A 2-year old toddler has been given a second change at life due to the heroics of a stranger passing by just as the young child fell an incredible ten long stories from her family’s apartment window.
Apparently, Zhang Fangyu slipped off the ledge after being left unattended by her grandmother who amazingly left the dwelling to run an errand. Not smart and beyond irresponsible! It was at that crucial point in time when 31-year old Wu Juping, herself a mother, saw the dangerously positioned child, kicked off her high-heeled shoes, and ran to catch the child. She told the press, "I thought to myself, I should stretch my arms to her. Because I am right here, I must get her. Then I made it. I caught her in my arms."
The impact knocked Wu unconscious and sent her crumbling to the ground along with breaking her left arm. Doctors at the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang Hospital reported no damage to little Niu Niu's brain but that the girl's abdomen was swollen - a possible sign of some injury to organs.
It is always highly encouraging and greatly inspiring when a dangerous, or even a life-threatening, act of unselfishness and bravery is undertaken by one person to help or save another – especially when total strangers are involved. That was indeed the case here with this precious 2-year old and her quick-thinking and quick responding savior. But for some, even this incredible physical rescue might leave some wondering what they would do or why anyone would put themselves in harm’s way for someone they do not even know? The general answer for that is seen in Genesis 1:27. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” The good that surfaces, especially in dire and dangerous moments, is because of that portion of good in every person because every person has that same portion of their Creator built into them at birth.
But this one short story of sacrifice and physical rescue contains both similarities and some contrasts, to exactly what God did for His entire created race. Humanity is, unfortunately, fully fallen with a sin nature even at the moment of conception. Many then continue falling quite quickly and forcefully toward eternal judgement if not rescued by the unselfish and spectacular act of someone else. That “someone’, in this specific sphere, is the Son of God.
Unlike with Wu Juping, who was just in the right place at the right time, God planned man’s spiritual rescue from the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4-6) He knew from eternity past that a flawed humanity was destined to proceed in their eternal fall into judgement if their unjustified sin was not somehow cushioned and fully broken and forgiven. But this incomprehensible and spiritual rescue required a supernatural sacrifice. It was an act of redemption and saving that would make even the wonderful and heart-warming story of this brave Chinese mother pale in comparison. That is simply because this child, who was so brilliantly physically saved, still needs to someday be spiritually saved when old enough to understand the message of the god news of faith in her Savior.
Perhaps the best description of God’s solution to His fallen and sin-cursed race is revealed in Philippians chapter two. The Apostle Paul attempts to reveal there the depths of God’s love. He explains the sobering length Christ went to save any that trust Him to eliminate the unimaginable consequences of permanently rejecting Him in their lives.
Verses 5-10 record some of the most profound words in Scripture as they lay out the staggering extent of Christ’s attitude and actions to rescue sinners, all helplessly plunging toward eternal wrath from birth. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth.”
Without any doubt, the rather reckless grandmother who left a helpless toddler unattended will be haunted by her actions and will likely be answering serious questions from family members and authorities alike. But again, this cannot even be compared to the moment when each person stands before God to offer Him answers for the thoughts and actions done throughout their lives. Romans 14:12 states. “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Beyond that, there is the chilling concept offered up in Hebrews chapter ten – something that should also be seriously considered for those still remaining in a fallen spiritual state and outside God’s faith family. The writer warns, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31) And without a doubt, man cannot comprehend at all what this word “fearful” actually represents as it relates to an eternity of ultimate separation from God.
But for those who have not yet had the awful and eternal fall of sin eliminated, the sacred and singular solution is provided in just a few short words from the imprisoned Paul and Silas to their frightened and desperate jailer in Acts 16:29-31. “Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. “And he brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved’ So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved."
It is when this is done with sincerity, and from the heart, that an all-new creation in Christ is born. (2 Corinthians 5:17) It is then when a lost and fallen sinner can be caught and raised up to new life and enjoy life’s ultimate priority and promise!
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Tim Tebow’s Eye-Catching Faith
Tim Tebow is a sports name known to any pro football enthusiast. He’s back-up quarterback for the Denver Broncos and a probable starter this year. He was the first to win the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore when he played at the University of Florida and led the Florida Gators to two national championships.
He also gained unique fame in an ad that aired during Super Bowl XLIV. A brief and subtle few seconds deftly showed how Tim’s mother didn’t abort her baby even though doctors recommended it for problematical reasons. Pro-choicers harshly criticized the ad even before it was aired but its simple inoffensive message left critics embarrassed. Its message was simply that avoiding an abortion brought a football superstar into being.
Tim has grown into a football player who loves the Lord and is unashamed of Him to the extent that he paints Scripture verses on his black eye paint to the curious amazement of football watchers around the world. Tim’s full testimony is printed in his best selling book, “Through My Eyes.” In TV interviews, he tells how he had “Phil. 4:13” written on his eye paint while he won his final college year’s regular games. That verse reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
For the national championship, Tim painted in “John 3:16”. His parents were pleased. His coach was worried about the change but went along, deferring to Tim’s choice. He won with John 3:16 as he had with Philippians 4:13. During that game, 94 million people Googled “John 3:16”. It set a record. Tim’s response was, “Wow, how are 94 million people not knowing John 3:16? It’s really awesome to see how God can work in a very unique way when you just trust Him and put a little Bible verse under your eyes.”
And to think that if Tim’s mother had taken the advice of the doctors, she’d have aborted her son and you wouldn’t be reading about him now.
I don’t have paint under my eyes, but I know John 3:16 is the best hope of everyone. And so, no matter who is reading here, it is John 3:16 again, “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Believe it and have it!
Dave Virkler
He also gained unique fame in an ad that aired during Super Bowl XLIV. A brief and subtle few seconds deftly showed how Tim’s mother didn’t abort her baby even though doctors recommended it for problematical reasons. Pro-choicers harshly criticized the ad even before it was aired but its simple inoffensive message left critics embarrassed. Its message was simply that avoiding an abortion brought a football superstar into being.
Tim has grown into a football player who loves the Lord and is unashamed of Him to the extent that he paints Scripture verses on his black eye paint to the curious amazement of football watchers around the world. Tim’s full testimony is printed in his best selling book, “Through My Eyes.” In TV interviews, he tells how he had “Phil. 4:13” written on his eye paint while he won his final college year’s regular games. That verse reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
For the national championship, Tim painted in “John 3:16”. His parents were pleased. His coach was worried about the change but went along, deferring to Tim’s choice. He won with John 3:16 as he had with Philippians 4:13. During that game, 94 million people Googled “John 3:16”. It set a record. Tim’s response was, “Wow, how are 94 million people not knowing John 3:16? It’s really awesome to see how God can work in a very unique way when you just trust Him and put a little Bible verse under your eyes.”
And to think that if Tim’s mother had taken the advice of the doctors, she’d have aborted her son and you wouldn’t be reading about him now.
I don’t have paint under my eyes, but I know John 3:16 is the best hope of everyone. And so, no matter who is reading here, it is John 3:16 again, “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Believe it and have it!
Dave Virkler
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
New York Legalizes Gay Marriage
It was a banner day for both sides of the heated issue when New York became the sixth and the largest state to put a legal stamp of approval on gay marriage by a vote of 33-29. Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law for same-sex marriages that will begin in July. The Governor said, "We made a powerful statement. This state is at its finest when it is a beacon of social justice." The bill makes New York only the third state, after Vermont and New Hampshire, to legalize marriage through a legislative act and without being forced to do so by a court.
Because of the state’s size, the new law will essentially double the number of Americans living in a state having legal gay marriage as an opportunity. Fully one in every nine Americans will live in a state or jurisdiction where same-sex marriage is legal.
The leading opponent, NY Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz, declared, "God, not Albany, settled the issue of marriage a long time ago." The Catholic Bishops of New York said the law alters "radically and forever humanity's historic understanding of marriage." And Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary stated, “By any measure, this is a massive development in the nation’s legal and moral life.”
The big win for gay rights advocates is expected to galvanize the movement around the country after an almost identical bill was defeated in New York in 2009 and similar measures failed in 2010 in New Jersey and this year in Maryland and Rhode Island.
The acceptance or rejection of gay marriage, or any other cultural issue, should only be viewed as right or wrong according to the source being used to evaluate its morality and legitimacy. The state’s Governor again stated, “This state is at its finest when it is a beacon of social justice." But the question instantly arises as to what source he is using to define ‘social justice’.
Just one hundred and fifty years ago, there were scores of Americans who felt that ‘social justice’ included the right for one human being to outright own another. It was called 'slavery’. But now, a century and a half later, it is unthinkable as being acceptable or ‘just’ on any level. Eventually, enough found this accepted practice in many places to be both immoral and intolerable. For anything to be seen as right or wrong requires some unchanging and truthful foundational basis. There must be some just standards that exist and remain firm despite the fragile and fickle beliefs of flawed men and women who will often accept almost anything that benefits them personally – the 'ends justifies the means’ mentality.
For this nation, the Bible has been that standard, despite what historical revisionists may now claim. It was eventually a renewed conscience from God’s Word that led a nation to conclude that slavery was wrong and evil. Without such a standard why would that, or anything else, not be fully be acceptable depending on the personal view of the individual? The end result of such thinking was spoken of in Judges 17:6 that declared, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
When it comes to the subject of gay marriage, and homosexuality in general, the Bible is not silent despite those who ignore its content or reject its validity or authority. Scripture is clear that all have sinned and thus all are lost irregardless of their sexual preferences. And all sin is an offense to a holy Creator God and must be rightly judged if He is to remain consistent with His own divine nature and standards. So for anyone to lift out any particular behavior activity from the comprehensive lists of inappropriate behavior found throughout the Bible is an intentional denial of what God’s Word teaches. And His Word rarely, if ever, leaves any so-called gray areas along these lines.
For example, Romans 1:26-29 is fairly hard to brush under the moral carpet when this recent issue in New York is addressed. The Apostle Paul stated, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due...And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality.” In the previous verses he pointed out the equal sinfulness of heterosexual sins as well.
Paul includes this same behavioral pattern as sinful in1 Corinthians 6:8-11. He does not distinguish it from other sins, sexual or otherwise. But it is there in print, nonetheless. He writes there, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” And even back in the Bible’s first book, this activity is clearly condemned in Genesis 13:13. “But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD.” So to deny that this specific lifestyle is not negatively addressed in Scripture is simply not true. It can be ignored or scoffed it, but the references are quite clear.
Additionally, 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 indicates that all sexual sin, whether heterosexual or homosexual, does have a slightly higher degree of offense and danger associated with it. Paul’s explains it like this. “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” There is something unique involved when sin in this area is involved. And then, of course, there is the pattern set up in the Garden of Eden with the first two people and the fact that Scripture always refers to the marriage bond as being a man and a woman.
So where do we now proceed since it is fairly obvious that this trend is picking up steam? How are we supposed to act and think to this major cultural shift in our nation? Perhaps the familiar saying, that has been around seemingly forever, does ring true when trying to grapple with this explosive issue. It basically advises trying to despise the sin while not doing the same to the sinner. That is not letting someone off the hook so to speak. In reality, that is exactly what God has done for all of us apart from any sexual orientation. His infinite love drove Him to offer up His Son to pay for the sins of the world. This included all sins in all areas of life and for all of us!
Gay marriage may slowly but surely become the law of the land. But that does not make it 'social justice’ or biblically acceptable in the eyes of God. All sin, socially accepted or not, will ultimately be dealt with and properly judged by a Holy God. That reality is described briefly in Hebrews chapter nine. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
But God’s first choice, and His supreme priority, is rather to justify sinners through the sacrifice of His own Son according to 1 John 2:2. He made it possible to escape the clutches and ultimate penalty of all unforgiven sin. John wrote, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”
For biblically and morally minded Christians, who struggle with the dreadful moral decline in America, their responsibility is to hold the line and speak out about God’s ways and will while trying not to be too obnoxious about it. The role model for how to react to sin and sinners is the seen in the Lord himself. Jesus always revealed and dealt with sin openly when it stood in his path. He always did so in a consistent, loving and controlled manner (though His harshest rebuke was saved for the hypocritical Pharisees). He did that with the woman caught in adultery and the woman at the well – both of whom were involved in current sexual misbehavior. (John 8:1-12, John 4:5-30) He even did so with the savage criminal on the adjacent cross on the day the Savior took upon Himself ‘all’ the sins of humanity. Before His death He assured the dying thief that he would arrive in heaven that same day based on his simple statement of faith and admission of who Jesus really was in Luke 23:42.
And if that does not help Christians still struggling with in their response and attitude to the current harmful and sinful cultural changes, then perhaps consider the background of the man who wrote half the New Testament, including several of the passages dealing with homosexuality. This powerful religious leader spent years hunting, imprisoning and torturing believers in the early church. He would, after his salvation, call himself the “Chief of Sinners” in 1 Timothy 1:15.
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” This man was none other than the former Pharisee - the Apostle Paul. This was the same man who was God’s chosen chief vessel to build and instruct the first century church, pen a major portion of God's Word, and someone we may well rub elbows with in heaven someday.
Through the love and redemption found in Christ, all sin can be fully forgiven. (1John 1:9) And through the world's only Savior the attitudes an actions of lost souls can be internally rearranged to outwardly reflect what is morally right, not by the eyes of misguided men, but in the mind of a holy and unchanging Creator God. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Bill Breckenridge
Because of the state’s size, the new law will essentially double the number of Americans living in a state having legal gay marriage as an opportunity. Fully one in every nine Americans will live in a state or jurisdiction where same-sex marriage is legal.
The leading opponent, NY Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz, declared, "God, not Albany, settled the issue of marriage a long time ago." The Catholic Bishops of New York said the law alters "radically and forever humanity's historic understanding of marriage." And Albert Mohler, President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary stated, “By any measure, this is a massive development in the nation’s legal and moral life.”
The big win for gay rights advocates is expected to galvanize the movement around the country after an almost identical bill was defeated in New York in 2009 and similar measures failed in 2010 in New Jersey and this year in Maryland and Rhode Island.
The acceptance or rejection of gay marriage, or any other cultural issue, should only be viewed as right or wrong according to the source being used to evaluate its morality and legitimacy. The state’s Governor again stated, “This state is at its finest when it is a beacon of social justice." But the question instantly arises as to what source he is using to define ‘social justice’.
Just one hundred and fifty years ago, there were scores of Americans who felt that ‘social justice’ included the right for one human being to outright own another. It was called 'slavery’. But now, a century and a half later, it is unthinkable as being acceptable or ‘just’ on any level. Eventually, enough found this accepted practice in many places to be both immoral and intolerable. For anything to be seen as right or wrong requires some unchanging and truthful foundational basis. There must be some just standards that exist and remain firm despite the fragile and fickle beliefs of flawed men and women who will often accept almost anything that benefits them personally – the 'ends justifies the means’ mentality.
For this nation, the Bible has been that standard, despite what historical revisionists may now claim. It was eventually a renewed conscience from God’s Word that led a nation to conclude that slavery was wrong and evil. Without such a standard why would that, or anything else, not be fully be acceptable depending on the personal view of the individual? The end result of such thinking was spoken of in Judges 17:6 that declared, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
When it comes to the subject of gay marriage, and homosexuality in general, the Bible is not silent despite those who ignore its content or reject its validity or authority. Scripture is clear that all have sinned and thus all are lost irregardless of their sexual preferences. And all sin is an offense to a holy Creator God and must be rightly judged if He is to remain consistent with His own divine nature and standards. So for anyone to lift out any particular behavior activity from the comprehensive lists of inappropriate behavior found throughout the Bible is an intentional denial of what God’s Word teaches. And His Word rarely, if ever, leaves any so-called gray areas along these lines.
For example, Romans 1:26-29 is fairly hard to brush under the moral carpet when this recent issue in New York is addressed. The Apostle Paul stated, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due...And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality.” In the previous verses he pointed out the equal sinfulness of heterosexual sins as well.
Paul includes this same behavioral pattern as sinful in1 Corinthians 6:8-11. He does not distinguish it from other sins, sexual or otherwise. But it is there in print, nonetheless. He writes there, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” And even back in the Bible’s first book, this activity is clearly condemned in Genesis 13:13. “But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD.” So to deny that this specific lifestyle is not negatively addressed in Scripture is simply not true. It can be ignored or scoffed it, but the references are quite clear.
Additionally, 1 Corinthians 6:18-19 indicates that all sexual sin, whether heterosexual or homosexual, does have a slightly higher degree of offense and danger associated with it. Paul’s explains it like this. “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.” There is something unique involved when sin in this area is involved. And then, of course, there is the pattern set up in the Garden of Eden with the first two people and the fact that Scripture always refers to the marriage bond as being a man and a woman.
So where do we now proceed since it is fairly obvious that this trend is picking up steam? How are we supposed to act and think to this major cultural shift in our nation? Perhaps the familiar saying, that has been around seemingly forever, does ring true when trying to grapple with this explosive issue. It basically advises trying to despise the sin while not doing the same to the sinner. That is not letting someone off the hook so to speak. In reality, that is exactly what God has done for all of us apart from any sexual orientation. His infinite love drove Him to offer up His Son to pay for the sins of the world. This included all sins in all areas of life and for all of us!
Gay marriage may slowly but surely become the law of the land. But that does not make it 'social justice’ or biblically acceptable in the eyes of God. All sin, socially accepted or not, will ultimately be dealt with and properly judged by a Holy God. That reality is described briefly in Hebrews chapter nine. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
But God’s first choice, and His supreme priority, is rather to justify sinners through the sacrifice of His own Son according to 1 John 2:2. He made it possible to escape the clutches and ultimate penalty of all unforgiven sin. John wrote, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”
For biblically and morally minded Christians, who struggle with the dreadful moral decline in America, their responsibility is to hold the line and speak out about God’s ways and will while trying not to be too obnoxious about it. The role model for how to react to sin and sinners is the seen in the Lord himself. Jesus always revealed and dealt with sin openly when it stood in his path. He always did so in a consistent, loving and controlled manner (though His harshest rebuke was saved for the hypocritical Pharisees). He did that with the woman caught in adultery and the woman at the well – both of whom were involved in current sexual misbehavior. (John 8:1-12, John 4:5-30) He even did so with the savage criminal on the adjacent cross on the day the Savior took upon Himself ‘all’ the sins of humanity. Before His death He assured the dying thief that he would arrive in heaven that same day based on his simple statement of faith and admission of who Jesus really was in Luke 23:42.
And if that does not help Christians still struggling with in their response and attitude to the current harmful and sinful cultural changes, then perhaps consider the background of the man who wrote half the New Testament, including several of the passages dealing with homosexuality. This powerful religious leader spent years hunting, imprisoning and torturing believers in the early church. He would, after his salvation, call himself the “Chief of Sinners” in 1 Timothy 1:15.
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” This man was none other than the former Pharisee - the Apostle Paul. This was the same man who was God’s chosen chief vessel to build and instruct the first century church, pen a major portion of God's Word, and someone we may well rub elbows with in heaven someday.
Through the love and redemption found in Christ, all sin can be fully forgiven. (1John 1:9) And through the world's only Savior the attitudes an actions of lost souls can be internally rearranged to outwardly reflect what is morally right, not by the eyes of misguided men, but in the mind of a holy and unchanging Creator God. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Bill Breckenridge
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Political Newcomer Upsets Long-time Incumbent
It was a stunning local political story. A young newcomer beat an 11-year incumbent against all odds.
June 7 was primary election day in New Jersey for state, county and local offices. Primary elections are notorious for inattention. People care little for this elementary refining process, and a “Who cares?” attitude is sadly typical. I try to vote in every election, no matter how obscure, because it is my patriotic and spiritual duty. In America, citizens are the ultimate government, and voting is rendering to Caesar his due as the Lord commanded (Matt. 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25).
This year was amazing in the race for Morris County freeholder. A young man named William “Hank” Lyon sought to defeat an 11-year incumbent in the Republican primary. He was a political nothing from nowhere, except that his home since boyhood is my hometown of Towaco, NJ.
Hank mounted a fantastic visitation and roadside sign campaign. Weeks before the election, his father visited every house on our street leaving a campaign folder. He explained that Hank had never run for any office, but, on graduating from college, he had a growing passion to serve in politics. The ad folder quoted Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln. Further examination of his folder said, “Hank attends the Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park. One of his favorite activities is meeting with his small group from church in Pompton Plains. Here he has an opportunity for fellowship and friendship….”
Here was a vibrant, committed conservative with forthright Christian faith blended in an obscure candidate. Since his values and ideas reflected ours, we voted for him. I confess I thought that, humanly speaking, his chances were slim to none as he was up against a formidable opponent.
But the day following the election, the results published in the newspaper showed 23-year old Hank Lyon winning 12,234 to 12,228. That’s a winning margin of just six votes out of 24,462 votes cast. What a surprise, and what a breakthrough for a political novice whose raw commitment and courage challenged the establishment. And he didn’t hide his Christianity under the proverbial bushel basket. Six votes out of 24,462! Amazing!
The final tally held up even a bit better. After some late returns were in and an election challenge defeated, the final percentages were staggering. Hank won 49.95 percent to 49.91 percent – by 4/10 of one percent! (Lyon’s opponent has contested the results, but no results are available as of June 24.)
A few people could have stayed home that day and sunk Hank’s political fortunes. The “overwhelming minority” voted and altered Morris county politics with an upset win.
I don’t know the names of some others who voted for Hank but I know I will know them someday when the Lord will likely say, “Well done, good and faithful political servant. You took seriously my words about rendering to Ceasar what is his. You put a church-going, Christ-honoring dedicated Christian in office. Well done, enter in the joy of your Lord.” (My expanded paraphrase of Matt. 25:23)
With the presidential political season already coming to a boil, our prayers are needed even for the primary candidates of both parties (I Timothy 2:2). All obedient believers should plan on voting in both the primaries and general election. If we do less, the old adage is doubly sad: “We have met the enemy and the enemy is us.”
Dave Virkler
June 7 was primary election day in New Jersey for state, county and local offices. Primary elections are notorious for inattention. People care little for this elementary refining process, and a “Who cares?” attitude is sadly typical. I try to vote in every election, no matter how obscure, because it is my patriotic and spiritual duty. In America, citizens are the ultimate government, and voting is rendering to Caesar his due as the Lord commanded (Matt. 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25).
This year was amazing in the race for Morris County freeholder. A young man named William “Hank” Lyon sought to defeat an 11-year incumbent in the Republican primary. He was a political nothing from nowhere, except that his home since boyhood is my hometown of Towaco, NJ.
Hank mounted a fantastic visitation and roadside sign campaign. Weeks before the election, his father visited every house on our street leaving a campaign folder. He explained that Hank had never run for any office, but, on graduating from college, he had a growing passion to serve in politics. The ad folder quoted Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln. Further examination of his folder said, “Hank attends the Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park. One of his favorite activities is meeting with his small group from church in Pompton Plains. Here he has an opportunity for fellowship and friendship….”
Here was a vibrant, committed conservative with forthright Christian faith blended in an obscure candidate. Since his values and ideas reflected ours, we voted for him. I confess I thought that, humanly speaking, his chances were slim to none as he was up against a formidable opponent.
But the day following the election, the results published in the newspaper showed 23-year old Hank Lyon winning 12,234 to 12,228. That’s a winning margin of just six votes out of 24,462 votes cast. What a surprise, and what a breakthrough for a political novice whose raw commitment and courage challenged the establishment. And he didn’t hide his Christianity under the proverbial bushel basket. Six votes out of 24,462! Amazing!
The final tally held up even a bit better. After some late returns were in and an election challenge defeated, the final percentages were staggering. Hank won 49.95 percent to 49.91 percent – by 4/10 of one percent! (Lyon’s opponent has contested the results, but no results are available as of June 24.)
A few people could have stayed home that day and sunk Hank’s political fortunes. The “overwhelming minority” voted and altered Morris county politics with an upset win.
I don’t know the names of some others who voted for Hank but I know I will know them someday when the Lord will likely say, “Well done, good and faithful political servant. You took seriously my words about rendering to Ceasar what is his. You put a church-going, Christ-honoring dedicated Christian in office. Well done, enter in the joy of your Lord.” (My expanded paraphrase of Matt. 25:23)
With the presidential political season already coming to a boil, our prayers are needed even for the primary candidates of both parties (I Timothy 2:2). All obedient believers should plan on voting in both the primaries and general election. If we do less, the old adage is doubly sad: “We have met the enemy and the enemy is us.”
Dave Virkler
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Palin’s E-mails and Christians’ Lives
Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate, is the whipping girl of the liberal establishment. Whatever she does seems to elicit special scrutiny and harsh criticism. She must be doing something right to attract all the negative attention.
When the state of Alaska released 24,000 of Palin’s e-mails from her term as governor, a flock of liberal reporters descended like birds of prey swooping in the for delectable kill. Hoping to pick up some damaging information, they were sadly disappointed. Travel expenses for these raptors and the arduous hours spent in examination netted them absolutely nothing of negative substance. It was all a pompous exercise in futility.
But I suspect the secular media’s sleuthing effort will continue as long as there is the remotest prospect of a juicy tidbit. If other politicos were subject to this degree of scrutiny, few would be found fit for office.
For Christians, the Apostle Paul outlined the ideal blameless testimony in the everyday world. When we use terms like “open book,” we are wisely parroting Scripture. “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3 – NIV). The context shows Paul describing these local Christians’ lives as actual letters from Christ.
Believers don’t belong to a secret society but part of the public domain of reflected truth. When Paul defended the work of Christ before King Agrippa, he said “…this thing was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). Christian teaching is to be open and forthright as was Paul’s in Ephesus. He “kept back nothing that was profitable…but proclaimed it… and taught…publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).
It is a choice blessing to be able to say as Samuel said, “‘Here I am. Witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind mine eyes? I will restore it you.’ And they said, ‘You have not cheated us or oppressed us, no have you taken anything from any man’s hand.’” (1 Samuel 12:3-4)
My son once worked for a U.S. congressman. In his job training, he was told, “Don’t do anything you don’t want on the front page of the newspapers.” Jesus said as much in Luke 8:17. “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” Christ’s ministry was marked by plain talk and open living. “‘I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.’” (John 18:20)
Today, we live in a world of open access with no place to hide. If any accusation against us be made, hopefully it would only be as against Daniel as it was centuries ago.
“So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, ‘We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.’” (Daniel 6:4-5)
Let us be aware that in this spiritually hostile world, enemies of the Lord and His people are sorting through our lives’ personal e-mails one page at a time.
Dave Virkler
When the state of Alaska released 24,000 of Palin’s e-mails from her term as governor, a flock of liberal reporters descended like birds of prey swooping in the for delectable kill. Hoping to pick up some damaging information, they were sadly disappointed. Travel expenses for these raptors and the arduous hours spent in examination netted them absolutely nothing of negative substance. It was all a pompous exercise in futility.
But I suspect the secular media’s sleuthing effort will continue as long as there is the remotest prospect of a juicy tidbit. If other politicos were subject to this degree of scrutiny, few would be found fit for office.
For Christians, the Apostle Paul outlined the ideal blameless testimony in the everyday world. When we use terms like “open book,” we are wisely parroting Scripture. “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody” (2 Corinthians 3:2-3 – NIV). The context shows Paul describing these local Christians’ lives as actual letters from Christ.
Believers don’t belong to a secret society but part of the public domain of reflected truth. When Paul defended the work of Christ before King Agrippa, he said “…this thing was not done in a corner” (Acts 26:26). Christian teaching is to be open and forthright as was Paul’s in Ephesus. He “kept back nothing that was profitable…but proclaimed it… and taught…publicly and from house to house” (Acts 20:20).
It is a choice blessing to be able to say as Samuel said, “‘Here I am. Witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind mine eyes? I will restore it you.’ And they said, ‘You have not cheated us or oppressed us, no have you taken anything from any man’s hand.’” (1 Samuel 12:3-4)
My son once worked for a U.S. congressman. In his job training, he was told, “Don’t do anything you don’t want on the front page of the newspapers.” Jesus said as much in Luke 8:17. “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” Christ’s ministry was marked by plain talk and open living. “‘I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.’” (John 18:20)
Today, we live in a world of open access with no place to hide. If any accusation against us be made, hopefully it would only be as against Daniel as it was centuries ago.
“So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, ‘We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.’” (Daniel 6:4-5)
Let us be aware that in this spiritually hostile world, enemies of the Lord and His people are sorting through our lives’ personal e-mails one page at a time.
Dave Virkler
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