Dear Roger, I’ve been reading the New Testament and it surprises me how often Jesus referred to money.  For example, in Luke 21:1-4, “He commended the widow who did not have much, but from what she did have, she gave it all to the Lord.”  He criticized the Pharisees for giving the tithe while they were rejecting the more important parts of sacrifice (Matthew 23:23).  Of course, in the parable of the talents, Jesus declared that those who invest well will receive more and those who don’t invest well will lose it all (Matthew 25:14-30).  So, I was taken a little aback when I came to 1 Timothy 6 and read how harshly the apostle Paul dealt with Christians who are not managing their money well! Can you please draw for us some lessons from Paul’s teaching? How am I supposed to handle money? Sincerely, Mark Dear Mark, I think that the best way to answer your question is by moving through 1 Timothy 6 verse by verse, gleaning Paul’s meaning. You’ll notice that each statement is a critical key to how God intended for us to handle money wisely and well. FIRST , “Godliness with Contentment Is Great Gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). This is perhaps the most succinct statement of the Biblical philosophy of money in all of the Bible. Don’t miss it. Money can never—will never—be as valuable as godliness, nor worth as much as contentment. Paul is beginning to put money in its proper place in relation to the rest of life. SECOND , “For We Brought Nothing into the World, and We Can Take Nothing out of It. But If We Have Food and Clothing, We Will Be Content With that“ (1 Timothy 6 7-8). Food and clothing refer to the bare essentials of life.  Notice that Paul says nothing about having shelter—a house. His omission isn’t saying that God doesn’t want us to have a house. Many verses throughout Scripture teach about shelter and our home. Paul is saying that the basic essentials are enough. Again, he’s helping us understand where the money falls in biblical priority. THIRD , “People Who Want to Get Rich Fall into Temptation and a Trap and into Many Foolish and Harmful Desires that Plunge Men into Ruin and Destruction“ (1 Timothy 6:9). That is quite a strong verse, isn’t it? In other words, those who set a goal in life of accumulating wealth fall into a trap that will ruin their lives. Paul is clearly pointing out that money can’t be our singular or even first pursuit. When that priority gets out of whack, everything else falls apart. FOURTH , The Love of Money Is a Root of All Kinds of Evil (1 Timothy 6:10a). Read that again for me. The love of money is A root of all kinds of evil, not THE root of ALL evil. Many of us have memorized these words incorrectly! Now read it one more time. The LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evil, not MONEY is the root of all kinds of evil. When we read Paul’s words carefully and accurately, it’s clear that there is nothing inherently wrong with having money or being rich. The issues come with our attitudes and the desires of our hearts! Now, Paul gets very personal with Christians. FIFTH , “Some People, Eager for Money, have Wandered from the Faith” (1 Timothy 6:10b). “The faith” Paul describes here is the Christian faith. He’s referring to doctrinal truth as contained in the Bible. The phrase “eager for money”, is a Greek word that means to stretch oneself out in other to touch or grasp something. It describes the Christian who is reaching out after material wealth. “Eagerness for money” will cause Christians to wander away from Christianity. Let’s look at that phrase again. It can also be translated as “materialism.” Here are some symptoms of what materialism can look like: Overspending Compulsive Buying Holding on to more wealth than we need (Hoarding) Failing to give God the top portion of our income Borrowing money for depreciating items Cheating on our income tax Using a credit card and not paying off or being able to pay off the balance completely at the end of the month Getting nervous or upset when the pastor preaches on money Take a moment to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any of these symptoms in your life. We all have some! But it’s absolutely critical to realize how damaging they can be to our spiritual lives. Again, materialism will cause you to wander away from your faith. SIXTH , Grasping after Wealth Sets into Motion a Reverse Spiritual Growth Process. If the Trend Continues, Our Sin Natures Can Produce any Brand of Sin—and Trap—Imaginable (see 1 Timothy 6:10c). Oh, so you think that I am overstating the case! Look at the last phrase in verse 10. “Some people, eager for money … pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:10c). "Pierced themselves" is an interesting phrase. Translated from the original Greek, it literally means “to put on a spit.” You know what a spit is. You put a raw piece of meat on a spit and roast it over an open fire. I want you to get the picture. Instead of putting a piece of chicken or beef on a spit, suppose you put a live human being on the spit and turn him over and over again and roast him on an open fire. The materials used to start the fire are the things after which he or she was grasping. I know some people who are being tortured emotionally, mentally, financially, and physically … and if you trace it all back, it may very well lead to an unbiblical philosophy of money. Do you think that those are strong words? I haven't been able to find any stronger words in the Bible addressed to Christians than these right here. Paul is telling us that the Christian who is guilty of this sin will end up with a ruined and defeated life. SEVENTH , God’s Plan for Finances Is that We Have a Surplus so We Can Give Some Away Every Month. In 1 Timothy 6:18, Paul continues, “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” The reason so many of us say we can't afford to care for the poor, give to God, or invest in the kingdom, is because we have already spent it all on ourselves! We haven’t put ourselves in a position to be able to share—and that is a tragedy. We are wasting the opportunity to share and show God’s love through generosity. EIGHTH , Materialism Can Lead Us to the Place Where We Actually Sell Our Souls for Worthless Things. It has been said that every person has his or her price—that is especially true if you are a materialist. I hope that is not true for you. I hope you are priceless. There was once a fancy banquet in a high-class New York hotel. A famous author sat next to a very beautiful and gracious woman. He was awestruck by her beauty. As they sat through the meal and talked, he finally asked her if she would spend the night with him for $100,000. She blushed, looked down, and finally said, “Yes.” He said, “Would you do it for ten dollars?” She protested, “What do you think I am?” He replied, “We've already established that; now we're working on the price.” Do you get the message? It isn't the price that's the issue. It's what you are in your heart. It’s what you love, what you pursue, what you prioritize. Some of us have sold out our spiritual hearts and eternal future for things we cannot hold on to. NINTH , Unless We Are Involved in a Continuous Deprogramming and Reprogramming Process, We Will Drift Automatically into the Sin of Materialism. We turn on the TV or radio at any time of the day or night … We get into a conversation with just about anybody at school or work … We pick up any newspaper or go to any movie—and we are being programmed to think like materialists. We are being programmed to seek a higher standard of living than we now have … to borrow money for depreciating items … to spend now and save nothing … to buy things that we do not need. And it is happening automatically. We don't have to do a thing. It is all around us. The priests of materialism are everywhere—indoctrinating us with the idea that true joy, life, and happiness can always be found if we just have enough money to spend! So, Americans all across our land are chasing after and bowing down to the god of money and material things. Victory occurs when our rotten, materialistic, human viewpoint is flushed out and replaced by the divine eternal truth of the Word of God: But, you man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. … Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves… as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:11, 17-19) TENTH , the Only Inflation-Proof Investment in the Universe Is the Investment in the Lord’s Work. People are always looking for good investments. People are asking, “Where should I invest my money to beat inflation? Should I buy stocks … gold … silver … bonds … real estate?” Those are difficult questions to answer because there are times when gold is a great investment… times when it is a bad investment… real estate goes up… then down. But I want you to know that investment in the things of God is the only one that will last! Study and meditate on Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” If you’ll permit me to put that in 21st-century language, King Solomon—the wisest man ever—is saying that the first part of every dollar of income is to be used to honor the Lord. Gifts made to the church, to ministries who help the needy, heal the sick, and share the gospel, to friends and family who need care … these are the investments that will last forever! Do you see the inflation hedge in that verse? You can’t beat this kind of investment. And it all begins at the point of commitment when we decide to serve God instead of money, to place money in the right part of our priorities. To let go of materialism and invest in God’s Kingdom work. Jesus said that it is impossible to serve two masters. You must make a choice. God or money. Who will it be? Dear Mark, I hope that you’ll find this helpful as you use your money wisely for the kingdom. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, Please help me understand God’s purpose for my life. It seems that all of us at one time or another ask the question, “Why am I here?” When I stand before Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ, I want to be sure that I understood clearly what He wanted me to do and carry out His calling. Tell me, what is God’s purpose for my life? Thank you! Jackie Dear Jackie, God’s purpose for our existence is the same for everyone. He wants to put Christ on display in our lives for entire the world to see. And God fulfills His purpose by molding us into the image of Christ. So, let’s search the Scriptures together, looking at seven different ways that we can know and fulfill God’s purpose for us. 1. Be certain that you understand the “good” of Romans 8:28-29. In this letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul was teaching the church how to live the Christian life in a very secular culture. He explained that we will experience difficult painful things. We will suffer. But even then, we can be assured that: All things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For Those that he foreknew, he predestined to be conformed to the image of his son. How often we hear these verses claimed by Christians in times of trial and tragedy! The trouble is that too many misunderstand what God means by “ good .” Aunt Suzie is in the hospital dying of cancer. A Christian friend arrives to encourage her, saying, “Don’t worry; you are a Christian, and the Bible says that all things work together for good to those who love God. And you do love God. So, don’t worry, God keeps his promises. You’re going to be fine.” Shortly thereafter, Aunt Suzie dies. Tommy is in a horrible car wreck, and his parents are in agonizing pain as their son lingers between life and death. Some well-meaning friends come to comfort, saying, “Don’t worry. God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love God. And you love God, don’t you? Everything will certainly work out well. Tommy is going to be all right.” Three years later Tommy is still in a coma. “Good” is NOT a blanket promise that every situation in life will work out well for those who love God. “Good” is God’s promise that He will use every circumstance, good or bad , for the purpose of molding us to look like Christ. 2. Understand that the image of God is now visible all around the world. God created Adam in His own image (see Genesis 1:26).  If we want to know what God is like, all we need to do is look at Adam before the Fall. Unfortunately, Adam sinned. That means the pure, real image of God was no longer available to be seen in the world. Man is now made in his own image. But then, baby Jesus entered the world in the manger. Once again, the image of God was on display. In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by side his son, . . . The Son is the exact representation of his being. (Hebrews 1:3) To see God’s image, study Jesus during his three-year ministry: Philip said to Jesus; “Just show us the Father and we will be satisfied.”Jesus said, “Oh, Philip, have I been so long with you and you still don't understand. He that has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:8-9) In the upper room, Jesus said something that caused great consternation among the disciples. He proclaimed, “It is good for you that I go away.” They couldn’t imagine anything worse! But when He was limited by His earthly body, Jesus could only physically be in one place at one time. When He was healing people in Galilee, He couldn’t be talking to the Pharisees in Jerusalem. But, when filled with the Holy Spirit, His followers could be in multiple places … they began to fulfill God’s purpose all over the world. So, on the day of Pentecost, 120 followers of Jesus were together in one place. Suddenly, “a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from Heaven . . . . All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:1-4). If we want to know what God looks like, we can see the image of God in a Christian who is filled with the Holy Spirit. In other words, the image of God is the life of Jesus lived through the lives of His followers. 