Trivia Q: What Other Serial Killer of 100's Never Made the News?

Kirsten Power's excellent article in USA Today is spot on.  Under what circumstances would the trial of a serial killer of hundreds of people NOT be on the front page of every single newspaper in America?

What if the serial killer's victims were all babies?  Wouldn't you expect that every single news show would lead their broadcasts with the update of the trial?

Maybe you've forgotten that Kermit Gosnell is that serial killer.  Maybe you didn't realize that the news media is ignoring the trial.  But why would they do such a thing?

Maybe it is because Gosnell was an abortion doctor.  Maybe they know that allowing the American people to see this level of evil might give a black eye to their "pet issue."

Call all local newspapers and media outlets and demand that they cover this.  

We need to know what happened here.  Gosnell needs to be held accountable not only in a court of law, but by the American people.  That can't happen if we don't know about it.

Further, our local, state and federal legislative bodies need to be held accountable too.  What have they done to prevent this from ever happening again?

Religion: Freedom versus Diversity

Evangelicals should be firmly for freedom of religion but should be deeply saddened by religious diversity. The former because belief in Jesus is an individual matter of freedom that cannot be dictated by the state. The latter because vast diversity necessarily means that many people are lost and destined for horrible judgement.

Unreasonable Doubt and the Fatherless

Here's an interesting excerpt from an article in "Christianity Today" on February 10, 2011.  The article, Unreasonable Doubt is by Jim Spiegel.

External factors may also hamper the natural awareness of God and contribute to a descent into atheism. In his book Faith of the Fatherless: The Psychology of Atheism, New York University psychologist Paul Vitz, a onetime atheist, examines the lives of the major atheists of the modern period, including Hobbes, Hume, Voltaire, Feuerbach, Nietzsche, Sartre, Camus, Russell, and Freud. He found they had something in common: a broken relationship with their father. Whether by death, departure, abuse, or some other factor, the father relationships of all these well-known atheists were defective. Vitz also examined the lives of prominent theists during the same period (Pascal, Reid, Burke, Berkeley, Paley, Wilberforce, Kierkegaard, Schleiermacher, Newman, Chesterton, and Bonhoeffer, among others). In every case, he found a good relationship with the father or at least a strong father figure.

The Church Outside Our Denomination - Reasons to Give Thanks

I could have titled this blog entry "The whole counsel of God."


I had a good discussion with a colleague of mine.  We both teach at an Christian School that is inter-denominational, committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the inerrancy of the Scriptures.  Earlier in his career, he taught at a school within his denomination.  He told me that, although his convictions toward the particular doctrines of his denomination are rock-solid, he much prefers the current environment.  


That discussion led me to think about the diversity within true Evangelicalism and how important it is.  To be clear, "true" Evangelicalism includes the belief that God's Word is absolutely without error and that it holds all authority in all matters of life and death.  It also includes the truth that Jesus is Lord and only He is.  There is no other Lord and there is no other way to heaven, salvation, God the Father, sanctification and glorification - except through Jesus.


This post could also have been called "the whole counsel of God" for this reason.  Evangelical denominations are full of imperfect human beings who lack the ability to keep all the important things about God in view at the same time.  There are two reasons for this.  First of all, we are not God.  We are not omniscient.  We are not all-wise.  Our minds cannot know everything.  Further, our minds cannot consider each thing we do know in relation to all the other things we do know.  Secondly, sin has tainted our perspectives.  Sin turns even our pursuit of the things of God into an exercise in self-worship.  We wear what we've learned like badges of intellect or spiritual assent.


For this reason, all Evangelical denominations value their "distinctives" at the expense of the "whole counsel of God."  Further, Christians in each denomination tend to view themselves as intellectually and spiritually superior to others.  That is really too bad.


So, when my colleague trumpeted the value of being at a place that includes Bible-believing Christ followers from many denominations, I began to consider the benefits that some of the Evangelical denomination brings to our school and, in a universal sense, the Body of Christ.

• From Reformed & Presbyterian Christians we learn the sovereignty of God and our exclusive purpose in glorifying Him.
• From Baptist Christians we learn the need to preach the gospel and make disciples around the whole world.
• From Wesleyan & Methodist Christians we learn to about holy living for sanctification.
• From Pentecostal & Charismatic Christians we learn about "the forgotten God" and how we must be utterly dependent upon the Holy Spirit.
• From Lutheran & Episcopal Christians we learn about the need for discipline in the Christian life.
• Some things that have been reiterated to me from Christians within denominations other than my own:
• Beauty - In God's created order and in our expression of it through the arts.
• Apologetics - And the need to defend the Gospel from secular and pagan movements and world views. 
• Justice - And the need to practice our religion by presenting the Gospel AND to feed the poor.
• Sola Scriptura - That God's word tells us everything we need for salvation and sanctification.

It's not that true Evangelicals don't believe that all these things are true and worthy.  It's just that, without each other, we probably won't remember them all.  We should all strive to know "the whole counsel of God."  

I like what D.A. Carson says in his book Preach the Word.

When Paul attests that this is what he proclaimed to the believers in Ephesus, the Ephesian elders to whom he makes this bold asseveration know full well that he had managed this remarkable feat in only two and a half years. In other words, whatever else Paul did, he certainly did not manage to go through every verse of the Old Testament, line by line, with full-bore explanation. He simply did not have time.

What he must mean is that he taught the burden of the whole of God’s revelation, the balance of things, leaving nothing out that was of primary importance, never ducking the hard bits, helping believers to grasp the whole counsel of God that they themselves would become better equipped to read their Bibles intelligently, comprehensively. It embraced:  

• God’s purposes in the history of redemption (truths to be believed and a God to be worshiped) 
• an unpacking of human origin, fall, redemption, and destiny (aworldview that shapes all human understanding and a Savior without whom there is no hope), 
• the conduct expected of God’s people (commandments to be obeyed and wisdom to be pursued, both in our individual existence and in the community of the people of God), and 
• the pledges of transforming power both in this life and in the life to come (promises to be trusted and hope to be anticipated).

I am afraid that we cannot know what Paul intended unless we know each other. 

If All Religions Are Good

I heard Andrew Klavan say "if all religions are good, then evil is good." He's right. From Satan Worship to atheism to those who use Christianity"s name but refuse to follow Jesus, the world's religions are evil. They are evil because they focus on gratifying the selfish desires of the created rather than the Creator. They teach self worship rather than God worship.

Of course, it is not true that all religions are good -- regardless of how often our Postmodern, multiculturalist prophets proclaim that they are. The claims made in the popular culture that embraces equality among religions are really attacks against true Christianity. They all contradict Christ's teaching about our own depravity and imminent judgment for that depravity. They all enslave people forever because they teach people to focus on themselves for redemption and enlightenment and good. They deny that "no one is good" and that "there is a way that seems right to man but ends in destruction.". The race for self enlightenment is one that will never end. The world's religions are evil and, therefore, none are good.

So the next time you see one of those "coexist" bumper stickers, first notice there is no goat head representing Satan worship. That will give you a good chuckle. Second, and most importantly, ask yourself which one of those symbols, besides the cross, represents redemption from what we all deserve and are certain to receive?
Via Blackberry

Where Did The Laws Come From?

One glaring omission from the writings of modern day atheists like Dawkins and Hawking is an answer to the question "where do the laws come from?" These men and many others claim that God did not create but that the natural laws did.

Of course it makes absolutely no sense to suggest that the law of gravity, for instance, could create anything. But suppose for a moment it could. There's still the monumental problem for the atheist. For they cannot explain who created the natural laws?

For, before there was anything, the laws could not have existed. They had to be created. And, of course, we Christ-followers know exactly Who created them.

What is the World's Creed?

I heard this creed quoted in a talk by Christian philosopher and apologist Ravi Zacharias.  With obvious sarcasm, English journalist Steve Turner wrote this "Creed" of Postmodernism.  It is, I hate to say, a true reflection of the prevailing thoughts and actions of the world's citizens.  It really could be our creed.

We believe in Marxfreudanddarwin
We believe everything is OK
As long as you don't hurt anyone
To the best of your definition of hurt,
And to the best of your knowledge.


We believe in sex before, during, and after marriage.
We believe in the therapy of sin.
We believe that adultery is fun.
We believe that sodomy’s OK.


We believe that taboos are taboo.
We believe that everything's getting better
Despite evidence to the contrary.
The evidence must be investigated
And you can prove anything with evidence.


We believe there's something in horoscopes, UFO's and bent spoons.
Jesus was a good man just like Buddha, Mohammed, and ourselves.
He was a good moral teacher though we think His good morals were bad.


We believe that all religions are basically the same-
At least the one that we read was.
They all believe in love and goodness.
They only differ on matters of creation, sin, heaven, hell, God, and salvation.


We believe that after death comes the Nothing
Because when you ask the dead what happens they say nothing.
If death is not the end, if the dead have lied, then its compulsory heaven for all
Excepting perhaps Hitler, Stalin, and Genghis Kahn

We believe in Masters and Johnson
What's selected is average.
What's average is normal.
What's normal is good.

We believe in total disarmament.
We believe there are direct links between warfare and bloodshed.
Americans should beat their guns into tractors.
And the Russians would be sure to follow.

We believe that man is essentially good.
It's only his behavior that lets him down.
This is the fault of society.
Society is the fault of conditions.
Conditions are the fault of society.


We believe that each man must find the truth that is right for him.
Reality will adapt accordingly.
The universe will readjust.
History will alter.
We believe that there is no absolute truth excepting the truth that there is no absolute truth.


We believe in the rejection of creeds,
And the flowering of individual thought.
If chance be the Father of all flesh, disaster is his rainbow in the sky

And when you hear
State of Emergency!
Sniper Kills Ten!
Troops on Rampage!
Whites go Looting!
Bomb Blasts School!
It is but the sound of man worshipping his maker.

Love What You Have?

Most of us give lip service to the truth that we should not put our possessions above God or other human beings. Here's a good test for you. Estimate what percentage of your awake life has been devoted to money and possessions. Remember to include investing, managing, maintaining, using, researching and purchasing them. Then add the time spent working to obtain them.

Have you been that dedicated to anything else in your life?

We're All Flawed But We're Not All Pedophiles

Today on the radio, I heard a talk-show host say about Michael Jackson "we're all flawed, but we're not all pedophiles." I have to admit that I am a surprised at the reaction towards Michael Jackson's death. And, frankly, it kind of makes me mad.  For sure, we're all flawed.  But, where should we draw the line in honoring those who die?  

As far as I know, Jackson never repented of his alleged (he settled for millions in the case) sodomy of a 13 year old boy.  And, there have been many more claims leveled against him.  We know that he was troubled in many other ways.  Does he deserve our praise over the "few good men" who just died in Afghanistan?  The fact that many of us weren't even aware of the deaths of these fine men speaks volumes.  It gives insight into the waywardness of our culture that we honor Jackson instead.

Gay - Why Does It Matter?

I've noticed some Jesus followers who are confused about standing against homosexuality. The subject causes many of us to cringe because we fear the "intolerant" label. In particular, the pro-homosexuality argument based around civil rights has become a popular one that many Christians find it difficult to argue against.

It is vital for us to remember that God's commands to us are always connected to His love for us. In the case of homosexuality, this statement could not be more true. But, I rarely hear the anti-homosexuality argument put forth with this in mind.

Homosexuality is an extremely destructive lifestyle. God knows this. Because of His unfathomable love for us, He warns and commands us to forsake it and turn to Him. What God knows and His reasons for hating this sin are borne out by the facts. As Christ-followers, we must be diligent and consistent at presenting these facts to the lost world and to Christians engaged in this lifestyle.

Studies have repeatedly shown that the average life expectancy of men and women engaged in the homosexual lifestyle is more than 20-30 years less than heterosexuals. On top of dying at unbelievably early ages, homosexuals often suffer horribly in the time leading up to their death.

Sometimes it seems like the only ones who speak out against this sin proclaim their hatred for gays and lesbians. Hatred is not what is needed. The redeeming love of Jesus Christ is all that is needed. First, to ensure an everlasting peace for all who trust Him - homosexuals included. Second, to help the people caught in the darkness of this sin to move into the light.

Without Jesus, many will suffer. We must love by explaining the specific consequences of this sin (and all sin). We must present Jesus Christ as a way out. The risk of appearing intolerant is one we'll just have to take.

Sex & Multiplication

Why in the world would God say:

So, God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.  God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it.  Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth."  - Genesis 1:27-28

And, why in the world would this be the subject of my blog today?  

God told the first couple to have a lot of kids.  He did this after He blessed them.  Does this command apply to you?  While I can't answer that question with certainty, part of the story in Genesis certainly applies to you today - you have been blessed - blessed with great wealth, health and liberty.  

So, what if the command is for you too?  And, what if you obeyed it?  What if Western Christians had obeyed the command over the past 40 years?  What if we had many more children and what if American's had not aborted 45 million children?  

If we had obeyed this command, would you be facing the myriad of crises with which you are now confronted?

Social Security Crisis - There would be no crisis if there was a generation of 75 million or more young tax payers paying taxes.  Right?  Think about it.  The reason Social Security is about to fail is because there are more old, retired people than can be supported by those still working.

Record National Debt - If 75 million or more young tax payers were employed and paying taxes, would there be any National Debt at all?

Terrorism - America's ability to fight terrorism around the world has been stretched to the limits by the fact that we have a limited number of military personnel.  We also have limited resources.  With 75 million or more young tax payers, wouldn't we have more money for military spending and development and wouldn't we have more people to fight religious zealots that want us all dead?  Wouldn't we have more missionaries reaching more people around the world making the peace of a loving God more prevalent in the radical Islamic world?  Wouldn't European Christians also be impacting all these things?

American Industry - One of the major problems for America's economy has been the necessity to ship jobs to lower-developed countries because we don't have the necessary workforce. When we have 4-8% unemployment, that means there's no one left to do the work that American companies need done.  Wouldn't 75 million more young workers solve that problem?

World Poverty & Disease - Would 75 million or more young Americans be able to make a difference in feeding the hungry and stopping disease on the continent of Africa, in Appalachia and around the world?

Virtually all Western nations like France, UK, Canada, Germany, etc. are actually losing population because their citizens are not having enough children to replace themselves when they die.  Their overall population growth comes from immigration.  And, in many instances, the majority of immigrants to these countries are Muslim.  That means their culture is being displaced by Islamic culture.  

The United States is the lone exception.  We've averaged just 2.3 children per couple - which barely replaces our citizen population as people die.  That's not enough to keep us from all the major problems we now face.

Now, back to the command in Genesis 1.  It seems to me that God's wisdom applies across the ages.  Does it apply to you?  As you begin to start families of your own, keep in mind that having children is a selfless act.  Getting a career, making money, living your dreams, buying a home, owning cars and televisions - none of these things are necessarily bad - but they are all selfish.  They are selfish because they are all about what you want for yourself.  

Could God's wisdom and the command he gave Adam and Eve be calling you away from that selfishness and into something infinitely more important?  Maybe God is calling you to take the prospects of children and family much more seriously than Christians in my generation did. I don't know.  I'm just asking.