My opinion, for what it's worth, on the election: Some have suggested we write in the name of Jesus, next week, to make a statement, because of misalignment of faith. We need not write in the name of Jesus, because He did not enter this race. It would be a wasted vote. Jesus is already King of Kings, not because of an election, but because of his innate sovereignty. We do of course vote for Jesus, anytime we submit to his authority. His authority over us will guide us in the discernment process.I do believe that how we vote reveals our convictions about God and our neighbor. Others have been advocates of abstaining from voting, as it is a choice of one evil over another. We always hope to choose the lesser of two evils, because no one on earth is perfect. We all fall short of the glory of God. It is my conviction that not voting, as a Christian is irresponsible, and demonstrates, not only poor stewardship of a gift from God, but also a lack of love for our neighbor. Many in this Nation live in spiritual darkness, and do not have the Holy Spirit to guide their decisions. If a believer votes in the fear of God to honor his moral requirements, it is to the betterment of the nation, as it may keep evil at bay, enough to avoid the wrath of God. On the positive side of things, it may even bring the Lord's blessing upon us. We let the word's "God Bless America" roll off our tongue pretty easily, but do we really expect God to bless a nation that does not honor him as God? Politicians frequently say "And May God Bless the United States of America" at the end of their speeches, with little regard to what the speech was about. I ask, "what would need to be in the speech that would cause America to Bless God?" Many vote according to political loyalty. I have both Democrats and Republicans in my heritage. As parties change, our loyalty to them can change as well. There was a day when Democrats and Republicans were much closer together in relation to moral behavior. They had different views on economics and role of government, but were in agreement in moral code for the most part. The Democratic party of today has championed government funded abortion, sexual immorality, homosexual marriage, anti-Israel policies, pro Hamas policy, and fiscal irresponsibility. While the Democratic party was not founded on these principles, the official platform of the party of today is taking on a disposition of rebellion against Godly living. I've even heard people say "You can't be a Christian and also be a Democrat." I don't agree with that, but as the party continues to depart from Godly principles the party will continue to alienate the Christians who remain. Finally, as the primary purpose of government in the Bible is to guard the good and protect the weak, I will cast my vote for the party or persons who I believe will best be able to do that. In this election that will be Mitt Romney. In addition to the moral reasons, I believe the projection of weakness and dhimmitude toward Islamic nations has increased the threat to our National Security, and weakened our rapport with Israel.According to the scriptures, the enemy of Israel is an enemy of God, as they are "the apple of his eye". I believe the long term effect of our current course is one that will embolden our enemies and weaken our relationship with our allies. In a world that has ever increasing threats, the one area the current administration has decided to cut, is the US military.

“I am a Christian, but already have a Tattoo” (A follow up to Are Tattoos and Christians Compatible?)

Many Christians have tattoos that remind them of their rebellious days; others an organization they served with; their life before they were converted; or something done on a whim. Whatever the reason, many of them knew little or nothing about what the Christian tradition or scripture has to say about them. I believe there are two causes for this. One is the lack of clear teaching in the church, and the other is the way many of us make everyday decisions.
We live in an age where the church as a whole has gone silent on a great number of things, and as a result, people are more easily led astray. The message of the church has in many cases, shifted from proclaiming the truth that we are sinners by literally identifying sin, while calling people to repentance, to a “seeker sensitive” message that will bend over backwards not to say anything that will offend. As a result, even the people who grow up in the church become quite comfortable with the things of the world. The church has adopted the terminology of the world, rather than the word. We say “living together”, “co-habitation” or “significant other”, instead of fornicators. “Intoxicated” or “under the influence” instead of drunk; “Cheater, instead of adulterer”. The term “Welcoming and Affirming Congregation” is not a church that welcomes people who are sinners who need the forgiveness of God. It is a description of a church that welcomes people without condemnation of sin at all. Over time it becomes harder to discern the difference between right and wrong, worldly or godly. When the power and authority of the Word of God is diminished in the church, there is a moral decline.
As individuals, we share a similar culpability. We really don’t mind not being called out on our sin, because we really don’t want to turn away from it. We all, when caught in a lie, would rather believe we were just kidding, or spoofing. This is what is described in 2 Timothy chapter 4: “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: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ”
The truth is, we are not so spiritually submitted to God, as to seek first his kingdom and righteousness in our daily choices. It is easy to not seek God’s will, his word, and make choices that may not honor him. We make choices about what to eat and drink; what movie to see; how to spend our money; what to say;…etc., without seeking God’s will. So, why would that be any different when deciding to get a tattoo?