3. Pray to become a spiritual mother or father at any price (1 John 2:12-14). The greatest tragedy in the Christian church is the spiritual child who refuses to grow up. Our first-born child was full-term and weighed just three pounds at birth. Severe genetic issues were incompatible with life. She couldn’t grow up. She died when she reached 5 pounds. We were heartbroken. I imagine this is how God feels when one of His newborn spiritual children doesn’t grow up … when we never show His image when He never has the opportunity to mold us into the image of Christ. Find hope and challenge in this; asking to become a spiritual mother or father at any price is one prayer that God guarantees He will answer. It will cost you everything. And in the process, you will discover and fulfill His ultimate purpose for you. 4. Seek to emulate the personality of Jesus Christ. Only once in all of Scripture does Jesus give us insight into His character. He told the disciples, “I am gentle and humble in heart” ( Matthew 11:29 ). What a goal! This reminds me of David’s prayer in Psalm 131 (paraphrased): My heart is not proud, Lord, and my eyes are not haughty. I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul like a child quieted at his mother’s breast, like a child that is quieted is my soul. It IS possible to cultivate gentleness and humility. 5. Deeply ingrain fellowship, prayer, and Bible study into everyday living. I regard these three pursuits as the fundamental basics of the Christian life. Used generously, these three divine activities are the primary tools that God uses to mature us into the image of Christ. Don’t miss this; we can only develop into the image of Christ in the context of other Christians. We experience intimacy with God through prayer. We absorb the teachings of Jesus with our Bibles. 6. Beware of distractions that stymie God’s plans to make us into Jesus’ image. Pay careful attention to this declaration from the apostle John; “ For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:16). Many Christians are distracted by a lazy materialistic love for the world! Others simply move on to other things. Many try briefly and see little change. They consciously or unconsciously decide that it really doesn’t matter whether they grow up spiritually or not. Following Jesus is far down their list of priorities. And in that, they refuse to seek, know and fulfill God’s purpose. How sad they will be at the Judgment Seat of Christ! 7. Walk in the spirit and not in the flesh. Paul’s command, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18), isn’t the simple “no alcohol rule” many have preached. In essence, Paul is calling us to be sensitive to spiritual things while carefully avoiding anything that would distract us from following Christ. Cultivate a strong, consistent focus on the things of the Spirit. Jackie, I would take the time to consider each of these keys. How can you implement them? Where are you struggling? What is keeping you from following Jesus with your whole heart and life? Then consider this; How much do you look like Jesus? Or what do people think of when they think of you? I keep that question in front of my mind all the time. I don’t want people to look at me and think, “What a good man!” “He preached great sermons and wrote great articles.” “He loved people.” All of those things are wonderful! But they don’t fulfill the ultimate purpose God has for my life. I want people to look at my life and say, “Ah, Jesus, what a wonderful Savior!” Don’t you? Love, Roger

Dear Lots of Readers, I’ve received many requests this week to share my thoughts on the current turmoil abroad. So, I will share a small part of my own opinions of the current political and strategic analysis and then lay out the five Biblical guidelines for a Just War. With these guidelines in hand I think you can better draw your opinions about how the President and Congress can attempt to develop a workable and godly foreign policy—or not. Remember, these are my thoughts. Pray and determine yours. Love, Roger Wicked, arrogant, selfish power-hungry, evil, mentally ill men are loose in the world. Psychopaths and/or sociopaths are on the loose in places of leadership in many nations. Vicious attackers roam in Ukraine, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ukraine, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, France, England, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Tunisia. Vladimir Putin attacked Ukraine unprovoked, bombing civilians including a children's and maternity hospital. Terrorists attacked the Trade Center on 9-11 and killed thousands. Hitler’s Holocaust murdered over six million of Jews, Homosexuals and Gypsies. Saddam Hussein set out to destroy an entire race when he used poison gas against the Kurds in northern Iraq. Joseph Stalin murdered, shot and tortured to death an estimated 40,000,000 Russians during and after World War Two. He was psychotic and paranoid, with a borderline personality disorder. The Khmer Rouge utilized genocide in Cambodia to wipe out over one-half of a nation’s innocent citizens. It makes my heart hurt to imagine the pain and suffering so many have experienced ... and until Jesus returns and we see a new heaven and a new earth, suffering will continue on a global scale. But don't mis this. American is not exempt from inflicting mayhem. American settlers decimated the Cherokee Indians in Kentucky in 1790. What we did to the Sioux Indians at Wounded Knee was unquestionably immoral and wicked. We slaughtered Philippine freedom fighters as we invaded the Philippines in the 1920s and 30s for political conquest. We continue to face terrorism on the home front. Russia and ISIL has crossed the line, attacking innocent civilians, and we do little to defend the defenseless. More significantly, our Christians pray little and cower in fear. Our leaders stand aside, mired in political posturing. How embarrassing for America. I have not even begun to scratch the surface of the racial tensions and problems facing us at home and abroad. Teddy Roosevelt's foreign policy was characterized by his slogan: " Speak softly and carry a big stick ". He used it to complete the Panama Canal ; send the Great White Fleet on a world tour to demonstrate American power; and negotiated an end to the Russo-Japanese War , for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize . Today we are doing the opposite. We are speaking loudly and carrying a little stick. So let's take a moment to look at the guidelines for war God provided in His Word. They are CLEAR. They are RELEVANT. And they are COMMANDS. FIRST, GOD'S PROMISED VICTORY IS NOT POSSIBLE UNLESS WE RETURN TO HIM. 2 Chronicles 7:14 clearly states: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." Jesus said there will be "wars and rumors of wars" until His return. Over the years, we have utilized one of three basic options to guide us in war. Our First Option was to Kill, Massacre And Plunder The Enemy And All Non-Christians. This retaliatory burning of a mosque in Coachella, California occurred recently. While there were many Crusades, the most famous were the religious conflicts in the High Middle Ages which were conducted by Catholic Europe against Muslims , pagans , and heretics . The specific intention was to retake Jerusalem from the Muslims. Seventy thousand civilians were butchered in the sack of Jerusalem. Pacifism Was Our Second Option. Leave the enemy alone, and hope that love and a non-violent attitude will induce them to stop their wicked ways. I was in San Francisco when the first Gulf War commenced. Peace demonstrations sprang up immediately. Bridges were blocked, fires were set. Anti-American posters were everywhere. “We won’t send our children to die for no reason,” one proclaimed. I wondered if anyone cared about the thousand of Kuwaiti children who had been murdered? And about the threatening growls of Saddam Hussein to murder and kill every Jew in Israel? Saddam had no intention of stopping, no matter how much some wished and prayed that he would come to his senses and stop. Millions died. Finally, The "Just War" Is Designed To Stop And/Or Neutralize Those Who Cause Trouble. St. Augustine codified these in the late fourth century, bringing together all of the biblical principles regarding war and the accounts of wars fought throughout Scripture.  They have been useful guidelines for a just and warranted war ever since. I Believe That The Just War Is The Only Response That Makes Sense. But before we move through the essential aspects of a just war, these two principles are important. First, God’s Ideal Is A World At Peace Exodus 20:13: "Thou shall not kill." God is fundamentally committed to peace, not war, as is reflected in his rejection of David as a builder of the temple because David was "a man of war" (1 Chronicles 28:2-3). Second, God Declared That Some Circumstances Warrant The Use Of Force. Exodus 22:2 states that if a man finds a thief in his house at night, killing the thief on the spot is an acceptable means of protecting one's home and property. FIVE ESSENTIAL ASPECTS OF A BIBLICAL JUST WAR THE PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO DEFEND THOSE UNDER ATTACK. Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done? (Proverbs 24:11-12). I am walking down the street. I see a great big, burly man who is beating a helpless little girl to death. I come up and I plead with him to stop. If he won't stop, what does love mean? Love means I stop him in any way I can. There are times when Christian love means using whatever means necessary to rescue and protect helpless people who are gripped in the power of those who oppress and destroy. According to this principle, America must do all it can to rescue the tortured, oppressed and enslaved. 2. VENGEANCE IS TEMPERED BY JUSTICE. Romans 12:19: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Two key words have been used regarding the limitation of violence. One is "proportionate." That is, the degree of injury inflicted must be less than that incurred. It is not just or right to nuke a country over an assassination. The other word is "discriminate." Police action is essentially discriminate, namely the arresting, bringing to trial, and punishment of specific criminals—not innocent civilians and/or political opposition. Similarly, a war could not be in any sense "just" unless directed only against enemy combatants, leaving civilians immune. It is right for our leaders to actively defend those who are beheaded, burned, conscripted into slavery and brutally tortured. It is also right to target only the perpetrators of carnage. Nevertheless, some collateral damage will often occur. 3. There must be a reasonable prospect of VICTORY—OF ACHIEVING the ends for which the war is fought. Jesus said, “Suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?  If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace“ (Luke 14:31-32). Can we win just wars? God asks us to turn to Him first. We have lost our way. In the Old Testament, only repentance insured victory. This in no way means that we withdraw from the battle; it just means that we must be judicious in how we choose our battles and how we marshal our resources. On April 19, 1952, General Douglas MacArthur stood before a joint session of Congress to deliver his famous farewell address. "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." His speech, however, is much more than a farewell. It includes the following thoughts on war and peace. "It has been said in effect that I was a warmonger. Nothing could be further from the truth. I know war as few other men now living know it, and nothing to me is more revolting. “I have long advocated its complete abolition as its very destructiveness on both friend and foe has rendered it useless as a means of settling international disputes. "But once war is forced upon us, there is no other alternative than to apply every available means to bring it to a swift end. War's very object is victory, not prolonged indecision. In war there is no substitute for victory." 4. THE MOTIVES MUST BE PURE. What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on yourselves (James 4:1-3). One of America’s motives after World War Two was to take as much oil from the Middle East as we could before they “woke up” and stopped us. For years we pumped out their oil for pennies and got rich while no one in the oil-rich countries got anything. Like it or not our motives toward the Middle East were impure. We are reaping today the whirlwind of our past Middle East foreign policies. There is no doubt that the first and second Gulf Wars were undertaken to keep Saddam from killing more of his people. We had humanitarian reasons for the wars we fought there. However, don’t forget, we ignored Saddam’s totalitarian massacres until the day he invaded Kuwait and took over all the rich oil deposits there. We raced to retake those valuable oil deposits while making the liberation of Kuwait and the destruction of Saddam our stated reason for being there. 5. THE POST-WAR ATTITUDE IS ONE OF MERCY. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). America really is a great country. It has been a refuge of freedom and security for millions. It gives hope to the world. America’s finest hour may well be rebuilding Japan and Germany after World War Two. When earthquakes devastated Haiti, the relief dollars came pouring in from concerned and compassionate citizens. Unfortunately, it seems to me that the American national anthem has devolved into, "Give me, Give me, Give me." We want everything given to us. And we expect it. "It is my right . . ." we cry, “And if I don't get my rights, I will sue you to get them." Somewhere along the line we’ve forgotten that with rights come responsibilities . Somewhere along the line we forgot that no one ever had anything unless it cost someone something. Our United States is free today because it cost someone his life yesterday. This week I remembered a quote that I had filed away years ago. An American helicopter pilot was killed during the Vietnam War. On his tombstone in New Hampshire, his parents had these nineteenth century words of John Stuart Mill inscribed: "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling, which thinks nothing is worth a war, is worse. A man who has nothing which he cares more about than his own personal safety is a miserable creature, and has no chance of being free unless he is made free and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." Yes, some things are still worth living and dying for.

