Tuesday, December 31, 2019

The Fall of the Fourth Estate

The Fourth Estate is a term that frames the news media both in its’ clear power of advocacy and tacit ability to illuminate political issues. Though not formally established as a part of the political system, it can exert considerable influence upon society. The First Amendment rights afforded the press is indeed, a sacred privilege, imbedded into our Constitution as a check and balance that empowers the press and provides a process to assure that political leaders are held accountable to the people. The framers of our Constitution did not intend that the press become an arbiter for any particular political party. All were to be held to account regardless of their political affiliation. Unfortunately, the mainstream media has devolved to consider their advocacy as all important as they fill the airwaves with opinionated news analysis replete with their political biases.

Proper journalism should always endeavor to seek the truth, act in the public interest and minimize harm. Journalists have an obligation to seek out that truth and report it as accurately as possible. Journalists should also corroborate any information with multiple sources. Journalists should avoid taking political sides and should not act on behalf of any special interest groups. Any political affiliations or other conflicts of interest should be declared and properly acknowledged. Objectivity is paramount and the reporter should remain fair and balanced, making certain to uphold and protect the public interest. In addition to being independent, journalists should show impartiality and balance in their reporting. Unfortunately, today’s mainstream media does nothing of the sort. They misrepresent their role and simply become a cheerleading team, championing the goals of the left, all the while abandoning their responsibility to themselves and the public.

The Fox News moniker proudly proclaims its’ “fair and balanced” news coverage, but the majority of their news casts are partisan and conservative. But, Fox News is greatly outnumbered by the vast mainstream media outlets that continually lean far to the left. ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC the Washington Post and the New York Times continually promote their goal to overturn President Trump’s election by any means necessary and to ultimately defeat conservativism, apparently at any and all costs. They openly support socialism and decry capitalism, religion, free speech, gun rights and the Constitution in general. They twist their reporting to promote a narrative that often ranges far from the truth. In their ivory towers, particularly on the east and west coasts, they obviously do not understand mainstream America. There is good reason that newspapers are dying and that the mainstream media is not trusted. Mainstream media reporting has simply transformed into editorials tainted with opinion, often disregarding the actual facts of the matter.

An article in the Washington Free Beacon illustrates just how out of touch the mainstream media is. “New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet said it's "odd" to be called a member of the elite, but he acknowledged journalists must do more to understand religion. We have to do a much better job … understanding some of the forces that drive people in parts of America that maybe are not as powerful as New York or Los Angeles," Baquet said on NBC's Meet the Press. "We have to do a better job covering religion. We have to do a better job understanding why some people support Donald Trump." This “matter of fact” statement demonstrates just how “siloed” the media has become. They truly do not understand how this nation was founded and continues to function as a democratic republic. They have lost the ability to understand what their role in maintaining an orderly society truly is. They do not understand how harmful to our nation their failure to uphold the public trust by failing to report positive results from President Trump’s administration all the while echoing the negativity and false statements by politicians on the left, asserting those statements as valid and truthful.

As the mainstream media, academia, and the “Deep State” work in concert to undermine our democracy, we have a choice to make. Do we decide that our nation is worthwhile to protect and save, or will we simply remain unengaged and let the chips fall where they may? I, for one, believe in this nation as it was founded and will work my hardest to secure a bright future for our nation and our children. I, for one, will support all candidates that believe as I do with my vote and my donations. I, for one, will do whatever I can to properly inform as many as possible of the dangers to our way of life that the left brings. If we stand by idly and do nothing the left will fundamentally transform this nation and destroy our way of life. The choice is apparent. Are you willing to do your part to save our nation?

Monday, August 19, 2019

Ancient Words

“How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! “Violence is everywhere!” I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted. Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed.” Habakkuk 1 3-5. It’s not often that one hearkens back to one of the lesser known books of the Old Testament, but many of you may find yourself pleading to God to intervene amidst the wickedness of our time, similar to the petitions offered by the Prophet Habakkuk. It is often hard to accept the fact that God allows injustice to reign in our world without raising His almighty hand to deliver us from all those who encourage and promote evil against humanity. Even some of our elected leaders endorse violence and confrontation against those they disagree with. Civil disobedience has always been the best used tool for the radical left, but now some of our leaders revel in violating our Constitution and laws in an act of political virtue signaling while an ever growing segment of the public openly support this appalling behavior. When will God say enough is enough?

