Religious Hypocrites

A Florida teenager once made national news after he was arrested for an impersonation stunt.  Matthew, an 18 year old, wormed his way into being a Physician’s Assistant at a local hospital.  He had an I.D. badge, the right clothes and was even trusted by a doctor to do CPR on a patient.      

 
Matthew was a fake, pretender or an actor.  In a word he was a hypocrite.  Often people say the reason they do not attend church is because some religious hypocrite ruined it for them.  I have been in church since I was a little boy and have seen my share of these fake Christians.  

What is so frustrating is these Bible-toting pretenders appear to say and do all the right things and get away with it.  They go to church, speak good Christianeze and give the impression of being a good person, while many believe them.  However, in places or circumstances where the mask comes off, another side is exposed.  Their immorality, selfishness or anger surfaces.  People who witness this see first-hand the two-faced act being played out. 

Jesus once said these religious hypocrites will stand before Him on their day of reckoning and plead for mercy saying, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?” (Matthew 7:22).  Yet they will be utterly shocked to hear Jesus say, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Mathew 7:23).  We can fool others or even ourselves, but nobody can fool Jesus.   

“Unless one is born again”, Jesus clearly stated, “he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).  Being good some of the time is not good enough.  We must be born again through the work of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Then we must walk in loving and humble submission to Him, for Jesus tells us that “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).      

Stop being a pretender and start being real.  Surrender your whole life to Christ.  Call upon Him in a spirit of brokenness and be changed in a moment.  May Jesus be your hope for today.

A Sexually Tolerant Culture

Depending on your view point America is either evolving into a greater and more tolerant society or nose diving into moral oblivion.  Gradually, behaviors once thought socially taboo is now societal norms.  Fornication is two unmarried people who are sexually active.  Once there were laws on the books that were enforced to deter such a lifestyle.  The same goes for co-habitation, homosexuality and adultery.  One by one these laws have been reversed or no longer enforced.  As a result, pornography, incest, sexual trafficking, prostitution, rape have become dangerous and perverted spin offs of our sexually tolerant culture.  Truly we are living in the most sexualized period of American and world history.    

This new reality does not negate the eternal truth of choices and consequences.  Yes, millions celebrate as our nation, along with many others, progress morally.  However, my heart fears the coming day when the price must be paid for the moral path we have taken and then, cheers of joy will become tears of sorrow.         

I make a call for people to turn to Jesus and away from the rising tide of these new moral norms.  The legality, societal acceptance, and persuasive argument for them can easily sway you and me to go-along and join the swelling crowd. 

Jesus once spoke of the wide and narrow roads, both with very different journeys and destinations.  He said, “The gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13-14).  The wide road is filled with crowds pleasuring themselves without restraint.  The narrow road has few people because it is hard to turn away from the strong worldly appeals and walk in holiness before God.  Even so, for those who persevere, the reward is eternal life. 

What path do you choose?  If you want real, lasting life then pack up and send off your old ways.  However, realize it cannot be done on mere resolve with temptation all around.  You need to start with a new heart and mind.  Only Jesus, through His death and resurrection can give you the change and power to become a new man or woman.  Call on Him in faith right now and may He be your hope for today.

Does America Need God?

During September 1861 President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation calling for a national observance of "public humiliation, prayer and fasting." Why? Months earlier the Union troops came under fire at Fort Sumter sending the teetering nation into a bloody civil war. Lincoln discerned the days ahead would be long, dark and critical for the future of America. He urged his fellow countrymen to offer "fervent supplications to Almighty God for the safety and welfare of these States, His blessings on their arms, and a speedy restoration of peace." The President knew he needed power and wisdom beyond himself. He knew only the God of heaven and earth could save his divided nation.

Lincoln’s approach to a national crisis is much different than the modern era. Today’s leaders respond to a crisis by urging citizens to "rebuild", "not quit", promising to "bring justice" and "whatever resources are needed." It is a response that trusts in the people and government to overcome with no mention of the need for God or the problem of evil.

During these times it appears motivational and inspiring to urge people onward reminding them of the pioneering, self-reliant American spirit in our country’s history. Even so, is that really our best way to respond to tragedy, natural disasters, war, crime, economic turmoil and political divides?

One army faced great odds as they lined up for battle yet they succeeded. The reason for their success was based on who they trusted in. The Bible says "The men of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the Lord" (2 Chronicles 13:18). Almighty God is the one who raises up nations and allows them to crumble. We think too highly of ourselves if we believe America’s future rests in our hands alone. It reveals a national arrogance. The Scriptures say, "For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:6). During crises we do not need God’s opposition, rather we need His grace. 

There is only one being who is powerful enough to rescue America, Almighty God. When our nation faces crises may our leaders and a humble remnant bow before the Most High with unwavering faith and seek His intervention. May God Himself be our nation’s hope for today.