CYCLICAL FATIGUE

Perhaps you, like myself, have enjoyed the sights and wonders of a View Master stereoscope. Did you have one as a child?  I did and loved it!  I well remember popping in the round disc with seven stereo pictures on it— in duplicate.  I enjoyed wonderful sights, animals, people from around the world in a virtual format, and it was in 3-D.  

But what happens when there is only one disk to be viewed?  Of course, the disc can be repeated round and round endlessly repeating the same set of pictures over and over. Eventually, as great as the pictures are, the tendency is to lose interest of the “same old-same old.”

It appears that our country is trapped in a similar scenario of the same old-same old. Think about it.  How many revolutions of “emergency COVID” cycles can we go through until people start getting bored of the mandates, vaccines, and masks?  Or how many times can we listen to the name calling going round and round?  Democrats calling Republicans “extortionists, terrorists, anarchists, hostage takers, arsonists, and more.  This is especially true as we watch our jobs dissipate, prices of everything skyrocket, and the education of our children fall to deplorable lows.  Plus, underneath it all is the war on Christianity and morality in general.  

It is a fact that when a person gets caught up in attaining the rewards of this world, they soon find themselves in an unending cycle— reaping that which no longer satisfies. Even giving to entities in need does not really fill the void.  These become short-sighted attempts to justify what has been gained.

In Luke 19:1-10, Zacheaus has found himself in just such an endless cycle.  In fact, when he first meets Jesus, he attempts to justify his stature in life by giving half of his possessions to the poor and, to make right any cheating he has done in the past. Eventually he does find salvation.  But that does not come through generosity or kindness in trying to counter-balance his sin.  It comes through his encounter with truth, honesty, and love in the person of Jesus Christ.  Only then he finds his sin eradicated by belief and trust in Jesus’ sacrifice.

Our government has found itself in the vicious circle of giving away other people’s money and control through continual, never-ending emergencies that only it can take care of on our behalf.  If Washington had its way, our “state of emergency” would never be in the rear-view mirror.  We all need to do our part returning to truth, honesty, and the real love of Christ in our own lives and that of our nation.  

Let us continue to support and ultimately elect those who understand these principles, not those who continually try to justify their existence through never-ending cycles of emergencies and superficial attempts to counter-balance sin.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Love Thy (Political) Neighbor

Neither Republicans nor Democrats are inherently evil just because of their party affiliation. Nonetheless, fractures over party lines have created a kind of rhetoric that is inevitably dangerous.

In one particularly shocking instance, a recent comment was made on The View by Sunny Hostin that breached all bounds of decency.  Hostin said the Republican agenda is so opposed to women’s “self-interest” that for women to still vote GOP is “like roaches voting for Raid” …  referring to the bug killer.

On the flip side, an opinion piece published during the height of the COVID pandemic in September of 2020 described Democrats as sheep writing, “Maybe the Democrats should change their party symbol to a sheep instead of a donkey.”

As Christians, we should immediately understand the problem with this kind of rhetoric, even if we ourselves identify with one or the other politically.

In Luke 6:27-29, Jesus teaches a radical lesson on love: “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also.  If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.”

While this passage is not a call to pacifism, it is a call to avoid treating others with contempt simply because we believe they have wronged us.  Christians here are warned against the dangers of hate and the dangers of responding “in kind” to their persecutors. The worst possible outcome from such a negative response is that, in addition to the injuries suffered at the hands of the other individual, one would also morally injure their own soul.

The people we disagree with are not animals— they are not roaches or sheep.  They are not subhuman.  They are not objects without moral worth.  Rather, they are real, thinking, breathing, feeling beings that are no less deserving of respect than those we consider to be part of our “in-group.”

This kind of arbitrary partisanship risks another Civil War and flies in the face of the Greatest Commandment— the Love Command.  As Matthew 22:37-40 teaches, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Democrats are not inherently evil, and neither are Republicans.  Even though the results of our most recent election cycle are sure to engender feelings of anger and frustration on both sides of the political spectrum, we must all approach one another with the respective and dignity that each human being deserves as a reflection of the image of God Himself and His Creation (Genesis 1:27).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Let’s Continue to Talk Turkey: We Still Have Much to Be Thankful For

Throughout the Bible we are encouraged to count our blessings:

“I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart;

I will tell of all Your wonders” (Psalm 9:1 NASB).

