Trust God and the Truth He Has Revealed

I recently finished the new biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, titled Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and authored by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, TN, copyright 2010).

Biographies are interesting to me. If written honestly, a biography will present a person’s positive traits and his or her flaws. In reading this exhaustive and authoritative biography, one learns that Bonhoeffer possessed outstanding traits in abundance and very few flaws of character. He is best remembered for his heroic public outcry and stand against the Third Reich in Germany.

Part of the Nazi strategy for Germany was to silence the churches. It was thought this could best be accomplished by infiltrating and then compromising the church – which was done successfully. The church was even given a new name: the Reich Church. Some voices spoke out against this infiltration – and many of these church leaders were punished. No voice spoke louder than that of Bonhoeffer, a professor at that time with the University of Berlin. With overseas friends, he was able to communicate clearly the Nazi threat to Europe and the world. Along with other pastors, Bonhoeffer and other pastors became known as “the young reformers.” Bonhoeffer was their leader.

Bonhoeffer and those of like mind formed a group called The Confessing Church. The Confessing Church stood in opposition to the Reich Church and made public outcries against the persecution of Jewish persons. Bonhoeffer and The Confessing Church used the metaphor of a bicycle wheel: “defend the victims who have fallen under the wheel” of persecution. “Cast yourself into the spokes of the wheel itself” to halt the government’s murderous progress. Many of those “young reformers” were put into concentration camps. The others were harassed.

What really enlightens the student is the connection Bonhoeffer rightly made between the health of the church and the national interest. He understood that a healthy church, discerning clearly what is right from what is wrong, and basing this understanding on the Bible’s teaching, is vital to having a healthy country.

For his outspokenness against Nazi policies, the war and the Fuehrer; for aiding Jewish people in hope of seeing them survive; in discovery of his complicity in a plot to remove Hitler, Bonhoeffer was arrested in 1943. Eventually he was executed for his role in the conspiracy against Hitler in 1945, about three weeks before the end of the war.

There will always be opposition to God’s truth. Occasionally the opposition will be strong. People who faithfully serve the risen Christ may be ridiculed. Some will be persecuted. A few will die the death of a martyr, like Bonhoeffer.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life is a not-too-distant example of steadfastness in the face of danger, of pursuing faithfulness at all costs. While he may have lost his life in this temporary realm, he gained life abundantly in the next world and in another place, the Heaven of God. He joined an exclusive group, the martyrs – of whom God has said they are especially “blessed.”

Bonhoeffer’s life teaches many lessons. Perhaps two that should be especially remembered are, first, faithfulness is remembered; secondly, righteousness does prevail.

Be faithful. Practice the right. Trust God and the truth He has revealed.

Be a Friend to Israel

I read recently that “Jewish support for the President (Obama) is plummeting.”

This is interesting, and entirely predictable considering that the current administration has shown a great deal of opposition to Israel’s interests in the Middle East.

Is Israel important? In my opinion, the answer is “Yes.”

I have in my office a portrait of Harry S. Truman, former President of the United States. The portrait hangs for a couple of reasons, but first and foremost is this: The United States was the first country to recognize the independent state of Israel in 1948 and Truman was the President who made it possible. Since that day, Israel has been a solid ally and partner with The United States in opposing Communist tyranny around the world. Today it stands as an opponent of Islamic extremism – and has plenty of experience in battling this foe. Our nation can learn from Israel.

What policies have our current administration pursued that has so disappointed the Jewish population? For starters, President Obama has stated his desire to see Jerusalem divided (a city united under Jewish rule since the 1967 War). He has advocated having Israel give back to the Palestinians the strategically located West Bank – the same Palestinians who refuse to discuss peace negotiations with Israel. Iran proceeds to develop nuclear power, and presumably weapons, with the stated intention of blowing Israel off the map and barely a word is heard about this very real and imminent threat. President Obama also has discouraged Israel from launching a preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear sites. Most chilling, however, is that the Obama administration has now begun trying to force Israel to disclose and then dismantle its defensive nuclear weapons, which Israel denies possessing. (Hint-hint: the President would not be urging the dismantling of non-existing weapons).

This has demoralized the American-Jewish population. On April 15, Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, sent a letter to President Obama. In this letter, criticism was leveled against the present American administration for beginning to turn against Israel. “Why does the thrust of this Administration’s Middle East rhetoric seem to blame Israel for the lack of movement on peace talks? After all, it is the Palestinians, not Israel, who refuse to negotiate.”

Apparently, having read the polls and letter, and having gotten an earful from New York Senator Charles Schumer, the President has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House. This “charm offensive” as it is called by political watchers, is intended to repair some of the damage caused in the American-Israeli relationship.

This type of news is disturbing to any student of the Bible. One of the most dramatic aspects of the Bible, compared to other religious volumes, is the large amount of prophecy contained in its pages. Some of this prophecy was fulfilled in earlier days – centuries after being first recorded – and its fulfillment is remarkable. The virgin birth of Christ, for example, was prophesied by Isaiah over 700 years before fulfillment. Or Israel as a nation being dispersed among many nations, and then restored.

What does the Bible say about Israel? Plenty! There is a future for Israel. Basic to our understanding of prophecy regarding the nation Israel is this: God told Abram, the father of the Jewish nation, “I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you” (Genesis 12:3). The principle is clear. History has demonstrated repeatedly its truth. The friends of Israel will prosper. The enemies of Israel will suffer.

Our nation needs to …
be a friend to Israel.

Enforce It or Change It

I read where the Mayor of Columbus, Ohio – Michael Coleman – has issued an order forbidding any city employees from traveling to Arizona on business.

The reason? He doesn’t like the new law passed in Arizona to protect itself from illegal immigrants. Just why the Mayor of Columbus, Ohio has any good reason to stick his nose into this matter is puzzling. Also puzzling was the headline statement that appeared on MSNBC. As anchor Contessa Brewer discussed Arizona’s new law, the headline statement read, “Law Makes It a Crime to Be Illegal Immigrant”. What part of the word “Illegal” do the Mayor and MSNBC not understand?

Much of this debate has been framed around peripheral issues: the strain on social services, the loss of entry-level jobs to non-Americans vs. the taking of jobs that Americans wont do, the supply of cheap labor (often referred to as “keeping prices low”).

Another problem – let’s face it – is the Democratic Party of politicians sees these immigrants as a new source of votes. I suspect that Mayor Coleman, in planning his political future, is ingratiating himself to the party leadership. I haven’t heard Hizzoner providing any statement whatever regarding the increase of border-related violence and the need to stop it. Give Arizona credit – the legislature and Governor are attempting to stop the violence.

I want to stick my head out and say, “Romans 13:1.” This verse from the Bible states “Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Laws are passed for the public good – to protect the larger peace-loving citizenry from deception, predators and those who would inflict bodily or personal harm. Arizona passed this law to protect its larger peace-loving citizenry. Laws can be repealed or they can be changed. Until the law is changed, it should be respected and obeyed. If a worker is “undocumented”, then he or she is here illegally. Enforce the law – it is the will of God. Arizona has brought this issue front and center. This Administration and Congress can no longer ignore laws they don’t want to enforce.

Most Americans do not know that the Mexican government educates its citizens on successful illegal immigration to the United States. The Mexican government’s official publication Guide for the Mexican Migrant is a “how to” booklet written in comic book format. Making it, of course, easily read and comprehended. It provides counsel such as: “Crossing the river can be very risky, especially if you cross alone and at night. Thick clothing increases your weight when wet and makes it hard to swim or float” (this booklet is translated into English at http://www.dallas.org/node/108).

In February 2006 the Charlotte News and Observer reported, “In North Carolina, not a single business has been fined for hiring illegal immigrants since 1999.” Not only Arizona, but other states and localities – including Mayor Coleman and Columbus - need to enforce the law. Lack of enforcement is the heart of the problem – and God has graciously warned us against such apathy.

The scripture speaks clearly. The law exists to protect people. God stands behind the law. This country is not despotic. There is a system to change laws deemed unjust.

Enforce it or change it.

Living the Values of the Bible

Is there really a culture war occurring in America?

I am uncertain about the appropriateness of the word “war”, but otherwise, yes, there is a very real cultural divide. A lot of the divide relates to money and education or liberal versus conservative. But the fundamental basis for the divide is worldview. It is between those who believe in the existence of a transcendent-personal God and the truth of the Bible and those who do not. This basic difference has repercussions, affecting values, work ethic and family structure. In short, those who believe in the values revealed in the Bible tend to develop a stronger moral and economic society (culture) than those who reject the Bible.

The United States of America is, as far as I can determine, the first nation in history to have established itself on the Judeo-Christian ethic. Of course, the cultural divide is between those who appreciate this unique heritage and those who do not. The secular government combined with the underpinning religious values has made America – and those countries that have copied her – so powerful. The culture war is between those who wish to retain this heritage and those who wish to redefine America.

One of the arguments against America’s cultural heritage is that one culture is just as good as another, otherwise known as cultural relativism. So, the argument goes, let’s just become multi-cultural, with all the implications. As one who has traveled overseas and visited other cultures, I can tell you this idea is at best naïve and at worst inane.

Come on now, do you honestly believe one culture is as good as the next in the real world? Daniel Etounga-Manguelle, a leader in Cameroon, has said sarcastically, “We Africans really enjoy living in shantytowns where there isn’t enough food, health care, or education for our children. Furthermore, our corrupt chieftaincy political systems are really marvelous and have permitted countries like Mobutu’s Zaire to earn us international prestige and respect. Moreover, surely it would be terribly boring if free, democratic elections were organized all over Africa. Were that to happen, we would no longer be real Africans, and by losing our identity – and our authoritarianism, our bloody civil wars, our illiteracy, our forty-five-year life expectancy – we would be letting down not only ourselves but also those Western anthropologists who study us so sympathetically…” (quote cited in Kairos Journal).

The values revealed in the scripture make a very real difference in the culture. In the early 1960’s, Ghana and South Korea were on equal economic footing. It was in the mid-sixties that an evangelical movement began sweeping through South Korea. Not only did the churches witness their numbers increase dramatically, but Biblical values and morals began affecting the society. People showed up for work on time. They worked diligently and hard. They did not use the office time to flirt or browse the internet. By the 1990’s South Korea had become an economic powerhouse - having the world’s 14th largest economy, even though the country itself was rather small. Ghana had an economy only 1/15th that of South Korea. And in only thirty years!

Can a Biblical value system make that much difference? According to Harvard professor Samuel Huntington, the answer is “Yes.” What made the difference between South Korea and Ghana? Huntington writes, “South Koreans valued thrift, investment, hard work, education, organization and discipline. Ghanaians had different values. In short, cultures count” (Harrison and Huntington, Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress, Basic Books, New York, copyright 2000, quote taken from the foreward, page xiii).

Professor Lawrence Harrison, who coauthored the above cited book, has a list of values that elevate a culture. Nepotism, elitism, tribalism, cronyism and tyranny are not the values that work. What does work is: futuristic planning, dignifying work, frugality, emphasizing education, merit based advancement, community spirit, a rigorous ethical code, impersonal justice and fair play, dispersed authority and freedom for dissent.

Religion plays a big part in the culture. Religion addresses issues like justice, fair play, education, compassion, dignity of the individual and his or her work, the importance of family and fidelity in marriage, and providing honest work for fair compensation. It should come as no surprise that the cultures embracing Biblical values are the cultures where prosperity, liberty, education and optimism exist. The culture is most enhanced when Biblical virtues are infusing it, especially evangelical Christianity with its retention and teaching of the Protestant work ethic. South Korea is 50% Christian and the percentage is increasing. In Ghana, Muslims and animists outnumber Christians three to one. The moral and economic disparity is appallingly real. Values do make a difference –culturally and personally.

The culture war is not fought best with debates or arguments. It is best fought by…

living the values of the Bible.

The Highest Aspirations of the Human Soul

Three years ago my wife and I traveled to Georgia on a brief four-day vacation. A year before our trip I had read a biography of President Franklin Roosevelt. I had wanted to visit Warm Springs, where the President’s winter home, “The Little White House”, is located. We got to Warm Springs and spent the next day visiting the President’s home, now part of the National Park System, and a state park nearby named for him. We also stopped at the church where he worshipped while in Warm Springs. We then came home.

I was thinking about Roosevelt the other day, when I heard that National Day of Prayer was declared unconstitutional (a decision certain to be challenged). FDR was the longest-serving President, having won four terms. He faced two very great crises: the Great Depression and The Second World War. I had remembered the church he attended and I wondered, “Had his faith been a factor in leading the country through those tumultuous years? What would he think about the National Day of Prayer being declared unconstitutional by a federal judge?”

We will never know for certain what FDR would have thought of the spiritually bereft society that secularists are advancing in America. But there is one act he performed that provides insight.

In March 1941, the President was asked to pen remarks. Not just any remarks. These remarks were to serve as an Introduction to a pocket-sized book. These books were to be published in great numbers and distributed to the troops. Each soldier would receive a copy.

Roosevelt thought about what to write. Although the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was nine months away, intelligence reports had already come to him indicating that the Japanese were preparing to attack the United States. Just where the attack would occur and when was a mystery and would remain one right up to December 7. Roosevelt was convinced by this time that the United States would eventually enter a state of war with the Axis powers. The President had come to loathe Hitler and had just begun to provide, through Lend-Lease, much needed war material to Great Britain and his friend, Churchill. He knew this was tantamount to declaring war on Germany. Knowing fully well that the soldiers receiving this little book would in all likelihood be facing combat, he wanted the words to have effect.

Before sharing the words selected by the President, it may interest you to know what the full title of the book to be distributed was: The New Testament of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: Prepared for Use of Protestant Personnel of the Army of the United States. The title page further stated “Published under the direction of the Chief of Chaplains (Washington, D.C.: United States Government Printing Office, 1942).

