically and currently in much of the world, it is persecution that is normal. 

I highly recommend this book. 

 

BOOK(LET) REVIEW - "GODLY CITIZENS UNDER GODLESS KINGS" BY JOHN MACARTHUR

 

Election day is just a week away, and we get to choose between a candidate some consider evil and an opponent belonging to a party that promotes what many (myself included) consider evil. How are we to live in days of an ungodly government?

If the lines for voting are long, "Godly Citizens Under Godless Kings" by Rev. John MacArthur might be good and appropriate reading, especially since it is only 34 pages long. But if you've already voted early, this still is an insightful and thought provoking book.

MacArthur starts off in Romans 13 stating what the role of government is, and then deals with Satan's influence on the state. He points out, "No matter where persecution breaks out, the arch-persecutor of the church is always going to be the government. We know this because the government alone can fine, jail, and even execute people with impunity." He speaks about civil disobedience in Scripture and today, and closes with a guideline on "How to live under a pagan government."

I have three comments I'd like to add in closing.

1. While I am convinced that neither the Democrat, the Republican, or the Libertarian Party are committed to a Biblical leadership, I do think MacArthur is overreaching when he says the government will always be part of the persecution - some of today's persecution is from other sources like the Columbian drug lords and the terrorist group Boka Haran. This is technical - I can see the U.S. government persecuting Christians.
2. MacArthur mentions being fined during the COVID lockdowns by the California government. He doesn't mention the church's standing firm and eventually getting the fines erased. I think that should have been included, even if this was a pamphlet.
3. I read this shortly after listing to the Reformed Libertarian podcast, where both hosts are anarchist (meaning they don't believe we need government). I've read some that say Christians are obligated to stand against ungodly nations to the point of taking up arms, as in the Revolutionary War. MacArthur doesn't deal with the Revolution, but he definitely believes government is necessary and placed by God. Am I sure which side I take on that issue?

BOOK REVIEW - "DANIEL: FAITHFUL IN THE FIRE" (BIBLE STUDY) BY J.D. GREEAR

 

The Sunday after Easter, a newly formed men's Sunday School class at my church went through "Daniel: Faithful in the Fire" by former Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear While Daniel is known for its spectacular rescues and for the prophetic element, Greear's focus is on the character of Daniel and his friends and how that is a model for our lives.

This book has eight lessons. Each starts with a group discussion. This is followed by a trio of personal studies. There also is an access code that you can use to view the videos.

If you're familiar with Daniel, you're probably aware that it consists of 12 chapters, with the first six looking more at the historical events in Daniel's life, and the latter focusing more on what many (including me) consider to be end times prophecy. You'll then ask what he does to trim 12 chapters to 8 lessons. Disappointingly but not surprisingly, that's because seven of the lessons deal with the first six chapters (two on chapter 1), and the only chapter in the latter six chapters deals not with prophecy but with (absolutely not surprisingly nor disappointingly) Daniel's intercessory prayer in chapter 9. 

I will admit - I do want to deal with the whole book. But again, the book's theme is on us being faithful in a culture that is opposed to everything we affirm and glorify what we consider wickedness. That's definitely a needed theme today.

I highly recomme1d this series for either personal study or for a group.

By the way, isn't the cover art wonderful?

EBED MELECH - BIBLICAL PEOPLE I'M CURIOUS ABOUT (PART 4 OF 6)

Ebed-Melech telling the king about Jeremiah, Lifeway Collection

I'm guessing that Ebed-Melech may be the best known individual in this six part series... okay, one of the two best known (next week will be another you may have heard of. I remember as a child reading two versions of Ebed-Melech's first of two appearances in Scripture.

Like last week's subject, Urijah, Ebed-Melech is mentioned solely in the book of Jeremiah. That's probably the main thing they have in common. In Jeremiah 26 where Urijah mentioned, it was the people wanting to kill Jeremiah and the princes who defended him. In Jeremiah 38, the princes wanted to kill the prophet and Ebed-Melech was the rescuer. Urijah fled the king of Judah in fear, Ebed-Melech boldly implored the king of Judah to intervene. 

For those unfamiliar with the story, the princes asked permission of King Zedekiah to throw Jeremiah in a pit. This was when Jerusalem was beseiged by Babylon and Jeremiah probably would not survive. Ebed-Melech went before the King, told him that Jeremiah's life was at stake, and asked permission to pull him out. He not only tossed Jeremiah the rope to tie underneath him, but also rags to put under his armpits to protect him. 