As Americans, we have more reasons than most to be thankful.  Yet even though we are blessed to live in the greatest country, anxiety seems to be more common than thankfulness.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.  Social media is frequently credited with the current rise in anxiety and depression:

Among teens who use social media the most (more than five hours a day), studies show a 50% increase in depressive symptoms among girls (35% among boys) when their symptoms were compared with those who only use social media for 1-3 hours per day.

In fact, a Pew Research study found “One-in-five teenage girls—or nearly 2.4 million—had experienced at least one major depressive episode.” (July 2019)

Why is anxiety reaching epic proportions?  Because rather than find out why God made each of us and then seeking to fulfill that specific purpose, too many are busy comparing their own lives to those of others:

A March 2019 report in Experience, an online journal published by Northeastern University, found that two-thirds of respondents experienced pangs of ‘social media envy’ while scrolling through their feeds (most likely to provoke that envy: posts about traveling).

As one 21-year-old college student bemoaned, “I feel like I need to measure up to some kind of standard that’s like Instagram-worthy.”  In fact, posting on Instagram has become “surrounded by so much angst” that one user candidly acknowledged, “I miss posting things I love and care about that just don’t bring in the likes that my other photos bring in.”  To combat this comparison anxiety, Instagram announced it would begin hiding from public view the “like counts.”  But not surprisingly, a new study found this approach isn’t improving self-esteem.

We don’t need to hire consultants or conduct polls and studies to find the real solution: thankfulness.  As the Scriptures urge:

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB).

Thanksgiving Day is a good start, but Americans should be thankful more than just one day a year.  As the Apostle Paul reminded us, this should be our way of life:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 NASB).

Now that Thanksgiving Day has passed, remember to keep saying thanks for all that God has blessed us with.

“I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High” (Psalm 7:17 NASB).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

To Grandma’s House … Will You Go?

Celebrations of Thanksgiving are predicted to come closer to mirroring pre-Covid 2019. More parades and community events, as well as more families traveling are back. Some differences that families will face are increased food and gasoline prices, continuing health concerns, and flight conundrums.  Is it worth the perceived hassle and expense to travel to loved ones this Thanksgiving?

The joy of planning and preparing to travel to Grandma’s house for Thanksgiving may be just a little diminished this year from the years preceding 2019 and the sleigh that takes you there is pricey.  Families may linger over their travel budget pricing travel by car compared to traveling by plane.  Is it worth the extra days of travel to drive?  What about gasoline prices, loss of wages while traveling, bored kids in the car, extra stops to rest weary parents, and on and on?  There is no easy answer when you consider hotel stops, extra food, and snack breaks.  Costs accumulate while driving a family across the country.  Experts predict that gas prices will hold steady with an average of $3.60 a gallon.  Many family SUVs cost over $100 a fill-up.

Hotels rates are high with an average of $217 a night.  That is 28% higher than in 2019.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ grocery prices rose 13.1% over the past year— the largest increase in more than 43 years.  The price of those favorite snack foods we take in the car and consume during Thanksgiving football games are up 19% with beverages coming in just under at 18.1%.

Air travel has not succeeded in smoothing its turbulence.  Summer travel found higher prices, canceled flights and fewer “non-stop” options.  Average domestic round-trip airfare is hitting $373 per ticket— an increase of 24% since 2019.  Fares are rising quickly.  For a family of four, that’s a considerable cost.

Many families will also weigh their plans against health issues and the continued concern over Covid.  Exposure within large groups, groups of people gathering from different locations to a single location, and the usual cold/flu season are considerations for making plans.  While the airport and packed conditions of an airplane may feel like a risk to some, others see restaurants and hotels as potential hazards.  Home food delivery is a billion-dollar industry and remains strong post Covid.  As high as 56% of restaurant customers have restaurant food delivered so they don’t have to leave home.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all that God has provided.  It is a time for friends and family to gather and enjoy each other and bless each other.  I Timothy 4:4 reminds us “everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” 

In the face of inflation, political strife, and recovery from the last two hard years, it is important to look at the abundance that remains in our lives and thank God for our many blessings.  Whether the sleigh carries you to Grandma across the country or to the neighbor next door, Thanksgiving is a time to stop and give thanks.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

ALACRITY

Do you know this word?  This should help.  “Alacrity: “cheerful readiness, zeal, willingness.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2022).  The Latin, alacritas = lively, joy, power. These definers cause one to wonder if the overwhelming Christian response to other people, bad news, needs, or difficult circumstances aligns well with this attitude.

The Apostle Paul admonishes us in Romans 12:9-16, “Love must be sincere … cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.”

Perhaps the spirit of alacrity can also be found in the words of Abraham Lincoln writing one hundred and fifty-nine years ago, “… our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal … It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced … that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (November 19, 1863 – dedication of cemetery at Gettysburg, PA)

We have just come through a highly divisive time known as midterm elections.  Often more harm is done ahead of Election Day because of the relationships that have been severed— than the healing we hope might occur because of the election results. Subsequently, many are left tentative in their spirit, others emboldened for the wrong reasons.  Some want to back out and hide away.  Others look to lord-it-over others because of victories.  Yet others are ready to fight and further injure a bruised nation.

It is incumbent upon us, the Body of Christ, to follow in the footsteps of our Lord and the examples of our spiritual forefathers to be ready and willing to now take up the banner of both our spiritual duties and national duties in order to be able to further these causes into the years and decades ahead.  To rise to the needs of our church body and the needs of our nation and communities in filling the gap – the gap of untold stories – the gap of leadership to which Christ has called us and empowered us to fill.  His Good News needs to go forward into all the earth.  His love needs to be seen, felt, and understood by our neighbors and friends as they see it lived out in our lives.  His truth needs to be heard, but also explained so that the world will see His omniscience.

In humility, courage, faith, truth, grace, goodness, mercy, kindness, justice and righteousness— may our world experience Christ the Lord through us as we touch their lives with Him.  In this season may every day and holiday truly be another Holy-day in the world.

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

It’s About Time Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has at long last dropped contentious racial material from its website following inquiry from a conservative activist group.  

Last year, reports emerged that the Salvation Army (SA) had asked its white members to seek forgiveness for racism.  Following public controversy, the group backed off of that stance and claimed to have removed racial materials from its training manuals.  That material, however, remained on the website for up to ten months following that incident, before being taken down after an inquiry from Color Us United as to whether the group still adhered to that material, per North Carolina Business Daily.  The SA then removed the remaining racial materials from its website.

“The Salvation Army left their racial content up on their website for ten months after last year’s controversy — despite claims to have removed it from their curriculum.  And only now it was removed in response to our public campaign.  The Salvation Army should be committed to become a race-blind organization that denounces the racist DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) program, not just hide web pages as a result of public exposure,” Color Us United President Kenny Xu told the outlet.

Following the controversy, the SA saw its public image take a nosedive and it struggled to find volunteers for its Red Kettle campaign— known for its bell ringing representatives soliciting donations during the Christmas season.

The SA claims its materials and position was misrepresented, asserting that “[e]lements of the recently issued ‘Let’s Talk About Racism’ guide led some to believe we think they should apologize for the color of their skin, or that The Salvation Army may have abandoned its Biblical beliefs for another philosophy or ideology.  That was never our intention, so the guide has been withdrawn.”

“The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church,” the organization’s website reads.  “Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Jesus Wasn’t a Socialist, But a Savior

Throughout the Bible physical realities are used to teach spiritual lessons and vice versa. In fact, Jesus (Himself) often reveals the way the heavenly world works through analogies to earthly things.  Believers can therefore draw practical and political guidance from the lessons of Christ’s ministry— but must always recall that these things are correctly interpreted only if they bring truth that sets people free (John 8:32) … which was Jesus’ ultimate objective.

