politics

Our Turning Point

/ RedeemedInGrace / Leave a comment

“Yet is is far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness.” -W.L. Watkinson

It has been one week since Charlie Kirk was murdered. He was a force for good in politics, promoting civil discourse, patriotism and Biblical values. More than just a conservative activist, Charlie was a man of faith. He was a soldier for the Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost. As Abigail Dodd noted, Kirk was “a man in the arena”, alluding to the famous speech by Theodore Roosevelt. Charlie understood that we don’t stop fighting for freedom, namely religious freedom and freedom of speech. These gifts are never to be taken for granted. It is not lost on many of us that he wore a t-shirt with the simple but powerful word, ‘Freedom’, the day he was shot.

This man in the arena lived out his faith by going into the lion’s den of some of the most hostile and liberal universities. He went there to engage dialogue on political and cultural hot topics, but his main purpose was always to point people back to basic Biblical truths. Men and women are biologically different, all of life is sacred created in the image of God, go to church, get married, have families, were constantly woven into his talks. He was an apologist, defending the validity of Jesus’ bodily resurrection, the accuracy of Scripture and why Christianity is the only religion that improves civilization. Charlie Kirk evangelized the Christian faith under the job description of activist. Less than three months before his death, Kirk was asked in an interview what he wanted to be most known for when he was gone. He thoughtfully replied, “I want to be remembered for courage for my faith. That would be the most important thing; most important thing is my faith.”

Two passages in Scripture came to mind following the news of Charlie’s death. John 15:18-21 speaks of how Christians should expect hatred from the unbelieving world. Typically in the West, being persecuted for your faith looks like cancel culture, losing a job promotion, rejection from peers or even family. It normally doesn’t require losing your life. Yet that is exactly what happened to Charlie which is why his martyrdom is such a big deal. If you can be killed for your faith, for speaking freely and truthfully in the freest country in the world, then nowhere is off limits. Believers know this is what we have signed up for. It is not an easy path, but the Bible says if anyone wants to follow Christ 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 will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). For the Christian, our lives are no longer our own, but bought with the precious blood of Christ. For most of us, it will require courage and obedience just to get up each day and live out the truth we know, dying to selfish desires. But it might cost us everything, like it did for Charlie.

The other passage in Scripture that keeps coming to mind is in Ephesians 6, “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (vv. 11-13). Spiritual warfare has always been a reality this side of Heaven, but there are times in history which are like needles that burst our bubbles of acceptance in this world or assumed safety. This is one of those moments, a turning point, that draws a line in the sand of standing for truth. We either tell people Jesus Christ died for sinners, defeating death and is Lord of all like Charlie did, or retreat in silence and cowardice. An event like this can help refine our own faith, eroding the fear of man and death out of our hearts. Jesus reminds us to “not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in Hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Vigils instead of violence have filled universities across America, and in cities around the world like London and Sydney. Martyrdom doesn’t kill the message, it makes it spread like wildfire. Believers are rightly evaluating their own lives in how each of us are living out the gospel faithfully right where we are. Will we talk with co-workers, neighbors, family, friends and strangers even about the hope we have? Have we been doing the work God has called us to? Unbelievers may be considering for the first time their own mortality and eternity. People who consider themselves religious but not zealous might be open to hearing why you are completely sold out for Jesus. Isn’t it just like God to use the death of one of His children to spread the gospel even further?

Charlie Kirk carried a torch that is now passed on to us. Whether you’re 10 or 90, all of us can live with boldness and mercy toward others. His death is a call for all Christians to shine their lights brightly by staying faithful in speaking the truth with love, discipling and serving others for the glory of God. It wasn’t just a call on Charlie’s life although God had a specific purpose for him, as He does for you. But we follow Charlie’s example of evangelism because he followed Jesus’ example. The question is, are we ready? Have we woken up yet?

