For a nation that has adopted a mantra of tolerance, someone seems to have missed the memo. In the 9/11 commemorative services at Washington National Cathedral, representatives from several religions will be leading—including a Buddhist nun, an Imam, a rabbi, and a Hindu priest—but no Protestant or evangelical Christian. President Obama will be attending and delivering his remarks on Sunday evening. (Click here to read the article from Fox news.)

This is yet another reminder that our culture is becoming less tolerant of Christianity. Instead of “one nation under God,” we have become a nation under “the gods”—something like ancient Rome.

Although a large percentage of our country still identifies themselves as evangelical Christians, this program designed to promote diversity fails to even acknowledge evangelicals.

Our nation was founded on biblical principles, and our government was carefully crafted to give liberty of religion to all. But many today are using that liberty to silence biblical Christianity. (more…)

I’ve never been more thankful to be an American. I’m thankful for the men who pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” to sign the Declaration of Independence and then gave of themselves in unspeakable sacrifice to birth this great nation.

These men understood that patriotism meant so much more than grabbing the family rifle and charging the red coats. It involved giving whatever was necessary to uphold the God-given values of freedom and equality which they had come to embrace. For many, patriotism meant giving their lives, their families, and their fortunes. They purchased freedom at a heavy personal expense.

I’m thankful for the heritage of these patriots, statesmen, and soldiers who embraced and upheld freedom—even at the expense of themselves.

I’m thankful for men and women around the world today (some from our church family) who are sacrificing for continued freedom. (more…)

Many of us were grieved to see the shift in American policy as our president expressed this week his diplomatic views that Israel should return back to the borders of 1967. The Abrahamic Covenant of Genesis 12:3 makes it clear that God has an unconditional and eternal covenant with Israel and that His blessing on our nation is dependent on our blessing on Israel: “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

In a moment when America definitely needs the blessing of God, we do not need to take a further step away from the clear teaching of His Word by removing our support from Israel.

In my book, Understanding the Times, an entire chapter is devoted to Israel’s significance in current events as well as her prophetic significance. Below are excerpts from this book: (more…)

I would normally never suggest that a preacher should quit. In fact, I’ve spent many years encouraging preachers. Through fellowship and friendship, books, conferences, and especially our Bible college, I’ve often tried to encourage preachers to be faithful in their service to the Lord—even during times of discouragement. We have a vital message to share, and we must continue to proclaim the Gospel.

Yet, one of the biggest challenges we face in witnessing is the proliferation of false teachers in these last days. It seems that every day, there are preachers who take truth to lower depths as they change God’s message to fit their agendas. These false teachers do great damage to the name of Christ, and their mishandling of God’s Word greatly confuses and disillusions the lost.

The presence of false teachers is why we must learn to exercise discerning love. Paul explained to the church at Philippi how he was praying for them: “that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9–10). Paul wanted these Christians to abound in love, but he emphasized that theirs should be a discerning love. (more…)

Thoughts for Independent Baptists

Over the past several years, there has been an increase of internet dialog and major network reporting on various types of scandals and abuse in religion. A recent television program carried a story on such occurrences in some independent Baptist churches.

Although I disagree with the media’s approach at casting aspersion on thousands of pastors and about two and a half million good Christians (stats according to Church Still Works, pp. 14, 15) because of the sin of a few, there can be a good result to this criticism—if we respond properly.

The Bible says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). Although I have given much of my life to strengthening pastors and churches within the independent Baptist ranks, I have, along with many others, been burdened for the testimony of our biblical heritage because of the actions and attitudes of some. (more…)