Sadly, some today are trying to improperly politicize Christ’s life to justify their own political talking points through blatantly false misrepresentations.  For example, at the Democratic National Committee’s August 2019 meeting, Reverend William Barber claimed the Bible advocates socialism:

“When we embrace moral language, we must ask, Does our policy care for ‘the least of these’?— Does it lift up those who are most marginalized and dejected in our society? — Does it establish justice?  That is the moral question ... If someone calls it socialism, then we must compel them to acknowledge that the Bible must then promote socialism, because Jesus offered free health care to everyone, and he never charged a leper a co-pay.”

First of all, we would endlessly rejoice if God miraculously healed anyone—or everyone—who might be hurt, sick, or dying.  However, it seems ridiculously naïve for a pastor to suggest that we legislatively demand “Jesus-care” in accordance with a human sense of justice.  It also reveals a stunning ignorance of both history and Scripture to compare a failed economic system responsible for the death of millions throughout history to the loving acts of restoration performed by our Savior.

Jesus didn’t come to institute a free healthcare policy for the Roman Empire— but rather to use His miracles to reveal the more important purpose of healing the spiritual man.  As He affirmed:

“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven’; or to say, ‘Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk’?  But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”— He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home’” (Mark 2:9-11 NASB).

There were even times when, to demonstrate a higher purpose, Jesus refused to heal someone.  Just ask Lazarus.  He wasn’t healed from his sickness; He died from it— only to be raised from the dead specifically to reveal “the glory of God” (John 11:40).

There were also times when, even though there were people in need of physical help, Christ placed the emphasis of His ministry on other things, saying:

“Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for” (Mark 1:38 NASB).

Jesus’s “socialistic” heath care plan didn’t even carry coverage for His own physical crucifixion— nor was the apostle Paul spared from his thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-19).  Jesus clearly did not come to provide free healthcare without a co-pay for all.

Expanding further, Jesus routinely refused any kind of forced redistribution of wealth under the guise of charity.  For instance, when Judas lobbied to take Mary’s gift and redistribute it to the poor, Jesus rebuked him:

“Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.  For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me” (John 12:5-8 NASB).

Listen: Jesus wasn’t a socialist.  (See especially His teachings in Matthew 25 on the talents, and in Luke 19 about the minas.)  And we must never forget that the spiritual healing He provided for us was not free: He paid for it with His own life, and then made it available to us through our own individual repentance, not through equal redistribution.

As believers, we are certainly called to help the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40).  But that’s not socialism.  That’s Christian ministry by individuals.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

God Loses the Secularists Vote

There is a distinct Biblical word for those who disavow the existence of God—FOOL!

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’  They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds ...” (Psalm 14:1 NASB).

Why are we surprised by the ungodliness in the political arena?  It’s been in the works since August 2019.  The Democrat National Committee (DNC) made the historic decision to celebrate “the values of ‘religiously unaffiliated’ Americans as the ‘largest religious group within the Democratic Party,” explaining:

“... religiously unaffiliated Americans overwhelmingly share the Democratic Party’s values [and] have often been subjected to unfair bias and exclusion in American society.”

While Americans understand religious freedom is an inalienable right for believers and non-believers alike, the DNC unanimously weaponized a new Resolution that condemned people of faith who adhere to acknowledged Biblical morals and values:

“... those most loudly claiming that morals, values, and patriotism must be defined by their particular religious views have used those religious views, with misplaced claims of ‘religious liberty,’ to justify public policy that has threatened the civil rights and liberties of many Americans, including but not limited to the LGBT community …”

So, with one of America’s two major parties openly condemning people of traditional Biblical faith, it is no wonder that policies which once would have been supported by both parties because of the Biblical values they represented have now become partisan.  For example, in the Democrat-controlled US House:

● “So help me God” has been removed from committee oaths.

● A simple measure to condemn Anti-Semitism did not pass the House until it was attached to a resolution condemning Islamophobia.

Perhaps the Democrat Party’s 2019 decision to condemn people of traditional Biblical belief is not surprising given the fact that Democrats completely removed all mentions of God from their party’s platform.  [Following a public outcry, they returned the word “God” to the platform— but only once, and only as an adjective rather than a noun— thus relegating God to an insignificant level.]

Listen: When God and the values He espouses in His Word are removed from the public square, the fall of morality and even common decency soon follow.  The apostle Paul forewarned:

“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools .… For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie …” (Romans 1:20-23,25).

