This Day in History

“History is a story written by the finger of God.”  C.S. Lewis

  Today is a huge milestone and the culmination of prayer, vision, sacrifice and commitment for our church. This first phase of our new facility is the first major building project that our church has undertaken in sixty years.

  I’m very thankful for the kindness of local media in reporting this milestone, yet, in the grand scheme of things, in light of what is taking place in the world, though this is huge for us, it’s hardly a blip on the world’s stage. No one will Google us to find our groundbreaking listed as a major event on “This Day in History” for June 25^th, so I decided to check what other key events are listed as taking place on this day. It was interesting what was deemed noteworthy. Some of the major events that took place on June 25^th can even apply to us. For example…

  In 1667, the very first blood transfusion was performed by a French physician, Jean-Baptiste Denys. Our church and every other Gospel believing one exists because of a blood “transfusion.” If the Lord Jesus hadn’t left heaven and come to earth, if He hadn’t given His lifeblood to pay for our sin, we wouldn’t be here. Jesus in love bled out for us. It’s because of God’s love and His sacrifice that we’re alive, spiritually and eternally alive. We can be forgiven and our holy God can be justified in forgiving us for all of our sin because of Christ’s atonement and His substitutionary sacrifice for sin.

  In 1678, Elena Cornaro Piscopia was the first woman to receive a university doctoral decree. A vital part of our mission is to “make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This isn’t merely education or some transfer of information, discipleship is so much more. It involves teaching, counseling, relationship building, role modeling. Through the power of the Spirit working in our lives, we want to be more and more like Jesus. Our mission isn’t numbers or a big crowd; our mission is to reproduce reproducers. It’s why we’re committed to the Ziebell Education Wing. Discipleship begins early and we want to do what we can to facilitate it. As one graduates to demonstrate that they’ve completed their education, believers who have graduated into spiritual maturity reproduce themselves by leading others to Christ and mentoring them to be a disciple who then reproduces new disciples.

  In 1876, a famous American tragedy took place – the battle of Little Big Horn, also known as Custer’s Last Stand. The U.S. 7^th Cavalry, including the Custer Battalion, a force of 700 men led by General George Armstrong Custer, suffered a major defeat. Five of the 7^th Cavalry’s twelve companies were annihilated; General Custer was killed, as were two of his brothers, a nephew, and a brother-in-law. The total U.S. casualty count included 268 dead and 55 severely wounded (six died later from their injuries). The battle was an overwhelming victory for the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho Native American tribes. That battle and Custer's actions have been studied extensively by historians.

  The general consensus is that Custer lost that battle because of pride. While there were many other contributing factors, pride was the core problem. Sadly, pride has defeated more churches and Christians than probably any other sin. It’s one that we are tempted with today and will be tempted with until the Lord calls us Home. Yet, God gives His greatest blessings to those who are surrendered to Him. He doesn’t need our building, talents, skills, or even our money – but He wants to use us. He wants our lives to matter and have eternal significance. That only happens when we are humbly dependent upon Him. It’s His grace that we rely on!

  In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, beginning the Korean War. We have a vicious Enemy. Satan loves diversion and division. His first attack was to divide Adam and Eve from God and from each other. Human history is a long sad and deadly trail of division from Cain murdering his brother, Abel, to the early church and economic bigotry (Acts 6).

  Divisions that lead to church splits, whether physically or only emotionally are a sad and all-too-common occurrence in the Body of Christ. The effects of a church split, regardless of the cause, can be devastating. Church splits distress and discourage mature believers, worse they disillusion new believers. They cause havoc in the lives of pastors and their families. The greatest evil of all that can spring from a split is that it hinders the Gospel and brings reproach on the name of the Lord Jesus.

  God is omnipotent. His grace truly is sufficient. There is always hope! Even Christians that divide and churches that split can experience healing and restoration. This past week I experienced that as by God’s grace I was able to resolve a breakdown which occurred many years ago with a dear friend. My brother in Christ and I experienced God’s grace and healing.

  Christians aren’t perfect. The truth is that we’re a mess. Jesus is perfect but we’re the anti-thesis of that. As a result, churches are like hospitals, full of wounded and sick people. But in the church the sickness is sin and the wounds are usually those we inflict upon ourselves and each another because of sin. We are people who are brought together by God’s grace, yet grace is too frequently the one gift we deny each other. We are forgiven and God’s wants us to be forgivers!
  Today is a historic day for Grace Church! It probably won’t make This Day in History, yet may King Jesus look down on us and be pleased, not just for today but for all that He is also going to do through us in the coming days! Our future is as bright as the promises of God!

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? 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.

Looking for a few godly men....

“Jesus…is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God (Rev. 5:5-6). He was lionhearted and lamblike, strong and meek, tough and tender, aggressive and responsive, bold and brokenhearted. He sets the pattern for manhood.”  John Piper

  What does it mean to be a man, particularly a godly man? The entertainment culture has two sets of males. One is a bumbling Homer Simpson type that’s generally kicked around by his wife and children. He’s harmless, cute but never taken seriously. Then, there’s the action hero type, think Rambo. He has difficulty putting two coherent sentences together, but is able to string together rounds of bullets without a problem. Bulging biceps, monosyllable foul language and an appetite for loose women are his ontology. He solves problems by blowing up and blowing things up.

  While most agree these male types shouldn’t reflect what it is to be a man, too many boys and men in the Church take their masculinity cues from a lost world. While one may be a hero in a lost world that same one can be a zero with God – and God’s evaluation is the one that ultimately matters.

  What is a godly man? We find many models in Scripture. Most of us like lists and the New Testament gives us one. It’s the job description of a deacon. The term deacon is a transliteration of the Greek word, diakonos, which means servant. Generally, it refers to domestic servants, as in John 2 at the wedding at Cana. Paul calls himself a diakonos in 1 Corinthians 3:5, a servant of Christ. Every godly man will first be a “servant of Christ.”

  In 1 Timothy 3:8-13 we find the qualifications of a deacon. They’re also guidelines for what it means to be a godly man. When God seeks leaders, He doesn't look for talent but godly virtues.

  Respectable, “dignified.” The word is the opposite of being a goof-off. A godly man has a seriousness of purpose about him. His wife, his family and others sense that he’s concerned for them, so that they trust and respect him. He’s not a cold, joyless person, yet he understands the seriousness of life and is a man whose character is worth imitating.

  Integrity in speech, “not double-tongued.” He’s sincere, not guilty of saying one thing and then turning around and saying another. He doesn't speak out of both sides of his mouth. It’s better for him to say nothing at all than to say one thing to one person and something else to another. A godly man interacts with different people at home and work and is consistent in what he says. When Fred Mitchell, chairman of the China Inland Mission, died, one of the speakers at his funeral said this about him: “You never caught Fred Mitchell off his guard because he never needed to be on it.” 

  Self-controlled, “not addicted to much wine.” Like today, offering someone a glass of wine was a gesture of hospitality. Godly men exercise control. They’re disciplined. They know where the lines are. When it comes to alcohol, they may drink but are not known as a “drinker.”

  Financially honest, “not greedy for dishonest gain." A godly man is ethical in his finances and business dealings. He’s a man of integrity. He’d rather lose money than gain it through a shady deal or cutting corners. He has the right attitude toward money, seeing himself as a manager of God’s money and knows that money is a tool not the means to an end.

  Scripturally sound, “must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” His life and doctrine must match. They are men of orthodoxy and orthopraxy. The mystery of the faith is a New Testament term for Christian truth, especially the Gospel. It points to that which once was hidden, yet now has been revealed in Jesus Christ. A godly man knows God’s Word and has convictions regarding the central truths of the Christian faith. In addition to sound doctrine, he’s sound in obedience and has a clear conscience. He doesn’t just know His Bible, He lives it out.

  Proven, “And let them also be tested first…let them…prove themselves blameless.” Blameless is a general term referring to someone’s overall character. A godly man’s personal background, reputation, and theological positions must be above reproach. He should have a consistent track record of holiness. An untested leader is an unprepared leader.

  Morally pure, “husband of one wife.” A godly man is a one-woman man. His wife ought to occupy his full horizon. He must love her as he loves himself. He must be devoted to his wife both in mind and body. A godly man is not flirtatious and is pure in thought and life.

  Consistent family life, “managing their children and their own households well.” The home is the proving ground for godly leadership. If a man flunks out at home, he’s not fit for church leadership.

  The quest for true manhood ultimately drives us to the Cross of Jesus Christ. We run to Jesus not just as the ultimate example of what a man looks like, but more importantly as our Savior.

  As a man, I don’t just need to be rescued from the evil of the surrounding culture, I need to be rescued from the sin in my own heart. I need to be rescued from me. The greatest danger to any man exists inside of him, not outside of him. Sin makes me willing to be less than the man God designed me to be, and for that, I need His forgiveness and transforming grace. 

  It’s only through salvation and depending on God’s grace that any of us attains true manhood. A godly man has decided to let God control his life by applying God’s Word to his everyday activities. He loves God and serves the Lord by serving others showing the love of Christ to them through his words and actions. Are you a godly man?

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? 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.

Stop lying to your kids!

“Some people drink from the fountain of knowledge, others just gargle.”

Robert Anthony

  A donkey named Oliver recently joined therapy dogs offering stress relief during finals week at Montana State University. The 8-year-old donkey stood inside the entrance of the university library. Students petted Oliver, hugged him and took selfies. In another part of the library, students sat on the floor and played with dogs provided by Intermountain Therapy Animals. The report failed to report whether it helped the students do better on their finals, but isn’t doing well on your finals the goal? 

  Unlike much of the world, particularly the 3^rd World, America’s youth is on the side of wimpy. For various reasons, helicopter parenting, a warm and fuzzy mentality, the strict regulation of what children can or can’t say/do – we often have an unprepared generation for adulthood. Life, marriage or the workplace aren’t going to provide therapy donkeys.

  A new report from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), America’s Skills Challenge: Millennials and the Future, dares to asks how much longer we can thrive as a nation when a vast segment of our society (Americans between 16 and 34), “lack the skills required for higher-level employment and meaningful engagement in our democracy. Despite having the highest levels of educational attainment of any previous American generation.”

  Even the Church and Christian parents often succumb to a secular worldview, failing to prepare our children with a biblical worldview, yet accepting several societal lies. Sometimes it’s because we so want our youth to believe something, to feel better, overcome challenges, or work through pain that we’ll say nearly anything in an attempt to help. Sometimes it’s because we’re foolish, naïve about the high cost to their future. Here are some of the more common lies we’ve been telling our kids.

  You can do and be anything. Except for all the things you aren’t good at or aren’t wired for. Everyone can do something well, usually lots of things, but no one can do everything, much less master it. We do the next generation a disservice when we encourage them to pursue things they’ll never succeed at. Failure is a vital part of maturity and we must be willing to let our kids fail.

  It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Yes, it does. The intent is to give children a sense of confidence. But it does matter…it matters what parents, teachers, employers, law enforcement and a host of others think. What people think does matter…ultimately, it matters what God thinks. It doesn’t change their value or worth. But it matters because it hurts or helps.    

  All you need to do is make good grades. We all know educated idiots. Faith and character matter much more than academic success. Yet our attitude toward grades reveals our true values. We communicate that a report card is their validation by rewarding grades but neglecting the effort, overlooking the sweat and tears that can go into a C-minus. We fail to prepare them for college or a first job where they’re going to totally bomb sometimes. We devalue non-academic talents or soft skills (skills which serve them far better than algebra) in pursuing honor-roll parent status.

  It just matters that you tried. That’s not true. Results matter a lot. They matter in life and that’s what we’re preparing them for. No one wants a heart surgeon who just tried hard. Yes, there are times to comfort a crestfallen child with encouragement about how hard they tried, but they also need to be encouraged with successes. We need to praise improvement and results – learning an instrument, giving a speech, shooting a basket, driving a car, and getting a B-minus. Effort absolutely counts and generally it leads to good results. It’s usually not enough to just try hard.

  Everyone gets a trophy. Young people need affirmation, but over-affirming basic standards of behavior or worse, poor behavior, pushes them toward an insatiable need for praise for stuff that deserves none. You don’t get pats on the back for showing up. Even when you do a good job, it may go unnoticed…because that’s what you’re supposed to do. When we praise the mundane, our praise is cheapened. You do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do, not because anyone notices. It’s called character. 
  It will be okay. Not always. Life is painful. It’s not always going to be okay. It’s a sin contaminated world filled with suffering, death and dying. Some things will never be fixed on this side of heaven. Tomorrow is not just another day. It might be worse. We can’t promise it’s going to be ok.

  From a biblical worldview, we have hope and know it will be ok because God promised it will be. He didn’t promise we’d feel better or stop hurting. Job never understood why he suffered. Oftentimes we just have to trust God…and that’s enough. Sometimes life is terrible. It hurts beyond words but God is still good. We need to help turn their eyes to something bigger, to something beyond this world, to Someone who will never fail them.

  I will always be here for you. No, we won’t. We’ll do our best but we’re sinners who needed dying for. One of the greatest pains our child will ever face we will be the source of – our own death. As much as we’d love to heal the pain and comfort them, we can’t. Life’s clock is ticking, as it did for our parents and grandparents. The best we can do is turn their focus to the God who will always be there, the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-5). 
  Life is tough. Death is worse. Praise God, Jesus has conquered death! There is hope! Our children need God’s grace, need to trust and depend on Him, need lots of perseverance to start, and more importantly, to end well.  

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? 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.

Porn: Breaking Free!

“The narcotizing effects of pornography will not be surrendered without a fight, but there is no fight evident on this culture’s horizon.” Al Mohler

  Imagine for a moment that every time you turned on the TV, a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts popped out…free. Every time that you turned on your computer, a Big Mac, fries and a shake dropped out next to you. Then, when you turned on your smartphone, candy bars started pouring from the screen. When you turned on the radio, Chick-fila sandwiches landed on your lap, steaming and hot. But it didn’t just happen to you…it happened to everyone. Do you think we might have a bigger problem with obesity in America than we already have? You better believe it.

  Recently, our seemingly innocent community was shocked when a man was apprehended taking pictures at a department store of women changing clothes in dressing rooms. Another adult sent nude pictures to minors on Snapchat. A high school shut down student email after someone sent nude pictures over it. An area minister was arrested for having intercourse with a minor, who is now an adult, from when he taught in a public high school.

  We wouldn’t be surprised at epidemic obesity if junk food was everywhere, free and readily available. So why are we shocked with sex crimes, when porn is everywhere? What should really surprise us is that there are so few crimes. The reality is that far too many are never reported.

  While we have organizations focused on underage drinking and drug abuse, sexual activity among minors is considered “normal.” Most would be shocked at how many cases of teen pregnancy there are, not to mention the percentage of adolescents in local schools with STDs. You can’t have your sexual cake and eat it too without serious societal ramifications.

  The U.S. Justice Department shared this warning: “Never before in the history of telecommunications media in the United States has so much indecent and obscene material been so easily accessible by so many minors in so many American homes with so few restrictions.” What makes the statement more sobering is that it was written in 1996—before wireless broadband, smartphones, iPads, selfies or sexting. It was before porn took over 12% of the Internet with more than 25 million sites raking in over $5 billion a year. The average age of first exposure to porn is 9 years old.

  Just in case you’re thinking this is a rant by a minister, Comedian Chris Rock, who’s never been afraid to say the unexpected, discusses his divorce from his wife of 16 years in his recent tour. He owns the blame for its collapse. Explaining what went wrong, he references his three affairs and his addiction to porn. In a review of his show, Inquisitr reported, “Rock joked about his porn addiction causing him to be 15 minutes late everywhere he went, and how the addiction caused him to not be able to look people in the eye.”

  Our culture is eroticized and too often innocent victims are paying the bill. Parents need to understand that it’s impossible to fully protect children from exposure to pornography, yet it’s possible to diminish the exposure.

  We must prepare our children to understand and talk about their exposure to pornography when it happens. So what can we do?

  Model healthy marital and sexual love. Children from their most formative years need to see that their Dad and Mom love each other. They need to see physical affection and have honest questions answered according to their maturity level. They need to be taught early on that sex is a wonderful gift from God. If the parents have love or intimacy issues, they need to address them – not just for their marriage but also for their children. If they have a porn issue themselves, they need to deal with it.

  Be the parent. We’re in a moral war zone. Parents need to have a backbone. God has not called you to be your child’s buddy. Keep the lines of communication open. Your child doesn’t need you to lecture as much as he or she needs you to listen. Without overreacting, encourage them to let you know if they’ve been or are currently engaging in pornography. If they have, remember it took courage for them to admit it. Handle it in an age appropriate manner. Let them know your home is a safeguard against condemnation. It’s a fortress of love, security, restoration and growth.

  Have reasonable house rules. You wouldn’t hand car keys to a 12-year old, why would you hand a smartphone to an immature minor? A phone is for communication. A simple one will accomplish what is truly needed.

  Would you drop a minor off in a bad neighborhood in Chicago and tell them to figure it out? If you’re paying the bill, why put a dangerous “world” in their hand? Then, set household rules such as all electronic devices turned off at a certain time and placed out in the open for the night. Keep all computers in family areas like the living room, so there are never any closed doors. A common culprit of bringing pornography into your home undetected is via mobile devices. While many families have filters on home computers, filtering software for tablets and phones is much less common. Install safety net programs on all Internet devices.

  It’s impossible to put our children in a sanitized bubble and protect them from all of the evil. It’s vital though that we teach them how to stand alone and to have a biblical worldview that they can use to make wise decisions. 

  The best filter for them is the personal filter of godly character that comes from a relationship with our Heavenly Father and a desire to please Him. It’s how seventeen year old Joseph stood alone when faced with sexual temptation in the eroticized culture of Egypt, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? 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.

Blessing our Good-bye

“If you want to really know what your friends and family think of you die broke, and then see who shows up for the funeral.” 

Gregory Nunn

  This weekend we’re remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Tradition, honor, and dignity are the hallmarks of a military funeral. If you attend a funeral with military honors, there will be a flag-draped casket. An honor guard will carry the casket to the grave site. At the end of the committal, they will lift and hold the American flag taut over the casket. A military firing party will fire three volleys with a bugler then playing “Taps.” The honor guard ceremonially folds the flag, presenting it to the family with a brief statement of gratitude and a salute. The guidelines are clear, yet that’s not the case for other funerals.

  It’s estimated that the average person experiences the loss of a close family member every 15 to 20 years. Many families have no idea what the deceased would want at their funeral, so they find themselves groping in the dark, hoping they’re making the right decisions.

  While some know they have a terminal illness, many will die today never considering this could be their last day on earth. It’s why we all need to be prepared for death. On an earthly level, there are some basics all of us should care for so we don’t leave a needless burden for our loved ones.

  Have a will. Many don’t believe they own or have anything that’s worth anything, but when you add house, car, life insurance, etc., the average estate is worth nearly $200,000.00. If you have personal items like wedding rings, fine china, even a Bible – have specific instructions on who should receive those treasures. If you cared about a church or charity during your lifetime, you’ll want to remember them in your death. Even a few thousand dollars from an estate are a large donation.  

  If you have a terminal illness or are getting up in years, it’s helpful to distribute personal items that have a lot of emotion attached to them before your death. Personally, I believe those with dependent children should have life insurance. Whatever your situation, have enough at least to cover the cost of your funeral which is between $5,000 and $10,000.

  Give someone power of attorney and an advance healthcare directive. One of our greatest fears is ending up incapacitated or dying in a hospital room hooked up to a bunch of tubes. Give someone you trust who has a biblical worldview of the sanctity of life, the power of attorney to make life decisions for you if you’re incapacitated. Doctors can prolong “life” for a long time. Sometimes, though, we’re merely prolonging death.

  Plan your funeral. This is something most of us don’t like to think about and a conversation we dread initiating with a loved one who is dying. Yet, planning your funeral is one of the last great gifts you can give to your loved ones. It’s also your last opportunity to share the Gospel with lost family and friends. The purpose of the funeral is to honor the deceased and comfort those who have been left behind.

  Since cremation is economical, more choose it. Scripture doesn’t take a position on its morality. But please don’t say something glib about being cremated. Once you die, your family wants to honor your wishes. If you’ve been glib about it, they’ll struggle with doing what you truly wanted.

  If you wish to be cremated, I’d suggest there be a viewing. It gives a sense of closure. Spending huge sums on an extravagant casket or vault seems like poor stewardship. My experience has been that extreme spending is often motivated by guilt, rather than a sincere desire to honor the deceased.

  When it comes to funerals, society has changed. Employers are often unwilling to allow an employee time off unless it’s for an immediate family member. Because those who care about you want to show their respect and share their condolences, I’d suggest scheduling a visitation in the late afternoon or early evening, when most can come after work. It will also usually still be light out for elderly friends who might be driving.

  Be realistic about the length of the visitation. For someone who is elderly, a few hours should be sufficient. Choose who needs to be in the receiving line. It can be difficult for small children to stand for long hours. For a young person or a tragic death, you’ll probably need a longer visitation.

  If the deceased is elderly, the services can easily be on a week day. You can even have a private burial for the family. With a young person or tragic death, you will want to schedule the burial on a weekend. More people want to attend the graveside in those situations.

  At Grace, we have a funeral planning sheet available that you’ll find on our web site under “resources” to assist you. It walks you through the basic questions related to a funeral. Things that you’ll want to consider are favorite Bible verses, music, who to have as pallbearers, who to have speak or preach your funeral. If you’d prefer donations are made to some charity instead of flowers, you’ll want to note that too.

  It’s helpful to choose who you want to speak. Sometimes it’s too difficult for a family member. A pastor or someone close to the family can read what a loved one has written. Personally, I don’t like open microphones. Well-meaning folk can lack discernment or are emotionally charged, saying things that shouldn’t be shared in a public setting. Or, it can be hurtful if there are long periods of silence if no one shares anything. It’s why it’s better to choose someone to share a thoughtful, prepared memory. 

  Unless Jesus comes back, we all have an appointment with Death. First, make sure you are ready to meet Jesus. Then, give your family that one last gift of a well-planned memorial service that honors your Savior and you.  

Here's the link to our funeral planning sheet: www.gracechurchwi.org/funeral-information 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? 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.

Have you hugged a politician today?

“The Gospel cannot and must not be identified with partisan political posturing.”  Carl Trueman

  This weekend Jane and I are at The Wilberforce Weekend, a Christian worldview conference hosted by the Colson Center. We have had the privilege of listening to speakers like Ravi Zacharias and Os Guinness.

  Please pray for us tomorrow as we visit our Wisconsin Senators’ offices and Congressman’s office. We’re bringing invites for them to local events; Burlington Chocolate Fest and the Waterford Balloon Fest. We’re also inviting them to our future building dedication.

  Hopefully, you know this already, at Grace we’re committed to being non-partisan or a-political. The Gospel reaches across all political barriers. It’s why we won’t endorse candidates or political parties.

  Though I personally support the repealing of the Johnson Amendment, it’s not so that our church can endorse political candidates. It’s that I’m concerned that as our culture continues to morally devolve, the day may come when, because of their tax exempt status, churches will be told that they can’t teach what the Bible says about certain subjects because they’re considered “hate speech.”

  Our country was founded on religious freedom, i.e., the 1^st amendment. Our nation’s Founding Fathers would be appalled that RICO laws were re-interpreted to punish pro-life groups. The more fences to keep the camel’s nose out of the church, the better. Students of history know the term “Separation of Church & State” is not part of our Constitution. Thomas Jefferson’s intent, (he coined the term) was not to keep the church out of the government, but rather to keep the government out of the church.

  At Grace Church our mission is the Gospel! We are to seek to reach every person, whether they are a citizen or a governmental leader, with the good news that there is true hope and another Kingdom. God’s love, grace and forgiveness is available for everyone because of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

  For some time, as have many other Christian leaders, I’ve been concerned that the Church in America is needlessly alienating major portions of the population because of our political persuasions. Until recent times, many Christians thought their values were still held by a majority of Americans. Thus, Christians merely needed to mobilize the moral majority and encourage them to speak out, especially by voting. We could then turn things around, we were assured, if only we could mobilize the masses.

  For the most part, this view is recognized as unrealistic. Biblical values are increasingly becoming an unpopular minority view. Consequently, government will continue to regulate and oppose a biblical worldview.  

  Yet, for many Millennials and ethnic groups, there is at least a perceived too tight of a connection between conservative party politics and Christians. The prime example is abortion. Abortion is used as a wedge issue to establish a dividing line between Republicans and Democrats. The argument is that the Christian way of voting must be for the political party that has a pro-life statement in their platform. Too many Christians fail to recognize that politics and pragmatism are nearly synonymous. Abortion is a “red meat” issue to ramp up party support. Political rhetoric and action are not the same thing. Abortion is a campaign slogan embraced during an election cycle and often abandoned the day after the election. Because abortion is a “red herring,” it preempts discussion about other biblical subjects; genocide, persecution, poverty, marriage…to name just a few.   

  There is no Christian form of government. Christ’s Church has survived and even thrived under the most diabolical of governmental systems. A biblical worldview sees government as an institution established by God (Gen. 9:6; Rom. 13) for the purpose of promoting justice for its citizens—protecting the innocent from the aggressor and the lawless. Without personal security, every other function of government (protecting life, liberty, property, reputation, etc.) is meaningless. As Christians, we recognize government as a sacred institution whose rulers are ministers of God for good. God ordained the State to practice godly justice and commands us to submit to it. As long as government serves the purpose for which God created it, we must show our allegiance to God by submitting to human government, understanding though that civil government is secular in nature while Christianity is spiritual. As believers, we’re aliens and strangers, passing through a temporal world (1 Peter 1:1). Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20). Our highest authority is God. At times, Christians must choose to “obey God, rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

  Too many Christians become caught up in an angry world’s spirit of winning political battles and forget that elected officials and government bureaucrats are also part of “For God so loved the world…” It is a sin to hate anyone, even a Nero or a Hitler. Politicians are not the enemy, Satan is. When we treat those whose ideology is different from ours as the enemy, we create an evil barrier to the Gospel.

  A pagan world is incensed when things don’t go its way, screaming for its rights. We’re to be different, a Christian-counterculture. Only the Gospel, will bring true change to society, since it transforms sinners from the inside out. There are no Christian nations, only Christian people. Our commission is to proclaim the Gospel faithfully in whatever context God puts us.

  Imagine what would happen if every believer wrote their elected officials, thanked him/her for serving, letting them know they were praying for them. It would be a beginning and hopefully open doors for the Gospel. 

  Which Kingdom are you focused on? This temporal world’s or King Jesus’ eternal one? 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? 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.

True Beauty is an Inside Job!!

“Pretty woman, walkin' down the street
Pretty woman the kind I like to meet
Pretty woman I don't believe you, you're not the truth
No one could look as good as you…” Roy Orbinson

  Last month entertainment media was all abuzz when Julia Roberts was named the “world’s most beautiful woman” by People magazine…again. It was the fifth time that Julia Roberts has received this honor and is a record breaker. She was first named “Most Beautiful” 26 years ago, around the time of the release of Pretty Woman.

  “World’s most beautiful woman,” really? Huge percentages of the world have never heard of Julia Roberts. I’d surmise that in Asia or Africa, Julia Roberts might not be considered beautiful by what those cultures deem beautiful. In fact, a Caucasian might even be considered repugnant in some cultures. At the very least, an oddity…certainly not the standard of beauty.

  A secular world is enamored with physical beauty. Yet, we in the Church are foolish if we adopt their value system. Physical attraction has little to do with true beauty. In fact, some of those who have true beauty, inner beauty, are considered repulsive by a pagan world. The prophet, Isaiah, said of Jesus, “He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). Experience has taught us that some who are considered to be the “beautiful people” are downright ugly in their behavior and values. 

  Many a young woman has struggled with poor self-image and depression because she doesn’t measure up to a shallow world’s standard of beauty. Please understand, I’m not suggesting that we should encourage dowdiness or unkemptness. Yet, as Bible-believers we must measure beauty as God does. That begins with realizing that even physical design is God-given.

  Just as Adam and Eve were designed by the Master Creator, so is every person in this world. In Psalms 148:14 King David wrote, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” In other words, God determines eye color, height, nose size, intellect, etc. Like a snowflake, every person is unique. No two are the same. God sees each person as His masterpiece. That’s so freeing!

  There are no mistakes with the Master Designer. Each part of our make-up is planned and designed by a loving God. That means, too, that there’s no place for either pride or envy. We are the designees, not the Designer. And just as despising or ridiculing the Mona Lisa is to despise and ridicule Leonardo da Vinci, to despise or ridicule an image-bearer of God is to despise and ridicule the Artist, God (James 3:9-10).

  Most of us can make few changes about our physical appearance. Yet, God has given us a stewardship to develop that which brings true beauty – character. Relationally, we all inherently know that character has lasting value while physical beauty does not. Answer these questions for yourself:

  Would you rather have a beautiful yet inept cardiologist, or someone judged plain by the world’s fickle standards, yet gifted in her field? Would you rather buy a car from someone unattractive yet honest, or a “knock-out” who is a pathological liar? Would you rather be married to someone who is “average” yet loving and kind, or a beauty queen who is vain, cruel and demeaning?

  Is it any wonder that Solomon who was an expert on both beauty and women wrote: “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). So what does all of this mean for us as those who are to live with a biblical worldview?

  First, we must focus on true beauty. Too often Christian women focus on their external appearance yet neglect the incredible lasting beauty of their hearts. A beautiful heart has great value both in this world and in the courts of heaven.

  Then, what do we praise? What do we honor? Do we encourage our children to focus on that which is so fleeting? Sadly, too often, as in Pretty Woman, externalism is overly sexualized. Or, do we choose to have an eternal worldview, focusing on character, godliness and fruit of the Spirit?

  A lost world focuses on what a woman looks like on the outside. God cares about what she looks like on the inside. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be attractive, yet it’s imperative that we keep things in balance and concentrate on that which has lasting value. God’s desire is for us to work on becoming drop-dead gorgeous…internally. As we do, others will see true beauty, as illustrated in this letter to Ann Landers some years ago:

  A little boy about 9 years of age went to town to buy his mother a gift for her birthday. He decided to buy her a slip. The saleslady asked him what size his mother wore. He picked out one, and she wrapped it for him.

  His mother opened it and saw that the slip was a size 12, not the ample size 22 that she really wore. She told her son it was the most beautiful slip she had ever seen and did not let on that it was the incorrect size. The child was very pleased to see his mother so happy. The next day, the mother went to the store to exchange the slip. The saleslady remembered her son vividly. She told the mother that when she had asked him what size his mother was, the little boy replied, “She’s just perfect.”

  Every woman can be the “world’s most beautiful” in God’s eyes. It’s not something found in a tube or bottle; it’s an inside job. It begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Beauty is a gift of grace. It’s by depending on God’s power to bring about heart change and lasting beauty. 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? 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.