In Habakkuk’s time, God grew so impatient and angry at the disobedience and outright evil in His chosen people, the Israelites, that He allowed an even more evil people, the Babylonians to attack and defeat them, carrying them away into bondage. I can’t imagine God being more upset with His people as evil abounds in this present age. Abortion is celebrated. All types of perversion are lifted up and praised. God’s own church calls out and berates those who hold fast to the Word and uphold traditional Christian doctrine. Churches openly advocate against Israel and fall into league with terrorist organizations that would want nothing less than to convert them to Islam or kill them. The evil one must be very pleased in this world today.

Well, in this present age, the wicked do not outnumber the righteous. It may seem so, since they typically are louder, more confrontational and less encumbered by maintaining the societal norm of engaging in rational and acceptable behavior. Our tendency to respond without having all the facts present infects all sides of the political and religious spectrum. We have become our own worst enemies in dealing with conflict. The left continually blames President Trump and talk radio for the decline of our political discourse, but the left has too long been unchallenged in establishing the “acceptable political narrative”, all the while berating those with whom they disagree. Long established truths of our faith are being, not only challenged, but altered to fit in with the world. Many churches no longer teach that Jesus is the only way, that there are many other valid paths. In many ways the church has become enamored with and overcome by the world, no longer offering a path to salvation, but uplifting the selfish nature of humanity over the will of the Lord.

Listening and engaging with those who hold the same opinion without any discourse with others with differing opinions leads society to engage in group think or what is called the “silo effect”. Social media infects our discourse with quick hitting accusations from the safety of our devices without discerning all the facts. False and misleading articles from unreliable sources cause many to become enraged. Far too many simply look at headlines without even taking the time to read the article before asserting their opinion for all to see. The deliberate avoidance of any discussion about religion or politics among those holding differing opinions only leads us away from any common ground or agreement. We are trapped in our own version of reality and will discount any opinion that contrasts from our own. Left vs. right political views and the, dare I say, hijacking of religion by the left, in an attempt to dilute and minimize our faith, will continue to gnaw away at our society until we end up at each other’s throats.

So, how does a Christian live in the world, but not be overcome by the world? How do we bridge the gap and engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue with our neighbors? What would Jesus want us to do? As difficult as it seems to be, Paul declared, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21 Easier said than done, you may say. How can one engage in productive conversation with someone who will not listen? Ask questions in an attempt to better understand the other’s position. If someone is in obvious error, pattern your questioning to elicit a response that forces them to uphold their argument with logic and facts. When the wayward attempt to convince you of the validity of their argument, it likely will shine the light upon the lack of any logic to their argument. “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Avoid arguments and let the lost find their way by attempting to explain the unexplainable. Any attempt to convince will often lead to a door closing, ending any possibility to reconcile them to God. It is not us that can convince, it is the Holy Spirit. We can only attempt to plant the seeds of reconciliation; it is up to God to bring it to fruition. Once we realize that God’s got this under control, not us, we can begin to lessen our worries and concerns. “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-21


Saturday, May 25, 2019

Made in China

On March 29th 2000, President Clinton advocated for granting China permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) paving the way for China to enter the World Trade Organization (WTO) stating that this would be a great deal for America. "We do nothing," Clinton said. "They have to lower tariffs. They open up telecommunications for investment. They allow us to sell cars made in America in China at much lower tariffs. They allow us to put our own distributorships there. They allow us to put our own parts there. We don't have to transfer technology or do joint manufacturing in China any more. This a hundred-to-nothing deal for America when it comes to the economic consequences."
While the idea of normalizing trade with China and facilitating their economic growth in order for our economy to take advantage of the emerging market there was promising, this held inherent risks that have come to fruition. Over the long term, stimulating a nation with over a billion people, just coming of age, ready to reap the rewards of new and exciting products made in America, made all the sense in the world at that time. It was believed that our strong economy could withstand the short term costs of helping China’s economy grow. But, like the drug addict that decides to take over the territory of the drug dealer and drive him out of business, so has the little engine that could, as China dominates our growing trade deficit.

The forced transfer of technology by China to US businesses located within China, China’s brazen theft of intellectual property and wanton patent infringement costs the US economy over $600 billion annually. This added to our almost $400 billion trade imbalance adds up to a $1 trillion hit to the US economy annually. Our government has acquiesced to China’s blatant and unfair trade over the years, allowing the Chinese economy to grow at our, and the world’s expense. Our policies of appeasement and simply grousing about our trade imbalance without imposing any consequences for China's behavior have simply emboldened the Chinese government. For years China has thumbed their noses at the world while they steal technology and violate patents while their economy expands. The growth China is experiencing coupled with their unrestrained disregard of any pollution standards, has made China the world’s greatest polluter.

