Preserving Freedom of Religion

The 1st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

When this amendment was consented to by the people of the United States, our country was overwhelmingly Christian.  The exhortation in Hebrews 11:6 declares that “without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”  The idea of living out one’s faith was inextricably interwoven with our culture.

Expecting citizens to conduct their daily work as atheists was unthinkable.  When the people shared a common religious language, it seems that there were fewer alleged conflicts between “church and state.”

For large portions of American history, Christianity was taken for granted as being part of American culture.  As recently as 2007, 78% of Americans identified as Christian. However, that number has subsequently dropped to 65%.

This historical religious homogeneity is not an accurate picture of our world today.  For the three years leading up to 2017 (the last year for which good data was available), the incidence of religious-based hate crimes steadily rose.  In a discouraging turn of events, a lawsuit has been filed against the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and its commissioner because a Christian adoption agency partnered with the department refused to place children with a Jewish couple.

In a statement, the adoption agency, called Holston Home, said:

“Holston Home places children with families that agree with our statement of faith, and forcing Holston Home to violate our beliefs and place children in homes that do not share our faith is wrong and contrary to a free society.”

Holston Home is quite right.  In a multicultural society, the freedom of religion becomes more important, not less.

Unfortunately, not everyone can have everything they want.  This is a basic principle of resource allocation.  In this system of tradeoffs, we have to ask ourselves should a) governments regulate religious practices to prevent a few couples here and there from not being able to adopt a child or b) for people to be able to freely practice the principles of their conscience?

The answer to that question should be fairly obvious.

Christians do not have a choice in practicing their faith.  Theologically speaking, we are obliged to live our lives in fear of the Lord.  As we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

For the sake of our own sacred belief in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it is imperative that the 1st Amendment right to freely practice one’s religion be protected for people of all faiths. The authors of the 1st Amendment knew they had to start with the most important issues of life.  Our Constitution provides extensive protections for religious freedom because it is essential for a free people.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

The American Stress Pool

Just when Americans come up for a healthier breath after Covid, they are plunged into a whole new pool of uncertainty.  The stress level of the average American is understandably at an unprecedented level.

A recent Harris Poll survey found that top sources of stress (not including the pandemic) in America reported by participants were:

•          Rise in cost of everyday items (87%)
•          Supply chain issues (81%)
•          Global uncertainty (81%)

This “stress pool” is affecting our mental health.  

First in the pool was and is Covid-19.  On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.  We have just reached the 2nd anniversary. Covid stressors include illness, grief, job loss, social isolation, and a general feeling of isolation. Forbes reported “nearly six times as many employers report increased mental health issues among employees since the pandemic began.”  Though the pandemic is beginning to release its grip, there is a permanent impression left in its wake.

Now add the layer of inflation at 7.9% in February to the stress-pool.  Rising prices of gasoline and food are taxing an already burdened family budget.  Estimation is that families will spend $3,000 more this year on food and gasoline than last year.  Supply chain issues due to shortage of both goods and labor may or may not be temporary.

The war in Ukraine has helped drive prices up and our sense of security down.  The youngest of our population has never faced a war of this dynamic with nuclear potential. Americans with friends and relatives in the areas affected are scrambling to keep them safe.  The world is positioned on the starting blocks of war.

How do you begin to liberate yourselves from of the dredges of the stress pool? Christians are not immune to mental illness.  They live in the world and suffer human limitations.  Jesus felt the same human issues.  Acknowledge that your mental health is as important as your physical health.  It is not a sin to experience fear, anxiety, confusion, doubts, etc.  Give yourself some grace and accept that you may need help to see your way through.  Pray and meditate.  Matthew 11:28 implores us to “come to Me [the Lord Jesus], all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

As you begin to lay your burdens at the cross and release the muck of the stress pool you can navigate your way to gratitude.  It takes work and time.  It is a journey of allowing Christ to handle the good and the bad.  “I will lie down and sleep in peace” (Psalms 4:8) is a goal for so many that encounter the bulk of their mental stress during the quiet times of night when sleep eludes them.  Life can be challenging and complicated, and you are much too vulnerable in your human condition to escape the inevitable battles with stress.  So, let God take up the battle with you.

Those of us who constitute the Church, support those who are struggling— with counseling, encouragement, and support groups in a non-judgmental setting.  Live out the advice found in Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

If Your Church Ain’t Woke, the IRS Wants Broke

A prominent evangelical pastor is predicting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will target right-leaning churches, and strip them of their tax-exempt status, and a religious liberty attorney says he would not be surprised if that happens.

Dr. Robert Jeffress, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, delivered that warning the other week when he appeared on the “Todd Starnes Shows” during the National Religious Broadcasters convention.  “I predict, with some knowledge, that the IRS is going to say when you preach certain things, or allow certain things to be said from your pulpit,” Jeffress said, “that’s politics and therefore disqualifies you from tax-exempt status.”  Jeffress made his prediction based on information he has learned, not just a gut-check of U.S. politics.

Church congregations are registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofits with the U.S. Treasury Department, which is tasked with enforcing the so-called Johnson Amendment to ensure church congregations do not endorse nor support a candidate for public office in order to receive tax-free tithes and offerings.  That is certainly not the case at many majority-black churches, where Democrat politicians often stand behind the pulpit to court votes with help from the pastor— and do so without fear of an IRS agent showing up Monday morning.

As recently as last year, Democrats were leaning on black churches in Virginia to help Gov. Terry McAuliffe in his bid to win re-election.  Despite that “Souls to the Polls” push, he narrowly lost to Glenn Youngkin.  In many uber-liberal congregations, it is not surprising to hear a far-left lesbian pastor preach about saving the planet from climate change, and urge the congregation to volunteer at the local Planned Parenthood clinic.

What Jeffress was alleging, however, is that evangelical congregations – which are politically conservative – represent a problem for the Orwellian-like Biden Administration. The pastor gave the example of Christians Engaged, a non-profit ministry, that fought the IRS and eventually won its tax-exempt status.  The ministry went public with the legal fight after the IRS blatantly suggested that the group’s Christian principles – abortion, biblical marriage – aligned with the Republican Party.  The IRS is looking at numerous other ministries, too, Jeffress told Starnes.

Then-presidential candidate Beto O-Rourke, the former Texas congressman, vowed in 2019 to remove the tax-exempt status from churches that oppose same-sex marriage. “There can be no reward, no benefit, no tax break for anyone or any institution, any organization in America,” he told CNN, “that denies the full human rights and the full civil rights of every single one of us.”  

Responding to Jeffress’ claim, Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel points out there is a pivotal election coming in eight months and polls predict a political bloodbath for the Democratic Party.  “Under the Biden Administration, I have no doubt that the IRS has been directed to look at nonprofits and churches to try to hassle them and intimidate them into silence,” Staver says, “particularly during the upcoming election cycle.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Ownership

Some interesting events have, and are, taking place within just the past few weeks.  In Canada, thousands of truckers banded together to form a miles and miles long protest against government over-reach regarding masking and vaccine mandates.  It was both very successful and very peaceful.  What the news media does not report on is all of the closing incidents that took place.  The media did report on Justin Trudeau’s clamp down on personal and group finances in order to “choke” the truckers out of continuing.  The story the media kept silent was the spiritual revival that began during this protest.  

Tim Brown reports on this revival and the singing of great Christian hymns in his article in SonsofLibertymedia.com.  What can be often seen is a reaction to our “freedoms,” “privacy,” etc.  But does it actually come down to our beliefs and feelings regarding ownership … ownership of us?

Legal debates and complaints are valid in understanding and defending our rights laid out in the U.S. Constitution.  Probably, much the same can be said about the legal rights of Canadians as well … though we may not know their citizen rights explicitly.  Either way, we may be saying to the government, “You don’t own me!”  “I own me and I get to decide what I do and don’t do!”

Question: Do we really own ourselves?  Do we really have the final say in our decisions and actions?  

In God’s Word, we read statements from God such as: “The silver and the gold is mine …” (Haggai 2:6-9); “… everything in heaven and earth Yours …” (1 Chronicles 29:10-12); “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” (1 Corinthians 10:26).  And lest we hope to bask in what we have accomplished by our own hands and strength and daring, God reminds us that, “… remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce …” (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

It appears that the Canadian truckers did remember these truths as they joined in giving praise to God, singing hymns to Him and many were apparently saved.  That is giving ownership back to the owner, God Almighty.  

Now, as American truckers and others join together in a similar endeavor of protest against the same government over-reaches, let us support them in all ways in which we are able. However, may we especially support them in prayer, asking God to not allow them to get lost in the question of ownership.  May they also give God ownership in their lives … and may we be doing the same.

Pray that the Spirit of God sweep over our nation in revival.  Remember the words of the revivalist of the Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards, “The foolish children of men do miserably delude themselves in their own schemes, and in their confidence in their own strength and wisdom.”  “And now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has flung the door of mercy wide open and stands in the door calling …”  “Therefore, let anyone who does not now know Christ awake and fly from the wrath of God.”

We shall stand against the evil at hand but stand in the strength and power of God (Romans 14:4; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Sacrificing for Ukraine

Hebrews 13:16 encourages Christians to “do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  There is a new challenge for the Christian church in America.  The challenge is to serve the refugees fleeing Ukraine by supporting churches across Eastern Europe.

Russia has invaded Ukraine sending droves of citizens to the borders.  No one knows if the situation is temporary or permanent.  Countries stepping up to help have limited resources. Poland has already accommodated some 2-million Ukrainians … and climbing.  Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Moldova are equipping to handle the countless other Ukrainians.

Moldova is a very small country bordered by the Ukraine.  Moldova is not a wealthy country. One Pastor posted a social media request to friends and supporters in America to pray as they prepare to house, feed, and comfort as many refugees as they can handle.  They will need transportation, immediate food and clothing, and temporary shelter.  Pastor Moraru asked for prayer for wisdom, resources, and funds.  His request blanketed in deep concern.

One church in Tennessee has been facilitating mission trips to the Ukraine for 10-years. Hardin Valley Church of Christ is already assembling “family buckets” for refugees. These will contain personal items.  Their friends in Ukraine report the airport had been bombed, the same airport church members had flown into on the mission trips.  Michael Lawson who has served on the mission trips has received reports that all train tickets out of the country have been bought up and the roads are gridlocked.  The congregation is concerned for the safety of their friends.

Not every church in America has a personal connection with someone in Ukraine or one of its neighboring countries.  Not everyone will have a mission story to tell about those whom they know and love that are suffering.  Christ called us to serve.  Galatians 6:2 implores us to carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Russia is doing the unspeakable.  “A top Ukrainian official condemned the Russian shelling of a hospital … calling it “beyond evil.”  It is an opportunity for Christians to fight this evil by finding ways to support the people of Ukraine.  I’m grateful to be associated with a church body that dedicated its entire Sunday plate offering to be given to Samaritan’s Purse … who has “boots on the ground” in support of those refugees in need.

Put yourself in the place of a father who drives his family to the border.  How must that feel to send the family away with little resources and an uncertain future?  Men between the ages of 18-60 are required to remain in the Ukraine to fight.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Amen.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Punishing a 2nd Grader for Sharing Christianity

Parents of a second-grade student at North Hill Elementary School (NHES) in Des Moines, WA, have accused officials at the school of repeatedly penalizing their daughter for talking with her classmates about Jesus on the playground— including sending her to the principal’s office “no less than 10 times since” since the first of the year.

“We were astonished when we were first contacted by a second-grade student’s parents who said their little girl had been sent to the principal’s office at NHES no less than 10 times since January 1st for witnessing to classmates on the playground,” Christina Compagnone, an associate counsel with the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ)— which is representing the family, said in a recent release.  “Not only were they scolding her for talking about Jesus to her classmates outside of instruction time, but they were stopping her at the entrance to the school every morning to inspect her backpack and remove any Christian tracts!” Compagnone added.

The girl’s mother reportedly confronted the principal of the school over the removal of the tracts from her daughter’s backpack and was told that her daughter wasn’t allowed to share tracts or crosses at school because the activity is “upsetting parents.”  After the parents contacted ACLJ, the organization reached out to the school and explained that the second grader’s witnessing to her classmates on the playground is protected by the 1st Amendment. The principal allegedly responded by doubling down on their decision against the second grader— insisting that “it is school policy that students cannot distribute materials that ‘cause a disruption or interfere with school activities,’” according to ACLJ.

“Christian tracts were being treated as contraband, as if speaking about Jesus were an illicit drug,” Compagnone said.  She added that the Highline School District has a Freedom of Expression policy that only prohibits the distribution of written materials that cause a disruption of school activities “in an assembly or classroom setting” and doesn’t apply to the playground.

Under the law, Compagnone added, “Students are free to express their religious views while at school, which includes sharing Bibles, Christian tracts, and crosses.”  “The actions of the school officials were particularly egregious in this case because they not only violated this student’s rights, but also publicly humiliated her,” Compagnone further explained.  “They will not get away with this.  The ACLJ will ensure that this little girl’s religious liberties are respected once and for all.  We recently sent a Demand Letter to the school; and if the school does not take immediate corrective action, we are ready to file in court if necessary.”

The NHES case comes at the same time that the Dhillon Law Group filed a 206-page lawsuit against Mater Academy— a public charter school in Hialeah Gardens, FL, for allegedly telling 14-year-old student, Nicolas Ortiz, to stop taking his Bible to school after he was repeatedly attacked and bullied by students and teachers alike for his faith.

“Mr. Ortiz is experiencing something that no American should ever have to experience,” Dhillon Law Group Managing Partner, Harmeet K. Dhillon, said in a statement.  “It’s bad enough that the school has done nothing to stop the bullying from his peers, but have gone as far as joining in on targeting Mr. Ortiz for simply practicing his faith.  This blatant violation of his first amendment rights is another example of how extreme so many in our education system have become, and why Dhillon Law Group is coming to Mr. Ortiz’s defense.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Justice— I Win…You Lose

Often justice is seen as someone getting their “just reward”— what they deserved for their actions.  All sides of a discussion, difference of opinion, or resolve of an incident are focused on this result.  Whether motivated by politics, religion or legalities, we each want to win and see the other person or entity get what they deserve, i.e., failure, sentencing, fines or such other.  I (we) win…you lose.

In the process everyone is fighting for justice, as they each see it.  From the world’s perspective it is important to justify your actions.  What is right or wrong need not be a part of the equation.  In John 18:10, Peter drew his sword and cut off the servant’s ear. I’m sure he felt justified, justice was served.  This is the philosophy of the “cancel culture” we live with today.  It may feel right, but it does not always go right.  We may get more, but are still left with the same void.  It also speaks to the supposed justice of reparations. The results sought for are not achieved.  In the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30), this equates to the robbers: What is yours is mine, I’ll take it.

Some, of course, choose to ignore situations and do nothing.  “It is not my problem. Others are given to deal with this. I could stand to lose significantly by getting involved.” This person hopes for the best and may even speak some righteous words in order to feel okay with walking on past, doing nothing.  These are aligned with the priest and the Levite in Luke 10:31-32: What is mine is mine, I’ll keep it.

There is also another way to confront injustice.  Not, “What am I owed, to get it back.” Rather, it asks the questions, “What did I owe that has been forgiven me?” – “What do I owe that I cannot repay?” – “What can I do to solve the issue?”  This pictures the Good Samaritan of the story in Luke 10 who gave much to help and resolve the problem at hand.  

In Isaiah 42:1-4 we read, “Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.  He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.  A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.  In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on the earth.”

This cancels no one.  There is no screaming, or swinging a sword, or burning things down. The focus is on humility and looking for what I can do.  After all, I owed everything, yet in Christ I am forgiven everything…freeing me to give.  We can, and certainly should, stand against evil and all the wrong it brings to our lives and those of our nations. However, we can stand in peace alongside those who need our support, we can give generously, we can pray earnestly, we can step up and get involved: What is mine is yours, I’ll give it!

What will you do with regard to the truckers and others who are giving much already? What can you do to be involved in the Ukrainian crisis?  How will you get involved in standing against abortion and for the sanctity of life?  Whatever it is, do it now.  Do not waste any more time.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Evangelicals Unite in Prayer

Amid continuing communication restrictions in Russia, over 300 Evangelical Russian Pastors and leaders wrote an impassioned open letter asserting that no political interest is worth the lives of innocent women and children.  Quoting words from the Holy Scripture to “keep our hands off evil and seek peace” (Psalm 34:14) and Christ’s words “put your sword in its sheath, for he who takes the sword by the sword shall also perish” (Matthew 26:52).

Evangelical groups in Ukraine rallied for peace in February just before the war broke out. Ukrainian foreign affairs director of the Ukrainian Pentecostal Church, Yuriy Kulakevych, preached on peace.  Reminding the congregation of God’s Peace Pentecostal Church in the capital, Kyiv, he said “We are not only to enjoy peace ourselves, but to share it.”  The All-Ukrainian Union of Evangelical Baptist Churches consist of over 2,000 churches and more than 300 missionary groups.  Many of these mobilizing for refugees by stocking supplies and medical equipment and preparing basement spaces.

By March 1, Russian Church Christians of the Evangelical Faith Pentecostal were calling for prayer and fasting until March 31, 2022.  Their prayer content is simple:

• Those whom peace depends on may see these ways and bring peace to the nation, remembering that the hearts of kings and rulers are in His hand (Proverbs 21:1).
• That churches will sacrificially serve the afflicted.
• Create a deeper understanding of the purpose of the Church of Christ, “to be light and salt” (Matthew 5:13-16).

European Churches are calling for prayer.  An open invitation to an online prayer service for Ukraine was issued by the Church of Scotland.  Rev. Balazs Odor of the Reformed Church in Hungary urged Christians to come together in prayer saying, “It is crucially important to demonstrate to society that Christians from different ethnic backgrounds…express their wish for peaceful solutions.”

American evangelicals have an enormous opportunity and responsibility to stand with our fellow believers across the world.  We often have more resources both financially and in numbers of believers.  Call to prayer is the first and not to be counted as “the least” we can do.  SEND International, an interdenominational, multinational Christian mission organization has outlined praying points for us.  These include bringing people to God and the discovery of the true source of peace is in Jesus.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (John 3:16).  Pray for open corridors for evacuation and humanitarian aid such as food, shelter, and heat.  Psalm 72:12 reminds us to serve the needy, “for He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.”  For those who remain in bomb shelters, pray they may find safety.  Prayers for the churches and pastors and for believers that have been asked to fight.  

Included in the prayer list is asking God to confuse the enemy.  The words of Psalm 55:9-11 portray this so aptly, “confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.  Day and night they prowl about…destructive forces are at work…”

Christians imagine “day and night they prowl” (Psalm 55:10).  Do not be left sleeping. Evil is in the world and prayer is our weapon against it.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

No Olympic Gold For Me, But a Crown of Life

Though I did not watch one second of the 2022 Winter Olympics, I’m sure of this— The results of perseverance were evident.  I know this because of the absolute truth of God’s Word.  James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”

To be clear: The athletes were not seeking the crown of life, but a medal that represents the hard work and dedication it takes to perform on the world stage of the Olympics.

Commentators give us accounts of athletes who put on skis for the first time at the age of four and “never took them off” and ice skaters that began skating at a tender age after watching the Olympics on television.  A dream was born in the mind of these young lives. A moment captured in the memory, and they could see themselves in that moment of glory in the future. They began the work and dedication it takes to become an Olympic athlete.

Three athletes in the 2022 Winter Olympics are good examples of perseverance.  They not only trained hard, but they had difficult setbacks which they had to overcome, through abnormally difficult circumstances.

Colby Stevenson was severely injured in a rollover accident in Oregon 6-years ago in which he received multiple injuries.  He earned a silver medal after his second-place finish in the men’s Big Air ski event final.  When he returned to skiing after a long recovery from his injuries, Colby related that his focus changed from that of winning to being grateful to travel and live and compete.

Just over a year ago in a giant slalom race in Switzerland, Tommy Ford collided with a gate during the race.  At full speed, he impacted headfirst and then tumbled down the slope.  His injuries included a concussion, torn ligaments, broken tibia, shredded meniscus, and broken tibia plateau.  He competed in heavy snowfall in the Giant Slalom despite lingering memory and visual problems.

Speed skater, Casey Dawson had challenges that only this time in history could bring.  He was unable to fly to China with his team because of a positive test for the coronavirus.  He remained in Salt Lake City and continued to train and test. He tested 45 times with results bouncing back and forth between positive and negative.  He was finally cleared to fly.  Hours of flights and changes netted in lost luggage including the blades to his speed skates.  Thankfully, he had one performance suit and his skate boots in his carry-on luggage.  Exhausted and having missed two races that he was scheduled to compete in, he raced his 1500-meter race to his slowest time on borrowed blades.  His remark: “stepping to the line was the biggest thing for me.”

Christians are called to the greatest race of all.

“I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

The hard work and perseverance are worth it.  People are watching you train for the high calling, the prize.  They watch you fall and wait for you to get up and start again.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Inequality is Inevitable

How many times have you heard it said or said it yourself— “Life is unfair.”

There is so much wisdom wrapped in those three words.  They speak of genetically heritable diseases, chronic pain, poverty, natural disasters, deformity, the unlucky, etc.

That basic concept is difficult to internalize, but the evidence of its truth is all around.

Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”  It is because the evidence of God’s glory and perfect justice are written on the hearts of humanity that we balk at the pain caused by injustices— like those listed above.

This causes us to take actions meant to remedy injustice, actions like establishing governments, police forces, and justice systems.  As we are often reminded, Romans 13:1 records Paul’s approval of these attempts to create fairness by writing, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Nonetheless, a zealotry for perfect equality can have equally unjust outcomes.

Human beings are inherently narrowly focused.  None are omniscient.  In addition to perverting the incentive structures of society, the biggest problem with central planning in authoritarian regimes is that there is simply not enough information and processing power to efficiently allocate goods and resources from on high.

This is the problem with some efforts to combat inequality: they are too narrowly focused on the proximate effect of a remedy and fail to consider the long-term implications of their policies.  One example of this dangerously narrow view is the move toward allocating medical resources toward those who come from historically oppressed racial groups.

Who is to say which groups deserve explicit favoring during medical treatment?  It is, of course, a central planner.  In this case, the role is filled by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) who recommended last September that zip codes with “larger minority or non-English-speaking population” would get more resources to address the COVID-19 pandemic.  The CDC’s recommendations do nothing but trade one form of unfairness for another.

The evils of the world will be with us until the end of time.  But when Jesus returns in glory, the cruelties and inequities of the world will be fully rectified.

2 Timothy 4:1 reminds us that, “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage— with great patience and careful instruction.”

This charge is our role here on earth.

One day, rest assured that God will take vengeance for the original sin introduced into the world through Satan’s temptation of Adam and Eve.

Every human tear, ever scream of pain, every broken heart will be given justice on the day when the promises of Revelation 20:10 are fulfilled:

“And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown.  They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”

Until that day, however, we must be careful not to become agents of evil in our quest to perfect a fallen world.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Do You Believe in the Power of Prayer?

Both God’s enemies and His children often make the same mistake— they underestimate the power of prayer.

As Christians we put on false pretenses at times with regard to prayer.  We believe, yet our actions tend to show more of an unbelief.  How often do we say, “I’ll be praying…” but then we do not really follow through?  Instead, we might find ourselves in other activities meant to alleviate, fix, or make the problem go away.  

We gather together all of our resources of knowledge, apparatus, money, and influence in this world to fight the battle.  Of course, there is nothing wrong with using any of these as long as they have been prepared, undergirded, and bathed in prayer.

Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed for some days (Nehemiah 1:4-11).  Hezekiah prayed on behalf of those who knew not to be cleansed but set their hearts on seeking God (2 Chronicles 30:18-21).  Daniel got down on his knees and prayed three times daily (Daniel 6:10).  Again, Daniel turned to the Lord and pleaded with Him in prayer, petition, fasting, etc. (Daniel 9:4-19).  From the belly of the fish Jonah prayed (Jonah 2:1-10). Jesus prayed with His face to the ground (Matthew 26:39-41; Luke 22:42; John 17:1-26).

Recently, Franklin Graham put out a call to Christians to pray for Russian President Putin.  But, how should we pray for our enemy?  His suggestion – “…pray that God would work in his heart so that war – and the loss of thousands of lives – could be avoided.”

How about it?  Can we do it?  Can we lift him up and all national leaders to work in God’s wisdom?

The Biblical precedent is certainly there.  Matthew 5:43 says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”

Not sure what to pray for?  Pray anyway (Romans 8:26).  Afraid that you are praying wrongly?  Pray anyway (Jude 20).  Maybe you feel certain of what you are praying for. Pray humbly (Psalm 131).

It is time to pray, God’s people, pray!  Our brothers and sisters may be saying, “I believe, help my unbelief.”  Will you lead them out of the underestimation of prayer and into an all-out onslaught of heaven’s gates?

Hear, again, Psalm 51:7-13— “…wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  Let me hear gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.  Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.  Create in me a pure heart , O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will turn back to You.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Homeschooling Myths Busted

Dan Beasley of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) says homeschooling continues to grow— even in the face of the numerous myths about it.

One such tale is that homeschoolers lack socialization.  “I’m a homeschool graduate myself, and growing up, I had many opportunities for socialization through 4H, through church, through support group, just getting together with other homeschooling families, participating in sports, etc.,” Beasley accounts.

Another myth that Beasley addresses is that parents are not qualified to teach their children.  “That’s less-commonly held, but it still exists out there— the idea that a parent who doesn’t have a teacher certificate may not be able to teach,” he tells American Family News.  “One of the reasons that is a myth is because there are many resources available to homeschooling parents.”  HSLDA, for example, has education consultants who can help equip parents to provide the very best education for their child or children. “The reality is no one knows a child better than their parents,” Beasley asserts.  “We’re seeing an increasing number of parents making a decision to homeschool because they’re committed to providing the best education possible.”

So, the idea that parents should leave it to the experts in the schools is, according to Beasley, “a myth” and a stereotype.  “The evidence has been exactly the opposite,” he adds.  “Homeschoolers have done very well.”

Beasley also rejects that myth that homeschoolers want or need government assistance and government help in order to teach their children.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Warning: Woke is Knocking at Church Doors

A watchdog for the evangelical Church says the so-called “woke culture” is knocking on the door at gospel-sharing, soul-winning churches, and that means the biblical message of sin and redemption are being threatened.

For decades the American public has witnessed liberal denominations water down the gospel and embrace far-left ideologies.  That is why a Sunday morning sermon at a liberal church might feature a lesbian pastor warning about climate change or praising abortion and Planned Parenthood.  

Viewing the issue much like a virus, “Point of View” radio host Kerby Anderson says wokeness is no longer a foreign topic that can be dismissed as some wacky issue in an far-away church.  “It started primarily in some of the liberal churches,” he tells American Family News (AFN), “but even churches we would consider to be evangelical churches, you’re starting to hear some of these woke ideas.”

One headline-grabbing example occurred in 2019, when messengers for the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) voted for a resolution that praised Critical Race Theory (CRT) rather than denounce it as “unbiblical” as the original document intended.  That statement, known as Resolution 9, hit the convention floor after numerous revisions.  In the final draft, the Marxist-based CRT was described as an “analytical tool” that can be used to address racism and race relations inside the walls of the church.  The re-wording and passage of Resolution 9 found few defenders on either side.

Within the SBC, some black pastors denounced the watered-down version of Resolution 9 because it appeared white SBC members were denying that “systemic racism” exists. Some pastors and leaders were angered the language was changed at all.  Three years later, the public has witnessed the antiwhite, Marxist-based theory get preached like the gospel in corporate cubicles, elementary school classrooms, and the U.S. armed forces— where terms such as “white privilege” and “oppressor” are common.

The term “systemic racism” that was obscure to many in 2019 is now understood to be a tenet of CRT— since it claims society is set up by whites to maintain power over minorities.  “The whole idea of wokeness has become a theology,” Anderson says.  “It almost has its own – if you will – eschatology, future things.  It is almost its whole view of sin and salvation, and the rest.”

That is certainly true for CRT itself, which suggests that white people cannot change their racism, but they can admit to it and promise to address it.  In other words, they become “woke.”

“We don’t want to say that individuals can never change because once they are labeled as an oppressor, there’s really no grace,” Anderson says.  “There’s no ability for you to provide forgiveness to an individual or the rest.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel