Sweet Words from Maine

Is Today Worth Celebrating?

Celebrating with spooky, foggy fireworks, Stonington, Maine

We enjoy expressing our joy, love, congratulations, gratitude, and good fortune with special events.We celebrate beginnings and endings, new opportunities and positions, finished works and retirements, births and deaths, birthdays, milestones, graduations, reunions, new love, marriages, anniversaries, friendships, healings and recoveries. We hold special religious and federal holidays and look forward to harvest festivals, fairs, picnics and sharing fun at amusement parks.

Frequently too busy, overwhelmed and frenetic, we fail to appreciate that every day is an opportunity to celebrate. The Psalmist said that “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!” Truly that is not always easily done. Troubles, tragedy, or just the challenges of our daily lives may engulf and exhaust us. We long for that “One Moment in Time” about which Whitney Houston sang, a time when we sense we have our destiny under control. If your day is going like that, rejoice!

We may rejoice when things go our way. But the Apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord always” while he was imprisoned! That echoed Christ’s message of the Beatitudes. Happiness or blessing or joy are not dependent on circumstances but on one’s trusting attitude and gratitude to God, who not only redeems us and our situations but has immediate and eternal purposes for us. God’s assuring presence, peace and comfort can even penetrate the foggy mysteries of suffering and give us cause to rejoice within a darkened, threatening world. His grace and power become evident when we are weak.

He walks with us through the deep waters and fires that otherwise might consume our souls ( Isaiah43:2) He gives endurance and encouragement. He is the God of hope who gives peace to those who trust in Him (Romans15:5,13). He is the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1Peter 2:25) and walks us to still waters and and nourishing pastures (Psalm 23). He is the God over impossibilities (Luke 1:37). He is the One who through our faith empowers us to move mountains and defeat giants which obstruct and loom over us. ( Matthew 17:20) He makes us more than we can be through our own efforts. God’s love does not let us go (Hebrews 13:5). He is for us. Who can stand against us? (Romans 8:31)

We have His presence and power because of what Christ has done for us. Faith is the victory that overcomes this disruptive, noisy, distressed, and pressurized world. (1John 5:4)

Perhaps today is worth celebrating!

Life: A Butterfly Journey

Monarch on Butterfly Bush, Sullivan, Maine

Butterflies are beautiful creatures, but their midair flutterings and apparent irregular, undirected courses beg the question of why they don’t just make a bee line to their destination? (Probably because they are not bees!) However, their erratic flying makes it difficult for predators to pick them out of the air!

Their flight pattern is metaphorical for life which is not a linear coarse. Although we do move from the past to the future and progress from physical beginnings to physical endings over which we have little to no say, our journeys are disorganized and frequently dysfunctional or even chaotic as we deal with limitations, vulnerabilities, uncertainties, disappointments, and setbacks.

Because our circumstances and characters have inbuilt fallibilities, our reasoning may be faulty, our desires impure, our dreams and self-estimations unrealistic, our coping skills poor, and our circumstances challenging or even overwhelming. These weaknesses often preoccupy us or distract us from life’s grander meaning and purposes.

We need reminders, redirection, or a greater than human wisdom when we flutter off course. Just as the butterfly benefits from its zig zagging flittering, our vulnerabilities are distracting but need not be a waste of time! Personal interests, moral side excursions, disappointments, adversity, and even suffering and pain are opportunities for learning about ourselves, for finding God in the circumstances, for expanding our understanding of the world which we are navigating, for transformation and maturing, for learning humility and empathy for others, for achieving confidence and courage,

Wise, old King Solomon said that the “beginning of wisdom” is fear or reverence for God; the implication is that gaining some understanding of God and who He created us to be will orient us to the meaning of life and how to handle it. James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

Scripture does that. It course corrects us into recovery and spiritual equilibrium. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple…” (Psalm 19:7) Jeremiah’s message to God’s people was to “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls” Jeremiah 6:16). Speaking through Isaiah, God, the Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel told His people: “I am the Lord your God, …who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea “(Isaiah 48:17-18).

The Books of Proverbs and Psalms are filled with expressions of God’s kindness, His mercy and grace, and His wisdom for faithful living: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24). “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).

God is present – refreshing our spirits, giving peace to our hearts, and bringing good out of our difficulties when we trust Him to do so. He is the great Redeemer of situations and souls and is completing His work in us as he restores us to who we are meant to be (Philippians 1:6)( Romans 8:38-39).

The most amazing thing about the Monarch butterfly is that despite its erratic flight pattern, it makes a courageous and dramatic flight to its finish, migrating purposely from the Eastern US to Mexico on a 2 to 3 thousand miles jaunt! What a symbol of perseverance and great hope! Despite missteps, we can live confident of our ultimate destination when we falteringly persist in faith. Christ defeated death and promised that those who believe will never die but have everlasting life. (John 11:25)

James knew that the journey into faith is rough and irregular. He said that “…whenever you face trials of many kinds, …know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). Essentially he said to hang in there. Perseverance is key. It will be worth it all.

In 1941, Esther Rusthoi wrote the hymn “It Will Be Worth It All.” The refrain expresses the Christian’s “hope”:

It will be worth it all/ when we see Jesus/ Life’s trials will seem so small/when we see Christ/ One glimpse of his dear face/All sorrow will erase/ So, bravely run the race/ ’til we see Christ.”

Other references: (Romans 12:2 )(Psalm 5:8; 25:5; 32:8-9; 37:30-31; 90:12; 91:1-16 ; 119: 105) (Proverbs 3:7; 16:1-2 ,9) (John 14:6) (Ephesians 5:1) (2 Timothy 3:16)

Alone?

Sometimes we find ourselves alone in our endeavors and beliefs. One need not be single, a widow, a widower, or divorced to feel unsupported. Bullying. disrespect, sickness, disabilities, intolerance to varying political, social, or religious views, PTSD from personal tragedies, peer pressure, lack of communication in relationships, difficult circumstances, and violence can leave us with a sense of isolation. Loneliness has become epidemic since the covid pandemic and the mega-use of social media. The journey ahead may appear dismal when we feel abandoned, unloved, or uncared for. But are we?

Scripture consistently points us to the reality of God’s powerful presence and the truths of His inspired Word. These are the the blessings of a faith which confidently assures that “the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls” leads to still waters and green pastures and is even present in the valley where death casts its shadow (1Peter 2:25) (Psalm 23).

The Psalmist knew that “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). He extolled God as his refuge and strength, a fortress, a strong deliverer, and a “present help in trouble.” Throughout history, God has been known as compassionate, faithful, merciful, patient, and abounding in steadfast love (Exodus 34:6) Nehemiah 9:31) (Psalm 46.1; 145:8) (Jonah 4:2) (Titus 2:11). Those attributes were definitively demonstrated through the gift, incarnation, life, sacrifice, and resurrection of Christ who touched and healed the bodies and souls of all who sought him. He raised the dead and promised resurrected eternal life to all who would come to him in belief (John 11:25). He calls to all who are weary and burdened and promises rest (Matthew 11:28). He promised to never leave or forsake us and to be with us “to the end of the age” (Deuteronomy 31:60 ( Mathew 28:20).

Throughout his life, the Apostle Paul experienced overwhelming persecution, physical challenges, and spiritual needs but found God’s grace sufficient for his trials (2 Corinthians 12:9). He understood what he told the Athenians – that God is not far from us. We are His creations made in His image, and “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17: 24-26).

The Apostle Peter, who knew that he would die for his beliefs and advancement of the Kingdom of God, was undaunted as he courageously persevered in preaching what he believed: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

Jesus was challenged at all levels of his physical, emotional, and spiritual being. There is no hardship or temptation that he escaped. He endured them perfectly for us. (Hebrews 4:15) He understands our bruised souls and doubt filled, fearful minds and is always present -lovingly guiding along paths traveled and familiar to him. It is a matter of trusting him.

Alone, Never Alone, an old hymn written by an unknown author, conveys the truth that God is the God of comfort, peace, love and hope. You can hear it on YouTube, but the lyrics are included here:

I’ve seen the lightning flashing/And heard the thunder roll,
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing/which tried to conquer my soul;
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior/ He bid me still fight on:
He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone.

Refrain:
No, never alone/No, never alone;
He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone:
No, never alone/No, never alone:
He promised never to leave me/ Never to leave me alone.

The world’s fierce winds are blowing–Temptation’s sharp and keen;
I have a peace in knowing/My Savior stands between;
He stands to shield me from danger/When all my friends are gone:
He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]

When in affliction’s valley/I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry/My cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness/And earthly joys are flown,
My Savior whispers His promise/Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]

He died on Calv’ry’s mountain/ For me they pierced His side,
For me He opened that fountain/The crimson, cleansing tide;
For me He’s waiting in glory/Upon His heavenly throne:
He promised never to leave me/Never to leave me alone. [Refrain]

Troubles? Yes. Alone? Never!

From Sea to Shining Sea

The grand, final stanza of America the Beautiful will echo across the majestic “purple mountains” and fruited plains” of our country this Fourth of July:

O beautiful for patriot dream/ That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam/ Undimmed by human tears.
America! America!/ God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood/ From sea to shining sea.

Patriots place their lives on the line in the fight for freedom as they dream of peace and brotherhood. We in America have been particularly fortunate to have realized that dream. Yet, we still strive to to overcome our personal histories, biases, and imperfections, to improve our lot, and to be better people. We search for relief from the weight of guilt and the consequences of our moral weaknesses, addictions, bad behaviors, and miserable attitudes. We seek absolution, restoration, and transformation. We all struggle with spiritual bondage and oppression.

In a declaration to the Galatian church, the Apostle Paul said: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) He was saying that rule keeping, tradition, and personal effort are constricting, ineffectual, and futile in freeing us from guilt and shame. But because of Christ’s sacrifice for us, God wipes the slate clean and frees us from guilt, fear, and judgment. When His forgiveness is received in repentance and believing reliance on His presence and power, one is released from spiritual oppression and eternal condemnation. (Romans 8:1)

This time of year Americans celebrate their many civil freedoms because patriots dreamed and scarified. When we accept Christ’s sacrifice for us, we can also celebrate spiritual freedom. Even though the external world places restraints upon us, God offers soul freedom to all peoples.

May God “shed His grace on thee” from continent to continent- from sea to shining sea.

A Vacancy?

A fresh, early summer morning; fog lingering down the bay; smells from the sea; beauty all around!

Beautiful but empty!

We know how to present cheerful facades when actually feeling empty. We hope nobody will detect our loneliness. “Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains. (Proverbs 14:13) Like a decorative shell, lovely but vacant, we live with a nagging fear that something important and purposeful is missing.

We are susceptible to the illusions that wealth, notoriety, good looks, and power will make us happy. We mistake fame and celebrity for accomplishment. Striving for these alone sets us up for disappointment, fear of failure, and competitiveness which may lead to internal stresses of depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, addictions, and hopelessness. The Wisdom Books of the Bible ( Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) acknowledge that life goals can be empty pursuits. Wealth, pleasure, adventure, work, relationships, and intellectual endeavors may be temporarily fulfilling but become meaningless unless put into the context of life’s grander purposes.

King Solomon was drawn into the fantasy that he would be complete and fully satisfied by living the beautiful life with the most and the best, but he eventually realized that “all is vanity” apart from a relationship with God. (Ecclesiastes 12) One of Jobs’ friends, Bildad, suggested that “ to all who forget God” life is like “withering grass.” “The hopes of the godless evaporate.Their confidence hangs by a thread. They are leaning on a spider’s web.” (Job 8:11-15 ) Yet, we too become caught up in the chase for those things that do not satisfy the soul.

Christ warned his followers to “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own,” and then told a parable about a rich man who built more and bigger barns to hold an exceptionally productive crop thinking that he had stored enough away to last him for years. He could “eat, drink and be merry.” “But God said to him, “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:15-22) The problem was not the man’s wealth but his idolatrous attitude and dependence upon it to the exclusion of God.

In contrast, the Psalmist held a clear sense of identity. He had learned the true source of happiness and life’s essence: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:2-5) That man understood his place in the universe.

Christ came to show us who we are and our need. Crowned with redemption’s forgiveness and healing, the human spirit is directed from selfish excesses to a new life of humility and grace. In 1971, Gloria Gather wrote these lyrics: “Something beautiful, something good/ All my confusion he understood/ All I had to offer him was brokenness and strife/ But he made something beautiful of my life..“

Beautiful and full!

Controlling the Winds…

Winds blow! Seas rise! Sails billow! Boats move! But without a rudder boats flounder. Controlling the rudder determines the direction in which the ships slips along. James, the brother of Jesus (when speaking about the power of the tongue) said , “…a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. (James 3:4-17 (NLT2)

Buffeted about by cultural influences, difficult circumstances, and a world full of powerful delusions, we may flounder because of anxiety, depression, fear, stress, worry, indecisiveness, temptations, and misinformation, but if we are centered with a strong sense of meaning and purpose, we can recover and regain a steady, intentional course. The Psalmist found his orientation, meaning, and stability in his relationship with God:

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:3-7 (NLT2)

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus specifically addressed the important values which lead to a peace filled life centered on God and others. He ended his teaching with a parable about a wise man and a foolish man:

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.
And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

Someone has said, “ The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder…” Christ brings truth which gives meaning and purpose and stability to life. A good place to hear him out is the Gospel of John.

Hawk Eyes

There is a lesson for us in that hawk’s eye.

When we are wary and discerning, we can sort out the good from the bad and distinguish truth from delusion and falsehood. Bombarded with influencers, vain and deluded thinkers, paper thin heroes, power hungry leaders, flimflam artists, conspiracy theories, conflicting, divisive ideologies and agendas, and false or biased news, we must be vigilant. There are those who willingly deceive or prevaricate to obtain our votes or finances, but more importantly, there are those who would steal our minds and torpedo our knowledge and enjoyment of God forever. Whether we realize it or not, there is a ongoing spiritual battle for our fragile, sacred souls. In today’s culture, we need “eyes like a hawk”.

Created with a innate capacity to be generous and loving, we strive to be people of integrity, but our moral sensibilities are not derived from some social construct. They are part of our created being and purpose. Cultural morality and values are situational. They vary with circumstances and desires and are not held to a consistent standard. Moral relativity leaves our inner lives in a confused, precarious state. “We do what we do because we want what we want.” And we make every attempt to justify what we want to do. However, we fail to be perfect or often make unjust, self biased decisions. That is a problem.

Christ addressed this problem. He said that although men and women may do good things, out of their hearts come evil thoughts, attitudes and behaviors. (Matthew 12:34-40;15:19) That is why redemption and spiritual empowerment are essential. Faith turns one from self-centeredness and the dangers of moral relativity to God’s moral perfection and the idea that we are created to mirror His character. So, Scripture guides in ways to be vigilant, to protect our spirits where our intellects reside, our emotions respond, and our will controls.

Why all this instruction about watchfulness? God’s moral prescription leads to emotional and spiritual thriving and healthy relationships. Because He loves and desires good for humanity, He sent us Christ…to show us our need, to redeem and reorient our hearts, and to set us on a grander course of seeking eternal values.

Inexhaustible Questions

In a voice trembling with suffering and grief, Job cried out to God, whom he felt had unjustly allowed a series of tragedies to befall him. A righteous man, he believed he had been wrongly treated and deserved better. He did not just complain to his friends; he was so distressed that he wanted God to obliterate the day he had been born and to wipe away any evidence of his existence. He demanded an audience with God.

Within a whirlwind of probing questions, God proved the point that Job could not fully understand or explain the complex and amazing physical world surrounding him let alone the unseen moral universe of God’s good purposes and perfect justice.

God inquired of Job: “Do you know the ordinances of the heavens? Can you establish their rule on the earth?….Do you know when the wild goats give birth? Have you watched as deer are born in the wild?”

In today’s parlance that might be “Have you seen atoms and sub atomic quarks and gluons? Have you seen the ends of space? Have you revealed all the mysteries of the human cell?

Even after all the scientific discoveries uncovered by our curiosity and advanced technology, our immense universe continues to amaze with its inexhaustible secrets. Each new discovery comes with a set of new questions which are humbling reminders that there is a level of purpose that lies beyond our full comprehension.

Job’s concept of God was small and contained. When he realized how limited his knowledge of the moral universe was , he exclaimed, “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know…I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:3-6)

As we continue to formulate and reformulate our theories of life’s origins and meaning, we should do so with great humility. Giving strong consideration to not just the idea of God but to discovering how He has revealed Himself and His purposes through the natural world is just one gate which opens His “divine nature” and “eternal power” to us.

Sense or Senseless?

“Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea.” (Ecclesiastes 1)

That statement is a fragmented thought from King Solomon’s larger assessment of life’s meaningless monotony. Despite power and wealth, both Solomon and his father, King David, expressed some surprisingly humble discoveries about purpose and meaning.

David extolled God’s role in life in his celebratory Psalm 24. He humbly worshiped God as the awesome Sovereign and Creator and the powerful King of Glory: “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein…Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!”

Realizing his own moral inadequacy and redemptive powerlessness and recognizing God’s unique loving and merciful character, David discerned that those with “clean hands” and “pure hearts,” those of honesty and integrity, those who adhere to truth, and those who seek God, will be the ones blessed with God’s righteousness and salvation. (Psalm 24:1-9)

Solomon’s intelligence, wealth, and status along with an adventurous and willful spirit enabled him to explore and experiment with his amazing life but more importantly to insightfully assess it. His deliberate detours around God had left him with an inner emptiness and led him to a startlingly, disconcerting conclusion! “Everything is meaningless…completely meaningless!” “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-8)

Surprisingly, his negative observations did not depress but invigorated his spirit. He said, “Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty…” (Ecclesiastes 12:12-14)

Solomon eventually got it! Reverential fear of God’s holiness amplifies the fact that we are unholy. We are morally flawed and in need of God’s mercy. Both Kings spoke of God’s amazing grace and love for miserable humanity. It exceeds understanding. Jesus told Nicodemus that God loved the world so much that he gave His Son to take His holy wrath for our sins upon Christ so that we would never be condemned. (John 3:16-17)

Life will continue its natural cycles; night will follow day; seasons will continue to change; the rivers will flow and be replenished. But underneath the routine, the regularity, the boring, and the monotonous, lies a powerful, meaningful grandness and future when lived within God’s love and purpose which is to redeem and restore humanity so we can know and enjoy Him forever.

If we are created in God’s image, we should understand who we are meant to be. Seeking God is life’s major purpose. He makes sense out of what may sometimes seem senseless.

Love at Work

Country churches with their white spires poking into the sky stir up some wistful childhood memories of growing up in a small Maine town. Their edifices are historical icons. For the most part they are reminders of the long history of Christianity in New England and the central role it has played in the social and spiritual health of local communities. If they could speak, they would tell about generations of villagers who regularly attended, socialized, and worshiped within their sanctuaries. Some former parishioners are buried just outside the stained glass windows behind which their descendants still worship and squirm in well worn, uncomfortable pews Sunday after Sunday, year after year. Pump organs wheeze out hymns of the faith. Sanctuaries echo with messages extracted from ancient pulpit Bibles.

Catholicism and mainline protestant denominations are struggling today with issues of relevance while still preserving the important, foundational doctrines of the Church. In an increasingly humanistic society which has no need for God and asserts that ethics and morality are situational and arise from accepted societal norms and the goodness of man, there is conflict with Christian doctrine which holds that God is the source of morality and that mankind is so spiritually broken and morally impure that it needs restoration which is attained by faith. These are divergent views that can never conjoin. Difficulties arise when either or both parties behave with arrogance and disrespect, refuse to civilly engage, and intolerantly oppress the other.

Preserving the undiluted message of the Gospel and the authority of Scripture is the responsibility of the Church. Condemnation is not the work of the Church. The Word of God will discern the heart. Christ said that he did not come into the world to condemn it. He came as God’s grace and said that people would be judged by what they did with his teachings because what he spoke was the will of his Father. (John 3:47; 5:30; 12:19)

The tension we may sense between God’s amazing love and His holiness are major themes of Scripture! His love is all encompassing. He “loved the world” in an amazingly participatory way. (John 3:16) Because we all fall short of moral purity, Jesus came to redeem us, take the judgment for our sins, and give us his righteousness. (1John 4:9) Love and holiness are gifted to us through Christ. As images of God we have been created to be loving and holy. Because we obviously fail in both categories, we need God’s gracious redemption and the righteousness Christ gives us. Neither salvation nor holiness are achieved by our works, our efforts to be good enough.

Although current buzz words like tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion are wonderful concepts and hold an aura of love, they dilute love’s essence when substituted for or given equal status with love. Their use is limited, undiscerning, and potentially deceitful and harmful if not placed within the context of God’s holiness. Divine love is actually the remedy for our unholiness. It sets attitudinal and behavioral boundaries because it desires only the best for its recipient. God has set and shown us the guidelines for healthy moral choices because not every action or idea is good. Love from a biblical view point does not tolerate what is scripturally defined as unholy because immorality, lousy attitudes, and bad behaviors destroy the spirit.

If churches wish to be relevant in a society which is devolving into confusion and violence, then concern for souls has to be a priority. Although Christ’s heart was with the poor, sick, and disenfranchised, he came primarily to “seek and to save the lost”, to reveal truth about our lostness and God’s redemption. (Luke 19:10) (John 18:37) That is the Gospel, which is the life changing “power of God unto salvation to those who will believe.” (Romans 1:16) (1 Corinthians 1:18)(1 Corinthians 1:30) Grace, mercy, love and justice will spring from a faith which reorients love of self to love for God and others.

Churches will not “fail” if they adhere to God’s Word. Neither will societies that know and practice it.