Prophecy(Pt. 1)!?

No one reads the Bible without giving some thought to the word “prophecy” and its meaning. Every word in the Bible is prophecy at some level. Prophecy—real prophecy—that is prophecy that is biblical and true, takes one of two forms (be careful, I’m setting you up).

 Prophecy is “forth telling.” “Forth telling” is declaring truth. You find the first example of this in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” You find it in Psalm 119: “How can a young man keep his ways pure?” The answer given, declared, is “by guarding it according to Your word.” Prophecy in its most common sense is stating the truth. In John 14:6, Jesus declared “I am the way, the truth, and the life… no one comes to the Father except through (by) Me.” Prophecy pure and simple.

 Look at the majority of Old Testament prophecy. The prophets confronted the leaders of Israel, the people of Israel, and others with the need to honor God as God and turn from their damning and deadly ways when each was doing what was right (for them) in their own sight. A simple example of this was Nathan’s confrontation and accusation when he told David, “You are the man!” If you want to see prophecy, look at the Decalogue (The Ten Commandments). “You shall have not steal…” Or, “You shall not bear false witness.” “Honor your father and your mother.” Forth telling… declaring truth.

 Looking to the New Testament, consider Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer.  “Sanctify them in truth… Your word is truth.” In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 we are told that an “elder shall be the husband of one wife…” We are told, “he must manage his household well” in order to show that he can manage the church and shepherd the flock of God. In Acts 4 we are told that there “is no other name under heaven given among men under heaven by which you can be saved.” Forth telling. Truth speaking. Prophecy.  

 Prophecy can also be “foretelling.” There so much regrettable confusion about this kind of prophecy. Ignorance isn’t bliss. It is a subset of “forth-telling.” It’s not separate. It’s a part or portion of forth-telling. Did you get that? Go back and read this again, beginning with “Prophecy can also be foretelling.” Foretelling is declaring truth before it is known, or some event before it takes place. Here’s where so much of the confusion lies.

 Prophecy is not (it is never) predictive as fallen humans, even saved ones, tend to believe. All prophecy is declarative. We read in Isaiah 46:10, “declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose…’” Here’s where many in the Church (note the capital C) lose their way. Someone once described Satan as the “ape of God.” Satan has a counterfeit, a cheap counterfeit at that, for every good thing God has. That’s why you have “fortune tellers,” horoscopes, shamans, medicine men, witch doctors, etc. in every indigenous culture and pagan religion. As but a shadow of the prophets of God, they have special powers, special anointings, and bring notoriety, attention, in some cases fame and fortune upon themselves. Balaam is one example. The witch of Endor is another. Your average tarot card reader is another. It’s a form of Gnosticism… higher, secret knowledge. They predict the future, like some mystical, spiritual meteorologist. These are false prophets.

 False prophets can be found anywhere and everywhere. Even inside the Church, your church (2 Peter 2:1). Jesus warned of them. Paul warned of them. Moses warned of them. They’ve plagued every culture. One of the better known secular examples is the Oracle of Delphi, in the history of ancient Greece. We offer this example from the history of the Oracle at Delphi as a key to unlocking the latent mystery of Christian false prophets (which should be an oxymoron):

 One day, a weary king came to the temple. He asked Apollo's oracle if he would win the battle. She smiled and told him a great king would win the battle. That was exactly what he had wanted to hear. He went away happy, leaving many gifts for the oracle behind him. When he led his men into battle, they lost. The king was killed. But people still flocked to Apollo's oracle. They knew she had told the truth. She had to tell the truth. What a pity the king had not listened.

 One of the hallmarks of pagan prophets and prophecy is a lack of specificity and clarity. “I see something like this… When I see you I see something like this…” “I think God is telling me this, but I could be wrong… so be careful.” This allows for “prophets” in the Church to garble the transmission of truth, to get it wrong—while being “truthful.” Imagine if Peter, David, Moses, Elijah, or any of the Old Testament Prophets or Apostles in the New Testament tried this! Imagine if Nathan said to David, “I think you are the man…” And David had replied, “It wasn’t me with Bathsheba, I was in Cleveland that day.” Imagine of Jesus had said, “Destroy this Temple and I think that maybe I will raise it up in three days…” Or Elijah, “it might not rain for a while… I can’t be sure, Ahab, but I think that’s what God is telling me… but don’t get too carried away. I might have missed something.’

 There is a difference between the spiritual meteorologist and the prophets of God. There is a difference between the predictions of fallible spiritual meteorologists and the sovereign, omnipotent declarations of God through speaking and writing prophets. The spiritual meteorologist is the false prophet who sometimes gets it right and other times gets it wrong (you know, like a broken clock with both its hands stuck at 12). The prophet of God, specific and clear, declares what God has decided before the foundation of the world.

 God has provided us with instruction in order to enable us to identify false prophets. Mercifully, God did this early in Deuteronomy 18—way back in the Pentateuch:

 “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16 just as you desired of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the LORD said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him. 20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ 21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18: 15-22).

 God provides us a contrast between a false prophet and a true prophet. Interestingly, here is a prophecy of the coming Messiah as well. First, all real prophets clearly state that they are speaking as mouthpieces of God. They don’t qualify, waffle, or say, “ah… well… I’m no prophet but…” Second, they don’t get the message wrong. They speak accurately and with precision as they forthtell and foretell the declarations of God. Those who get it wrong are false prophets (v. 22). Third, they are out in the open, not meeting in secret, like the witch of Endor with Saul.

 Today, in contrast to the theocratic kingdom of Israel, we do not execute false prophets. As verse 20 tells us, those who speak presumptuously in God’s name or in the name of some other gods (that’s an either… or… folks) were to experience capital punishment. As shocking as that may seem, when you consider the context of Deuteronomy 18, it is in the midst of other abominations that are capital crimes for which people were to be executed (Deuteronomy 18:9-14, for starters).

 What should a church do today? Well, since we are living in the age of grace, we show grace by walking them through the Matthew 18:15-17  process. Titus 3:10 provides a shortened process depending upon the confusion such an individual is causing in Christ’s church. In the “Church Age” we do not execute people. That is the province of duly constituted legal authority and government (Romans 13).

 There is one other hallmark of a false prophet. They operate outside the oversight of the elders of the local church. Like the witch of Endor, you will be brought to them in secret, or below the radar. You will not go through the elders of your local church to meet with one. It may happen outside the church, outside the care of your local church leaders.

 False prophets are as old as the earth. They still plague the people of God. They are more like the Oracle of Delphi than Elijah. They are vague rather than specific. Oh… and one other thing.

 False prophets often, though not always, have a word just for you. And you must then figure that word out and apply it.  There are two problems with this virtually every prophecy given in the Bible had to do with the greater good of God’s people, Israel or the Church. It wasn’t about you: “20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation…” (2 Peter 2:20). All spiritual gifts are for the common good—not personal benefit—and that includes prophecy! Think about it (and wait for part 2)!

 Meanwhile, pray for our upcoming series on the book of Revelation. Join us online or in person. Details to follow! Watch for Part 2!

What to Make of the Riot at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.

This was indeed a sad day for our nation. People lost their lives (and their minds). Follow this link to a biblical analysis and explanation of this sad and sinful affair. https://lnkd.in/gmgGkDc

In the Fullness of Time God Sent His Son... (Galatians 4:4-5)

First let me say, “Merry Christmas!” It is okay to say this as we celebrate the “First Advent” of the Savior.

It is this time of the year when we stop and pause, remembering the greatest gift ever given. Indeed, this is the time when we tend to remember most the “good news of great joy that will be for all people… for unto you a Savior has been born… Christ the Lord.” God sent His Son to rescue fallen and rudderless humanity from an eternity of alienation from His good grace.

As the angel told Joseph “He will save His people from their sins.” “His name shall be called Immanuel (which means God with us)” as the prophet Isaiah promised, foretelling of Christ’s coming 700 plus years earlier.

“Christ the Lord” speaks to God in the manger. One uniquely qualified to achieve for us what we could not achieve on our own—rescue! God became flesh and for a time dwelt among us as Jesus our Lord and Savior.

There has been no greater act of love before or since in the person and work of Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son that whoever believed in (entrusted their eternity and surrendered to) Him would not perish but have eternal life because He came, this time, to save the world not judge it.

God offers us a gift of forgiveness. It’s up to us to receive and embrace it. Forgiveness is only granted to those who do not push it away. This Christmas, if you haven’t already, I hope you’ll receive the gift of God, forgiveness and eternal life… a gift to be shared with others… a gift that keeps on giving, eternally!

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)

There’s no time like the present to become a child of God! Merry Christmas!

When Good People and Institutions Do Dumb, Unsupportable Things

Don’t worry, this is not our Christmas Season post. It’s a reminder that as Christians—as Christian churches—we are called upon to recognize and discern between error and truth. As a ministry, we have devoted a lot of attention to understanding and explaining why Critical Race Theory is another gospel.

Critical Theory is also another form of racism. By being racist it hopes to cure racism. That’s like saying by engaging in murder we hope to cure murder. So much for worldly wisdom.

Critical Theory is a cancer that is spreading in and through the Christian church. Even the Southern Baptist flirted with it before condemning it. You can read about that here. Thankfully, as Christians study thoughtfully study their Bibles they tend to come to their senses. In fact, our own denominational university and seminary TIU has flirted with Critical Theory, inviting activists to speak. You can watch examples of that here and here. Hopefully, they’ll find the wisdom to snap out of this sooner than later. You can read about that need here.

Now a major evangelical leader has embraced this unfortunate ideology and theology, Rick Warren. In the name of “equality” Rick Warren and Saddleback Church have established segregated online worship services for Blacks only. You can read about it here.

Separate but equal sounds more like Jim Crowe. Why do this? Rick Warren has done it to provide “a safe space” for Black people to watch his online service. What space could be safer than watching church in your own home or computer screen or smartphone? This is another example of the church and well-intended people trying to find relevance before a fallen world by becoming more like the culture by blending in and fitting in than standing out. No doubt Rick Warren’s heart is in the right place and his intentions are good. But such ham-handed attempts to be relevant render the Church irrelevant.

We live in a fallen world. It’s the Gospel, not gimmicks, that change lives, behaviors, and eternities. God’s word says we are not to make such distinctions (Galatians 3: 27-28). There is one race, the human race. It is wonderfully diverse. But there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism and we do not have the liberty to make artificial distinctions. As long as people sin there will be sinning. Sin includes murder, rape, racism, lying, selfishness, sexual immorality, etc. That’s why we tell people about the Savior and His story of reality.

Pope Francis Endorses Gay Civil Unions?

What was he thinking? Sometimes you just have to wonder what is going on. There's no doubt that God loves gay people. God loves all people. But God doesn't approve of all behaviors. Pope Benedict represents the Catholic Church. Many believe he is the "official" representative of Christianity. In October he endorsed gay civil unions, no doubt for well-intended sentiments.

He says he opposes gay marriage because marriage is a sacrament of the Catholic Church. Moreover, assuming he's read Matthew 19:4-6 where Jesus talks about God's purposes for marriage, Jesus states that God made humanity male and female from the very beginning and established marriage to be between one man and one woman. The Jewish leaders at this time had a cavalier attitude toward divorce and Jesus, in correcting them, reminded them of what the Torah said, citing Genesis 2:24.

What's the difference between a "Civil Union" and "Marriage." Ostensibly, the difference has to do with the officiants. One is secular while the other may be a member of clergy. But the purposes of the institutions are the same. And the pope makes that point in his quotation:

“Homosexuals have a right to be a part of the family," he says, "They’re children of God and have a right to a family." He added: “what we have to create is a civil union law... I stood up for that.”

For some, the word games or wordplay is more than a little frustrating. If God created marriage, the first human institution, then regardless of the officiant: a marriage is a marriage. The Pope can't have it both ways. If it is against God's will for a priest or other clergy to perform a marriage ceremony for a gay couple, then how can it be acceptable in the Pope's sight and God's sight for a judge or civil official to perform a civil or secular version (i.e. a civil union)? After all, as the Pope knows, the civil authorities, according to the Bible, (1 Peter 2; Romans 13) derive their authority from God.

Some suggest that this is a step in a longer process where Pope Francis hopes to set the table for normalizing gay marriage by setting the table for a successor to make an infallible papal declaration in the future. This type of activity is the practice of the Roman Catholic Church. Statements are made... without changing Roman Catholic Doctrine and they circulate and eventually, depending on the reception, an infallible declaration is made years, sometimes decades, sometimes 100 years in the future. You can learn more about how this works here.

In the meantime, many Catholics (including retired Pope Benedict) are left wondering what Pope Francis is up to. As a non-Catholic, I do not accept the authority of the Roman Catholic Church or the primacy of the Pope. As an interested observer, it is a head-scratcher.

As a Christian Pastor, I have compassion for homosexuals male or female. At the same time, God’s word is clear on the matter (Romans 1:18-32). Pope Francis well-intentioned as he might be has been unkind to heterosexuals and homosexuals by creating artificial distinctions between a church wedding and a civil union. If he believes civil unions for gays are needed, then he, likewise, needs to say that Roman Catholic priests are allowed to marry gay couples as well. From an integrity perspective, he can’t have it both ways.

A Society that Suffers from Structural and Systemic Racism?

I’m often asked about our nation’s systemic and structural racism. I’m reminded that Jesus said, of the saving gospel of grace, “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32).” There’s a principle there that speaks to not being damned or imprisoned by lies… lies about eternal life and arguably lies about anything else. Truth is liberating. One of the more confounding phenomena of our time is the New York Times’ “1619 Project.” There was a time when the New York Times functioned as a reliable newspaper. Those times are now in the past. The “1619 Project” is an attempt to propagate lies about our past which are not supported by the facts. I only write today because they’ve chosen to slander Christ as well, as well  as His Church. Now of course the New York Times and the 1619 Project have come under scrutiny and they seem to be revising the document almost daily to cover their misrepresentations. You can learn more about that here.

 Here’s why we can say our nation is neither systemically or structurally racist. Consider this  shortlist of historical facts that should provide even the shallowest of the woke thinkers food for thought.

• Yes, George Washington was a slave owner. But Washington freed his slaves at his death, providing pensions for those who could not provide for themselves and providing for the education and vocational training for some who lacked parents and freedom for them after the age of 25.  Should we then tear down his statue and expunge all memory of him for being a man of his time? The wokest of the woke fail to live up to their own ideas as well.

• Thomas Jefferson wanted slavery condemned in the declaration of independence but many feared losing the south in the war against the British. Jefferson referred to slavery as an “abominable crime.” And yet he owned slaves. Unforgiveable? Read the founding documents—Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther King (and others) relied on his ideals as the foundation of the Civil Rights Movement. Should we expunge all memory and honor of them from our past.

• The reality is that slavery never took hold in some states because the people opposed it and “freemen” were common in northern states, some serving as pastors in predominately white churches. Some in the 1700’s married white women. imagine that—how would that be possible in such a repressive and evil country like ours? Must we condemn everyone as evil and oppressive?

• An entire civil war was fought with a death toll of 750,000 men out of a total population of 31 million (2.4% of the total population or almost 5% of the male population). Remember Gettysburg (10,000 killed; 30,000 wounded). the abolition of slavery figured prominently in the war. Many believe the civil war was god’s judgement. “White men” fought for freedom of all people—including slaves. Where was their white fragility and privilege and blindness?

• President Abraham Lincoln issued and executed the emancipation proclamation (imperfectly).

• The Emancipation Proclamation was soon followed by the 13th amendment to the constitution in 1865. Effectively sounding the death knell for slavery in the United States.

• The 13th amendment  gave the newly freed slaves (and others) full rights of citizenship and the right to vote. Did that cure things and end all sin? No… souls are changed one soul at a time with the gospel, nothing less. But it was a step in the right direction. Why did a country of 31 million, with barely 3 million newly minted “African Americans” do such a thing? In a word: ideals. What should we make of the evil “white men” (women could not yet vote) who passed this legislation? What do we make of a country that did so for a small, powerless and largely voiceless minority who took such an unprecedented and bold step? Consider the amendments that followed!

• In 1870 Hiram Revels, the first black us senator, was elected in Mississippi.  He was a Republican. Since then, numerous congressmen and congresswomen and senators of all colors have since followed in his footsteps. How were such people elected in a nation with systemic and structural racism and overwhelming white majorities? Even today, African Americans make up less than 14% of the population and far less a percentage of the voting public. How is this possible in such a racist nation?

• The Federal Government frequently stepped in attempting to ensure voting rights and rights of citizenship for people of color. Why? Who took these actions? Who supported them? Why did they do this? Short answer: the foundational ideals contained in the nation’s founding documents. Did less than 14% of the population compel 86% of the population, the majority of whom are said to be evil racists to do their bidding or were they imperfect people trying to live up to an ideal?

• President Harry S. Truman desegregated the United States military by executive order in 1948, establishing the president's committee on equality of treatment and opportunity in the armed services. What moved the President to do this? Did he rely on pressure from a black majority voting populace? Wasn’t he supposed to be an evil racist? Why did he do this? Shouldn’t we tear down his statue? Should we revile his memory and achievements? All or some?

• in 1954 segregation in schools was declared unconstitutional (Brown v. the Board of Education) by “white,” male Supreme Court Justices. How is that possible?

• In 1957 Republican president Dwight Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas to integrate public high schools and ensure the safety of Black students. Why? The founding ideals of this nation and the ruling of an all-white Supreme Court. In 1963 federal troops and the Alabama national guard were deployed to desegregate the university of Alabama.How could it happen in a country dominated by racism?

• In 1964 congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 tightening and strengthening laws against discrimination against people according to race, age, and sex. Why would a predominately racist congress, senate, and president put such legislation into law? Who elected and re-elected them?

• In 1967 the first Black supreme court justice, Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the us supreme court. Who appointed him—a Black President? Marshall was followed decades later by Clarence Thomas (1991). Who appointed Thomas? There has been a black supreme court justice sitting on the us supreme court for over 53 years.

• Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan integrated the Space Program, demanding the inclusion of Blacks, Hispanics, Asian, and Women in the Space Shuttle Project.

• In 1987 President Ronald Reagan appointed Colin Powell the first African American national security advisor. wasn’t Reagan a racist? Shortly thereafter, in 1989, George H. W. Bush appointed Colin Powell as the first Black chairman of the joint chiefs of staff over all us military operations. His on later appointed him Secretary of State. We are told these presidents were racists and Nazi types. How could that be?

• Barack Obama  was elected president twice, 2008 and 2012. Black people made up less than 14% of the U.S. population. Who were these voters, then, who elected (and reelected) President Obama? if America is structurally racist and racism is systemic, how was he re-elected and by whom?

• Between 1964 and 2014 between $15 trillion and $22 trillion dollars were spent in the war on poverty. Who elected these politicians over time? and why did they commit so many financial resources? Weren’t most of them racists or white supremacists? Even today African Americans make up barely 14% of the population who are the other 86% who vote for such programs?

 What does all this mean? Could it be that, as history suggests, this nation isn’t as historically racist and oppressive as some would suggest? Does all this excuse racism, discrimination, etc. that has stained our history?

What does all this mean? It means that we are a nation of sinners who sometimes fail to live up to our ideals. Just as Christians fail to perfectly honor Christ? Does that excuse sin? No. Sin is sin. We can do better as Christians just as our nation can do better.

Hard Truth versus Harsh Truth (God is Love vs. Love is God)

In a church culture where too many confuse God is love with Love is God a pastor will often face the criticism for his harsh preaching. It’s not that pastors don’t on occasion say things harshly, being human they do. However, for some harsh preaching invariably has more to do with teaching hard truths. Consider some of the hard things Jesus said:

Mark 7:8-13: You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” 9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

How about this one:

Matt. 7:21-27 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

These are example of hard teachings. And then there’s what Jesus said to an old religious man:

John 3: 3-4; 9--10: Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?

Was Jesus being harsh? Or was He being very, very loving and confronting a religious person who was lost and needed to hear the life-saving truth? Imagine Jesus telling a church person that all their religious deeds meant nothing without a heart surrendered to God (Matthew 7:21-23). All the works in the world won’t save. Would that be a nice thing to say to a nice person? There are too many nice people in Hell already.

Is it harsh to challenge someone to do something they normally wouldn’t want to do? Is it harsh to tell someone news they don’t want to hear? Put another way, is it loving to usher a nervous passenger into a lifeboat to rescue them from a sinking Titanic or continue to let them arrange the deck chairs as the ship goes down? Would it be more loving for an oncologist to tell a patient that “everything’s going to be alright—nothing to worry about…”letting leave the office believing they did not have cancer—- or would it be more loving to give them the hard truth that they have stage two lung cancer and are in need of immediate treatment.

Is it more loving to say the hard things or less loving? Is it harsh to tell someone things may not be alright and let them go on the path they’ve chosen as is? In our “Love is God” culture being nice is more important than being truthful. In a God is love culture we are better off speaking the hard truths even if we are accused of being harsh. That’s loving God and our neighbor. God is love and love is not God. Sometimes nice just doesn’t cut it because it’s worldly concept that elevates its version of love to God and misunderstands and wrongly applies “God is love.”

How Do I Vote?

I am often asked how do I vote. As a pastor, I do not tell people who to vote for and neither does Hillside Church. I do tell people to vote their convictions. Candidates come and go. One’s convictions remain. It comes down to worldview.

 In this election, we have two presidential candidates that claim to be “people of faith” but do not seem to be born again Christians. But I do not vote for candidates, I vote for worldviews. Behind each candidate is a group that advocates a worldview the other does not.

Only one group has a Pro-life platform. Only one group claims to support what some call “Traditional Marriage,” marriage between one man and one woman.   Only one group seems inclined to allow us to exercise our freedom of religion without onerous restrictions and persecution. One group tends to characterize Christians as homophobes and Islamophobes. One group does not. One group endorses Critical Theory and Intersectionality and one does not. Two groups… two worldviews.

I cannot support the unfettered dismemberment and murder of unborn human beings who have no voice or a group who does. And I do not support a concept of marriage that is antithetical to Christianity. I vote according to my worldview—and so should you. What is your worldview?

The Tone Police and Tone Shaming

Our words are important to God. Ephesians 4:29 warns us to let no unwholesome word proceed from our mouths but only words that build up and give grace. Proverbs tells us that the wounds of a friend are better than the kisses of an enemy as well as the words of the rash are like the thrusts of a sword but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Our words are important to God.

 Sometimes words sting (faithful are the wounds of a friend). Come to think of it, the Gospel can sting. No one wants to be told they are a sinner. We like to think we are as good as the next person.

 We need to be careful with our speech; yet, sometimes the truth hurts. We see examples of blunt speech in the Bible that hurt and healed. Nathan confronted David, “You are the man!” John the baptist confronted the Jewish leaders who came to the Jordan with mixed motives, “Brood of vipers, who told you to flee from the wrath to come?” Jesus confronted Peter who promised to die for Him, “Will you die for me… before the cock crows you will deny three times.” In these passages, Jesus and John confronted very publicly. Sometimes as Christians, as leaders, we are called to make difficult public statements. Hopefully, it’s not something like “brood of vipers…” But sometimes what we say is just as tough, just as necessary, and just as needed.