Grace upon grace,

April

“But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” -Ephesians 5:13-16

How Great Thou Art

/ RedeemedInGrace / 2 Comments

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.” -Doxology

In the early morning hours after Election Day, Donald Trump was declared the 47th President of the United States of America. A group of his supporters broke out in praise singing the hymn ‘How Great Thou Art’. Along with a Republican presidency, the party will gain control of the Senate and most likely the House of Representatives. It was a clean sweep. If the elections results had to be summed up in a few words it would be this: God spared us. He spared us from a Harris administration that would have signed abortion back into federal law. Notably, Trump out-performed all across the board with Hispanics, African Americans, Orthodox Jews, young men and women, and voters with no religious affiliation at all. Even pagans can see that inflation, open borders, boys in girls’ sports, and sex change operations on minors is a bad idea!

Donald Trump is still a flawed candidate, namely because he is a sinner just like everyone else. So I don’t think it is appropriate to assume he can do no wrong and now the country is “saved”. But we can celebrate this earthly blessing rightly viewed, as God’s mercy on America. He could have handed this nation over to the most liberal, progressive and wicked agenda in the history of our country, and be right in doing so. But the Lord in His grace did not. Just as we celebrate weddings, the birth of our children, getting a new job or promotion, and birthdays, this political win is cause for thanksgiving. I don’t believe that is considered idolatry. As Christians, we get to enjoy our temporal blessings, while keeping an eternal perspective.

I also think this does not mean Christians can check out and coast the next four years. Sadly, the majority of states which voted to keep abortion practices in place succeeded. There is still work to do in swaying public opinion on the evil of the Silent Holocaust. Believers are salt and light whenever and wherever God has placed us, which means we pray and speak. Those who hate the outcome of this election are already speaking (yelling and crying) loudly, so it is prudent for Christians to pray. Here are a few things to pray for:

-Salvation for Donald Trump and all elected leaders

-Wisdom for him to lead this country in peace, prosperity, promoting good

-To surround himself with godly counsel

-An end to abortion

-Repentance and spiritual revival in America

-bold and humble Christians

Of course there are many other things we can and should pray for in this country, but this short list can serve as a guide. Never have I been more convinced of the spiritual warfare being played out right before our eyes. Satan is at work, but so is God. The Lord’s purposes will not be thwarted. He uses whatever means to accomplish His will, for His glory and our ultimate good. Praise God.

Grace upon grace,

April

*This is a testimony from a woman who survived a saline abortion when her mother was 7 1/2 months pregnant with her. It is an amazing story. She is using her story to tell others the horrors of infanticide and glorify Jesus.

Radically Ordinary

/ RedeemedInGrace / 2 Comments

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” -Edmund Burke 

The other day I was in a coffee shop waiting by the bar for my tall vanilla flat white. The gentleman working behind the counter solo began quietly singing a spiritual song as he crafted my caffeine. I couldn’t place the song, but heard phrases like, “Come, Lord Jesus”, “Hallelujah”, and “Coming soon”. It was a wonderful moment of kinship to realize the barista and I (hopefully) share the same faith, family and Father. He handed me my coffee and I thanked him adding, “Hey I like your singin’ too!”

It got me thinking about how Christians live in our culture today. When the LGBTQ “community” wants to identify themselves with their sex life, they wear rainbow colored t-shirts and accessories, or dress in drag. You know where they stand. This is true of any group- wearing a MAGA hat, donning a shirt with ‘I am black history’ or ‘Black Lives Matter’, sporting 2nd amendment rights, or a Choose Life bumper sticker- all speak volumes as walking billboards. But how do you spot a Christian stranger?

One reason I believe this country looks like Sodom and Gomorrah is because Christ followers in particular have acclimated, capitulated, and kept our heads down. Instead of heads up, shoulders back, smiling and speaking as God’s ambassadors, we have allowed the world to dictate what subjects are acceptable to talk about in our communities. Why is it polite society cannot comment on politics and religion? The topics go hand in hand as politics make policies that affect real people, reflecting the things we value as a society. Do we champion life in the womb or murder of an unborn child? Do we support homosexual marriages or Biblical marriages? Do we believe God created two genders, male and female, or 100 fluid “identities”?

Reformed Christian circles in particular have moved away from preaching these values to a muddled, merging with the world over the last ten years. We are no longer clear in where we stand on issues that should not be debatable as Christians. Instead of remaining set apart by using discernment in how we engage the culture, some have welcomed Vanity Fair with open arms inside the church walls. This is defended by well meaning church leaders as “loving” and “winsome”, all the while your unconverted neighbor remains content and oblivious in their sins because Christians have watered down truth, making it less offensive and more palatable for the general audience. It sends the message of not taking the Bible too seriously, because who would want a sermon when we can put on a show? Calling out sinful lifestyles is branded as judgmental and legalistic instead of what it actually is- loving someone enough to tell them they are about to fall off a cliff. The opposite of love is not hate but apathy. Even God has righteous hate over sin (as should we) but He is never apathetic. The definition of how we love our unbelieving neighbors has become skewed. In reality, mainstream Christian Reformers have morphed into another brand of a seeker sensitive church. The Christian’s response to all this confusion should not be unity at all costs (especially when that unity is tied to a secular world), but truth at all costs. Truth is what unifies believers from every tongue, tribe and nation. If we cannot stand together on God’s inerrant Word and the commands He gives us, then what is our foundation but sinking sand?

David Platt wrote a little book called Radical years ago about how Christians should sell everything and move overseas as missionaries. That was the gist of it. Shortly after that wave, Michael Horton came out with a book called Ordinary, arguing believers are called to stay faithful right where God has placed them to influence the spiritual landscape. It doesn’t mean some are not called to be missionaries overseas, but we need faithful Christian engineers, doctors, pastors and homemakers here too. I think Horton was on the right track, but Platt has a point too. What if Christians in the Western world were radically ordinary Christ followers? What does it look like?

Whatever your profession, we must live differently than the world by the choices we make. This is our antidote. How we spend our time and money, what we watch, read and listen to, all play a part in shaping how we think and feel. Most of the time the messaging is subtle, yet over time these choices influence our worldview. Whether it is watching ESPN (which has become culturally outspoken), Disney+, the 24/7 news cycle, or even a show on Netflix, we start to listen to the commentary or plot as Gospel truth instead of fact-checking with Scripture. Even when we know a statement or action is unbiblical, it may not affect us as much because Christians have become more tolerant, passive and apathetic to the sins which grieve our Holy Father. By choosing to think critically ourselves instead of absorbing whatever Twitter says, we can learn to swim against the current instead of drifting like jellyfish.

Ideas have consequences, good and bad. Christians since the Fall have needed discernment, and we are in dire need of it today. We as fallen humans are susceptible to fear, pride, gullibility, idolatry, and indulging self-love over servant-love. Our daily choices, however small they seem to us, can alter the culture we live in. Choosing to not shop at a store which brazenly promotes self-mutilation and the breakdown of nuclear families; knowing when to speak up and when to keep walking; turning a show off when the content is anti-God; thinking critically about current events instead of being swayed by our emotions; learning all the facts before listening to mob rule; voting for leaders who support Biblical values; daily feeding our spirits with Scripture; being Spirit-led and not gratifying the flesh; practicing a healthy prayer life; and fellowshipping with other believers, are just a few ways you and I can become radically ordinary Christians. 

Obedience is how we worship. Obedience then to what or whom is the question. Are we trying to satisfy the world and live like God fearing Christians? Its getting mighty hard to do the splits these days. In the Old Testament (1 & 2 Kings), even good kings left “the high places” for people to worship false gods. It was a compromise for fear of public opinion. The worship of idols was popular and ingrained into the culture so these godly kings let it slide under the radar, except that their lack of total obedience led to more disobedience from the people they were meant to protect not just from physical harm but spiritual apostasy.

In the same way Christians will not look different from the dying world when we remain milquetoast. Acts of kindness are encouraged by Christians and unbelievers alike. What sets a Christ follower apart is not merely acting nice so everyone will like us, but also speaking the truth about sin even when it is uncomfortable. Being winsome toward others we disagree with is how we advocate the truth, not by compromising the truth.

It is easy to feel helpless as wicked leaders takeover and God’s values are mocked. But we have ways to engage the culture by combating the hell-bound lies which have been normalized, even seen as righteous, in the eyes of men. Let us make the most of the opportunities given to us individually, not merely speak on approved subjects to our neighbor, but initiate conversations about Truth. In our society today that is jaw-dropping radical. Our language needs clarification, or rather purging, about what truth is and the source of it. It is up to ordinary Christians to take back the dictionary as we learn to communicate frankly, openly and unashamed about what the Bible has to say about sin. The Gospel is the greatest love story, with the power to break the chains of sin that have so many enslaved. This is what loving your neighbor looks like right where you live. Perhaps God will use our personal obedience to spark spiritual revival and repentance in our world.

Grace upon grace,

April

Growing deeper: Ephesians 5:1-21

Jesus and Critical Race Theory

/ RedeemedInGrace / 2 Comments

 

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on His law he meditates day and night.” -Psalm 1:1-3

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In the Gospel of Mark (11:27-12:12) the Jewish leaders challenge Jesus’ authority. Jesus drove out the money changers and people using the temple as a marketplace the day before. After their initial shock wore off these men confronted Jesus in a more aggressive manner. In the Lord’s wisdom, Jesus responds with a question concerning John the Baptist’s authority, which the Jewish leaders did not want to answer. They feared the people who viewed John as a prophet, nor could they admit John’s authority came from heaven thereby discrediting themselves for not acknowledging his legitimacy when John was still alive. Jesus knew this. Jesus was confronting their own spiritual hypocrisy for not acting like the spiritual leaders they claimed to be by shepherding the people, directing them to hear God’s wisdom from someone like John. These men were so caught up in their position and power they lacked discernment to see God’s truth and repent. 

It’s remarkable and disheartening to see Christian leadership can also be as flawed and blind to Biblical truth today. This year has unraveled leaders in the church, exposing them to be in err or lack backbone to stand up for Biblical justice. In our cancel culture, determined to drown out common sense and Biblical wisdom, Christian leaders are capitulating instead, for fear of…. being called out by the media? culture? unbelievers??

I’m afraid we have compromised for too long with the world and now we can’t turn back. There seems to be no distinction between Christians and unbelievers today. When we can’t say Critical Race Theory is satanic, and by its very definition shows partiality when the Bible is clear to not show favoritism (James 2:1-9). When CRT teaches that whiteness is evil and people with less melanin are intrinsically racist. How has CRT seeped into evangelical teaching? Quite easily actually, when for decades leaders in our churches have given way to secular culture in order to stay “relevant” and morphed into human jellyfish instead of standing up for God’s truth. The Church is known more for political correctness than Biblical justice. 

It is not sinful to point out sin. As Christians it is how we love sinners like us, directing them to Christ. The argument that we are opening the door to the gospel by meeting people where they are is a theory that has not worked well in practice. If anything, compromising with sin is what has the Church in this confused position. Churches that partner with CRT, LBGT, and abortion rights are devoid of love. That is enabling sin to spread like the cancer it is. So what should our response be? Speak truth in love. Always. Boldness among Christians is sorely lacking. We aren’t to be jerks but we don’t hold the door open for sin either. Instead of speaking out, condemning sin, we condone it by saying nothing at all or embracing it. 

Earlier this week President Trump called for the defunding of Critical Race Theory which has been taught in government training, even in the military, using our tax dollars. In this case how is it that Donald Trump has more insight to the pervasive harm CRT has caused over the evangelicals? Why is this garbage taught in our seminaries and churches? John MacArthur seems to be a lone solider in this fight against true Biblical injustice. Our problems in this world should be focused on our inherent sin nature, not catering to false oppression. We are all sinful and need Christ. One race is not better than another because Jesus created beautiful, immutable diversity with the colors of our skin. Highlighting one race over another is not equality but the exact opposite. MacArthur declares,

“Never has the church of Jesus Christ been more desperately in need of bold, courageous, clear-thinking, forthright, steadfast biblical leadership. As refreshing as it is to see a shift at the government level away from the deliberate dissemination of CRT propaganda, this urgently needs to happen in the church too.”

We need to get back to the basics, away from appeasing the culture we live in which does not acknowledge God as Supreme Authority. This world will always be filled with divineness and distorting Scripture, leading people away from what God’s Word really says. Even though the events in our world are distressing, as Christians we know the end of the Story. Look to God (Colossians 3:2). The Bible says “if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:7). As we gaze in Scripture and see our own sin, may we repent and not rebel against the authority of our Lord and Savior. May we have the boldness and discernment to live out God’s Word, even if our Christian leaders falter. 

