To Die For

REPRINT OF NOVEMBER 9, 2022

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

Being Critical of the “Critical”

REPRINT OF NOVEMBER 2, 2022

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

The Biblical and Practical Basis of Morality

REPRINT OF DECEMBER 2, 2022

1 Timothy 3:2, a verse in one of the pastoral epistles, explains that certain high-ranking officials of the church must be “above reproach, faithful to [their] wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”

This standard for Christian morality has been incorporated into the biblical understanding of promiscuity (and its sinfulness) for thousands of years.

“Promiscuity” is defined as “having many sexual partners.”  Given our culture’s endorsement of the so-called free-love movement, it is rarely discussed today. Unfortunately, people have not only become desensitized to it, but they have also begun to glorify promiscuity, even going so far as to write award-winning pop songs that are literally titled “Promiscuous.”

Although promiscuity refers to a particular kind of sexual immorality, it is related to many other forms of immoral sexual behavior.  Historically, the definition of “sexual immorality” was taken by the Catholic Church to cover a number of practices under its umbrella, (e.g., masturbation, fornication, pornography, homosexual practice, adultery, divorce, polygamy, and free union).

Although the Reformation has corrected the Catholic Church’s legalistic approach by re-introducing the Biblical foundations of these ideas, Protestantism has correctly maintained the biblical view on many of these practices.

Even as the Bible’s unchanging truths about sexual morality have remained fixed, the American culture has shifted to now condone the writing of articles like this one from the Huffington Post titled “5 Promiscuous Things Women Do That Are Actually Empowering.”

The kind of person who writes articles like this probably also rejects the notion of God-given morality as “superstitious.” Unfortunately for them, what they may not realize is that, while behaviors like promiscuity are immoral in the eyes of God, they also have damaging consequences in the earthly realm.

This has been no more evident than with the recent monkeypox outbreak. Unsurprisingly, the practical measures that have been introduced to curb the outbreak have included advising the general public against engaging in promiscuity.  This is one of the beautiful things about adhering to biblical morality: One need not wait on declarations from the Centers for Disease Control to know the most healthy and moral way to live their life.

In truth, the whole monkeypox outbreak could very well have been avoided in the first place if our culture had stronger norms against promiscuity.  This is not to say that contracting monkeypox is a punishment from God.  We should not ostracize or punish people simply for contracting the illness.

We know from the Bible that there are many cases in which innocent people suffered afflictions such as blindness without having done anything wrong (John 9:1-7).  It is possible for someone to contract monkeypox through no fault of their own, (e.g., because of non-sexual skin-to-skin contact or because their spouse was unfaithful to them).

Nonetheless, the point remains that biblical morality is most often one of the best safeguards against avoidable negative consequences, both in this life and the next.  Our bodies are not our own, they are a gift from God for our embodied soul.

As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Do We Depend on God or the State?

REPRINT OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2022

Things which are provided for us from outside sources should always be blessings to us.  

In Jeremiah 7:13 God promises us, “He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers.  He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land – your grain, new wine, and oil – the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that He swore to your forefathers to give you.”  These promises to provide only bring blessing.  

Scripture supports the opening words of the age-old hymn, ‘The Doxology’— “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.”  A hymn written in 1674 by Thomas Ken (inspired by Louis Bourgeois, 1551)— What God provides is always a blessing to us and evokes us to praise Him (Psalm 47:6).

Is this concept also true regarding what government provides to us?  The answer in your mind most likely will be “Yes and No.”  Truly, our governments do provide needed things such as defense, roadways, and some regulations and laws that we have difficulty providing for ourselves.  But are they capable of meeting this standard of blessing every time?  Absolutely not!  Only God can meet that standard.  Yet, government is obviously needed in certain areas to assist us (assist, not rule over us).

Governments tend to detest limits and often get confused as to what provisions and policies are really blessings to all.  When they are not, they result in chaos and confusion; bickering and fighting; anger and violence.  “Who is being blessed?” and “Who is being cursed?”

When we follow God’s standards (Ten Commandments as example, Deuteronomy 5:1-22), we find ourselves as between Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal (Joshua 8:28-29).  On the one hand are blessings and on the other are curses.  No confusion there.  Agree with God = blessings; disagree = curses.  Governments, all too often, attempt to stand on both sides at once, declaring that it is all the same.  It does not work.  For proof, just look at the current condition our nation is in.  There is confusion and chaos at every level: gender identity, rights (including life itself), education, marriage, insurance … we can go on and on.

The point is that we, as Christians, depend on God for our provisions, not government. Seek to limit government to only that which assists toward blessings to all (following God’s directives).  Limit government’s reach after that.

When God is limited, government grows and entangles.  When government is limited, God is allowed to increase His blessings to us.

 

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

REPRINT OF NOVEMBER 16, 2022

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

SEX and GENDER

REPRINT OF NOVEMBER 4, 2022

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

The Power of “I Am”

REPRINT OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

Jesus asked His followers: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).

If you were to ask someone that question, what would their response be?  Would they describe your physical attributes, such as being short or tall, or having brown hair or blonde hair?  Would they describe your character, such as being kind or rude, stubborn or easy-going, joyful or cynical?  Or would you be described by your political perspective, whether Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal?

Today we are inundated with an “identity agenda” that defines us by our political beliefs, sexual orientation, education, job, or even favorite sports team.  This viewpoint affects both the culture and its politics.

So how should we as Christians respond to the identity mentality that now dominates our culture?  The answer begins with “I am.”

Isn’t it interesting that today whenever we describe ourselves, we almost always begin with “I am” and then continue with whatever narrative?  Significantly, when Moses asked God how to answer the Israelites’ question of who sent him— what was the authority and motivation behind his actions— the Lord answered him, “I Am” (Exodus 3:14).

As humans created in the image of God, our identity flows out of His identity— not out of our race, gender, political affiliation, or any other such superficial characteristic.  Without God, our identity and how we describe ourselves will always be incomplete and insufficient.

As people turn away from God as the foundation of their identity, any level of disagreement is now perceived as a personal attack.  Politics was never intended to be personal— because it was never intended for us to identify more with a political party than with our Creator.  Gender was never meant to be a defining question because we were never meant to identify more with our sexual orientation than with a loving, sovereign Father.

The identity agenda feeds the lie that the government needs to think and act on behalf of some particular group.  It feeds the lie that you can empower women while demeaning the unique roles that only women can play— such as wife and mother.  It feeds the lie that only certain lives matter.  It feeds the lie of tolerance, while holding that traditional moral and ideological differences are intolerable and must be silenced.

Imagine if everyone, starting with Christians, valued others regardless of their beliefs, lifestyles, jobs, or favorite sports teams.  Imagine if we removed the labels and name-calling from conversations.  Imagine if lies were combatted with truth.  Imagine a country where the majority of people rested in and identified with their Creator and His Kingdom rather than with politics and worldly entities.  Imagine the good that could come out of such a place!  Let us therefore:

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place” (Ephesians 6:14).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

The Power to Change America Lies With YOU

The 2024 election cycle is well underway.  With primary elections already happening in many states, we’ve observed some religious leaders and people of faith questioning whether they should be involved.

Our civic responsibility is to vote.  The power to change America is in our hands. Whether an election is to fill a seat on a local school board or the Oval Office, we keep seeing anti-religious-liberty candidates elected who then promote their anti-religious-liberty policies.  How did they gain so much power?  The answer is obvious: People of faith largely stayed home and didn’t bother to vote.  Tragically, only a fraction of Americans who say religious liberty is important to them actually vote in the major elections.  People of faith need to see voting as not just a right, but also a responsibility.

We recognize that religious freedom is indeed one of the greatest blessings bestowed to our country and the first freedom from which all other liberties flow.  At the same time, however, we cannot ignore how important other civil rights — such as the right to vote — are to the flourishing of our country.