 Enter “the Tone Police.” Who, what, are the tone police? The tone police engage in “tone shaming.” Rather than grapple with the truth, they would rather deal with how they wish the truth was presented. For them it’s too often all about form and little about substance. Many are easily offended. Some engage in moral outrage or grievance. Some are more subtle. So the focus becomes all the ways it could have been said differently rather than about truth. “Couldn’t you said this nicer?” “Couldn’t you said this with less conviction?” “Couldn’t you have avoided the topic altogether, somehow?” “Did you have to be so blunt?” “Did you have to be so dogmatic?” In the end, often but not always, they would rather focus on form over substance. This sometimes reveals one of two things: (1) a lack of conviction; (2) a lack of understanding or belief.

 Jesus publicly called the Jewish leaders “sons of hell” or “children of hell. (Matthew 23:15)” He told them that they were of or like their father the devil. Hard words. And yet out of love He consistently engaged them, challenging them. Paul publicly confronted Peter to his face in a most embarrassing manner (Galatians 2:11). The writers of Scripture often named names. Jesus referred to Herod as “that fox.” Not a positive description. What’s my point?

 Many want to be liked—that’s not always possible for Christians.  Many in the church want to be seen by the culture as likeable. And while we should not go out of our way to be contentious or controversial, neither should we as Christians avoid controversy or forcefully speaking the truth (with a motive of love). Sometimes love is tough. Sometimes, as leaders we must protect the flock from wolves. Good shepherds are hard on wolves. We live in a Christian-hostile culture that opposes almost every tenet of biblical Christianity. If we are faithful, then we will not be liked. Jesus pointed that out to His followers. They hated Me, they will hate you. A student isn’t above his teacher… a slave isn’t above his master (John 15:18-20). We will have tribulation in this world. Don’t get carried away with being liked.

 When the tone police come and engage in tone shaming don’t fret. At the same time listen politely, check your motives and your speech. But do not compromise for the sake of the approval of men. We don’t want to bring reproach upon the name of Christ through careless speech. Nevertheless, we can’t serve two masters, Christ and the culture. We will love one and neglect the other. So be circumspect. And be faithful. The cross is an offense. The Gospel divides. We cannot make peace with the culture at the expense of the Truth. It’s a delicate dance. It’s a fine line. But in the end, if you had to be a little rude to get someone off the Titanic and into a life boat, in the end they’d be glad. Our culture is a Titanic and we must engage in the difficult task of getting people, humanly speaking, into the lifeboat that is the gospel. We have to wake them from their sleep or complacency, from a slumber. Sometimes we shake them. At the same time, we are frail and fallen human beings. We will make mistakes. That said, don’t worry about “The Tone Police” and their “Tone Shaming.” Worry about souls.

Critical Theory's Incompatibility with Christianity (A Position Statement)

Many people of goodwill earnestly desire to combat injustice, eradicate racism, and eliminate oppression. Who wouldn’t? I do. This is true of men and women inside and outside Christianity.

 At the same time, we know, from “lived experience” (or history) that those who forget the errors and excesses of the past are doomed to repeat them. One of the challenges society faces (including those inside and outside the Church) is that our culture over the last 75 years has become increasingly less literate, less well-read, and has largely forgotten the lessons of the past while calling others “ignorant.” Consequently, when old ideas repackaged for today (Ecclesiastes 1:9) are presented they are often accepted uncritically because they sound good to the unschooled ear (Proverbs 14:12): “12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”  Such is the cost of true ignorance.

 The Apostle Paul warns us to “see to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ,“ in Colossians 2:8. Many well-intended Christians (and Christian institutions) have inadvertently ignored this warning, from the Southern Baptist Convention and at least two of its seminaries to groups closer to home. People of goodwill undiscerningly embark on the Intersectionality Train unaware that it leads to a catastrophic crash and a clash of worldviews. Having just completed a thorough examination, we want to summarize Hillside Church’s view on Critical Theory and Intersectionality within the Christian experience.

Let’s understand what Critical (Race) Theory is and is not. It is a worldview. It is not about race although race is the dominant theme in our culture—for now. Critical theory is a worldview that divides humanity into two competing, or warring, tribes, the oppressor and the oppressed.  The oppressor is anyone who has a real or perceived advantage over others. Think of it this way, Critical theory sees only two types of people in this world. Those with power are the powerful. Those without are the powerless. The base assumption of Critical Theory (and Intersectionality) is that the powerful always, always oppress the powerless. Consequently, the oppressed, or the powerless, possess a greater degree of moral authority. Vis-à-vis their oppression they tend to see the world as it is and possess greater moral clarity. The powerful or the oppressor have become numb to the plight of the oppressed. Their oppressiveness (or these days, “whiteness”) renders them ignorant or clueless. Oppressiveness and privilege are simply part of their moral and societal DNA. It’s who they are, oppressors, and what they do—oppress. Occasionally, the oppressed become so accustomed to their plight they see it as normal. Critical Theorists call this internalizing oppression. Intersectionality is a philosophy that serves as a sort of a force multiplier within Critical Theory. People may belong to more than one oppressed group or more than one oppressor group. Here is a shortlist of oppressor groups: heterosexuals, “Whites (capital ‘w’),” males, and Europeans. Here is a shortlist of oppressed groups: gays and lesbians, transgendered people, “Blacks (capital ‘b’), females, and other people of color.

Intersectionality assigns demerits based upon how many oppressor groups one falls into while assigning merits or privilege points depending upon how many oppressed groups one falls into. Based on this system society is to show you some level of partiality as determined by where you fall within the intersectional hierarchy. Typically, terms like hierarchy and privilege are considered negatives but the reality is this is true only when applied to oppressor groups to their advantage.

 On an Intersectional continuum, a white, heterosexual male of European descent would be the proto-oppressor, or the archetypal oppressor, finding himself on the lowest level of the intersectional totem. He would have the least amount of moral authority as well as the greatest amount of moral responsibility because he is part of an oppressive tribe that has mistreated others down through the centuries. When speaking into matters of race or culture the White, heterosexual male of European descent would do well, in the eyes of Critical Theorists, to “shut up and listen.” A Black heterosexual male would have more moral authority because, being Black, he is a member of an oppressed group. However, a Black heterosexual male is at the same time a member of two oppressor groups: heterosexuals and males. Consequently, he would have less moral authority than a Black, heterosexual female, who is a member of two oppressed groups: Blacks and females. Therefore, she has more moral authority or privilege. She is able to tell the Black, heterosexual male to “shut up and listen.” However, she, herself, must confront the reality that she is an oppressor, herself. After all, she is heterosexual. When confronted by a Black lesbian, it is her turn to shut up and listen because the Black lesbian is a member of three oppressed groups: female, Black, and she is not heterosexual. Nevertheless, in the ranking and privilege system of Critical Theory and Intersectionality, she is outranked in terms of moral authority by a Black, Trans woman (perhaps in transition). The lesbian is an oppressor vis-à-vis her gender assignment, resulting in her need to “shut up and listen” to the Black trans woman who is a member of no oppressor group, per se.

 Counterintuitively, the greater one’s moral authority on the scale of Intersectional privilege, the less moral responsibility they have. This is what separates “Social Justice” from “Justice.” “Justice, based on either the Bible or the rule of law, asks the question, “Was a crime committed and who committed it.” “Social Justice” asks why did the person commit this crime (and against whom)? Depending on one’s level of moral authority and oppression one has a greater privilege than others and may get somewhat of a proverbial pass for their crime if committed for the right reason against the right level of oppressor. Rioting and looting are often described as reparations. It is part of human nature to see an oppressor get his or even her ‘comeuppance.’ It is understood that some degree of partiality must be shown to the oppressed or the poor and less concern for the great or the powerful.

 Tragically, it is these types of power relationships that have led to the collapse of the attempts at Utopia via Critical Theory over the centuries. The power relationships created by Intersectionality breed new oppressor groups, many of whom were once numbered among the oppressed, as they invariably fall into the trap of embracing the oppression of others. Critical Theory and Intersectionality facilitates, if not create, a culture of revenge. This is also inspired by a desire for ideological purity. The more pure look down upon and invariably oppress the less pure, who are quite often described as counter-revolutionary or traitors. Additionally, in a quest for societal and Utopian purity, the impure are often eliminated. Today, this can be relatively bloodless. We call this canceling or de-platforming. This might involve a professor losing tenure or her faculty position. It may involve a department head’s forced resignation. An entire board could be removed. One sees this done with an increasing fundamentalist further. We are reminded that another word for Worldview is religion. Critical Theory proponents down through the centuries have evolved (devolved) a religious fervor in the quest for doctrinal purity. In almost every occasion in history, this has led to near genocide and violence (The French Revolution of 1789, the Russian Revolution of 1917 and forward, National Socialism’s ascendency in Germany from 1933 to 1945, China’s Cultural Revolution followed by the Great Leap Forward, Pol Pot’s Cambodia from 1975 onward, to the present situation in Venezuela. In every case, the quest for a utopian condition led to violence, death, and greater suffering than the previous hegemony, unbelievable as it seems. Even the autonomous zone in Seattle (CHAZZ or CHOP) things quickly went totalitarian with unpredictable detentions, interrogations, beatings, and at least 4 deaths.  Why is this?

 Christianity and Critical Theory are incompatible worldviews. They are polar opposites. Admirably, each seeks to address the challenges of a fallen world and the inequities that are bound to result. However, each as a diametrically opposed view of God, humanity, sin, salvation, and holy books. Critical Theory assumes that God does not exist. Intersectionality fails to recognize or account for that God is at work redeeming a fallen world where humanity sought autonomy from the hegemony of God, Himself. Neither understands the sovereignty of God or the fallenness of humanity. As a Naturalist philosophy, Critical Theory and Intersectionality (the two are inseparable) fails to consider that God gifts people, places people, and calls this into roles of privilege and power (think Joseph or Moses), having raised them up for a specific time and a specific mission.  Neither understands that God causes all things to work together for good (Romans 8:28) and even what some intend for evil God intends for good (Genesis 50:20). Believing humans to be divine or perfectible, Critical Theory fails to account for sin—there is none righteous, no not one… all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. While the Bible spells out and defines sin at the most basic levels in all its permutations, starting with the Ten Commandments, Critical Theory defines sin as the exercise of (or projection of) power. Sin is a collective, race, or class issue rather than a personal one. The soul, the individual, who sins shall perish (Ezekiel 18:20). Intersectionality and Critical Theory see salvation as social liberation, activism, and protest. It comes through works, as part of a works-based religion or worldview. Christ insists that salvation is by grace not works (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that each person who is saved has a special, personal mission to fulfill (Ephesians 2:10). God says I will remember your sins no more. Critical Theory insists on penance, reparations—a comeuppance. There is no grace. The artificial distinctions Critical Theory makes contradict God’s will and God’s word (Galatians 3:28-29 and Acts 17:26).

 As a result of these fatal flaws, Critical Theory makes the wrong diagnosis of what ails society and prescribes a deadly poison as its panacea for what ails humanity. While Critical Theory and Intersectionality have the benefit of surfacing issues that must not and cannot be ignored, their erroneous prescription is doomed to fail as it has for hundreds if not thousands of years. A new order and a new world start with new life, which only comes through Christ changing us from the inside out (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26-27). Races, classes, genders, and humans cannot be reconciled to one another until individuals are first reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to change themselves, become Spirit-empowered new creations.