It is long past time to confront China economically and President Trump is more than justified to enact tariffs on Chinese goods in an effort to force them to engage in fair trade. Unfair tariffs by other countries often force US companies to move manufacturing plants to those countries, eliminating jobs in the US and harming our manufacturing sector. Reducing our trade deficit will also go a long way in slowing our ever expanding national debt. The new trade agreements negotiated by President Trump will enable our economy to continue to thrive. Short term harm caused by these tariffs will be overcome by the future benefits by opening new and fair markets for our products. China cannot be allowed to continue to take advantage of the US and our companies with impunity. Stand strong and withstand the hardships in the short term to enable us all to prosper and grow in the future.

Friday, April 19, 2019

Despite Ourselves

I am a Christian, yet I am terribly flawed. As a disciple of Christ, I know what my Lord expects of me. Yet, try as I may to be what God wants me to be, I continue to fail miserably. I am indeed fortunate that God is faithful and just and will forgive my sins, because I need to ask for His forgiveness over and over again. I am often a poor example. Many who see my faults, cite those shortcomings as excuses to not accept Christ and not engage in fellowship with the church. I am to be an ambassador for my Lord and people are watching, and they often don’t like what they see. I am judgmental. I criticize what I perceive as the inadequacies of others, but fail to recognize my own shortcomings. I will look down upon those that are different or have opinions that are different than mine. I hold an inflated opinion of myself and will perform my good works in a way that others can see, so that I can take the credit for those good deeds.

I am a Christian, yet I am selfish. I will, more often than not, ignore that little nudge from the Holy Spirit to complete a task for our Lord, and instead, take the easy way out and do what it is that I want to do for myself. This is my biggest failure and my gravest sin against my Lord. For when my wants and desires take precedence over my Lord and Savior, I deny Him and worship myself, my identity and my possessions. I fail to remember that everything that I have, even life itself, is a gift from God. When I fail to welcome others, to share what I have with those in need, and to give of my time to those who are lonely, I also deny my Lord and Savior. Mark 8:34-38, “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

I am a Christian, yet I continue to commit sins against my Lord. My proclivity to feed the desires of the flesh, more often than not, cause me to err and to fall into sin. I take for granted my gifts from my Lord and I am often much too eager to accept the praises of others when I step out and serve the Lord. I fail to acknowledge God for the gifts He has given me and then selfishly keep them to myself. I am called to tithe, to give to my Lord only one tenth of what He has given me, yet I often only place a few dollars in the offering plate. Leviticus 27:30, “A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD”. My world revolves around myself, not God, making me an idol worshipper, lifting myself up as the idol.

We are Christians and children of God. No matter what it is that we do, despite all of our faults and failings, our God loves us all beyond our understanding. There is nothing we can do to earn His love. There is nothing we could do that would cause Him to not love us. 1 John 3:1, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” I am made perfect in Christ." Colossians 1:22-23, “But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven.” Jesus took upon Himself all of our sins, suffered and died on the cross in our place, and defeated death so that we may be granted salvation and eternal life with our Lord.

We are Christians and we are saved. We can be eternally grateful that our Lord and Savior forgives us unconditionally despite the errors of our ways. Hebrews 9:15, “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” The truth  is that God wants all of His children to believe and be saved, that everyone comes to Him through faith in the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. There is much sacrifice to be made by a disciple of Christ. There is nothing easy about the tasks our Lord sets before us. But, when we obey our Lord and trust in His will, we will be made perfect in His sight. All of us unworthy, sinful human beings are sanctified in God’s eyes by the blood of our Savior. And the cost to us to be able to receive this offer of grace from our God; nothing more than faith in the Risen Christ. Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

May everyone have a blessed Easter, remembering what Christ did for us, to grant us the gift of salvation, opening the door to eternal life in paradise with Him!

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Gerrymandering???


Gerrymandering is defined as a process used to manipulate the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favor one party.

Redistricting is the process by which new congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn. District lines are redrawn every 10 years after the United States census is completed. The federal government requires that districts must have nearly equal populations and must not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity. In Wisconsin, the Legislature is responsible to set the district maps. These maps have been a point of contention between Democrats and Republicans for over 50 years as each party has used the courts to protest the party in power’s redrawing of district boundary lines.

Now we hear the impassioned cries of the left: “Gerrymandering is wrong.” “Gerrymandering is not fair.” “Gerrymandering is not the will of the people.” “Gerrymandering is used by the Republicans to cram Democrats into smaller, more disbursed districts that isolated them into smaller voting blocs.” These complaints, are not just simply a false narrative, they are inherently self-serving. In Wisconsin, we do not have the benefit of an electoral college for our statewide elected offices. In Wisconsin, the voting populace chooses the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General and Treasurer by popular vote. Our most populated regions can drive that narrative, as they have sufficient voting power to impose their will upon the entire state to elect those offices. Wisconsin elects its representatives in the State Assembly and Senate in a different manner. District lines are drawn to properly represent different geographic regions, by population, throughout the state. Wisconsinites living in rural districts have needs and concerns that may not be on the agenda of the more heavily urban areas. The State Assembly and Senate are elected as a check and balance to the power of the office of Governor and to represent those citizens and issues that affect those communities.