In the American system of government, the government is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”  So, showing respect for authority in the United States includes being an active part of the process and voting.  Part of the bargain of living in liberty is a duty to vote.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a person of faith who took a bold stand against the evils of Nazi Germany.  His words still ring true, today: “Not to speak is to speak.  Not to act is to act.” One of the ways we speak and act is by voting; so not to vote is to vote.

This election season, we encourage every religious American to vote according to their conscience and their values.

There are many misconceptions about what rights and freedoms pastors and houses of worship have on political matters.  Opponents of religious freedom often manipulate information to make you believe that politics and the pulpit may never converge, making faith-based organizations, churches, synagogues and everyday religious Americans fear legal ramifications if they mention or participate in politics.  But the truth is, that fear isn’t based on the law.  It’s a scare tactic by those who want to silence people of faith and keep them from voicing their opinions and voting their values.

The number of things pastors can do during election season far outweighs the number of things they can’t do — in both quantity and importance.

1. It’s okay to speak about political issues in the Church

It is a misconception that pastors cannot address political issues from the pulpit — even “hot button” issues like religious liberty, abortion, and same-sex marriage.  Anyone who attempts to silence a pastor for addressing issues is violating that pastor’s constitutional rights under the First Amendment.  Pastors have every right to talk about any of those issues, and there’s never been any case in American history that said pastors can’t do that.  America’s Founders saw religion as a necessary component to a healthy, moral society — not a taboo topic to bar completely from the political realm; neither was political talk to be barred from churches.  Sermons on politics, government, and controversial issues were common at our nation’s founding, and popular among pastors and churches on varying sides of the political spectrum.

2. Religious leaders can educate their congregation about politics

Religious leaders are tasked with equipping their congregants in works of service, and that includes representing their faith and morality in the voting booth.  Pastors are fully protected when it comes to educating members of their church about the political process, handing out non-partisan voter guides and flyers so members can read about each candidate’s positions, and even providing the opportunity for members to register to vote.

3. Inviting political candidates to speak at church is allowed

Pastors and churches can invite political candidates to address their congregation from the pulpit, as long as all the candidates in a race are included in the invitation.  What if only one candidate accepts the invitation and shows up?  No problem!

4. Pastors can participate in politics in their individual capacity

Pastors can participate in political campaigns, hold office within political campaigns, and even endorse a candidate in their individual capacity as a private citizen.  What religious leaders cannot do during elections according to IRS regulations, there are only two things that pastors and churches, when classified as a 501(c)(3) organization, cannot do:

1. A church entity may not endorse one candidate over another

This does not mean that a pastor — in his individual capacity as an American citizen — may not endorse one candidate over another.  A 501(c)(3) church or organization may not, however, as an organization endorse one candidate over another or be publicly against one candidate over the other.

2. A church may not give its money to one candidate over another

This doesn’t mean that pastors or church members, in their individual capacities as private citizens, cannot donate to the political campaign of their choice.  But an official 501(c)(3) organization may not donate church funds or resources to one political candidate over another.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Court Rules: Can’t Make Religious Employers Cover Gender Treatments

The U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota last week determined that the Biden Administration cannot require that religious organizations and healthcare providers cover an array of gender-related treatments, including surgeries, counseling, and hormone therapies.

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), on behalf of the Christian Employers Alliance (CEA), had filed the challenge against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), claiming it had improperly interpreted Title VII to mandate such action.  The suit had also challenged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) assertion that “sex” includes gender identity in the context of federal law.

The court found that CEA’s refusal to comply with EEOC and HHS mandates on the grounds of their faith would result in significant monetary penalties and therefore, the mandates “substantially burdened” the organization.  “CEA must either comply with the EEOC and HHS mandates by violating their sincerely held religious beliefs or else face harsh consequences like paying fines and facing civil liability,” the court wrote.  “As a result, CEA’s religious beliefs are substantially burdened by the monetary penalties it faces for refusing to violate its beliefs.”

Most Christian organizations and denominations hold that a person’s sex is immutable.

