Now Jerry believes in Memorial Day

“If you’ve got nothing worth dying for,

you’ve got nothing worth living for.” 

                                Martin Luther King Jr.

 
Seinfeld was honestly called “a show about nothing.” That’s because the very popular show portrayed a nihilistic moral point of view.
  Just in case you don’t know, nihilism is the belief that life is meaningless. The name comes from the Latin word nihil, which means nothing. It became popular in the 1800s. Various thinkers questioned the church and faith that had been taken for granted for centuries. With faith being questioned, objective morals and absolutes were called into question. Nihilism attempted to make sense of what comes after this shift. It presents a dark, new way of looking at the world.
  So, nihilism, which means nothingness, means a commitment to no meaning. It means there is no truth, no morals, no transcending absolutes. Ultimately, it means that there is nothing of eternal consequence.
  It’s one of the reasons why Jerry Seinfeld is not known for vast narratives of some kind of literary force or for making films with significant moral messages. He’s known for stand-up and situation comedy contexts in which he takes something as simple as a cookie or a hangnail and turns it into something of massive interest. But it’s not. It’s all rather narcissistic and doesn’t make any claim to universal meaning.
  Until October 7^th and the attack by Hamas on Israel, nihilism was Jerry Seinfeld’s worldview. His change and his becoming very outspoken in support for Israel precipitated the walkout of about 30 graduates at the recent Duke University graduation ceremony to protest his speaking.  
  While the media made it a “big” story, in a crowd of 7,000 that were present for the ceremony, it’s essentially a non-story. Those who walked out made up about .04% of those present. A typical church service has a much larger percentage of those walking each week to go to the restroom. A little perspective goes a long way.
  What is very significant is that Jerry Seinfeld, in the face evil, can’t maintain a nihilistic worldview. Evil matters. Morality and absolutes matter. October 7^th was an act of war against civilians. Hamas will only be satisfied with the extermination of all Jews, both in and outside of Israel.  
  Many today hold to some form of nihilism. Yet, if our country had believed in nihilism, we would have no Memorial Day. If nothing matters, then why send young men and women to fight for something and potentially pay the ultimate sacrifice. Not all wars are against evil, many are power or land grabs. Because America was founded on a Judeo-Christian ethic, the basis of many of our wars had a moral cause. They fit into what’s known as Just War Theory, the Christian worldview that over the past two millennia has been the basis for the laws of armed conflict. Since America has been involved in over 100 wars since our founding, let me touch on a few that fit into Just War Theory.
  The American Revolution. Prior to going to war, the colonists begged London to not provoke “the calamities civil war.” There was no talk of independence. By 1775 Colonists had seen a steady erosion of their liberties, to the point that a citizen might have British troops quartered in his home against his will; be shipped off to England or Canada for an alleged crime without facing a trial by jury of his peers; and have his business strangled by nearly a decade’s worth of spiraling taxes. Additionally, the colonies were under naval blockade with New York and Boston under martial law. Justice is a cardinal virtue within a divinely ordained moral order of right and wrong. The choices for our forefathers seemed to only be liberty or further tyranny.
  The Civil War. The war between the United States and the Confederate States began on April 12, 1861, at Fort Sumter. The immediate cause was Constitutional principle: the U.S. government refused to recognize the southern states’ right to secede from the Union. Though that was the start of the war, Constitutional principles were not the foundational cause. History is clear that the South went to war to defend slavery and the denial of other human beings, Imago Dei. Slaves were considered subhuman.  
  World War II. Although it was the most destructive period to life, liberty, and property the world has ever seen, World War II was a moral war. Hitler, Nazism, genocide – all constitute a moral war. The great failure of the United States and other governments prior to declaring war, was to turn away Jewish refugees and to not enter into the conflict sooner.
  The Vietnam War. The tyranny of communism in Russia led to systematic purges, executions and famines that resulted in the deaths of millions. Containment became the official U.S. policy for combatting Communism. The United States sought to halt the progression of Communism around the world. However, the methods of fighting and the justification for going to war in Vietnam conflict with principles of Just War theory in several places. The bottom line is that while the Vietnam Conflict had a moral purpose, it was not conducted in an entirely ethical manner. All of us, leaders included, are contaminated by our sinful depravity and make wrong and unjust decisions.
  What’s the bottom line? Those in our military obey the orders of our leaders of when to go to war. Though we’ve made our mistakes as a nation, rather than going to war as we see in Ukraine for land and power, America has sought to have moral reasons like bringing human freedom and dignity to those who would not have it without our military intervention.
  Memorial Day reminds us that there is something to care about and we must care about what is righteous as our God cares about what is just and righteous. While we have our problems, the only perfect government is God’s, we can proudly salute our flag and honor our fallen heroes. We know that they sacrificed to protect our freedom and to seek to bring that same freedom to others. It’s why I for one am proud to be an American!

Can we help you spiritually? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. 

Killing Adam Sandler???

 

“What distinguishes genocide from murder, and even from acts of political murder that claim as many victims, is the intent. The crime is wanting to make a people extinct. The idea is the crime.”

                                                                            Philip Gourevitch

 

It’s a scene being repeated on university and college campuses across the country. On April 5^th Rutgers University President, Jonathan Holloway, held a town hall with students. It devolved into anarchy, and for his safety, he had to flee the scene with a police escort. But Jewish students who came to ask about how the administration would keep them safe on campus were left to beg the remaining police to escort them out as other Hamas supporting students chanted genocidal slogans calling for intifada and the destruction of the Jewish state. How deplorable! On an American university campus students are screaming for Israel to be annihilated and celebrating the intifada, which is physical violence and murder of Jews.
  As the war in Gaza grinds through its deadly sixth month, this month also marks 30 years since the world turned its back on Rwanda’s Tutsi minority. The 100 days of killing that became known as the Rwandan genocide began on April 7, 1994. Hutu extremists murdered 800,000 Tutsis. Mark it down! If Hamas had their way, it would be a genocide of Jews in Israel.
  Hamas is committed to exterminating all Jews. Don’t be fooled. They don’t want a Palestinian State. They and other radical Islamic groups won’t be satisfied until all Jews are exterminated. This is not about land, it’s about genocide.
  Worldviews matter. If Hamas had their way celebrity Jews like Adam Sandler, Hailee Steinfeld and Ben Platt would be exterminated, along with an estimated 2.4 million Jews that are our friends and neighbors, living in the U.S., who are part of the 16 million Jews in the world.
  Not all Palestinians are aligned with Hamas. Hamas is an evil, terrorist nation that not only kills Jews but uses Palestinian civilians, women and children, as human shields. To oppose Hamas is not to hate Palestinians.
  What’s the bottom line? As Bible-believers, we are pro-Israel yet to be obedient to Scripture, we cannot be anti-Arab. Add to that, many Arabs are Christians and our brothers and sisters in Christ. We share a solidarity with them as Christ-followers. Radical Islam’s first objective is to eradicate all Jews, but then to eradicate all Christians.
  Even though many Jews are atheists, they’re still God’s chosen people. The nation of Israel is the land that God promised them. Here’s what the Apostle Paul said. “The God of this people Israel chose our fathers…He gave them their land as an inheritance” (Acts 13:17, 19). “The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). Israel’s continuing chosenness gives ongoing spiritual significance to their land. If God had rejected the Jews, it would be theologically reasonable to expect Him to take their land away from them forever, just as He has with other nations. But since He hasn’t rejected them. The land given to them by God is still their inheritance. That’s the biblical logic that led Robert Murray M’Cheyne to anticipate in 1839, with astonishing foresight, that God would eventually restore the Jewish people to their ancient homeland, which He did in 1948.
  After the cross and the birth of the Church though Israel as a nation is no longer the special focus of God’s redeeming work. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel. The Church, the New Covenant community is made up of both Jews and Gentiles. A person isn’t saved on the basis of being genetically related to Abraham, (Romans 9). While we look prophetically for a great turning of the Jewish people back to God through Christ, as Christians, we must be clear in our conviction that no one enters the family of God or receives the blessings and favor of God apart from a personal faith in Jesus Christ.
  Supporting Israel is not a blank check. It’s the responsibility of the international community to hold Israel accountable to the rules of war. Reasonable attempts must be made to minimize civilian casualties of Palestinians in Gaza. While much of the world is condemning Israel, as Bible-believers and those committed to justice, we must call out the unspeakable evil perpetrated by radical Islam. There is no choice but for Israel to take strong measures against Hamas’ decades-long campaign of terror. Yet, to defeat Hamas, they can’t be evil like Hamas. Non-combatants must be protected as much as possible.   
  None of this in light of what biblical prophecy tells us is a surprise. The book of Revelation tells us that Israel would be attacked. As Jesus’ first coming was promised, so is His return. There is coming a day when our just God will finally bring all the evil in this world to an end.
  Until then, we live with an ever-present fear of horrible destruction. Let one person press one button and a nuclear disaster could happen. There are wars on top of wars. Russia has invaded Ukraine. China threatens Taiwan. Israel is attacked by Hamas from the south and Hezbollah to the North.
  So, what can Christ-followers do? First, “Pray for peace in Jerusalem” (Psalm 122:6.)  Israel is special to God by covenant. Jesus was born there. He died there. He rose from the grave and will ultimately return there. The tiny nation of Israel has been the most disputed land in history. It’s the staging ground of God’s story of salvation and His final redemption.
  While we don’t always know what governments should do, we do know what we as Christ-followers must do. The only thing Christians can do with absolute certainty is to share Christ’s gospel of peace. During times of conflict and international crisis, it becomes even more vital for believers to make evangelism a top priority. By loving people and proclaiming the good news, we can bring hope and healing amid the chaos and uncertainty that crisis produces. These situations provide unique opportunities for evangelism. When people fearfully face challenges and seek answers, they’re more receptive to hearing the message of Christ. By prioritizing gospel sharing in these difficult days, we demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus while offering the transformative power of His grace.
  My friend, if you’re unsure of your own spiritual state, may this and other crises be a catalyst to turn you to Christ. Jesus Christ died on the cross for sinners like you and me. He does not want anyone to perish. He loves us and longs for each of us to know His forgiveness and peace.

Can we help you spiritually? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.