So, what would we need to do to create more fair and balanced voting districts in the State of Wisconsin cited as necessary by the left? How do we create a system that is fair and equitable and accurately represents the will of the people by equalizing the voting power of the left and the right? Almost one third of our population resides in two counties, Milwaukee and Dane, in an area less than 1/26th of the State. Continuing to organize as geographic districts is no longer plausible in order to achieve the effect advocated for by the left. Milwaukee and Madison would need to have portions of their populations carved out and placed into other districts throughout the State, to “equalize” the voting power. Even though the left declares otherwise, Democrats have not been forced by Republicans to “cram themselves into smaller geographic areas that isolated them into smaller voting blocs”. Many Democrats have simply chosen to live in predominately urban areas that have concentrated populations. The left’s “fairer” allocation of voting blocs would give urban areas the unrestrained ability to elect those with similar views and values, especially if those districts were drawn to encompass a greater population of those urban regions. The issues that are important to your geographic community may become an afterthought to those who control the vote, since they will not be personally affected by those decisions.

Historic changes to district lines are subtle to the naked eye and the basic design has changed little as each party in power has chosen to redrawn them. While there are a few districts that have boundaries that tend to favor one party over another, making district boundaries that will make it “fair” enough for the left are not physically possible. The left is not advocating for the elimination of gerrymandering, they are simply attempting to tilt the scales in their favor. In actuality, the left is attempting to impose their own form of gerrymandering. If the left gets their way and eliminates geographic districting, everyone else in the State will be marginalized and Milwaukee and Madison will be able to effectively control the narrative, enact the policies they want, and leave the rest of us behind. The system in place allows everyone to have a proper voice in how our State government is run. Don’t fall for the left’s design to create a Wisconsin in their own image.

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Commonality

Much of human history has involved being able to find common ground and compromise. Conflict begins when we cannot come to terms. As children we beg our parents for that extra piece of pie, to stay up past our bedtime “for just 10 more minutes” and to the number of chores we are assigned. As we age, the stakes may be higher, but negotiations continue in an effort to obtain those things we want. Legislation is passed with each side of the political aisle cooperatively bargaining in order to achieve a common goal that ultimately benefits both sides and the public at large. Today, our political dialogue has devolved into nothing more than an increasingly negative rhetoric, escalating into hateful and demeaning memes posted on social media, directed at those with opinions different than their own. The rise of the leftist agenda and the embracing of those ideals by academia, the media and the Democrat party are first and foremost in driving the decline of our political discourse. Those institutions attempt to cast the blame upon the rise of conservative talk radio for our ever increasing political divide. That is far from the truth.

This embrace of the leftist ideology has driven us to the place we now find ourselves. Since the birth of our nation, conservatives and liberals have had common goals. Our disagreements centered on the methods used to attain those goals. All can agree on the goal to eradicate poverty. Liberals favor the big government welfare state and trickle up economics. Conservatives want to provide our economy the tools necessary to produce wealth, facilitate the environment necessary for those that are able, to enter the workforce so that they can create their own wealth and contribute to society, rather than simply take. Both agree that those who cannot work and need assistance should receive it. The left does not want to end poverty. The left wants to tear down our economic system and replace it with total government control. Those who have amassed wealth will have it taken away and redistributed to the masses. The left does not share a common goal with the vast majority of Americans.

The Green New Deal proposed by freshman Congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, is painstakingly impracticable and unattainable. Yet, the declared Democrat presidential candidates (Corey Booker, Kamala Harris, Kirsten Gillibrand, and others) agree that they could support this policy. The Democrats are leaning more and more toward the leftist concept of no borders that allow unfettered immigration with its’ inherent problems, such as drugs, criminals, terrorists, and diseases entering the country uncontrolled. Allowing this to occur is the true immoral action. The Democrats ever increasing support for socialism is rising from the shadows and being bandied about by all their declared candidates for president. Tolerating the murder of unborn children up to and apparently after birth, is touted as important to maintain a woman’s control of her body. This is reprehensible conduct that is simply government approved homicide. The normalization of same sex relationships has long garnered support from the left and has rightly occurred. Any person acting in a lawful manner should never be ostracized or reviled. This is not enough for the radical left, as the same sex relationship has expanded to include other behaviors including the attempt to normalize transgenderism, or what should be classified as a mental disease. These are but a few examples of the leftward lean of the Democrat party.

Shortly before President Obama was elected, he stated that the fundamental transformation of this country was days away. We are watching as it unfolds right before our eyes. As with the radical Muslims that want nothing more than to destroy our society, so does the left. Anarchists, such as Anti-fa, Black lives matter and the occupation movement, are apparently supported by the Democrat party, as evidenced by their silence and failure to condemn their behavior. The United States will not be conquered by an invading army. The United States will not be destroyed by bombs and bullets. The United States will fall from within, as more and more leftists gain more and more power. The media and academia have been brainwashing our population for decades now and it apparently is beginning to have the desired effect. Many millennials believe that socialism is the cure to capitalism, imagining that it will create a more equal society. It will do nothing of the sort. Socialism is the great equalizer, tearing down everyone, so that everyone suffers the same misery, except for those that lead. For those who are too lazy or complacent, content to let others determine our fate, our entire way of life stands in the balance. For those of you that do not take your responsibility to properly inform yourselves and to say no to this plague that is descending upon us, and stop it at the ballot box, you will wake up one day and find that the country that you love and cherish is gone. Allowing these leftists to gain power will take us where every other socialist country has ended, in ruin. It is imperative that we take our responsibility seriously and fight against this disease that is the left. Our way of life is in the balance. What will you do to protect those you love?

Saturday, January 12, 2019

Words That Speak


"We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.  Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.  For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:19-21 (NIV)

As I spend time in Your Word, I am amazed by how the words speak to my current situation. Each time I read Your Word You can show me slightly different things about myself or the world around me. To read of actual people's trials and seeing how prophecies actually came true show Your faithfulness to people throughout the ages and prove that You continue to be faithful today. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is alive and real and relevant. Thank You that You have provided such a wonderful resource where You can show history, demonstrate Your love, teach life lessons, and embrace the world with Your Gospel Truth to lead all people to salvation. Help me to continue to delight in Your Word the rest of my life. Amen.

This prayer, written by my wife Sandy, articulates just how important and relevant God’s Word is to us yesterday, today and tomorrow. I often find more than just words of wisdom, but God speaking directly to my heart. And those verses can speak in different ways in different times according to the situations I face in my daily life. As I read my daily devotions, it is sometimes difficult for me to take the time to really sit back and listen. God does indeed speak through the Word and we need to be quiet and listen for His voice. My grandson Jack, at age 5 was staying overnight at grandma and grandpa’s house with his twin brother Ian. As my wife prayed with them before bed, she chose to not pray the standard “Now I lay me down to sleep” prayer. After finishing the prayer, Jack piped up and said, “Grandma, if I am really quiet, I can hear Jesus talk to me.” Sandy responded that she agreed. He then said that he knew what words she would pray because Jesus told him so. Out of the mouths of babes! Perhaps we need to listen with the innocence of a child to truly hear Him.

Far too often, God’s Word is minimized by many of our mainline churches, particularly the protestant denominations such as the ELCA, UCC and Episcopal churches, as they try to fit in with the world. New doctrine is adopted while the refrain that God is telling us new things is used to justify the rebuttal of God’s Word. Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.  Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20 (NIV) So those churches can continue to rationalize their drift away from God, but these “new” doctrines ring hollow when one truly dwells in His Word and listens for Him.

As I hear more and more of God’s people are led astray by these false gospels that sound so inviting, so loving and so enlightened, it truly saddens me. Our foremost task is to preach the Word so that all may hear and come to faith in Jesus Christ. These “new things” simply drive God’s people away from Him, as they lift up the self and minimize our Lord and Savior. Placating the desires of us sinful human beings is not the task of God’s church. These new doctrines are all about “feeling good about ourselves” and not about loving God. When we place our needs, desires and cravings as foremost in our lives, we entirely miss the point. This world, this universe, all that we are and have is a gift from God. Everything you see, feel, hear and touch was made for you by a loving God. We cannot lose track of what that means to us. We are to share the joy of our salvation with everyone in an effort to bring them to Christ. Being a disciple of Christ is not an easy task. Just ask believers who live in other parts of the world that are not simply persecuted, but place their very earthly lives in danger when they worship Him. We are truly blessed to live in a country where we can share our faith without the fear of losing our lives. The next time some “new things” are promoted by those uninspired by the Holy Spirit, take the time to dwell in His Word in order to properly examine whether it is truly inspired by God.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is already in the world at this time. You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. They are of the world. That is why they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.” 1 John 4:1-6