CEA President Shannon Royce celebrated the ruling, saying “[w]e are overjoyed our members will not have to choose between the biblically based employee benefits and quality healthcare they provide, and the threat of federal enforcement and massive costs for practicing their faith.”

The CEA originally brought the suit in late 2021.  HHS issued its original mandate in May of that year, citing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which tasks it with “protecting the civil rights of individuals who access or seek to access covered health programs or activities.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Without a Strong Constitution, Democracies Descend into Tyranny

REPRINT OF OCTOBER 10, 2022

Christians are familiar with Proverbs 29-18.  The King James Version reads, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”  The English Standard Version is probably closer to the Hebrew text: “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.”

Not all nations are founded on a prophetic vision, but the United States of America was. We neglect that vision to our peril.

No doubt Benjamin Franklin spoke for many of the founding generation when he replied to a question posed by a Philadelphia citizen.  He was asked, “Doctor Franklin, what kind of government have you given us?”  He replied, “A republic, madam, if you can keep it!”

Has the Founders’ vision of ordered liberty and the rule of law been nourished and sustained by each new generation?  Yes, but not without dissent, some turmoil, and even bloodshed.

Today, we cannot escape the gravity of our present crisis of constitutional legitimacy.  A wide swath of our political culture, including some of our most powerful institutions— in higher education, entertainment, technology, corporate governance, and the mass media— have a radically different vision from our nation’s founders and are increasingly committed to pure majority rule with no restraint by the anchor needed to weather severe storms— the Bill of Rights.

Our constitutional republic was never conceived as an experiment in unrestrained majority rule.  Yet today, the sensible institutions created by our Founders’ providential vision are being increasingly abandoned.  Not only is freedom of speech being widely rejected, but so is the cornerstone of American liberty— freedom of religion.

The new authoritarians arrogantly call themselves “Progressives.”  They forget that the Constitution of 1787 was “ordained and established” by We the People ONLY AFTER ten Amendments were adopted— Amendments we call the Bill of Rights.  Without the restraints on government in the Bill of Rights, we are left with something close to government by pure majority rule.  Our Founders knew that form of government by the word, tyranny.

The uniquely American vision of good government is a republic with personal freedoms guaranteed as an integral part of the fabric of government.  That vision and that inheritance must be transmitted to future generations.  An independent judiciary, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to keep and bear arms, and the freedom of assembly— those are features not found in a pure democracy.

How can the vision which inspired the American Constitutional Republic be continued and strengthened?  A starting place is the taste of the bitter fruit awaiting the purveyors of new “alternative social constructs.”

Listen: Christians have an obligation to shine the light of truth on perverted ideologies which promise a rosy utopia but instead deliver only a pervasive misery.  We must not accept or tolerate the loss of cherished liberties won by the “blood, sweat and tears” of ten generations.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

POWER

REPRINT OF FEBRUARY 1, 2023

What gives people feelings of power?

For some it is money.

For a few more it is status.

For many more it is being the Line Leader in Kindergarten.

Kind of humorous?  Yes.  Yet there is probably some real truth in it.  Ask any teacher of young children.  But the discussion should not end there.  In fact, this simply sets the stage for the really important things relating to power.

Plato stated things this way: “The measure of a man is what he does with power.”

Power always brings with it responsibility and therefore the need of utilizing that power in godly ways and for God glorifying results.  What do God glorifying results look like?  Job 36:22, “God is exulted in His power.  Who is a teacher like Him?”  So, God glorifying may very well have the result of teaching others what God is like.  

Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it.”  Incidentally, the word ‘deserve,’ does not only indicate having earned something.  When you perceive that someone deserves it, for whatever reason, give to that person what God has blessed you to give. When someone is ailing (physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually) be free with your gifts of healing.  God will direct you in giving good words, praise, providing a way, sharing your testimony, extolling reward or simply to give a good hug and to cry with them.  