Christians cannot stand on the sidelines of politics as the battle for the heart and soul of our nation turns from political attacks to spiritual ones.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Navigating the Teen Years

The teenage years have always been fraught with an emotional roller coaster brought on by the unbridled spreading of youthful wings and the darkness of uninvited self-doubt and depression.  Parents pray as they hand over the car keys and remind their teen to be careful as they take watch over the clock until their teen returns safely.  Navigating those years as a Christian family has special challenges these days.

“By 2021 more than a quarter of U.S. parents reported their adolescent had seen a mental health specialist.  Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among children 10-14.”  Mental health facilities are crowded and understaffed.  Parents report they must travel great distances to find space to hospitalize their suicidal teen.  Mental health is no joke and when a teen uses drugs and alcohol to relieve stress, suicide becomes even more of a possibility.

Many believe this acceleration in mental health illness was brought on by the effects of the COVID-19 shutdown.  Teens are coming out of trauma.  Youth Pastors and teachers recognize the behavioral patterns.  Depression and aggressive behavior are signs of distress.  Thousands of teens lost parents and grandparents to the pandemic and are in the stages of grief.

Where does the Christian parent turn in such a time as this?  A survey connected with several well-known Christian organizations reveals there is hope.  The survey, which included 26 countries, found many teens have a positive view of Christ.  Attributes they describe Jesus as are generous, wise, peaceful, and trustworthy.  “A report from the Barna Group reads, “Most teenagers around the world have a positive perception of Him. About half of all teens, across faith groups, describe Jesus as ‘loving’ (49%) and believe He offers hope to (46%) and cares about people (43%).”

Recognizing the complexities of teenagers navigating challenges of self-doubt, eating disorders, grief, suicidal ideation, Rooted Ministry has published a book entitled “The Jesus I Wish I Knew in High School.”  Thirty chapters, each written by a different Youth leader, offers insights about Jesus and how to make Christ the center of life.  The authors bring insight to present day teens by relating stories of their teen lives. Christainitytoday.com says, “The honesty and vulnerability of these chapters make The Jesus I Wish I Knew In High School something more than a gospel-saturated resource for teenagers … honest accounts of racism, abuse, insecurity, fear, and anxiety carries significant potential to foster meaningful conversations.”

Christian parents should allow some struggles to emerge for their teens.  Struggle causes growth and perseverance and on the other side of the struggle is developing strength through accomplishment.  Just as the first time behind the wheel of a car, present your teen with the keys to steer their journey with Christ.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will pilot and guide and protect.  Joshua 1:9 allows us the confidence to “be strong and courageous; not frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you.” (NIV)

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

To Die For

Persecution for the faith is not new to Christianity.  As in the early church, Christians stand in peril for their faith in many countries.  Steeped in pagan religion that requires citizens to participate without choice leaves the Christian in danger of losing their lives and the lives of their family.  Christianity is a choice of life or death.  They choose life in Christ, and many are martyred for it.

“To die for” are words used loosely for a favorite fashion to the face of a celebrity.  Used loosely but rarely seriously.  But some Christians live in fear of their lives for their faith every day.  The Worlds Watch List was recently reported by Open Doors.  Topping the list of Christians in danger are Islamic countries and communist countries.  Afghanistan and North Korea are at the top of the list.

Since their nation fell to the Taliban in August 2021, Afghan Christians who did not escape live in fear and isolation.  The Taliban goal is total elimination of Christianity.  The estimated 10,000-12,000 remaining Christians are converts from Islam and hated even more for that fact.  When they decide to choose Christianity, they and their families are in danger of losing their jobs, their freedom to attend Universities, and their lives.

North Korea once was considered “the Jerusalem of the East.”  In the early 1900s there were over 2,000 churches.  Now the communist-inspired dictatorship is founded upon Juche, which is a North Korean religious ideology requiring the worship of the Kim family. Those who are found with a Bible or an interest in Christ are tortured and subjected to work camps with horrendous conditions and brutality.  Entire families are subjected to the same sentence so that they can be made an example to others.  Children are raised in Korea to spy on family members and parents and to report to authorities if they find any insurrections.  There are an estimated 50,000-70,000 Christians imprisoned in these harsh prisons and labor camps.  There is an estimate of 400,000 Christians in North Korea that are underground and secretive.  They are willing “to die for” their faith.

Much of Africa practices Islam.  To refuse Islam and embrace Christianity is considered a betrayal to the community and family.  Christians are highly targeted by al-Shabab.  A woman named “Fatuma” who lives in the Horn of Africa was arrested with her husband, for their faith.  “The first time in court, they made us sign death certificates … they told us, ‘You have to deny Jesus right now,’ and we said, ‘No, we will not deny the Lord, but we will rather sign for our death.’ ”

In 2021, 1 in 7 believers around the world suffered persecution for their faith.  An average of 16 believers a day died for following Jesus.  An estimated 360 million Christians face significant trials for their faith. 

Christian, are you willing and prepared “to die for” your faith today?  Pray for those who are.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

The Christian Response to Accusations of Wrongdoing

People lie.  This is a disappointing fact of life.  People also compromise their values at the exact moment when they need to cling to them with the most fortitude.  This is yet another disappointing fact that is bred by original sin.

The New Testament reinscribes the teachings of the Old when Romans 3:10-11 says, “As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.’ ”

No human being is righteous in the eyes of God apart from the salvation offered through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection as recorded in Holy Scripture.

Nonetheless, that does not mean we are not called to be discerning, as Jesus said in Matthew 10:16, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.  Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

After allegations were raised by one of Herschel Walker’s ex-girlfriends that he pressured her to have an abortion, these (thus far unproven) accusations elicited a surprisingly muted response from conservatives.

While this story seems like a smear campaign, even the remotest possibility that it could be true does not seem to matter to right-leaning pundits like Dana Loesch who said:

“Winning is a virtue, and I’m not going to be baited, nor should you … What I’m about to say is by no means a contradiction or a compromise of a principle.  Please keep in mind I’m concerned about one thing and one thing only at this point.  So, I don’t care if Herschel Walker paid to abort endangered baby eagles—I want control of the Senate.”

In response, the Huffington Post ran this headline: “NO PROBLEM HERE! [CONSERVATIVE] VOTERS GIVE WALKER A PASS ON ABORTION.”

The fact that leftist news organizations like the HuffPo can plausibly make such a claim is shameful.

Walker should not be tried in the court of public opinion without evidence.  That being said, it is still concerning that Loesch’s reaction appears to be indifference.  Given that most pro-life, conservative voters describe themselves as Christian, the idea that she is prioritizing “conservative” political wins above all else is especially concerning.

These statements come dangerously close to saying that the political ends ought to justify the means.  The New Testament teaches that Christians ought to not be so mundane.

We know from 2 Corinthians 5:17 that we are a new creation in Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”  We also know from Romans 7:12 that this new creation will reflect God’s perfect law, not the law of mankind.  God’s law would not have us coldly calculate and justify immorality in the name of some “greater good.”

Christians must not fall into the tempting trap laid before us by this way of thinking.

By the same token, it is also important to remember that God has elevated and used imperfect and flawed people like King David, the adulterer and murderer, who was also described as a man after “God’s own heart” in Acts 13:22.  People like this appear throughout the Bible in order to accomplish His purposes.

While Walker has admitted to having a “troubled past” he is just as deserving of the benefit of the doubt as anyone else.  It is entirely possible this story was made up to create bad press for him.

Politics is an ugly game and it is probable, even likely, that the claims being made against Walker are false.  All the same, conservative Christians should care whether their representatives practice personally what they preach politically.  Christians ought to be discerning, recognize that all are fallen, and act prudently to protect the interests of our nation as this story continues to unfold.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

SEX and GENDER

Just reading these words can set off many feelings and thoughts that are difficult to control or define.  Our culture has set us up to be confused.  We face confusion on the actual definitions of each.  We face confusion on how to deal with those that differ from our own understanding.  We might even get confused as to what we, as Christians, should believe.  Maybe we shrink back from expressing what we believe because we do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Do you remember the Loony Toon cartoon characters known as Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog?  Typically, they would walk together to work each morning as friends.  When they arrived at “work” they would “punch in” with their timecards and proceed to become mortal enemies with each other.  At the end of their shift, they would punch out and proceed back home as good neighbors and friends once again (though beaten and battered).  Wolf and Sheepdog’s real roles in life were confusing to children.

