Tiger Woods is just the latest high-profile person to be exposed as an adulterer. Senator Max Baucus is another. Woods gets more attention because he is better known and because of so many women being connected to him. Whether it is one or over a dozen, adultery is the same: it destroys lives.

King David took Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11). When it was discovered she was pregnant, the king attempted to cover it up. He tried to get Uriah to sleep with his wife so everyone would think the child was his. When that didn’t work, David got him drunk and tried it again. When that didn’t work, he had Uriah killed. After this, David took Bathsheba as his wife so everything would seemingly be okay. But, it was not to be.

God exposed David as an adulterer through Nathan (2 Sam. 12:1-15). He did not deny his sin, but readily confessed it and sought God’s mercy. Of course, it was granted. However, forgiveness did not remove the consequences. David’s son by Bathsheba died (2 Sam. 12:15-23). Too, David’s household was filled with trouble from then on (2 Sam. 12:10-12). No doubt, the king wished he had never gazed on the woman on the rooftop.

Whether it is king David, Woods, or Baucus, adultery destroys lives. It affects those who commit the act. It also impacts the innocent around them. Uriah was perfectly innocent. Wood’s wife and children are going through extremely difficult times now and will never completely heal. Baucus’ wife is humiliated and terribly hurt.

Adultery has a monetary impact as well. The wise man said, “Remove your way far from her [an immoral woman]…Lest aliens be filled with your wealth, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner” (Prov. 5:8, 10). In the case of Woods you can also see a definite economic catastrophe with all the brands he is connected to being tarnished to some degree; if nothing else losing the ability to use Woods to promote their products. Whenever adultery takes place, there is a material consequence. Whether it is due to paying for gifts and rooms for the adultery, loss of work due to mental stress, or a divided household with two sets of bills. You can think of many more.

The worst thing is the damage adultery does to souls. An adulterer cannot go to heaven (Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10). Those impacted by the sin can become bitter toward God and His ways. Instead of blaming the devil for the consequences and pain, some attack God. Children can lose all respect for authority because one of the parents has completely destroyed trust and respect for the main authority figure in their life. In some cases, the children follow their parent’s footsteps into a life of sexual immorality as either an attempt to numb the pain or because they think it is normal behavior. However you look at it, adultery destroys souls.

There is one way the Bible gives us to deal with sexual immorality, adultery included: RUN! Joseph did (Gen. 39:11-13). The Holy Spirit commanded it (1 Cor. 6:18). So, when you are tempted by Satan to lust after another, remember adultery destroys lives.

On July 4, 2009, Rick Warren addressed the Islamic Society of North America. His speech included absolutely nothing offensive to Muslims. He did not rebuke them for their unbelief or even assert that they should take a hard look at Jesus as the Christ. Rather, he talked about Christians and Muslims working together on social causes. The impression he left with them is they are perfectly fine to reject the Christ and continue in their false religion.

I wrote an article about this that appeared in the September 2009 issue of Truth Magazine. One of the readers of the article sent it on to Rick Warren at Saddleback church. His Chief of Staff, David Chrzan, wrote a reply. You can find a review of one paragraph here. Another paragraph needs attention too because the preposterous claim to biblical purity is made by Chrzan on behalf of Saddleback and Warren.

The paragraph states:

Pastor Rick is Southern Baptist. While Saddleback Church may not look Southern Baptist to most casual observers, we are down the middle Southern Baptist in our theology and doctrinal statements. We are totally committed to reaching the unchurched and contemporary in our worship style, while remaining biblically pure.

“Southern Baptist” is something that cannot be found in the Bible. Never does the New Testament mention a “Southern Baptist” person or congregation. So, how can that be biblically pure?

We can read where the people of God, Christians, were referred to as the “church of God” (1 Cor. 1:2), the “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16), the “churches of Galatia” or “church of the Thessalonians” (Gal. 1:2; 1 Thes. 1:1). The latter designations describe churches by their geographical location. The other two describe the church with reference to ownership or headship—God and Christ. Other terms are found in the Bible to describe God’s people, both collectively and individually, but you will never find “Southern Baptist.” Again, we submit, it is impossible to be “biblically pure” and “Southern Baptist.”

Further, Warren and Saddleback are not just “Southern Baptist,” but “down the middle Southern Baptist.” That screams “moderate!” In other words, they are not conservative Sothern Baptist, but among those who are compromisers. From our perspective Saddleback is misrepresenting itself here. Since they compromise with Christ-denying Muslims, they are extremely liberal Southern Baptists, not “down the middle.”

On Saddleback’s web site, under the “What We Believe” section, it professes multiple things that are biblically impure.

This is what they say about salvation and baptism: “Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith,” and “baptism does not save you.” The Bible plainly teaches that faith alone does not save you. “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). It also says baptism does save you. “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism…” (1 Peter 3:21). Rick Warren and Saddleback say baptism does not save you. The Holy Spirit and Peter say it does. Which is biblically pure?

Saddleback’s site also says, “…the believer is secure in salvation for eternity. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian.” The Bible says we must take heed lest we fall (1 Cor. 10:12). Why the warning if it is impossible to fall? The fact is a Christian can fall from grace, as the Galatians did. “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:4). Too, Paul said, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12). Saddleback and Warren say you cannot lose your salvation and there is nothing you can do to keep it. The Bible teaches you can fall from grace and you must put forth effort to secure your final salvation. Who do you think is biblically pure; Warren and Saddleback or Paul and the Holy Spirit?

It is ridiculous for anyone to claim biblical purity while at the same time teaching and practicing the doctrines and commandments of men (Matt. 15:7-9). Sadly, many will not examine Warren’s teaching because of his popularity and the messages he presents are so non-offensive. This is the devil at work, getting people to drop their guard and accept error. Let us not be in that number (Acts 17:11; 1 Thes. 5:21).

Ever see the child in the grocery store that won’t shut up in spite of mom telling little Johnny his behavior disappoints her? Ever want to walk over and say, “Do you want me to take care of this?” Me too.

Millions of children are being raised as selfish tyrants. They get what they want, do what they want, and will brook no opposition. The amazing thing is that many parents think this is good. Some even seemingly are not embarrassed by a temper-tantrum in the middle of the mall.

What’s wrong with this picture? God is not in it.

Parents who truly love their children and respect God will discipline. God disciplines us out of love. “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Heb. 12:6; cf. Prov. 3:11, 12). When a child goes without correction, it is as though he is illegitimate: without a father to raise him properly. So, a father may be present in the home but the child still lives as though he is illegitimate because of a lack of discipline.

Let us not be shy about the issue of how to discipline. The Bible repeatedly states that spanking is an acceptable form of correction.

“He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Prov. 13:24).

“Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction” (Prov. 19:18).

Love compels us to put the belt to the backside. We are not to be anxious that this punishment will destroy the child. Properly applied, it will not do permanent damage nor will it scar his spirit. Rather, it lets the child know the limits and instills a respect for authority.

Too many parents are committing the sin of not disciplining their children. Not only will this bring heartache and sorrow in this world, but it will also lead to eternal destruction in the next. We will lose our soul for not raising our children right as quickly as for not believing and obeying the gospel.

To all parents: teach your children the Bible (Deut. 6:6-9; Eph. 6:4); lay down the house rules, tell them your expectations, hold them to it (Eph. 6:1-4); correct early and often, rebuke and spank and they will respect you (Heb. 12:9). This is simple, but effective—because it is God’s way.

The September 2009 issue of Truth Magazine carried one of my In The News articles titled, “Megachurch ‘Pastor’ Rick Warren Abandons The Savior.” It detailed how Rick Warren, author of Purpose Driven Life and many other books, spoke to the Islamic Society of North America. In his speech he said Christians and Muslims must work together to combat stereotypes, promote peace and freedom and solve global problems. Not one word about the need to believe in Jesus as the Savior or lose their souls.

One of Truth Magazine’s readers sent the article to “Pastor Rick” and received a response from his chief of staff, David Chrzan (yes, that is the spelling of his name). You can find the entire reply at here.

One of the paragraph’s stands out above the rest.

Except for his own church, Pastor Rick does very little speaking to Christian groups of believers. Instead, he invests his time speaking to groups of unbelievers that most pastors don’t have the opportunity to share with. He carefully considers the opportunities that God has given him to address these audiences. These folks that Jesus died for, but would never enter a church to hear the Good News. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Luke 5:31 (NIV) Rick believes strongly that if you want to actively demonstrate the love of Christ to others as He commands us to, then you have to reach out to a variety of audiences. No one is ever convinced of God’s love by labeling, condemnation, or anger. Rick strongly believes that if we want to behave in a Christ-like example, we must not waste any time judging others (Jesus didn’t), but instead, do everything we can to build relationships of love and respect and trust with others.

Wow! Can you believe Warren actually pretends to be a Christian, let alone a “pastor”?

There is no problem that a person would choose to speak to non-Christians as opposed to Christians. Peter labored among the Jews while Paul focused on the Gentiles (Gal. 2:8). The problem is with everything else.

To say that Muslims or anyone else “would never enter a church to hear the Good News” is just false. Congregations all over the world have non-believers visit services. Paul admonished the Corinthians to conduct their worship decently and in order so that the non-believing visitors would not think they were crazy (1 Cor. 14:20-25, 40).

“Pastor Rick’s” chief of staff is a deceiver for sure—or is totally deceived himself. Jesus did not say, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” He said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31, NIV). You see, the former quote by Chrzan is false, the latter true. If Warren actually believed what Jesus said, he would have called on the Muslims to repent of their sin of false religion, believing a false prophet, and following false scripture. However, Warren did not do that. Rather, he served up nothingness to the Islamic Society of North America (transcript available online¹).

“No one is ever convinced of God’s love by labeling, condemnation, or anger.” Really? If that is true, the every parent, employer, commanding officer, teacher, and preacher needs to quit right now.

Jesus Christ on labeling: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!…Serpents, brood of vipers…” (Matt. 23:29, 33).

Jesus Christ on condemnation: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you” (Lk. 10:13, 14).

Jesus Christ on anger: “When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables” (Jn. 2:15).

Labeling, condemnation, and anger all have their place in the religion of Christ and life of a true Christian. Error must be clearly identified, exposed, rebuked, and condemned (Rom. 16:17, 18; Eph. 5:11; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; 1 Tim. 1:3; Titus 1:10-13). People will not always like it, but our charge is to “preach the word” (2 Tim. 4:2).

It is because of love that they are labeled, condemned, and righteous anger is stirred. God chastens those whom He loves (Heb. 12:5, 6). The same emotions and similar actions are taken by every parent, employer, commanding officer, teacher, and preacher who loves those in their charge. Can you imagine a military commander not being angry and condemning a member of his unit who endangered the lives of all others or in rebellion endangered his own life?

Jesus did judge others. He judged all of mankind to be in sin and headed to hell unless He gave Himself on the cross. He judged the Jewish leaders to be in sin and headed to hell (Matt. 15:1-14). Because of this judgment, He warned His disciples not to follow them (Matt. 16:5-12). For anyone to claim that Jesus did not judge is either extremely ignorant of God’s word or willfully deceitful to push an anti-biblical agenda. Whichever it is, doom awaits.

“Pastor Rick” is a pathetic excuse for a preacher. He does not have the conviction or courage to “convict the [Muslims] of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (Jn. 16:8). He is the blind leading the blind. Men and women with respect for the Lord will not follow “Pastor Rick.” Rather, they will follow the great Shepherd of our souls, Jesus Christ—and rebuke and reprove all who do not.

¹Rick Warren’s Speech To Muslims Transcript

The following letter is via a third party. Read A Review Of It Here.

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“If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants become wicked” (Prov. 29:12).

We can see this truth played out in modern and ancient times. Great kings of the past have devastated their kingdoms by listening to lies. The more they listened, the more corrupt their governments became. Eventually, there comes a point of no return and either the kingdom collapses or the king is assassinated.

In more modern times, we can see in our nation administrations at both the state and national level that were devastated by lies. The thing is, such things not only harm the people involved, but also citizens in general. In fact, some of the actions taken by rulers who listen to lies have impacted the country for decades.

These matters, though, are not the focus of this article. Rather, we want to bring Proverbs 29:12 down to a personal, practical application.

When we listen to lies, those around us will be wicked. Why? Because those are the kind of people we will attract and will be attracted to.

This can happen in many areas, some more devastating than others. We can listen to lies in the physical, financial, moral, and spiritual matters. If we listen to the idea that eating all you want of anything you want is a good way to live, it will catch up to us. Our health will be adversely affected and those around us will be unhealthy too. If we pay attention to get rich quick schemes, we will lose our money. And, guess what? The people around us will be broke too.

The other two areas are much more important than health and wealth. If we listen to lies on moral issues, we will be surrounded by immoral people. When we give heed to situation ethics, “free love,” and materialism we will be accompanied by liars, fornicators, and thieves. It will all feed on itself and lead to our ruin.

If we heed false doctrine, we will walk the broad path. Our worship will be vain and our souls damned (Matt. 15:7-14). The people around us will believe the same things and thereby harden us in our false beliefs giving us a false confidence.

While it might be hard at times to discern the truth from lies on health and wealth, it is not hard to determine right from wrong on moral and doctrinal issues. All we need to do is turn to God’s word. It is right and gives us the way to go (2 Pet. 1:3).

Not only must we learn and apply Proverbs 29:12, but we must also burn it into the brains of our children. They need to know the consequences of listening to lies. It might make them feel good for a while. It might make them popular. It might let them do what they want to do. However, it will catch up to them and lead to personal devastation.

Let’s love and listen to the truth and in so doing surround ourselves with good people (Prov. 23:23).

Your Deposit

Paul said, “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Tim. 1:12).

In the context Paul is urging Timothy not to be ashamed of the word of God nor its faithful defenders (2 Tim. 1:8-11). Paul’s lack of shame with regard to these things brought him a great deal of suffering and was leading to his death (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Still, he had confidence in God. It was He that Paul believed in and knew to be faithful.

Paul made a commitment. The original Greek word here is parathēkē and means “a deposit, a trust or thing consigned to one’s faithful keeping” (Thayer). Paul had committed his soul to God. In a sense he had deposited his soul with the Lord for safe keeping.

It used to be many people had “safe deposit boxes” at the bank (some still use them). Valuable papers, jewelry, and cash were often stored in them. The idea was that the bank is a secure location and the safe deposit box room was fortified against fire and other potential disasters. So it is with the soul’s safe keeping with God.

There is nothing more valuable than the soul. In fact, Jesus said that it would be a losing deal to trade your soul for the whole world (Mark 8:36). With such a high worth, what better place to “deposit” your soul for safe keeping than with the Almighty God? Paul was confident God could preserve it until the Judgment. We need that confidence too.

Jesus made a similar argument in John 10:27-29. When a man or woman places their soul into the keeping of the Lord, no one is able to steal them away. Can a person leave the Lord’s safe keeping? Yes. However, as long as a man stays committed to God, as Paul did, his soul is secure.

Insecurity of the soul comes when we do not have it safely deposited with the Lord. Many are not truly committed to Him. It is like the man who believes his money is secure on the blackjack table. He is convinced his money will return to him…usually in abundance. He does not see the inherent risk and ultimate loss. Still, he confidently places his bet.

Many gamble with their soul. Some deposit it with themselves by following their own dictates, which only leads to destruction (Prov. 14:12). Others put their treasure into the safe keeping of the doctrines and traditions of man, which will be uprooted in the last great day (Matt. 15:7-14). The security they suppose they have is just an illusion—just like the chips on the blackjack table.

When your soul is on deposit with God, you will be able to endure tremendous trials and suffering. Paul was able “to suffer these things” because he entrusted his soul to the Lord. A committed Christian can be ridiculed, mocked, scorned, cursed, beaten, threatened with death, and even endure it, without reservation (cf. 2 Cor. 4:7-18; 11:23-33). There is nothing to intimidate a child of God because he knows Who is on his side. “Do what you will, I know the Lord will be with me,” is his declaration.

Where is your soul deposited? Have you entrusted it to the fleeting things of this world? Have you in your finite wisdom decided to guard it yourself? Or, is it in the protection of the Creator? One is secure, the other inherently insecure.

Weeds

Are there too many weeds in your yard? Mine too; and we need to get rid of them.

It will take effort and may cause some discomfort. However, when it is done, we will be grateful and blessed by the Lord.

That’s right, we are talking about “those weeds.” The ones that choke out the word. The ones Jesus talked about in the Parable of the Sower. In Mark 4:18, 19, He explained the seed that fell among the thorns. It sprouted and grew for a while, but “the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.”

We can become so easily distracted and entangled in the weeds of life that our service and devotion to the Lord suffers. Eventually, these things can completely kill our commitment to God. It takes time and effort, and a steadfast determination, to get rid of the weeds and produce fruit.

To see how bad things might actually be, think about this…maybe even write these things down on a piece of paper to truly see how many weeds are in your yard.

How much time do you spend going to Bible class and worship services compared to watching television?

How much time do you spend in school or recreational activities (band, football, basketball, scouts) compared to reading your Bible and praying?

Are these fair comparisons? You be the judge. You also need to be honest with yourself. Are you spending enough time in spiritual pursuits or are the cares of this world choking you to death…and you like it?

Sin In The Home
Stay-At-Home Dads

Society is anti-God. There is no question about it, the world is under the sway of the wicked one (1 Jn. 5:19). Its values are contrary to what the Bible teaches, including on matters of the home. Specifically, society tells us that a stay-at-home dad is a wonderful thing.

The feminist movement in the United States came on strong in the 1960s and 70s. Its fruits are being borne today. Women are taught to be career-minded; go to school, get a degree, find a job, climb the ladder, make something of themselves. A woman’s worth is tied to her job.

Along with the feminist ideas of women, is the notion that men are no different. A woman can and should do anything a man can do. And, a man can and should do anything a woman can do. If the woman has a good-paying job, better than her husband (if they are married), and children come along, the man should stay at home. After all, the wife makes the most money and she should not take a back seat to the husband, sacrificing her career and their material well being just because she has ovaries.

It is sad that some Christians have bought into this humanist philosophy.

God ordains that men are the provider for the home (1 Tim. 5:8). It is the man’s duty to get a job or have a line of work that supports his family. If he decides to become a homemaker while his wife goes to work, it is sin. If not, why not?

The Bible teaches that a woman’s primary role is to be a homemaker (Titus 2:4, 5). Does the fact that her job pays more than the husband’s give her the authority to ignore this duty?

Let’s get something straight: a man can do work around the house, including taking care of the children; and a woman can do work outside the home (Prov. 31:10-31). However, this does not mean a man is the primary homemaker and the woman the primary breadwinner. When a husband and wife reverse roles as given by God they are in sin.

Some think it old fashioned to follow the “traditional” roles of husband and wife. The world sees it as down-right backward. What is backward and old fashioned is actually biblical and godly (cf. Lk. 16:15). The reason these roles are traditional is because people used to have a greater respect for the Bible. Let us make sure we do not allow the anti-Christ world delude us into living an ungodly life.

Why Did David Use Instruments?

In discussions with denominational folks about instrumental music, they will sometimes claim that David’s use of them justifies their use today. Is this true?

First, let us establish that David is not our Savior. He is not the authority in Christianity, Jesus is (Col. 3:17; Matt. 28:18). David was a prophet; he was the sweet psalmist of Israel, guided by the Spirit of God. Still, the New Testament reveals that we are not to follow and heed the Law or prophets, but the Son of God (Matt. 17:1-5).

Second, David used the instruments because God commanded him to (2 Chron. 29:25). It is not as though David presumptuously changed the worship of God. Many today believe they can. Without a commandment from God, they alter what the New Testament says about worship. They add instrumental music, social activities, even outright entertainment. All such activities are without divine authority and render the worship vain (Matt. 15:7-9).

Third, there are many things David did that we cannot do. David offered and commended animal sacrifices (Psa. 51:19). He had many wives (2 Sam. 3:2-5; 5:13; 12:8). Who will argue that we should offer bulls and goats or that a man can practice polygamy because David did? Honesty demands that none of these things are permissible because of David’s practices; not sacrifices, not polygamy, not instrumental music in worship.

The bottom line is, David used instruments because that is what God commanded him to do. In our worship we must sing, because this is what God commands us to do (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Let us be like David, people after God’s own heart, by submitting to the Lord’s will, not living by ours.