Why My Best Friend Abandoned Me

July of 2015, my older sister came to my parents with the hare-brained idea that God was calling her to go on a missions trip. Not just any missions trip, mind you, but the World Race (an 11-month missions trip founded by Adventures in Missions where the participants visit 11 countries and serve a month in each one). I overheard and tearfully but jokingly threatened her that if she ever went on such a long trip, I was coming with her. (Now, my sister has been my best friend ever since I can remember. We've argued, we've squabbled, we've gone through times where we were both seething mad at each other. But she's still my best friend.) And so it began. My sister began fundraising in August, had training camp in October, and left just after the New Year (as a side-note, she specially requested that we have a Lord of the Rings marathon as part of our New Year's celebration). I was devastated. My best friend. My sister. Was gone. Gone to visit places that I couldn't go with her. I selfishly convinced myself that she had abandoned me (yes, I have a bit of a flare for the dramatic), even going as far as to ask God (quite accusingly) why He'd sent my sister away [to help people who had never heard the Gospel, nor seen the love that Christ gives]. The turning point didn't come until I started to read the blog that she was posting from Central and South America (more recently, Europe and Africa) (you can follow her continuing journey here: http://carolyngibson.theworldrace.org/). Lives were changing radically, my sister's life included. And here I was, sitting at home, moping and being miserable. So I began really delving into the Scriptures. I wanted my life to change, too. I wanted to be able to experience the joy that she was experiencing. And I did. It didn't happen right away, it took a few weeks for me to relearn how to love reading my Bible, so to speak. But as I read and and continued to read, I came to absolutely love God's Word, because I learned what I've been told so many times... The Bible is and always will be relevant. I still miss my sister terribly. I still cry every time I have to say goodbye over Skype. But she's doing what God has called her to do, and who am I to say she shouldn't? She's still my best friend, as she will likely always be. And we're now both doing what God wants us to. But back to my sister. She's been through situations I can't imagine, from living for a time with her team, crammed in a filthy, bug and rat infested hostel in Chile, to meeting up with our parents in Romania (as part of the Parent Vision Trip, where parents of the Racers meet up with them for a week of ministry together) and serving with them in the poor communities there. She's served in 9 countries now, with courage, determination, and joy I'm astounded by. If you had told me a year and a half ago that this would be my sister today, I wouldn't have believed you. She's become a gentle warrior, if that makes sense. She's someone I look up to, because she mirrors Christ in her every-day life.

This deep thought isn't meant to be about me, or even my sister, really. It's about the impact that one can have when they are in God's will, going where He wants them to go, doing what He has called them to do. That being said, my sister is a living example of that, which is why she's my role-model.

Can a Christian be Pro-Choice?

One of the major topics in the church these days is abortion. What shocks me more than just about anything in churches now is the condoning of abortion in “some cases.” This baffles me. Where in Scripture does it also condone the taking of innocent life in “some cases”? We often hear the terms “pro-life” and “pro-choice.” When has it, in the history of Christianity, been a “choice” to take a baby’s life?

I have heard so many arguments for abortion, it’s ridiculous. One of the most absurd excuses I’ve heard from some Christians is that if the mother isn’t married, then she should have the right to abort it, as a child needs both a mother and a father. This is so incredibly wrong! The Bible says to care for the fatherless, the orphan. Nowhere does it permit the taking of an innocent baby’s life. Another argument I hear commonly is, “Her body, her choice [in reference to the mother].” Well, logically, this doesn’t work. It’s not her body, it’s a child’s body. A child that has been given a soul by Almighty God. Who are we to take the life of a being made in the image of God? Another of the most common arguments I hear is that if the child was conceived in rape, then the mother can abort it if she so desires. This is also incorrect. Why should children be murdered for the sin of their parent(s)? Is it their fault? Of course not! Another argument for abortion is when a mental and/or physical handicap is detected by ultrasound. Here’s a staggering fact: 50% of all babies in the world with Down Syndrome are aborted. If you’re in Great Britain, 90% of all babies with Down Syndrome are aborted. Is this just? Is this Christian? Our blood should boil at the taking of innocent lives! God gives life for a reason, no child is an accident. One more fact... 65% of women who have had abortions later openly regret it. And that’s just the women who will admit to regretting their decision.

One of the most wonderful things I’ve seen done is where couples who want children go to an abortion clinic, stand outside, and offer to adopt women’s babies that they don’t necessarily want. I also have friends who have gone to preach outside of abortion clinics, sharing the Gospel so that women and girls may see the error of their ways and turn towards Christ.

So, no, a Christian fundamentally cannot be “pro-choice.”

Politics and Christianity

How do politics relate to Christianity? Short answer: as Christians, our faith should influence every part of our lives. Long answer: buckle your seat belts. In our Constitutional Republic, also known as the USA, politics are important, and at times, trying. For Christians, it can be even more trying at times. We have to decide who best upholds Christian morals, a Christian worldview, and a good public reputation. The Bible talks about politics quite a bit. The Old Testament especially gives extensive political law, but we have to remember that the political background shown here is that of a patriarchy. Also, these laws were replaced by New Testament laws, because we are no longer under the old covenant. Jesus also talks about taxes (the give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s). We are to give the government what the government is due in ways of taxes (Some things we are taxed for are ridiculous, but that’s where local and state government, backed by the people, need to stand up and say, “no”).

I’ve heard the argument that Christians should not be involved in politics at all, but when we look at history, we find that the best politicians were Christians who weren’t afraid to stand for what is right, and a strong moral compass. If we (Christians) aren’t involved in politics in some capacity, there is next to nothing to stop evil from sweeping the world. We need to stand for what’s right and not bend under an oppressive government that either ignores Christianity, or attacks it by turns.

A commonly overlooked aspect of the Apostle Paul is that he used his Roman citizenship in Acts 22 to escape an unjust beating. Not only did he use the law to his advantage as a citizen, he also clung to his rights as one. Can we not do the same?

So, what are we as Christians supposed to do with things like elections? Follow your conscience. Not your heart, your conscience (Remember, when we are redeemed, the Holy Spirit becomes our conscience, and He doesn’t make mistakes). Also, do your research. On everything. Candidates, Issues, etc.

Young people (and older, too), if you want to get involved in politics, that is an amazing way to serve your town, your state, your country. You can be a good influence and help to make decisions that will better your town, your state, your country.

Stand with us, my fellow Christians. Stand for what’s right.

One of the Biggest Lies in Evangelism

Three words: the sinner’s prayer. I’m going to begin my explaination with an analogy by Ray Comfort: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCabeFXneGg You see, an apology should be heartfelt. You can encourage someone to apologize and repent (evangelism), but the apology becomes, in many cases, meaningless to the person who is apologizing when you tell them what to say (this is what happens when someone is lead in the sinner’s prayer). Here’s yet another example for you. Imagine that your child purposely tripped and injured another child. You then tell your child to apologize to the child they have hurt, and they do so, but grudgingly. You proceed to tell them to “say it like they mean it.” By their thinking, they already apologized. Why should they do it again? Yes, they apologized (whether they really meant it or not), but they didn’t repent. That’s where we run into trouble. You can apologize all you want, but in order to mean it, you have to repent also. An apology is a verbal matter, repentence is a heart matter. Anyone can apologize, but it takes humility (being willing to admit that you are a desperately sinful person without any hope of redemption but through Jesus Christ) to repent. Apologize: to offer an apology or excuse for some fault, insult, failure, or injury Repent: to feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-stricken about a past action, attitude, etc

You see, the sinner’s prayer is causing many people who say it to become false converts. Someone will share the Gospel with them for a couple minutes, then say. “Do you want to say the sinner’s prayer and ask Jesus into your heart?” They respond, “Is it that easy?” And the witness replies, “Yes, it’s that easy.” NO. It’s not “that easy.” Without repentence, there is no forgiveness. Without forgiveness, there is no salvation. Here’s a clip from a sermon from Paul Washer entitled War on the Sinner’s Prayer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ7LbEg3PZU

So, how do we go about evangelizing Biblically? 1. We must be living testaments of God’s work. We must be examples of what God can do in a person to change them, otherwise stated as “being in the world, but not of it.” 2. We must share the Gospel as it is. We are all fallen beings without any hope of redemption but through Jesus Christ. But God, in His love for the people He had created, sent His perfect, only Son to die for payment of the sins of mankind, so that through the repentence of those sins and belief in Jesus Christ, we might be saved from our bondage to sin and Satan.

We must preach a Gospel of repentence, not one of apology.

What is the NAR, and How is it Hurting the Church?

The NAR movement stands for the New Apostolic Reformation. Basically, it’s a cult. But it’s gaining power and influence very quickly. Started in 1996, The NAR started in the background. Now it’s right in front of us and we don’t even realize it. Leaders and pastors like Bill Johnson, Rick Joyner, Bethel Church, Bethel Music, Jesus Culture, Hillsong, IHOP Church in Kansas, and the list goes on. It’s scary, people. And here’s why: people are being fooled by this organization’s blasphemy and joining them. Let me explain what the NAR is, then you’ll see why it’s so incredibly dangerous.

The NAR believes that you can get a dead healer’s power by laying on their grave. Don’t believe me? Here’s a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSjIaaKfZ3I As the man said, that’s paganism. NOT Christianity.

Ever wonder why the “Christian” music these days is so repetitive? Bands like Bethel Music, Hillsong, and Jesus Culture are all extremely repetitive in their lyrics, music, and singing style. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fqNV9wkS9g Seriously. Look at the crowd in that video. Another reason why this is so dangerous. They reel in the youth like you wouldn’t believe. Songs like “Oceans”, “You Make Me Brave”, and others are extremely repetitive, and it’s not just because of lack of skill.

Right now you might be saying, “Hypnosis? Really? Next you’re going to be talking about demon possession!” YUP! Because how else do you explain something like this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls0D8xfo8CM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DM5FmZxBQI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIyoGB-CNjo

Another trademark of the NAR movement is its overly-romanticized picture of a Christian’s relationship with Christ. You know those “worship” songs where you can’t tell if the composer was writing to their significant other, or maybe (just maybe) God? Here’s a few examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYSh3ZPBp4M

There are also seemingly obvious hoaxes (that people take to be reality, somehow) like “Glory Clouds”. Supposed manifestations of Jesus in a cloud of mist and “gold dust”, most likely (in my opinion) to actually be from fog machines and some gold glitter from the local craft store (but, then again, they use quite a bit... Maybe they just buy it in bulk). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9eAgjH9cJQ Oh, and did I mention supposed “angel feathers” falling from the ceiling? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc8w0a2w1n8

There are also “fire tunnels” in which people can become “drunk in the Holy Spirit”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEtQ3zG-c3g Also, they have this strange obsession with singing about fire and wanting to be “consumed by the fire of God”. Funny thing is, if you find a passage in the Bible about someone or something being consumed by the fire of God, it never ends well for the recipient of said fire.

Blasphemy is also present, as I mentioned before. Ever heard of Jesus described as the “sneaky, blue genie from Aladdin”? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wu-WqLjoJo Also, they teach that Jesus is imperfect and at least one even says that Jesus apologized to him in “visions”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3MdF6GJ6fE

Now, how exactly is it hurting the church? People are converting over to this false Christianity and leaving the true faith in droves. Youth and young adults especially are being drawn away. And the NAR movement is growing, spreading in the US and even internationally. Three Bethel Church plants have opened within an hour’s drive from my home in just the past year. So spread the truth. Expose the NAR for what it is. A cult full of false prophets and false, blasphemous teachings.

When Genesis 1-11 Becomes a Salvation Issue

One of the biggest things we compromise on as Christians is Genesis chapters 1-11. Why? Because we’re afraid. We lack faith. We buy into the lie that these atheist scientists who formed the hypothesis of evolution are the only scientists that can be trusted. You see, they look at the world and try to figure out a way they can explain the world’s existence without leaving room for God. Why in the world would we accept the worldview of people who deny the very existence of God? Our worldview should come from the Bible.

Christians come up with an assortment of reasons why evolution could be true. I’m going to go through a few of them and explain why this is not the case.

#1. You weren’t there. How do you know that God didn’t just use evolution to create? A.Well, I wasn’t there, true. But Someone was. God. And He reaffirms this in Job 38:4-7.

4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7 When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy? (NKJV)

#2. But what if Genesis is just poetry and not meant for literal interpretation? A. I’ve briefly studied Hebrew poetry, and this matches no Hebrew poetry that I have seen. I have asked Bible scholars and they say the same. Besides, Jesus took Genesis literally. In fact, He quotes Genesis 1, 2, and 5 in Matthew 19:4 and 5. And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?

#3. But God COULD have used evolution! Why are you putting Him in a box and limiting His power? A. I’m human. I can’t limit God. It’s literally impossible. And as to God possibly having used evolution, it’s not a matter of what God could have done, but what He said He did. It’s an authority issue. Are we going to trust in what wordly scientists say, or what God says in His word?

#4. Why is this such a big issue? God can do whatever He wants. Why are we arguing about this if it’s not a salvation issue? A. Technically, it’s not a salvation issue. As I said before, it’s an authority issue, which can turn into a salvation issue. When we compromise on the very beginning of the Bible, we must compromise on the entire Bible. That’s why it’s so important.

#5. But the word “day” doesn’t have to mean a literal 24-hour day. A. True. You need context. So, God gave us context and we have morning and evening and the day number along with the word “day”. We are given clear indications that each day of Creation was a literal, 24-hour day.

Now, you may be wondering, what does any of this have to do with Genesis 1-11 becoming a salvation issue? The answer? All of it!! When you undermine the authority of Scripture, you undermine the word of God, therefore undermining God Himself. When you do this, you rule basically rule out faith in God and adopt faith in self. This is when it can become a crucial issue. So, while this isn’t technically a salvation issue, it can quite easily become such.

The Bible should be the very foundation of our worldview. That’s why it’s important. The Bible is where we get our morals for everyday life. We can’t pick and choose what parts of the Bible we believe. When we do, we compromise on the authority of God’s own word. Stand strong, brothers and sisters, and defend the faith!

Women's Role in the Church

Not too long ago, I posted an “anti-feminist” meme (that got a good bit of heat) on which a conversation (or argument, whichever you prefer) began about women’s role in the church. First of all, I’d like to clear a couple of things up. Number one, I am a woman. I got accused of being against women’s rights, so I figured that would be important to point out. Number two, I am personally non-denominational for several reasons, one being that I have not found one denomination yet that adheres 100% to the Bible.

I’m going to cut straight to the point here, and say that women aren’t supposed to speak in church. Period. Paul made it pretty clear in 1 Timothy 1:9-15. “in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.” (NKJV)

Now, the first part needs some context. At that point of time, women were spending lavish amounts of money on special hair braids that took quite a long while to make. So, it was a waste of time and a waste of money, both of which were needed in other ways. Today, I can, within a minute, put my hair into a braid and it will stay out of my way for the rest of the day.

For the second part, I have often heard of the explanation, “Well, that was for that time and that place. It doesn’t apply today.” Really? I haven’t seen the verse yet where Paul specified “this church” or “for now”. It’s as relevant now as it was then. ”Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20) The arguments that say that the Bible is outdated and not for this present day are disproved in this verse. All worldly wisdom (like the argument that the 1 Timothy passage does not apply today) is foolishness.

I’ve found that a common come-back for this verse is, “Well, what about Galatians 3:28 [“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”] Doesn’t that mean that we have no definite roles?” The answer: no. We women are equal to the men, but we have different roles. As 1 Corinthians 12:4-30 says, “There are a diversity of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences in ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophesy, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all of the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free - and all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,’ is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the hand to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?”

All of that to say this: we all have different jobs, all of which are vital. Women, teaching in church is not one of them. It’s written plainly. The Bible says again in 1 Corinthians 14:34 and 35, “Let your women keep silent in the churches [Notice that he said churchES!], for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says [Note that he backs it up with the law]. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.” And Paul goes on to challenge in verse 36, “Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that is reached?” I love that verse! It’s like he’s saying, “Do you think you are smarter than God?”

The Bible lays this issue out very clearly, hence why this is mostly Scripture. Before I finish, I’d like to present a few ideas of practical ministry for women. Invite women over for lunch and discuss how you can better help your families. Encourage other women. Do everything for the glory of God. Remember, we are not spiritually inferior, we just have different jobs.