Tolerance or Tyranny

Tolerance is a word we hear a lot in today‘s society. According to Webster, it is a sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with, one's own. In other words, people agreeably disagreeing. I might sympathize with your belief on say - life in prison vs. capital punishment - but at the same time, not agree with it.

Tyranny, on the other hand, is oppressive/absolute authority imposed by some on others who are differing with the established beliefs. So, if a government or institution takes a stand on a belief and imposes that stand on it’s people, without the ability to reject said belief, it is tyranny.

However, in today’s society, these two terms are mixed up. Today tolerance means, acceptance. The acceptance of someone else’s belief - say - sexuality or gender identify. To the point where, rejection of said belief is not an option because some institution says you must accept their view. That sounds like tyranny in my dictionary.

As a Christian public high school teacher, I recently had to sit through a workshop on gender identity and was instructed at this workshop to (among other things) “celebrate” with any student who “came out to me” because of their trust in confiding with me.

As a Christian who believes that; “God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27), I can listen, be a confidante and even offer another point of view to a confused high school student - but certainly not celebrate this unbiblical view.

Therefore, when you cast your vote next Tuesday, please think about your views as a Christian and about which candidate represents what you believe in. This election is Not about race, nor religion, nor a political party, nor special interests - but about future control. Think about, who voted God out of their party platform, think about abortion, the support of Israel, the support of gay marriage, the agendas in public education - these are the issues we as Christians are voting for or against next Tuesday.

The Truth
Someone will win this election, the question is - what will he bring with him? Prayerfully seek your choice and above all, may God continue to bless America.

Truly This Was The Son Of God

Have you ever had a revelation? Something that became crystal clear to you in a moment. Peter had one of those moments when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the son of man, am?” (Matthew 16:13) Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16) Likewise, a Roman Centurion standing guard at the cross witnessing the slow and agonizing death of Jesus had the same revelation. Upon seeing the events which took place immediately after Jesus breathed His last, (the veil of the temple being torn from top to bottom; the earth shaking and rocks splitting; tombs opening) he became filled with fear and stated, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:50-54)

Yet Jesus was crucified because of the accusations by the very people who should have recognized Him as the Son of God more than anyone else; the Pharisees (Mark 3:6), Scribes and even the Chief Priests (Mark 11:18) of Jerusalem. They were the historians, the educated, the very voice of the scriptures to the people. Instead, they handed Jesus over to Pilate to be put to death. What was their case that warranted death by crucifixion? Pontius Pilate wondered the same thing. The Bible tells us that Pilate knew the chief priests handed Him over because of “envy“ (Mark 15:10) and that he found no fault in Him. (Luke 23:14)

Because Jesus forgave people of their sins and made statements like, “If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father” (John 14:9) - they (chief priests) saw this as blasphemy for only God alone can forgive people for their sins. Therefore, these acts put Jesus on the same level as God. However, if you are the Son of God, where is the blasphemy? Even one of the two criminals crucified with Jesus recognized His ability to forgive him of his sins stating, “Lord remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)

So, the question to us remains the same as it was to His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) A good man? A teacher? A prophet? Or like Peter, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

The Truth
“After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus) and behold , a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 and 2 Peter 1:17)

Heavenly Treasure

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” (2 Cor. 5:10)

The Christian will some day appear (made manifest) before the “Judgment Seat of Christ.” This is where our lives will be laid open before the tribunal of Christ, to examine our service for Him. Not only the amount of service, but the quality and even the very motives that prompted it, will be brought into review. Here our heavenly rewards will be directly proportionate to our faithfulness to Him.

As a believer, one should always remember that faith is linked with salvation, and works are linked to reward. We (believers) are saved by grace through faith, not of works; (Eph.2:8-9) but - once saved, we must put our faith into action through good works- “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” (James 2:26)

Therefore, let us all exam our heats to test the motives of our service whether they be to please man or please God. For if it is to please man, then the Bible says, “you have your reward on earth” - but if the motive is to please God, “then your reward is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1-4)

The Truth
“For the son of Man will come in the glory of His Father and with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)