Although it is every believer’s responsibility to read the Bible, pray, and seek the Lord, we should be able to trust our ministers to speak truth in every sermon. Nothing in my post is unbiblical and my warnings are clear. Yet, the offense I see in the comments is directed toward my rejection of popular false doctrines and vain interpretations. It seems many people are beholden to man’s particular teachings about Scripture rather than discerning truth for themselves. If I’m off in my estimations, I welcome sincere criticism and correction.

In light of all the toxic, confused, and ranting comments, I wrote this open letter to American Pastors. I don’t have any one preacher in mind, but an amalgam of voices I’ve heard over the last 20 years. I’ve visited many churches—mega and micro, charismatic and boring, denom and nondenom—and found shallow, worthless traditions across the board. I’ve had to war against false teachings in my own mind just to get back to the plain reading of the Word. This should not be. Whether God called you to pastor or you called yourself, James 3:1 warns that you will judged according to the same standard.

Below is my outcry for reformation in the American Church.

“Deathbed confessions”

A common negative reaction to my post revolves around deathbed confessions. Since the Father wills that none perish, it only makes sense that He would receive earnest and sincere repentance at any moment. I stated that I am partial to deathbed confessions but immediately followed up with an admonishment in the same sentence. I did this on purpose. I don’t want anyone to feel comfortable living in rebellion expecting that they will have a final breath to get right. Once we cross over, our destiny is sealed. There is no purgatory.

Many were also upset with my declaration that public sins should be met with public repentance. When I said that “it appears Joni died with a hard heart,” I judged the condition of her life up to the moment she passed. By stating that “her fruit was rotten to the core,” I am judging her lack of Christ-like character. Scripture gives me permission and authority to make these statements of observation. After an open display of adultery and defiance, Joni’s life ended suddenly and tragically. No one should follow in her footsteps. It’s sad that discerning Christians are left to speculate on where she is now.

I saw a lot of excuses made for Joni in defensive of a quiet reconciliation to Christ. Zaccheaus and the Thief are two examples I know of where public sins were matched with public repentance. I can’t think of any biblical examples that encourage prominent ministry leaders to confess their sins privately as they’re bleeding out or slipping into a coma. Can/does deathbed conversion happen? Absolutely. We can hope this is the case for Joni. Regardless, “last minute saves” is not revealed as a primary or preferred way of entering the Kingdom. Therefore, I stand by what I said as it is written.

The “Sinner’s Prayer”

What is the point of dimming the lights, every head bowed, every eye closed, repeating a bunch of chopped up Bible verses? It seems reckless to practice a tradition of reciting this “prayer” with little to no ongoing support and accountability. If we truly grasped our commitment to Christ, would divorce rates and pornography addiction in the Church rival those in the world? Shouldn’t our local and cultural influence be stronger? The average Christian doesn’t even know how to defend their faith! When our walk is legit, we should not only be blessed, we should be persecuted. We should be turning the world upside down. Instead, we’re trapped in buildings, staring straight ahead, listening to men pontificate.

Something is off in the American Church, and this ambiguous, nondenominational “prayer” won’t fix it. Pastors should teach their congregants to lead holy lives, to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. When you preach on the adulterous woman, don’t just focus on not casting stones, tell your people to “go and sin no more”! A sin-less life is entirely possible when grace (the Spirit’s power) is applied correctly. Does the “sinner’s prayer” work for some? Sure. But again, I will immediately follow up with an admonishment from Matthew 6:7, which tells us not to speak to God in vain repetition.

I know from firsthand experience that this “prayer” is not how disciples are made. It’s how false converts are made. Pastors, you don’t need to be creative. No one needs to repeat after you. Preach the gospel, as John the Baptist did, and let the people use their own words. In this way, the confession is more likely to come from the heart as is consistent with Romans 10:9,10.

“Once Saved Always Saved”

Some in the comment section falsely accused me of saying they can “lose their salvation.” OSAS is not a biblical phrase, and I don’t believe most churchgoers understand the meaning behind it. When I studied out OSAS, I found it to be a lens or a method of interpreting certain passages such as John 10:28-29; Romans 8:35; and Ephesians 1:4-5. OSAS is a seminary cocktail of predestination doctrine, T.U.L.I.P. theology, and this thing called “eternal security.” Supposedly, “we can do nothing to contribute to our salvation.” God does all the choosing. This might lead some to conclude humans have no freewill and, thereby, are not responsible for sin.

Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as substance or evidence of the spiritual realm. Romans 12:3 says we’ve all been given a measure of this substance. Ephesians 2:8 says we are saved by grace through faith, and that salvation is a gift. Gifts are either received or rejected. It’s a choice. Veering off into what I call “hyper-sovereignty” or “hyper-grace” is asinine. No one has ever “lost” their salvation—but some have forfeited. A true apostate is not a false convert. And if apostasy were not a real and serious thing, Paul in his letter to Galatia and the writer of Hebrews wouldn’t have solemnly warned born-again Jews not to return to the Law. Scripture repeatedly tells us to “keep the faith,” “endure to the end,” “abide in the Vine.” These look like verbs to me.

Just because God knows everything that will happen doesn’t mean he causes it to happen. Does God sometimes capitalize on our wickedness to accomplish His purposes (i.e. hardening Pharaoh’s heart; Iscariot’s betrayal)? Yes. But once again, James 1:13-14 clearly says God does not tempt anyone to sin; it’s our own desires that entrap us. Assurance of salvation is for the believer—believer is present tense. Not past. Not future. Today is the day of salvation, not tomorrow. Instead of preaching an interpretation of Scripture, why not just preach the Scriptures? It’s your choice.

Health, wealth and prosperity

Jesus Christ did not suffer and die to make us all healthy, wealthy, and prosperous by the world’s standards. First of all, whether or not we’re healthy is largely dependent on our lifestyle. An overwhelming majority of Americans (myself included) are obese, malnourished, and lazy. We bring diseases on ourselves by how we treat our bodies. Health, in general, doesn’t take a miracle—it takes discipline. Second, when healing is required to change a circumstance, this is in the realm of God’s sovereignty. We ask in faith and then trust Him whether the answer is “yes” or “no.” Why be weird when you can be biblical?

Many so-called prophets on the world stage have enriched themselves and stolen the hearts of God’s people. The Golden Calf is now bigger buildings, fancier cars, expensive clothes, and multiple homes. Meanwhile, the sheep are guilt-tripped into giving up 10% of their (gross) income to fund someone else’s visions and dreams. No matter how you preach it, tithing is not a commandment under the New Covenant. Gentile pastors are not the Levitical priesthood. No one is “robbing God” or bringing a curse on themselves by not investing in your ministry projects. With all due respect, if you’re that hard up, consider getting a job like the rest of us. At least, this will add real world experiences to your sermon illustrations.

New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)

Daystar TV platforms many “leaders” of the so-called New Apostolic Reformation. I don’t fully comprehend the meaning or purpose of NAR, but from what I can tell, this is a hyper-spiritual, counterfeit movement. I have been a Pentecostal woman for 18 years. I don’t despise true prophecy, I test it by the written word of God. I pray in tongues when I feel the unction to do so. I believe in laying on hands in agreement and faith. Yet, I refuse to be carried away by every wind of doctrine. I actually have a healthy fear of mocking the Holy Spirit.

The gifts and callings in 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 have been hijacked by a sect of pompous charismaniacs who think we should see signs, miracles, and wonders of epic proportions in every gathering. These are the false, “super apostles” Paul warns about in 2 Corinthians 11. Anyone who buys into a modern day Twelve Apostles movement—while mocking Catholics for buying into the Pope—is a hypocrite. The Church does not need prophets in the same way Israel needed them under the Old Covenant. Every true believer is indwelled by the Spirit and, thereby, has the ability to perceive spiritual things.

Peter declared that no prophecy has ever come from the prophets own mind. Thus, anyone claiming to have “hidden knowledge” is a liar. No one should seek a “prophetic word” from man when the written word of God is sufficient in every situation. Although cessationism is unbiblical, cessationists are not wrong in everything they say about charismatics. We are some of the most gullible, biblically illiterate, spiritually wacky people. The False Prophet won’t have any trouble getting my camp to worship the Beast since our modus operandi is lying signs and wonders. Shepherds, you need to warn your flock about listening to boastful men who make themselves out to be something when they are nothing.

“Revival, revival, revival”

I’m almost 100% convinced that “revival” is an idol. It’s like Gideon’s ephod in the town square after the Midianite war. As with OSAS, some passages lend to “revival” doctrine, but depending on who you ask (or which service you attend), the meaning is always subject to change. I’m not speaking as someone unacquainted with the term or the atmosphere. I attend a “revival”-driven, “revival”-focused, “revival” culture church—the word “revival” is in the mission statement. It’s exhausting. I decided a while ago that I wasn’t going to try to keep up with all the services, demands and expectations. As a result, I’m an invisible, back row attender. I am at peace.

There is nothing transcendent about “revival” since the most widely accepted, interdenominational definition rings true: “revival” is an event, not a lifestyle. Events have time limits and expiration dates. Events are not meant to be prolonged at the highest point of exertion. An event—or lifestyle, for that matter—shouldn’t cost anyone their marriage, their family, or their livelihood. An event shouldn’t consume all other responsibilities and assignments God has appointed to us. What should follow “revival”—if it’s real—is reformation and transformation.

Immediately or eventually, there should be positive changes, measurable results, and sustained obedience in the lives of everyone affected by “revival.” If “revival” comes to a city but crime rates, addiction rates, divorce rates, abortion rates, corruption rates remain unaffected—then it was just another church event. Leonard Ravenhill said: “You never have to advertise a fire. Everyone comes running when there’s a fire. Likewise, if your church is on fire, you will not have to advertise it. The community will already know it.” At some point, the music should stop and Christians ought to know how to make melody in their own hearts to the Lord. When the hype dies down, Christians ought to know how to defend their faith and win souls.

“Nice” Jesus

By far, the most upset comments were in response to my stating that Jesus is a Judge with the power to cast His enemies into the Lake of Fire. I also said God has a wrathful side that didn’t go away after the Resurrection. I’m not sure why New Testament believers are offended by these statements. When someone asked “why all the bitterness?”, I asked if they thought Jesus sounded bitter in Matthew 23. But I’m the Pharisee because I reminded everyone that Christ is not “nice”? I’ll say, if you want to preach the truth, you must be willing to offend people without apology.

Certainly, the Lord is gracious, merciful, and long suffering with wicked human beings—but He is not “nice.” To be “nice” is to be tolerant. To be tolerant is to compromise. Compromise is moral corruption. “Nice” is fake. “Niceness” is not synonymous with kindness. “Nice” comes from the flesh, but kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. Anyone can do good, but none of us can be good apart from the Spirit. We cannot produce fruit apart from the Vine. Kindness leads us to warn people—even while grieving the death of an influential televangelist—that judgment has begun in the house of God. It is not a time to be “nice.” It is a time to repent, to bring out and burn the idols in our midst.

Exposing Joni’s Sins

Many won’t believe this, but I hesitated for a moment before exposing just a few of Joni’s sins in that post. Then I thought about Samson, King Saul, the prophet Balaam, Simon the Sorcerer, and I remembered that their sins are recorded in Scripture for a reason. Was I wrong to post this on the day of her death? Decide that for yourself. I say the timing was perfect if it led even one person to examine their heart and life. We can all hope that Joni went through a successful “deathbed conversion” before crossing over. Nevertheless, her untimely and tragic demise should send a shockwave of the fear of the Lord throughout the Church.

“Judge not lest you be judged,” some threw at me in the comment section. As long as the word of God is the standard by which I judge someone else’s sin, I have no problem being judged according to that same standard. If I live a “nice” life but I die a fraud, the world should know it and avoid going down the same dark path. Believers, be warned.

Pastors, do better.

CANDACE OWENS AND TUCKER CARLSON ARE NOT CHRISTIANS

Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson, who have publicly identified as Christians, are two of the world’s biggest religious frauds. When Owens called Israel a “demonic state” and turned “Christ is King” into a Jew-hating dog whistle—and when Carlson platformed notorious anti-Zionist nut jobs—many believers jumped on the bandwagon to defend their “freedom of speech.” Of course, we can debate whether American taxpayers should fund never-ending wars in the Middle East, but it’s hypocritical to draw the line at supporting Israel. Sadly, the greatest contributors to Owens’s and Carlson’s success are the biblically illiterate Christians and MAGA base who don’t (care to) know the eternal significance of our connection to the Jewish people.

Under the guise of just asking questions, Owens and Carlson slithered into mainstream conservatism with expert precision. Their questions bent the minds of college students, exploited the emotions of Republican voters, and inflamed the morals of nominal religious people. They effectively targeted the same susceptible demographics that Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk worked hard to win over with his podcasts, books, and Prove Me Wrong events. CK understood politics and cultural trends better than covenant theology, but he was an honest and diligent truth seeker with no ulterior motives.

The same cannot be said of Owens and Carlson.

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As for CK’s relationship with the government of Israel, his criticisms were not unfounded, and his questions surrounding October 7, 2023, were justified. Yet, CK remained an ally of the people of Israel until the day he died. That’s because it’s not antisemitic to ask why Israel’s southern border was unprotected, why it took the IDF six hours to respond, and what they accomplished by leveling Gaza. It wasn’t wrong for him to see the shift in moods and attitudes among his peers and to want to facilitate those conversations. He chose skilled debates over toting the Republican Party line. He was not a “yes man,” but a Constitutional conservative and independent thinker.

CK’s stance on the Israeli government versus Israeli citizens was not controversial or contradictory. It was a balanced and coherent binary thought process that proves we can dissent from the powers that be, even while fostering interpersonal relationships. CK did not have a “Burn it all down!” mentality. Rather, he challenged mainstream ideas, unmasked deception, and rejected theories of perpetual victimhood. For the record, CK was not a racist. He simply refused to tolerate privileged black people pointing their fingers at “the white man.” If you live in America, you’re privileged. CK never used his platform and influence to spin cockamamie conspiracy theories, attack Jewish people, or blame the world’s problems on Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The same cannot be said of Owens and Carlson.

Leave it to CK’s so-called best friends to release cryptic soundbites, publish private messages, and interview a rabid humanoid like Nick Fuentes. To date, Owens has not produced a shred of evidence proving that TPUSA, the FBI, the CIA, or Israel conspired to assassinate Charlie Kirk. And how mentally retarded and/or demonically possessed do you have to be to suggest Erika Kirk was in on the plot? Owens shamelessly turned CK’s murder into a jigsaw puzzle, declaring herself to be the only one holding all the pieces. Indeed, no one has benefited more from CK’s death, raking in multiple millions of dollars, and earning the title of “the number one podcast in the world.”

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WITHOUT JEWS, THERE WOULD BE NO JESUS

During a June 2025 interview, Carlson confronted Senator Ted Cruz about his relationship with Israel. The podcaster jeered when Cruz indirectly quoted, I will bless those who bless you…and curse those who curse you (Gen. 12:3). “Those who bless the government of Israel!?” Carlson quipped. (Insert his maniacal laugh.) Cruz, like most politicians who don’t read Scripture, failed to properly cite and deliberate on the context of God’s promise. Instead, Cruz said blessing Israel was something he learned in Sunday school…a typical Western Christian response.

I hate to agree with anything Carlson says, but it is kind of crazy that a lawmaker would stake his foreign policy position on a Bible verse he’s never read. It’s just as crazy to be called out by a theologically inept media pundit who rehearses his lines. This part of the interview revealed the shameful truth of how Americans choose to live in a spiritually lazy, shallow, ambiguous headspace. Cruz’s Sunday school teacher wasn’t wrong, but it would have been helpful in that moment to know the word of God—if for no other reason than to defend the faith and shut down the prideful mockery coming through personalities like Carlson’s.

Genesis 12:3 marks God’s everlasting covenant with the nation of Israel, not America. The Lord gave this promise to Abraham, not Donald Trump. If you’re “America First,” why would you be offended by that truth? “Christian nationalism” is a dirty phrase in political contexts, but God is the One who predetermines our nationalities (Acts 17:26). If He expects citizens to appreciate their country and defend their borders, why would Israel be any different? God loves the United States, yet Israel is called the apple of His eye (Ps. 17:8; Zech. 2:8). America’s covenant comes through the glorious Cross and Resurrection; His covenant with Israel spans thousands of years of history, prophecy, and eschatology. This is not something to envy but something to celebrate.

Without the Jews, there would be no Christ! Without biblical Judaism, there would be no Christianity.

GOD IS A PRO-ISRAEL, ZIONIST

The whole Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—is about Jews. Again, it is an Eastern Book about Eastern people, not a Western book about Western people. Christianity did not originate in Europe, but in Israel. The Old Testament is written in Hebrew, the New Testament in Koine Greek. Modern English translations and interpretations don’t do it justice. Jesus Christ—God in the flesh—is the greatest Jew who ever walked the earth. To declare, “Christ is King,” is to bend the knee to a Jew who will one day rule the world. And when He returns, He will reign from Zion, not the White House.

In Scripture, the state of Israel primarily refers to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The false doctrine of “replacement theology” presupposes that Gentile Christians replaced Israel in God’s plan when the Jews rejected Jesus as Messiah. Consequently, the Church is now the recipient of God’s promises. This antisemitic ideology also suggests that since present-day Jews are a “mixed” ethnic group, it’s uncertain whether the ones living in Israel truly descended from Abraham. That’s just stupid. The whole human race is mixed. You only need to read Romans 9 through 11 to know replacement theology is a lie.

Jews have always lived in that region of the world, and many remained in Israel throughout the Diaspora. Jews are one of the few people groups that can literally trace their lineage to the beginning of time. The Jews in Israel today have more rights to that land than black Americans have to the African Continent. Gentiles will never replace Israel. God promised them that territory from the River to the Sea, and He will fulfill the terms of that covenant at the end of the age (see Revelation). So, if it seems logical to you that Americans live in America, Egyptians live in Egypt, Russians live in Russia, but you crash out over Jews occupying Judea—your patriotism is a joke, and your Christianity is counterfeit. You’re a fraud, like Owens and Carlson.

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JEWS AND GENTILES MUST BE BORN AGAIN

God does not elevate Jews above Gentiles in the carnal way some interpret “chosen” or “favored” (see Romans 2). When Jesus declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me” (Jn. 14:6), He was primarily speaking to a Jewish audience. He also knew the gospel message would soon spread beyond their borders. He even told a Jewish Pharisee he must be born again to see the Kingdom (Jn. 3:1-8). Most Christians don’t know that Abraham was not a Jew before God changed his name and circumcised him. How many times do I have to say, Read your Bible?

The Old Covenant and the New are both entered by faith. That’s very important for Jews and Christians to grasp. Animal sacrifices were a temporary system of atonement, instituted by God and enforced through the law of Moses. Stay with me. After the Resurrection—when Jesus fulfilled all of the law’s requirements—there was no more need for the blood of goats and rams to be shed for our sins (see Hebrews). Neither Jewish heritage nor church traditions will profit anyone on Judgment Day. No Jew will be able to stand before Christ and say, “I’m a descendant of Abraham,” and thereby enter into eternal life (John 8:33-47). Likewise, no Gentile can say, “Lord, I did this or that in your name” and enter eternal life (Matt. 7:21-23).

Jews and Gentiles are only made right with God by putting their faith in Jesus Christ. There is no ethnic, territorial, or personal advantage in the Kingdom of God.

You don’t have to read too far into Scripture to learn that Jews are not “special” in the warped way certain podcasters think. Take Jacob for example. Genesis describes him as a swindler who stole his brother’s birthright, defrauded his employer, rejected his first wife, preferred one son above his other children, and didn’t lose any sleep when his daughter was raped. Since the Bible doesn’t make him out to be a hero or someone particularly desirable, “chosen” and “favored” must mean God reasoned within Himself that Jacob (Israel) should sire 12 sons who became the 12 tribes that formed the nation through which the Messiah would come.

Biblical theology is actually pretty simple when you think of Jews as being the firstborn and Gentiles as the adopted younger sibling. Christians are spiritual Israel, not ethnic or national Israel. We who believe in Christ—circumcised in the heart by the Spirit, not in the flesh as under the law—are Abraham’s seed. God predetermined the identity of the Jews and the Gentiles. He then caused our eternal destinies to converge in the Person of Jesus. That tiny parcel of real estate in the 10/40 Window will always belong to Jacob’s children. Gentiles may not be heirs to the land of Israel, but we’re all heirs to the Kingdom of Christ.

After publishing this Substack, I came across this video of a young woman’s “detransition” story. I also learned that Texas Christian University canceled an event featuring Chloe Cole, another “detransitioner” who travels the nation sharing her testimony. The fight to protect the next generation from the evils of “transgenderism” is far from over.

This quote is from the young woman who lived as a “male” for eight years but now regrets having a double mastectomy, full hysterectomy, and genital reconstruction surgery:

I’m so angry…and so sad. It’s like a virus, or something, that infected me. And it happened so quickly…I can’t have kids. I’ll never lose my virginity. It’s like I’m left to just accept the scraps of the life that I could have had…I don’t know how to be okay with that. I hate when people [say], ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ No, this didn’t happen for a reason. It’s just a tragedy. Call it what it is.

In the video, you can see what appears to be mutilation scars on her left forearm. Skin grafts are typically taken from this area to construct “a penis, urethra, scrotum, and the obliteration of the vaginal cavity with closure,” an operation known as phalloplasty (or “bottom surgery”). While it is possible to correct genital deformities, the damage to her body is irreversible, and the trajectory of her future is permanently altered. She can recover some femininity, but her womanhood is gone forever.

This is the expected end of social “transitioning,” cross-dressing, and using alternative names and pronouns—all of which can be concealed by false interpretations of student privacy laws. Also, when K-12 district representatives and employees implement DEI policies, host rainbow celebrations, and defend “gender identity,” they are advocating for all of the above. No one is born in the wrong body, and anyone who supports sterilizing and castrating minors should not be trusted around children.

I always bring the “transgender” agenda back to government education because it’s an area where many parents are still asleep at the wheel. Public schools (and increasingly some private schools) are the battlefield as board members, administrators, teachers, and counselors position themselves as the enemy of parental rights. Thankfully, parents are winning in the courts, and thousands of children will never undergo “transgender” medical malpractice. Still, parents must remain vigilant in the ongoing war to assert moral authority over their children.

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It’s also important to bring attention to another group that’s not doing enough to tackle the “transgender” problem. Sadly, many Christians are aiding and abetting the spread of LGBTQ ideologies and practices. Keep in mind that “Christian” is a relative term associated with thousands of denominations and cults, and can be interpreted to mean a “good person.”

On February 25, 2025, Pew Research published survey results showing that “57% [up from 54% in 2014] of U.S. Christians say homosexuality should be accepted by society; 55% [up from 44% in 2014] say same-sex marriage should be legal.” The report also reveals 29% of Christians believe greater acceptance of “transgender” individuals is “a change for the better.” The latter is a baseline number, as researchers did not ask this question in previous case studies.

Oddly enough, Barna’s 2025 study shows Millennials and Gen Z have increased their church attendance. The report says, “The typical Gen Z churchgoer now attends 1.9 weekends per month, while Millennial churchgoers average 1.8 times—a steady upward shift since the lows seen during the pandemic. These are easily the highest rates of church attendance among young Christians since they first hit Barna’s tracking.”

Before we celebrate, let’s consider that in 2004, 51% of American pastors held a biblical worldview. By 2022, just 37% of pastors had sustained a biblical worldview, while 62% held syncretistic beliefs (that is, blending Christianity with other religions). In 2023, only 36% of pastors were “very effective” in helping Christians grow their faith over time. A mere 10% were “very effective” in “growing new converts into mature Christians,” while 12% encouraged believers to share their faith, and a measly 6% reached out to non-Christians.

These are sobering statistics, and, according to Barna, the increase among Gen Z still equates to attending church “less than half the time” of older generations. So, while young people are seeking truth, many will join ministries led by compromised leaders. Gen Z’s faith might grow over time, but they won’t share it outside the church, and what they learn may not have a lasting effect. In short, the American Church produces converts without conviction and consumers without consecration, who master religious transactions without transformation.

My fellow believers, none of this is a sign of “revival.”

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I have lost count of how many times we canceled Netflix, rebooked Disney vacations, and chose Walmart over Target. Jumping on a trend is not good enough. We can’t be so preoccupied with our regularly scheduled programming that we fail to address the spirit of the age that’s consuming present generations.

Are we too holy to associate with LGBTQ people because their sin looks different than ours? Are we so loving that we can’t confront sin at all? Have we settled for inviting the lost to hear watered-down preaching because we’re too biblically illiterate to usher them into the Kingdom directly? If we’re honest, most Christians wouldn’t know how to minister to that broken woman in the video. We would say, “Jesus loves you,” and hand her a flyer for the next church event.

I agreed when the woman said destroying her body didn’t happen for a reason, and she called it a tragedy. The expression, “Everything happens for a reason,” is typically what believers (and nonbelievers) say when they lack the capacity to produce genuine empathy. It’s on par with “God works in mysterious ways,” a favorite among those who cannot discern the difference between coincidence and divine appointment. Neither of these phrases is found in Scripture.

The truth is, everything does not happen for a reason. Some things—and I would argue, living in a fallen world, that most things—happen as a consequence. Our beliefs influence our actions, and actions dictate outcomes. We can only help the next generation by imitating the Berean Christians (Acts 17:11), speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), and investing time in young people beyond religious activities. Some sinners will never darken the doorway of your church, but they shouldn’t have to wait until Sunday to hear the gospel.

I challenge Christians to befriend an LGBTQ person, learn their story, and, when their heart is ready, preach the full gospel to them. Don’t stop at “Jesus loves you” and a church invitation. Tell them why He was crucified. Explain that He is not only our Friend—He is also our Judge. He extends mercy to those who repent and wrath to those who reject Him. Jesus came as a lamb, but He will return as a lion. Faith in His work on the cross is the only way to life, both now and for eternity.

Never separate love from truth.

This blog was featured in AZ Free News.

American Christians are not in danger of being martyred for their faith. Our interpretations of Scripture boil down to an elementary, seeker-friendly doctrine primarily preached through the lens of revival and prosperity.

We make our weekly trek to sit on comfy pews and listen to reaffirming messages about God’s love and plan for our lives. Ministries are thriving on “prophetic words,” multi-level marketing, and wealth amassed from the hardworking congregants guilt-tripped into exchanging 10% of their (gross) income for blessings. The lights are low, the music is loud, and emotions are high. These scenes are more manufactured than churchgoers realize. Soon, church history will conclude with an alleged secret “rapture” snatching believers off the earth before “things get really bad.”

With all due respect, Jesus Christ did not die for this powerless and ineffective “American Gospel.”

Martyred for his beliefs

Words will never be enough to express the contribution that Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, made to present and future generations. He loved God, his wife, and family, and served our country well. CK also knew the risks of speaking truth and light into a world full of lies and darkness, yet he fearlessly stayed the course to the end. On one hand, he was brutally murdered and assassinated for holding conservative political opinions while exercising his First Amendment right to the fullest extent. On the other hand, CK was martyred for boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ.

CK was a confrontational and polarizing figure—and that’s a good thing. Confrontation is absolutely necessary when lost souls are hanging in the balance of eternity. Polarization is a predictable human response when someone dares to say the quiet parts out loud. Whether we agree or disagree with his takes on controversial issues, CK was a brilliant mind, a forerunner who had the tenacity to go where most believers will never go. He gave his life on the frontlines of the culture war, pushing back against the demonic, leftist ideas that are destroying America’s youth.

Those who don’t believe CK was martyred for his religious beliefs should go back and listen to his debates. His understanding of both Testaments directly informed his political views. CK would say marriage is between one man and one woman. That’s not political, it’s biblical. God created male and female; that’s biblical. Abortion is murder; that’s biblical. Open borders, land theft, and excessive taxation are evil; that’s biblical. Jesus said the Truth—His Truth, not your truth or my truth—is what sets us free.

The Truth is worth dying for…when you sincerely believe.

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Going to church is good, but on its own, it changes nothing

My opinion is controversial and polarizing, yet I will say the quiet parts out loud: Record numbers of people going to church after a national tragedy is a good thing, but I wouldn’t call it a “revival.” This hackneyed term is used to describe literally every private and public religious event, activity, and gathering in the Western hemisphere. The word is almost meaningless because it means everything. Twenty-four years ago, we witnessed a similar resurgence and response to tragedy on 9/11. After some time passed, society drifted back into a worse moral decline, and the church fell back into a routine coma.

Revival—if it is true revival—is not a respecter of denominations, and it should lead to reformation and transformation on a mass scale. Repentance must be deep and sincere, and obedience to God’s word should be in proportion to the number of people who claim to be Christians. Furthermore, church attendance is only the start of a thing, not the end. Believers must come outside the buildings to exercise moral authority, bring light into dark places, and assert influence on every level of society—especially in government.

Politics, in its simplest form, is nothing more than morality legislated and applied to a society. We elect representatives to adopt laws, policies, and regulations that uphold the nation’s moral fabric. Since very few Spirit-filled believers are willing to serve our country in this capacity, we’re overrun by evildoers. Again, going to church is good, but on its own, it changes nothing. It costs almost nothing—maybe one hour…two or three, if you’re Pentecostal—to attend church. It’s time for Christians to prove their faith outside the four walls. Faith without works is dead faith (James 2:26).

The fallout from this current wave of “revival” should, in my opinion, produce:

• Prayer and Bible reading returning to public schools

• Ten Commandments displayed on all government properties

• More Bible-believing Christians occupying key government and community leadership roles

• Lower divorce rates (within and outside the church)

• Lower crime, drug, and homelessness rates

• Lower child abuse and trafficking statistics

• Higher marriage, birth, and adoption rates

• Full-gospel messages preached in every service (without asking attendees for money)

• Increased cases of persecution and martyrdom

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Never stop pushing back against darkness

I won’t stop pushing back against darkness until I see a “revival” that leads to reformation in every institution and transformation of the hardest hearts in our society. I have determined that I would rather offend people to heaven than tolerate them to hell. I refuse to settle for anything less than sustained repentance, humility, and strength in the body of Christ. I implore Christians to go beyond a commitment to church attendance. Pray more. Read the Bible more. Fast more. Do the work of an evangelist. Husbands, love your wives and lead your families. Wives, respect your husbands. Single people, remain pure until marriage. Everyone, start considering others before yourselves.

What began in the Upper Room among the Eastern people will not die on the watch of Western people who sit in comfortable buildings. Thus, I’m calling on every church leader to abandon all plans to purchase more real estate. Quit hoarding God’s people in corporate structures. Stop harboring offense, preaching revenge sermons, and worrying about who leaves and takes tithing members with them. This, too, is vanity and grasping at the wind. The Great Commission did not begin and will not end with your ministry. If you want to lead and love like Jesus, then start equipping your people and sending them out with your sincere blessing—and provide them with financial assistance.

Lastly, pastors must set the record straight on what it means to be blessed and chosen by God. I challenge every sermon maker to renounce traditional preachings on revival and prosperity and start teaching from passages such as these:

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven (Matt. 5:11-12).

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and God rests upon you…Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name (1 Pet. 4:14-15).

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first…you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also (John 15:18-20).

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12).

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I’ll reiterate that CK wasn’t assassinated for his political preferences. He died because of his bold, unashamed, and sincerely held beliefs in Jesus Christ. He has joined the hall of faith with men like John the Baptist, who was imprisoned and beheaded for confronting a government leader’s sexual immorality! The Apostles Peter and John were imprisoned and flogged just for preaching the gospel! Paul, too, was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and left for dead just for preaching Christ! And, lest we forget, Jesus was crucified for, among many things, daring to challenge wicked leaders—even in the synagogues!

Do you discern the examples and patterns Christians should follow?

If you’re not willing to lay down your life (die to your flesh and let God interrupt your plans) for Jesus Christ, check yourself to know whether you truly believe in Him. And I admonish every Bible-believing minister to start preaching a gospel message that’s worth dying for.

Please continue to pray for the new CEO and Board President, Mrs. Erika Kirk, her family, and all of the good people still on mission at Turning Point USA.

I worked for Turning Point USA for three years and—all things considered—it was life-changing in the best ways. What I learned in the way of waging the culture war lives on in projects like my newsletter Parents Pay Attention, The Myth of Education Podcast, and my nonprofit Restore Parental Rights in Education.

I won’t forget all the wonderful, young conservatives I met from across this nation. They give me hope for up and coming generations. I’m thankful that God gave us Charlie Kirk for such a time as this. He was one of the best men in America.

If you’re a Christian, don’t just share this podcast, share your faith. This is what you are called to do. And whether you live or die, it is unto the Lord. Let’s go forward together in pursuit of His kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Pray for Mrs. Kirk, the children, and their family.

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All views and opinions are my own and do not reflect the views of any public or private person or entity.

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Adultery is the greatest betrayal in God’s eyes

In the Bible (you know, that Book most Christians don’t read), there’s an Old Testament prophet named Hosea whom God commands to wed a prostitute. For the sake of our discussion, let’s imagine Hosea as a young virgin with dreams of marrying and settling down. He grew up with a father and mother who, despite their flaws and mistakes, loved each other and remained faithful to their vows. From this union, they conceived and raised Hosea to become a respectable man of God.

Almost daily, Hosea’s father instructs him to pray for God’s best, that he will choose a wife of noble character and purity. Hosea’s father warns him not to be swayed by physical beauty but to discern whether she is one sent by the Lord. Hosea waits patiently as the years pass, remembering his father’s words of wisdom, which echo those of the king centuries later in Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” When the day finally comes for him to receive God’s greatest gift, Hosea is astounded by the Creator’s command.

You want me to marry who? A prostitute? But God, I waited for You, I served You, and I put You first in everything. I resisted every urge and temptation to sleep with all these beautiful virgins in my hometown. I refused to settle. And this is my reward? A whore who’s been with a number of men—a number that only You know? This can’t be right. My own father married a virgin. Their union was nearly perfect, at least in my eyes. All my brothers and sisters married well, and they’re living in the blessings of a fruitful legacy. I want the same for my family. What did I do to deserve this?

After the initial shock wore off, Hosea realized a few things. He didn’t know the woman’s story. He didn’t know her father. Hosea’s eyes widened when he considered how sheltered his life had been. He was ignorant of the Lord’s broken heart over the sins of Israel, a nation He called His wife. Despite the covenant promise and new name, this wife shamelessly committed lewd acts of adultery, even in public places! Israel worshipped idols and prostituted herself to false gods with an insatiable hunger. Hosea always knew his future belonged to the Lord, and so he embodied the fierce, unwavering love of God toward mankind.

America is a prostitute and adulterer

In Scripture, Hosea marries a promiscuous woman named Gomer. Their children’s names further exposed Israel’s fallen moral state. It took Gomer a long time to give up her whoring ways. Thus, Hosea searched for her in the streets, fretfully peering into gutters, impatiently dragging her out of foreign beds. At one point, he had to pay off sex traffickers to get Gomer back (assuming she’s the woman in Hosea 3). Hosea could have divorced her, stoned her, or let her wander off for good. Instead, he reminds her that she was chosen, that she had a new identity as a wife and mother. Eventually, she settled down. Indeed, the Lord endured great pain in keeping His covenant with Israel.

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Although the United States is a gentile nation living under the New Testament, Hosea’s prophecy still rings true. America, too, has betrayed her covenant with God that was forged in the blood of Jesus Christ. While some are laughing and making light of adultery, that viral video is His revelation for anyone with eyes to see it. Western society is an adulterer willing to prostitute herself for fame, material gain, and global dominance. Yet, there it is printed on our money, “In God We Trust,” and in the last line of the Pledge, “…one nation under God.”

Before Christians can point a finger at sinners in the world, we must consider the offenders in our own house. After all, Jesus admonished the religious to “remove the plank from your own eye.” This means distancing ourselves from prominent so-called believers like Daystar CEO Joni Lamb, who suffered her late husband’s affair for seven years, only to console herself in his passing by marrying another woman’s husband. Then there’s Chip and Joanna Gaines, who further defiled the sanctity of marriage by featuring a homosexual couple on their Magnolia Network. The Gainses once endured persecution for refusing to bow to the rainbow mob. Now, they’ve joined the list of spiritual adulterers.

Adultery is stupid, selfish, and dangerous

If the adulterers in the viral video were proud of their relationship, they wouldn’t have run or hidden in shame. Reports say the man—who stands to lose multiple millions if his wife files for divorce—has resigned as CEO, and the woman is expected to follow suit. The pair not only humiliated themselves, but in their selfish lusts, they also brought reproach on their children, families, and closest associates. Everyone has to deal with the consequences of their stupid decision.

To understand how much God hates sexual sin, consider such passages as Proverbs 5, 6:32, and 7; Jeremiah 13; and 1 Corinthians 5 and 6. Sexual immorality and impurity are no joke. Adultery is so egregious that God gave two Commandments as a warning against it! All other sexual sins (including heterosexual fornication) are only further transgressions from the law, carrying the same penalty of death. If this is what America looks like from the Lord’s perspective, there’s nothing to keep us from suffering the same fate as the Old Testament people of Israel. For all of our 21st-century privilege and prosperity, we are nothing without the favor of God.

Many Americans resemble the young, naive Hosea I described above, stuck in a comfortable cycle of work, feed the kids, walk the dog, sleep, wake up, repeat, retire, vacation, die. Some believers still say we live in a “Christian nation” even as rioters and nudists march in our streets, children are trafficked, murder rates skyrocket, and government greed threatens to permanently bankrupt present and future generations. They figure the LA fires, the Texas flash floods, and the hardened Islamists campaigning for high office are someone else’s responsibility. I can’t be the only one who sees what’s happening and thinks maybe God is trying to warn us.

Of course, I’m probably one of the few people who took the viral adultery video this seriously. I don’t apologize for that. I care about my country, and I don’t want to see it destroyed. This is not a laughing matter. We are in real trouble. Yet, my people are cracking jokes, celebrating, or outright dismissing lewdness and depravity in full view of heaven and earth. Who knew God could use a Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert to expose America’s true spiritual condition?

Some will take this the wrong way. Only they know why. Others won’t see themselves in anything said here. I pray they aren’t too devastated when their bubble finally bursts. As for the scoffers and mockers, they are recorded in Psalm 53:1.

To the faithful few who follow Christ wholeheartedly. The remnant. The honest ones, the bottom-feeders. Those who read the Bible, believe it, and do their best to put faith into action.

This commentary is for you.

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WHY ARE PEOPLE SO OFFENDED IN “THE CHURCH”?

I sat in the front row. I was on the platform, in the choir, and on the YA leadership team. My name was known around the office. I’ve been the first to arrive, greet newcomers, and give handouts to the needy. I’ve donated 10% of my (gross) income expecting a “hundred-fold blessing.” I’ve invited friends and showed up every time the doors were open. I went forward for altar calls, I strived to meet expectations, and I know one or two sermon illustration were directed toward me.