The NKJV calls him a eunuch, with a note that the word can be translated as "official." In From Every People And Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race, author J. Daniel Hays points out that translators and commentators incorrectly consider the dark skinned Cushites like Ebed-Melech as servants when the text does not require that interpretation. In this case, he states the Scripture implies that Ebed-Melech was someone King Zedekiah would listen to, more so than if he was someone's servant. 

Likewise, the picture above of Ebed-Melech makes him look someone who could have used physical help in pulling Jeremiah out of the pit. The drawing I saw in the Bible Story made him look more like he could have played football, as well as a cheerful smile on his face.

This is one of my favorite stories, because it does not end here. The next chapter tells of the fall of Jerusalem. During that tumult, God sent Jeremiah with this message: 

"Go and speak to Ebed-Melech the Ethiopian, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: "Behold, I will bring My words upon this city for adversity and not for good, and they shall be performed in that day before you. But I will deliver you in that day," says the LORD, "and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me," says the LORD.' " Jeremiah 39:16-18, NKJV 

I love the love God shows to Ebed-Melech in this passage, enough for Him to send His prophet in a time of calamity to give him a message of encouragement.

 

URIJAH THE PROPHET - BIBLICAL PEOPLE I'M CURIOUS ABOUT (PART 3 OF 6)

The Murder of Zwingli by Karl Jauslin

I'm sure there's several questions about this entry. Such as "Who is Urijah the Prophet?" "Is this the same as Urijah the Hittite?" "Why does he have a picture of a Reformer when the blog's about a Biblical character, and why does it have to be a depressing one at that?"

I'll start with the last question first. You know I usually include at least one picture, but when you're dealing with obscure people as this series is, you'll find there aren't many artists painting these. I was surprised and pleased to find an artistic rendition of Naamah (two weeks ago). So I'll have to go with loose connections, but by the end of the blog, you'll know the connection.

Urijah the Prophet is my moniker for him - he's not called a prophet, though he does what prophets do. And no, it's not Urijah the Hittite, Bath-sheba's first husband. But let me give the immediate context.

Jeremiah 26 starts with Jeremiah, as usual, warning of God's judgment. I've noticed that people love hearing about God judging others for their sins, but it's a different story when the spotlight shines on them. And the people were not happy with Jeremiah's gloom and doom, and wanted to kill him. 

One unique thing that happened here is that the princes came to Jeremiah's rescue (not so later in Jeremiah's ministry). They told the people that Micah son of Moresheth (the minor prophet) gave a similar message a century or so earlier and he wasn't executed. So they spared Jeremiah.

Then, we get to verses 20 - 23 of that chapter:

"Now there was also a man who prophesied in the name of the Lord, Urijah the son of Shemaiah of Kirjath Jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah. And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death; but when Urijah heard it, he was afraid and fled, and went to Egypt. Then Jehoiakim the king sent men to Egypt: Elnathan the son of Achbor, and other men who went with him to Egypt. And they brought Urijah from Egypt and brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who killed him with the sword and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people." Jeremiah  26:20-23, NKJV

No, we don't know more about this Urijah than this. Did God call him as He did Jeremiah? It doesn't say. Was his fleeing to Egypt a lack of faith? Maybe, but we have no record that his fear was disobedience to God. 

That is why I felt the painting of the murder of Zwingli the Reformer was appropriate for this blog. Not completely: Zwingli went into battle and was killed in the fighting. But we need to remember that obedience to God is not a guarantee that we won't face the consequences from an ungodly King.
 

BOOK REVIEW - TORTURED FOR CHRIST (50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION) BY RICHARD WURMBRAND

 

I have been aware of this book for most of my life  (and all of my adult life). When I was a teenager, I heard my pastor mention this book on a Sunday night sermon. About a year later, I heard Richard Wurmbrand at chapel at my college. My wife and I get their monthly newsletter and served as volunteers for a few years. However, I have never read this book until now.

One reviewer commented that the book moved from auto-biography to manifesto. Reading it, my impression is the author intended it to be the latter. He admits he went through horrific torture, but Wurmbrand makes it clear that he wasn't an isolated example and that there are things we can do. He didn't write this book to focus on himself but to focus on those still enduring persecution and on what we can do (his list includes leading a godly life).

He states two important things Christians need to do: 1) Hate Communism and 2) Love Calvinists. Some reviewers didn't like Wurmbrand calling atheism evil and equating the belief there's no God with a system that tortures others. His point is not that all atheists are torturers, but the foundation of their disregard for life and freedom is the belief that there is no God to reward the righteous, no Deity to punish the wicked, so they can do whatever cruel thing they desire over the powerless. Telling - Wurmbrand quotes a Communist publication calling Christ's command to love your enemies dangerous. 

The critical reviewers stuck at the "Hate Communism" part, but ignored that he also says a true Christian will love Communists. He points out that he and others in countries where there's persecution are praying for their persecutors. 

I mentioned this is the 50th anniversary edition. Most of the material is from the original book from '68, with some added information reflecting the fall of the Soviet regime and the increase of persecution in the Muslim world. He stated in one section that the original book was written in three days! Thus, it is a book of the heart. Additionally, it points out how his focus is more on Russia and Romania, because that was where this happened.

This is NOT an easy read. Part of it are the horrific acts performed on the author and others. Part of it is an activist tone, and some things seem to be a little repetitive. But should Christians avoid things that are challenging? Uh, no. And definitely we should be aware of how we can comfort the afflicted; don't be naive enough to think we will always have it easy.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 41 OF 48 - PSALM 133:1

Lewis & Clark statue, Falls of the Ohio State Park, Jeffersonville, IN

    "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
    For brethren to dwell together in unity!"
            Psalm 133:1, New King James Version

I've always loved this verse. How about you?

Unfortunately and predictably, living out this verse is easier said than done. That's because of how we interpret "brethren" and "unity." In other words, Goldilocks found some have a view that's too large and others have a view that's too small.

The large view is the "brotherhood of all men" position. Note - yes, the Bible does teach that in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free (Galatians 3:28). But did you notice the qualifer? That is if we're in Christ. God has children from all nations (Revelation 7:7-9), but nowhere in the Bible does it teach the whole world - believer and unbeliever, righteous and wicked - are God's children. Rather, John - known as the apostle of love - points out both through Jesus and in his letter that some people are God's children and some are children of the devil (John 8:41-44; 1 John 3:7-10). 

But for some people, that leaves too many people in the family of God. So they spell unity u-n-i-f-o-r-m-i-t-y. Some do so by racial/national divisions, and others do so by pet doctrines. (Can you say "Calvinism vs. Arminianism?" How about "Covenant Theology vs. Dispensationalism?" I knew you could!)

Look at a sports team. No, there's not uniformity in their roles and positions. But they are unified in working together for victory. We should do the same as believers. 

I believe there is a soon-coming time we'll realize that we've met the enemy and it isn't us! The devil and those who oppose Christianity couldn't care less about election and free will - their anger is at those who of their free will submit themselves to the Sovereign God. They have no interest in arguments about if the Chruch is Spiritual Israel or when the rapture will occur - their hatred is for those who believe there's a time when Christ will return and defeat them. In those days, we'll find ourselves in prison with other believers we had been debating with on-line, and in those days, we need to encourage each other!

Isn't it a blessing for brothers to dwell together in unity?

 
 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 29 OF 48 - PSALM 119:17-24

Log Church, Turkey Run State Park, Marshall, IN

 17     Deal bountifully with Your servant,
        That I may live and keep Your word.
18     Open my eyes, that I may see
        Wondrous things from Your law.
19     I am a stranger in the earth;
        Do not hide Your commandments from me.
20  My soul breaks with longing
        For Your judgments at all times.
21     You rebuke the proud--the cursed,
        Who stray from Your commandments.
22   Remove from me reproach and contempt,
        For I have kept Your testimonies.
23  Princes also sit and speak against me,
        But Your servant meditates on Your statutes.
24  Your testimonies also are my delight
       And my counselors.
                    Psalm 119:17-24, New King James Version

Isn't verse 18 a wonderful prayer to say before you do your Bible reading?

How about verse 19? Do you feel like a stranger on earth? If so, good for you, and you need to as a result grow more familiar with God's word. If you're a Christian who doesn't feel like a stranger on this depraved planet, then something's wrong!

You notice who's called "the cursed?" Yep, the proud. God doesn't think much of pride, does he? Pride is at the root of all rebellion against God, the source of all our disobedience.

Finally, is God's testimony our delight and our counselor? Or are we trusting in princes who sit and speak against God's people?

 

MOVIE REVIEW - THE 7 CHURCHES OF REVELATION: TIMES OF FIRE

 

 

A friend told me about this video as I was preparing a study on the 7 churches of Revelation. I definitely included this film in.

"The 7 Churches of Revelation: Times of Fire" does an excellent job in dealing with Patmos, Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamos. Christophe Hanauer does an excellent job going through these communities as well as interviewing several scholars. This documentary not only looks at the Biblical text, but the history of those communities both before and after.

You may notice that I only listed the first three churches and the isle of John's exile. That's right. If you want to look at the remaining four churches, you'll need to get volume 2, "The 7 Churches of Revelation: Times of Deception." I'll admit, I feel gypped, because "Times of Fire" did not mention it the first volume. 

This does not change that this is a great video to watch. It does an excellent job of pointing out the persecution of the church, and makes the point that things haven't changed. 

I highly recommend this video. You can go to their website, https://7churches.com, if you want more information on both films. I'm surprised it's not available on Amazon.

By the way, I'm posting this the night I'm starting to lead a study on Revelation.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 3 OF 48 - PSALM 11

Not positive what kind of bird this is. It's in the South American section of Cincinnati Zoo's Wings of the World exhibit. Looking it up, my closest guess is a Guam Rail, but that guess might land in fowl territory.

1   In the Lord I put my trust;
    How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain"?
2   For look! The wicked bend their bow,
    They make ready their arrow on the string,
    That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.
3   If the foundations are destroyed,
    What can the righteous do?

4   The Lord is in His holy temple,
    The Lord's throne is in heaven;
    His eyes behold,
    His eyelids test the sons of men.
5   The Lord tests the righteous,
    But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
6   Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
    Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
    Shall be the portion of their cup.

7   For the Lord is righteous,
    He loves righteousness;
    His countenance beholds the upright.

Psalm 11:1-7, NKJV

Doesn't the first three verses of this Psalm sound like the society we live in? Actually, it fits in the world we live in. In many countries Christians are kicked out of their jobs, houses, families, and villages. In our country, we're supposed to be tolerant of 1) those who disagree with us including what is right and wrong and 2) the refusal of those who disagree with us to show us the same tolerance. Maybe not many are picking up bows and arrows to shoot at us, but they're picking up pen and Facebook post and discrimination lawsuits and the like.

I remember a cartoon Ken Ham shows. It shows two castles: The one on the left is labeled Humanism and is on the foundation of Evolution, with balloons floating with names like "abortion," and "homosexuality." The other castle is labeled Christianity and is on the foundation of Creationism. The Humanists have their cannon aimed at the foundation of Creationism and are shooting at it. The Christians are shooting their cannon at Humanism's balloons (as well as each other). Which strategy sounds better? And can you see why Psalm 11:3 makes me think of this picture?

However, if the first three verses of this Psalm reflect the current times, much more so the final four verses. God is in control. He tests (or allows to be tested) all men, including the righteous, But did you notice what the last line of verse 5 says about the wicked and those who love violence? Does it say that God hates them? Doesn't that contradict what we hear in John 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:9? One thing I learned in Old Testament survey: 

1. God loves and blesses the righteous and those who love Him.
2. God hates and punishes the wicked and those who despise Him.
3. God loves to forgive and be merciful to all who turn from sin to Him.

That first point is in agreement with the last verse of this Psalm.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW - LETTER TO THE AMERICAN CHURCH BY ERIC METAXAS

 

 If we were in Germany in the early 1930's, would we have stood up to Hitler better than the churches of that time? Are we showing the same determination as men like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and William Wilberforce? Or are we focusing on parts of our Biblical call and having good excuses for ignoring the riskier parts?

Letter to the American Church is a call for pastors, churches, and Christians in the USA to stand up for truth and against evil. Most of the book looks back at the German Church and how they failed to stop Hitler's rise to power by either trying to appease the evil system or just keeping silent, as well as examining the American Church of today on how the same arguments for the German church's inaction against that evil are alive and well in dealing with the evils we face. 

Metaxas lists four ways our misunderstandings have put us in the present predicament:
1. A Misunderstanding on what faith is (leading to what Bonhoeffer calls "cheap grace."
2. What Metaxas refers to as the "idol of evangelism."
3. The "commandment" we're supposed to keep even though God and the Bible never gave it: "Be Ye Not Political".
4. Basing "being a good Christian" by the evils we personally avoid, not by the goods we could and should but often don't do. 

Being in a church where the pastor reminds us of the need to evangelize, the phrase "Idol of Evangelism" caught my interest. Reading it, I realize my church is not in that error. On one hand the "Idol of Evangelism" has us focusing so much on winning the lost that when they're won we don't get them where they can grow in Christ. But the greater danger is avoiding offending the sinner, so we don't call sin sin and allow those opposed to our faith changing definitions of words without challenging their deception. 

There are books that I'm so excited about, I'm encouraging everybody to read it. There are other books I want to get my friends to read so we can discuss it, noting the strong and not-so-strong arguments presented by the author, and evaluate how the book should impact our lives. Do you want to guess which one this book is? 

I glanced at some of the negative reviews. One is that we shouldn't be trying to force non-Christians to live like Christians. Maybe they missed the part in the book where Metaxas  mentions that some of this evil is opposed not just by Christians but other religions and sometimes even the non-religious. In addition, there is pressure from anti-religious activists for Christians to accept and even be celebrating of evil behavior. Plus, would these people want us Christians to be as silent on things like racism and human trafficking as they desire us to be on abortion and sexuality? 

The other negative comment is what makes the American Church so important? Good point. I think often the American Church makes an idol of patriotism and sees us (consciously or, more likely, unconsciously) as better than Christians in the rest of the world, who lack the resources we have (including literacy) and who are enduring persecution from religious and anti-religious governments/individuals. But whose responsibility is it to stand up for the truth in the USA, to preserve our freedoms that allow us to strengthen Christians not just here but overseas? How many think it's the American Church's job to be God's representatives in America? 

Yes, this book can stir up some controversy. Is that the reason I highly recommend this book? Or is it because it is a book that's trying to wake us up before it's too late? (Actually, if it is the latter, it will also be controversial.)

I would love to get a book club together, and read this, Rod Dreher's The Benedict Option, John MacArthur's Christ's Call To Reform the Church, and Anthony Forsythe's Caesar and the Church, and form a battle plan for Christians through that. Of course, my first choice is for it to be a local church book club as opposed to a Zoom meeting of friends all over the country/world. But the latter would be great as well.

I do find it interesting comparing this with Dreher's Live Not By Lies. Metaxas compares our current situation with the rise of Hitler, and Dreher likens it to the Communist takeover of various European countries. Either way, we're in trouble.

I really recommend this book, and I'd love to hear comments on this blog. Thanks.

One last comment. You notice that most non-fiction books have the title, a colon, and a subtitle? Did you notice there was no subtitle to this one?

 

A BLOG FOR THE DAY BETWEEN THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS AND ELECTION DAY

From Christians United Church, Indianapolis

Anybody besides me aware that the first Sunday of November is International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP)? I  hope so! But here's the next question that just hit me this week: How many people realize that 6 out of 7 years IDOP takes place two days before Election Day? That's right. Unless Election Day falls on November 2nd (due to it being the Tuesday following the first Monday of the month), it's a pair of days following IDOP.

Coincidence? Is there a message to the timing? Maybe it is coincidental and unplanned, but still something to think about?

I have a friend who tried to convince me that if I voted for Trump, our freedoms and way of life are at risk. He was right. I voted for Trump, and our freedoms and way of life are at risk. 

Okay, am I overstating it? True, I'm not sure our country can survive a Biden Presidency. I also had my doubts of our freedom lasting eight years of Obama, and sixteen years before that, it was Clinton that terrified me. And even if those fears were/are justified, isn't that worry a lack of faith?

But, returning to the theme of IDOP, we have no guarantees we won't face persecution in this country. After all, Russia was a major center of Christianity before the Communist takeover. We also need to realize that Persecution doesn't usually surprise everybody and appear at full strength unannounced. Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) says there are three steps: Disinformation, Discrimination, and then Persecution. Kyle Idleman of Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, KY) had a similar list, with five steps.

Let's look at the VOM list. Is there disinformation going on concerning Christianity? You notice how often there are negative portrayals of Christians in television and movies? I saw a lousy movie where one of the characters was a clergyman. At the end where they revealed who the villain was - a motorcycle riding serial killer with the visor down -  it was ... you guessed it. 

I hear some claiming there's already discrimination. Some may be people with a persecution process. But John MacArthur pointed out that during COVID, many businesses including bars and gentlemen's clubs were essential but churches were not and were told they could not meet or sing. Is this a form of discrimination?

A week ago I reviewed Caesar and the Church by Anthony Forsyth, which dealt with the problem of Statism. Libertarians have focused on that for years. Do I trust our two-party system to fight Statism? You kidding? My impression is that the Democrat Party has an agenda it wants to force on the country, while the Republican Party's goal is to keep the Dems from achieving their agenda without having one of their own.  

The Church, as usual, is facing a three prong human attack (not counting the Spiritual War that's behind the scenes on all three fronts). They are from:

1. From aliens/outsiders. No, we don't need to fear Martians or Darth Vader or little green men in flying saucers. I'm talking about outside the country. Should we feel we are safe from Russia or Iran or NoKo or China from attacking us, either directly or via a new killer virus (some consider COVID19 to be a test) or frying our grid by exploding a nuclear weapon in the atmosphere. 
2. From unbelievers in our own country/family. This includes government. This includes special interest groups. This includes the Media (both news and entertainment). This includes the re-education system. 
3. From wolves in the fold. Yes, a lot of the opposition of true faith is in the church itself. There are those who reject the inspiration of Scripture and have a belief that doesn't challenge the philosophy of the world. There are cults and -isms that oppose solid Biblical teaching such as salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone and the Deity of Christ. There are those who are comfortable in the world and feel threatened by Christians who make following Christ their focus.

 

INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT SHIREMAN OF HUSH HARBOR.

 

Hush Harbor: L-R Guitarist David Charlton, drummer Scott Shireman, Keyboardist/Guitarist Craig Embry, lead vocalist Jeni Carr, and bassist/bass drum Perry McDaniel

You may know by now that I had been debating between going to two different festivals: Kingdom Come Festival (KCF) in Kokomo, or Get To The Point a week earlier in Greenwood. Well, had I gone to KCF, I would have missed getting to hear Hush Harbor (as well as several of the other bands at Get To The Point). 

JR: Welcome to the blog. I'll start by asking how Hush Harbor got
started as a band, and who are the band members? 

SS: We got started after I had an encounter with the Lord at a Christian concert and felt led to start a band. We met through multiple social media platforms in 2014. Since that time we have been playing shows ever since and are blessed that 2022 has been our busiest year ever! You can check out our current
shows at www.hushharborband.com. Also in the band are Jeni Carr, Perry McDaniel, Craig Embry, and David Charlton.  

JR: I'm guessing from your website that your most recent release is "Testimony." If it is, would you like to tell us about it? If it isn't, what is? Any other songs that stand out?

SS: Our most recently released single Testimony is about just that…WE all have a TESTIMONY, we are a living, breathing TESTIMONY that has the opportunity to share it with all we come into contact with. Through all we do, say and play. We are currently in the studio working on the next single, “SOMETHING AMAZING”. 

JR: Are there any performances/festivals that stand out as especially blessed or definitely memorable or just plain different? 

SS: As an independent Christian band we are free to play anywhere we feel the Lord calls us. We have been blessed to play shows and festivals with artist such as; The Newsboys, Sidewalk Prophets, Unspoken, Rhett Walker, Jason Gray, JJ Weeks, Jason Folwer, Carrollton, Ryan Lynton, Veridia, Building 429 and many others. We also get to play shows that are much more intimate.

One show that truly is unique and stands out. We were blessed to play a complete concert in the Clark County Indiana Jail for the inmates (First a show for the males then for the females). Worst acoustics ever but the best show ever! 

JR: Any objections if I break tradition? I usually ask about a band's
name in the first question; I've decided to wait to the fourth question in this interview. So what is the origin of the band's name? 

SS: I discovered the term Hush Harbor during my independent studies. During Abolition slaves were oftern punished and or killed if caught sharing the Gospel with each other. They would sneak off in the middle of the night and gather in depressions of the earth (Gullies, Hollers or Harbors) to worship together. They referred to these as HUSH HARBORS. The same holds true today in many parts of the world. Thus our name is a tribute to the past and recognition of today. 

JR: We are living in a world where there is plenty of persecution of Christians (Voice of the Martyrs identifies 38 restricted nations and 14 hostile) and many feel that number will not only increase but will also include the USA. In addition, we are in a nation that seems divided in many areas, political and not. How do you see the Gospel in solving these problems, and how is God using Hush Harbor in this environment? 

SS: The Gospel is THE ANSWER to all of our world's problems. Our ministry has been blessed to have downloads in 39 countries around the world and in many countries where Christianity is banned! We are a Ministry First, Band Second. 

JR: Thank you for your time. May the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you. 

SS: May GOD Bless you and thanks so much for including us! Anyone wanting information on us can go to our web site:
www.hushharborband.com.

Final comment from Jeff - I have a playlist going, and by coincidence, "Testimony" by Hush Harbor was playing as I worked on this.

"WE ARE THE CHURCH... WE DO NOT RUN FROM WAR."

"Whisper His Name," Meghan Williams, Dyed4YouArt

 

The title of this blog is "borrowed" from the subject line of an e-mail from CBN NEWS, May 14, '22. 

As you would expect, this is dealing with the invasion of Ukraine. The CBN News' story is on Grace Church in Kiev, 6 miles from the Russian tanks, where they have prayer services every four hours and gather food and necessities for those in need. They believe the prayers will save both Ukraine and Russia.

Is this unusual behavior for the church of Jesus Christ? No. I remember during the time that Assad was allegedly attacking people in his own country, Christians were staying in Syria so they could minister to those who are in need.

Christians need to remember they're in the Spiritual War Zone 24/7. After all, do you expect Satan to remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy, regardless what day you call the Sabbath? Nope. We're on war footing, as President George W. Bush said we needed to be on after 9/11.

But what about so called Culture Wars? The problem is we see the enemy as physical, not spiritual. I remember Cal Thomas, in his book Blinded by Might: Can the Religious Right Save America? mentioning that during his time with the Moral Majority, they had a flier asking "Who's the greatest enemy of American society?" The Moral Majority's answer was Norman Lear. Thomas wanted to change the "Who" into "What" and answer the question "Divorce." He was onto something.

Remember above where the Ukranian church was praying for Russia? Shouldn't we pray for the people that seem to oppose us, that God would grant them repentance and that they may come to their senses (2 Tim. 2:25-26)? On the way to work, I drive by a pair of Gentlemen's clubs, one of which advertises coming events. I use that opportunity for God to save the people working there and that those businesses fail because those involved repent.

WHAT WOULD THE GIFT OF PROPHECY LOOK LIKE TODAY? - A LOOK AT PROPHECY, PART 5 OF 5

The Prophet, woodcut by Emil Nolde

 
Let me repeat this for those who have followed this series: What would the gift of prophecy look like today? 

So why are you looking at me? Do you expect me to have the answer?

Yes, I believe God still can use the gift of prophecy. Have I ever seen it where I'm convinced it is God speaking to us? No. Do I have the gift? No.

There have been times I've been in churches that fit in the Charismatic/Pentecostal category that I have heard someone give what would be called prophecy. Each time, though, it is a positive affirmation that sounds like a blending of Scriptures. Could they have opened their Bible and read a verse with the same message? Yes. As the cessationist rationale I mentioned previously in this series says, "If it agrees with Scripture, it isn't necessary." If it was from God, I believe it would be given for a specific purpose, and I'd sense a power. In fact, my opinion is that the true gift of prophecy would either be rebuke to a disobedient church that they don't want to hear, or a clear promise to those who are suffering something specific. Likewise, I didn't remember what the message was. I think I'd remember if God clearly spoke through a prophet/prophetess.

One thing we need to remember - God chooses the prophets, not the other way around. Some, like Isaiah, say, "Here I am, send me." Others, like Moses, say, "Here I am, send Aaron." (Some may remember this was the title of a 1984 book by Jill Briscoe.) 

Not only that, but remember Jesus saying to the Priests and Pharisees, "Which prophet did your fathers not persecute?" Let me put it a different way: ALL the true prophets were persecuted. Not only that, but they were persecuted by the people God sent them to. If that is true, wouldn't we expect the prophets of the church to not be the most popular members of the congregation? Would you invite a prophet to a party?

My opinion - some people want the gift of apostle or prophet because they want to be considered a spiritual authority. Cessationists have been given ammunition by those who claim these offices. But more often than not, true prophets are ignored. Remember when the remnant from the fall of Jerusalem asked Jeremiah whether they should go to Egypt or not? When the prophet told them to stay there and not go to Egypt, he added that they already made up their mind to disobey. And the remnant said, "God didn't speak to you," and did what they wanted to do.

Would I want the gift of prophecy? To be honest, I'd rather have the gift of encouragement or teaching or helps (to support a brother in the Lord), or maybe the gift of discernment of spirits (though that may not be any more popular than a prophet would be). But if God gave me the gift of prophecy, I'd have the heart of Isaiah. But to me, it's not the gift that matters - it's a desire to be obedient to God.

You have my thoughts. You might agree. You might disagree. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the topic.

P.S. I mentioned in the first blog of this series that most churches operate on two or three of the gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 for the equipping of the saints (depending if you consider pastor and teacher to be one or two gifts). I made the case for us having a place for prophets. But didn't the gift of Apostle die out in the first century? That's one of three views I've seen dealing with that gift. Church growth specialist C. Peter Wagner defined that gift as being a pastor's pastor, a gift for a denominational leader. A more likely view of that gift is that of a church planter, particularly those who do pioneer missions work and bring the gospel to a people who never heard. If you define the gift of apostle as a church planter, I'd accept it. Because in those case, it's people wanting to fulfill the Great Commission, but not wanting to be considered an authority.

ASH WEDNESDAY, LENT, UKRAINE, AND PERSECUTED HYMN WRITERS

Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church, Indianapolis, IN

On the 63 Ash Wednesdays I've lived through, I've only been to one (as far as I know). Part of that might be my work schedule; a bigger part could be that I've never regularly attended a church that celebrates Ash Wednesday or Lent. When Becky served as a chaplain at Eskenazi Hospital here in Indianapolis, Becky and I went to a lunch time service at the chapel there, officiated by her supervisor, Father Robert Lyons.

There have been a couple of times I did give up something for Lent, though I'm not sure how kosher my observance was. Once, I gave up creamer in my coffee, and once I gave up condiments/sauces on my sandwiches/entrees (may have been same year). Now, I did continue to use sweetener in my coffee, and I excluded horseradish from the abstinence list. But adding cream to my java or putting BBQ sauce or mustard or some oriental sauce were more luxuries.

But a fair question is what does giving up for Lent accomplish? One of those times, I linked it with praying for someone's salvation for those 40 days. But does merely doing without draw you closer to God? The same with fasting. I remember a blog titled "Fasting or Hunger Strike?" Are we making sacrifices to earn favor from God? Sorry, it doesn't work that way.

I've been taught the primary reason to fast is so you have the time you'd normally be chowing down to pray, and sometimes a fast is for a particular need. This leads me to Ukraine. We definitely need to be praying for that country. The ERLC has an article title "4 Reasons Why Christians Should Care About What's Happening In Ukraine." You can click here to see the whole list in detail, but allow me to give two items that have my attention:

1. Russia's invasion could cause a refugee crisis in Central Europe, and
2. The Ukrainian Church, which faces possible persecution.
   

This is why I pictured Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church (part of the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Diocese). Christ is the joy of all who sorrow, and those in Ukraine deserve that joy.

Allow me to conclude with a tie-in with my two previous posts, reviewing biographies of Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley. Both were preachers and both were hymn writers, in both cases writing the words but neither writing original music. Both, however, lived under persecution.

Isaac Watts' father was in jail when he was born. Why? Because the senior Watts was a deacon of a dissenting church. Several years later, while the younger Watts was still a child, his father was removed from his family for two years because of the same issue. Laws changed as the younger Watts grew up, but because he wouldn't join the Church of England, he wasn't eligible to run for office, and he could not attend the elite schools like Oxford and Cambridge. (The irony is later on, these schools and also Yale used the book on Logic Watts wrote.)

Technically, the Methodist movement was part of the Church of England. However, this did not spare Charles Wesley from persecution due to issues including open air preaching. Rioters tried to break in, Charles and others were beaten, and if the local law enforcement did more than watch, they usually assisted the rioters.

I know. Today's blog rambled a bit, didn't it? But let me state that we in the U.S. should not expect to avoid the persecution our brothers and sisters are experiencing around the world. We should also take Hebrews 13:3 to heart: "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them - those who are mistreated - since you yourselves are in the body also." (NKJV). 

Allow me to add Psalm 69:33 (again, NKJV): "For the LORD hears the poor, And does not despise His prisoners."

What are your thoughts on what I covered? How are you reacting to the Ukraine crisis? Are you observing Lent, and how?  

BOOK REVIEW - ASSIST ME TO PROCLAIM: THE LIFE AND HYMNS OF CHARLES WESLEY BY JOHN R. TYSON (HYMNISTS PART 2 OF 2)

 

Who is Charles Wesley? You may know him as the younger brother of founder of the Methodist Church (though some, including the author consider the brothers co-founders, while I've read one person that said George Whitefield was the founder but left the movement to the Wesleys to keep from dividing the movement). You may be a little more familiar with Charles than you think, though: he wrote thousand of hymns including "O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing" (where the author took his title from), "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!", "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," and "And Can It Be That I Should Gain."

There are some biographies that seem a little deep and that I need to work through. This one is an example. It is basically chronological,but the chapters deal with various topics, such as the controversy with Calvinism, Wesley's marriage and family, the persecution endured by the Church of England and how the brothers disagreed about remaining a part of the Church of England.

Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts are probably the best known hymn writers, and it was interesting comparing the two. (The library also has a biography on Watt: Isaac Watts: His Life And Thoughts by Graham Benyon - excellent book.) The chapter on Wesley's poetry compares the styles of writing. Also, both Charles Wesley and Watts were both preachers as well as hymn writers. Likewise, both wrote the words to the songs but not the music. Another interesting note - both John R. Tyson in this book and Benyon wrote on the subjects of their doctoral dissertations.

How familiar are you with Charles Wesley? Do you have a favorite hymn that he wrote?