Dear Roger, I was just reading Romans 12:1-2, where Paul says that total devotion to Jesus Christ is our spiritual worship. I sensed that Paul was talking about a level of worship that I have never experienced. Help me understand. I'd like to move deeper in my worship. Sincerely, Roscoe Dear Roscoe, I’ve studied the Scriptures about worship many times over, and every time, I conclude that the kind of worship God calls us to is what we might call “Whole-Life Worship.” In Romans 12:1-2, the apostle Paul summarizes this key teaching: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Let me make this concept very simple. We can't live any way we want to from Monday through Saturday and expect to come to church on Sunday ready to worship. One of my favorite preachers, W.A. Criswell, said it this way: “You can't live skim milk all week and preach cream on Sunday.” Real, authentic worship that pleases God encompasses our whole lives. It’s everything we say. Everything we do. Everything we are. All the time. Worship like this is what Paul means by the term “living sacrifice.” We make the choice to live according to God’s will and His Word, no matter the cost. In this way, we truly honor Him. HOW DO WE PRACTICE WHOLE-LIFE WORSHIP? Three specific instructions in Paul’s teaching stand out. Let’s examine each in turn. Offer Your Body as a Living Sacrifice. Do Not Be Conformed to this World. Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind. FIRST, OFFER YOUR BODY AS A LIVING SACRIFICE. The term Paul uses for “body” represents our everyday lives: our talents, possessions, physical makeup, dreams, intellect, personalities, emotions, todays, and tomorrows. It’s the very essence of who we are. Paul is saying that we are to present our bodies to God, like a priest presented the sacrifice in the Old Testament. He laid it on the altar, backed away, and God took over, consuming the entire sacrifice with fire. Everything we do is to be an act of holy sacredness unto Him. Note that in the Jewish religious system, the priests never put a living animal on the altar. It would try to crawl off and run away! However, this is exactly what God asks us to do. He wants us to lay down our lives, remain on His altar, and sacrifice ourselves on the cross with Jesus. Let me make several observations about what a self-sacrifice might entail. God asks for our “bodies,” not our time, talents, money, or anything else. He says, “Present yourself! I want you!” Next, wholeheartedly surrendering our entire selves to Jesus is a matter of choice. We must consistently choose to follow Jesus at any price. In fact, saying, “Lord, I give you my life,” is not an emotion; it is a decision. Make a wholehearted decision to stay on the altar and then don't try to wiggle off. Jesus will consume your sacrifice. Once upon a time there was a divorced father who was raising his only son. His boy was a handful. He was kicked out of three private schools before they found one that would accept the son on the condition that the dad spend a volunteer day at school helping children once every three weeks. The dad’s volunteer day arrived, and he didn't want to go. So, he purchased several hundred dollars worth of toys and returned to work. Shortly thereafter, all of the toys were returned in his office. Attached was this note: "As a gift, it is too much. As a substitute for yourself, it is not nearly enough." Jesus wants a full-fledged sacrifice. The problem with many of us is that we're trying to pass off part as the whole–-and God will never consume a partial sacrifice. Cain learned this lesson the hard way. Abel brought the full sacrifice, and God accepted it from the altar by fire. Cain brought an incomplete sacrifice and his rotted on the altar. Now, a living sacrifice is to be a final sacrifice. The term "present" or "offer" in the original language means to do something once and for all. Paul is writing to people who have been saved for years, but who are still struggling with total commitment. It’s like Jesus is saying, “I want you to make a once and for all commitment to me." Total commitment is driving a stake into the ground. We don’t keep making the same decision for total commitment over and over and over again. Once is enough. Don’t take it back. Many Christians keep falling into sin because when faced with temptation, they have to decide all over again whether or not to sin. They’ve failed to drop a stake into the ground. Driving stakes into the ground becomes itself an act of worship. For example, when my brother and I were young, my mother and father made a commitment that our family would attend Sunday night church worship services every week. They drove a stake in the ground, and we never had to ask again whether or not we were going to church. The stake was in the ground. We were going to church. SECOND, DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD. In other words, stop following the patterns of this world. Literally, in Greek the words mean don’t conform to the "the schemes of this age." The essence of the “world” never changes. The “world” may manifest in various ways, but underneath the façade it still the same sin-filled, broken place. The temptation to yield to the world’s system is an everyday battle. In 1 John 2:16, the apostle declares, “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” The temptations of the world are many. Watch out for things like self-reliance and self-centeredness, which are the essence of pride. Lust is sneaky; gluttony is widely acceptable, even encouraged. Laziness and selfishness are par for the course. Let me give you the preeminent biblical description of the man who started strong and ended conformed with the world. In Paul’s letters, God gives us three snapshots of Demas, three points on a graph, which show him drifting rapidly downward from “fellow worker with Paul” to an apostate who has conformed to the world. The first snapshot is in Philemon 23-24 : “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.” Demas is a “fellow worker” with the apostle Paul. There are a few honors better than that. He is in the company of spiritual giants. The second snapshot shows him beginning to slip : “Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. … Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you. … Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings” (REF). Eight individuals are mentioned in this passage, and it is no accident that seven of them are pointed out for some good work while Demas is passed over in silence. I believe that at this juncture, Paul was beginning to suspect that something was wrong with Demas.   The third snapshot is 2 Timothy 4:9-10 ; “Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.” “Demas, my fellow laborer” … “Demas” … “Demas has deserted me.” I’ve noticed that it’s easy for Christians to be like Demas. Many begin with Christ, but then some comfortable corner of this present age invites us and we nestle down. Our Christian profession lapses and we do not amount to much in the end for Jesus. If I should accuse some of us of being Judas, we would be indignant. We would never deliberately sell out. But Demas, how many of us have been like him? THIRD, BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND. The term Paul uses here for “transform” comes from the Greek word "metamorphous,” which means to change or morph into something else. In this context, Paul is teaching that we are changed into completely new creatures in Christ. As such, we have minds which no longer see as the world sees. We now see as Jesus sees. Our hearts are in tune with His. Remember that God does not take us out of the world; He allows us to remain as a witness to our Savior and to bring Him glory. And as our minds are made new, we begin to experience “Whole Life Worship” and an intimacy with Christ like we never knew before. Well, Roscoe, I hope my answer will help to guide you into deeper dimensions of worship. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, I've always struggled to understand the passage where Jesus said that if someone hurts us, we are to turn the other cheek and let them hit us again. This bothers me, because one of my best college friends was a Baylor athlete who came to breakfast one morning with a swollen face covered with colors ranging from red to brown to deep purple to black. One eye was swollen completely shut. Hank refused to fight back when a freshman quarterback who was angry with him began to beat him up. The freshman was promptly thrown off the team and out of school.I asked Hank, “What happened to you?" He replied, “Jesus said to turn the other cheek. So, I did."What would Jesus think about that? Is that really what He meant? Sincerely, Joseph Dear Joseph, Jesus’s teaching about turning the other cheek is from Matthew 5:38-42, which is part of His Sermon on the Mount. Jesus was instructing His followers—including you and me—in how to respond when someone hurts us or when we are asked to do something we don’t want to do: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.  If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.  Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:38-42) FIRST, THE SCRIPTURAL CONTEXT IS “DON’T FIGHT BACK.” I believe Matthew 5:38 is one of the most difficult passages in the New Testament. The interpretation seems obvious. But the problem is that it’s rather difficult to make this teaching fit what you and I would naturally want to do. When I read, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” I am on solid ground. This is what Moses taught in the Old Testament Law: If there is injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise or bruise.” (Exodus 21:23-25) It’s easy for me to return good for good and evil for evil! Have you ever had the pleasure of getting even with someone? It’s the easiest thing in the world to hit back! I have little difficulty in spitting on you if you first spit on me. I have no problem with fighting back when you start it. Even a dog fights back! However, when I read what Jesus says in Matthew 5 and try to make it fit my life, I must honestly confess to you that I struggle with what my human self wants to do compared with what God calls us to do. Note that in the law of Moses, the principle of punishment to match the crime had two basic purposes. The first purpose was to curtail further crime. When someone is facing sure punishment, they are less likely to commit a crime (see Deuteronomy 19:18-20). The second purpose was to prevent excessive punishment. If someone bruises your arm, you have no right to poke out their eye. Punishment was to match, but not exceed, the harm done by the offense (see Genesis 4:23-24). In the New Testament, Jesus is teaching us how to relate to each other as His followers—revealing His love to the world. He’s saying, “Don't strike back.  Don't spend your life trying to get even!” And it takes a strong Christian to stand back and refuse to retaliate. SECOND, JESUS IS NOT TELLING US TO BE DOORMATS. Probably no part of the Sermon on the Mount has been so misinterpreted and misapplied as Matthew 5:38-42. It has been interpreted to mean that Christians are to be sanctimonious doormats. It has been used to promote pacifism, conscientious objection to military service, lawlessness, anarchy, and a host of other positions that Jesus never meant to support! On the other hand, if you’re walking down the street and see a child being molested or a woman attacked, don't quote that Jesus Christ said, “Resist not evil” and stand there and watch. You'd better go help. Jesus said, “If you don’t have a sword, sell your coat and get one” (Luke 22:36). Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword away” (John 18;11). How can we understand both commands? My guiding principle is, “There is a time to fight and there is a time to turn the other cheek.” Wisdom is often needed to distinguish the proper course of action. THIRD, JESUS USES FOUR COMMANDS TO ILLUSTRATE THIS PRINCIPLE. Never return insult for insult (Matthew 5:39). According to the rabbis in Jesus’ day, hitting someone across the face with the back of the hand was twice as insulting as hitting with an open hand. It was a double insult to receive a flick of the hand on the cheek, one of the most demeaning and contemptuous of acts toward someone else. Jesus Christ is saying, “Even if a man should direct at you the most deadly and calculated insult, you must not retaliate!” I was sitting in a church meeting when one of my church “enemies” got up out of his seat and walked around my back and began castigating me for something I had done that he didn’t like. Fortunately, I remembered Proverbs 19:11, " It is to a man's glory to overlook an offense .” I waited until he was finished and continued the meeting without acknowledging his presence. The issue was his problem, not mine. Be willing to give up your possessions or rights in order to bring peace (Matthew 5:40). Jesus said, “In a lawsuit, return the coat that you want before nightfall.” In other words, if you are involved in a lawsuit and the one doing the suing receives a man’s coat for payment, then let him have it for a day, but give it back that night. He needs it as a blanket that night when it’s cold. Return it to him (see Exodus 22:26-27). The attitude of a kingdom citizen should be willingness to surrender even one's coat rather than cause offense or hard feelings with an adversary. Recognize that even those who seek to harm you are people with needs and feelings. Do more than you are required to do for others (Matthew 5:40). Rome had soldiers all over Palestine to keep peace and collect taxes. There’s no worse job than being an occupying soldier in a foreign land. The Romans were hated. Jews let them have it at every opportunity. Jesus is referring to a Roman Law which allowed soldiers to conscript a civilian and have him carry a pack for a mile, but no more. You can imagine the love that this generated between the Romans and the Jews! Jesus is saying, if a Roman soldier asks you to carry his pack for one mile, then go with him two miles. Go one mile because you have to. But don't go just one. Go two. Most of us try to find out where the mile post is so we know where to stop.  We don't want to go beyond that! We do what we have to do and then quit. But imagine what it said to a hated Roman soldier when the man he made carry his pack went an extra mile, without being asked. He saw kindness, acceptance, and the love of Jesus. Give generously to those who ask (Matthew 5:42). The giving and borrowing that Jesus speaks of here should be understood in connection with the biblical principle of caring for the poor. He doesn’t mean that one should give whatever any person asks for, but that one must lend in the sense of Deuteronomy 15:7-8: “If there is a poor man among you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely give him whatever he needs .” When someone asks to borrow something, we should not turn away from him. In other words, we should give him what he needs. The implication is that the person who asks has a genuine need. Sometimes to give a person what he wants but does not need is a disservice, doing him more harm than good. FINALLY, LET’S LOOK AT FOUR SPECIFIC WAYS WE NEED TO APPLY THIS PRINCIPLE IN OUR LIVES. As Christians, we must often give up our rights. The apostle Paul gave up many of his rights in order to reach others for Christ. I’ll paraphrase: “I gave up my rights for the sake of the gospel! I gave up my right to food and drink. I gave up my right to be married. I gave up my right to receive a salary. Others receive support; but I gave up my right to it. Why? So that I can offer the gospel free of charge. I gave it my right to have a healthy body. My body has been beaten often until it’s black and blue.” Our rights are never, ever as important as leading people to Jesus Christ. Showing His love and care through our actions often requires us to put others first. This is never easy—especially in a culture that constantly bombards us to stand up for our rights. But it is critical as followers of Jesus! As Christians, we don’t have near as many rights as we think we do. According to Paul, “If we have food and clothes, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:8). Think about what this means. We don’t even have the right before God to have a house. In other words, we must stop thinking that the world owes us soft living, or that we deserve anything special in the world’s eyes. We’ve been called to deny ourselves as we follow Christ. We must rid ourselves of the constant tendency to be watching out for our own self-interests. Jesus says, “Stop spending life trying to get even; quit worrying about whether or not you have all of your possessions; stop looking for the mile posts. There are more important things!” One element of the American Declaration of Independence is that we have the right to seek “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” In our day, the number of rights claimed has greatly expanded. Movements have developed for civil rights, women’s rights, children’s rights, workers’ rights, prisoners’ rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and so on. Never has a society been more concerned about rights! Many conclude that they are free to do anything they want. They demand that we all “have our own truth” and that whatever it is must be accepted by everyone else. But that is a misunderstanding of the Declaration of Independence. That document never meant that we are free to do anything we like. It means that we are free to do what is right. That’s what freedom in Christ looks like. We are free to do whatever honors Him and points others to salvation—and in that freedom, we find abundant life! Redeem the one who offends us. Refuse to respond in kind. Respond in contrast. Whereas the Mosaic Law is aimed at punishing evildoers, Jesus’ philosophy is aimed at redeeming the evildoer. When someone does evil to us, do we want to do away with the evildoer? If it is the one who offends us that we want to destroy, the Law of Moses is sufficient. But, if we wish to destroy the evil itself and to salvage the evildoer in the process, we must take another approach. The only way to destroy the evil and to salvage the evildoer in the process is to respond in contrast. Do not respond in kind. Years ago, we had a small rebellion in our church. Eighteen people got together and didn’t like a particular direction in which I was leading the church. They told me that if I didn’t stop heading in that direction, they would destroy me. They told me that they were arranging it so that I would never preach again. Unfortunately, in a strange way, they had a workable way to accomplish the threat. I decided to turn the other cheek. Unfortunately, I didn’t turn the other cheek very well. Several in the group wanted to reconcile, but I was so hurt and angry that I refused even to meet with them. I made things so uncomfortable that they had no choice but to leave the church. I thought that I’d pretty well settled the issue in my mind and overcome my bitterness until one night I dreamed that I was a soldier in World War II, and an American soldier nearby was guarding a group of German POWs. The captured German captain turned my way, and I recognized my old adversary. I sat up in bed and screamed, “Shoot him! Shoot him! Shoot him!” I had no idea I was harboring such anger and bitterness. I talked it over with God but couldn’t bring myself to meet and reconcile my issues. In essence, I was choosing not to turn the other cheek. A few years later, I’d just finished a funeral when a married couple who were in the rebellious group approached me. I froze. I didn’t want to see them. But now they were standing before me, and the wife asked, “I’m sorry for the way I treated you so long ago, would you please forgive me?” I stood in silence. I couldn’t get any words out. Finally, her husband said, “Are you going to forgive her or not?” It was time to turn the other cheek. I replied, “I can’t do it now. Let’s go to lunch tomorrow, and talk this through.” So, we did. We’ve been friends ever since. I’m human. I’m not proud of the way I handled this situation at first. I wouldn’t let us reconcile. But I’m thankful that I finally matured enough in Christ to turn my cheek this time as I talked with them later. Well, Joseph, I hope my answer is helpful to you. When it’s time, turn the other cheek. You be glad you did, and Jesus will be pleased. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, I see sin and immorality flooding our culture. We’re also facing tragedy after tragedy, from the pandemic to record inflation to war. Is America experiencing the wrath of God? If we are,is it too late to turn things around? Sincerely, Pastor John Dear Pastor John, When I was young, I imagined that if America were ever conquered, it would be by invading nations with guns, tanks, soldiers, and enemy planes. My thinking has changed. I believe that we will not be conquered by armies from the outside. We will rot away from within. The classic passage on experiencing God’s wrath is found in Romans 1:18-32. Paul’s dissertation is the greatest exposition of human depravity in the Bible. And in response to our depravity, God pours out wrath. The Patience of God God is not in a hurry to pour out his wrath on anyone. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some men count slowness; but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  ( 2 Peter 3:9 ) Why do you think that it took Noah took 120 years to build the ark? God was being patient. On one hand, if the people observing Noah hadn’t repented and turned their lives over to God in 120 years, why would another year do it! But on the other hand, God gave the people over a century to make their choice. The  wrath of God  is often wrapped up with the patience of God. God is holding back most of His wrath like water behind a dam, because of His incredible mercy. Unfortunately, sometimes the dam breaks when He determines its time. Imagine the wrath of God continually building up in response to human depravity. As long as there are enough Christians to salt a culture, the dam holds fast. But when the salt becomes dirty and ineffective, God’s wrath will come ( Matthew 5:13-16 ). The Greek language has two basic words for “wrath.” “Thumos” is a raging word. It’s the picture of an individual emotionally exploding in anger when he or she gets seriously hurt by another. In the ensuing, cataclysmic explosion, everyone all around gets hurt. Think road rage. However, this is not the word used here by Paul. He uses “Orge,” which describes consistent, rising indignation. It is like a piece of overripe fruit. The skin stretches and finally bursts. In His patience, God is not hurrying to pour out wrath. However, when the time comes, serious destruction will be unleashed. The wrath of God is functioning in our society right now. His wrath is visible in any society where men and women are suppressing their God-consciousness and deliberately remaining in sin. What Did Men and Women Do That Made God So Angry? First, men and women have turned their backs on God and suppressed His truth. The  wrath of God  is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  ( Romans 1:18-19 ) God is angry because men and women have taken his truths and exchanged them for lies. Even worse, they are suppressing the truth, hiding it from others. There are those who set out to disprove and discredit the reality of Jesus Christ. Each generation seems to have a spokesperson ranting against Jesus, His principles, and His plan of  salvation . Voltaire was a well-known 18 th -century French philosopher who attempted to destroy the veracity of Christianity. After he died, his house became a Bible-printing factory. Madalyn Murray O'Hair was an infamous American atheist who founded the American Atheist Society and served as its president until 1986. She was a self-proclaimed atheist who died and whose body was never found. Many conjecture that she was kidnapped, murdered, and dismembered. Richard Dawkins in his book “The God Delusion” contends that a  supernatural creator ,  God , does not exist, and that belief in a  personal god  is a  delusion . In the Bible, God considers men and women such as Dawkins to be wicked. Why? Because it’s a dastardly thing to destroy a person’s hope. Memories are strong, but hope is stronger. You can live without memories, but you can’t live without hope. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for godless, worthless” claims.  ( Romans 1:21-22 ) Second, God is angry with the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. The ungodliness of men means living as if God didn’t exist. Mankind has not turned out to look anything like Jesus intended! The unrighteousness of men means ignoring the will, law, and plans of God. Know that He is deeply offended by the behaviors of those that He has created. Third, God is angry because He sent men and women both internal and external proofs of His existence, and humankind has rejected them both. One proof of God’s existence comes from nature. For example, the stars in the night sky give testimony that there is a God who designed and created the universe. It did not come along by chance. In addition, God has placed within the heart of everyone a moral imperative that He exists. This inner witness relates to our conscience. Everyone has an inner sense of what’s wrong and what’s right. This inner sense comes from God. What may be known about God is plain to them, … For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.  ( Romans 1:19-20 ) A Puritan truth: “God has left large footprints throughout His creation.” Given the evidence He has provided, there is no excuse for  not  believing in God. God Gives Humankind Over to Their Own Devices The wrath of God occurs when God abandons men and women and leaves them to their own devices. The key truth here is “God gave them over.” Romans 1:24  says, “God gave them over to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.” Romans 1:26  declares, “God gave them over to shameful lusts.” Romans 1:28  continues, “God gave them over to a depraved mind to do what ought not to be done.” “God gave them over.” This phrase resounds like the final three nails being driven into the coffin of mankind. Notice that three times in this passage comes the sweeping announcement that humankind has been abandoned by the Creator God. This is the wrath of God. The essence of God’s wrath is when He’s no longer around. What a God-Forsaken Nation Looks Like Whenever God begins to remove His restraints, sexual perversion becomes widely accepted in society. God allows men to exchange normal functions for unnatural ones. Men try to be females and females try to be males. God made us male and female with clear-cut responsibilities for both. The confusion of these roles has sabotaged the family. Cohabitation has replaced  marriage . Sexuality permeates our churches. We are ordaining gays and lesbians to the ministry. I was leading a conference with 60 women in attendance. I asked them to close their eyes and then raise their hands if they were sexually abused or molested before the age of sixteen. Forty-two hands went up. The gospel has been replaced with feel-good religion. We are killing two million unborn babies per year. Public schools have become armed camps. Pornography is rampant. Greed drives our materialism so that multitudes have maxed out multiple credit cards. The average American family has less than $1000 in savings. Acting for the good of the country is no longer a top priority for many government officials. Their plans are to do whatever is necessary to ensure their re-election. The approval rating of Congress has shrunk to 18% at this moment. It seems that we no longer can trust anything that a politician or person in authority says. Our biased media is no longer trusted to share the truth. Everybody has an angle. We see approaching anarchy as armed militia march and riot upon our government buildings. Some leaders are intentionally seeking to undermine our Constitution, even though they took an oath to protect it at any price. Others seek to subvert accurate election returns in order to cheat winners out of their rightful victories. Lawlessness and robbery are increasing. Once upon a time, people left their cars unlocked in the driveway. Now we put bars over our doors and windows. It’s no longer safe to shop at the mall. A shooter could be just around the corner. It is not even safe to go to church. Most churches have plans in place of what to do if a shooter comes through the door. When I became a pastor, I never dreamed that I would own two bullet-proof vests and need to use them on numerous occasions. Identity theft fueled by Internet hackers brings misery, fear, and confusion, as well as prodigious amounts of stolen money. Wall Street fraud is legendary. Hollywood celebrities tell us what to believe and how to think. Scores of Chicagoans and New Yorkers die every weekend on city streets. The list goes on and on. Our nation is filled with evil, greed, wickedness, sexual perversion, murder, and depravity. Poor  parenting , divorce, and abuse produce an upcoming generation of anger, disillusionment, hurt, and fear that sabotages the health and well-being of multitudes of children. It’s possible to say that our society invents ways to do evil.  An easy attitude toward sin is seen as the final climax in man’s separation from God. Not only does mankind enjoy these sins, he enjoys watching others do them. The Result of Depravity and the Wrath of God Is a Demented Mind All of this produces what Paul calls a “demented mind” ( Romans 1:28 ). The term, “depraved mind” is hard to translate. It describes an abandoned building that soon becomes the home of rats and other rodents. It rots from within. It is eventually condemned. In other words, a depraved mind is unfit to distinguish between right and wrong. It is a mind which is warped with regard to moral judgment . Paul gives a clear, thorough description: They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s  righteous  decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.  ( Romans 1:29-32 ) So today, as we see all the things that encompass the  wrath of God , we shake our heads and sadly say, “They must be out of their minds…” They really are. And the consequences will be an eternity apart from God. Well, Pastor John, I think we have here our answers to your original questions. Yes, America is experiencing the wrath of God! Is there any hope? Well, that depends. Any individual can turn to Christ at any time and find godly grace to survive as the wrath of God is poured out. On the other hand, a nation that is experiencing the wrath of God will never be restored. I hope this helps, Love, Roger

Dear Roger, I’m really enjoying spending time with God in praise and worship. But I know there’s more! Can you give me some direction? Sincerely, Dietrich Dear Dietrich, Psalm 150 may be just what you need! Let’s read it together: Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. Psalm 150 is the last psalm recorded in King David’s book of songs. I believe God made that decision for a very important reason—Psalm 150 is a final lesson in how to praise and worship Him. I nicknamed Psalm 150 the “journalism” psalm of praise. Every journalist knows that there are six questions which must be answered in successful reporting. They are: Who? What? Where? When? How? Why? As we incorporate these six questions into our praise and worship—through Psalm 150 and many others—we will bless the heart of God. In turn, He will bless our hearts as well! WHO? THE LORD First, our praise must always be focused upon the Lord. He is the reason for our existence, our Creator and Savior, the One who leads us and loves us. He is the only One worthy of praise. Along those lines, the prophet Isaiah wrote in 42:8; “I will not share my glory.” God demands that we save our praise for Him alone. That means the personality of any praise leader must be de-emphasized, no matter how gifted the singer or speaker. Theologian and preacher Charles Spurgeon wrote: “We can’t at the same time show how clever we are and how great God is.” Great talent and charisma may be helpful elsewhere, but it can be a great detriment in worship. If people are mesmerized by the leader, focusing on God is minimized. When I prepare to worship God, it helps me to spend some time in prayer first, praising Him for who He is and thanking Him for what He has done in my life. I have to deliberately set my mind on Him. WHAT? THE ADORATION OF GOD Praise, in its essence, is the adoration of God. Worship is simply telling God and others how wonderful He is. It is sharing what He’s like, what He’s done for us, and what He will do in the future. Praise is such a natural function in the universe that when the Pharisees told Jesus to tell His disciples and followers to stop praising Him, Jesus said that if they stopped, the very stones would take up the slack and begin to praise Him (Luke 19:37-40). Let me give you three parameters that will help define what praise is: We Praise God When We Recite His Works and Call Attention to His Almighty Power. One of the best reasons for studying the Old Testament is so that we can recite in praise what we learn and experience about Him (Psalm 77). God gave David such a revelation of the importance and power of praise on earth that the king of Israel set aside and dedicated an army of 4,000 Levites whose sole occupation was to praise the Lord. They did nothing else (2 Chronicles 23:5). Let me show you a wonderful way to praise God when you get up in the morning. I’ve practiced recognizing who He is and what He’s done every day for many years—He is worthy of our first and very best praise! Lord, I want to praise You for a few moments. You are the God who always was, who will always be, and who exists as three persons in one. And on day one, you stepped out on the edge of nothingness and scattered the stars throughout the universe. You’re the God who created the world and You’re the God who made man. You’re the God who reigns! You are the God who began our redemption in the garden. You brought Israel out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea, guarded Israel by the pillar of fire and brought water out of the rock. You provided manna from heaven, and You’re the God who protected His people with angels, and You keep marching through history! You are the God who raised Jesus from the dead, and I know and trust that You are big and strong enough to handle all of my problems. I’m so grateful that You chose to love me! Praise Is Reciting God’s Characteristics. A constant recitation of the characteristics of God in the midst of trouble brings great peace (Exodus 34:4-7). Consider David. When a problem arose, he found relief through praise. When David was fleeing from Absalom, or Saul, or the Philistines, or whomever, he often reached a point where he sat under a bush and began to pour out to God all of his difficulties. Invariably, he stoped in midsentence and began to recite the attributes of God: “God, You are just, kind, loving, all seeing, and all-knowing. And You hold me securely in the palm of Your right hand …” and on and on he would go, talking about the attributes of God’s character. After a while, although there had been no change in circumstances, David would begin to say, “This is terrific God! I’m so excited about You and how You’re going to solve all my problems!” Reciting the attributes of God was a tremendous sustenance to David. We must pattern our thinking to be like David’s, that so that praise of the character of God is part of our everyday living! In deliberate adoration of our God, we will always find strength. Praise Is Not Only Reciting God’s Powerful Works; Praise Is Recalling God’s Attributes and Thanking Him for Both. Praise rises naturally out of a thankful heart. Ten lepers were healed by Jesus. He told them to go to Jerusalem to get their healing verified. While they were running, their leprosy was healed. Nine kept on running, but one of them stopped and turned around. He knelt before Jesus and thanked him for the healing. He then fell on his knees and worshiped him (Luke 17:11-19). Take time to recognize God’s provision in our life and thank Him. A heart filled with gratitude is a peaceful, confident one, ready to walk in His will. WHERE? IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH Praise is the highest occupation of the Angels. Heaven is one grand chorus of praise. Cherubim and Seraphim increasingly adore him (Revelation 4:6-11; 5:9-14; 19:4-6). I love to imagine what heaven will be like! Picture the largest stadium you’ve ever been in … then multiply it by a thousand, with people of all ages and all races stretching out as far as you can see. Everyone has their hands lifted up as they bow their knees in joyful worship. The singing! Oh, the singing! The harmonies will weave together in unfathomable, never-ending beauty. I can hardly wait! Now don’t miss this: the exercise which occupies the full time of angels in heaven and in which heavenly citizens will engage for eternity is surely not a waste of time for those of us still on the earth (1 Chronicles 16:23-25; Revelation 4:6-11; 5:9-14; 19:4-6). God calls us to praise Him here and now, on the earth from today until the day Jesus returns to take us into glory. Whether you sing favorite worship songs in the car (I always do!) or belt out beloved hymns on Sunday morning or hum your own melody as you read God’s Word, we know that “God inhabits the praise of His people” (Psalm 22:3). Praise is one of our most important vocations on earth. WHEN? ANYTIME! As long as we have breath, we can engage in praising the Lord. It’s that simple. In the Old Testament, God commanded the people of Israel to “Stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord. They were to do the same in the evening” (1 Chronicles 23:29-30). David sang, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). Praise starts quietly in our hearts here and moves seamlessly on into eternity. HOW? IN VARIOUS AND SUNDRY WAYS! Expressing our praise goes a long way towards enhancing our worship. The Bible is replete with a multitude of physical ways we can enhance our praise: Soul and Spirit (Luke 1:46-47) Lips (Psalm 119:171) Mouth (Psalm 145:21) Handclaps (Psalm 47:1) Kneeling (Psalm 95:6) Bowing Down (Psalm 138:2) Shouting for Joy (Psalm 35:27) Singing (Psalm 47:6) Playing String Instruments (Psalm 33:2) Dancing (2 Samuel 6:14) God must certainly enjoy the full dimensions of praise when a whole host of Christians gather together to worship Him. Some are weeping, others singing, many standing, many kneeling, some hands are raised, shouts are heard, and whisperings seem like trumpets. One man is praising in sign language. He makes no noise, and no one can hear him. God says, “I can hear him! I accept your praise!” In other words, not everyone is doing the same thing. There is great freedom in worship. It’s obvious that God enjoys our praise when He sees our body language. In Hebrew, the same word is used for “kneeling” and “worship.” If we say to a Jewish person, “Let’s worship,” he or she would immediately hit the floor. Kneeling and bowing are exclusively reserved for that which we worship. It’s thrilling to realize how much we use our hands in worship. Our hands are an inevitable part of any response pattern. Our hands give us away. As no other part of our bodies, they are an extension of our personalities. When we are embarrassed, we don’t know what to do with our hands. We don’t know whether to stuff them in our pockets or hide them behind their backs. An angry person points at his adversary with his pointer finger, while all the time his other four fingers are pointing back at himself. A guilty person hides in her hands. A worried person wrings his hands together as if to suck some hope out of them. A terrified person clenches her hands in fear. A puzzled person holds his hands with the palms up in wonder and dismay. A worshiping person raises his or her hands in surrender to God, physically recognizing Him as Lord and giving Him praise. WHY? BECAUSE GOD ENJOYS PRAISE AND BLESSES THOSE WHO PRAISE HIM. First, God is blessed through our praise. So often we hear Christians say, “I came to church, and I didn’t get much out of it today.” However, to a large degree, we are not in church to get something out of it. We are there to be certain that God gets something out of it! We are there to praise and worship Him. King David sang, “Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me. Bless his holy name” (Psalm 103:1). I know of no greater thought to enter the mind than this: “I can and will bless the Lord.” I will worship Him! Second, God promises to pour out a blessing upon all those who praise him. Third, we are getting ready to meet Christ, and our human vocabulary is woefully inadequate. So, God is teaching us the language of heaven … joyful, celebratory, grateful praise. Well, Dietrich, I hope that what I shared will enhance your praise. Love, Roger

Dear Roger,  It’s been almost a year since I took my three children and left my husband. At that time, my daughters were 15 and 13, and my son was 9. My daughters both told me that my husband (their stepfather) was saying sexual things to them. My 13-year-old even had a text from my husband that was very explicit. Once I saw the text, I had proof of my girls’ accusations. About three months after we left, my husband was indicted with two charges of indecency with a child—one charge for each of my daughters—which he is currently fighting in court. Since we left, I have had minimal contact with him until recently. He is in anger management classes and seeing a psychiatrist to deal with sex addiction.He is adamant that he never touched my girls. They agree, but through all our interviews and counseling, we have come to know that what he did was “grooming.” He admits to the harm he caused. My husband feels that what he has done can be forgiven and we can repair our  marriage . But my girls have so much anger for him. He is no longer in our lives and nowhere near my children. They are so young, and their pain is so deep. I want to do the right thing for us all, but I feel lost in all of this. Can you give any advice?  Sincerely,  Name Withheld Dear Name Withheld, I grieve for you and your children and for the pain and hurt you are enduring. I know that you all have suffered greatly. I hurt for you. Your children will need much care and comfort so as not to come out of this experience deeply scarred. One of the best ways to help them through their emotional pain is to do what Jesus suggested in  Matthew 5:4 ; “ Blessed are those who mourn  for they shall be comforted.” Your children are mourning.  Sometimes the best thing is to put your arms around them, listen to their hurts and needs, and cry with them. Biblical Grounds for Divorce While you didn’t mention actually divorcing your husband, I am certain that the idea crossed your mind. So  let me confirm that you have “biblical grounds” for divorce if you want it. According to Jesus, sexual perversion breaks the marriage bonds. The Greek word translated as “adultery,” which He used in  Matthew 19:9 , is “porneia.” The word means much more than adultery. It includes a wide umbrella of illicit sexual activities including adultery, pornography, bestiality, fornication, and incest (suggested or otherwise). You may also want to read  Ephesians 5:25-31 , where the responsibilities of a husband are clearly laid out. A husband who does not live up to these responsibilities has quite clearly broken the bond of marriage. On the other hand,  while you have biblical grounds for divorce, you by no means have to exercise that right.  You can certainly work to restore your marriage and your relationship with your estranged husband. However, I suggest that you leave your children out of this procedure.  I would never put your children through the trauma of living under the same roof with him again.  Please recognize that his efforts to justify his behavior in the court system—fighting the charges—may be more hurtful than his original behavior with the children. In essence, he is calling them liars. The Risk of Repeat Behavior Next, those involved in child sexual abuse very rarely get "well." From my own genetic and brain chemistry research, it seems to me that those involved in child sexual abuse seem to be “wired” differently than others who are not attracted to children. This is why so many child-sexual abusers immediately return to their dastardly activities as soon as they find the opportunity. Please don’t take this to mean that your husband is definitely a child-sex abuser via his brain chemistry. He may have just allowed his old sin nature to overwhelm him. The fact that he is seeing a psychiatrist is encouraging, whether he is “wired” that way or not. I hope that he gets help so that he will never act this way again. Don’t Minimize His Actions If I seem rather intolerant of your husband’s behavior, it is simply because there are lines that should not be crossed. Your husband crossed several. This is intolerable . I always find the term “grooming” rather strange. An adult has no business interacting with your girls in any form or fashion—and especially writing them indecent notes about himself. Whatever he did, he certainly “scared your kids to death.” His behavior was painfully dysfunctional. Please don’t minimize in your mind what he did or didn’t do.   The fact that your children are reacting the way they are is evidence that whatever he did is more than just inappropriate. It was nasty, humiliating, and terrifying. That’s why my biggest concern is for you and your children. I think that you should keep your children as far away from their stepdad as you possibly can. I hope that eventually, over time, they will heal from the trauma and work through the pain, usually with time, loving counsel, and care.  Please don't try to make the kids forgive him at the present time , this pressure will only cause more hurt to their young psyches. Pursue Medical Help for Trauma I am a huge proponent of counseling and psychiatric treatment for you and your children. Sexual abuse and marital issues are tough to carry alone—we all need help to understand what happened and heal from it. A strong biblical counselor can walk you and your children through the trauma you’ve all experienced and rebuild healthy relationships. Sometimes, trauma can cause brain chemistry changes that need to be addressed medically.  Please, pursue medical and mental healthcare for you and your children. What Forgiveness Means in This Situation Finally, you may want to restore your relationship with your husband. If so, go slowly . Be certain you really understand the meaning of forgiveness—for both you and your children. 1. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting.  I do not know who coined the admonition “forgive and forget.” I do know that it is impossible to “forget” at will. And perhaps that’s a good thing; remembering hurts can help us avoid similar situations in the future. 2. Forgiving does not mean letting the one who hurt you “off the hook.”  The issue here is justice. Those who hurt people need to pay for what they’ve done. It’s natural to want to hold on to your perceived right to “get even.” However, the truth is that when we forgive—when we let people off of our “hook”—they are still on God’s hook for vengeance or grace and forgiveness. 3. Forgiving is not a sign of weakness.  Forgiveness is not a passive behavior that allows the person to keep on hurting you or others. On the contrary! Forgiveness is a courageous act that reflects the grace, kindness, and compassion of Christ. 4. Forgiving does not mean that we must pick up the relationship with the one who hurt us as if nothing ever happened.  Forgiveness does not demand that we reenter an abusive or toxic relationship with the unrepentant offender. If the offender is repentant, we can choose to establish boundaries, giving the offender—over a period of time—the opportunity to demonstrate his/her trustworthiness as a precondition to authentic intimacy. Regaining trust can take a long time—if ever. 5. Forgiving sometimes needs outside help. I am a huge proponent of counseling and psychiatric treatment. Sexual abuse and marital issues are tough to carry alone—we all need help to understand what happened and heal from it. A strong biblical counselor can walk you and your children through the trauma you’ve all experienced and rebuild healthy relationships. Sometimes, trauma can cause brain chemistry changes that need to be addressed medically. Please, pursue medical and mental healthcare. Again, I grieve for you and your pain. Everything in your life has been turned topsy-turvy. You never expected this to happen. Life was never intended to be like this. May God bless you and your children as you pick up the pieces and struggle through these days to great victory as Jesus pours in the power and strength for all you need ( Philippians 4:10-13 ). Love, Roger

Dear Roger, While I was reading through the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11, the author challenged our faith by describing Moses’ renunciation of the treasures of Egypt in exchange for poverty with the people of God. It seems like we are not seeing much renunciation in the American church today. Do you agree? Luke Dear Luke, Yes! I agree. It seems to me that many Christians are adopting a worldly lifestyle, chasing the attractive, temporal things of the world instead of renouncing them in favor of those things which are eternal. The author of Hebrews uses Moses’ renunciation as a guideline. He places the principles out front where we can’t miss them. We need to look carefully at these principles, because the choices that Moses faced are the same as the ones that we face today. Let me answer your email with a look at Moses ’principles of renunciation. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking forward to his reward. (Hebrews 11:24-25) FIRST, A GODLY FAMILY IS HELPFUL IN PREPARING US FOR THE WORK OF RENUNCIATION. You are fortunate if you were raised in a godly family. It somewhat easier to make right choices when your mom and dad were godly and functional. However, even if your mom and dad weren’t that good, God can certainly use other people in your life, as well as Bible study, prayer, discipleship, and a number of other tools to build within you great character and a godly lifestyle. By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw that he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the King’s edict. (Hebrews 11:23) The Jews in Egypt were becoming so numerous that Pharaoh feared a rebellion. He sent out a decree to drown every newborn male child in the Nile River. The penalty for hiding a baby was death. But by faith Amram and Jochebed, Moses’ parents, refused Pharaoh’s decree. They risked their lives for Moses’ sake. Then, by divine providence, his parents placed him in a small basket and floated him down the Nile River where he was found by Pharaoh’s daughter. She was so enraptured with the child that she took him home and raised him as her own. She even chose Jochebed to be the nursemaid for Moses! He was raised in two successful families. As we study the life of Moses, I am most impressed with his parents. They had only a brief exposure to the child, from birth to 12 years, and they shaped Moses’ character in an indelible way. Faith cannot be inherited. But it can be instilled. Miriam received it. Aaron received it. Moses received it. Joshua received it. Caleb received it. I still remember coming into the den early in the morning and hearing my dad on his knees in prayer. I don’t suppose you ever get over that. SECOND, EVALUATE THE ISSUES INVOLVED. Moses was a famous man in Egypt. History records that he was next in line to be Pharaoh. He had everything going for him. Egyptian education … riches … military commander. When the Ethiopians invaded Egypt and were threatening the capital of Memphis, oracles were consulted and Moses was entrusted with the command of the royal troops. He took the field, routed the enemy, captured their principal city, Marol, and brought home great spoils of victory. Yet, there is no sphinx in Egypt in his honor. No pyramid. No mortuary temple that bears his name. These were people who honored their dead! The Egyptians had a saying. “To speak the name of the dead is to make him live again.” Where is Moses’ sphinx? His pyramid? There is none! Why not? Because of what is written for us in Hebrews 11:26; “There came a day in which he decided no longer to be called the Pharaoh-Elect.” We all at one time or another experience a little taste of greatness. It feels so good … but it doesn’t last. I remember playing basketball in junior high. When I left the ninth grade, I looked at the record board on the gym wall and nine of the eleven records were mine. When I came back back the next year and looked at record board and saw that I only held five. I came back two years later, and someone had lost the record board. Moses considered the power and prestige that would come to him as Pharaoh. He knew that those things wouldn’t last forever. Moses evaluated the treasures of Egypt . The world is too often concerned about prices instead of about values. The truth is; the price tags are all confused. Moses evaluated the pleasures of sin . David probably had great fun with Bathsheba. But he saw his family disintegrate before his eyes because of it—murder, rape, rebellion, and death. He had great fun with Bathsheba, but I bet that he wouldn’t do it again. Moses evaluated what it would cost to save of his own people. Was it worth it? At the burning bush, Moses encountered God Himself—in that moment he knew following God’s call would be worth everything. THIRD, MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE. An unbelieving Egyptian, looking at Moses, would conclude that this prince had everything worth living for: prestige, authority, wealth, an exciting future. But Moses looked at these same things and decided that they were cheap! He wanted neither the pleasures nor the treasures of Egypt because he had something far better—an intimate relationship with God and a home in heaven. So, Moses came to the conclusion that the renunciation of Egypt was the only option. He evaluated what it would be like to be Pharaoh with all the power and prestige that goes with that position. However, God is not interested in how much money we have, what family we are from, how much education we possess, or our position in life. God is interested in how well we live by faith. However, the choice to follow Jesus is never an easy thing. And the closer we come to the cross, the more exacting become His demands. One day, Jesus preached to a crowd of 20,000 the toughest sermon that He ever preached. He shared, “Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you have no part in me.” He was preaching about commitment.” One by one, 19,988 the people walked away until only 12 were left. With a heavy heart Jesus asked, “Will you go away, too?” Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of life” (John 6). Shakespeare’s “Merchant Of Venice” provides a perfect allegory of the choice involved in following Christ. The heroine is Portia, a beautiful and wealthy heiress. Many suitors of noble birth wanted to marry her. However, her father proposed a test to select her husband. Three chests were prepared, and she would belong to the one who selected the correct chest. The Gold Chest was inscribed with these words, “Who chooses me will gain what many men desire.” The Silver Chest was inscribed with these words, “Who chooses me shall get as much as he deserves.” The Lead Chest was inscribed with these words: “Who chooses me must give and hazard all he has.” Which would you choose? A multitude of suitors soon arrived. Many chose the Gold Chest. Inside was a skull! Several chose the Silver Chest. Inside was the picture of a fool. Finally, Bassanio arrived and evaluated the three chests. Finally, he chose the Lead Chest. Inside was a picture of Portia. Bessanio chose the winning chest and won the hand of Portia in marriage because he was willing to give everything he had for the sake of the one that he loved. This is to be our attitude toward Christ. And whoever chooses Christ must give all he has. Several years ago, the treasures of King Tutankhamen were paraded around the United States. Unbelievable riches were found in his tomb. But what the average person doesn’t know is that Tutankhamen was just a fifth-rate Pharaoh. He was at the bottom of the totem pole. He was a nobody. Read the inscriptions of some of the prominent Pharaohs. His collection paled in comparison. So, we can go to a museum and see a fine collection of mummies. Moses could have been one of them. Instead, he earned a berth in God’s Hall of Faith. Well Luke, I really appreciate your email. I hope that everyone is encouraged to renounce the things of the world in order to live a godly life in Christ Jesus. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, I was digging into the book of Hosea, and I don’t understand. Why would God tell him to marry a prostitute? God had called him to be a prophet. Wouldn’t doing that ruin his ministry? I wasn’t surprised when Gomer ran away, back to her old ways. But how could God tell Hosea to go get her back? Wouldn’t her adultery be too much for Hosea to forgive? Can you please explain what’s going on? Love, Flower Dear Flower, Let me tell you a story about Hosea the prophet and Gomer the prostitute. No matter how many beds that she crawled in and out of in her adulterous behavior, Hosea never gave up on her. His love for Gomer will blow your mind! The Book of Hosea chronicles a story of divine, “agape” love. It’s a beautiful illustration of our God, who loves the unlovable and never stops. It’s an allegory of the relationship between us and our Savior. We know little about Hosea except that his name means “salvation.” He was a prophet who preached for God in the northern kingdom of Israel about 750 BC. He lived in an era of great prosperity, open debauchery, and disgusting vice. Ten years earlier, the prophet Amos had spoken a warning to Israel, calling them to repent. They ignored God, and by Hosea’s time the whole country is on the path to destruction. God called Hosea to share His message of wrath; When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.” So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call him Jezreel, because I will soon punish the house of Jehu for the massacre at Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of Israel. (Hosea 1:2-4) One day as Hosea was teaching, he saw a beautiful Jewish girl in the crowd. He said to himself, “I’ve got to meet her!” After his preaching was finished for the day, he learned that her name was “Gomer” which means “perfection.” He sized her up and down and says, “God, you named her right.” She was perfect—soft round eyes, chestnut hair, great complexion. Not even her long robe could hide the gorgeous figure beneath. After a beautiful courtship, they were married. Those were beautiful days in the prophet’s house. The young preacher was on the verge of a great career. He could hardly wait to get home on weekends to see his wife. A man usually finds his earthly heaven or hell in the woman that he marries. In Gomer, Hosea found his hell. I’m reminded of Socrates’s declaration; “Marry, by all means. If you get a good wife, you will be happy. If you get a bad one, you will become a philosopher.” We’re not really told what went sour in Hosea’s marriage. Maybe Gomer was angry because he was so busy that his ministry became his mistress. Perhaps she felt she was too young and lovely to be cooped up as a preacher’s wife. There’s a good chance that he didn’t have enough money to support her lifestyle. So, one day he came home from a trip. He went to the marketplace to buy her a surprise, and he overheard some slander. Two women were gossiping. He couldn’t believe the words he was hearing, because the words cast a shadow of sin upon his own home. He began to get suspicious. When he returned from preaching, she was no longer meeting him at the gate. The warmth was gone. Communication broke down. She no longer asked him how his work was coming along. The Bible says that a child was born into their family. Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them. (Hosea 1:6) The word translated here as “daughter” really means “girl child” in Hebrew. She was not his daughter. Months passed, and then another child arrived. After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son.Then the Lord said, “Call him Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”), for you are not my people, and I am not your God. (Hosea 1:8-9) “Lo ammi,” means “Not my child.” A boy child was born, but he was not a “son.” Tragedy had come to the prophet’s house. Hosea had married a girl who squandered away his love with adulterous lovers. We don’t know how long it was before she left. Three years? Four years? But one day, he returned home, and Gomer wasn’t there. Imagine this. The kids were crying, hungry, lonely. He found a note on the table; “You need not look for me. I have gone away with another who promises to make me happy.” Finding the house empty and a note wanting a divorce is one of the worst blows that can come to a man or a woman. Hosea tried to become mother and father to the kids. A new tenderness was in his voice. He prayed often, “God bless mother and bring her back.” There is no sleep for a deserted husband. He tucked the girl child into bed. There is no resemblance to him, but she looks so much like Gomer. She had her mother’s face and eyes. Is that a strong man’s weeping that we hear? During those bitter months while Gomer was gone, God gave a message to Hosea that He had never given to any other Hebrew prophet. Hosea was led to look deeply into the infinite love of God. Yet the Israelites will be like the sand on the seashore, which cannot be measured or counted. In the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” they will be called “children of the living God.” The people of Judah and the people of Israel will come together; they will appoint one leader and will come up out of the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel. One day, Hosea heard that the man who lured his wife away and who promised to make her happy had deserted her. Worse still, he learned that he had sold her into slavery. That “princely white knight” who promised so much was only a deceiver. He promised much and delivered little. Gomer was outfitted with binding fetters and galling chains. We just aren’t certain when the message came. Perhaps it happened while Hosea was caring for the kids, changing diapers, or cooking for the family. God spoke, “Hosea, true love keeps on doing the duties of love even if the one for whom we do them doesn’t deserve it. Even if you’re bathing someone else’s baby. True love never stops. My love is like that .” Or perhaps Hosea was sitting on the porch by house when he saw a full moon and thought of nights when he and Gomer had watched the stars together. Perhaps he prayed and cried, wondering where she was and what she was doing. Then, he heard the voice of God! “Hosea, go get her.” The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley. Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.” (Hosea 3:1-3) Homer went to the First National Bank of Samaria and took out his life’s savings, 15 pieces of silver and 1 1/2 homers of barley. Then he followed rumors and made the rounds of the slave markets in the Mediterranean world. Through day after day of searching, Hosea began to realize how much God loved His people, Israel. They had gone whoring after other gods, but God still loved them and wanted them back. Finally, Hosea located Gomer in a slave market. He saw a broken, stoop-shouldered Jewish girl. Thin, matted hair. Shame. Sin has left its mark on Gomer. Then He heard the auctioneer the cry out: “What am I bid for Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim?” Hosea faced the fear of rejected love. “Will she have me? She left me once; will she want me now?” Just so, God faced the choice on Calvary. Humankind turned their back on God. Yet God still loved. Should He send Jesus? Would we still reject His love? The auctioneer cried again: “What am I bid for Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim?” Shaken from his reverie, Hosea and pushes through crowd and cried, “I bid 15 pieces of silver and 1-1/2 homers of barley.” People gasp. There were no other bids. Some said, “He’s a fool to pay such a price. Her beauty and worth are gone!” The bidding was all over. “Sold!” I wish I could have seen Gomer that day. For months and months, she was used and abused. The only name on her lips was “Hosea.” She hoped beyond hope that somehow he would find her and bring her back. Gradually, she raised her eyes: “Hosea, take me home.” Even when humankind resisted the love of God and turned from Him in cool contempt, God didn’t utterly cast us off. In mercy, He refused to throw us away. He went to the slave market and bought us back from the captivity of sin. But the purchase price was not 15 pieces of silver and 1-1/2 homers of barley … it was nothing less than the life and blood of His Son, Jesus. Hosea’s message began to change after that. He used to preach all wrath and the judgment of God. God as the “avenger.” Now, he begins to see a God of love. God says, “I drew men with bands of love.” It doesn’t get more beautiful than that! Well, Flower, I hope this is helpful to you. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, A friend of mine criticized me for some decisions that I’ve made. I believe it is none of his business. However, he is a really good friend, so I am not sure what to do. Should I ignore what he said and not worry about it? Should I feel guilty? Should I defend myself? How should I respond? Sincerely, Zeke Dear Zeke, I’ll be glad to help. Let’s begin with an Arabic Proverb: “If a person calls you a donkey, pay no attention to him. But if three people call you a donkey, go out and buy yourself a saddle.” No one enjoys criticism; but healthy, wise criticism is one of the best things that can happen to us. Proverbs teaches, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid” (12:1). Julie and I were preparing to move from Dallas to Tucson in order to pastor my first full-time church. Several days before we left, a friend shared with me some words of wisdom. I seem to need them often. He said, “There are people in your church who are quite willing to give you the benefit of the slop.” Over the years, I’ve experienced more criticism than you can imagine … especially from those my wife and I have served together. And if I’ve learned one truth, it’s this: giving and receiving criticism well is an art. I want to share six general principles to keep in mind about criticism. Then, I’ll give you a seven-step checklist to guide you when you experience criticism. 1. Words are powerful things. Be careful what you say and how you say it. “All kinds of animals . . . are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human can tame the tongue.” ( James 3:7-8 ) We’ve all heard the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” No! That statement is a lie! Never! That’s not how it works. A punch in the stomach may last for a short time, but a punch in the heart may go on forever. Mastering your tongue—thinking before you speak—is a difficult discipline. But allowing your tongue to master you will only bring sorrow and pain to you and those you love. 2. You may not know as much about what is going on as you think you do. “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear. ( Proverbs 25:12 ) Near the American Airlines ticket counter at Chicago's O'Hare Airport is a Mrs. Field’s Cookies shop. A woman with a long layover bought a half-dozen cookies to munch on. She sat down at one of the tables and began to eat her cookies. Then, she decided to get a newspaper. She returned to her table and began to read. Presently she heard a rattle and looked up from her paper just in time to see a disheveled, long-haired young man reach into the bag, remove a cookie, and begin to munch on it. She was furious. The gall of the young man! She glared at him and then reached into the bag and pulled out a cookie and ate it while he watched. She returned to her paper. Presently, the bag rattled again. She put down her paper and saw his hand in the bag again. She was furious! Should she call the police? Should she cry out and admonish him? She gave him a stare of utter disgust and contempt. She reached in the bag and took another cookie. And she ate it. There was only one left. She wanted it. But then, the young man looked around rather sheepishly and took the last cookie. Finally, he broke the cookie and handed half of it to her. She was outraged. She picked up her purse, gathered up her newspaper, and stomped down to her gate. She sat fuming until her flight was called to board. She opened her purse to get her airline ticket, and there on top was her bag of Mrs. Field’s cookies. Pay attention to the context of every situation before you react. 3. Consider the source. Some people can’t be satisfied. Some criticisms aren’t worth engaging. Some people aren’t worth listening to. “Like a lame man’s legs which hang worthless is a proverb in the mouth of the fool.” ( Psalm 26:7 ) You can choose whom you allow to speak into your life. Let me say that again. You can choose whom you allow to speak into your life. I have to admit that is one of the most difficult lessons I had to learn as a young pastor. I thought that I had to listen and respond to every critique and criticism that came my way—regardless of the person offering it. And it was exhausting. Worse, I made poor decisions based on unwise or even malicious criticism by untrustworthy people. I reached a point of burnout. Nothing drains you quite like unwise criticism! A wise therapist told me that I could pick and choose who I paid attention to and who I responded to… a revolutionary idea! Applying that truth changed my life. 4. You don’t have to suffer abusive criticism. “He who corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who approves a wicked man incurs injury.” ( Proverbs 9:7 ) One day I was on the telephone with a woman who was quite irate. In fact, she was shouting and began calling me names as she began telling me all the things that she didn’t like about the church and me. I don’t stand there anymore and think that I have a divine responsibility to endure that sort of verbal attack. I tell the abuser, “When you can talk to me like a normal adult, instead of like a three-year-old, let me know. Then, we can finish this conversation. Otherwise, I’m going to hang up.” Then, I do so, if necessary. 5. Some people are not born again; some people are born  against . “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” ( Proverbs 15:5 ) After one sermon, a man was excited as he told me how much his mother-in-law was pleased with the service. “I am so glad,” I said. “No, you don’t understand, you have pleased the unpleasable!” 6. Sometimes it’s best just to be quiet. “Even a fool is wise if he keeps his mouth shut.” ( Proverbs 17:28 ) Once upon a time, I was leading a church elder meeting when one of our elders got up and walked around the table until he stood directly behind me. He proceeded to criticize many of the decisions that I had made over the years. He concluded that I was unfit to be their pastor. My cheeks reddened. I dared not look up. How do I handle this? Fortunately, I knew an applicable  Bible  verse: “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” ( Proverbs 19:11 ). When he finished, no one agreed. In fact, no one said a word. He wanted an argument. I chose not to give him one. Sometimes, it’s best to be silent. So, I sat quietly and “took it.” I moved on to the next item on the agenda and ignored his tirade. He never attended another elder meeting. Sometimes it’s best to be silent. 7 Keys to Remember as You Respond to Criticism Now, what should you do when someone approaches you with criticism? Here are seven keys to remember as you respond. 1. Stop and look at the person. Criticism is serious business. “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” ( Proverbs 13:14 ) “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” ( Proverbs 12:15 ) 2. Listen to what they have to say. Don’t answer too quickly. “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.” ( Proverbs 18:13 ) 3. Resist the temptation to defend yourself. Don’t accuse or use labels. “Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.” (Proverb 23:9) 4. Don’t act like a fool. Don’t change the subject or joke. “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.” ( Proverbs 10:8 ) 5. Restate what you think the critic said in your own words. Then, let them have a turn until you both agree on what the critic is actually saying. “The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.” ( Proverbs 16:21 ) 6. Apologize, if appropriate. “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, and you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight so you are justified in your sentence and blame us in your judgment.” ( Psalm 51:1-4 ) 7. Evaluate carefully. If the criticism is valid, make changes accordingly. If not, ignore it. “The simple believe everything, but the wise look where they are going.” ( Proverbs 14:15 ) Well, I hope that this is helpful to you. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, As I study the book of Revelation, I feel that I have a good handle on understanding the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Seals, the Trumpets and the Bowls of God’s wrath. But I’m struggling to understand chapters 12 and 13 with beasts and dragons and pregnant women and a “male child.” It’s obvious to me that there is much symbolism here; but I am having trouble sorting it all out. Can you help me? Sincerely, Luther Dear Luther, I think I can help. In Revelation 12-13 we meet the major characters who now play out the rest of the Book of Revelation. Pregnant woman – 12:1-2 Dragon – 12:3 Male child – 12:5 Michael – 12:7 The rest of the woman’s offspring – 12:17 The Beast coming out of the sea – 13:1 The Beast coming out of the earth – 13:11 HIGHLIGHTS OF SATAN, THE PREGNANT WOMAN AND THE MALE CHILD IN CHAPTER 12 The pregnant woman is Israel! The male child is Jesus. Satan crouches between the woman’s legs ready to devour the Male Child at the moment of His birth. Satan knows Scripture and therefore knows that the Messiah will come through Israel’s seed. If Satan can destroy the Male Child, there will be no Christianity However, the woman gives birth to the Male Child who survives the unfulfilled Satanic attack. Satan is furious and instigates waves of anti-Semitism that encircle the globe. God takes Israel to safety and protects her during the last three and a half years of the Great Tribulation. The Male Child is caught up to the throne of God. “The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he w as born.  5  She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.” [ a ]  And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. “ Revelation 12:4-5 NIV  This “catching up” may refer to Christ’s resurrection and ascension. It may also refer to the “rapture.” “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17 NIV After the rapture there will be no Christians on earth. However, many will come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. These are they who will be intensely persecuted. Where will Israel go? Petra and Jordan are likely candidates. The Antichrist invades Middle East. But Edom (southwestern Jordan), Moab (west-central Jordan), and Ammon (east of the Jordan River) will be secure (Daniel 11: 41). “He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand.”Daniel 11:41 NIV But these areas are surely too small to house the number of Jews who are seeking refuge from the Antichrist. Perhaps, these are representatives of a remnant known as the “10 lost tribes of Israel”. Most Jews are now scattered all over the globe. “The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach.” Revelation 12:14 NIV Since the symbol of the United States is an eagle, some have suggested that the United States will come to Israel’s rescue during the last half of the tribulation. God preserves Israel supernaturally. Since Genesis 3:15, in the Garden, Satan has attempted to kill Jesus and thus stymie God’s plan for salvation. Satan does not know when the Antichrist will arrive. Therefore, he always has an Antichrist-type person for him to indwell. Here is a list of some of the attempts by the Red Dragon to incapacitate God’s plan: *Murders Abel (Genesis 4:8) *Kills the baby boys in Egypt (Exodus 1:22) *Jezebel’s daughter, Athaliah, sets out to destroy every living descendant in the royal line of David. She killed all but one. A man named Joseph survived (2 Kings 11:1-3). *Haaman’s decree to kill Jews in the time of Queen Esther (Esther 3:6) Satan was only one death away from wiping out Jesus before He was even born. *Herod’s decree to kill the Bethlehem babies (Matthew 2:16-18) *Satan tried to keep Jesus off the cross numerous times Matthew 16:21-23) “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Matthew 16:21-23 NIV Finally, Satan got his wish when Jesus was crucified. However, the joke was on him. Through his death on the cross, Jesus opened the door of salvation for multiplied millions. HIGHLIGHTS OF SATAN, THE FIRST BEAST (ANTICHRIST) AND THE SECOND BEAST (THE FALSE PROPHET) IN CHAPTER 13 The Dragon is Satan who accomplishes most of his work through the human antichrist. The Antichrist (Satan, The Red Dragon) subdues 10 nations and uses them as the foundational base from which to launch his war against Israel. These nations occupy the territory which was commandeered by Rome in the first century. This confederation of nations is the agency through which the dragon-inspired Antichrist will work during the time of the Great Tribulation. Job 1-2 tells us that presently Satan has access to Heaven where he and God discuss all types of matters! In the middle of the great tribulation an intense war commences between Satan and the Archangel Michael. Satan is not strong enough to win. Jesus threw him out of heaven. Simultaneously, the Antichrist is indwelt by Satan and begins his dastardly work. (By the way, except for Judas, this is the only time in Scripture that Satan is ever said to inhabit the body of anyone). As he falls, he sweeps one third of his demons down to earth to wreak havoc upon mankind. The work of these demons is seen throughout the Great Tribulation. The Revelation Interlude” now occurs. In the midst of all the horrible terrors, come words of glory and praise! “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God . . . “ For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been cast down.” 11  They triumphed over him . . . by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much love and in the as to shrink from death. 12  Therefore, rejoice you heavens and you who dwell in them! He is filled with fury and because he knows that his time is short” (Revelation 12:10-12). NIV Verse eleven describes how our Tribulation brothers and sisters will defeat Satan – and how we can daily defeat him as he torments us. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAREER OF THE DRAGON—THE ANTICHRIST He is a Gentile who comes up from the sea. He achieves full political and military authority over a ten-nation confederacy situated in the territories of Western Europe (Daniel 7:7-8). Ultimately, he will have control over the entire world! The 10 Horns refers to the 10 nations of a revived Roman Empire! This is not the old Roman Empire revived. This refers to the nations occupying that area (Revelation 17:12). During the height of its power the Roman Empire stretched from England to France, Spain, Italy, Austria and finally Germany. While these countries are identifiable today, they may not be in existence when the Second Coming finally arrives, it will be that territory that will be significant. This confederation of nations is the agency through which the dragon-inspired Antichrist will work during the time of the Great Tribulation. He comes with great fury against Israel. He will have authority to wage war against the followers of Jesus and to conquer them. He will be a human monster as represented by a leopard, a bear and lion. Read Daniel chapters 7 and 8 to get better insight into these animals. You will see prophecies of an unidentifiable creature - -an animal with multiple heads and horns that attack the Confederacy. We have seen antichrist- type rulers commit genocide by murdering millions of their own people. Think about evil rulers like Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Idi Amin, Putin and others. This list only contains wicked despots from the last hundred years. The destruction caused by the Dragon will be exponentially more devastating. His authority and power will come directly from Satan. He receives a fatal wound but lives. This is a false resurrection. By way, the Greek word for “wound” describes someone whose throat is slit. The entire world is amazed and begins to worship the Antichrist-devil. The Devil finally achieves his goal be worshiped. One of the onslaughts engineered by Satan against Jesus was to tempt Jesus into worshiping Satan as the king of the world (Isaiah 14; Matthew 4; Luke 4). He is given authority to open his mouth and blaspheme heaven, Almighty God and the name of Jesus! HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAREER OF THE SECOND BEAST – the False Prophet The second beast comes out of the earth. The earth is a reference to the Promised Land. He will be Jewish. He will have a gentle side like a lamb; but will speak the words of Satan like a dragon. His job is to glorify both Satan as well as the first beast, the Antichrist. He compels those who live on the earth to worship the first beast. He will heal the mortal wound of the Antichrist thus counterfeiting the Holy Spirit’s work of raising Christ from the dead. He will be a miracle worker who deceives many because of his miracles. He pours power into the inanimate statute of the Antichrist that is sitting in the temple in Jerusalem. The statue now comes alive and speaks blasphemous things against Christians and against Jesus Christ. He forces everyone to receive a mark on his right hand on the forehead to signify his or her allegiance to the Antichrist. Those who refuse to take the mark will be forbidden to buy or sell anything, which of course, will lead to certain death. (For example, Christians can’t buy food). The mark will be the number “666”. It could possibly be a chip, tattoo or some other marker the likes of which we have yet to see. In the Bible, the 6 represents the number of man, so the three sixes may refer to the unholy Trinity of the Devil, the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Perhaps the number refers to the ancient practice of gematria. Every Greek letter has a numerical value. Add up the Greek letter values in a name and you will get a number. For example, the letters in the name Nero add up to a value of 666. Add up the number of the letters in the name Jesus. They add up to 888. Seven is the perfect number in the Bible. Man is consistently falling short of perfection. Jesus is consistently better than perfection. Only by the grace of God will Christians be able to navigate successfully during these difficult waters of persecution. Well, Luther, I hope this helps. Love, Roger