Partnerships

     I have deeply appreciate every one of you, my readers.  Very little excites or blesses me more than hearing from you.  It makes my day.  I'd like to ask you some questions, and would love your insight, and would also love to share some stories with you about things God has recently been doing.

     Since you follow me, you know what's on my heart, but I'd like to know what's on yours.  You all come from different backgrounds.  Tell me about your family.  What fills most of your time?

     Here's a little bit deeper question.  Do you believe Christians in this day and age are fulfilling the Great Comission (Christ's command to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth)?  I have several differing opinions on the subject, different ways to answer that, but I'd like to hear your thoughts.  Where is your place in the Great Comission?  Where do you see yourself?  What are some ways you've been used of God?

     Did you know that 85% of people who come to know Christ do so before the age of 14?  That's a staggering statistic!  With all the upheaval of 2020 so far, God has really redirected my husband and me, and we have a burden to reach these young people with the gospel during their formative years.  We will be serving as home missionaries with Child Evangelism Fellowship of Arkansas.  We'd love to have your partnership with us, because, as Paul said to the Philippians, Not that I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. (Philippians 4:17).  We'd love to share the spiritual fruit with you.

A Child Evangelism Fellowship sponsored 5-day club in Le Mars, Iowa, 2018. 

     Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) was founded in 1937 by J. Irvin Overholtzer.  The goal of CEF is "To evangelize children with the gospel of Christ, to disciple them in the word of God, and to establish them in a local church for Christian living."  CEF is organized in all 50 US states, and in every nation on earth, except North Korea (and they're praying for opportunities there!).  I have been involved with CEF in several capacities over the years.  My husband and I will be serving in Little Rock Arkansas.  I will be serving as the local director of the ministry, and Walter will be a ministry ambassador, representing it to churches and other ministries.  We will be setting up and conducting Good News Clubs, camps, and training classes in order to get the gospel to the children of Arkansas.

     When I think about the impact I've seen CEF have, I always think of Heather.  I met Heather in 2002, when she signed up to be a summer missionary with us.  She attended our Christian Youth in Action training.  When the time came for her to teacher her first 5-day Bible club, she was enthusiastic and happy as she stared, but when she got to the end of the story, the part where the gospel was shared, she burst into tears.  Through her tears, she told the children what Jesus had done for us.  By the end, everyone was crying!  Five children gave their lives to Christ.  Heather was on fire!  At the time, I thought, Wow, she's passionate!"  About six months later, Heather shared with me that she hadn't truly been saved until that moment.  That was the first time she understood the gospel for herself!  Wow!  I had had no idea our ministry had done that in her life!  Heather continued being involved, and is now a fulltime missionary with CEF in San Diego county.

Heather and her husband Ferdinand.  They have served the Lord in the Philippines and now the San Diego area.  

     The last few years have been a little bit uncertain for us.  My husband has been chasing a graduate degree, and, for various reasons, programs have closed.  We spent two years in South Dakota and one year in Albuquerque.  Just last year, my husband got a job he was really excited about, and that led us to move to Texas.  All seemed well for several months.  I thought we were finally getting our footing.  However, Covid-19 threw us all for a loop.  Walter's job closed down permanently, and he was unable to get unemployment.  We have been living on our savings account these months.  We decided to do the Experiencing God Bible study together, and that really opened our hearts to the idea that God had something else in store.  In the midst of this, our beloved pastor from South Dakota, Steve Walters, passed away after a short battle with cancer.  This grieved us, and also lit a fire in us to do ministry.  Then, another tragedy struck when a good ministry friend of mine, Lisa Belk, was murdered in Iowa in mid-April.  Lisa had been the local director of CEF in her area, and I had gotten to work with her when we lived in South Dakota (right on the Iowa state line).  After some prayer, I asked the ministry people up in Iowa if there was a need we could fill.  We were told that they were okay in that department, but that there were needs in Arkansas.  Another good friend of mine from Iowa had moved down there, and was involved in CEF.  I contacted her.  One thing led to another, and God opened the door for us, just at the right time!  We move June 17, and start ministry July 1.

South Dakota

New Mexico

Entering Texas September 2, 2019.  It turned out to be a much shorter chapter than planned.

     One of CEF's key scripture verses says, Even so, it is not the will of your Father which is in Heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14).  This verse always makes me think about Liam*.  I met Liam when he was in fourth grade.  He was part of our ministry, but made it every clear he was Jewish and didn't believe in Jesus.  His parents weren't even seriously practicing Judaism, but he enjoyed the identity it gave him.  One day, I told him, "Liam, did you know Jesus was Jewish?"  He looked surprised at this, but then laughed and said ,"I don't need that stuff!"  I shrugged and turned to walk away.  "Wait!" Liam called out after I'd gotten about three steps.  "Come back!"  I did.  "I think I do need Jesus," he said humbly.  That day, Liam received Christ as his Savior.  After that, he told everyone, "I'm related to Jesus in two ways!  I'm Jewish like him and I'm His child!"  The last time I saw him, he had graduated from sixth grade and was moving on to Junior High.  He hugged me and said, "I'm so glad I'm going to Heaven!"