When my perfect attendance started slipping, no one called. When I showed up, some—including the “care ministry” servants—cut their eyes or walked past me like I was a stranger. Some greeted me with, “Where have you been?” instead of “How have you been?” Despite participating in gatherings for nearly 20 years, only a handful know my story. No one asks, so I don’t tell. It’s my fault for coming after the show starts and failing to attend small groups regularly. If missing one or more services a year is equivalent to falling from grace, I’m going to hell. <insert eye roll emoji>

I’m not bothered by preachy messages. My generation needs more fire and brimstone! I read my Bible. I can discern Scripture from the pastor’s seminary training. I’m not coming for anybody’s microphone or position. Unmarried/women may have high titles and ministry responsibilities, but they’re not the head of anything (yes, I’m one of those who believe that). I don’t care how donations are spent. A “wealthy pastor” is an oxymoron, but that’s not my fight. I’ve never made a scene when members of the “first family,” the cliques, and the core (“ride or die”) are celebrated, prophesied over, and given standing ovations. Meanwhile, their children are terrorizing the youth department.

This is the church culture American Christians created.

SO WHY ARE PEOPLE LEAVING “THE CHURCH”?

When that spirit of offense makes its rounds, I quietly shuffle toward the back to avoid leaving altogether (truly, the Lord’s voice is louder than the preacher’s when you’re not all up in the mix). From this cold pew, I watched them walk out—first, one by one, and then whole families. Eventually, not even the holidays could woo them. Was it something the minister said? Oftentimes. Were they vying for a position on the platform? Perhaps. Are they living in sin and rebellion? Maybe. Did they leave because the pastor’s wife is a Jezebel? This, I can neither confirm nor deny.

Here’s what I do know:

I called this one when she disappeared, and she confided in me that her husband threatened to leave. Another one said they had neglected their family for a perfect service and attendance record. This other one was looking for mentorship and support to launch a ministry. Another one discerned the pastor’s harsh rebuke, disguised as a sermon, was really a reply to their email. That one family attended for five years, yet they didn’t “fit in,” and their kids made no friends. When that deceased loved one’s survivor and the divorcee finally returned, they were rejected for coping in solitude, accused of joining another church. I caught up to this one and learned they left after years of witnessing the pastor’s relatives openly criticize, ridicule, and gossip without consequence. On and on it goes.

No scandals. No controversies. No funny money business. Most of the time, it’s just the toxic environment of mean Christians who forgot everything Jesus delivered them from. And since they’ve been serving the Lord for 257,000 years, you—who can’t pray or read longer than 10 minutes—can’t possibly have any questions, objections, or suggestions. Rather than take offense and walk away, why don’t you thank God for the fellowship of those who still acknowledge your presence? Oh, and keep tithing.

Of course, you know this is all one-sided. If you want to hear the other side, I dare you to call the pastor’s secretary, leave a message, and hold your breath.

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PASSING JUDGMENT ON “THE CHURCH”

I recall my days of being a critical, judgmental, performance-driven, pastor-worshiping saint. I was in the front row and the choir, remember? My sh*t did not stink, and I thought “church hurt” was a cop out (for some, it still is). When I finally realized my righteousness was as good as a dirty tampon (that’s how evangelicals preach it), my striving ceased. I no longer needed anyone’s attention when I stepped into the room. And believe it or not, I’ve never left a church offended at anyone.

After nearly two decades, I’ve learned to navigate (and not entertain or contribute to) nonsense. Sadly, it’s easier to see Christ in people from a distance. I love the church, but it can’t always be my go-to for deep, meaningful relationships. I know I have strong opinions and compliance issues, so I’ll never be close to anyone with a high title. I am faithful to the main services, but I don’t attend all the events. Some “churchy” practices are okay, but I won’t buy in to every denominational doctrine. I can appreciate good preaching and hold my “amen” when I disagree.

My relationship with God predates and supersedes the local church. I came into the Kingdom before I came into the congregation. I was born again before I signed any membership papers. I am a living stone, a living sacrifice. I’m free to respond to the Spirit’s conviction rather than man’s obligation. It was Jesus Christ who died for me, not the church.

Whether it’s a medium-sized local church, a multi-million-dollar “ministry,” or a backwoods preacher with a cult following, you will find pride, arrogance, self-righteousness, and victim-blaming aplenty. There is great exposure happening now, especially in the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement (where I hail from), and I’m glad about it. False signs, false wonders, false prophets, guilt trips, silent treatments, “touch not thine anointed,” and “sowing seeds” is coming to a much needed end. We will soon see who He favors in the last days.

To every mean Christian, from the platform to the parking lot: I hope you get delivered from your mortal flesh wounds. I pray you realize that everyone is struggling with something, and ask Jesus to show you how to love people for real.

Until further notice, I’ll be watching from the back pew…

God brought me into the world through a community of smart, beautiful, and talented people…who appear to be losing all sense of value and self-worth. I’m more than qualified to say what I’m about to say. Nevertheless, for those who need a disclaimer:

I am a Christian. I am an American. I am a woman. I am black.

In that order.

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Not all black people are the same. Statistically speaking, my dad was not absent. I never sold drugs, and local law enforcement never knew my name. I graduated from high school with no criminal record and no baby daddies. I know black people with a similar (dysfunctional but normal) upbringing. Regardless, these stereotypes and profiles are a reality that must be addressed.

Why are black men so violent?

The controversy surrounding the death of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at the hands of 17-year-old Karmelo Anthony is not complicated. No one takes a knife to a track meet, instigates a fight, and stabs an unarmed person in the heart unless they’re out for blood. This was not self-defense. This is first-degree murder. This was not a “one-off” incident. This is a pattern of hell-raising that plagues black men in every generation.

Black Americans account for roughly 14% of the total US population. (Note: This genocidal statistic reveals that black women are killing their unborn children at the highest and fastest rate.) This can be interpreted to mean black men make up a mere 7% of American society. An even smaller segment is responsible for the majority of murders and robberies, causing black people to encounter law enforcement more than any other ethnic group. False narratives claim systemic racism is the reason “innocent,” unarmed black men are dying disproportionately at the hands of white cops. If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you.

In 2022, the black homicide rate was nearly four times higher than the overall homicide rate. For all that rage, for all that generational trauma and fatherlessness (topic for another blog), black activists want Americans to believe “the white man” is responsible. We’re supposed to attribute all the tribalism and carnage to an institution that was abolished 160 years ago. What is a free, 21st-century black man to do? How can he get society to acknowledge his situation, pacify his ego, and alleviate his pain? What is this lawlessness at work in the black community?

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Modern-day “black culture” is lethal

I grew up (half urban, half suburban) watching hood films like Menace II Society, Boyz n the Hood, Juice, Set it Off, New Jack City, and Tales from the Hood (on repeat). I listened to gangsta rappers and Hip Hop artists like Dr. Dre, Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Master P, Too Short, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. For the longest time, my favorite colors were blue and white (Crip gang colors). I had a bona fide chip on my shoulder…or so I thought. I avoided physical altercations, but I definitely knew how to draw blood with my tongue.

In light of all this—running the streets of Wyandotte and Jackson counties with a permanent address in Johnson County, KS—I did not fit in with the typical fast-tail, big-mouthed, weave-wearing, black female. No matter how loud my music or erratic my behavior, my speech always gave me away. That infamous N-word (with an ‘a,’ not an ‘er’) was glaringly absent from my vernacular. “You talk like a white girl,” they said. “I can’t help it if I’m smart,” I shrugged. “Your skin is lighter than everybody,” they said. “What difference does it make? We’re all black,” I clapped back. Apparently, I wasn’t hood enough for my people. So, I started hanging with those who weren't constantly turning everything into a competition. As a result, my ratio of white friends to black is 20:1.

Although many successful, coherent thought leaders have emerged from my community (e.g., Thomas Sowell, Carol Swain, Ben Carson), they are an exception. They don’t promote the ideas, beliefs, and practices of popular black culture. As for me, the movies, the music, the recklessness, materialism, and cliquish ways always felt…off. I escaped the black culture mindset when I realized God created me to think like an individual, not a group. Thereby, I never voted Democrat, I never hated white people, and I never became a statistic. The same cannot be said of many young boys like Karmelo Anthony.

Slavery and the enduring curse

Did you know the Transatlantic Slave Trade was largely perpetrated by Africans? Did you know one of the first Americans to own a slave was a freed black man named Anthony Johnson? Did you know a handful of Confederate Soldiers and Klansmen were black? Were you aware that black people held high government positions before the Civil War? Despite the brutality African Americans endured at the hands of white, southern, slave owners, did you know they had free black counterparts who excelled at all things in other parts of the country? Can you believe child sex trafficking—a multi-national, multi-billion dollar, rape, sodomy, porn industry—is worse than chattel slavery?

What’s my point? Truth, perspective, perception. Truth is objective. Perspective is a collective knowledge and understanding of facts. When new facts are introduced, your perspective will shift but truth typically remains the same. Perception is your lived experiences and responses to truth/facts. Perception is reality. No black American alive today has ever been bought or sold. So, the truth is, there’s no reparation to pay. It’s entirely possible to grasp the hypocritical, cutthroat, barbaric history of the United States (truth, perspective) while, at the same time, harboring no offense toward white people (perception). Yes, America was systemically racist at one point (truth, perspective). Yet, no other nation has done more than America to liberate black people (truth, perception).

I propose that the breakdown in the black community is moral and spiritual. There is a curse on a people who shed the most innocent blood in the womb and slay in the streets. They are enemies of God who idolize thuggery and savagely demand “respect” in exchange for human life. There is no hope for those who refuse to submit to authority, obey the law, and receive correction. Furthermore, any good in the black community is swallowed up by mainstream media, BLM Incorporated, and useful idiots like Maxine Waters, Michael Dyson, and Al Sharpton (who’s eerily quiet right now). Black liberals—the absolute dumbest societal faction—are conniving and thriving on racial tension.

For those asking the petty question, “What about white people?”

Every ethnic group is plagued by scum. Bigotry, hatred and violence are not inherently restricted to any melanin level (truth, perspective, perception). We all know large segments of the white population are also demonized. Young white males are chiefly responsible for leveling schools, shopping malls, and open-air events with automatic weapons. Society deems this a “mental health crisis.” When it comes to rape, aggravated assault, and burglary, statistics reveal white men are doing the most.

Do racist white people, including some cops, exist in America? Most definitely (truth, perspective). But in reality, white supremacy—that oppressive, cross-burning, lynching spirit of the 17th to mid-20th century—is dead (truth, perception). Today, racial discrimination is almost solely perpetuated by black activists. It’s not “reverse racism” or “anti-white racism,” it’s just racism (truth, whether we admit it or not).

Like Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, and George Floyd, Karmelo Anthony is a product of black culture. They’re all race war mascots, cash cows, patsies. Because Anthony is black and his victim was white, he was released from jail to await trial in the comfort of his home. If you are wondering what black supremacy looks like in society, I would say, this is that.

From the riots of Ferguson, to the fires of Minneapolis, to the Give Send Go fundraiser of Frisco—black culture has driven America to its lowest point of degradation. Black culture paints murals for thieves, erects monuments for thugs, and holds press conferences to rally support for murderers. In Anthony’s case, black activists hope at least one BLM operative will make it on that jury and set him free to potentially kill again.

Black culture is an anti-Christ manifestation of revenge and lawlessness that has caused irreparable damage to the souls and reputations of black people. Black culture must be rejected at all costs. Pray for the black community. Pray for every community in America.

Listen to Episode 2: Learn to Discern | Is Prophecy a Real Thing Today?

Jesus warned His disciples that false prophets would rise and deceive many people in the last days (Matt. 24). The Savior also said we can discern wolves by their fruit (Matt. 7). Most self-proclaimed prophets are not speaking by the Holy Spirit today. We should be skeptical of prophets with large social media followings and captivating stage presence—God’s prophetic servants in the Old Testament and the Early Church weren’t popular or rich.

Guarding our faith against false prophets/prophecies requires us to do one thing faithfully: READ YOUR BIBLE.

READ YOUR BIBLE:

• 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

• 1 John 2:27, 4:1

• Matthew 24:3-5,11, 7:15-20

• 2 Peter 1:16-20

• 1 Kings 22

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Leave a comment | Subscribe | Email: Tiffany@bigviewsmallwindow.com

Turning Point Academy is on the cutting edge of helping families find alternatives to secular education with Seeding Schools (a.k.a. 5C Schools): Christian, Classical, Conservative, Collaborative, and Cost-affordable.

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What comes out at the beginning of my interview is that, as the Founder of Restore Parental Rights in Education, I strive to have generational thinking. While advocating for student safety, academic success, and parental authority, I’m not only focused on present generations but on those yet to be born. Much of the future of our nation depends on children having a good education. I hope to influence at least one person to boldly speak up on behalf America’s youth.

WHERE ARE WE!?

The United States has drifted so far from the principles of God’s word that it’s a wonder we haven’t been wiped off the face of the earth. I’ve never declared America to be a “Christian nation.” However, I believe there was a point in our history when the evil acts of sodomy, pedophilia, and blasphemy weren’t so widely accepted in mainstream society. There was a time when common sense ruled the day. Now we’re witnessing a massive shift toward lawlessness. Even our children are spiraling out of control.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the apostle Paul predicted this about future generations:

…[I]n the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power. Avoid such men as these.

This form of godliness without power can refer to a weak, emasculated, lukewarm group of people who work to keep up with religious appearances. Sadly, this is the state of many American churches today. These 501(c)(3) organizations—with celebrity pastors and prosperity brainwashing—experience exponential growth in numbers, memberships, and material wealth. Meanwhile, families, communities, and whole nations are burning to the ground.

Based on my observation of current events—children killing parents, parents killing children, frivolous divorces, viral fits of rage, perversion—I’d say we are the generation Paul described. What’s most concerning is the fact that we’re nowhere near the levels of barbarity and wickedness revealed in Scripture. Humankind will only grow more evil as we draw closer to the Return of Jesus Christ.

Brace yourself.

DIVINE RETRIBUTION

The tidal wave crashed into the American Church at the passing of Ravi Zacharias, a prominent Christian apologist turned sexual predator. After his death in 2020, I began to hear about the sexual assault, spiritual abuse, and manipulation of women who worked as massage therapists in various countries Zacharias frequented for “ministry” purposes. Turns out Zacharias lived a double life that his wife, family, and all of Christendom were unaware of (or covered up for the sake of his prosperous influence).

In 2023 came the exposure of Mike Bickle, former pastor of the International House of Prayer-Kansas City. Bickle took his indiscretions to another level by sexually grooming and assaulting teenage girls and women. He “prophesied” to several young victims that his wife would die and that God was preparing them to replace her as his companion. (That’s so crazy!)

Another disgraced pastor, Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Texas, was credibly accused of sexually abusing a girl from 12 to 16 years old while traveling as an evangelist in the 1980s. Joni Lamb, president of Daystar Television Network, and her late husband Marcus, allegedly covered up the molestation of their five-year-old granddaughter in 2020. T.D. Jakes has filed lawsuits against young men who accused him of sexual misconduct when they were teenagers.

This doesn’t even scratch the surface. For every “big name” preacher, there are literally dozens of “no name” ministers under investigation, on trial, and doing time for harming children, abusing women, and scamming their congregants.

Fierce Santa Ana winds blew across L.A. County, fueling an inferno that claimed the lives of dozens of people. There are political, scientific, and even ideological explanations for this multi-billion dollar catastrophe. However, like the exposures in the church, the wildfires of California are spiritually motivated. Some in the faith community believe this tragedy was a direct act of judgment from God.

Now, of course we know much evil is conceived and birthed in the 31st State: From Hollywood “couch calls” to sodomy parades in the streets of San Francisco, the West Coast is saturated with demonic perversion. Then, there’s the scene at the Golden Globes a few hours before fires blazed across the hills. Listen below as the rich and famous laugh at their host who openly mocks God and dubs Los Angeles a “godless town.”

JUST JUDGE

If God were to set LA on fire while exposing wickedness in the church, would He not be justified in doing so? As to the question of whether God is judging the United States, my thoughts are as follows:

In Scripture, when the nation of Israel fell into idolatry, child sacrifices, extortion, and corruption, God sent prophets to warn the people. In mercy, He entreated them to repent, be reconciled to Him, and live under the jurisdiction of His perfect law. When the people refused to listen to the prophets, God stirred up His enemies against Israel. His chosen people were raided and carried off to foreign territories. Their properties confiscated, their wives violated, their sons slaves, their virgin daughters maidservants and concubines.

Note: when God judged an individual’s sins directly, He struck them dead.

Americans are not special. God doesn’t hate sin any less because Jesus went to the Cross. We are in a season of mercy like the Israelites and we’re being given time to repent. Fires, natural disasters, exposures—these are all warning signs before the wrath of God breaks upon the shores of the United States. And how does the Creator get through to a society that’s forgotten Him?

His judgment has come in the form of letting tragic situations play out without divine intervention. Think about it. It’s getting harder to live here not knowing if your child will be the next victim of a school shooting, whether you’ll make it home from that morning jog or land safely on the tarmac. Contrary to the doctrine of “happy preachers,” it’s not always in God’s immediate interest to deliver us from the consequences of sin. Human suffering is often the antidote for evil.

So, what should become of the people who make idols out of pastors? Who shed innocent blood for convenience; who seed a multi-billion dollar child rape industry; who worship science and technology; who commit fraud on every level of government? What will it take for sinners and saints to examine the condition of their souls and get right with God?

A nation that forsakes God will not be a nation for long.

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If your faith is shaken by what you see happening in the world - religious leaders being exposed, wars, political upheaval - you need to go back to the basics of your walk with the Lord. You can hear God for yourself! Start with these steps:

#1 Read Your Bible:1 Corinthians 1-3; 2 Peter 1; Romans 14; James 1

#2 Stop following false apostles/prophets/teachers

#3 Be desperate and vulnerable in your prayer time with God

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Leave a comment below | Subscribe at BigViewSmallWindow.com | Email me at Tiffany@bigviewsmallwindow.com

The attempted assassination of President Donald Trump came as no surprise to me. I find it hard to believe the government and leftist lunatics didn't try to kill him years ago. If we were blind before, we can now see the United States is in full-scale moral decline. We're suffering from a malignant cancer of violence and perversion for which there is no earthly cure.

By the grace of God, the devil's plans were foiled...this time.

AM I A "CHRISTIAN NATIONALIST"?

In my sphere of influence, leftist trolls have branded me a Christian Nationalist. This is mostly benign since I'm oblivious to the derogatory use of the term. I haven't cared to look up this phrase, so I interpret it to mean that I love God and my nation. I'm a Christian and a conservative to be sure, but I don't identify as Republican and I'm not a "MAGA extremist" (another term with no viable definition). My idea of America First simply says we secure the southern border, gain control of the drug epidemic, stop the selling and raping of children, and revive our economy before bailing out other countries. That's as deep as "right-wing ideology" goes with me.

Still, when it comes to matters of morality, relationships, and abortion, I'm actually further right than the man himself. To my knowledge, Trump has never taken a strong stance on celibacy or traditional marriage, and he flip-flops the abortion issue depending on the crowd he's addressing. For me, marriage is strictly between one man and one woman (insert "biological" if you think it's necessary). Children are no less valuable because they're conceived by rape or incest. Poverty and genetic disorders don't render a baby less human. Of course, political strategies are messy so we must be sober-minded in our approach.

Trump is not a pastor. No one should look to him for spiritual guidance. If you need him to "accept Jesus as Lord and Savior" before casting a vote, then you're useless in this fight. Furthermore, I find it hypocritical to reject his leadership based on sins that God could easily reject us all. To the contrary, Christians who envision Trump sitting on a throne, ruling over nations, have entered the realm of blasphemy and idolatry. Trump is a mere mortal. He's not a king and he's nobody's savior. He's simply a vessel, an instrument in God's hands. No less. No more.

DANGEROUS "CHRISTIANS"

During the 2020 presidential race, theologian John Piper published an article wherein he eloquently derailed his audience from executing civic responsibilities. At the time, I said his pious rhetoric had caused him to drift into idiocy. By making it all about Trump, I perceived Piper's ignorance of the spiritual warfare behind politics. For the record, I feel exactly the same way about the "prophets" who declared a landslide victory that never manifested. Only accurate seers predicted the fraudulent activity which resulted in a stolen election. Truly, Christians should demand a stricter adherence to Scripture from those who claim to speak on God's behalf. I say, prophesy the Word - not headlines, feelings, and personal preferences. Not every dream and vision is from the Most High.

Since I don't follow Piper, I can't speak to his stance on the 2024 election. Regardless, there are other low-IQ zealots springing up where I didn't expect. If you've forgotten the fools who formed "Pro-life Evangelicals for Biden," get a load of the braindead group known as "Evangelicals for Harris." Their website is full of deception as Harris's views on abortion, illegal immigration, and inflation are not clearly stated. These fake Evangelicals did their best to present a phony in her best light, as if such a thing were possible. Consider the manipulative "Kamala's Faith Story" page, which says:

"Harris's favorite Bible verse - 'We walk by faith, not by sight' (2 Cor. 5:7) - recognizes that we don't have all the answers, but also that we do not face life's challenges alone...While a deeply committed and faithful Christian, Vice President Harris has great respect for other faith traditions."

Wow. You can fertilize a lot of lawns with that sh-nonsense. This is absurd on unknown levels. But wait, there's more. During a Zoom call on August 14, the late Billy Graham's granddaughter, Jerushah Duford, embarrassed Evangelicals the world over by endorsing a perverted, baby-killing platform. Church Leadership reported that Duford's group encourages people to "reject Donald Trump" as part of their "Christian belief in the common good." A pastor named Dwight McKissic said anyone planning to vote for Trump has "absolutely no moral authority to question the Democrat presidential nominee or their platform."

Listen to Duford's ignorant rant below.

CONFUSED CHRISTIANS

Western Christians are so conditioned by faulty interpretations and religious doctrines that most of us don't believe in miracles. Yet, according to Scripture, we should expect the miraculous to happen. Not necessarily in our rinky-dink church services, but personally, corporately, and, yes, even among those who don't know the Lord. July 13 was not "luck" or "coincidence," it was a miracle. It was the sovereign will of God that Trump survived. As for the gentleman who died protecting his family, this, too, falls within God's sovereignty. Firefighter Corey Comperatore was a hero who tragically left this world too soon, but he will be rewarded for his faith.  

The reality of this historical moment we're living in is much bigger than the average American Christian cares to investigate or comprehend. We've settled. We're comfortable. We declare "God's in control," not because we believe it, but because it validates our resolve to do nothing. If you're struggling to identify the most "righteous" candidate, let me clarify a few things for you:

1. Trump will never walk on water. Get over it. Besides Jesus, God only has flawed people to work with. So - unless your physician, your mechanic, the waiter at your favorite restaurant, the grocery store cashier are all required to follow Christ before serving you - don't be that hypocrite who commands this of every politician. You're not voting for a pastor. Read the Bible and choose policies (not personalities!) that best position you to continue living freely and spreading the Gospel.

2. If you're a true, born-again believer, there's no conscience way to vote for anyone left of center. If you're serious in your walk with God, you won't divorce your faith from your political views. Real Christians don't waste time considering that one-off "nice" liberal who paints the world with an "inclusive" brush. We know the WHOLE Democrat platform is utterly corrupt. None of their policies or talking points can be reconciled to Scripture. Not one. 

3. If you vote left down the ballot, or abstain from voting this November, you're part of the problem. 

Please understand that I'm in no way advocating for blind trust or loyalty to the Republican Party. The majority of those fools are as spineless and morally bankrupt as their leftist counterparts. Like raising children, occupying political spheres demands sharp discernment and shrewd judgment on every level, in every election. Nevertheless, if the 2024 presidential race is given over to Democrats, the blame will primarily rest with a lazy, disengaged American Church.

This is absurd. I thought the shock would wear off by now. Yet, I'm blown away by waves of gross exploitation, abuse, and depravity crashing through the American Church.

Surely, the wolves are dwelling among us and we do not know it.

MINISTERS ON A MISSION FROM HELL

The dam finally broke in December 2023 when International House of Prayer Kansas City founder, Mike Bickle, was accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl in the 1980s. At first glance, I thought the headlines were fake news. The drip campaign and damage control coming from IHOPKC leadership led me to believe this was a coup to de-platform Bickle, who'd confessed to having "an inappropriate relationship." Once hard evidence and more accusers came forward, I had to make some mental readjustments and repent for my share of victim blaming in the comment sections. There's no coming back from this scandal, so it's only appropriate that IHOPKC shuts down for good.

When I heard about Robert Morris sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in the 1980s, I had no words. I thought it wise to wait before passing judgment this time. Turns out he also lied about his history of pedophilia, claiming he'd had an affair with a "young lady." When the story first broke, church leadership initially said that Morris---who refused to compensate the victim---had confessed his sins, gone through counseling, and was restored to ministry not too long after the incident. The elders recently amended their statements, now alleging they "didn't have all the information," including the girl's age and the timeline of abuse (from 1982 to 1987).

What more can I say? We're still waiting for "pastor" Tony Evans to publicly confess whatever sin led to his resignation. "Bishop" T.D. Jakes was rumored to have stepped down after being exposed for his ties to the sleaze-bag, music mogul, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. Of course, for every big-name preacher, there are lesser-known dishonorable mentions: the child pornographer "pastor" in Florida; the groomer "pastor" in Missouri with victims coming out of the woodwork; the sodomizing "pastor" in Kentucky. There's more, but this is enough to prove the American Church empire is falling like Babylon. Like Rome.

To everyone in Christendom petitioning the Lord for revival, He is answering your prayers. It doesn't look like Brownsville or Azusa Street, but it's happening now. Do you recognize it?

WE LOVE OUR SIN AND PLATFORM PIMPS

Whenever I see the phrase "moral failure," I want to scream at the top of my lungs! This crackpot, evangelical term is a mockery of the Cross. The Savior didn't die for moral failings any more than one can get into heaven by being "a good person." Jesus gave His life because humans are dead in their souls. We are rotten to the utter core of our being. We are violent, wicked, lovers of darkness, prideful, lustful, self-righteous, addicts. We love our sins more than the holiness of God. What would happen if Christian leaders and journalists started telling it like it is rather than provoking the Father with our foolishness?

The rape, sodomy, molestation, and sexual grooming of children don't simply render someone a moral failure. In the world, we call these types criminals, predators, perverts, and pedophiles. We say they are deserving of the biggest millstones around their necks. Why are so-called pastors any different? Why do they get away with it? Because the crime was covered up for 30 years? Because they're popular and powerful? Because their sermons and books "touched so many people"? Corrupt men, these lovers of money, are tarnishing the reputation of Christ, yet we defend them. This is blasphemy. Church growth and success be dammed if leaders can't remain faithful and keep their moral character intact.

Are my words harsh? Am I "casting stones" while living in a glass house of my own sinful past? Hmm. Well, I'm not pastoring a congregation. I'm not smooth-talking people and guilt-tripping them to give away 10% of their income. I'm not building a megachurch empire. I'm the same person in private as I am in public. I don't have skeletons or secret sins, and I'm hardly in any situation where I'm forced to lie to save face. When I see the comment sections full of quotes from John 8:7 and Romans 3:23, I wonder, what about passages where Jesus called the religious leaders "hypocrites"? Does anyone remember the apostle Paul admonishing Christians to confront and excommunicate those who practice sexual immorality and extortion in the church?

THERE IS NO STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS FOR UNREPENTANT SIN

This mass exposure is God's direct response to a generation of converts lulled into a lukewarm stupor by celebrity pastors. We are the generation deceived with prosperity gospels and false doctrines of eternal security. We're that depraved generation of Judas Iscariots who betray the Lord for money, the narcissists who've fallen in love with our own reflection. God is so kind to send us a wave of mercy before His fiery judgment burns through the American Church.

Will we continue to deny the overt lack of decency and humility within our religious sect? Some so-called ministers are outright pushing the doctrine of demons on a global scale with no shame. It makes no difference if we start in a good place and then lose our soul along the way. We're called to live disciplined lives, to pursue purity, to work out our salvation lest we be disqualified and fail to finish our race. Scripture doesn't reveal the number or identity of those who will say, "Lord, Lord!" and fail to enter the Kingdom. Thus, we should fear the One with the power to cast us into eternal fire.

Any good thing that came from Mike Bickle, Robert Morris, and the like, is wholly accredited to God. Humans---even the greatest among us---are mere sinners and dust. We have no justification for harboring predators and false teachers, shunning their victims, and working overtime to "restore" wolves to the sheep pen. We ought to consider that God sees straight through us, and He's never impressed by anything we say or do. He will not excuse the sins we hide and refuse to confess. It is incumbent upon Christians to remember that Jesus Christ is not only our Savior and Friend.

He is our Judge and King before whom we will stand to give an account for our lives.

"Sow a seed, reap a harvest"...

"Offerings are everything above the tithe"...

"Tithe is the first 10% of your gross income"...

"You can't give an offering until you tithe"...

"Tithing rebukes the curse off your money and your life"...

"You're robbing God when you withhold tithes and offerings"...

"Tithing is the only way to release a blessing over your finances."

I'm sure you've heard at least one of these declarations from the pulpit, from televangelists, from that enthusiastic member in the next pew. The American Church is saturated with erroneous messages on tithes, offerings, blessings, and curses. After practicing a religious, fear-based, anxiety-laden, investment formula for 15 years - and finding myself as broke as the day I began - I went back to the Scriptures. It's not that I don't trust Christian leaders, I simply had to comply with 2 Timothy 2:15 and see for myself.

WHAT IS TITHING, REALLY?

Teachings on tithes and offerings are typically sourced from Levitical Laws. Looking at Numbers 18, I understand why God instituted this practice among the Jews. The Lord spoke to the priests through Moses, saying, "...You shall attend to the obligations of the sanctuary and the obligations of the altar, that there will no longer be wrath on the sons of Israel" (Num. 18:5, all paraphrases mine). Numbers 18:12-15 tells us that the first of all the produce, oil, grain, and animals in the land were to supply the Tabernacle (eventually the Temple) and to replenish the priests' physical needs.

Numbers 18:19 says, "All the offerings...which the sons of Israel offer to the Lord I have given to you and your sons and your daughters with you, as a perpetual allotment." By this, we know every generation of priests was bound to a life of service, commanded to keep the fire burning on the altar and continually offer sacrifices for the nation's sins. Verse 20 declares, "You shall have no inheritance in the land nor own any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the sons of Israel." The priests had no land rights or private property.     

In Numbers 18:21-28, the Lord said tithes were given to the priests as an inheritance for services rendered in the Tabernacle/Temple. They were also responsible for giving a "tithe of the tithe" back to the Lord. Levitical priests were consecrated men primarily commanded to minister in the presence of God on behalf of the nation. Serving God was their only occupation. Thus, tithes were required to supply the priests with food, and sacrifices were used to cover the sins of the people. This is the Old Covenant. 

SO, WHY THE CURSE?

When curses are connected to tithes and offerings, and non-tithers (as well as those who give less than 10%) are accused of robbing God, church leaders are abusing Malachi 3:8-11. I highly recommend reading the entire book of Malachi (it's short) to grasp how the priesthood had transgressed God's commandments and instructions to the Levites (Mal. 2:4-7). In Malachi's day, the priests offered lame and blind animals to God while keeping the best portions for themselves. They defiled the altar by using impure kindling for fire, and some sacrifices were the byproduct of bribery and extortion. 

A curse, then, was the result of breaking covenant with God and leaving the nation's sins exposed. Malachi's prophecy is about God's grievances and reconciliation with Israel. It has nothing to do with the financial conditions or obligations of 21st-century Christians. I wouldn't go so far as to say tithes and offerings are absent from the New Testament, quite the contrary. However, ministers who pronounce curses and likewise provoke non-givers are not speaking by the Spirit. 

Furthermore, following Levitical Laws doesn't apply to anyone living on this side of the Resurrection. Orthodox Jews may still believe the Law is in effect, but we know Gentiles were never included in that covenant. Tithing was a commandment under the Law; we are not under the Law. The sacrifice provided in the body and blood of Jesus is perfect and complete. Nothing (especially not money!) can be added or taken from it. Christ fulfilled the Law (Matt. 5:17). In Him, we are redeemed from the curse of the Law (Gal. 3:13-14).

IS TITHING A NEW TESTAMENT REQUIREMENT?

I actually believe in and practice tithing as a spiritual principle in my walk with God. Christians are instructed to give and one-tenth is mentioned in Scripture, so that's the amount I aim to start with. Sometimes I have it, sometimes I don't. In all the years I've been saved, I've never received one of those miracle "checks in the mail." And no matter how much I've tithed, I've never had more than enough money. All things considered (including my poor choices), I'm no longer phased by the guilt-trip sermonettes during "offering time." God is well aware of my financial situation. He could instantly change it if He wanted to.

I often wonder if prosperity preachers have considered that tithing precedes the Law. Do they know there was a priesthood before the Levites? In Genesis 14:17-20, after Abraham experienced a war victory where he liberated his nephew and secured more land, he met a priest-king, a servant of the Most High, and paid tribute by offering him a tenth of the war spoil. In turn, Melchizedek blessed Abraham (mostly likely with prophetic words, not a refund with interest). In Hebrews 7, the writer explains that Christ is of a higher priestly order than Aaron; He is an eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek (also in Ps. 110:4). These Old and New Testament passages should be enough to convict believers to practice what the father of our faith demonstrated (Rom. 4:16). Jesus is greater and worthy of it all.

"[Jesus] has become [our High Priest] not on the basis of the law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life...so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant (Heb. 7:16, 22).

God intended tithes to be a tribute, an offering of thanksgiving out of our free will. He did not institute a cursing/blessing system with Abraham. When tithing was codified in the Mosaic Law, God primarily connected giving to obedience and worship. Christians, too, are commanded to give to those in need (Luke 10:29-37) and generosity is required to fulfill such passages as 1 Timothy 5:17-18 and Matthew 28:19-20. However, we are no more or less justified by giving to churches. If pastors make tithing a church membership requirement, I suppose that's their prerogative. I'm simply clarifying that this is not the only (or best) interpretation of Scripture. 

FAMOUSLY MISQUOTED SCRIPTURES

I've already covered the abuse of Malachi 3:8-11. But what about the gross misuse of Scriptures like Luke 6:38. The context of this verse literally has nothing to do with money! Read Luke 6. When it comes to Proverbs 3:9-10, I agree that this teaches us to honor God with our money. But "first fruits" is not defined as "10% of our gross income." Before the time of the kings, the Israelites did not pay taxes. So, there was no such thing as "gross income" when tithing was first instituted. The American Church applied this doctrine for its own reasons.

How about 2 Corinthians 9? The entire chapter deals with attitudes of giving (i.e. give cheerfully, not under compulsion). The passage never hints at an amount but says God will provide seed for sowing (as He always has). Interestingly, in 1 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses the rights of an apostle to demand payment for laboring among the churches. He then forfeits that right, stating: "If we have sown [in] you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your material things? If others partake of this right over you, shouldn't we? Nevertheless, we have not used this right, but suffer all things, lest we hinder the gospel of Christ" (1 Cor. 9:11-12).

When Jesus sends His apostles out to do the work of the ministry (Mark 6:7-13), He instructs them not to carry money or material possessions. Eastern hospitality dictates that those receiving sojourners must provide for their physical needs. In case it's not obvious, apostles (rendered "sent ones" in Greek) are not pastors ("shepherds"). Sent ones are more akin to missionaries than pastors. Indeed, the interpretation of an American pastor is so broad that one can don the title without overseeing any souls (i.e. "Administrative Pastor", "Events Pastor", etc.).

MY (LONG) CONCLUSION

I appreciate pastors who take on ministry as a full-time vocation. However, the Bible does not mandate church members to pay all their bills. Unlike the priests of old, pastors today have the liberty to get a job (perhaps this might help them understand the struggles of working people). We are not responsible for meeting the financial obligations of nonprofit organizations. No one should be guilt-tripped into funding visions, dreams, guest speakers, or multi-real estate ventures (a.k.a. megachurches). Telling congregants that God cannot or will not bless them until they give a certain amount is an overstep of authoritative boundaries. It's also a lie. God doesn't need our money, the church does. If ministers kept it real, people would probably give more!

Tithing is not an investment strategy. Nowhere in Scripture does God guarantee that giving away 10% of our gross income will result in exponential wealth. Furthermore, I don't care to be told "it doesn't count" if I give a different amount or designate the 10% to a specific ministry within the church. It's my money. God gave it to me and He gives me the freedom to choose what to do with it. Also, I pay (a lot of) taxes and the church pays none. If my money isn't good in one place, it's guaranteed to be good somewhere else.

When my choices are between paying the rent or tithing, God doesn't curse me for paying the rent. If I give less than 10% of my gross income, I refuse to believe that I've somehow robbed God. I'm not disrespecting my leaders by supporting other ministries I'm connected with. As I said, God is well aware of everyone's financial situation and He doesn't seek to burden us with the requirements of the Law - this is why Christ came. It's not God's will that we give out of fear, manipulation, or compulsion. 

Giving is a discipline that I view as being in the same category as fasting. Jesus clearly instructed His disciples to do both. He never said the Father would curse them if they didn't. Mature believers, who respond to conviction, will diligently tithe and fast out of obedience to God. The success of church ministries is a peripheral matter where the fear of the Lord is concerned. Nevertheless, if you can afford to give liberally, you should. This is a gift and a privilege and it keeps you from falling in love with your money (1 Tim. 6:20).

Some ministers claim Jesus talked about tithing "a lot." I don't see that in Scripture. He talked a lot about money, yes, and warned us not to worship it (Matt. 6). He also mentions giving quite a bit but doesn't consistently specify an amount. The only place I find "tithe" in red letters is in His rebuke to a bunch of religious zealots who tried to justify themselves (Matt. 23:23). Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites and told His disciples to do as they say but not as they do (Matt. 23:3). The widow who gave her last in Luke 21:1-4 was demonstrating faith in God. This is not a formula for supporting church ministries.

In the context of Scripture, give is primarily a verb, not an adjective and tithing is foremost an act of worship, not an amount.

This is a depiction of what we'd see if we could directly observe the spiritual realm surrounding most American churches. It's the product of preaching false gospels, concealing the reality of hell, comforting sin, entertainment, falsifying God's will for health, wealth, and prosperity, and otherwise failing to lead present generations to repentance.

PLATFORM PIMPS

I'm watching headline after headline, reading report after report of so-called pastors manipulating, sexually assaulting, and defrauding their congregations. There are even instances involving minors, substance abuse, and negligence. While these grotesque offenses may not represent the Body of Christ as a whole (indeed a majority probably won't get entangled in scandals), the high-profile cases of perversion and debauchery are silencing the authentic Christian message.

Jesus Christ is not an abuser. He is not a swindler. He is not a liar. He doesn't exploit His followers, put on a show to build an empire, or embezzle funds. Now, Judas Iscariot did steal from the treasury and betray the Lord for money, so perhaps some Christians are more like him than Jesus. The Savior was faithful to God's calling on His life and ministry. But as for the model American pastor, I'm starting to question the salvation of the uber-rich and self-reliant, who have no conviction of sin, and they're too proud to admit they have problems.

I won't link to it here, but look up the silly "pastor" who poured syrup on the Bible, trashed his church for a sermon illustration, and puts on a demonic Easter production every year. Check out the service where another "pastor" punted the Bible like a football. And then there's the latest sex crimes involving a "pastor" who allegedly violated multiple women even while building a 24-hour prayer ministry. On and on it goes. Platform pimps have made a mockery of Christianity by showcasing their own sin and stupidity.

____________________

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." 

Gal. 6:7-10

____________________

BEARING FALSE WITNESS

Rather than build on the foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-11), I see the American Church going the way of pagans. Christians are, in fact, worshiping idols. Not necessarily little statues on mantles, but idols of cultural morality, materialism, and trivial pursuits. Preachers are celebrities, churches play secular music and allow false prophets on stage. Some denominations are hosting drag shows and ordaining gender-confused people to serve in leadership roles. 

This is an abomination.

When ministers present God as all love and no wrath; when they interpret salvation to mean a "get out of hell free" card; when church attendance becomes a prerequisite for acceptance; when the needs of the ministry are valued above desperate, hurting people - these bear false witness of who the Lord revealed Himself to be. Also, remember how Jesus overturned the tables in Matthew 21:12-13. He would respond the same way to 21st-century "money changers" who bank on the prosperity gospel and make guest appearances to promote books and swag.

Truly, all the shenanigans are because the typical Western Christian experience is pretty boring compared to the early church. Have you read the Book of Acts? First-century believers were powerful vessels of God who preached with conviction, healed the sick, and cast out unclean spirits under the anointing of the Holy Ghost. They made such a commotion during Apostle Paul's mission that they earned a reputation for turning the world upside down (Acts 17)! Today? We get to hear how precious and blessed we are, and all that's required is to repeat a "simple prayer" and give away 10% of our income.

MISSING IN ACTION

I wager the average Christian hasn't read the entire Bible cover-to-cover, only prays when the need is dire, has never successfully completed a fast, warms the pews maybe twice a month (or holidays), and leaves in the same spiritual condition they walked in with. This is the product of a religious system functioning without the presence of God. Those sincerely seeking the Lord may do better to encounter Christ before stepping foot into a church. Of course, we need some level of accountability in our walk, and we're commanded to gather with believers (Heb. 10:23-25). Nevertheless, the doctrines of the American Church are producing a rapid decline in faith, effectiveness, and influence. 

A secular poll found that from 2009 to 2019, the percentage of Americans who identified as Christian dropped from 78% to 65%; in the same decade, those who considered themselves "religiously unaffiliated" increased from 17% to 26%; and those who claimed to be "atheist" went from 2% to 4%. While there are numerous factors contributing to these failing statistics, a significant cause is the Church's withdrawal from upholding biblical morality in the public sphere. Many believers are uneducated on cultural issues, they're too fearful to discuss faith in the workplace, they've ceased contending for the souls of loved ones, and evangelism typically means (repeatedly) inviting someone to Sunday service.

If you're not living in a nice Christian bubble, then you know the world is dying. You see every manmade system (including religion) crumbling. Humans are literally losing their minds. Violence, murder, and suicide are on the rise. In light of all this, and those who are perishing, it is sin to withhold truth from those who need it (Ja. 4:17). Staying inside the four walls and catering to the flesh is not our assignment (Matt. 28:19-20). If we continue on our current path, it will lead to the death of the American Church. Pray for a move of God and let it begin in you.

When asked, “What kind of Christian are you?”

I typically respond with, “I’m a regular, Bible-believing Christian. No extras.”

This usually prompts clarifying questions such as “What kind of church do you go to?” “What's your church denomination?” “What does your pastor teach about ______?” (Fill in the blank with any controversial topic, from the end-times to homosexuality to whether Christians should consume alcohol).

So, what kind of Christian am I?

Many believers who follow the teachings of scholars and theologians will call themselves after those men. When someone says, “I’m Methodist,” it means they identify with the doctrines of John Wesley. When someone says, “I’m a Calvinist,” they’re affirming an alignment with the (flawed) interpretations of John Calvin. I could go on with the claims of Southern Baptists, Presbyterians, Lutherans...you get the point. These identity statements have stoked centuries of hatred and division in the body of Christ.

Herein lies the issue. Every religious denomination and sect has a founder (e.g., Martin Luther is the founder of Lutheranism). Well, there’s only one Founder of Christianity and that’s Jesus Christ. Our faith should not come with a list of ingredients. Furthermore, the apostle Paul—under the anointing of the Holy Spirit—rebuked believers who credited their faith to the name, character, and interpretations of mortal men.

"When one of you says, 'I am a follower of Paul,' and another says, 'I follow Apollos,' aren't you acting just like people of the world? After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God's servants through whom you believed the Good News...It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow."

- 1 Corinthians 3:4-7

Paul warned the Corinthian church about the sin of sectarianism (religious discrimination) and pointed to Christ as the source of their salvation (1 Cor. 1). The Savior never intended for His followers to harbor animosity or superiority or pronounce judgment against fellow believers. Only the wisdom and knowledge that comes from the Lord will be exalted (Ja. 3:13-18). No matter how scholarly someone is, I refuse to be deadlocked into their narrow, earthly view of eternal things.

Thus, I maintain: I’m a regular, Bible-believing Christian. No extras.

What kind of church do I attend?

Religious folks brace yo-selves for my controversial response to this question.

When you read the New Testament (particularly the Book of Acts), you find only one kind of church. It's not “Evangelical,” “Baptist,” “Episcopalian,” "Nondenominational," or “Reformed.” There was no such things as these in the first century. The only church you will find in Scripture is Pentecostal.

To reiterate, the Church was birthed when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (or Shavuot). Thus, I view Christianity as a Pentecostal faith that was established on the proclamations, testimonies, and exploits of Jewish apostles. Only when we accept the truth that Jesus is not the Founder of a Western, intellectual, seeker-friendly, celebrity pastor, megachurch movement, then we will understand how to live out what’s written.

In the Book of Acts, we read about an Upper Room, the martyrdom of faithful believers, Paul’s often violent missionary journeys, radical salvation experiences, miracles, and spiritual warfare. Church was never meant to be boring! And, yes, we also discover a gift referred to in all four Gospels as the baptism in the Holy Spirit. In Acts, we see this activation come with tongues of fire! The first Christians also practiced laying on hands which led to an impartation of spiritual gifts, healing, and deliverance.

This is our inheritance in the faith. I worship with those who believe in the continuation of these things.

Sadly, the 21st-century American Church doesn’t resemble the Acts 2 Church because the faith has been hijacked over the last 1,800 years. As I said, those men of renown, who sounded smarter than the average Christian—and read their Bibles more than the average Christian—were very successful in their reformation campaigns. Weird doctrines infiltrated seminaries and pulpits along with ritualism and high-minded theology that rendered believers ineffective.

Christians who are unskilled in discerning prophecy, who've never cast out a demon, or who believe salvation always comes by repeating a “simple prayer”—these believers are the product of a passive, inoffensive, sanitized interpretation of the Gospel. They’ve been robbed of part of their inheritance in Christ; they’ve settled for man-made traditions and comfort. I say, let’s get back to the basics!

Who are my heroes in the faith?

By now you know I don’t make identity statements based on whose ministry I follow. However, like anybody else, I have my go-to preachers and apologists whom I believe possess an authoritative revelation of Scripture. If you must know, my short list includes the likes of David Wilkerson, Leonard Ravenhill, and A.W. Tozer (all deceased).

Also, I confess I'm not the star-struck type. In the presence of well-known and accomplished individuals, my heart doesn't skip a beat. Had I met the apostle Paul face-to-face, I don’t know that I would’ve considered him the “hero” many charismatic preachers make him out to be. The Pharisaical zealot turned radical Christian is often very direct and triggering with his statements. Yet, I’m convinced it is the Holy Spirit—God, who indwells humankind—expressing Himself through Paul’s epistles!

As far as heroes of the humankind go, I think we’re all capable of making profound statements in one moment…and uttering the dumbest thing anyone’s ever heard in the next breath. Furthermore, whenever someone commits daring acts that forever change the course of human history, I consider it basic on our part but extraordinary on the part of God. I strive to remain unimpressed and, thereby, avoid idolizing flawed creatures. A man or woman of depth, conviction, and wisdom may earn my respect and admiration, but Jesus is the only Man I will ever sincerely refer to as my Hero.

Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to those church doors is often romanticized as a heroic act when, in his day, it was considered an act of rebellion against the powers that be. I don’t know that Luther was so much a “man’s man” as he turned out to be a provocateur who caused violent debates, resulting in generations of people defying the status quo of a corrupt religion—Catholicism is still a corrupt religion today. Protestant revivals and the rediscovery of God's perfect, unmerited grace were the inevitable byproducts of Luther’s actions.

Luther’s existence and daring exploits were preconceived in the Lord’s mind. And, to my previous point, Luther was, at the same time, a deeply flawed man (even antisemitic in latter years). I’m glad God allowed him to come into the world and dramatically change the course of Christian history, but I don’t personally find any reason to “celebrate” him. Protestants should carry some form of gratitude for Luther’s boldness and accomplishments, but all the glory for the Reformation solely belongs to God (1 Cor. 3:7).

Leaving a legacy

Whatever legacy Christian scholars and theologians intended to leave behind, we can agree that much anti-biblical nonsense passes under their names today. This is true for Lutheranism, Calvinism, Protestantism, and, yes, Pentecostalism (a movement marked by tent revivals and televangelists who operated under a “peculiar anointing”). These men and movements are not inherently bad, but as time passed, the body of Christ devolved and divided itself into the same sword-fighting factions the apostle Paul warned against in the early Church (read 1 Cor. 1-3). And for that, every denomination and sect of Christianity is getting something wrong.

I encourage believers to get rid of human idols and stop using the names and ministries of flawed people to form their identity statements. It is better to imitate the the Berean Christians (Acts 17:11) and test the spirits of those who claim to speak on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Jn. 4:1-6). Discipline yourself in reading, fasting, and prayer, and have confidence that if you're born again of the Holy Spirit, you can receive revelation directly from Him (1 Cor. 2; 1 Jn. 2:27).

When you earnestly seek the Kingdom of God, He will set you free from the bondage of religious pride, rituals, and the approval of mankind. Only then will you be able to give an authentic response to the question:

So, what kind of Christian are you?

"From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is a genocidal war cry. The river is the Jordan, the sea is the Mediterranean and freedom is the death of every Jew in between. Jesus and the prophets of old said these days were coming, but I had no idea war would break out a month after my last entry. Allow me to reiterate: 

"In the midst of widespread antisemitism, I'm foremost compelled to affirm my allyship with Israel. I believe in the Jewish people's right to exist as a sovereign nation and, I pray, they will soon take full possession of the land God promised long ago." 

A biblical perspective

For those who lack biblical knowledge or spiritual understanding, the following discussion probably won't make sense...but keep reading anyway. What's happening today was prophesied thousands of years ago. Let's see how Scripture breaks it down:

• Gen. 12:1-9—God tells Abram to go to Canaan and promises to give the land to his descendants (Canaan is modern-day Israel, Gaza, parts of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and the West Bank which is Judea/Samaria)

• Gen. 16—Ishmael is born to an Egyptian slave named Hagar 

  • 16:12 says, "This son of yours will be a wild man, as tamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. He will live in open hostility against all his relatives." (Also, see Gen. 25:18)

• Gen. 21—Isaac is born; Ishmael is excommunicated, settles in Paran (eastern Jordan) and marries an Egyptian (enemies of the Jews)

• Gen. 25—Ishmael becomes the father of 12 sons (tribes); his descendants occupy Havilah (Sudan), Shur (Arabian Peninsula/Saudi Arabia) and Asshur (Assyria/Iraq)

Abram sired Ishmael before God sealed the covenant with circumcision and changed Abram's name to Abraham. Thus, he was not a Jew when Ishmael was born, and Ishmael is not of Jewish descent. Genesis 21 also says Ishmael was disinherited when Abraham sent him out of the land. Yet, Muslim tradition and the Quran (written 600 years after the New Testament) uphold Ishmael as the son of promise. Jews and Christians believe the Hebrew Bible account affirming Isaac as the promised son of the Abrahamic covenant (see Gen. 17:9-21). 

When God brought Abraham into the land, there was tension with certain tribes. However, he didn't have to go to war with the Canaanites to build an altar or set up a tent (Joshua and the Israelites would face that challenge 500 years later). Nevertheless, the Lord promised His chosen people more territory than they presently occupy. So, from the river to the sea, it's unmistakably clear who God ordained to govern the Middle East.

Hamas

It's worth noting that the Hebrew people have a long history of signing peace treaties and giving land rights to enemy nations. Here are just a few Old Testament examples: 

• Josh. 9: Joshua allowed Gibeonites to remain in the Promised Land—Israel's first (wicked) king was from this region (see. 1 Sam. 10:26, 11:4)

• Josh. 16: the tribe of Ephraim allowed Canaanites to remain in their territory—Ephraim eventually succumbs to genocide (see Isa. 7; Hos. 9:16-17; Rev. 7)

• 1 Sam. 15: King Saul spared King Agag—Haman, who tried to exterminate the Jews, was a descendent of Agag (see Est. 3)

• 2 Kgs. 20: King Hezekiah showed his wealth to the Babylonians who returned to raid, kill and enslave Israelites a few generations later

Furthermore, Palestine is derived from Philistine—the antisemitic nation that birthed a prize fighter giant who lost his head to a Jewish shepherd (see 1 Sam. 17). Modern archaeological interpretations indeed confirm Gaza was Philistine territory. Coincidence or prophetic? For generations, Jews have lived in proximity to numerous terrorist organizations like Hamas. These are the earthly front for ancient, bloodthirsty, land-grabbing, satanic principalities. The Hebrew word for violence is literally hamas. Look it up (e.g. Gen. 6:13).

In recent history, the Israeli government has only continued to bow to Islam.  It's just as foolish today as it was in the time of Joshua and the kings to dwell with those who want you and your descendants dead. Israel should not accommodate any displaced Palestinians but rather negotiate their refuge with Muslim nations in the region. If Israel wants to survive, they must stop appeasing that demon called Allah under the guise of "tolerance" and "democracy." These social and political ideas are found nowhere in Scripture (side note: America is NOT a democracy!). 

Israel's legacy of disobedience explains why Islamic extremists occupy Gaza and surrounding territories. This also alludes to a soon-coming Antichrist who will overthrow and destroy the Jews by first offering them peace (see Dan. 7-9; Rev. 13). By no means should we blame innocent children and families for the recent Hamas massacre, but we cannot ignore how serious and deadly sin is and how timeless the consequences can be.

Redemption for Ishmael

If it isn't obvious, I'll state it plainly: Arabs, Muslims, Palestinians, those who practice Islam are all descendants of Ishmael. They are disinherited, uncircumcised, unregenerate enemies of YHWH, Jews and Christians. Yet, Abraham fathered them and Christ died for them. Consider the case of Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of a Hamas co-founder. Yousef—who practiced Islam and fought in Hamas armed forces—defected to Israel and eventually the United States. He forfeited his allegiance to the Arab state, converted to Christianity and now advocates for Jewish and Islamic people.

Yousef's life is a testament to God's extension of mercy to the Ishmaelites; a sign that God still wants reconciliation if only they would denounce their false gods and put faith in Jesus Christ. Let me clarify that I believe mercy is for innocent children and the ignorant, sinful Muslims who voted terrorists into power. As for Hamas—those who behead and shoot infants, burn victims alive, slaughter families, savagely rape women until their pelvis breaks, use hostages as human shields—these can burn in the lake of fire. 

Although I morally support Israel's response, I discern corruption in their government. On the morning of October 7, why was the Gaza border unsecured? Why did the militia take eight to 24 hours to respond to the cries of its citizens? Why did sirens fail as bombs rained down? If the U.S. is going to fund this war and occupy Gaza, the American people deserve answers (we're still awaiting a serious investigation of 9/11 that justifies our 20-year occupation in Afghanistan).

Israel can blast demonized terrorists into oblivion—as they relentlessly and disproportionately should—but it will not negate Bible prophecy. For a time, the Hebrew people will persist in their denial of Jesus Christ as Messiah and continue to suffer tragic consequences. If He said desolations are decreed, then it is so (see Mk. 13). Believers everywhere must pray for Israel, Palestinians and all peoples who do not know the Lord. 

In the midst of widespread antisemitism, I'm foremost compelled to affirm my allyship with Israel. I believe in the Jewish people's right to exist as a sovereign nation and, I pray, they will soon take full possession of the land God promised long ago. After thousands of years of persecution, captivity and genocide, the surviving remnant of Israelites is nothing shy of a miracle. 

Having said this, I do not believe the Lord automatically grants anyone entrance into His eternal kingdom. Whether Jew or Gentile, all of humanity is subject to this declaration: "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." - Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:6)

DO JEWS AND CHRISTIANS WORSHIP THE SAME GOD?

In 2022, I attended an event where I met an Orthodox Rabbi as well as a descendant of Holocaust survivors. The rabbi departed before I could speak with him, but I managed to (politely) interrogate the young ancestor. I was most interested in his beliefs concerning salvation and the forgiveness of sins. While I assumed the Jewish faith still consisted of following Old Testament laws and practices of circumcision and purification, it remained a mystery how 21st-century Jews viewed atonement. 

I knew animal sacrifices ended after the destruction of Herod's Temple in AD70. I also understood that Jews don't consider the New Testament God's inspired word and their knowledge of Christ is severely limited. The gentleman proceeded to explain how his people recited prayers of repentance and devoted themselves to good works. He assured me he didn't believe salvation came by faith in Christ but by daily performing enough righteous deeds to outweigh the sinful ones. What an anticlimactic moment when I realized "being a good person" formed the basis of modern Judaism.

Prior to this encounter, I thought being Jewish strictly meant observing Passover, keeping the Sabbath (Saturday, not Sunday), reading the Torah (the first five books in the Hebrew Bible) and awaiting the Messiah. Upon further investigation, I found three primary branches, or denominations, of Judaism that contain a broad range of worldviews, including agnosticism and atheism. Most religious practices today are highly incompatible with the Old Testament. Many Jews do not worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but engage in a mixture of Eastern ceremonies, spiritualism and idolatry.  

ABRAHAMIC FAITH

The Lampstand in the Tabernacle (Ex. 25; Lev. 24:1-4)
also represents Churches in His courts (Rev. 1:20; Zech. 4:2).

Ethnicity and religion are not synonymous. It's entirely possible to descend from Jewish lineage and not practice Judaism, and vice versa. It's also possible to observe certain customs ("cultural Judaism") while having no affiliation with Israel. Neither of these are the means by which we possess God's kingdom. The Bible proves Abraham's relationship with God - which predates Mosaic Law by 430 years - was founded on faith, not works. Abraham wasn't a circumcised Jew when he first encountered God in Genesis 12. Yet, Genesis 15:6 says, "Abraham believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith" (emphasis mine).

God called Abram (and later changed his name) for reasons theologians and scholars have yet to fully grasp. Abraham responded by leaving his homeland and entrusting the Lord with his future. He didn't attempt to earn his place in God's divine plan but simply believed He would keep His promise. In the book of Hebrews, we find out Abraham even went so far as to believe in resurrection power though he never witnessed God raise the dead (Heb. 11:8-10, 17-19)!! Had he laid eyes on Jesus Christ, Abraham would've recognized Him as the Messiah. The Lord says so in John 8:56.

I use "Abrahamic faith" to describe how Christians ought to esteem God above church traditions and seminary training. As it stands, Western believers have substituted prayer and Bible reading with useless religious activities; we've perverted grace to mean God no longer punishes sin. We settle for inviting lost souls into buildings and letting them leave in the same spiritual condition. Abraham - the father of all believers (Rom. 4:16-17) - discerned the voice of the Lord, built an altar, offered sacrifices and interceded for an entire city without a worship team, sermon series or theological degree. 

The people of God need to get back to the basics. Whether Jew or Gentile, we are called to have Abrahamic faith, to seek the Lord and follow His ways. 

PERSECUTED TOGETHER

The rise of anti-Christian sentiment among some Jews is reaching new heights. According to the Jerusalem Post, "So far in 2023, there have been dozens of attacks by extremist Jews on Christians or Christian sites, ranging from merely unpleasant to vandalism and assault." Quoting an Israeli scholar of Christianity, the Post continued, "This is a new phenomenon that stems from a denial of information or wrong information about Christians. Proper education about Christianity should be taught in Israeli schools rather than contempt or holding all Christians today accountable for what happened in the Holocaust."

Another source said, "Competition for converts and other factors led to an intensification of Jewish-Christian conflict towards the end of the first century..." This is evidenced in Acts 17 and other New Testament passages. The source also claims, "In several places John's gospel associates 'the Jews' with darkness and with the devil...a characterization which found its way into medieval popular religion..." Truly, Jews and Christians are at enmity because they (willfully) misunderstand and grossly misinterpret God's purposes for their existence. Israel and the Church are not interchangeable or replaceable. God's promises and work among us are distinct, yet we are one in His Son when we believe (Eph. 2:12-18).

I take passages like Romans 2:28-29 and chapter 11 to mean all who exercise Abrahamic faith are seen from God's perspective as having received a divine Jewish inheritance. Likewise, the body of Christ includes Jews born again of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Christianity is rooted in Old Testament Jewish faith. Pentecost was established long before the birth of the Church - which was founded by Jewish apostles! Thus, we ought to stand in unity especially since it's predicted we will suffer immense persecution together (see Revelation). 

Soon, the destiny of Jews and Christians will converge in a full display of God's glory when Christ is revealed to the world. 

SOUND OF FREEDOM

Go see this movie. You won't regret it and you won't forget it. The film is based on the true story of a man named Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.). Ballard left his cushy Department of Homeland Security (DHS) job to pursue the world's most notorious perpetrators. 

I recently listened to a podcast where he described watching child rape videos in order to accurately testify in federal court. Truly, this man locked eyes with the devil and all of hell multiple times in his career. Not to mention, the success of Ballard's operations sometimes required him to play the role of a "buyer." His experiences are corroborated by the testimony of U.S. Health and Human Services whistleblower, Tara Rodas (more from her later). 

One of the saddest details of Ballard's story is the legal and financial restrictions he faced in the field. On foreign soil, Ballard was often limited to the resources of local law enforcement and, in some cases, forced to leave victims behind. Constitutional jurisdictions also prohibited Ballard from arresting and charging traffickers who weren't American citizens. Although Ballard and his team claim to have helped more than 6,000 enslaved youths, he estimates more than eight million children are being trafficked worldwide. Of those, two million are traded for sex multiple times a day. 

RELENTLESS CRITICS

I've witnessed increased amounts of persecution directed at the movie, Ballard, and lead actor Jim Caviezel (who plays Ballard in the film). Questions and accusations are flying off about Ballard's recent departure from O.U.R. and the Clinton affiliate that funded the 2018 production. When I stop and consider these matters, I'm honestly left with one question: Who cares!? Children are being tortured for the amusement and pleasure of adults - IN THE UNITED STATES!! My nation is the number one consumer of child rape material and pornography. I'm wholly incapable of seeing past this tragedy at the present moment. 

Since Ballard chose to tell his story through dramatic art (as opposed to a documentary or releasing raw footage of child rape crimes), there's a necessary cinematic appeal in the full-length film. I'm not at all offended that certain parts of the movie were exaggerated. And I'm certainly glad child rape wasn't portrayed exactly the way it happens in real life. Thankfully, the producers and actors spared grotesque sound effects and imagery that still play on the imagination of any viewer.

Click the image to hear Ballad's testimony before Congress.

The most common fake news narrative brands Sound of Freedom a "QAnon conspiracy" that insights child trafficking "alarmism." I don't doubt some major media outlets are on the side of predators, especially since many of them work for the elites who practice these atrocities. Sadly, the child rape business is much easier to believe as Jeffrey Epstein's legacy lives on, as the high fashion industry photographs toddlers in BDSM, and Magic Kingdom employees are charged with sex trafficking. When evil brags openly about coming for our children, we should believe it.  

AWAKENING & RECKONING

If you know me, then you know I'm constantly encountering and confronting corruption in America's public education system. Even if kids never enter the sex trade, there are powers working to normalize perversion and immorality. School districts are enforcing dangerous bathroom policies, hiding gender transitioning from parents, and adopting highly sexualized curriculums. In 2017, it was estimated that "10% of K-12 students will experience sexual misconduct [from] a school employee by the time they graduate high school." I'm sure that estimate is higher now.

Another link is the crisis that's happening on America's southern border. If anyone believes illegal immigration leads to a better life, they are willfully and hopelessly ignorant. Rodas testified before Congress that since Biden took office, 85,000 migrant children have disappeared in the interior of the United States. No doubt most are now enslaved. Everyone crossing the border illegally owes a tremendous debt to their handlers, and bodies can be sold multiple times.

Rodas told this reporter the story of an 8-year-old boy who was trafficked all the way to the United States. By the time he arrived, he was a wearing diaper because he could no longer control his bowels. Can you imagine!? His life (and millions more like him) is ruined! There will be hell to pay and I pray the wrath of God is soon poured out on the wicked. Don't expect me to care about who funded the film or whether Ballard's story was perfectly accurate. Jesus said it would be better to have a millstone (thousands of pounds) tied around one's neck and drowned in the depths of the ocean than to corrupt a child (Luke. 17:2). 

Our mission should be to find the exact amount of millstones to annihilate this evil.