President Roosevelt’s Introduction
The White House
Washington
March 6, 1941

To the Members of the Army:
As Commander-in-Chief I take pleasure in commending the reading of the Bible to all who serve in the armed forces of the United States. Throughout the centuries men of many faiths and diverse origins have found in the Sacred Book words of wisdom, counsel and inspiration. It is a fountain of strength and now, as always, an aid in attaining the highest aspirations of the human soul.

Very sincerely yours,
Franklin D. Roosevelt

In the past few years, using “Separation of Church and State” as a pretense, a radical secularism emanating from various sources has aggressively attempted to remove references to the Christian faith from our national life. Franklin Roosevelt’s words remind us that Christian faith, resting upon the scripture, is where strength of personal and national character is to be discovered.

It is from the scripture that the person and the nation attains…
the highest aspirations of the human soul.

A Good Shepherd


“I AM the Good Shepherd,” said Jesus.

I was reading this passage from John’s Gospel, Chapter 10 recently, when an online magazine to which I subscribe arrived. The magazine, Kairos Journal, had an article entitled, “Fathers are Shepherds.” I use some (okay, a lot) of this material to pass on what may be helpful information for you. “Kairos” by the way, is a Greek word for “the times.” In other words, it is a magazine with articles written for our times – Christian commentary on current events.

Ephesians 6:4 states, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

There are two statements of wisdom contained in this verse. The first is negative, the second is positive. The first is, “do not provoke your children to anger.” Children may be small and immature, but they are made in the image of God. They possess this image from conception. A father should not bully, mock or dismiss a young child. Such behavior certainly does provoke a child to anger. It also dishonors God, who has given this child life. The positive statement is, “bring them up in the discipline (or nurture, loving concern) and instruction of the Lord.” The best way to accomplish this daunting task is to teach your children the scripture. Fathers are to be men of the Word, men of scripture. They are constantly to be pointing their children to the Bible. A wise earthly father uses the Lord Jesus Christ as his model. Jesus always pointed people to God the Father and His Word.

I cannot think of any father who does not want to be loved and respected by his children. It is not that the father should want to hear his praises sung by the kids. He should want to hear God’s praises sung.
No father can coerce his child into the Kingdom. But a father can model Christ’s love and spirit by not provoking his child to anger. A father can expose his child to God’s Word. And a father can bring up his child in “the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

In my own experience, there was one thing I did as a Dad that really helped. Our three children were young then, and one day, just thinking it might be a good idea for discussions around the dinner table, I made a copy of the Ten Commandments and displayed it on the refrigerator. The two older children had started school and could read. They began reading these commandments and asking questions. It provided many positive discussions about God, ethics and morality. I recommend this to anyone who is a parent. If it works for you as well as it did for me, you will be well on your way to shepherding your child in the love (discipline) and ways (instruction) of God.

Every Christian father is a shepherd. Let’s try to be …

A good shepherd.

The Way to God


Is Jesus the only way to God?

This is an interesting question that is being bandied about in both academic and religious circles today. It is an important question, and one that begs a clear answer.

Jesus Himself stated that He is “the way” and that “no one can come to the Father (God) except by Me” – John 14:6. The entire purpose of John writing the Gospel that bears his name is stated as, “These things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through Him” (20:31). This “life” means reconciliation to the Creator God.

It is common today to hear people say that Jesus is one of many paths to God. This means that people can be reconciled to God from their fallen state on the basis of sincerity. Almost everyone, even an agnostic, knows that something is missing from the human experience. Some seek the quest for “enlightenment”, others for “self-realization.” The Christian term is “reconciled”. All of these terms express the idea of man’s sin – his fallen state. Jesus has come to provide that reconciliation to God, which is to be enlightened and self-realized.

The sinless life of Christ (His accusers tried desperately but unsuccessfully to find an incident in which He had broken the Law), the atoning death and the resurrection all affirm that He is extraordinary. But does that mean He is the only way to God? Yes, I believe it does.

There are various scriptures to support the following credentials of Jesus – too many to include in a short essay. Trust me on this matter. Jesus was born of a virgin. Thus He did not possess a fallen nature. Jesus claimed to be God incarnate, and demonstrated this claim through miracles. Jesus lived an impeccably sinless life. He died an extraordinary death; one He claimed was to establish “the new covenant in My blood”. He arose from the dead, triumphant over the power of sin.

The command of Christ was then that His followers should go into the entire world and proclaim what He has accomplished. This, He assured them (and us) would bring the benefit of eternal life to those who believe. Further, the followers of Jesus (Peter, speaking for the rest) all believed “there is no other name given among men whereby we can be saved” – that is, reconciled to God.

Finally, the New Testament is filled with examples of people who were without hope and spiritually blind to the truth of God. Then they heard about and believed upon Jesus as the way to God. Their lives were transformed.

The clear message of Christianity is that Jesus is the Savior. He is the only Savior. If a person wants to be reconciled to God, he or she must put faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is not just a way; He is “the way” to God.