Here is a wonderful podcast that has helped me understand current events alongside a Biblical worldview. In this episode, Allie Beth Stuckey interviews Voddie Baucham concerning Social Justice Theology and what it really means. I hope you listen. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in. It’s going to be good!

Grace upon grace,

April 

 

Unplanned: Movies That Matter And Why You Need To See Them

/ RedeemedInGrace / 2 Comments

There are some films you see not for entertainment value but because of the message. It speaks to the heartbeat of current culture. This is why Unplanned was made. While I knew the movie would be hard to watch, there’s no way to really prepare for the heavy content. In case you aren’t familiar with the recent film Unplanned, it addresses the issue of abortion, focusing on Abby Johnson’s story.

As a clinic director for Planned Parenthood, Abby rose to the top, serving as the youngest director in just eight years. She even had two abortions of her own before working for this organization. The irony is that while she advocated for women’s rights to have abortions, she had never actually seen one done.

The day she assisted an abortionist by holding the probe over a mother’s belly, Abby finally saw the reality of abortion. She watches in horror as the infant twists away from the tube, and is then sucked piece by piece out of the uterus. I’m not going to lie, I thought I was going to throw up during this scene. The camera scans to the containers of blood and body parts afterward.

It’s gruesome to watch, but this happens every day, every hour, to thousands of humans who are murdered through abortions. It is happening right now as I write this- as you read this. Since Roe v. Wade in 1973 the death toll rises in the millions.

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Abby had a complete shift in her thinking over unborn life. She was so shaken by what she saw that Abby resigned from Planned Parenthood and now runs an anti-abortion ministry called And Then There Were None.

Because of her experience Abby knows how to counsel women considering an abortion or women who have had one. This post is not a slam on those who made the decision to end their baby’s life. I can’t imagine that kind of grief. But this doesn’t have to define the rest of your story either. There is forgiveness and redemption for those who seek it. God provided a way for all of us through Jesus Christ so that we can have freedom and fellowship with Him without living under condemnation anymore. What makes this movie beautiful is the whole story. We see Abby’s life reclaimed and set with a fresh vision of hope.

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Abortion is a shameful part of our history that most of us don’t think about often. I honestly don’t like to because I get upset, nauseous, and feel helpless to do any good. But abortion isn’t a game or just a political narrative. The greater evil at play is Satan’s victories in annihilating what God creates.

This doesn’t extend just to babies either. Where is the stopping point for someone who makes up their own moral code? What about the elderly in nursing homes who can no longer “contribute” to society? What about the disabled?

It’s ironic that in this modern era we consider ourselves so sophisticated and tolerant, as long as we’re not inconvenienced. I think one of the ways we can contribute to fight for life is through prayer. Don’t be fooled into thinking prayer is a passive tool. It is a valuable weapon for the believer. Use it and use it often. The only way a person who sides with abortion will ever see the truth is for their hearts to soften. God can do that. Sometimes when we need to justify our sin we become blind to the truth standing right in front of us.

Abortion is barbaric.

 Abortion annihilates humans.

 Abortion destroys so many lives left in the aftermath.

 We can help pick up the pieces. We can bring hope to men and women by showing them another way. One that leads not only to saving an actual life but healing for those caught in the lies and brokenness that the world applauds (Romans 1:32).

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Please go see this movie. This is an important movement we need to support. It is rated R for the violent scenes. Hello. Sometimes we have to look the truth in the face ourselves to remind us of the heartbreaking reality. Unfortunately our local Christian radio stations won’t advertise the film because it has an R rating. Perhaps because the movie isn’t exclusively Christian they won’t back it up?

Unplanned depicts real people in real life situations- it isn’t always tied up with a pretty bow. This is exactly who Christ came for. He redeems the messy, broken, and sin-sick. Us. Jesus finishes our stories. Hallelujah.

Grace upon grace,

April

p.s.- The previews to this movie are mostly garbage. I have no idea why they chose them with this particular film. Just letting you know ahead of time so maybe you can avoid seeing the previews.