     I'll never forget the day I met two of my dearest friends, Paul and Loni.  They joined our church when I was eighteen so I can honestly say I have known them all of my adult life.  When I met them, I had just gotten back from my first overseas mission trip.  I had the honor of teaching their grandchildren in AWANA and children's church.  We enjoyed spending time together, and they quickly became good friends with my parents as well, becoming almost a second set of parents to me.  When I made the choice to go into the ministry, they were behind me 100%.  They helped me in very practical ways.  At the time, we all lived in the same area, and Paul offered to do my car repairs for free.  They offered me emotional and spiritual support as well, being trusted friends I could talk to about ministry.  I remember one time, as Paul was working on my car, he cheerfully told me, "I do this because I know it's saving souls."

My 1990 Toyota Corolla, which Paul did many repairs on, took me all over the county to share the gospel before it breathed its last!.

     Children are the future's leaders.  They will inhabit tomorrow.  My husband always remembered a defining moment as a teenager.  His youth pastor told them on a particular evening, "You are the future doctors, professors, leaders.  You are the future."  He has since always felt a burden to make sure these future adults had the Lord in their lives, and had the chance to receive Him at that critical time in life when they were most likely to do so.  By praying and partnering with our ministry, you are reaching tomorrow's leaders.

     Some years ago, I was teaching a Good News Club in an RV park.  The little general store had a back room, and they opened it up for us to do the Bible club.  Children came from all over the neighborhood, and at first I was really excited.  I quickly became overwhelmed, though.  It was a rowdy group, and very hard to maintain.  One particular day, it got so out of control the store owner had to come in and yell at all the kids.  I began to dread my weekly Bible club there.  One day, though, as I was getting out of my car, a three-year-old who came with his big brother and sister spotted me and yelled, "Hi church!"  I was his church!  This Good News Club was the place he was hearing about the Lord.  My heart softened, and I was able to have a better perspective.  This little boy's family took an interest in what their children were learning.  A solid, Bible-teaching church in town adopted our Bible club, and the pastor showed up and introduced himself to the children and their families.  The family of this little boy who said, "Hi church!" ended up all coming to know Christ, joining that church, and growing in faith!

It is thrilling to see children and families join a local body after our basic evangelism to them.  

     I had shared at the beginning that I would love to have your partnership with us in this ministry.  What does that look like?  Well, with you as our partner, here are three things we would do for you: First, we would be an extension of your ministry.  You would be part of that impact of reaching Arkansas' children for Christ.  Second, we would communicate with you--not just in this type of way but personal one-on-one emails, letters and phone calls.  We want an actual friendship with you.  The third thing we'd do goes along with that, and that is, we would pray for your regularly.  We'd be someone you could share your needs with and know we'd be praying for you.  As our partners, there are three things you could do for us as well.  The first would be to pray for us.  We will definitely need it and greatly value it.  Second is to financially invest in this ministry.  The third is to advocate for our ministry--share these stories I've shared with others who might also want to be part of this work.

     If you would like to partner with us, we would be overjoyed.  Below is our missionary prayer card, with information for contacting us as well as supporting us (you can give online or write a check and mail it in).  If it is too small to read, click on it, and it should be larger. Please reach out to us as a friend. We long to share this spiritual fruit with you, as well as friendship. My basic email address is jstoermer1982@gmail.com

(De)Nomination

     "Is this non-denominational thing considered cool out here?" the woman asked me in her sweet Southern drawl.  She was new to California (my home state, where I still lived at the time).  She had asked me some advice about finding a church.  She had been part of a church she loved back home in the South  That church had had a rich history as part of a long-respected denomination.  Upon coming to California, she was surprised at the number of churches she encountered that were unaffiliated from any denomination she was familiar with.  She was furthered confused by the way churches that were affiliated with denominations seemed to de-emphasize it, often taking the denomination out of the church's name, or the church members quickly explaining, "I'm [fill in the denomination], but I don't really care about that, and no one at my church does either."  The thing that seemed oddest to her was that the Christians she met seemed to think of denominations as an offensive topic, and that being part of one was unbiblical  or unspiritual.  On the other hand, being nondenominational seemed to be considered deeply spiritual.  This was culture shock to her.  

    Talking to this new resident of my home state was eye-opening (and validating) about this topic of denominations, and non-denominationalism.  A few years later, my husband and I moved to the Midwest.  There, we found almost the opposite extreme in the Christian community.  Churches were deeply ensconced in their long-held traditions and denominations.  Many church members we met were quicker to identify as a Lutheran or a Methodist than as a Christian.  Denominations were a way of life.  

     Which of these extremes is right...or wrong?  Are both out of balance a little?  Can both be okay in their own way?  

     The dictionary definition of denomination is as follows: a recognized autonomous branch of of the Christian church.  In other words, it is an independent group of churches that are part of the larger Christian faith.  These denominations are all a result of church history through the years.  If we believe in Divine Providence, we have to believe God has been active throughout history, and behind the formation of these Christian groups.  

     What does the Bible say about the church?  Jesus Himself said in Matthew 16:18, upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.  Jesus has been building the church for over 2000 years.  There have been dark times in church history, when it seemed like the enemy was winning, but God was always in control.  In His Sovereignty, He has allowed different times of revival and movement, and the results of these often grew into denominations we are familiar with today.  I believe it is valuable to know church history, and the history of our individual churches, where they come from, and how God has worked in the past.  

    
     As history marches on, sometimes, great movements and works of God fall into disrepair.  Look at the ruins of Jerusalem in the book of Lamentations.  The people had forgotten their relationship with the Lord, and had worshiped idols.  God warned them repeatedly, but finally had to discipline them by letting their enemies (the Babylonians) attack them, and capture the majority of them.  Jerusalem was destroyed, including the beautiful temple Solomon had built.  The book of Lamentations is Jeremiah's mourning over this.  Something built in God's name came to destruction as people forgot God.  Eventually, Zerubabel rebuilt the temple (Ezra 3-6).  It was a new time.  God was at work in people's lives again.  I believe this is a picture of how history still works today.  

     When God has done amazing things in church history, churches, movements, and denominations have formed as a result.  This is a good thing.  It keeps the work alive.  It brings more people to the truth, and continues the blessing.  However, when people forget the Lord, corruption can come in.  Some Christian organizations and denominations have lost sight of where they came from, and have become corrupt.  Under that circumstance, it is understandable that some would want to distance themselves from that corruption, and want to be in a more "pure" form of Christianity, straight from the Bible.  Under those conditions, I completely agree with the idea of being non-denominational.  

     However, just because some denominations have gone bad does not necessarily mean they all have.  Many hold onto their history, and are constantly remembering what God has done for them.  Isaiah 46:9-10 says, Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.  God has been orchestrating church history.  Remembering that is a good thing.  Being part of a denomination can bring accountability and support that are often absent in independent churches.  Also, being part of an established denomination often communicates to the community where the church stands on a particular issue.  Their theology is often understood.  

     Here are some objections I hear people make about denominations.  These are some things I have heard.  I'm going to address each.  

Denominations aren't biblical.  They didn't have them in the book of Acts.   Acts is the beginning of the story of the Christian church.  We can never be in that point in history again, because God, in His Sovereignty, did not place us there.  History has marched on, as it always does.  And even in the New Testament, we see different movements within the churches.  As for only wanting to do things found in the Bible, they didn't have indoor plumbing either...

Denominations divide Christians.  Sadly, this can and does happen, but it happens with nondenominationalism as well.  As a Southern Baptist from Southern California, I have often been snubbed by nondenominational believers who thought their nondenominational churches made them more spiritual or godly than me.  I attended an event at a church that is part of a big affiliation that won't admit to being a denomination, but operates like one.  Some folks from that church were very friendly to me at first, but when they asked me about my background and found out I wasn't from their affiliation, they questioned my salvation, and became much less friendly.  There can be a lot of snobbery in both denominations and independent churches.  This, too, happened in the Bible.  We read in First Corinthians 1 about Paul addressing some division that had arisen.  Verses 12-13 say, Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  Apparently, believers were dividing themselves based on who had led them to the Lord.  Sort of forming their own factions.  Some were snottily claiming they were from Paul, Apollos, or Cephas.  Today, this could be applied by people saying, "I'm a Presbyterian."  "I'm a Baptist."  or, "I'm Pentecostal."  But you will see it doesn't stop there.  Some of these New Testament believers arguing were saying, "I am of Christ."  Paul appears to be just as condemning of these people.  I would say those were the non-denominational types.  The ones who act like they're too spiritual to acknowledge those who came before.  Saying "I am of Christ," was snobbish, implying those who were of Paul, Apollos and Cephas weren't of Christ.  A better way to have said to would have been to remind them, "Hey we're all of Christ here, guys!"  The point here is that all of these people were wrong.  Division is wrong, but established denominations are not the only culprits.  I will add that, as a Southern Baptist, some of my best Christian friends have been Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and Lutheran.  Denominations don't have to bring division. It's not like we're part of rival high schools!  

Denominations take the focus off of Christ.  This can happen, and it is unfortunate when it does.  But it doesn't always happen.  Many denominations I know of work very hard to keep Christ the focus.  Non-denominational churches can just as easily lose focus.  The bottom line for me is that denominations are perfectly fine when they're in their proper place of priority.  I have seen them emphasized too greatly, but also completely shunned.  Neither extreme is right.  The same is true of nondenominationalism.  If a church, (or affiliation of churches that doesn't want to officially call itself a denomination) is focused on Jesus and following the Holy Spirit's leading, they can be wonderfully used by God.  It's all about focus.  

     Interestingly, theologian and professor Steven Harmon argues that "there's really no such thing" as a nondenominational church, because "as soon as a supposedly non-denominational church has made decisions about what happens in worship, whom and how they will baptize, how and with what understanding they will celebrate holy communion, what they will teach, who their ministers will be and how they will be ordered, or how they relate to those churches, these decisions have placed the church within the stream of a specific type of denominational tradition."  If a church wants to be unaffiliated, that is perfectly fine.  But by having any theological positions or practices at all, they have basically taken a denominational side, and there is nothing wrong with that.  They have determined which vein in church history they affiliate with.  The root is all in Christ, and that's what matters.  What counts is that your church was started by the movement of the Lord in a work that is bigger than just your church, and involves more people than just the ones in your congregation.  You are part of the body, as all believers are.  If you can be part of a denomination and keep the focus on Christ, and love those in other church traditions, that is wonderful.  If you can be part of a non-denominational church that recognizes that they are part of a bigger picture, that includes all believers (denominational or not), that is wonderful.  

     History marches on.  You are part of it.  Be that person who embraces what God is doing, but doesn't lose sight of what He has done.  

Affirming

     Open and Affirming.  Safe Spaces.  Accepting.  These are words we hear a lot nowadays.  They sound like nice words.  But what do they mean?  What does it mean to be affirmed?  Who is safe and accepted?  It stands to reason that if we need "safe spaces," then there are some people who are the reason others don't feel safe.  It follows that these people who make others feel unsafe aren't welcome in these safe spaces that have been created.  Are there safe spaces for them?  Do they matter?  Is there anyone to help and support them?  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that it is impossible to create an environment where anyone and everyone can be affirmed, safe and accepted.  Furthermore, it is a person's own responsibility to be safe and accepted, not anyone else's (I'll return to that).  Even trying to create this type of environment is a farce, and I will illustrate why.  

     To illustrate my point, I'm going to share a few statements from some people who pride themselves on being inclusive.  

     A blogger who identifies as a Liberal Christian posted this in her blog's intro: [my family is] promoting gender and racial equity, living a Christianity that isn’t limited to the whims of Evangelicalism, and standing up to the moral cesspool that is the Trump administration.  Pretty strong words there.  In the same sentence, she talks about wanting to promote equality, then, in a rather superior and moralistic tone, takes down Evangelicals by implying their faith is based on whims instead of thought-out beliefs, and refers to anyone who supports President Trump as part of a cesspool.  Doesn't sound very equal to me.  She's only "equal" to the causes she agrees with.  That isn't equality.  It is elevating her causes above anyone who sees the world differently than she does.  By this statement, it is clear that she refuses to even consider that there might be good people who see the situation a little differently than she does.  That is very strong bias.  If someone used her same phrasing about someone's race instead of the Trump administration, there would be hell to pay, and rightfully so.  She isn't very broad-minded in her opinions about Evangelicals, or anyone who supports Trump.  It is okay for her to hold the views she does.  She is entitled to that.  My purpose here isn't even to refute her beliefs.  But her slanderous remarks illustrate perfectly that many who claim to value equality harbor hatred for those who hold different views on some of these issues.  My views differ from this blogger's--yours might not--but politics isn't my point here.  It is very possible for people of different views to have positive relationships and conversations.  My point here is that this blogger tries to sound so inclusive, but clearly isn't.  She uses negative, mean-spirited name-calling over positive, intellectual dialogue with people who have different views than her own.  She isn't the only one taking this approach of angry accusation.  

     A church in my hometown--one of the oldest in the city, with a beautiful historic building downtown--proudly boasts about being open and affirming.  Here are some things they say on their website.  First, they have a rainbow colored logo that says, Diverse, inclusive, accepting, welcoming, safe space for everyone.  If these words are literally true, and that is their actual philosophy, that would mean someone who believes in moral absolutes would be welcome there, as well as someone who doesn't.  It would mean people of all races are welcome, as well as racist people.  I mean, church is where the racist belong, so they can learn better, right?  Glad this church is so open to them coming.  It would also mean people who lost a family member on 9/11 and fear radical Islamic terrorism would be welcome, as well as a Muslim person (although a Muslim would be in a mosque, not a church).  Okay, we've seen and analyzed their inclusive logo.  They want anyone and everyone to come, supposedly.  Keep that in mind as you read on.

     This logo is on a recurring cycle, with seven different little sayings.  The next one after their rainbow message says, Fear intolerance, ignorance, injustice, hatred...NOT MUSLIMS.  

     Okay, now we see there are some people they won't welcome.  They won't tolerate people who are intolerant.  Think about that one.  They won't welcome ignorant people, which I find sad, because we are all ignorant about certain things.  Unjust and hateful people (again, exactly the type who really need to be in church) are unwelcome. This church has written off people who really need them.  But, ironically, it's open to Muslims (who have no desire to come!).  I have known some lovely Muslim people, many of whom were successful doctors and business owners.  They are deeply committed to their own religion, and couldn't care less that some "inclusive" church wants to make them a mascot for how tolerant they think they are.  From what I could gather, that kind of thing was a joke to them.  If I found out an Islamic mosque or a Hindu Temple or some other religious center had a big banner that said, "Don't be afraid of Christians," I wouldn't be flattered.  I'd laugh first, then feel patronized.  I would imagine that's how Muslims would feel upon reading this church's statement.  

     It's true that Muslim people shouldn't be feared.  They are precious people that Jesus died for, and Christians should love them and long to see them know Christ.  On the other hand, groups associated with Islamic extremism (which don't include most Muslim people) are a threat to be concerned about.  However, as Christians, we're told in Matthew 10:28, Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  None of the things mentioned on that list (intolerance, ignorance, injustice, hatred, or Islam) should be feared.  Only God has power over life and death.  

     As I said, that church's logo was on a recurring cycle, and changed seven times before restarting.  I won't go into every single one, but I will share one final image they show that once again refutes their claim to welcome everyone.  It says, Stand up to Transphobia.  So they welcome transgender people, but not those whom they consider transphobic, because that's apparently unforgivable.  They don't even say, "Try to help people come to understand transgenderism,"  They have basically written off those who oppose it, without the benefit of consideration.  For being an open safe space for everyone, they've sure slammed doors in a lot of faces.  Do you see how hypocritical that is?  

  Let's look at that.  First off, the term transphobia isn't fair.  The dictionary definition of the word phobia is: an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something.  I don't know anyone who has an irrational fear of somebody who claims to be transgender.  But then we read that the accepted definition of transphobia is: dislike of or prejudice against transsexual or transgender people.  Why have the word phobia as part of it if it has nothing to do with fear?  As an insult, that's why.  Many throw around words like fear and ignorance to insult people who are neither afraid nor uninformed.  I think that word transphobia in and of itself is prejudiced against people whose beliefs and philosophy don't agree with transgender lifestyle.  

     This post isn't really about transgenderism, but to give understanding, the issue isn't about accepting people for who they are, because I believe most of us want to do that.  It is really a much deeper issue, about worldviews.  No Christian I know of hates or fears people with gender dysphoria.  Most believers I know are loving and want to help.  I can't even begin to imagine what it feels like to be born with a body that feels wrong and disconnected from the person's psychology.  I confess there is a lot I don't understand about it.  I choose to show compassion, and validate their feelings and struggle.  However, as I compassionately listen and learn from them, my response to what they share will be different from what is being pushed in the mainstream nowadays. I will 100% acknowledge what they're experiencing, but at the same time, I will not change my mind in my belief that God didn't make a mistake when He created that person with the sex organs they have, and those sex organs, not their psychology, determines whether they are male or female.  Psalm 139:13 says that God created a person's inmost being, and knit them together in their mother's womb.  Genesis 1:27 says that God deliberately created people male and female.  Psalm 18:30 says, As for God, his way is perfect.  If you want to discuss this more in-depth, or want more scripture references, let me know in the comments.  My goal right here hasn't necessarily been to build a case in regards to transgenderism, but I needed to establish this as a worldview issue.  As such, it isn't possible for us to have a meeting of the minds with those who would tell a person that they should indulge their psyche over their biology.  It cuts both ways.  They are unwilling to meet me on my side either.  In fact, they portray me as a foolish but inconsequential bigot with a shotgun, ready to kill everyone who disagrees with me.  Being misrepresented like this is completely hypocritical, since they are so against anyone misjudging their favorite people.  

     Most Christians I know deeply love others, and want to see them joyfully in God's will.  From our study of the Bible, we believe God's will to be that they deny themselves, take up their cross daily (living with a body they feel confused about) and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24).  Everyone else has to, so those who suffer from gender dysphoria don't get a free pass on that.  I have deep desires to eat gluttonously sometimes, but I need to deny myself, take up my cross (those cravings and even some emotional needs propelling them) and follow Jesus.  A friend of mine struggled with flirting with men who weren't her husband, and she had to deny herself, take up her cross (unfulfilled desires and attraction to men she wasn't married to) and follow Jesus.  All Christians are called to do that, regardless of struggle.  God is there to help us.  Jesus Himself understands the struggle of living in an insufficient body.  He was the all-powerful God, but relegated to a very limited human body.  He is everything anyone needs, including those with gender dysphoria.  His grace is sufficient (Second Corinthians 12:9).  

     Additionally, there is something strange to me about this church (and other groups) strongly affirming transgenderism.  They aren't just offering support to people we can all agree are struggling and need love.  There is an agenda being pushed.  I have known two very different people from two different universities in different states.  They never knew each other, or even that the other existed, but I knew both of them.  They both went to their university's counseling department because they suffered from depression.  Both of them were convinced that they were really transgender and just suppressing it.  This wasn't something they had ever considered, nor was there evidence in either of their lives that they had gender dysphoria.  Yet these counselors convinced them this was their real problem.  They preyed on already-hurting people, in ways that irreversibly ruined their lives and drove wedges between them and their families.  Also, in some of my research about transgenderism, I have found that some people who get diagnosed as having gender dysphoria are simply people who didn't fit all the stereotypes of their biological sex.  Girls who just had tomboy tastes were suddenly diagnosed to be transgender boys.  Artistic, sensitive males were considered to be transgender women.   I find this ridiculous.  Is wearing pink lacy dresses the only way to be a female?  Is being athletic and tough the only way to be male?  That is sexist logic I thought we, as a society, were beyond.  This is wrong and really has to stop.  People who actually have gender dysphoria should be lovingly heard out about it.  But I think the number of people being diagnosed should be looked into a little more deeply.  There is an agenda, and it is taking vulnerable people down a path from which it would be very difficult to return.  

     There's something else too.  These sins we have to deny don't define us.  I am not my battle with food.  My friend is not her battle with flirting.  People who struggle with gender dysphoria are not that struggle.  They are people Jesus loves, and most evangelical Christians want to show them that love, and help them fight the battle we're all really fighting.  We aren't angry or prejudiced, or wanting to harm these people at all.  For all of our struggles, we can't give in to the push for indulging one's urges when they go against God's will.  

     This church's website might claim to be all-inclusive, but they really only want to include people who agree with them--and their protected classes.  They're doing exactly what they're preaching against.  Their church isn't open and affirming to people of my worldview.  Neither are blogs that express hatred and bigotry against Conservatives.  If someone wants to be a true "liberal" they need to accept "everyone," not just their favorite target group.  In so many cases, these target groups aren't even beloved people to the ones defending them, but pawns and keys to power.   

     I went to three conservative Christian church's websites as well.  Two of them had a welcome to attend.  They made no swipes against, nor praises in favor of, any certain groups.  Anybody reading the website was made to feel welcome and invited.  One of these two was also very intentional about sharing their basic beliefs, but even in that, it was general, focused on Jesus and the Bible, not social issues.  There was no sense in which some were presented as more "equal" than others.  The third conservative church I examined was a little too detailed in it's statement of beliefs.  There was a whole article, longer than this blog in some cases, about every conceivable issue and the church's view on it.  I felt it was overkill.  It's good to have beliefs about these things, but reading about it in that much detail (such as why they believe psychology is evil and only consider nouthetic counseling to be appropriate, or their very specific views on alcohol consumption) could be very alienating to people who are just checking the church out, possibly not even having a background in these things.  The first thing should be Jesus, and people need to be introduced to Him.  The conservative churches I have observed over the years are much more "open and affirming" to regular humans, without pushing an agenda.  

     

     Think about normal places you go every day.  The grocery store.  The dentist.  The post office.  Do these places boast of being "open and affirming?"  I've never seen that.  People can go in, do whatever business they have, possibly rub shoulders with a few other folks, and then go home.  People from all walks of life, belief systems, and politics go to these places.  They come together, without their differences mattering.  Without an effort being made, these places are truly open, and safe for all.  They obviously can't perfectly be that 100%, since people are sinful, and bring their sinful selves with them wherever they go.  Sometimes, people are hurtful.  But as a general rule, people who are on totally opposite ends of every spectrum can go to these and other places and have a good experience getting business taken care of.  These places are not pushing any sort of agenda, nor are they putting forth efforts to be "open and affirming."  They simply are.  

     As I said in the beginning, feeling safe is one's own choice.  Go places you enjoy and feel validated and encouraged.  If someone is hurtful to you, remove yourself from them.  Also realize, it's not all about you.  Allow yourself to be around situations that challenge and mature you as well.  

     "Inclusive" people are often as narrow-minded and bigoted as they accuse others of being.  Be truly inclusive.  Treat people with kindness.  Reach out on a human level in ways anyone will relate to.  Share your faith with them.  Pray for them.  

Buzz Words

     Be not conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... Romans 12:2 tells us.  As Christians, we live in this world, and have to contend with it.  As humans, we pick up things in our culture.  Many of them are normal and accepted things.  Jesus lived on this earth, and He adopted the Jewish culture of his day.  As God, though, there were aspects of that culture in which He went against the grain.  The same should be true for us.  That's the idea of being in the world but not of it.  (John 15:19; John 17:14).

     Certain phraseology has has become very popular and widely-used, and some of it is completely contrary to biblical truth, and yet I hear Christian people I highly respect using it.  When we hear expressions so frequently, we pick them up without realizing.  Here are some phrases Christians should stop using immediately, and the biblical basis as to why.

SENDING GOOD THOUGHTS/VIBES
     This has been popularized by Facebook.  When one of your friends has a birthday, Facebook will notify you: "It's so-and-so's birthday.  Send him good vibes!"  What it really means is "Wish him happy birthday!" and I wish they would stick to that.  I hear a lot of people on social media say things like, "I have a doctor's appointment today.  Send good thoughts my way!"  Now, here is my question: If my thoughts are in my head, how can they affect the outcome of this person's doctor's appointment?  My thoughts have no power over someone's medical situation.  No matter how positive my thoughts are, they can't do any good.  I'm not God.  Prayer, on the other hand, can have a real impact.  God is all-powerful.  Isaiah 55:8 tells us, For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD.  Our thoughts have no power!  On the other hand, James 5:16 tells us, The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  Our prayers, not our thoughts, have power, and the power is in the One to whom we pray!  If you want to help someone, pray for them!  If you want to do something additionally, send them an encouraging letter, or call them.  If you can help in a practical way, offer to do so.  But your thoughts aren't going to help them.  Neither are your "vibes" (which are defined as emotional signals a person gives off).  Saying that you're sending good thoughts or good vibes is like saying you're praying for them and taking God out of the equation.  I challenge all Christians to stop saying this.  (NOTE: if a non-Christians says this to me, I don't take offense or correct them for it.  They truly mean well, and I accept it as that.  My challenge is to Christians).

OMG
     OMG is the abbreviation for "Oh my God."  It's an exclamation of surprise.  It could be argued that OMG means "Oh my gosh."  Still, most interpret it as "Oh my God."  Unless it is meant as a prayer, this is taking the Lord's name in vain.  Exodus 20:7 says, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.  I hear more and more Christians causally throwing around "Oh my God" or the cutely shortened "OMG."  I have heard people saying that taking God's name in vain is more a matter of claiming to be a Christian but having a terrible testimony, and that saying "Oh my God" has nothing to do with it.  I've heard still others say that the English word God isn't really the issue, but the more serious names for God in the Bible (such as Adonai, Elihim, Yahweh, etc.) are the ones we shouldn't say in vain. I've even heard people refer to it as taking God's name in vain when people sing praises to the Lord, but their hearts are really far away from Him and they don't mean what they're singing.  All of these explanations have truth and application.  We certainly need to have a testimony that matches our claim to be Christians.  We shouldn't misuse the Hebrew names for God.  They were often descriptions of His character (that's a whole study!).  When we worship the Lord, we need to be right with him, not just honoring him verbally.  Violating any of these ideas are a way of taking God's name in vain, perhaps even in a more real way than simply saying OMG.  But does that mean it's okay to throw around "Oh my God" constantly?  I don't think it is.  In the English-speaking world, the word God is understood as the deity we pray to.  As people who claim to be Christians, we are throwing around the name of the One we claim to worship to those who understand it to be that way.  It is a bad testimony, and dishonoring to the Lord.  Deuteronomy 6:13 says Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only, take your oaths in His name.  God's name is to be honored to the degree that we can make promises in His name.  When I was growing up, my parents weren't overly strict with words we said, but they would not tolerate using the Lord's name in vain.  Doing so resulted in getting our mouths washed out with soap.  They made us turn off television shows that persisted in using God's name in vain (which became very common around when I hit puberty in the early 90's) . Even today, it sort of shocks my senses when I hear it being done repeatedly.  I had a pastor at one point who believed even saying "Oh my gosh" was a bad idea.  I'll let you decide what you think about that, but I challenge you to use God's name in respect.

YOUR TRUTH

     A positive thing I have noticed today is that people are more apt to talk about their troubles, whereas in the past, they tended to bottle them up.  I believe social media has played a part in that.  One phrase I hear people saying now, though, is a little bit dangerous.  They say things like, "Share your truth."  or "Tell them your truth."  I get where they're coming from in saying it.  They're saying to tell your side of the story.  We should be sharing.  Revelation 12:11 says, And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.  We need to be speaking our testimonies.  The truth we have seen and experienced.  But saying "share your truth," makes truth sound relative, and it isn't.  Think about how that impacts things.  People can accuse each other falsely under the guise of "my truth."  The accused then turns around to share their truth (the real truth) and they are either disbelieved, or ignored.  The discrepancy between both parties' "truths" is just accepted.  That's terrible.  Jesus said in John 8:32 that the truth sets us free.  There is one truth.  Relative truth would be like going to my bank and telling the teller, "I want to withdraw a million dollars from my account."  The teller checks and says, "I'm sorry, you don't have a million dollars in your account," and I reply, "That's your truth.  My truth is that I'm a millionaire, so let's have it."  That doesn't work.  Don't speak "your" truth.  Speak the truth.  Be as honest and accurate as you can.  Of course we all tell things from our perspective, and that's understood, but be truthful in your recounting.  In referring to it, call it "my side" or "my testimony".  Don't call it "your truth."  You don't own the truth, God does.  

     As Christians, we sometimes get sucked into our culture's way of speaking and being.  To a point, its understandable, but we need to watch it, and be biblical in our response to these things.

What Defines You?

    It has been a tough time for everyone on the planet.  We are facing a worldwide pandemic, such as none of us has seen.  Some people are largely unaffected, and I am happy for them.  The rest of us have had to adjust things in our lives in some way.  My husband has lost his job because of it (the company closed down permanently).  Getting unemployment has proven just about impossible, and we are still awaiting our stimulus check.  We have no idea what the future will hold, or how God is going to make this all come together for us--or for anyone. The only thing I can cling to is First Peter 1:7, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;  God is working in all of us, even if we don't know the reason.  

     In the midst of all of this, a very good friend and ministry co-worker of mine was murdered almost two weeks ago. Her death was the first homicide to take place in Sioux City, Iowa this year.  Lisa Belk served with Child Evangelism Fellowship of Iowa.  I was blessed to get to work with her in ministry when we lived up that way.  I didn't get to know or work with her as many years as some, but the time we shared was priceless.  She was pleasant, fun, and very quick to move on from difficulties with a good attitude.  I always felt we were on the same page when we'd talk about ministry, or just Christian life in general.  Lisa was willing to bend over backwards to get the gospel to children.  She wasn't afraid to be silly, or speak out in difficult situations, if it meant the truth would go out.  

Summer Ministry team, 2018,   I'm standing second from the left.  Lisa is seated in front and slightly to the side of me.

On our way back from camp, we stopped at Subway in the middle of Iowa.  Lisa is seated with one of our teens.

     I was able to watch her funeral online today, and what struck me more than anything was the way her life was defined by the gospel.  Sometimes, I feel insecure and hide behind things like accomplishments, what others think of me, or what I consider to be my strengths.  But those things shouldn't define me.  They can't.  God planned so much more than that for us.  Lisa saw that.

     The Apostle Paul said it well when he said in Acts 20:24, But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.  His whole life was to share the gospel.  He said in Galatians 6:14, But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. He saw nothing to boast of--in other words, nothing to define him--except the cross of Christ.  That was his identity.  As Christians, we aren't who we used to be.  God has given us a new identity.  Second Corinthians 5:17 says, Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.  In our lives, we should be seen (and see ourselves) as God's children, people who preach the gospel of Christ, and look for every opportunity to represent Him to others.  

     I feel Lisa exemplified these truths.  In recent weeks, in the midst of everyone's faith being tested, I have felt the Lord leading me to write a book.  Since Lisa passed away as I was finishing it, I have dedicated this new book to Lisa.  It is entitled, Reckless Surrender.  It is currently available from Amazon on kindle (click here) or paperback (click here) .  Watch for upcoming giveaways!  

How to Win Souls and Influence People

     "You know you're a leader," my college professor told us years ago, "if you see people following you."  Sounds pretty simple.  I think everyone wants some level of influence.  To know their lives impact others.  That's a good feeling.  As Christians, we have a  special reason for wanting to have that influence.  We represent Christ, and want to bring people into His kingdom.  I know for myself, I used to constantly pressure myself to be the perfect witness all the time, and really beat myself up if I didn't have that right answer, or that perfect testimony all the time.  It can be a lot of pressure.  But it doesn't have to be.

     Speaking of influencing, I just got through watching a webinar presentation about a certain business venture someone wanted me to join.  The woman giving the presentation used a lot of phrases that were a turn-off to me.  Phrases like, "Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that...".  Some of the claims she made were things I actually hadn't heard about, and yet I certainly don't live under a rock.  Using that type of phrasing  conveys a sense of superiority.  As if to say, "I"m in the know and you're not."  It would be much more compelling to humbly relay the information, possibly prefacing them with, "You may have heard that..." That way, it gives people who have heard about it the sense that you recognize they might already knew it, and at the same time, informing those who didn't know.  That way, no one is invalidated or accused of living under a rock.  No one likes to feel out of the loop.

     I had another recent experience with someone trying to influence me.  This person is a dear friend.  We have a lot in common, and usually agree.  However, on the occasion when we don't agree on something, she has a tendency to lecture me.  I'm not talking about just sharing why she holds the view she does.  I think friends should be able to do that.  I'm talking about not accepting my difference of opinion, and insulting my intelligence in an attempt to get me to change my mind and agree with her.  Of course, that never happens.  In all our discussions of this nature, she has a 0% success rate of getting me over to her viewpoint.  Even if she was 100% right and I was completely wrong, I wouldn't be receptive to this method of persuasion.  It insults intelligence.  Again, it is invalidating.  Invalidating people doesn't tend to win them over.

     What does the Bible say about influencing others with the gospel (or other areas)?  First of all, John 6:44 holds a very important point to remember.  "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent me draws them."  We are so depraved that we are incapable of receiving the truth of the gospel without God working in our hearts.  The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and need for Christ, guiding us to the truth (John 16:13).  This is a work of God, not something humans can bring about.  The Apostle Paul even says in First Corinthians 2:4, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power."  Even the Old Testament teaches us this concept.  Zechariah 4:6 says, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty."  That is step one, realizing we're not God.  Only the Holy Spirit can change people.  We cannot.

     Second, look at how Jesus influenced others.  He taught them in parables, everyday examples they could take in and relate to.  Mark 4:33 says, "With many similar parables Jesus spoke to them, as much as they could understand."  He related to where His audience was at.  He knew things far beyond them!  He could have blown them away with his knowledge.  He could have rightfully put them in their place for being out of the loop!  And yet He didn't do that.  He was humble and kind, and used things they would understand to teach them eternal truths.  Also, unlike the woman giving the webinar who wanted me to join her pyramid scheme, Jesus didn't have a self-seeking motive.  He didn't ask, "What's in it for me?"  He loved people enough to die for them!  If we are going to win people for Christ, we have to be selfless like that.  Like Jesus, we need to find our fulfillment in doing God's will (John 4:24).  That is step two, humbly relate to where people are at.

     Third, let's look at the Apostle Paul.  He was responsible for writing much of the New Testament (under the direction of the Holy Spirit), and for bringing the gospel to much of the known world.  Really, his approach was a combination of the first two steps here.  He depended on the Holy Spirit's guidance (Acts 16) and met people where they were at, using their knowledge to get them to the truth (Acts 17:22-23).  The point with Paul was, He preached the gospel.  He spoke the truth unashamedly (Romans 1:16).  He didn't berate or belittle others who didn't agree with him.  He simply kept sharing that truth.  In First Corinthians 9:16, he said, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel."  He kept the focus on Jesus, not peripheral things.  He said in First Corinthians 2:2, "For I resolved to know nothing when I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."  Likewise, Paul urged his protege Timothy, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season..." (Second Timothy 4:2).  That would be my third point here.  Focus on the truth (in the case of the gospel, it's Jesus!).  A teacher I had in missionary institute many years ago used to say, "Keep the main thing the main thing, and the main thing is Jesus!"

     There are times to debate.  Apologetic studies are vital if we are going to know how to teach and defend the gospel.  But a good argument alone will never win someone over, especially if it is done in arrogance.  A few extra little principles I'm going to add are the following.  People might be wrong, but we need to respect their right to be wrong.  We can't "make" them believe.  We need to respect their intelligence and independence as human beings to make choices.  By doing this, we're not saying they are correct.  I am a Christian.  This naturally means I believe Islam to be a false religion.  But do I think Muslims are stupid, or treat them like they are?  Of course not!  Most of the Muslims I have met don't treat me as stupid either.  A respectful relationship is important.  It is better to be able to kindly share with them, even if they are not persuaded.  They might really think about it later, in the quiet of their hearts.  The Holy Spirit can use your words long after you've said them.  All you're really doing is planting seeds.  Be kind and respectful.  Peter (Jesus' disciple and later apostle) said in First Peter 3:15, "...be ready always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."  Be ready with the truth, but present it humbly.  That's what he's saying.

     I'll close with one more point.  If you are trying to convince someone of something that isn't the gospel (admittedly, there are important things you might be dealing with), these same principles apply.  Recognize only God can change someone's view.  Meet people where they're at.  Humbly share the truth, and keep the main thing the main thing.  Respect them.  After you've done all you can do, pray for them.  I have seen God change people I prayed for.  Other times, God has changed me and shown me where I was wrong.  Be humble without compromising the truth.  See how that changes your life and makes you a powerful influence!