Remember that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Consider what powers God has entrusted to you that you are able to use as you bless others and glorify the Father.  Be watchful and ready to use them in His wisdom— not human wisdom— “… lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” ( 1 Corinthians 1:17).  “Guard what (and perhaps who) has been entrusted to your care.  Turn away from godless chatter …” (1Timothy 6:20).  As you adopt this way of life and this perspective of the use of power, you will be perceived by those around you as having been, “… clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49), simply because you have learned the power in giving and loving in Jesus’ name.

We are engaged in some fierce battles these days.  Spiritual battles, political battles, relational battles, and battles of the mind.  Satan seeks to divide and separate at every opportunity. Fight the good fight.  Be fearless in the battle before you.  Be skilled in the use of your weapons (Ephesians 6:11).  Bring healing to this world and to the individuals in your life (Luke 9:1).  Continue to testify to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and much grace will be upon you (Acts 4:33).

“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:10-12).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

Newest Talking Point: Those Dangerous ‘Christian Nationalists’ Want to Define ‘Natural Law’

Natural law is the belief that mankind’s rights come from our Creator and not from a king, which is fundamental to understanding America’s unique founding, but the sudden interest in that civics lesson appears to be tied to a presidential election year and Donald Trump.

In what appears to be an election-year bid to smear politically active Evangelicals, the Left is running with the term “Christian nationalist” to describe politically conservative people who attend church regularly and believe in national sovereignty.  One election-year example is the “God and Country” documentary that ominously warns Democrats their MAGA neighbors are nutty and dangerous fascists who want to strip away their rights.

In a similar discussion panel on MSNBC, Politico reporter Heidi Przybyla warned the panel of fellow liberals to prepare for a troubling shift in the Republican Party, which she said is led by an “extremist element” of Christians who are “orbiting Trump” as Election Day draws closer.  What unites those conservative Christians, she went on to warn, is the belief that our rights as Americans “do not come from any Earthly authority,” meaning from a legislature or a court, but from God, she said, referring to natural law and presumably to the Declaration of Independence.  “The problem with that is that they are determining - men are determining – what God is telling them,” she continued, referring to Christian leaders who have Trump’s ear.

Citing civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who cited natural law to fight Jim Crow laws, Przbyla said abortion and same-sex marriage are examples of an “extremist element of conservative Christians” applying natural law in the culture and in politics.

Przbyla was likely invited to discuss “Christian nationalism” on MSNBC after she co-wrote a Politico article that published Feb. 20.  That story ominously warned that people affiliated with Trump’s presidential campaign are planning to implement “Christian nationalism” in a second Trump term if he wins the White House again.

In a response to Przybyla’s MSNBC appearance, which he posted on X, Catholic Bishop Robert Barren summarized her argument: Przybyla was claiming some religious “weirdos” are endangering democracy by citing natural law to gain power.  He called that a dangerous accusation to make because it actually endangers our individual rights while claiming to protect those rights from so-called Christian nationalists.  “It is exceptionally dangerous when we forget the principle that our rights come from God and not from a government,” the bishop said.  “The basic problem is, if they come from the government or Congress or the Supreme Court, they can be taken away by those same people.”

After the MSNBC clip went viral, Przybla later posted a statement on X denying she was smearing conservative Christians. “I said men are making their own policy interpretation of natural law,” she wrote, likely referring to the Politico story.

Among the many replies to Przybla, Liberty University professor Jason Truett Glen said the Politico reporter was guilty of “duplicity” in her argument.  She favors “natural law” when it’s applied to racial justice, he wrote on X, but not when it involves a political issue such as abortion.  In fact, the February 20th Politico story took a stab at defining natural law then mixed it with politics.  In recent decades, the story said, natural law has been used to “oppose abortion, LGGTQ+ rights and contraception.”  “So,” Glen concluded, “the inclination is to then throw all natural law elements out the window.”

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel

House Dems Furious After Guest Chaplain Dares to Tell Truth About Liberal America

Meet Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel, a church in Chino Hills, CA.  Hibbs is a theological and political conservative, one gathers from his X feed, and is the author of the recently released “Living in the Daze of Deception: How to Discern Truth from Culture’s Lies.”