Sex and gender may be much the same in our culture today— confusing, to say the least.  How do we trek our way through all of this?  Can people really change back and forth?  Are these sacred and set?  Or are they as fluid as our culture wants us to believe?

The LGBTQ+ movement has worked its way into most every aspect of today’s culture. Everywhere one turns, there it is, bombarding us at work, at school, on TV, at the movies— everywhere.  A result is that our own children and grandchildren are believing it.  In the public schools their teachers are teaching it— from the lowest grades up.  Not every school is as bad as others, but they all seem to be heading in the same direction.  What do we do?  Where do we begin?  Can we really make a difference?  Or will we just get chewed up and spit out if we so much as try?

The Bible is clear in defining sex and gender.  “So God created man in His own image … male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).  According to Romans 1:18-32, God has made His design for mankind plain to understand, not confusing.  According to Deuteronomy 22:5 God detests anyone who cross-dresses.

In his article, “What the Bible Says About Gender and Sex,” in For the Bible, Costi Hinn writes, “… let’s lovingly push back against Satanic subterfuge and not roll over in fear.  If we are God’s people, then we do things and say things God’s way!”  In that same article he also gives several points of action we can take as we push back:

1. People don’t rule gender, God does.  Remember Genesis 1:26-27, “God said…”

2. You are God’s masterpiece, just the way you are.  Psalm 139:13-18. 3, Your gender matters when it comes to dating, courting, engaging, and marrying.

Let us not shrink away from speaking the truth— but be lovingly bold in setting the truth forth to our culture and our children.  Let God’s Holy Word— The Bible— do its work in all of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Being Critical of the “Critical”

Many of us pursued higher education with the encouragement to always use “critical thinking” in your studies.  This admonition applies in all of life.  It is checking the definitions of words and phrases used when understanding other views of politics, theology, etc.  Take the example: Critical Race Theory (CRT).  What race?  In the human realm there is only one race— the human race.  Any sub-categories are not races, but simple ethnic/cultural differences.

It has been said that “The only ones interested in ‘racism’ are racists.  All the rest are interested in content of character” (Anon).  The idea of various races of humans is an idea that divides and far too often incites hate.  By its very nature it is unable to produce justice and equality or equity.  CRT skews truth and reality into a concocted lie that yields more confusion.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis declared, “Florida civics curriculum ... will expressly exclude unsanctioned narratives like critical race theories and unsubstantiated theories. Let me be clear: There’s no room in our classrooms for ... teaching kids to hate their country and to hate each other ... so we will invest in actual, solid, true curriculum.”  

History is history just as truth is truth.  To claim otherwise through re-writing and changing the truth for a lie does no one any good (Romans 1:25).  We learn from real history and correct our wrongs for the benefit of the present and the future.  Otherwise, it is akin to asking God for salvation without acknowledging that we have ever sinned (Romans 5).

You cannot cure racism with more racism.  Sin cannot be erased with more sin (1 John 1:10).  History cannot be corrected by rewriting it.  All things must be understood for what they are.

Once we have established this, then we are in position for confessing our wrongs and making things right going forward.  The Pledge to the American Flag ends with these words— “... with liberty and justice for all.”  “For all” means that all are affected correctly all the time.  Though this may be very difficult, it certainly does not mean, “for some then and for a different group now, but never for everyone all the time.”  Similarly, erasing one’s sin does not happen by covering it over with more or different sin.  Sin can only be erased by the perfect sacrifice for sin by the One who is sinless Himself.

Do not make the mistake of getting involved with imperfect solutions that only cause more imperfection and problems.  “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.  Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God — I say this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).

So, think critically when studying God’s Word, when listening to the pundits of all types, and when considering your own heart and mind.  “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord” (Proverbs 16:2).  “For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his paths.  The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast.  He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly” (Proverbs 5: 21-23).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel