Bathroom Bullies

"Bathroom bullies"? Wow. I think the author of this article might be a bit confused! I point this out, because it is almost hidden within the text of the article and yet it says so much. Who are the "bathroom bullies"? Let's take a look. A little information about the author from Wikipedia - John Pavlovitz is an American Christian pastor and author, known for his social and political writings from a liberal Christian perspective. Wikipedia (emphasis in bold, mine)

Enough said. But I am going to share what I think, anyway. ;-) That's why I blog.

This article is a classic example of "Progressive Christianity".  I want to address it, because progressive Christianity is a danger to our faith and to our nation.

Clearly, this man has some confusion about what a Christian should be; OR this is an intentional attack on evangelical Christians of old and those who stand firm in their faith today. Some people have a need to believe and support this ideology because they don't like what God calls sin. (I don't think it's a sin to only want females in girls' bathrooms.) The loudest ones have a political agenda with attempts to destroy the church from within, before their politics can become effective. Others are simply, but dangerously deceived. I will not be one who remains silent about those who are purposefully deceiving others by "Progressive Christianity" and a possible paved path to Hell.

I know throwing a bunch of Scriptures at someone is no way to draw an unbeliever into our faith. But this is not to reach those who are unsaved. This is to reach those that might be finding themselves sucked into the dogma of what has come to be known as "Progressive Christianity".

Below are Pavlovitz points. Let me make a few comment on each of his points and apply Scripture to them. My points will be in blue for clarity. And in order to easily find the Chapter and Verse I have placed them in red. This is not, by any means, an exhaustive list of Scripture verses on the subjects. This is simply what I have committed to memory and why I know Pavlovitz must be refuted. The Bible tells us so. He states (Bullet points):

• I refuse to be a Christian who lives in fear of people who look or speak or worship differently than I do.

I know no Christian who lives in fear of other faiths. I do know faiths that are dangerously wrong. We are to guard against being exposed to that.

John 14:6  "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."        

And: John 14:15  "If ye love me, keep my commandments"

1 Peter 5:8  "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Matthew 24:24 “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

• I refuse to be a Christian who believes that God blesses America more than God so loves the world. 

Sounds very profound. But God clearly says throughout Scripture there are those he will bless and those he shall curse. As one example, in Genesis 12:3, he says he will bless those who bless Israel. America does and always has supported and been a blessing to Israel:   "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

And Romans: 9:18: Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
John 12:40: "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them." Yeah, I don't like that one either. But we need the full counsel of the Word of God.

• I refuse to be a Christian who can’t find the beauty and truth in religious traditions other than my own.

There is no need to find beauty or truth in religious traditions of other faiths. Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and any others are all false religions. There is Truth only in One. The others are a dangerous path to hell. Where is the love in that? We are a nation that accepts all faiths. But those citizens who are Christians have a command to share the Truth to those they come in contact. The Great Commission:

Matthew 28:16-20 ¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (emphasis in bold, mine)

Again, where is the beauty in a path to Hell?

• I refuse to be a Christian who uses the Bible to perpetuate individual or systemic bigotry, racism, or sexism.

Now what would be an example of this, in the author's mind? Not wanting to bake a cake for a homosexual wedding? (Leviticus 12:22, Leviticus 20:13 and Romans 1:26-27; and the Biblical definition of marriage in Matthew 19:3 -6 ) Or is it Christians who are bold enough to say there are only 2 genders that bothers him? (Genesis 5:2; Matthew 19:3 -6) Trying to "love someone in" to the Kingdom by caring enough to tell them truth? Is that the ones Pavlovitz is talking about? Standing up for white males, because they are now the PC person to attack, is that to whom he refers? Christians following Scripture? Does he consider that bigotry? Unfortunate that it doesn't fit the Progressive agenda? It is not ok to ignore the Bible in regard to homosexuality, and abortion and the fact that there is only one way to God.

One can be forgiven any sin, but one must not continue in that sin. This is what people who promote homosexual marriage do not understand. They love to point to all the other sins, like fornication or divorce that a Christian might be doing. But the difference is, to be truly born again they should no longer be actively participating in that sin. Not true of one in a homosexual marriage. They are continuing in sin. Not my words - God's.

John 8: 10 -11; "Go and sin no more." And John 5: 10-14 "...sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."

• I refuse to be a Christian who treasures allegiance to a flag or a country or a political party, above emulating Jesus.

Really? This is simply another false accusation by this man. Progressives seem to love to point this finger at conservative Christians, while touting and demanding their own progressive narrative. I don't see emulation of Jesus in that. This is something the progressives love to accuse conservative Christians of, without regard to specifics. Who are they to say that anyone loves their nation more than their God? We are instructed to be good stewards of our nation. Most of us believe by being active politically in our nation, we are preserving our freedom to worship as we please. And thereby the ability to continue to spread the true Gospel. Do they believe they emulate Jesus better when they twist His word into things they want it to say? When they are the ones that end up casting judgment because they don't agree? I think there might be 4 fingers pointing back at them.

• I refuse to be a Christian who is reluctant to call-out the words of hateful preachers, venomous politicians, and mean-spirited pew sitters, in the name of keeping ceremonial Christian unity.

Who are these people he is accusing? Treading danger ground here. Instead, maybe he should heed these Scriptures:

Galatians' 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

Deuteronomy 4:2
You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.
Deuteronomy 12:32
See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.
Proverbs 30:6
Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.
Revelation 22:7
"Behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of prophecy in this book."

Revelation 22:18

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;

Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters: Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
1 Thessalonians 2:4
Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.

Ok so I guess I got carried away with posting Scriptures on that one. You get the point.

• I refuse to be a Christian who tolerates a global Church where all people are not openly welcomed, fully celebrated, and equally cared for.

It was God who created the nations and the boundaries, for His purpose.

Acts 17:26 "And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;"

We probably shouldn't argue. And the verses regarding this are many, so I will list a few more:

Deuteronomy 32:8 "When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God."
Job 12:23 "He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and sends them away."
Psalm 74:17 "You set all the boundaries of the earth; You made the summer and winter."
Jeremiah 27:5 "By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please."

But also, in regard to his reckless comment about being "equally cared for", the truth is, rather, that we are instructed in Scripture to take care of our own first. There is nothing wrong with that. And is in fact, how we are better able to help others. Everyone knows one cannot do ones best when one is weak.

Galatians 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." That would also be those of our own nation, then, wouldn't it.

1 Timothy 5:8 ⁸ But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

And as well, Jesus told us the poor will always be among us.
Matthew 26:11 "For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always."

I am tired of Progressives using the Bible to promote their socialistic agenda. It simply isn't there. This is classic distortion. Socialism is simply a world experiment that has failed over and over. The Bible must be utilized in full context.

2 Thessalonians 3:10  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

• I refuse to be a Christian who speaks always with holy war rhetoric about an encroaching enemy horde that must be rallied against and defeated.

There are enemies that seek to destroy us. God doesn't expect us to sit idly by, but to take up our sword. We have the same enemy then as now.

Luke 22:36-38 "Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one."

Deuteronomy 3:18 At that time I commanded you: "The LORD your God has given you this land to possess. All your warriors are to cross over, armed for battle, ahead of your brothers, the Israelites.

And Numbers 32:20 "Then Moses said to them: “If you do this thing, if you arm yourselves before the LORD for the war,"

Nehemiah 4:17-18 “Who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.”

I know progressives do not like to give the same respect to the Old Testament as to the New Testament, so I have bookended these verses with New Testament Scriptures ending in Matthew 10:34: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."

• I refuse to be a Christian who is generous with damnation and stingy with Grace.

That's his opinion. In my opinion, one cannot be a loving Christian without warning of Hell and the sin that takes one there. What kind of love is that, if we don't? We are instructed to warn others and to correct brothers and sisters when in error.

Galatians 4:16 "Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?"

And don't forget this, Mr. Pavolovitz:

Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (emphasis in bold mine)

• I refuse to be a Christian who can’t see the image of God in people of every color, every religious tradition, every sexual orientation.

God is not in everything or everyone as the "new" (rather, age old) heresy of pantheism comes around again. The image of God is not in race or nationality, but in those who have accepted His love and forgiveness for their sin and with whom the Holy Spirit dwells. I have already listed Scripture regarding the sin of certain "sexual orientations" and of false religions. We can be accepting of neither, but that does not mean we do not have love for them and have concern for their error.

• I refuse to be a Christian who demands that others believe what I believe or live as I live or profess what I profess.

I see no Christians, in the negative light this man sees. These accusations are merely his opinion. We are expected to share God's truth, so that others will find Grace and enter His Kingdom. Contrary to this man's statement, Jesus called us to share His truth. Jesus sent the disciples out in twos and told them to shake the dust from their feet, if anyone did not receive their message.

Luke 10: 1-3" And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet."

And Matthew 10:14-15 "Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."

 Mark 6:7 "And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;"

• I refuse to be a Christian who sees the world in a hopeless spiral downward and can only condemn it or withdraw from it.

We are not to love this world. It is not our home. Christians more than anyone, do not withdraw from this world to do nothing, as he implies. Rather, they are the most active in bringing about love in a tangible way. But they are also keenly aware they are not to love this world, but to be set apart from it.

1 John 2:15 "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

And Romans 12:2. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
John 15:19 - If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

• I refuse to be a Christian devoid of the character of Jesus; his humility, his compassion, his smallness, his gentleness with people’s wounds, his attention to the poor and the forgotten and the marginalized, his intolerance for religious hypocrisy, his clear expression of the love of God.

I know no Christian's like this. This is not my view of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Truly a sad perception this Pavolvitz has of fellow Christians. Or maybe he just has an agenda. Maybe he has sin he wants to embrace. The truth is, Jesus turned tables. Jesus called some a "generation of vipers". Jesus said, "Go and sin no more". Jesus told us He came to fulfill the law, not replace it. ~Matthew 5:17

2 Corinthians 7:1 - Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Matthew 12:34-37  "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

2 Corinthians 4:2 "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."

• I refuse to be a Christian unless it means I live as a person of hospitality, of healing, of redemption, of justice, of expectation-defying Grace, of counterintuitive love. These are non-negotiables.

James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Emphasis in bold mine. This is the part of this passage that the proponents of Progressive Christianity always seem to miss. "...keep himself unspotted from the world." We probably should pay attention to that phrase, too. Seems these days it is sorely missed.

Yep some things are non-negotiable. Forgiveness requires repentance.

There is so much more I could say; so many more Bible verses to quote. But this is getting long and people don't have the time to delve into an article of such length. I think I have included a Bible verse with each of his points and that is enough. That is what I set out to do. If someone has more questions or wishes to discuss they can do so here in the comments. I will answer to the best of my ability. And I am always open to discussion. I believe that is how we all learn. But yes, let's put an end to "bathroom bullies". We might have different ideas of who they are.

I will simply end with a few more important verses.

1 John 5:11-14

¹¹ And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

¹² He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

¹³ These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Colossians 2:8

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Romans 16:17

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

1 Corinthians 10:33
just as I try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.

 

Taking Time for Truth

I have said it before and I will say it again: I am not as concerned about people who vaccinate and those who do not, as I am concerned about the misinformation that is being disseminated throughout the internet. The problem is, it all seems to be coming from the anti-vax movement, and much of it is blatant.

A "Friend" of mine on Facebook posted an article the other day with her comments. Her comments were good and I could tell she was actively seeking truth and trying to share what she has learned.

I went to the article and read all that was contained there. It was one I had read before, as it has passed through the Facebook world at least a couple times. There were multiple errors/mistruths in the article, so I wanted to comment. Not on my friend's page, (I am learning that isn't always well received by various friends) but rather on the page of the woman who wrote the article. I felt I would reach a bigger audience there, anyway. I simply believe it is worth the time to speak truth.

I posted only a couple facts, not having the time to comment on her whole article. I was polite, thoughtful and reserved; only stating facts I had learned previously. The post was mostly ignored for the first day. During the evening, someone posted a comment attacking me - of course without any facts; just name-calling. The next morning, I pointed that out in my follow-up comment. During that time, another comment was posted by someone else asking my solution to what I had pointed out earlier. While I was writing out my response, apparently the original post had been removed or I had been blocked from the page. When I went to post my comment, I received a message alerting me to that fact. I was not allowed to post.

Typical. I have learned over and over again that when someone does not have accurate statistics and facts they are often threatened by those who do. Still, I wanted to be sure to see what had happened. I could no longer see the post on my "Friend's" page. Instead in it's place was the common message we see: "This comment cannot be displayed. It may have been removed"...blah,blah,blah something to that efffect. We have all seen that message from time to time. I could no longer find the author's page, so I went to my husband's Facebook page to see if it had been removed completely or just for me. Sure enough, once on his page I could see the post on my Friend's page (who is a mutual friend of his) and I could go to the author's Facebook page. What I noted was different, however, is that now unless one follows her page, one can no longer post a comment. No, it was not that way the day before. I had easily commented on her page. The other difference now was, on my friend's page where I had seen the original post, one could no longer click on it to be taken to the corresponding page. Now if one clicked on the post/picture it only opened up the full comment directly on my friend's Facebook page. It would no longer take me to Lauren Novelli's page.

Lauren Novelli - "Holistic Lioness" is her name and self identified moniker/description. I have seen her before. She is the typical anti-vaxxer posting and sharing all the same information that all anti-vaxxer's promote. And I am not talking about the followers here, or the average person. I am talking about those actively disseminating the anti-vaxx information to those they hope to bring into their cause. All the information from Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the anti-vax guru, Andrew Wakefield, was there. Wakefield is the one who started most of this controversy with his paper regarding vaccines causing autism. He and his paper have since been debunked and exposed. He lost his medical license over it. Along with these two, multiple sites that I have previously written about, and hopefully exposed, (at least to a few people) were shared on her page.

I went to the date the post I am referring to had originally been posted. It was no longer there. But coincidentally, I did notice another post that had been made at the same time. It was a notice that she would not accept any comments from anyone that contradicted her, or the people that she was promoting.

 

Well that 'splains it, doesn't it? I wasn't at all surprised. This seems to be a common practice by those that don't have the facts on their side. I also noted, there were at least a few negative comments displayed throughout her page. But none that had any actual facts, statistics or truth. Only flippant one-liners. I suspect that was intentional so that she might appear unbiased and that she allows discussion. She does not. The truth is, she is biased. She would not accept my comment that was thoughtful, concise and with proven facts.

 

Anyway, as usual, I hate to give her any attention. But at the same time, I feel it is important. Her article claims nurses don't have any education regarding vaccines. This is entirely false. A nurse on my "Friend's" page posted a great rebuttal to that. I didn't ask permission to share, so I won't use her name, but I believe everything posted to Facebook is "Public Domain". Below is her comment:

"I don't know where she got her information from regarding health professionals not knowing what's in the vaccines. Nurses are taught about vaccines in nursing school and more than just once. Any nurse (any good nurse) has to know what it is they are administering, what it does, what it's for, and what the side effects are. This is taught first quarter nursing school and drilled in each quarter thereafter. Also any healthcare professional working in the industry HAS to get vaccines. I'm not sure where her information came from, and honestly I stopped reading it after I read that, but as a nursing student....I know how vaccines works and I have to know what's in them before I am allowed to administer it this includes the flu shot. I get people are doing what they think is best and it is their choice to do so, but this persons take on medical professionals is way off base."

I found myself wishing this nurse had posted to Lauren's page and not only to our mutual friend's page.

 

My original comment to Lauren's page was simply that "live" vaccines are rarely used and that I believe this is sometimes used as a tactic for fear-mongering by overstating live vaccine usage. My other comment was in regard to VAER's, stating as I have shared before that anyone (without proof) is allowed to post to VAERS. You can read my article regarding VAERS here:

 

As well, this is VAERS' disclaimer which I was getting ready to post to Lauren Novelli's page, but was blocked from doing.

“VAERS accepts all reports without judging whether the event was caused by the vaccine.”

And an additional quote from the website states:

“Note: Submission of a VAERS report does not constitute admission that healthcare personnel or the vaccine caused or contributed to the event.”[1]

Anyway, I simply wanted to point out what anti-vax gurus continue to mistakenly promote. As I have said, there are multiple errors in the article. I believe I have addressed all of them in my past articles on this blog, so I won't do it again here. This is just a warning to please be careful. There is so much misinformation out there. There is a good article at this link to help you identify misconceptions being distributed, and how to find the truth regarding vaccines and information about the dangerous diseases they prevent.

One more thing. For future, (and I have observed this for a while now) there is also a close connection between many anti-vax sites and those that promote CBD Oil and medicinal marijuana. I have tried to warn of this connection in the past. We are on dangerous ground in more ways than one, when fake information is so freely and continually circulated. I knew I would find this connection on the Holistic Lioness' Facebook page. There are multiple problems with that. Maybe we should ask, if anti-vaxxers are being used by a whole other agenda. That will be for another post.

 

And again, I really don't care if you vaccinate or not as much I care about truth. I have finally come to realize that about myself and my concerns. That took some time, too.

---

 

 

Let Us Pray And Then Turn Tables

I wasn't going to read the article. I knew it would just make me angry. I have watched a change in Christianity Today for awhile now. But the comments and outrage from both sides was so great on social media, that I could no longer ignore the discussion. The Editor in Chief of Christianity Today, Mark Galli, has upset many, including Franklin Graham whose father, Billy Graham, founded this magazine.

Though I hate to contribute to anyone reading this article, I feel I must if I am to fairly write about it. You can read it in its entirety at Christianity Today. I will also post Franklin Graham's response.

Yep. Do you see why Franklin Graham felt the need to respond? His dad founded Christianity Today, after all. And they blatantly invoked his name to lend credence to their argument, even though CT has not been under the guidance of the Grahams for some time now. You can read Franklin's  comments here and since it is an extremely important statement, I am also going to include it in the body of this blog post. From Franklin Graham:

My Response to Christianity Today:

Christianity Today released an editorial stating that President Trump should be removed from office—and they invoked my father’s name (I suppose to try to bring legitimacy to their statements), so I feel it is important for me to respond. Yes, my father Billy Graham founded Christianity Today; but no, he would not agree with their opinion piece. In fact, he would be very disappointed. I have not previously shared who my father voted for in t...he past election, but because of this article, I feel it is necessary to share it now. My father knew Donald Trump, he believed in Donald Trump, and he voted for Donald Trump. He believed that Donald J. Trump was the man for this hour in history for our nation.

For Christianity Today to side with the Democrat Party in a totally partisan attack on the President of the United States is unfathomable. Christianity Today failed to acknowledge that not one single Republican voted with the Democrats to impeach the President. I know a number of Republicans in Congress, and many of them are strong Christians. If the President were guilty of what the Democrats claimed, these Republicans would have joined with the Democrats to impeach him. But the Democrats were not even unanimous—two voted against impeachment and one voted present. This impeachment was politically motivated, 100% partisan. Why would Christianity Today choose to take the side of the Democrat left whose only goal is to discredit and smear the name of a sitting president? They want readers to believe the Democrat leadership rather than believe the President of the United States.

Look at all the President has accomplished in a very short time. The economy of our nation is the strongest it has been in 50 years, ISIS & the caliphate have been defeated, and the President has renegotiated trade deals to benefit all Americans. The list of accomplishments is long, but for me as a Christian, the fact that he is the most pro-life president in modern history is extremely important—and Christianity Today wants us to ignore that, to say it doesn’t count? The President has been a staunch defender of religious freedom at home and around the world—and Christianity Today wants us to ignore that? Also the President has appointed conservative judges in record number—and Christianity today wants us to ignore that? Christianity Today feels he should be removed from office because of false accusations that the President emphatically denies.

Christianity Today said it’s time to call a spade a spade. The spade is this—Christianity Today has been used by the left for their political agenda. It’s obvious that Christianity Today has moved to the left and is representing the elitist liberal wing of evangelicalism.

Is President Trump guilty of sin? Of course he is, as were all past presidents and as each one of us are, including myself. Therefore, let’s pray for the President as he continues to lead the affairs of our nation.

Franklin Graham succinctly says it all and I really don't need to add anything to what he has written. But for myself, I want to. I feel it is important to say what we believe to back up and support others with whom we agree. There is strength in numbers, and encouragement is a salve at wearisome times.

 

The article by Mark Galli starts out trying to appear unbiased, with some elements of truth in order to pull the Christian reader in to gain some trust. That is a well-known tactic: a little schmoozing to suck in the reader. And in some cases, used to try to gain support, someone will use the common practice expressed in this old adage: Every lie must be cloaked with an element of truth. (paraphrase)

The points in the article quickly fall downhill after that. They use a number of methods in an attempt to shame and discredit any Christian who might still support President Trump.

Allow me to demonstrate. 

They use shaming: The author of the article states: "That he should be removed, we believe, is not a matter of partisan loyalties but loyalty to the Creator of the Ten Commandments." Oh really? Some Christians consider abortion, murder - the 6th Commandment! What about bearing false witness? Sound familiar? How about those Commandments?

Manipulating: Galli continues: "To the many evangelicals who continue to support Mr. Trump in spite of his blackened moral record, we might say this: Remember who you are and whom you serve. Consider how your justification of Mr. Trump influences your witness to your Lord and Savior." The truth is, conservatives have been asking this question quietly to ourselves about the Democrats since 1974 when abortion was legalized. We have become more distraught at the acceptance of gay marriage; social programs that left so many from ever being able to pull themselves back up from despair; and attempts to remove God from our society - schools, courtyards, government business; even voting Him out of the Democrat platform in 2012. "Gay Pride"- now there is two in one. And with "progressive Christianity", we have been concerned about the trend toward a "social gospel" as opposed to the true Gospel for some time now. So one from that group best not lecture us about how our influence represents Jesus.

Discrediting: "Trump’s evangelical supporters have pointed to his Supreme Court nominees, his defense of religious liberty, and his stewardship of the economy, among other things, as achievements that justify their support of the president." What? There is something wrong with us for wanting these things??? What should we have done? Voted for one of the most anti-life, (with questionable character) politicians in our nation's history? One who was continuing in a path of socialism and "fundamentally transforming" America? I hardly think so!! And I kinda hate to say this....kinda don't; but Galli is basically calling us prostitutes if we support President Trump for the reasons he lists. Like it is some kind of pay off for us. Shame on him!!!

More Discrediting of my fellow Christians: "The reason many are not shocked about this is that this president has dumbed down the idea of morality in his administration." Dumbed down morality? The President? That started long before this President ever considered running for office. Have we forgotten the winking we endured at President Clinton's behavior? Yes, I know Galli thinks he addressed that. He did so unsuccessfully. Christianity Today was a different magazine back then, than it is today. He is using the past to gain acceptance for what he says today.

Further, have you watched television lately? Most shows are unwatchable, or should be to a Christian or even anyone else. Ever heard of the "Swearing Pastor"? Now that was dumbing down of morality. Don't put our decline in morals on this President. That responsibility (or lack of it) belongs to the progressive church CT is promoting.

And fear-mongering: "Consider what an unbelieving world will say if you continue to brush off Mr. Trump’s immoral words and behavior in the cause of political expediency. If we don’t reverse course now, will anyone take anything we say about justice and righteousness with any seriousness for decades to come?" The author fails to understand his opinion does not equate with help or evangelizing an unbelieving world! As well, the alternative to Trump, as a person and policy, was far from righteous! We best not forget that.

And then the author, Mark Galli, tries to prove Christianity Today has always stood for justice. He uses some quotes regarding CT's stance in 1998 in regard to the impeachment of Bill Clinton. The author doesn't seem to understand, there were actual charges against Bill Clinton, including perjury. Eleven US coded articles in all. Nothing was proven about Trump which is why the Democrats settled on "Obstruction of Congress" (no such thing - the 3 branches are to balance each other out) and "Abuse of Power"; neither of which there is a civil code. Lets face it CT; you are NOT the same magazine you were in 1998, so I wouldn't go there if I were you!

Then there is this:

"We have reserved judgment on Mr. Trump for years now. Some have criticized us for our reserve." Not true; I have watched the progressive decline of CT for a while now. Their opinions have been obvious. I have written about it in the past.

Finally they say:

"...we are playing with a stacked deck of gross immorality and ethical incompetence..." Perhaps it is this line that makes me most angry. "Gross immorality"??? What do they think abortion on demand is? And in some states now, allowed right up to the very moment of birth? What about the other party's acceptance of transgenderism, men in women's bathrooms and 58 genders? Do they excuse gay marriage and gay adoption - with out the need for a mom and a dad as the Bible instructs? This is the choice we had. So Galli best not be pointing any fingers at those who voted for Donald J Trump.

But aside from all that, this President has done more than even I ever thought he would or could. He has done more for religious freedom and specifically Christianity than any other President in my life time. Are we to ignore all the great strides that this President has made for religious freedom? The President actually included his concern for Christians around the globe in his speech to the United Nations! What President has ever done that?? Christ back in Christmas; prayer in the White House. Mark Galli thinks we should be ashamed of ourselves for that and should have picked Hillary Clinton??? Nope! Never! Should we ignore that this President has made us safer again and reinstated peace through strength? Actually building up our military once again, instead of stripping it down to its lowest place ever, as Obama did. I am thankful for that! That has saved lives!! That's his job and he has done it well!

I thank and praise God for this President's support of Israel and the reconciliation he has brought to our two great nations. God instructs us to bless Israel. Trump has listened to our voices regarding that. He has listened on so many levels! Appointing conservative judges that will uphold our Constitution rather than shredding it. Putting America first so that we might be a strong nation that can continue to aid the world and be a beacon of light. Tearing down America as Obama did, helps no one. It is when we are strong that we can bring help to others.

Oh, and of course NOW all the liberal sites want to talk about our Christian faith! They are silent, if not bashing it, any other time.

Yes, I am angry now. And that's just ok. It is time to turn a few tables. Christians will not be manipulated by this misguided magazine which has deserted so many elements of Christian truth and instead chosen to beat up on conservative Christians. 81 % of Christians voted for Donald Trump in 2016 and that number is only going to grow. Christianity Today would be wise to pay attention to that.

I know I shouldn't stay angry. Most of all, this is just plain sad. Because Christianity Today has refused to give any grace at all to this man. They do not know his heart. The Bible tells us none of us know the hearts of others; only God knows. It has been reported President Trump has accepted Jesus. I have no reason to believe otherwise. I believe his actions reveal he has. If one watches closely, it is all there to see. But even if he hadn't, God can still use him! And He has!

The Bible also says we will know them by their fruit. And this man has produced some amazing fruit for our Christian faith, the good of America and in fact, the whole world. When America is strong, the Gospel of Jesus Christ goes forward. That is why we were founded in the first place. I will be one who stands with President Trump protecting that foundation - turning over tables if necessary. And as Franklin Graham stated above all and beyond all, we need to pray for this man.

 

Onward!