World News Through the Third Lens: Pastor Fired

"Who's in Hell? Pastor's Criticism of Eternal Torment for Some Sparks Fierce Debate." (Fox News, 3/24/11)

No, it's not the pastor who's image is gracing this blog (Rob Bell, Mars Hill Church) although he is definitely involved. This time it's Pastor Chad Holtz, who until recently pastored the 80 member Marrow's Chapel United Methodist Church in Henderson, NC who not only sparked some fierce debate by defending Rob Bell's recent book "Love Wins," but found himself being fired by his church. He had hoped that his personal beliefs, posted on facebook, would stir up some debate, but he never expected to be fired. His beliefs in the area of heaven and hell were deemed to be out of step with the beliefs of the people of Marrow's Chapel. When questioned about the incident, Gray Southern, district superintendent for the area that includes Henderson, said that there was more at stake than Holtz's facebook comments concerning Bell's book.

Holtz stated that church members had also been unhappy about his posts concerning gay marriage, the mix of religion and patriotism and that that the Bell posting was probably the last straw. Highlighted in the Fox News release was Bell's criticism of the belief that a select number of Christians will spend eternity in the bliss of heaven, while everyone else is tormented forever in hell. "This is misguided and toxic and ultimately subverts the contagious spread of Jesus' message of love, peace, forgiveness and joy that our world so desperately needs," Bell writes in his book."

Through the third Lens of Scripture: Rob Bells quote makes Jesus sound like a flower-child-hippie from the '60's. Jesus did bring a message of love, peace, forgiveness and joy that is desperately needed by our world, but because His own cross was in the center of that message, He warned that it would NOT spread contagiously. Pastor Bell must have forgotten that the use of the word "world" in John 3:16 in no way supports his heresy of Universal Reconciliation. God's love was demonstrated towards the whole world, every last sinner, including you and me; but it would benefit only "whoever" believes. "For God so loved the world ['kosmos' - spec. inhabitants] that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16, NKJV).

As you read further on, you quickly realize that the entire world was under the condemnation, so that He came into the world, not to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him. The only way to escape condemnation is to believe on Him, in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:17-18). These verses record the words of Jesus, thus they are His message. His message continues "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit spoke these words concerning Jesus, "This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-12).

Concerning the 'contagiousness" of Jesus' message, Jesus and the apostles had some pretty interesting things to say. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14). That doesn't sound like Jesus (the gate) is all that contagious. Right after this, Jesus warns us to beware of false teachers, wolves in sheep's clothing. (v. 15).Did you ever stop and think about how many people are born into a religion? If you are born of Muslim parents, you are born a Muslim. If you are born of Hindu parents, you are born a Hindu. If you are born of Buddhist parents, you are born a Buddhist. And, while I don't wish to pick on any Roman Catholics here (I recognize there are some who actually preach the need to be "born again"), most people born of Catholic parents are considered Catholic. Other "Christian" denominations also place too much importance on natural birth, and run children through a program of religious instruction without ever mentioning the necessity of being "born again." Jesus said: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Again He said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.....Do not marvel that I said to you, 'you must be born again" (John 3:5, 7).

So we come with the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ, but immediately must proclaim to people that the way they were born will not get them to spend eternity in Heaven with God; they must be born again. The new birth is describe by John in these words: "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God..." (1 John 5:1a) What it means to believe that Jesus is the Christ cannot be written on a bumper sticker. Paul scratches the surface best with these words: "Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel, which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you - unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all, that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures..." (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

A person is not saved by believing some other gospel, no matter how sincerely he believes it. A person is not saved if he believes the true Gospel in vain and does not hold fast to it. Rob Bell's message of everyone ultimately being reconciled to God is a false gospel that makes him universally accepted by those who "perish because they did not receive the love of the truth that they might be saved" (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Universal Reconciliation is the prelude to the "falling away" (2 Thessalonians 2:3) that will precede the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the prelude to a one-world religion spoken of in Revelation 13 and 17. The only thing that will stand opposed to this false religious system in the last days is true Christianity, which stands upon the exclusivity of Christ and His cross. "..the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God,,,,we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23-24).

This message offends many who wish to be saved (assuming they even consider salvation) according to their own terms. When this message is preached accurately, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew :10-12). That doesn't sound like Jesus and His message will be all that contagious. And as the signs of the end times increase in frequency and intensity like birth pains in an expectant mother, Jesus placed right at the top of the list "deceivers" (Matthew 24:4). He went on to say, "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake" (Matthew 24:9).

Let me close with this additional warning, followed by a word of encouragement. "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26). Continue to stand on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Warn and admonish others that He is the only Way and having done all to stand, continue standing. Remember Jesus' promise: "But he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 24;13).

World News Through the Third Lens: Rejoicing & Weeping

Said Mussa Released: According to a report from the Religious Freedom Coalition today, Afghan Christian convert, Said Mussa, was released and escaped to a European nation. Even with our huge military presence in Afghanistan, the US media had little to say about this incident. Just a few days ago, Encouragement for End-Times Endurance posted a link on facebook by which people could pressure our US State Department to intervene in Mussa's behalf. This also pointed out the need for prayer for our Christian brother. Praise God for his release and escape to safety.

Through the Third Lens of Scripture: "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13:3, NIV).

The Obama Administration Will No Longer Defend DOMA according to several news sources this past week. This makes official what the Justice Department has (not) been doing for the past two years - the only difference being that they will no longer have to fake it. DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act was signed into law in 1996 by President Clinton, and defined (for federal purposes) marriage as between one man and one woman. Once the LGBT agenda became a civil rights issue rather than a moral issue, the battle was lost. Now we have reached the point where one man (President Obama) has elevated himself above the Congress and the Judiciary, declaring a law to be unconstitutional. This is a quantum leap from a democratic republic into the realms of dictatorship.

Through the Third Lens of Scripture: "Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush" (Jeremiah 8:12, NIV). Conduct that was hardly spoken of in secret 50 years ago is now being paraded around as normal, as a civil right, and as legal. That's a far cry from blushing. God's proclamation on such behavior: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 5:20, NIV). The people of God must be counted as those who "...grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done..." (Ezekiel 9:4a, NIV) and NOT as those who "...know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve deserve death (yet) they not only continue in such things but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:32, NIV).

World News Through the Third Lens: State of the Union

"Leadership is now a shared responsibility" stated President Obama in his State of the Union address last night. Sounds a bit like the playground bully who dominates and dictates the rules until someone calls him out. Then he wants to govern by committee. How pompous is that? So let me get this straight. When the Dems were in power, it was their (B. O.'s) way or the highway. After the most lopsided transfer of congressional power since 1938, it's time to share the leadership? What leadership? There hasn't been any, and the American people said, loud and clear, that that horse won't plow any more.

Of course the president was polite, and some times even made an attempt at being humorous. He threw a bone of congratulations to the new congress and to the new Speaker of the House (who looked, most of the time, like enduring the speech was worse than wearing cactus underwear). He acknowledged the tragedy in Arizona 3 weeks ago. (One of the biggest tragedies is that with dozens of eye-witnesses, Jared Loughner has plead "not guilty" and probably won't go to trial until October). Gabrielle Giffords seat was vacant an often in the view of the cameras.

The president then launched into his four point plan with epithets such as, "We need to out build, out-educate, out-innovate the rest of the world." "We need to take responsibility for the deficit and reform our government." (Who was it that spent trillions in stimulus money, appointed dozens of powerful czars without Senate consent, and chose to use the military as a laboratory for social perversion?)

Step #1 - Innovation. While he stated that free enterprise drives it, the government has to help. He said we need a "Sputnik moment," and that the budget will reflect this. OK, let's spend some more money we don't have because we've about busted the free enterprise system with red tape, regulations, penalties and taxes. Then he said something scary - about promoting clean energy technology, establishing a goal of having 1 million electric cars on the road by 2014 and 85% of our electricity being generated by "clean sources" by 2035. Can anybody say, "Here come the EPA Police with way higher electric rates!"? Then he said that politicians have to work to make this happen/ Why not business and industry?

step #2 - Education. He began by lamenting that we as a nation are 9th in math and science. Then he stated that good education starts at home, yet nothing is done to honor home schooling by the granting of tax relief or school vouchers. Then he revealed the "Race to the Top" program whereby the States who show the best plan get the money. (Like there's not enough cheating on things like Mastery Tests for the money's sake already). Then the ominous left foot fell as he stated that there were hundreds of thousands of students in schools who aren't citizens and that we have to address the issue of illegal aliens once and for all. His conclusion was that many of these are good students and that America loses if they are sent back home to be scientists and teachers in other countries. Ouch! I don't hear much of a plan there other than to keep paying for the education of citizens of other countries PLUS entice them to remain in this country with further rewards for being ILLEGAL! Many would argue that the 10th Amendment excludes the Federal Government from being involved in education.

step #3 - Rebuild America's Infrastructure. I can see the Federal Government being involved in the interstate system and other means of travel across state lines (air, train, bus, etc.), but why do they have to get involved in making the Internet and digital technology available to everyone. I would think that the private sector would figure this out eventually. I don't think that the American taxpayers should subsidize some guy's Internet just because he chooses to live 100 miles from Point Barrow. I do agree with the president's statement that the tax code should be simplified and loopholes cut. (I've never heard a politician openly say the opposite, while the opposite is what always seems to happen). Then he plugged his healthcare reform program, admitting that it could be improved, but offering no suggestions for improvement. How about deleting all coverage for abortions, tax-payer funded or not? How about removing all so-called "domestic partner" benefits?

step #4 - Stop the Debt. He said that government must live within its means, just like individuals and families have to. Good! He called for a 5 year freeze on annual domestic spending (which for some crazy reason only amounts to 12% of the budget! Oh, I guess that the $720MM spent in Lebanon, only to have the government now controlled by Hizbullah is part of the 88% non-domestic spending not subject to freeze. He spoke of initiating medical mal-practice reform We'll see if the lawyers let him get away with that, although it's long overdue. He said he will submit a proposal to streamline the government. (Start by getting rid of the czars, their staffs, regulations and budgets!) And just when i couldn't take any more, he said, "American Muslims are part of our American family." Mr. president, there may be some; but why do we seldom hear of a Muslim taking a stand against terrorist organizations and terrorist activities? Why do we not see them upholding the American flag. Why do they keep pushing for Sharia law? And why hasn't Major Nidal Malik Hasan faced a firing squad yet?

Through the third lens of Scripture: I realize that some of the things I've said do not sound very loving, but the truth has a tendency to sound that way at times. So please let me begin this part with an oft repeated mantra of mine: "We must pray for President Obama." We must first of all that he "be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). Why should we do this? He is obviously not saved, and God wants him to be (1 Timothy 2:4).

Paul writes: "I urge, then, first of all. that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -for kings and all those in authority...." (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Now for a few observations about his speech as compared to the Word of God. He played the pride card several times. We're the richest, we have the best institutions of higher learning, we have the largest economy, we have grit, determination and ingenuity. Not once did he acknowledge any of these as coming from God, nor that we are accountable to Him for how we use them. Then there is this warning: "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Wouldn't it be better to be second or third or ninth and right rather than first and wrong?

Many parts of the speech reminded me of how these words of wisdom have frequently been ignored: "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers" (Proverbs 6:16-19). By his silence, or by his contrary actions, President Obama has been an affront to Almighty God in these seven areas and more. Prideful looks, lies (or at least hiding the truth) concerning his birth and even records right through college, his radical pro-abortion stand, rushing quickly into the repeal of "Don't Ask - Don't Tell," Lying about abortion provisions in the health care reform, and pandering to Muslims who will even don a US Army uniform to attack US Soldiers.

I fear that the last global superpower is about to be brought to her knees. I don't know how far we can push God's mercy and avoid His justice. "Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a disgrace to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). One small step towards righteousness and towards trimming the budget - cut off all funding to Planned Parenthood ($320MM)!

World News Through the Third Lens: It's For the Birds

Dead birds showing up everywhere around the world declares the headlines of Internet news source, http://www.offgridsurvival.com/ This source, along with several others which are better known, such as http://www.msnbc.com/ has reported hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dead birds of varying species showing up dead in Italy, Sweden, Canada, South Korea, et al. Dead fish are also showing up in different places well beyond the Arkansas River. The fanatical group led by Rev. Hocking will probably declare that this is further proof that the world will end on May 21, 2011. Meanwhile, popular actor/evangelist Kirk Cameron has declared that the dead birds and fish are not a sign of the Apocalypse.

So who do you believe? Is the end coming this year. Are these things signs of the end? Should we buy a bunch of MRE's, fuel up the 4 X 4 and head for the hills? All I can say is: "Read your Bible and believe/obey what it says.

Through the third lens of Scripture: Watch for the biblical signs, such as: 1) false Christ's, deceiving many; 2) wars and rumors of wars; 3) famines (those already present get very little news coverage); 4) pestilence (birds and fish dying in large numbers could definitely qualify); 5) earthquakes (2010 was quite a year for these - first 7 days of 2011 rather quiet); 6) being hated for being a Christian (U.S. Gov't. even getting a little alarmed because of Christians being murdered in Africa and middle East); 7) rise of false prophets (the list of those present and popular is too big to tackle here); 8) lawlessness (just read the papers. USA has highest percentage of incarcerated people in western world, and yet new crimes dominate the news).

What are we to do. Since these instructions come from Scripture, they speak primarily to Christians. 1) Do not let anyone deceive you; 2) occupy until Christ returns; 3) preach the Gospel of the Kingdom to all the world as a witness (see blog on this topic at http://www.endtimesencouragement.blogspot.com ); 4) endure until the end; 5) look up, for your redemption is drawing near; 6) bear the testimony of Christ; 7) love not your life, even unto death; 8) remain ready, always loving and always living in faith.

So, don't be frightened by scary news; neither dismiss everything thinking that everything will go on as it always has (western version - just keep getting better and better. After all, we spent 3.8% more on stuff for Christmas this year than we did last year). Be encouraged in Christ. "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Christmas began in the heart of God...

It is not complete until it reaches the heart of man.

May your hearts be open to the Savior of the First Advent

And prepared for the Lord of Lords and King of Kings of the

Second Advent

Encouraged by Christ.......and you

Les & Barb Young

World News Through the Third Lens: What About the Next Generation?

"Narnia cruises to No. 1 debut with modest $24.5M" declared the banner headline in today's Johnson City Press. While it was number one at the box office this weekend, the figures are less than glowing; in fact they pale in comparison to "Narnia 1's" opening take of $65.6 million and "Narnia 2's" opening which did $55 million. Without delving into the mysteries of Hollywood and the movie industry, I was immediately brought back to some headlines I had read just a few weeks ago. After looking up the details on-line, I can tell you that....

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1 set all-time opening for the franchise with over $125 million," reported Box Office Mojo. Further checking revealed that this Harry Potter release has grossed over $777 million world-wide in its first 3-1/2 weeks. Why would I care about that? I can guarantee you that I not looking to become Roger Ebert's new partner in the movie ratings business. No, there really is a Scriptural connection to these two recent Hollywood blockbusters.

Through the Third Lens of Scripture: In this morning's reading from Our Daily Bread The lesson was drawn from 1 Corinthians 12:14-26 and from the Zebras and Wildebeests of the Serengeti Plain. From the animals we learn that the Zebras and the Wildebeests travel and migrate together because the Zebras have keen eyesight and a poor sense of smell, while the Wildebeests are just the opposite. By traveling together, they are both less vulnerable to predators. From the Scriptures we learn. "The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12). "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you!'" (1 Corinthians 12;21). So while I may come across as a strong exhorter, I understand that God has placed such people in the body of Christ for a reason. While my strong suit may not be mercy, God has placed others in the body who excel in dispensing mercy (see Romans 12:8).

That leads to today's exhortation, which connects back to the opening remarks about two movies and their respective draws at the box office. Both of these movies are filled with fantasy, greatly enlarged by the silver screen. Both depict competing forces which might be labeled as "good and evil" or "light and dark." However, the Harry Potter movie, in fact the entire Harry Potter series, is much more dark than light; much more evil than good. The good displayed in these movies is more of the human variety, and the Scriptures declare, concerning this subject: "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags..." (Isaiah 64:6a). On the other hand, the Narnia movies reveal a different kind of good; a good that is redemptive and that comes from outside of humanity. In these movies, the Lion Aslan is seen as a type of Christ.

So what do we have here? We have a movie which is heavy into magic, both black and white, with little redeeming value grossing 5-6 times as much as a similar movie which, although fantasy, portrays biblical truth in an entertaining format. I would venture to say that 5-6 more children have seen Harry Potter as have seen Narnia 3. And the Scriptures declare: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Proverbs 22:6). I would challenge those parents who think that there is no difference between the two movies to think again. Some of the most dangerous thoughts we can entertain are, "It doesn't mean anything. It's only for fun. It's just an act. It's just entertainment." This applies to music, TV, movies, concerts, etc. Remember, a little bite of a piece of fruit got us all in one big jam.

Yesterday our pastor brought a message entitled, ""Bring the Children" (Developing a Faithful Generation). It was probably the best exposition of Matthew 19:13-15 I have ever heard. That passage reads: "Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. When He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there."

I could never hope to do justice to Pastor Hilton's message, but allow me to recap the three main points to his message: 1) Bring the children to Jesus. I dare say that there is a lot more Jesus in the Narnia movie than in the Harry Potter movie. Children must be brought to Jesus, so that in a spiritual sense they might feel His touch. 2) Do not keep children from Jesus. It's one thing to bring them to Jesus, it's another thing to not keep them from Him. Often we adults get in the way by failing to prioritize children, or by being ignorant of their value (this begins at conception). We train by example as well as by instruction. 3) God works generationally. He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Someone once said that Christianity is only one generation away from extinction. It is up to us to raise up the next generation in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

So, let's be good role models to the children. Let's bring them to Jesus, which includes church at the top of the list, but also includes pointing out Jesus in every area of life. It means always being on the lookout for the answer to W.W.J.D.? (What would Jesus do?) As we develop a faithful generation, God has promised great blessing on them. "Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever." (Psalm 112:1-3).

Be encouraged in Christ!

World News Through the Third Lens: What values Are Being Defended in the Afghan War?

"High-level Interests? Afghan Christian convert's case may be the subject of a U.S. meeting" reads the November 30, 2010 banner to a by-line by Mindy Belz of World Magazine.

"The case of Afghan Sayad Mossa, who has been in a Kabul jail since May 31 allegedly for converting from Islam to Christianity, will be the subject of a meeting between Gen. David Petraeus and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, according to legal counsel who arrived in Kabul this week to assist the 45-year old Mossa."

Belz goes on to state in her article that there have been a number of conflicting reports concerning Mossa's case, who had just last week been able to secure legal representation through Advocates International, a faith-based association with 25,000 attorneys in 130 countries. Belz quoted the prosecutor in charge of western Kabul, Din Mohammad Quraishi, as saying that Mossa and another prisoner, Ahmad Shah, are being detained and charged with apostasy: "They are accused of conversion to another religion, which is a crime under Islamic law. If proved, they face the death penalty or life imprisonment."

The article goes on to point out the tenuous situation in Afghanistan, the touchy issues already on the table following Karzai's criticism of NATO troops and the recent leaks from Wikileaks revealing the US's raw frustration with corruption within the Karzai government.

Through the third lens of Scripture: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you." (Matthew 5:11-12). "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony: they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." (Revelation 12:11). How easy it is to post those Scriptures from the comfort of my office. Nobody is persecuting me today because of the profession of my faith in Jesus the Christ. Yet the day is not over, and because I am about to encourage all Believers through this blog to get ready for what may be in our lifetime a time of widespread persecution of Christians, I expect some to be repelled by the message. However, I am compelled, not by a desire to be liked by everyone, but only to hear my Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," to speak what I know to be the truth on what are often disturbing subjects.

There is a mixed message in this country as to whether the church is gaining in influence and popularity or whether the opposite is true. I suppose the answer could depend on your definition of the church: is it the institution with its outward appearance or is it those who have experienced the new birth and have chosen to walk the narrow road that leads to life? Certain segments of the visible church have demonstrated a continuing willingness to go along with political correctness so as to get along with the powers that be. Homosexuality has been redefined from a moral abomination to a legitimate alternative (and thus a civil right); marriage has been redefined from "one man-one woman-for life" to (well....we've already started down the slippery slope so there's no telling where it will end). To stand up for the sanctity of life or biblical marriage will always invite persecution from somewhere.

And now to speak ill of Islam, or our country's ominous war on terrorism is to probably walk on thin ice also. So be it. How can there be any question that our presidents have gotten it wrong when they label Islam as a "religion of peace?" Virtually every nation on the planet where Islam is in the majority, Christians are persecuted to some degree or another. How could the United States of America, with its Constitution (including the First Amendment) expend so many resources (including human lives where are of inestimable value) to free a country from Taliban rule, only to replace it with a government set up to persecute Christians? What values are our service men and women putting their lives on the line to defend? Could it be a portent of things to come where, even in the USA, all manner of religious expression other than Christian is protected? The best way to prepare for and yes, even prevent such an eventuality is to speak and live biblical truth now, at every opportunity.

Be encouraged in Christ!