Invariably, as the Southern Baptist Convention did in 2019, someone will suggest we “spit out the bones but swallow the meat.” Even if one ‘spits out the bones,’ the meat is infused with the deadliest of poisons—what amounts to a satanic worldview. That’s because Critical Theory has its own canon of scriptures. It denies Scripture at it core, replacing Matthew, Mark, Luke, et al with Cone, DiAngelo, Fendi, and Marx. It has a wrong view of God, a wrong view of humanity, a wrong view of sin, a wrong view of salvation, and a wrong view of truth. Christians imbibing this dangerous brew end of with faith plus… the Gospel plus… much like the Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons have the Bible plus added holy books that “clarify” Scripture or at least purport to do so.

Critical Theory violates God’s justice, with a perverse view of justice, from holding those accountable for sins they themselves did not commit because they are members of a so-called oppressive people group to showing partiality to the poor in the name of “social justice:”

“Now suppose this man fathers a son who sees all the sins that his father has done; he sees, and does not do likewise… 16 does not oppress anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment… 17 he shall not die for his father’s iniquity; he shall surely live. 19 “Yet you say, ‘Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live. 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself… 25 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ … Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just? (Ezekiel 18:15-25)

 “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD. 17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:15-18)

 For a greater exposition of these passages go here.

 Critical Theory is, at its root, contra-Christian. It outwardly seems and seeks to do good but in reality seems determined to do harm. It is the proverbial Trojan Horse that rides along with well-intended people of good will—even in the church—but sooner or later infiltrates and destroys all it touches. This is one reason why we hosted last week’s conference on Critical Theory in our discussion Race to Reconciliation. This is why we taught an entire sermon series on Race, Racism, and Reconciliation. For these reasons, as Leadership, our elders have determined that we will not support any group that embraces or tolerates this harmful and damning worldview, despite their seemingly good intentions. This includes missionaries, mission agencies, seminaries, denominations, parachurch organizations, and Christian colleges and universities. We know that many uncritically embrace these ideas in ignorance. However, in shepherding the flock of God, we are to protect our people, given them (and their children) guidance, and exercise careful stewardship over the Lord’s resources in the process.

Let’s understand that one can hate racism and reject Critical Theory. It’s not one or the other. There is a biblical path between these. Christendom and Christians do well to understand this. We live in a world of extremes. We desire a biblical balance.

The Death of the Academy and Its Effect on Public Education

(Is it Time to Leave?)

God’s word says that we are “to train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.” This is proverbial wisdom—not a covenant promise. That said, it all comes down to who is teaching and what is being taught.

Before I begin this essay, let me say that I have good friends in several states who are public school teachers. These believers see this as their ministry and calling. The work they do is difficult AND OF ETERNAL CONSEQUENCE. I have the utmost respect and regard for all educators. Theirs is a difficult job that is only becoming more difficult.

That said, let me say that much if not most of academia has transitioned from being an agent and means of education to being a means of indoctrination. Specifically, I’m referring to public schools, K-12. If you don’t think so, go online; pick a search engine of your choice, and search for articles on the topic. I’ve done some of the work for you here and here. Now, cross reference these articles all you like. There are tons. This is the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Even the sciences are tainted. It didn’t use to be that way. Hard, objective science is gradually being replaced by ideology. Put your hand on your wallet when someone tells you the science is settled about matters of gender as a social construct or sex in terms of a spectrum. Solid scientists who differ based on the facts are leaving the academy. If you don’t believe me, look here and here. Not even the arts are untouched. Look here and here. The last article is university curriculum teaching “teachers” how to weave critical theory into music classes for 6th graders. All of this is inherently anti-Christian and anti-biblical.

 This begs the questions, “What now, what next?” What’s a parent to do? Protect your student! Some argue it’s time for a “schexit.” Not to be cute, it’s time to consider alternative means of educating your students. No matter how dedicated and or well-intended the teachers are: they will be forced to “teach the curriculum” or lose their job. Many are choosing to retire.

 What are your alternatives? Well, some have been forced to “homeschool” via the government schools because of COVID. Providentially, there is some protection in this—for now. Some will choose pre-COVID home education as an option. Homeschooling is not for everyone. My wife and I homeschooled one child from K through 12th grade. We homeschooled up to 10th grade and then put her in a 5,000 student public school—where she did well. Ours was a disciplined education and discipleship process. My observations about the homeschool environment is there are at least 4 kinds of homeschoolers, not to over generalize. 

 There’s the non-conformist who marches to his or her own drum. Often their children are always half a year to a year behind. The parent is passive and undisciplined (and so is the child). They are a poster-child for the anti-homeschool movement. Often their children are social awkward. Truthfully, this is a small fraction of the ‘movement.’

 There’s the elite athlete-musician family (or some other field of endeavor) and the flexibility offered here allows their child to excel unfettered by nonsensical “equality of outcome” ideologically charged educational philosophies. These are both secular families and religious families.

 There are religious homeschoolers who wish to instill a Christian worldview and seek to inculcate this worldview before the “world” can socialize their children. They understand the early years are formative and that their time with their children is short and they wish to prepare them to see the world through the lens of a biblical worldview.

There are also special needs families who homeschool for a variety of reasons ranging from health to behavioral. These, too, tend to be religious and secular.

 Naturally, there are all kinds of variants and hybrids of the models I listed above. Suffice it to say I reject the mythology that homeschooling a son or daughter some how hinders their socialization. It no more hinders them than it does having a son or daughter in a public school or a private school. Each has its own ecosystem with its strengths and weakness—real or imagined based upon one’s perspective or bias.

 Let’s not forget charter schools. Based on your geography and context (and applied abilities) it is possible to minimize the indoctrination by going the charter school route. However, teachers’ unions and governments are increasingly seeking to limit charter schools. Nonetheless, they remain a workable alternative.

 Finally, let’s talk about private school education. These usually present themselves in three varieties: parochial (think Catholic and or Lutheran schools), Christian (protestant) private schools, and other private schools—many designed to give a leg up into an elite (Ivy League) education.

 We have several outstanding private schools in our area. Indeed, the one of the largest (if not the largest) Christian schools in the country is here in San Jose, as are many fine other Christian Schools (as we will see in a moment). Private schools like anything else present their own challenges (and worldviews). As in the case of higher Christian Education, buyer beware. Listen to chapel services, look for statements of beliefs; ask tough questions. One pricey secular private school in New York had an indoctrination program on critical theory that would make most colleges in California jealous.

