"The Narrow Road": Blogs By Shane Kastler

Like Sheep To The Slaughter................... They Go After Obama

I believe in the separation of church and state as the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution describes it – and as it was intended by our nation’s founders.  The entire principle can be boiled down to this idea:  “The government does not have the right to tell churches what they CAN and CANNOT do.”  The full text of the amendment reads: 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

God-haters all over America have taken this seemingly clear statement on religious freedom to ban everything from prayer in schools, Scripture reading, Ten Commandments monuments, assault on the Pledge of Allegiance, and on and on and on.  Just last week, I received a letter in the mail from Barry Lynn, Executive Director of the Americans United for Separation of Church & State, threatening me with potential legal action if I made my political views known regarding the upcoming Presidential election.  The law is very interesting.  As a Pastor, I am in violation of American law if I endorse, or SPEAK AGAINST a political candidate at any church function.  Even if I preface the statement by saying it is my PERSONAL position and not necessarily the church’s position.  When the Pastor speaks at any church gathering, the United States government considers him to be a spokesman for the church at large.  And will prosecute the church for what the Pastor says.
    When you hear this, you might be prone to say that this sounds much more like Soviet Russia, or Nazi Germany, or Fascist Italy in the 20th century.  Yet, sadly, this unconstitutional law is vigorously enforced in 21st century America.  (So much for the part about free speech!)  
    Or, perhaps you go in the other direction and are tempted to say that pastors should be concerned with spiritual/moral issues and leave political/governmental issues alone.  Therein lies the greatest misconception on the issue of Church and State relations.  Church and State CANNOT be separated because Spiritual and moral issues CAN NEVER be separated from the political and governmental entities that pass the laws.  Though some erroneously say, “you cannot legislate morality” the fact is that ALL LAWS are an attempt to legislate morality.  We have laws against murder because our society believes murder is immoral (unless it’s a baby in the womb then we mysteriously say it’s OK).  We have laws against rape because we believe rape is immoral.  We have laws against stealing because…..(you get the point). 
    Church and State cannot be separated because morality cannot be separated from the law.  Any attempt to do so will either create churches that are secular and worthless….or laws that are immoral and dangerous.  Both of these absurdities exist in our country today, espoused by liberal organizations and the Democrat party, they have pulled America further and further down the slippery slope to immorality, and the inevitable judgment of God.  You see, GOD isn’t really intimidated by the ACLU.  Their threats don’t scare Him.  He’s not afraid of losing His tax-exempt status.  God calls nations and people to follow Him and His ways.  And when they arrogantly thumb their nose at Him, He continues to show them grace….until He decides enough is enough.  And His judgment falls on the un-Godly.
    We are currently studying the book of Jeremiah in our Wednesday night Bible Study, and the similarities between Old Testament Israel/Judah….and modern day America are shocking.  Israel thought their greatest problems were political and military.  So they made alliances with the world powers of their day Assyria and Egypt.  They turned from Yahweh, the One True God with whom they had a covenantal relationship with…and they turned to pagan nations for protection.  God offered them “fountains of living water”…but they rejected it for “broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:13)  When pagan kings ordered them to desecrate the Temple they willingly obliged.  When pagan nations worshipped idols, Yahweh’s people joined in.  Israel took money from the Temple treasury and gave it to pagan kings as a gift.  They thought they were appeasing the powerful….but in reality, they were mocking the ALL-POWERFUL.  God makes it very clear, through the prophet Jeremiah, that though they were offered blessings --  they chose worldliness -- and they would receive Divine judgment.  The same is true of America today.
    Morality cannot be separated from Law.  Christians cannot be banned from the Political process.  And Church CANNOT be separated from State….NOR SHOULD IT BE!  When you eliminate the true Church, redeemed by Christ, from matters of State, you remove the influence of the One True God from the laws of the people.  And Divine Judgment always follows.  The First Amendment is supposed to protect, rather than silence, churches.
    This year, our Presidential election is the most dangerous we’ve seen in our lifetime.  Barack Hussein Obama has no interest in hearing what the Bible says about morality, in fact he openly mocks it.  Obama favors Hate Speech legislation that silences those who speak out on moral issues such as homosexuality.  Obama embraces homosexuality as a “civil right” and will ultimately push for gay marriage.  Obama opposed the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, and was the only Senator to actually give a speech opposing this bill which would have outlawed the murder of newborn children who survived a botched abortion.  Obama favors re-instituting the “Fairness Doctrine” which requires radio stations to have as many liberal shows as conservative.  Should the government have the right to monitor political and religious speech in a free society?  No.  But Obama doesn’t favor a free society.  He favors a far, left-leaning dictatorship where the Government is God…and He serves as King.  Don’t let the smooth speeches and pretty smile fool you.  His record speaks loud and clear…and he has surrounded himself with some very vicious people.  Yet, like sheep to the slaughter, the masses go after Obama.  Not realizing the danger of what they’re doing.
    America’s greatest problems ARE NOT Economic.  Nor are they Military.  Nor are they Educational.  Nor are they Health Care related.  America’s greatest problems are Spiritual and Moral.  America has repeatedly thumbed its nose at God and mocked Jesus Christ and the slide to judgment has picked up steam in the last several years.  A booming economy does no good, when it exists in a nation full of people who are slaves to the government…and are told to look to it for their survival.  God, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, warned the nation of Judah:  “Your own wickedness will correct you, and your rebellions will rebuke you….For you forsake the LORD your God, and the fear of me is not in you…. And you will be put to shame…” (Jeremiah 2:19, 36)
    I don’t know exactly how God might choose to judge America.  But an Obama presidency could certainly bring much of it about.  I speak now, because I still can.  Obama, and others like him who may very soon be in power, will seek to silence the voice of opposition.  In the style of a dictator, all dissenters will be “tarred and feathered” and laws passed in the name of fighting “hate” will only serve to remove the true and loving voice of God and His people.  As a Pastor, I’m already banned from endorsing political candidates.  Obama will try to ban me from making other “moral” arguments as well…..but we must obey God rather than man (Acts 4:19-20).  Obama and his goons….or some future president and his goons may one day pass laws to silence, imprison, or even execute those that disagree with them.  You say it could never happen here?  That’s the same thing Germany once said, prior to Hitler.  Anything is possible…even in America.  Especially in America….where people are more concerned with their 401 K’s than they are their standing before God.  Yes, I may be one day silenced by liberal goons calling themselves the “hate crimes police”…..but if so, I plan to die happy.  I’ll be with Jesus, who died the same way…..and I’ll be in Heaven where God’s judgment won’t be necessary anymore.
    Jeremiah was aghast at what was transpiring in his nation, and as God said through the prophet:  “Be appalled O Heavens at this, and shudder….for my people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and made for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:12-13) Listen up America!  Jesus is the fountain of living waters.  Obama is a broken cistern that can hold no water.  McCain falls WAY SHORT of Christ….but is MUCH BETTER than Obama.  And on Tuesday, November 4…the ball will be in your court.  Will you choose to reject the immoral policies of Obama?  Or will you embrace Obama and reject the living waters of Almighty God?  Your judgment hangs in the balance.

Christian Singer Ray Boltz Is Gay (& Obviously Very Confused)

This week, Christian singer Ray Boltz publicly "came out of the closet" by granting an interview to the Washington Blade newspaper announcing he was gay.  Boltz achieved worldwide fame in the Christian music industry during the 1980s and 1990s for such hits as "Thank You For Giving to the Lord"; "The Anchor Holds"; "Heaven Is Counting on You"; and "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" -- Boltz now says that he has known he was gay his entire life and that since God made him that way, he should accept it and not "live a lie" any longer.  When he announced it to his wife and children, they ultimately "accepted him in love" and have been largely supportive of him.  He and his wife Carol divorced earlier this year, and Ray is now living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he "dates and lives a normal gay life."  Carol is now an advocate for Soulforce, a pro-gay group that fights for gay rights.  To say the least, the level of depravity in the Boltz family has plummeted to a shockingly low level.  So what's to be said about Boltz's Christian faith?

If you want to experience something truly nauseating, go back and listen to Boltz's bestselling live album "Concert of a Lifetime" where you will hear him singing of his deep love for Jesus and his commitment to God's Word and his faithfulness to the truth, even when the world is against you.  And if that's not enough, listen to his "testimonies" between the songs of how much he loves Jesus, etc., etc.  Only one of two conclusions can be reached.  Either, he was lying.  Or he was deceived about what Jesus taught.  Both conclusions lead to disaster for Ray Boltz.

The truly sad part is that Boltz has bought into the modern gay lie that says anyone that says your perversion is sinful must be a bigot or hate-monger.  He's already spouting the line of how "accepting and affirming" his gay friends are and how "judgmental" Christians are.  Of course this is quite a coup for the gay community  "Christian Singer Comes Out of Closet" makes for a tantalizing headline in the gay newspapers.  But the damage Boltz is doing to himself and the cause of Christ is incalculable.  Boltz claims he's been living a lie...indeed he has, but the lie is not what he thinks it is.  He says he's gay and spent 30 years dishonestly denying it.  But the real lie comes in his statement that he is a Christian, when the obvious fruit of his life says otherwise.  Immediately, blood pressures will rise as people will say I have no right to judge him.  True enough -- but God's Word does. 

"Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate , nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. " (1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB)

But Scripture is the last thing Ray Boltz is interested in discussing today.  As he said in his interview: 

“If you were to hold up the rule book and go, ‘Here are all the rules Christians must live by,’ did I follow every one of those rules all that time? Not at all, you know, because I kind of rejected a lot of things, but I’ve grown some even since then. I guess I felt that the church, that they had it wrong about how I felt with being gay all these years, so maybe they had it wrong about a lot of other things.”

Does that sound like the words of a believer, or a very confused man?  He says that he's "grown some" -- Indeed he has, he's "grown" more like the world.  He's set himself up as judge over God's Word; declared "the church" to be wrong on homosexuality; and given in to a sin he struggles with by deciding its not sinful,  since he enjoys it.  And rest assured, this will only be the beginning of his spiritual descent.  Having come to the conclusion that "the church has it wrong about a lot of things" he will undoubtedly soon deny all of the basic tenets of Christianity (if he hasn't already)....yet still claim to be a Christian.  Of course he'll claim to be a liberated, modern, left wing "Christian" who conveniently rejects everything Christ himself taught.  But a "Christian" who doesn't follow "Christ" is no Christian at all.  Yet, Boltz isn't worried about eternal, spiritual matters.  Stating: 

“If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live. It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell."

And yet the words of Jesus hold frighteningly true for those who claim Him, yet don't follow Him:  "Depart from me, I never knew you." (Matthew 7:23)

Ray Boltz is obviously in great need of prayer.  He "struggled" with homosexuality for years; but has now accepted it as "who he is."  When we re-define our sins as "acceptable" and embrace them, we have simply made a deal with the Devil that will lead to destruction.  Yet, we know that the power of God can overcome anything the kingdom of darkness devises.  We should pray that Ray Boltz will feel intense conviction and have a true, life-altering, change of heart.  And we know that only God will be able to do that in his heart.  The scary part is, that Boltz has bought into a sinful  worldview regarding homosexuality that doesn't just affect the way he lives, it also affects the way he thinks. 

We've seen other Christian singers "fall" into sin.  In 1994 Michael English, formerly of the Gaither Vocal Band,  had an affair with Marybeth Jordan.  Amy Grant and Gary Chapman, a Christian music duo, divorced in the 1990's when Grant left him for country singer Vince Gill.  Sandi Patty, divorced her husband in 1993, after she had an affair; and eventually married again in 1995.  All of these scandals are tragic, and in most cases should be "career-ending." Our hearts break anytime we hear of someone "falling" into sin in this way.  But a key difference between these and Boltz is that none of the above mentioned names ever denied the reality that their sexual escapades were in fact sinful.  They KNEW adultery was a sin; and though excuses might have been made they KNEW that no excuse justified what they did.  Boltz, on the other hand, no longer believes his sin is really a "sin."  He has become the epitome of Romans 1 where God says "their foolish heart was darkened" (v.21)  and  goes on to say:

"the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper." (Romans 1:27-28 NASB)

Therefore, truly and sadly, it can be said....Ray Boltz hasn't simply fallen into sin.  Ray Boltz has lost his mind.  The thought processes that tell you what is rational and irrational have been short-circuited by sin's debilitating influence.  The God-given conscience that screams to you "THIS IS WRONG!" has been suppressed to the point that God is now, "giving him over to his depravity."  To witness this taking place in someone's life is truly frightening.  To see how someone can "fake" Christianity for so many years is astonishing.  But there are some "signs" you can probably detect in retrospect. 

The fact that Boltz and his ex-wife Carol are now advocates for gay rights seems to indicate that the public persona of Christian faith was not what they truly believed in their hearts.  Boltz humbly bragged on one of his albums that "no one made a marketing decision that I should sing about Jesus.  I sing about Jesus, because there's nothing greater to sing about."  The crowd applauded what sounded like a Christ-exalting proclamation.  But alas, the first part of the statement, was a lie.  As Ray Boltz life has been....and sadly continues to be.  The lies that say "my sin is acceptable" and "God made me this way" and "if you loved me you would accept me."  Indeed, Ray Boltz is not who he has claimed to be.  In "coming out of the closet" he has also "pulled off his Christian mask."  He can claim to be a Christian all he wants.....his actions clearly show otherwise.  He has "exchanged the truth of God for a lie" (Romans 1:25) and contrary to what he thinks....his world has sunken to a level of dark depravity that few people have known.  I pray for Ray Boltz.  May his "spiritual eyes" be opened to see what his confused heart can't seem to grasp.  And may it happen, before it's too late.

Congressman Boyda Responds To My E-mail on Hate Crimes...And I Respond Back

Recently, I posted an email I had written to our U.S. Congressman Nancy Boyda concerning the Hate Crimes Bill.  She voted to support it, and it passed the House, now awaiting Senate review.  She also emailed me back giving her reasons for support.  Below, I have included her response to me, as well as, a second email I sent back responding to her's.  Am I going to change her mind? No.  But she was elected by the people of our district, and I want her to know that we are paying attention to what she's doing.  She must represent all of this district, including the hicks like me in Linn County.  At any rate, here is her response to me, and my rebuttal:

......

May 10, 2007

Dear Mr. Kastler,

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office regarding hate crimes legislation. As your representative, I both need and value your input.

The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007, H.R. 1592, was introduced by Representative John Conyers. This legislation passed the House on May 3, 2007 by a vote of 237-180 and is now in the Senate for review.

I appreciate this opportunity to share with you why I voted for this bill. First, I would like to clarify the purpose and effects of this legislation. The bill:

Expands crimes that are protected under hate crimes statutes. The Civil Rights Act of 1968 established the foundation of current federal statutes on hate crimes. For the first time it outlawed the use, or the threat of use, of force motivated by a person's race, color, religion or national origin. It applied to certain federally protected activities like enrolling in or applying to attend a public school, traveling or voting. H.R. 1592 expands the provisions to cover violent crimes such as assault or murder.

Extends protections against hate crimes to more Americans. H.R. 1592 broadens protections to include people victimized because of their gender, sexual orientation or disability.

Protects First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and religion. This legislation does not prohibit any verbal expressions of disapproval toward any group. It does not prohibit any statements about personal religious beliefs, and it does not attempt to police hateful thoughts. In fact, the bill explicitly states that exercises of First Amendment freedoms are not subject to prosecution.

Helps local law agencies. H.R. 1592 directs the Attorney General's office to offer assistance to local jurisdictions by awarding grants to local law enforcement programs.

I voted for this bill because:

Hatred tears communities apart and undermines our democracy. Violent crimes based on prejudice are not just about targeting the individual; they're about spreading fear through the community and throughout the nation. The core principle of our democracy is that all individuals are created equal. No group should have to live in fear.

I believe that motive should be a factor in determining criminal penalties for violent acts. Crimes motivated by hatred of a group of people are especially heinous and deserving of strong punishment. This principle is consistent with centuries of precedent. For example, courts have differentiated between manslaughter and premeditated murder for hundreds of years.

I am moved by the statements of many of the bill's endorsers, including religious groups and law enforcement organizations. While some religious groups do not support hate crimes legislation, many do, including the United Methodist Church , of which I am a member. Of one thing I am certain; we are all God's children. H.R. 1592 is also supported by over 230 national law enforcement, professional, education, civil rights, civic and religious organizations.

I know that you hold your opinion on this issue very deeply, and I understand and respect your views, as I hope you do mine. I am confident that there are many other matters of policy on which we may agree, and I hope that we can work together in the future. Thank you again for contacting me. Sincerely,

Nancy Boyda
Member of Congress

......

Dear Rep. Boyda,

Thank you for responding to my e-mail concerning the Hate Crimes Bill (HR 1592). As a member of your constituency, I am trying to keep tabs on what is going on in Washington, so we in Kansas can stay informed. In so doing, I would like to address some of your reasoning for support of this bill, and offer a word of encouragement as well.

While this bill does not attempt to “police thoughts”, nor infringe on Free Speech rights, it certainly seems to be a step in that direction. You mentioned that it was your belief that “motive” should be taken into account when prosecuting violent crimes, and that we already do this with crimes such as murder and manslaughter. Of course, the glaring difference would be that those crimes address “motive” of premeditation versus crimes committed in the “heat of the moment” versus crimes involving criminal negligence. The Hate Crimes bill you recently voted for broadens this far beyond these types of motives, to include thoughts expressed towards particular groups. Don’t we already have laws in place to protect ALL PEOPLE from violent crimes?

Furthermore, the Bill provides Federal money and law enforcement aid to local authorities prosecuting Hate Crimes. I suppose we can expect to see a rash of state and local law enforcement agencies labeling crimes as “Hate Crimes” to receive the extra funding grants. It seems rather obvious that this Bill will only serve to drive a deeper wedge between various groups of Americans.

In addition to this, the Hate Crimes Bill seems to be a rather blatant violation of our U.S. Constitution, Article XIV, Section I, which promises that laws shall not be made that will deny to any person "the equal protection of the laws." I ask you: Is it “equal protection” when you are allocating more funds and energy to crimes committed against certain groups? Isn’t a heterosexual murder just as heinous as a homosexual murder? Shouldn’t a Caucasian girl’s rape be prosecuted just as fervently as an African-American girl’s rape? I for one, wish to see all violent criminals punished to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of whether the crime was committed by a bigot, or just a “garden variety” psycho. The perpetrator is not the main point…the victim SHOULD be. This is even more ironic when you wrote to me that one of your reasons for approving this Bill was because our democracy states: “all individuals are created equal.” If you really believe that, then why are you not treating them as equals under the law?

In addition to this, it seems extremely odd to grant special privileges to certain citizens based upon what they do in their bedrooms. Obviously, matters of race and gender differ greatly from issues like homosexuality and transgenderism, which are protected groups under the new law. Your vote for this bill is not a protection of people, it’s a protection of certain behaviors.

Furthermore, I think the biggest concern many have is that this unconstitutional bill opens the door for further legislation involving “hate speech”, whereas any citizen, feeling led of God or their own conscience, to simply speak against lifestyles we deem sinful, will face prosecution. Before you discard this potential scenario, keep in mind that this has already happened in Canada and Sweden, and we know there are some within your political party who would like to see it happen in the United States as well. I fear, you’ve played right into their hands. I am, however, encouraged to hear that President Bush is planning to veto this Bill, given its divisive, discriminatory, and unconstitutional nature.

I would like to close with a word of encouragement. As a Pastor, I am committed to praying for you as you represent us in Washington. Clearly, we won’t agree on some issues, but I hope, as you said, we will have common ground on some. You wrote to me saying: “Crimes motivated by hatred of a group of people are especially heinous and deserving of strong punishment.” and “No group should have to live in fear.” I agree with both of these philosophies to an extent. And since this is a mindset you and I both share, I’ll be watching carefully to see if your voting record shows consistency. We should protect people in our country, especially the one’s who are most vulnerable and cannot protect themselves. I noticed the “disabled” are included in the new Bill, and since you believe no group should have to live in fear, I’ll look forward to seeing you defend the rights of our Nation’s children, whose beating hearts feel so safe and protected within the confines of their mother’s womb. Since you feel that certain groups deserve greater protection, I will assume you will fight to see this group protected as well. Shouldn’t they have just as much right to protection as those of specific races, genders, religions, and sexual orientations? What greater “Hate Crime” can their be than to take a person’s life before they’ve even been given a chance to breathe, and grow, and enjoy the benefits of being an American? This stand will show your consistency in protecting endangered groups, and it will put you at odds with many in your own party. But such a stand would certainly win my respect and admiration.

Thanks again for writing me back. I’ll do my best to keep you in prayer as you serve. And I’ll be sure to watch how you represent us in the Capitol, and let as many people around here know as I can. Pro or con.

Thanks again and have a nice day,

Shane Kastler -- Pastor

The First Christian Church

Pleasanton, KS

My Letter To Our Congressman (Sorry, I Meant CongressWOMAN) Concerning "Hate Crimes" Legislation

A "Hate Crimes" Bill is scheduled to be voted upon this week in the U.S. House of Representatives. Essentially it's a discriminatory bill that makes crimes committed against certain groups, including homosexuals, liable to greater punishment than others. While I would deplore any violent crime committed against a homosexual, I would equally deplore those crimes committed against anyone else. This bill would be the first step in criminalizing, not only violence, but also opinions which are unfavorable towards homosexuality.

This legislation is unnecessary, unconstitutional, and just plain silly. In response to it, I have written an email to our Democratic Representative Nancy Boyda, encouraging her to vote against it......Although up to now she has toed the Democratic line on other issues, and I'm told she plans to support this bill as well. Below, I've posted my letter to her. If you'd like her to know how you feel, click on this link for her contact information. Here's my letter to her: .........

Dear Rep. Boyda,

I am writing to you on behalf of myself and many in Linn County Kansas who are deeply disturbed by the upcoming Hate Crimes Legislation (HR 1592). While we all lament violence against any group of people, we cannot see how singling out any particular group to receive special standing in our nation's eyes is either wise nor Constitutional. In fact it seems rather clear that this discriminatory legislation could easily be the initial step in silencing our constitutionally protected right to freedom of speech on issues of morality that we deem vitally important.

As one of your constituents, I am encouraging you to go out on a limb and do the right thing (contra your political party) and oppose this dangerous legislation. We all want to see violent criminals punished to the fullest extent of the law. But we consider violent crimes to be equally deplorable, regardless of who the crime is committed against. Please do the right thing for Kansas, the 2nd district, and America at large and oppose this unnecessary, divisive, and indeed unconstitutional bill.

Yours truly,

Shane Kastler, Pastor

The First Christian Church of Pleasanton, KS

God Made A Mistake? Barbara Walters Reports On “Transgender” Kids

This might be the most asinine story I’ve ever seen. This Friday on ABC’s 20/20, Barbara Walters will open the world’s eyes to the difficult life experienced by “transgender” children, through a report called, "My Secret Self: A Story of Transgender Children." Barbara will be talking with the Grant family. Mom, Dad, daughter Allie, and Allie’s twin sister “Riley” who is biologically a boy named Richard. Sound strange? It gets worse.

As Allie and Richard began to get older, Richard desperately wanted to play with Allie’s toys. He was attracted to “girl stuff,” he wanted to wear dresses and play with dolls and have tea parties. At first glance, this doesn’t really appear to be that big of a deal. After all, if Allie is the more dominant personality, there’s a good chance that she will dictate what and how they play. It seems the real problem comes when Richard is unable to transition from a temporary play time to a permanent way of life. Richard wanted to be a girl. As he got older he would pray that God would make his “boy part” disappear, but it never happened. He told his Mommy that “God made a mistake.” In reality, God DIDN’T make a mistake….but at this point, Mommy made a HUGE one.

As Walters reports, Mommy began to give in to Richard’s requests. She would let him have “girl time.” She bought him dresses and dolls and let him act like a girl, while Daddy wasn’t around. In other words she began to turn her son into a gelding behind her husband’s back. When Dad found out, he was upset…..but we all know that masculine common sense is entirely unwelcome in our modern and over-sensitive world. You can see it coming…Dad is seen as “insensitive” and “overbearing” because he thinks his son should act like a boy…..so, as many men do nowadays, Dad gives in. Mom convinces him that they need to “nurture” their “son/daughter” and allow he/she to be what he/she really is.

Without question, this is indeed a tragedy. Young Richard has a serious problem that needs to be dealt with. He’s confused, and he has homosexual tendencies which are not normal. He clearly needs some help. What SHOULD have happened when Daddy found out Mommy was buying Richard dresses is this. Daddy should have calmly “hit the roof” and told Mommy to stop the castration process immediately. Then Daddy should have sweetly and lovingly told little Richard to “go take that dress off, put on a pair of ratty blue jeans, and come with me to the Lake….we’re going fishing.” Richard’s problem is that he is WAY too influenced by females. Mommy and Sister are his role models rather than Daddy. Normally, it’s not a big deal because a lot of boys grow up admiring the females in their life, yet they don’t go so far as to want to be a woman because of it. However, Richard is one of those rare exceptions that have a problem. He needs help….NOT a new dress.

In their defense, Richard’s parents did seek help. They were told that Richard suffered from “Gender Identity Disorder.” I don’t really have a problem with that. Clearly something is wrong with Richard. Whether or not it’s a “disease” could be debated because our society has now given a “disease” name for every sin under the sun. It’s our clever way of never having to take responsibility for our actions. What we used to call “wife-beating drunks” we now call men with “Anger Management Syndrome coupled with the disease of Alcoholism.” That way they can be called “victims” of an illness, rather than “sinners” in need of repentance. But that’s a blog for another day. Back to Richard.

Let’s take it at face value that Richard has a “disease.” OK….so what’s the remedy. ANSWER (according to the authorities in this case)----let Richard act like a girl! When Richard’s parents approached his school principal…this was the solution. “Let him be who he really is. This will make him happy,” they said. Then, when he gets older, consider a sex-change operation. Brilliant advice, isn’t it?

When my son was younger, he had an identity crises too……..he wanted to be a HORSE. He would run around the yard neighing and bucking. He would make clomping sounds and crawl around like an animal. That’s pretty normal behavior for a little boy. But once it came time to eat dinner, I would tell him that play time is over and he needed to act like a boy instead of a horse. I didn’t realize I was damaging his poor little psyche by not allowing him to be “who he really is.” I guess I should start having him wear a halter and make him sleep in a barn. I should start tying a wagon to him and have him pull it around town. Then, I’ll encourage him to eat hay and poop in the middle of the street. NOW, he can be who he REALLY IS. We can assume that God made a mistake because he created a horse trapped in a boy’s body. Maybe someday the same geniuses who came up with “sex change” surgery will develop a “species change” surgery and he can have some hooves surgically implanted on his hands and feet and start taking “horse hormones.”

Sounds ludicrous doesn’t it? It’s the very same concept these parents are using for their “transgender” children. According to Walter’s report, most of these kids grow out of the phase. As they get older they decide to stay the gender they are….BUT 75% of them become homosexuals in adulthood. And THAT is the real issue involved here. Everyone who is honest will admit that it’s not normal to act like the other gender. But if we admit that, then we’re just one step away from also admitting that it’s not normal to be a homosexual either. And there’s NO WAY our country will do that today. Religious arguments aside, anyone who has studied basic Science can see that homosexuality is wrong. The body parts aren’t compatible, and the ability to reproduce is impossible. But make no mistake, the homosexual community in America has a radical agenda. They want to normalize their perversion…and labeling children as “transgender” is just another part of their grand scheme.

The sad fact is that “Richard” is a real little boy who is confused and lost….and his parents, his principal, and the medical community has failed him. He will grow up with a much higher chance of depression and suicide. The media will claim it’s because of society ostracizing him for his identity. But in all honesty, his depression will stem from the fact that DEEP DOWN he knows he’s living a lie. He will live his life in the homosexual world and will have a far greater chance of catching sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. He is destined to suffer from severe emotional and physical problems…that may have been avoided if even a sliver of common sense had been used in his treatment. But common sense is lacking in America today. The truth is that even though Richard has changed his name to “Riley” and has started wearing dresses. He’s STILL a boy. He’ll grow to be a man, and then will likely have a “sex change” operation. He’ll die as a “women”….then he will stand before God as “Richard” and give an account of HIS life to God. In my opinion, Barbara Walters should be fired, along with Richard’s principal who gave the brilliant advice for Richard to start coming to school “as a girl.” They pretend like they have Richard’s best interest at heart…but they don’t. They have a radical social agenda they want to cram down America’s throat…and Richard is simply being sacrificed as a means to that end. You could also make a real case for child abuse with Richard’s parents who have encouraged his bizarre behavior.

Let’s pray for Richard and his parents to awaken to the reality of what’s going on. And let’s pray for our country. If we continue to accept perversion as “normal”…then God’s judgment will be upon us. In fact it already is upon us. God is in the process of handing our Nation over to the depravity we have chosen. Morality is lacking, and common sense is no more. This story is simply the latest example of that. May God save our Country from itself, before it’s too late.

Another BIG SHOT Christian Falls…My Thoughts on the Ted Haggard Scandal, and the Depravity of Homosexuality

Another high profile Christian leader has fallen……Last week, accusations were made against National Association of Evangelicals President, and Colorado Springs Pastor, Ted Haggard (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,227579,00.html). A gay, male prostitute accused Haggard of having a 3 year sexual relationship with him, and of buying and using methamphetamines. Haggard did the typical “animal caught in a trap” routine and began to “chew his own leg off” by lying about the accusations and claiming innocence. A couple of days later he admitted to buying meth and hiring the male prostitute, but claimed he threw the meth away, and only had a “massage” from the prostitute. Today (11/5/06) in a statement read to his church, (http://www.newlifechurch.org/) Haggard admitted to “sexual immortality” saying that he had a “dark, and repulsive” side that he has struggled with his entire adult life. For what its worth…here are my thoughts….as a Christian…and as a Pastor…

Initially, I get very angry when I hear of something like this. Not only has this incident affected Haggard’s family and church….it really affects all Christians. Anytime a Pastor falls, people inevitably ask the question: “I wonder if my Pastor is a lying, phony as well.” The fact is that Pastors aren’t perfect. But for every Ted Haggard that’s having a secret affair, there are probably 50 Pastors who are loyal, servants of God who are faithful to their wives….of course the media has no interest in them, because there’s no story there. Imagine THAT headline: “Pleasanton Pastor Says He’s as Strait as a West Kansas Highway…and He’s Never Cheated on His Wife.” Needless to say, it wouldn’t garner much attention, but I think there are more Pastors like that than people realize. Haggard KNEW that he was living a lie and should have gotten out of the ministry years ago and dealt with his problem. He didn’t….and now he’s paying the consequences. We must never forget…. “what we do in the dark, will be brought to the light.” (Mark 4:22)

Another thing I’ve noticed is that the “Pastor Scandals” seem to be getting worse. Remember the Jimmy Swaggert and Jim Bakker debacles of the 1980’s? These two high profile Christian leaders “fell from grace” because of their sin involving women and money. Their sin was evil. But their sin was also heterosexual. While heterosexual sin is damning and grievous in God’s sight, homosexual sin, in some ways is even worse. How is that? Because HETEROsexuality itself is not a sin. Its good for a man to be attracted to a woman….God designed it that way. The problem comes when the attraction takes place outside of marriage. HOMOsexuality is wrong….always wrong…and it’s somewhat warped. Men aren’t designed to be attracted to other men….nor are they designed to have sex with each other. Even the pro-homosexual movement ought to be able to look at the body parts and see that homosexuality doesn’t work. It’s a sin against God….and it’s a sin against nature. That’s not popular to say these days….but deep down….we all know its true.

Furthermore, the Bible indicates that homosexuals reach a somewhat deeper level of depravity. The Bible says: “For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper” (Romans 1:26-28 NASB) Notice that they were sinners to begin with. And they turned further and further away from God…and God’s judgment upon them was to “hand them over” to indulge in the unthinkable perversion of homosexuality. All sin carries consequences. But the bizarre sin of homosexuality shows, in a way, the judgment of God being carried out, on THIS SIDE of eternity. Our country is becoming more depraved….and you can see it in the Pastor Scandals. It used to be “women and money.” Nowadays, its “homosexuality and drugs.”

Just like HETEROsexuality, money itself isn’t evil. Money can be a blessing, but when it leads to corruption, sin occurs. Snorting meth is always wrong. Do you see the progression I’m talking about? Sin involving “women and money” (two things which are NOT inherently sinful, though became sinful because of the circumstances) versus sin involving “homosexuality and drugs” (two things which ARE inherently sinful, ALL THE TIME). I’m certainly not defending Swaggert and Bakker for their sin….but Ted Haggard is in a whole different ball park.

With that said, I think we can learn something from Ted Haggard. After he went through the “denial stage.” He finally “came clean” and did the right thing. He admitted his sin. He is seeking help. He submitted to the authority of his church leaders. And amazingly he asked his church members to NOT hold a grudge against the male prostitute who “went public.” In fact he said they should be thankful for the prostitute’s honesty, because its forcing Haggard to deal with his sin. Ted Haggard committed horrible immorality. He did something very wrong. And now he’s doing something very right. He’s being honest before God and seeking forgiveness and change. “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:7) If Haggard is really repentant…then God will forgive him, and cleanse him.

Another thing I want to point out is this: Pastors (and really all Christians) get into trouble when the “main thing” no longer becomes the “main thing.” Our job is to glorify God in all we do, and to proclaim the gospel to a perishing world. Our main job is not to lobby Washington, or win the world to our political party. Guys like Ted Haggard get so immersed in the culture wars that they forget the eternal, spiritual war. We must confront our culture and we must speak out against sin. But I’m afraid Haggard may have spent too much time hob-knobbing with the President, when He should have been spending time with the Lord. I think some mega-church leaders get so intoxicated with the power and the numbers and the popularity that they open themselves up to Satanic attack, and to devastating sin….and then they make complete fools of themselves by doing things like opposing gay marriage, while secretly having a gay affair.

Another thing, I’ll point out is that Haggard says he believes every word of what he’s taught publicly about homosexuality. He calls it sin….he’s right. We just didn’t know it was a sin he struggles with. His opponents will no doubt use this to try and prove that all Christians are hypocrites and that the gay life is “natural” for some. But Ted Haggard’s fall from grace has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with whether or not the gay life is sin. It IS sin. Period.

One last point (unless I think of another one). All Christians need to remember that “pride cometh before the fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) This is just another lesson that sin is a vile cancer upon our souls and when it rears its ugly head its devastating. Haggard has his weak points….one of which is apparently homosexual temptation. I have to be honest…I’ve NEVER struggle with THAT temptation. It boggles my mind to think of how ANYONE can struggle with that. But obviously some people do. Of course we ALL have our own weak area, and our own sin. I need to recognize what mine are and declare an all out war against it in my life….and so do you. Sin hinders our fellowship with God, and it messes up our relationships with each other. Sin can lead to tremendous embarrassment, and devastate our family. Sin is the biggest problem this world has ever seen, or ever will see. And sin….amazingly…..was judged, defeated, and paid for on the cross by Jesus Christ. Those who turn to Him as Lord are forgiven because of His death. I believe Ted Haggard is truly saved…which means the punishment for his “gay sex” was taken by Jesus Christ. Which also means the punishment for whatever depravity you’ve done, was taken by Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, what a Savior! Thank Him, Praise Him, Follow Him, and Imitate Him…..and while you’re doing that, BE ON GUARD against the sin in your life, and the devil who wants to devour you (see 1 Peter 5:8). He sunk his teeth into Ted Haggard last week. Next week….it MAY be YOU! Be ready! Be vigilant! And when sin and temptation come knocking at your door……send Jesus to answer it.

The “Narrow Road” That Leads “Out on a Limb”---Opposite Brad Pitt

Jesus calls his followers to “deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him.” (Matthew 16:24)  He has assured us that the “broad road” which is easy and popular, leads to Hell.  The “narrow road” that He calls us down, leads to eternal life, “and few there are that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)  Why is the narrow road so hard to take?  Why are so few willing to march it?  Because often times, the narrow road Jesus calls you down will lead you, “out on a limb.” 

            It may surprise you to know that Jesus doesn’t care about how popular you are with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, or even family.  Some churches will tell you otherwise—they’re wrong.  In fact, if you truly follow Christ like you’re supposed to—He guarantees that you won’t always be popular (see John 15:20).  You’re called to deny yourself on Earth and look to Heaven—and that is completely opposite to the way our selfish world thinks.  Following Jesus will make you different.  At times you may be lonely.  At times you may be ridiculed for taking a stand that others are unwilling (or too scared) to take.  Jesus Himself was ridiculed by His own brothers who were embarrassed by Him. (see John 7:3-5)  If you follow Christ in this world, the same will happen to you.  Now ask yourself--Are you more like Jesus (getting ridiculed), or are you more like His brothers (doing the ridiculing)?  If you’re a Christian, then you ought to know which one you should be like.

            Life is full of decisions.  Millions of times, in a million different situations we are faced with a choice:  Will I follow Christ, and risk ridicule by the world?  Or will I give in to the world, and thus dishonor Christ?  Non-Christians will choose the world every time.  Weak Christians will choose the world part of the time.  “Christ-like” Christians will choose the world none of the time.  They’re too obsessed with pleasing their Master to care what the world thinks about them.  Oh, that every Christian would be more like that!  How different our world would be, if only, more Christians looked like Christ.

            So what about you?  Are you willing to identify with the Savior?  Or do His “bloody hands” and “nail scarred” feet embarrass you?  Are you willing to follow Christ, even if it means He leads you “out on a limb?”  Live your life for Him!  Remember you will one day stand before Him and give an account.  So will everyone else.  And I promise, on that Great Judgment Day—multitudes will wish that had lived their lives for the Master’s approval, rather than the Earth’s accolades.  Choose the narrow road…..and let the chips fall where they may.  If you belong to Christ, follow Him!  You may get bloody (like Him).  You may get scarred (like Him).  You may be persecuted (like Him).  You may be hated (like Him).  You will be rewarded in Heaven (by Him).  Now for one who has chosen the world…

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BRAD PITT REFUSES TO MARRY UNTIL “ALL” HAVE RIGHT TO MARRY

I read comments today by Hollywood “pretty boy” Brad Pitt saying that he and “live in” girlfriend Angelina Jolie won’t get married until our country gives marriage rights to all (including homosexuals).  Well, I guess that ends the debate doesn’t it!  I can’t imagine how much sleep I’m going to lose over Brad’s threat.  Surely he’s joking---I can’t imagine a Hollywood star refusing marriage in exchange for a life of sin.  Maybe Brad’s just trying to scare us!  He’s actually going to LIVE WITH his girlfriend.  What a rebel!  Think how he’ll stand out in that “pristine and pure” world known as Hollywood.  I guess he’s taking a stand…by living in one kind of sin (fornication), so he can support people who live in another kind of sin (homosexuality).  WOW BRAD, what a crusader you are!…

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Sorry about the sarcasm (I hope it was obvious enough).  But seriously, is there any person left on the planet that gets their “moral instructions” from Hollywood?  The only part of this story that I find amusing is that Brad Pitt actually thinks someone cares about his views on gay marriage (or anything else for that matter).  Ah, but this IS America---and we seem to have a “fetish for the famous” don’t we?  Brad’s comments are carried world wide by Esquire magazine and read by thousands.  Watch how he’ll wind up being praised by liberal politicians and other Hollywood prima donnas for his “compassionate views.”   The world will fall at his feet.   But what about Christians?…

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As Christians, we need to get our morals from God’s Word.  Brad lives in the glitzy dream world known as Hollywood.  He’s accustomed to being spoiled and pampered, and often times all of the attention goes to stars’ heads.  They think just because they’re famous, that it means they’re also smart.  And they can tell all of us “commoners” how to think.  What’s the problem with that?  The problem is that Brad Pitt is a depraved sinner, just like everyone else.  He has established himself as the god and final authority of his own little world.  But a day is coming for him (and everyone else) in which he will stand before Christ and give an account.  Won’t Jesus be impressed with Brad’s warped views on marriage?  Won’t Jesus be impressed with Brad’s sinful lifestyle?  Won’t Jesus be impressed with Brad’s insistence on remaining single until perverted marriage is accepted?  Won’t Jesus be impressed….No, He won’t be will He.

            If you want to be like the world, then fawn over stars like Brad Pitt and let them tell you what’s right and wrong (even though they don’t have a clue).  Your other option, is to be like, Jesus Christ.  Worldly popularity and Christ-like convictions will always clash on this sinful planet.  But then again, this planet is not our home is it?….Is it?…Is this planet your home?  Is this where you are comfortable?  Or do you find yourself more and more uncomfortable with the increasing amounts of sin, which are becoming “normal” in our country.  We need to pray for people like Brad Pitt.  We need to witness to people like Brad Pitt.  But we must never BECOME people like Brad Pitt.  He has chosen the world, rather than Christ.  What about you?  Make your choice—It’s either Jesus or the world, and ultimately, you can’t have both…