It is the Christian parent, and the churches responsibility to give clear instruction and each of us are responsible for our own decisions from that point forward. To those whom much has been given, much will be required. Knowing the truth, and not acting in accordance with it, is not the same as an ignorant choice. The Lord treats us no different than we do our children. Here is a simple illustration. If a child uses profanity, but is innocently repeating a word heard on the school bus, it is not the same as a teen who cusses out his parents.

I want to make clear that by explaining why tattoos are wrong, I am not condemning people who have chosen to be tattooed. I am not labeling them rebels, or suggesting that Christians with tattoos are spiritually deficient. I am teaching, so that the people of God will know the truth of the matter and repent, or choose not to do it in the future. The challenge with tattoos is that we wear them visibly on our skin, not like other past sins which are easily forgotten.

While I am convicted that it is a sin to get a tattoo, I also believe it is a sin to judge a person by their appearance (a much more common sin in the church). We deceive ourselves if we value the truth in one scripture, but discount another. I don’t have any tattoos, but I have prejudged people by their outward appearance. However, you wouldn’t know that if I hadn’t told you. The good news is, that God does not judge a man for outward appearance 1 Samuel 16:7
How should Christians treat people with tattoos? We should be diligent to know their hearts, and love them as we would have them love us. It is the ultimate expression of hypocrisy to accept God’s forgiveness for our sins, and not be gracious to someone else. If you have difficulty with that, imagine how people would look at you if your sins were printed on your clothing. Would you feel loved if you were rejected because of your “appearance”?
So you are a Christian and have a tattoo: Put into practice that which you now know. Not only about tattoos, but the value of God’s word and how we should treat one another. Saul was a Christian killer, before he came to know Jesus! He didn’t keep on his way. He asked for forgiveness and changed his course. All of us have violated God’s laws, and are sinners, whether our transgression is visible or not. One visible mark I wear of sin is on my right knuckle. The scar is from the braces of the kid I punched in the mouth when I was in ninth grade. I repented for that sin, and know that I am forgiven. When I get to heaven, the scar will not be there. Until then, it serves as a reminder that I am a sinner…saved by the grace of God.

A trip with the "boys"

The following is a page from my "2011 Fishing Journal": June the 27th marked the first of 4 days with the boys on the water. Chase was home on leave from Camp Pendleton, so he, Ben and I went north for some trout fishing. Ever notice that going North for almost anything is better than going South? Anyway, the goal was to teach them the skill of fly fishing and inland trout was our primary target (we brought the spin tackle as a backup). If you have ever fly fished for anything you hoped to have for dinner, you know why you need a back up plan. We ended up using both; landing numerous nice bass, a couple pike, countless bluegills and small to medium trout.

We didn’t count the bass and gills, but we caught a total of 30 trout. In correlation to our experience: I caught 17, Chase caught 8, and Ben caught 5. I was very proud of the boys, as they really had to stick with it to fish for trout, when gills and bass were so numerous and easy to catch. They were highly motivated to catch their elusive quarry, and their perseverance paid off. On the water, in the camp and navigating cross country to a wilderness lake, we made some memories those few days in the tic filled North woods. One morning in particular stands out in my mind. It was day three. I woke early, about 4:30am, to the to the wailing, yodeling and tremolos of a pair of Loons.

As dawn came the lake was covered with mist, and smooth as glass. I woke the boys, and after they warmed by the fire, they went out in the canoe to try again for the finicky trout. I heard Chase announce to Ben “Today we’re gong to get you a trout Benner”. Though he had worked hard, and had lost one, he hadn't boated any in two whole days of fishing. The campsite was high on a hill overlooking the lake, and I could see them working around the lake through the fog. The still waters magnified their voices, and though far away and above, I could hear their every word. I sat by the fire, listening…taking in the sites and sounds. At first it was almost like spying; sneaking up on their canoe from a quarter mile away. But, then the individual words lost their meaning.

I listened to the tones in their conversation; serious, then laughing, then the glee mixed with the important business of netting each other’s fish. The sound of my boys, who are now more man than boy, sharing something good, on the water, was like music in my ears. Their work was frequently interrupted by the excitement and joy of catching trout…one after another. On second thought they were not sharing something good…they were sharing something great. It’s easy to be a sibling, and you can genetically be called a brother, but what I was listening to was brotherhood. I sat near the fire, sipping my coffee, listening….soaking it in.

