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Biblical Values

The life we desire vs. The life we live

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on August 7, 2008 Biblical Values •

In honor of the upcoming Olympics, I had to post a blog that somewhat related. I don’t know about you, but when I hear our national anthem and see our fellow Americans competing, giving it all they’ve got in the sports they’ve trained years for, I get a little mushy inside.

It’s also sad that I tend to only feel this kind of patriotic pride when the Fourth of July rolls around, at a hometown high school football game, or when the Olympics come every four years. Every other time, I tend to complain and analyze the problems that exist and continue to grow inside the “walls” of our great nation—especially as it relates to believers.

This has got me to thinking about what we perceive is happening and what is really happening in the hearts of believers today. It’s interesting that as I’ve been pondering this, the Barna Research Group recently came out with a report detailing what Christians—depending on the type—want most in this life.

The reality they found is that evangelical Christians, those who have committed to a personal relationship with Jesus and hold theology and doctrine that aligns directly with the Bible, were the “only group among the dozen Christian segments among which at least 90% listed as many as 6 of the 19 future-life possibilities as being ‘very desirable.’”

The things they embrace? Good health, having a close, personal relationship with God, having a clear purpose in life, living with integrity, having one spouse for life, being committed to their faith, being active in church, and making a difference in the world.

So with all of this, where’s the point of disconnect among the congregants in our churches between desiring these things and actually living a life that displays these things in action as the Bible directs? Why is it hard for us to live out and actually believe the truths we’re being taught?

Being patriotic and all this week, I think this is something to consider in light of our upcoming election. Is there a point of disconnect for you from the time you grasp biblical truth—whether it be in church, your home, or somewhere else—to the point you step out into the real world and live? If so, how can you begin to change your way of thinking right now?

If you do, your whole life will change.

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The Good Citizenship Award

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on August 5, 2008 Biblical Values •

The “Good Citizenship” award. I remember getting a few of those in elementary school for my good behavior. It seemed like a big deal at the time—but not so much now.

That seemingly simple grade school reward, which you also may have received yourself, really isn’t so simple today. Peter told first-century Christians to be good citizens of Rome and to pray for their Emperor. And, really, nothing has changed. The same message is true for us—especially as believers.

He said, “Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For it is God’s will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people. As God’s slaves, [live] as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Honor the Emperor” (1 Peter 2:13-17).

Peter told us to honor our leaders and live righteously. Our country and government should know that if they can count on anyone in this world to do something good—it should be the Church, the body of Christ.

Good citizenship isn’t about living a trouble-free, low-key life, hidden away in the shadows. No, it’s about improving our communities through good works, sharing Jesus in our daily relationships through our actions and words, and living in such a way that challenges unbelievers to at least think about God.

Do you spend time praying for our leaders every day? How often do you go out of your way to do good for those around you? We’re blessed to live freely in a nation full of opportunity. How often do you take advantage of that?

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The New America: A Melting Pot of Faiths

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on July 9, 2008 Biblical Values •

What do you get when you add a little bit of this belief and a dash of that religion and sprinkle some of your own understanding on top? You get a combined recipe for spiritual disaster in America.

I can’t begin to tell you how many people I’ve known throughout the duration of my life who have come to the conclusion that there is more than one path to spiritual enlightenment, God, and eternity in heaven. Some have recognized the path that took them there. Others are still clueless.

Our culture is rapidly becoming a melting pot of various faiths and beliefs. I recently read this article about it in USA Today:

“There is so much spiritual diversity and so much exposure to so many different ideas, that if people are searching for something meaningful spiritually, they often end up creating a religion of their own preferences that mixes and mingles spiritual ideas from a variety of sources. To them, the idea that there can be only one right way and only one path to one God is ludicrous. Religion today in the USA is a salad bar where people heap on upbeat beliefs they like and often leave the veggies—like strict doctrines—behind. There are so many ways of seeing God, public policy expert Barry Kosmin says that ‘the highest authority is now the lowest common denominator.’ And the wide-ranging ways people construct their spiritual lives could make the so-called religious vote unpredictable in the 2008 elections.”

The article goes on to quote statistics from a recent Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life’s U.S. Religious Landscape Survey of 35,000 Americans saying: “The survey finds U.S. adults believe overwhelmingly (92%) in God, and 58% say they pray at least once a day. But the study’s authors say there’s a “stunning” lack of alignment between people’s beliefs or practices and their professed faiths.”

This proves to be all the more reason why we need to KNOW what we believe and why we believe it so we can defend our faith and truth in our society. It is critical in the upcoming election that we know what each candidate stands for and how that lines up with God’s Word.

Is the Bible truth for you—through and through? Do you stand by it as the authority on what is true and what is false? Or do you find yourself siding with the majority of Americans who have tossed together a “mixed salad” of beliefs?

At this point, we as believers can’t afford to go along with the crowd for popularity’s sake. We must stand firm on biblical standards regardless of what the rest of the world may consider as being the latest and greatest trends.

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Independence Day Reflection

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on July 7, 2008 Biblical Values •

Some people may assume our country took a turn down the moral spiral in just recent years. But the fact is, we must remember that sin has been around since Adam and Eve. Escaping persecution, our founding fathers risked their lives to fight for our freedom and lay the groundwork for a nation built upon the principles of the living God.

Just this past weekend, our nation celebrated its 232nd birthday. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved. Of the 56 signers, 17 lost their fortunes, 12 had their homes destroyed, 5 became prisoners of war, and 9 died during the war.

When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said: “We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.”

And John Adams said: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. … I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration. … Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory.”

Maybe not all did, but those noted gave their allegiance and obedience to Creator God alone when they fought for a free land in which to worship and live. Sin existed then as it does today, but many of us have forgotten the rich history that came before us—a history that is founded upon God’s Word.

God says to us, “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

It seems so simple. Yet our country refuses to give honor and glory to anyone but ourselves. It’s time we initiate the “change” in our country by obeying God’s commands.

Take time to seek God, stand firm on the truth of His Word, and daily pray for our upcoming election, the candidates, and our government, military, education system, media, businesses, churches, and families.

Source: www.americanminute.com

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Independence Day Reflection

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on July 7, 2008 Biblical Values •

It seems so simple. Yet our country refuses to give honor and glory to anyone but ourselves. It’s time we initiate the “change” in our country by obeying God’s commands.

Source: www.americanminute.com

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Family Breakdowns: Is the church to blame?

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on June 4, 2008 Biblical Values •

Baptist Press published an interesting story last week titled: http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27992>“Family breakdown costs $112 billion.” If you haven’t read this story and still don’t know exactly what I’m referring to, let me give you a synopsis of what has been uncovered.

The story stated, “High rates of divorce and unmarried childbearing costs U.S. taxpayers at least $112 billion each year, making marriage enrichment a legitimate policy concern, a first-of-its-kind study sponsored by four public policy and research groups said.”

Basically, taxpayers are paying for anti-poverty, criminal justice, and education programs, and for those who have been negatively affected by divorce or by being an unwed parent.

In the article written by Erin Roach, Ben Scafidi, lead researcher and economics professor at Georgia College & State University, is quoted as saying, “Prior research shows that marriage lifts single mothers out of poverty and therefore reduces the need for costly social benefits. This new report shows that public concern about the decline of marriage need not be based only on ‘moral’ concerns, but that reducing high taxpayer costs of family fragmentation is a legitimate concern of government, policymakers and legislators, as well as community reformers and faith communities.”

Are the high prices we have to pay because of our fault? Or is it the government’s fault for not putting enough priority in this area?

The BP News story said, “Public officials for years have given little attention to trends of divorce and out of wedlock births, dismissing them as social problems, the researchers said, but the study suggests marriage is more than a moral or social institution—it is an economic institution as a generator of social and human capital.”

Aside from the proposed “marriage enrichment” seminars to encourage healthy marriages, what are other ways the church can reach out to single parents—those who are victims of divorce and those who had children out of wedlock? Can the church do better job educating and counseling couples before they “tie the knot”? How better can we impact our culture with the message of hope and importance of family than what we’ve already established?

The most important question may be: Have we overlooked this area of concern to the point where it has become accepted in our culture as a way of life? If so, how do we fix it? Is it a church issue or a government issue?

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Popularity Contest vs. Election Process

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on June 2, 2008 Biblical Values •

In high school, I remember running for the position of Vice President in the Student Council. Back then, it was a big deal to go all out when campaigning. I remember hanging posters, handing out flyers, and coming up with catchy slogans to get the attention of the student body.

But what I remember most is thinking, “I have to gain the approval of my classmates, so I need to make sure I’m putting on the right face and attitude in front of each person until Election Day.”

It’s true. Our election was a popularity contest. If people liked me, then they would vote for me. It didn’t matter what I promised or didn’t promise to do for them the next school year. It didn’t matter if I didn’t regularly hang out with all the various demographics populated around campus. All that mattered was that if they knew and liked “Kaylan” more than the other person I was up against, then I’d get their votes and win the election.

Luckily, my opponent dropped out of the race at the last minute, so being the only person on the ballot, I was a shoe-in.

Remembering how seemingly intense I thought the school elections were back then made me think of how insignificant and petty that particular process really was. Ultimately, my position as Vice President turned out to be a glorified “party planner” for school events. But I think it’s safe to say that this could be loosely compared and discussed next to today’s elections.

Many times, it seems that today’s election process is also nothing more than a popularity contest. This thought, in itself, should cause us to consider whether or not we’re voting on the person because he or she is likable or on the values, morals, and standards he or she believes in and endorses.

Each time you vote, throw out the popularity factor and focus on the integrity, character, and beliefs of the candidate. Do these things match up with godliness? Does the candidate uphold biblical principles in line with God’s Word? Or are you voting on him or her simply because he has a great smile and a way with the people?

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A History of Prayer

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 12, 2008 Biblical Values •

I love history. In school, I always aced history and English. It’s no wonder I still love to read stories and articles on historical events—from yesterday, last year, and even 2,000 years ago. Everyone and everything has a story and history to tell.

Just the other day, I read how the National Day of Prayer first began, and how and why the tradition was continued throughout history. Days of prayer were declared by:

• President George Washington after the Whiskey Rebellion. • President John Adams when France threatened to make war with America. • President Madison during the War of 1812. • President Tyler when President Harrison died. • President Taylor during a cholera epidemic. • President Buchanan to avert civil strife. • President Lincoln during the Civil War. • President Andrew Johnson when President Lincoln was shot. • President Wilson during World War I.

Finally, in 1952, President Truman made the National Day of Prayer an annual event, saying: “In times of national crisis when we are striving to strengthen the foundations of peace…we stand in special need of Divine support.”

And President Ronald Reagan declared the National Day of Prayer to take place each year on the first Thursday in May.

Praise God that our country has not thrown this sacred national holiday out of the books like we have so many other holy things. In light of how important this event is, we must also realize the importance of daily prayer for our country, its leaders, our government, schools, media, and other influential figures.

You’ve probably heard this Scripture used over and over again, but it’s good to know that God’s Word is unchanging and His promises are true. The Bible says, “My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14, HCSB).

Do you believe God will do what He says if we obey His commands? Do you make time each day to pray for our government, our troops serving overseas, our President, and other political leaders? Are you praying every day for the Presidential candidates campaigning across the U.S.?

As believers and Americans, it is our responsibility to be faithful in praying for our country—not just in times of crisis, but always.

Source of historical facts: American Minute with Bill Federer (www.amerisearch.net)

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Responding to a culture in transition

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 12, 2008 Biblical Values •

Growing up in a small town, I was naive to much of what the world was really about until I moved away from that airtight bubble and into the big city. My eyes were opened to a whole new way of thinking, living, and being.

Where I had once been sheltered in a loving Christian home, I was thrown into the “real” world when I joined the “worldly” masses. My faith didn’t change in a bad way—but it was certainly tested and challenged more than once. My move forced me to own my faith and back up what I believed—on more than one occasion.

That was over five years ago. Since that time, I have had the opportunity to evaluate how my generation of believers—myself included—has responded to the changing culture, and the issues of God, politics, and world events.

For some, life still only revolves around them and their worldview is extremely self-central. But for others, life and faith has become about making change happen and speaking out for what they believe in a materialistic, self-consumed culture. There are certainly other categories of people that have come to my attention, but it seems that these two are the ones I’ve encountered most of the past few years.

I remember MTV making a big push several years ago about getting out and voting. I noticed that a lot of people my age didn’t really care as much then. But it seems something has changed over the past few years. More and more I’m seeing people—especially Christians—involved in causing change in our culture by going out into the world and making sure that it happens.

I’m curious to see how this affects our country in the years to come. The world is coming to us in droves each and every day. And American Christians—especially people my age (20s-30s)—are beginning to realize the impact we could have right here in our own back yards.

How are you responding to this movement? Is there a way you can impact your culture and bring about a revolutionary change that will move people toward salvation in Jesus? What are you doing to change the world? Are you voting in a way that will honor God and set people up to find Truth and freedom in Him?

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How much is too much: Faith and Politics?

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on May 5, 2008 Biblical Values •

“Evangelicals say faith is now too political.” This is the headline that the Dallas Morning News published in an article just recently. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Conservative Christian leaders who believe the word “evangelical” has lost its religious meaning plan to release a starkly self-critical document saying the movement has become too political and has diminished the Gospel through its approach to the culture wars.

The statement, called “An Evangelical Manifesto,” condemns Christians on the right and left for “using faith” to express political views without regard to the truth of the Bible, according to a draft of the document obtained Friday by The Associated Press.

“That way faith loses its independence, Christians become `useful idiots’ for one political party or another, and the Christian faith becomes an ideology,” according to the draft.

The declaration, scheduled to be released Wednesday in Washington, encourages Christians to be politically engaged and uphold teachings such as traditional marriage. But the drafters say evangelicals have often expressed “truth without love,” helping create a backlash against religion during a “generation of culture warring.”

“All too often we have attacked the evils and injustices of others,” they wrote, “while we have condoned our own sins.” They argue, “we must reform our own behavior.”

The document is the latest chapter in the debate among conservative Christians about their role in public life. Most veteran leaders believe the focus should remain on abortion and marriage, while other evangelicals—especially in the younger generation—are pushing for a broader agenda. The manifesto sides with those seeking a wide-range of concerns beyond “single-issue politics.”

The article states that more than 80 evangelicals including Os Guiness and Richard Mouw are among the supporters. And Phil Burress, an Ohio activist, said that if high-profile Christian leaders such as James Dobson and Richard Land don’t endorse the document, then it would not be successful.

I don’t intend for this blog to have a devotional format—with an overindulgence of wisdom and truth from God’s Word. Instead, I’d like for this blog to be a motivation to readers to think this issue through, do some research, pray about it, and figure out what the Holy Spirit may be telling you.

Your thoughts and feedback are welcome.