 This begs another question: “What if I can’t afford a private Christian school?” To this I offer two responses. First, almost all offer scholarships of some kind. Also, the Christian community in one form or another provides believers ways to receive discounts. You can find an example of this in the San Francisco Bay Area (and Silicon Valley) for discounts of up to 50% off tuition right here.

 Consider your options wisely. Eternities may be at stake.

 Before I close this essay, let me say (again) that I have good friends in several states who are public school teachers. These believers see this as their ministry and calling. The work they do is difficult AND OF ETERNAL CONSEQUENCE. I have the utmost respect and regard for all educators. But educators will tell you that their tenures are increasingly at risk. Unions, policies, and the culture are zeroing in on many. Some will retire mostly unscathed. Many will not. Pray for them (and all teachers, everywhere).

 In the meantime, understand the pressures any student faces in a public school—government school setting. Pressures to conform come to bear on them from teachers, the environment itself, and peers—6 hours a day and 5 days a week. Extra-curricular events and activities reinforce this pressure. It’s becoming a full court press from kindergarten through 12th grade. No one has more access to your children than teachers and students—except maybe, maybe, you. And many times students share very little about what they are thinking or facing at those difficult ages. You only find out later… I’m reminded that 75% of students who graduate high school do not return to church after college—nor do they attend church. Admittedly, some things are beyond a parent’s control. Many things are not. Think about it!

 In the meantime, what can you as a parent (or grandparent) do? Engage your children. Ask them daily what they are learning… how they are doing. Dig… persist… invest. Listen! Don’t fall into the ‘quality time’ trap. Without quantity time there is no quality time. Spend time with your children. Protect, guide, and shepherd their hearts and minds. Bring them to church (and youth group). Ask questions. Answer questions. If you don’t know an answer explain you’ll try and find out. Listen to them.

 And if you want to take them out of public school. Do it. You are the parent. If you don’t think you can afford it. Cut your household expenses. Explore your options. Look for grants and scholarships. You’ll be glad you did (and ultimately—so will they).

 Last and not least, our September 23rd podcast (this coming Wednesday-podcast 005) will discuss this topic more fully. You can find it here on Apple Podcasts and here on our Podcast site. In the meantime, strongly consider organizing other parents (like-minded parents) to resist this indoctrination. (Respectfully) confront teachers, principals, school boards. There’s so much at stake.

Why Don’t You Live Out Your Beliefs and Not Wear a Mask, Pastor?

(1 Corinthians 9:19-23 and Romans 14, for starters)

 Pastoral ministry is the most blessed “job” I’ve ever had and also the most difficult. God calls pastors to shepherd the flock of God as an example, never lording to role of elder over the people. The word shepherd implies responsibility and authority. It includes danger and safety. Sheep in the ancient near east, and even today, are nervous, fragile creatures that are a challenge to care for. They are easy pray for predators. They also harm themselves. Occasionally, they harm the shepherd as well as other sheep. I guess that’s why God uses them as a metaphor for people, the people of God, in particular.

 All of which brings us to today’s political climate, today’s pandemic, and the matter of masks. Why do I, as a pastor, wear a mask? To be clear, I don’t believe masks do any good. I suppose there is a special type of mask that perfectly filters the air one breaths in and breaths out. I sincerely doubt that most people have access to these. I’ve seen one healthcare professional describe it this way.

 Think of a virus as a 6 foot tall man. In relation to the fabric and the gaps between threads in your mask, a virus is a 6 foot tall man walking through a 60 foot tall and nearly 60 foot wide doorway.

 You don’t have to be an interpretative whiz or scientist to see the implications of this statement. I’ve spoken to a number of health care professionals, scientists, and at least one PhD in micro-biology. I’ve spoken to an individual who wrote the infectious disease protocols for a hospital and research facility. Talk to 15 experts and you get 8-10 different opinions, all based on “science.” But when it comes to actual prevention, I’m told that a mask is like a “lucky rabbit’s foot.” If it makes you feel safe, then take it and wear it.

 At our outdoor services, we ask people to wear masks. Why? Numbers of reasons. The reality is should you have a cold or a cough it does restrain the distance you can expectorate bodily fluids. That said, we do ask people who are sick, who may be sick, regardless of what they are sick with, not to come. But there are others to consider—namely those who believe in masks. And so we seek to ally their fears. Biblically, we, as Christians, are always to place the concern or concerns of others above ourselves—doing nothing from selfish ambition (Philippians 2: 3-4). Paul writes elsewhere:

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak, I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means, I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

 Once again, you don’t have to be an interpretive genius or a Greek scholar to understand the meaning, implications, significance, and applications of this text. It’s the same idea Paul communicates in Romans 14:

 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10   Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12  So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:1-12)

 Do I think that the government has over-reached in this pandemic? I do. Does it bother me? It does. Do I think the government is using the pandemic to extend its reach (and over-reach)? Yes. Will all this affect my vote? You bet it will. Will that matter in California? Probably not; the state is too far gone already.

 But…

 I never confuse my politics, my patriotism, or any ideology for my Christianity. Such idols only get in the way and rob God of worship. I am, first and foremost a citizen of heaven, a follower of Christ. I love my country. It is the greatest country on God’s green earth. But… as Paul writes:

 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.  8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.( 2 Timothy 2:4-10)

 And so, I wear a mask at outdoor services until I preach out of respect for either the needs or fears of others. Then it comes off. I do it for the sake of others who might be “the weaker brother or sister.” This is no slight at them, or you—should you disagree with me. Wearing a mask in such circumstances is a small sacrifice. I have no nail prints in my hands or feet. Do you? What are you willing to do for the sake of the Gospel? Wear a mask? So, let’s be mindful of the fears and needs of others for the sake of the gospel.