Can't Help but Smile

I have a tendency to go into deep theological waters on my blog, so I decided to lighten up a bit and share a page from my "2011 Fishing journal"... I hope this story makes you smile and motivates you to share your good gifts with someone else...

I wet a line for the first time of the season on June the 16th. A little late in the season to be out for the first time, but this trip was worth the wait. I had the opportunity to share the sport with a Dad, who had little fishing experience and his autistic son of 5, who really wanted to go fishing. Nothing fits that bill, like bluegills, so we headed for a golf course with the gear, some crawlers, and little Jack in tow. Not only are those little pond’s filled with fish; they are not heavily fished, and have few snags, which is a good combination when you’re five years old.

Plenty of action is what we were going for and the pond did not disappoint. Their whole family decided to come, so I brought a couple extra rods. Fun was had by all, but especially little Jack. Every time his bobber went under and his pole would bend from a 3” bluegill, he would let out a squeal of delight that echoed for a mile! If you have a strong aversion to smiling, this sight and sound is the cure. It was a better noise than the ripping drag followed by “fish on!” in a Salmon derby. Promise to self: “Share the joy of fishing with the children”.

Are Tattoos and Christians Compatible?

“I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church”. C. H. Spurgeon

After making a reference to tattoos in Sunday’s sermon, I have been asked whether it is acceptable for Christians to get tattoos. A glance at many church goers would yield the answer yes, but don’t rush to your conclusion based on popular culture, even when you see it in the church. People have many reasons to get “inked” these days, and their reason alone is enough to justify the action. Tattoos can identify you with a social group (gang, military); proclaim an ideology (swastika); accentuate your sexuality; express rebellion; invoke spiritual powers; make the body a canvas for artwork to attract attention...etc. Where it was once common to see them on gang members and biker types, we now see them on the athlete; the girl at the fast food service counter; waitress or hip pastor with custom “I’m a Radical Christian” T-shirt. The once taboo practice of brandishing tattoos has now become so common that the average Christian sees nothing wrong with it, and even wears them with pride.

The scriptures never endorse the practice and specifically link the practice to paganism. God’s people are commanded not to mark or cut their bodies in Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you, says the Lord.” Verses 23 through 28 were commands to avoid pagan practices. Many say this passage does not apply today because it deals with the pagan religious rituals of the people living around the Israelites of that day. But, if God desired His people to be set apart from these practices, back then, why would God approve of it now? It’s a fact that tattooing the body is the practice of modern day pagans, and the command to be set apart from false religion remains.

Throughout history the tattoo bears the mark of paganism, demonism, Baal worship, shamanism, and mystical spirituality. The tattoo has NEVER been associated with Christianity, until this generation. The only explanation for this current change is that the church has become so conformed to the culture that we dismiss God’s word and deny the reality of spiritual powers at play in this world.

If you will not be persuaded that tattoos are distinctly pagan, from the scriptures, then you may be convinced by those who are tattoo experts. The following quotes are from books documenting the spiritual and religious origin of the tattoo:

"Tattooing is often a magical rite in the more traditional cultures, and the tattooist is respected as a priest or shaman."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 73)
"In Fiji, Fromosa, New Zealand and in certain of the North American Indian tribes, tattooing was regard as a religious ceremony, and performed by priests or priestesses."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64) [Ronald Scutt, in his exhaustive book, Art, Sex and Symbol covers the history and culture of tattoos. He documents that most of the time; tattoos are connected to spiritual, religious and mystical purposes.] Brackets mine.
"Many native tribes practiced therapeutic tattooing. The Ojibwa, for instance, tattooed the temples, forehead, and cheeks of those suffering from headaches and toothaches that were believed to be caused by malevolent spirits. Songs and dances that were supposed to exorcise the demons accompanied the tattooing ceremony."

[Hambly] "retailed a wealth of examples which he had culled from field work by anthropologists in many parts of the world. Tattooing was supposed to: prevent pain; protect against gunshot wounds; cur illness; confer superhuman strength; preserve youth; enhance the supernatural powers of a shaman; ensure the survival of the soul after death; identify the soul in the hereafter; attract good luck; protect against witchcraft; ensure the protection of a deity; confer occult powers; prevent drowning; exorcise demons; ensure the protection of a totemic animal or spiritual guardian; record a pilgrimage to a holy place, etc. . .
In the myths of many cultures tattooing was of divine origin. The actual tattooing process, which involved complex ritual and taboos, could only be done by priests and was associated with beliefs which secrets were known only to members of the priestly caste. Anthropologists were often misled because their informants either did not know or would not reveal the secret significance of the rituals and taboos. Hambly concluded that historically tattooing had originated in connection with ancient rites of scarification and bloodletting which were associated with religious practices intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next."
(Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 90, p. 158)
"The reasons why puncturing the skin should be regarded with some degree of awe are not far to seek, for in the first place, there is the drawing of blood, which to the savage world over is full of significance as a rejuvenating and immortalizing factor. There is in addition to the opening of numerous inlets for evil to enter. . ."
(Hambly Wilfrid D. 1925. The History of Tattooing and its Significance, p. 233 [Dr. Hambly, is a tattooist historian and researcher, who writes over and over, that tattoos are based on pagan spiritual and religious rituals.] brackets mine.
"The origins of tattooing came from ancient magical practices. . . "
(Laurie Cabot, Power of the Witch, cited in Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated by Dr. Cathy Burns, p. 301) [Famous witch and author] brackets mine.
Rolling Stone magazine describes famous tattoo artist Paul Booth during his tattoo as, ". . . allowing his clients' demons to help guide the needle." (Rolling Stone magazine, March 28, 2002, p. 40)
Any serious study of the origin of the tattoo will reveal a spiritual foundation of demonism, paganism, and the occult. The tattoo is much more than just a body decoration or a layer of ink cut into the skin. In fact, the tattoo in many cultures is a vehicle for the invocation of spiritual powers. If there is really no debate in this, then why would a Christian want to imitate this practice?
What about getting a tattoo of a name of your child; butterfly; cross or even a verse from the scriptures? This question is based on the assumption is that tattooing is neither good nor bad, but neutral. With this faulty assumption, tattoos seem harmless, or even good, depending on the chosen design. But, if it were a redeemable act, then why would God forbid it specifically in his word, without modifiers? It is the manifestation of our human pride that reorders what God “meant to say”, so that we can rationalize our sin. The words spoken in the garden by Lucifer himself, “surely God didn’t mean”, should strike a cord in our conscience whenever we do the opposite of what God clearly instructs. It is a mistake to think that we can take something with evil origins and use it for good.
I frequently hear Christians nonsensically proclaim that they are "marking themselves for Jesus". What does it say about ourselves when we begin instructing God on the proper use of something he has forbidden? It’s similar to the argument heard from Christians who cohabitate without marriage, like unbelievers, who believe they are not living in sin. Doesn’t it seem absurd that we could in any way fornicate in a God honoring way? Yet, we protest by arguing: “Well, God understands our sexual desires; after all, he made us this way?” Is Jesus our Lord, or are we his?
Why are tattoos displeasing to God? While the Lord has not explained the reasons, we can infer by context that they mar his created image, and assign glory to the image put on the skin, or another object of worship. Another reason is that the wearer is subjecting themselves to spiritual powers that we may be unaware of. The fact that many tattooists believe in these powers and even invoke them, while applying their craft, should make us wary. "Some tattooists in the West are experimenting with ritual tattooing. This method of working incorporates doing a ritual to create a sacred space in the area where the tattoo is positioned. Often incense is burned and the gods invited to bless the proceedings." (Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 75)
Our own reasoning or the argument that “others say it is good, acceptable, or a right thing to do” without regard to what God’s word says on a matter is very dangerous. After all, we are not our own judge, and we must answer to God, not others for our actions. In Sunday’s Milwaukee Journal, I read of a church in Michigan that has a tattoo parlor in the church, as an outreach! Many modern evangelistic efforts conform to the patterns of the world to attract others, but this is not consistent with how the scriptures instruct us to spread the Gospel. We are called to be a light in this darkened world. Our responsibility is to challenge and confront the world, not conform to it. If the only reason not to get a tattoo was to set ourselves apart from false religions it would be enough. Israel was commanded to be set apart, holy, for the use of the Lord. Their downfall was due to the disobedience of this command. The church has been commanded the same thing, and it is unfortunate that we so quickly follow in the same error.