On January 30, he was invited by House Speaker Mike Johnson to give the invocation as the guest chaplain in the House of Representatives, where his prayer called upon God to “hear my cry in this hour of great need that we might be humbly blessed before You in repentance of our national sins.”

This, more or less, flew under the radar for the better part of the month of February — until a letter sent to the Speaker of the House and signed by 26 House Democrats last week accused Hibbs of being “an ill-qualified hate preacher” who was pushing a “Christian nationalist agenda,” according to Roll Call.  Furthermore, the Democrats linked the calls for “repentance of our national sins” and the need for “holy fear” to “allusions to the militant and fanatical agenda he preaches about the LGBTQ community, Jews, Muslims, and anyone who conflicts with his ‘biblical worldview.’”

“After we picked our jaws up off the floor upon learning that this hate preacher had been allowed to give a guest invocation, I think many of us decided we need to start calling this out,” Rep. Jared Huffman of CA, author of the letter, told Roll Call.  Huffman, who self-identifies as an atheist according to The Washington Times, apparently took a long time to get his jaw off the floor, since the two-and-a-half page letter was only sent out February 15 — two full weeks after the fact.

In the letter, the Democrats accused Johnson of not following protocol in various ways, including acting as sponsor to Hibbs even though Hibbs is not from his congressional district. Johnson represents a district in Louisiana.  Furthermore, they claimed Hibbs was a “radical Christian Nationalist who helped fuel the January 6th insurrection.”

“When his opening prayer invoked ‘holy fear’ and ‘repentance’ for ‘national sins,’ these were allusions to the militant and fanatical agenda he preaches about the LGBTQ+ community, Jews, Muslims, and anyone who conflicts with his ‘biblical worldview.’”

The prayer in full does nothing of the sort.

Hibbs called for “repentance of national sins” — and the Bible teaches that we’re all sinners, though it’s not as if the Democrats (and some Republicans) have made a secret out of the fact they believe the Bible is a book of quaint suggestions, not holy Scripture, and must be treated as such in matters of sexual sin and other forms of “tolerance.”

Hibbs might also have irked a few in the chamber by noting that they’d be judged by the standards of the Bible.  “Please come upon those here, who are the stewards over the business of our nation, with Your wisdom which comes from above and with Your holy fear, knowing that Your coming day of judgment draws near when all who have been and are now in authority will answer to You, the great judge of heaven and of Earth,” he said.

As for the supposed hatred of “Jews, Muslims, and anyone who conflicts with his ‘biblical worldview,'” you will not be surprised that most of the examples Huffman cited in his letter are two- or three-word out-of-context quotes linked to out-of-context articles or clips by supposedly unbiased arbiters like Media Matters for America or the social media account Right Wing Watch.

And, as for the connection with January 6 or “Christian nationalism” — little evidence was proffered or needed, apparently, aside from more out-of-context quotes.  Hibbs told the Times that he “would challenge Huffman ‘to produce any connection I have with January 6, because I do take that as a slanderous statement when in reality, I had nothing to do with it.’”

But then, that really has nothing to do with the letter.  Huffman and Co. are angry because someone called legislators who blatantly ignore the Bible and push for laws that mandate parents and doctors must be given the right to chemically and surgically mutilate minors in the name of “transgender tolerance” are guilty of “national sin” and are required to repent, as the Bible commands.

If Rep. Huffman or the 25 other Democrats who signed onto this letter don’t believe this, that’s fine.  They are not required, in this world, to believe in God or follow His Word. Nobody is forcing them.

All Pastor Hibbs said on January 30 was that, eventually, those who mock God and His law will be called before Him to answer for their transgressions.  All of the out-of-context pull-quotes from Media Matters and scary terms like “Christian nationalism” isn’t going to affect His judgment on their actions.

The choice to heed or disregard Pastor Hibbs’ warning is theirs, but God’s judgment is not.

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

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

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel