Hypocrisy as an Impediment to Evangelism

November 10, 2025November 13, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christianity, church, evangelism, Faith, gospel, great commission, hypocrisy, integrity, Jesus, trump1 Comment

The resurrected Jesus Christ’s Great Commission to His followers as expressed in Matthew 28:16-20 is to spread the gospel to all nations.

Evangelism is not easy for most of us. Sharing the gospel in a meaningful and compelling manner necessitates that we have considerable familiarity with God’s word. Some feel that they may not be sufficiently well-spoken to articulate His word in an impactful manner. But perhaps the greater challenge is that rarely are we gifted an audience that is enthusiastic about hearing the Lord’s plan for our salvation.

The challenge of a receptive audience is one often made more severe by a perceived hypocrisy on the part of some Christian evangelists – a perception that diminishes the credibility of the evangelist and the audience’s willingness to lend an ear.

When questioned by a scribe as to which is the first commandment of all, Jesus responded:

“The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

That these passages encompass the Lord’s response to a single question confirms that the love of God and love of neighbor cannot be separated. In fact, love of God is manifested in the love of our neighbor. Loving others is how we love God. Matthew 25:40 implies precisely this when Jesus says to His sheep:

“…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”

The importance of loving our neighbor is intensified when viewed through the lens of the Lord’s instruction in Matthew 5:44 to:

“…love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

This is the heart of a Christian. Although we often fail, God, in His abundant mercy and grace, forgives us. But reckless disregard and contempt for God’s word has no place in that heart. Instead, we are to have godly remorse of our disobedience, repent of it, and endeavor to sin no more (see 2 Cor 7:10).

At the National Prayer Breakfast on February 6, 2020, Harvard professor Arthur Brooks echoed the Lord’s command to love your enemies. President Donald Trump responded to Brooks’ exhortation by saying, “I don’t know if I agree with you.”

As the president’s disagreement was not with Mr. Brooks but with God, it was an appropriate opportunity for his Christian advisors to deliver suitable correction.

Instead, when asked about POTUS’ comments, one such advisor who pastors a Dallas megachurch replied, “I think the president was completely right in what he said.” This comes from a man who is purportedly guiding his flock to eternal life through obedience to Christ. He should also be intimately familiar with Psalm 12:8:

“The wicked prowl on every side,
When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.”

Exalting vileness is precisely what this Texas pastor has done. Would not direct contradiction of God’s word comprise “vileness?”

His is not alone. While many would characterize Mr. Trump’s often hateful behavior toward others as a vile transgression of God’s greatest commandment, he remains virtually uncensored by much of the evangelical community.

It is not my intent to debate the heart of Donald Trump. I would rather pray for a repentant heart that will lead to his salvation. However, it is imperative to point out the hypocrisy on the part of those who should know better. Their failure to censor, to correct and to disavow is at the root of that hypocrisy. Romans 16:17-18 is absolutely clear:

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Certainly, there are many teachers within the church that note God’s boundless grace and use ungodly behavior as a teaching opportunity. They lovingly reprimand the abuser and encourage repentance.

That, however, was not the case for this Dallas pastor. Nor is it so for more than a few in the evangelical community. Instead, by turning a blind eye to unrepentant disobedience of God’s word, they empower, endorse and encourage such disobedience. In other words, they exalt it. To nonbelievers, this represents a noxious hypocrisy on the part of those who would teach them God’s word. How then, can the unenlightened be receptive to hearing the gospel if the credibility of the messenger is so compromised?

Finally…

Hypocrisy is an accusation sometimes levied at the Christian Church. Such disparagement can often be attributed to a lack of understanding or context – and is simply the persecution of His disciples foreshadowed by Jesus in the gospels.

Frequently, however, such criticism is credible based on persistent behavior – or the implied endorsement thereof – that clearly runs contrary to well-known Christian principles.

Such endorsements by significant segments of the Christian community – particularly evangelical celebrity leadership – foment the claims of hypocrisy by non-Christians. They are not wrong.

Scripture commands us to share the Gospel, to testify of the Lord, and to bring as many to Him as we are able. To do so, we must be living testimonies to the word of God. We must be women and men of humility and integrity. Above all, we must demonstrate – in word and deed – what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. Only then can we have the ear of non-Christians and the credibility to articulate a persuasive case for Jesus.

The Antichrist? Maybe not, but POTUS is pedal-to-the-metal on the road to Armageddon

October 6, 2025November 13, 2025 Tom RatkovichAI, armageddon, Bible, Christian nationalism, Christianity, climate change, doomsday clock, Faith, last days, pandemic, pestilence, POTUS, trump1 Comment

Two years ago, I authored a post originally titled “Avenues to Armageddon.” A slightly edited version was reposted a year later as “Armageddon: Humanity’s Fragile Existence and Faith in the Last Days.”

I noted in that post that the Doomsday Clock was, at that time, sitting at a mere 90 seconds before midnight. It has subsequently moved a tick closer.

My intent was to bring awareness that the last days may indeed be upon us – yet those of us in Christ can take comfort in the knowledge that we have salvation in Him. Scripture is clear that such days, if not already here, are forthcoming.

I also speculated on the potential origins of the global apocalypse that would precipitate Armageddon. Among them:

Nuclear annihilation;
Cataclysmic climate change rendering our planet uninhabitable;
A global pestilence;
A technology meltdown or incursion rendering defense, financial, governmental and other systems inoperable leading to universal chaos;
A technology takeover of global systems driven by irresponsible management of artificial intelligence enterprises;

Let’s consider each of these, briefly examining the policies and actions of the Trump administration that make each scenario more probable.

Nuclear Proliferation: The Trump administration has pulled out of or scaled back involvement in several multilateral treaties or agreements critics considered essential to help restrain or provide transparency in nuclear arms. This includes the 2019 withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) allowing both the U.S. and Russia more freedom in the deployment of intermediate‑range missiles increasing tensions in Europe and Asia – and the 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA (better known as the Iran Nuclear Deal) prompting Iran to step back from compliance and step up nuclear efforts. Trump’s rhetoric has also increased tensions based on his stated belief that the U.S. must “greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability.”

Cataclysmic Climate Change: The administration has rolled back several regulations related to emissions and pollution including The Clean Power Plan, vehicle efficiency and emission standards, and protocols limiting methane leaks from oil and gas infrastructure – all of which led to a dramatic increase in greenhouse gases. Executive Order 14162 formally withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord while the administration also pulled back from funding and commitments related to international climate cooperation. Moreover, fossil fuel development is being fast-tracked while clean energy initiatives are being blocked. Perhaps most dangerously, Trump seeks to repeal the government’s endangerment finding that carbon dioxide emissions harm public health. Should that occur, the EPA could no longer regulate auto or power plant emissions.

Pestilence: Several Trump actions have increased global vulnerability to future pandemics and undermined preparedness. Withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization in 2020 has weakened the potential for global coordination during a public health crisis while sowing international distrust of this country as a partner in global health. The NSC’s Pandemic Office – tasked with pandemic preparedness and response – was dismantled by Trump in 2018. Trump’s appointment of Robert Kennedy, Jr. to the post of Health & Human Services Secretary has fomented vaccine apprehension, cast unwarranted skepticism on medical science, completely upended such agencies as the FDA and CDC, and eroded public trust. His “big, beautiful bill” has dramatically damaged the U.S. health system by reducing access to vulnerable populations, increasing costs for insured and undermining the financial viability of healthcare providers – further crippling this nation’s pandemic response.

Technology Melt-Down Resulting in Global Chaos: I don’t know that I can pin this one on POTUS, but there is clearly a scenario in which the technological systems we rely on are compromised. With seemingly every global actor seeking to infiltrate the computer systems of its enemies – and often its allies – there is interminable vulnerability to universal chaos. There is one system, in particular, that fits within the apocalyptic prophecies of many Christians – the global financial system. Specifically, some see Revelation 13 as intimating a one-world government and single world currency as precursors to the apocalypse. Logically this currency would be digital, making Trump’s recent 180-degree flip on cryptocurrencies thought-provoking. His pre-2021 criticism contrasts with his 2024 acceptance of crypto donations, pro-crypto rhetoric and, significantly, the Trump family’s aggressive participation in crypto projects that have produced personal gains estimated to be $500 million to $2 billion. Interestingly, his rhetoric towards Canada, Greenland and other sovereign nations may hint at aspirations to lead a one-world government.

Irresponsible Management of Artificial Intelligence Enterprises: Hollywood has essentially prophesied of the threat posed by AI for more than 40 years. Way back in 1983, the movie WarGames dramatized the potential peril associated with AI and military computer systems. A year later, Terminator projected similar warnings that AI, given unwarranted autonomy and control – particularly in military scenarios – can act against humanity. The Trump administration remains unmoved by such prognostications. Instead, POTUS has revoked the Biden-era Executive Order (14110) that required safety tests, comprehensive reporting on high-risk AI systems and ensured transparency in AI development. One of Trump’s first EO’s upon returning to office was 14179, shifting focus from risk mitigation to the promotion of unencumbered AI development for commercial and military purposes.

Trump has often intimated that he believes he is fulfilling a divine role or mission, particularly when it aligns with political goals or audience expectations. Perhaps he genuinely believes he is doing “God’s work” in a spiritual sense. I am of the belief, however, that such rhetoric is more likely a strategic narrative to con and connect with religious supporters.

I actually do believe he is doing God’s work, albeit unwittingly. Throughout scripture, God uses people of questionable character to accomplish His will.

No, I do not believe it is God’s will to promote hate, bigotry, the pursuit of money and power, the further subjugation of the poor, and the destruction of His creation. Rather, I believe God is using Donald Trump to show beyond all doubt that the last days are upon us.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Indeed, this seems not only an apt description of the human race in these last days, but of the man who today is ostensibly the leader of the free world.

To be clear, that is my assessment of his behavior – not his heart. I cannot and will not judge his heart – only the conduct that stems from it. I pray each day that he will open that heart to God and, like King Manasseh of Judah, seek repentance and enjoy the Lord’s divine mercy in his own last days.

Related: The Deception of Trump-Love

Walking in The Way: A Journey of Faith and Righteousness

September 15, 2025November 17, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, Bible, Christianity, Eternity, Faith, God, Jesus, psalms, Righteousness, Salvation, The WayLeave a comment

“They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them.” (Jeremiah 32:38-39, NKJV)

Scripture affirms that there is but “one way” to salvation.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Jesus is our path to God, our means to salvation and our example of how we should live. He is The Way.

The Way is an affirmation of faith and submission to God’s will.

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart! (Psalm 119:1-2)

The Apostle Paul perceives The Way as a journey that must be pursued with perseverance and endurance. Of course, every journey has a destination. In Philippians 3:14, Paul characterizes the destination as “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

The resurrection. Eternal life with Christ Jesus. This is the journey’s end.

Throughout the New Testament – particularly the Book of Acts – “The Way” is used as a description of the early Christian movement, such as in Acts 9:2:

“…so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”

Thus, The Way can essentially reference (1) the early Christian faith, (2) Jesus Himself as the path to salvation and eternal life, or (3) the moral or spiritual journey taught and inspired by Christ. However, as evidenced in the first psalm of the Psalter, there is a right Way and a wrong way:

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish. (1:6)

For some who have not been immersed in Old Testament scripture, The Way is sometimes assumed to be a phenomenon introduced subsequent to Jesus’ incarnation and earthly ministry. Such a focus on Jesus in the NT can often obscure His presence – and that of The Way – in the OT, particularly in the books of Isaiah and the Psalms.

In Psalm 15, for instance, King David poses a question for which he subsequently imparts his God-inspired reply – a question that Paul undoubtedly appreciated:

¹Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

That is, who may stand before God? Who will receive “the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?”

²He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart;
³He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
⁴In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
⁵He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved.

The psalm describes those “of The Way.” The Way is paved by integrity, honesty, goodness and compassion. Our relationships are not slanderous, evil or scarred by disloyalty; rather they are defined by generosity, unity, sacrifice and prayer. We hate what God hates and love what He loves. Our heart is aligned with His.

Jesus is The Way. Without His sacrifice on the cross, The Way has no destination. Without His teaching and His example, the path to righteousness remains hidden.

It is hidden no longer. Love your neighbor – even your enemy. Forgive all so that you may also be forgiven. Live humbly and sacrificially. Serve others. Follow Him. Share the gospel.

Do you follow the one way? Perhaps you have devised your own way. Given the temptations, the divisions and the vanity of this world, it might seem normal that we each validate our own truth and forge a path that is aligned with it.

For instance, perhaps your version of the truth implies that heaven is waiting for those who are “good” people. Maybe you have made idols of fame, wealth or other men. This is not The Way.

To follow “The Way” is to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6)—not just to believe in Him, but to pattern your entire life in emulation of Him.

He Can’t Help Himself

August 11, 2025November 10, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christian nationalism, Christianity, Faith, God, MAGA, McEntarfer, narcissism, trump1 Comment

Donald Trump is not shy about professing his Christianity. He often surrounds himself with religious leaders who display their fealty – many of whom are active practitioners of the heretical prosperity gospel and declare POTUS to be the hand of God.

I am incapable of judging Trump’s heart and, thus, his faith. That alone is the realm of our God in heaven.

“Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:5, NIV)

But I am quite capable – obligated, actually, as are we all – to judge the defiance to God’s word that is plainly on display and gives evidence of a cankerous soul.

The problem for POTUS – and for all of us given the political clout granted him by his sycophants, including those in the Supreme Court – is that while he professes his faith, he is entirely impotent in the face of his narcissism. That is, he is utterly incapable of taking any action that does not make him feel good about himself. Needless to say, this is problematic for the leader of our nation.

In a previous post, I argued that Trump appears ignorant of the wisdom proffered by Solomon in Proverbs 28 in which he warns against greed, dishonesty, corruption and pride in leadership. The king, Solomon, that is, praises honesty, compassion, justice, generosity and accountability.

Honestly, I don’t know if POTUS is a wise man. Whatever wisdom he may indeed possess is smothered by his lack of humility, his compulsion for vengeance and his indifference to the truth. He acts not on the basis of wisdom – and certainly not on God’s great command to love your neighbor – but on his enormous, uncontrollable self-worth.

This personality disorder has manifested in so many ways that are not only devastating to the constituents that Trump has pledged to serve, but to our democracy and way of life.

Nowhere is his narcissism on greater display than his prioritization of personal fealty over professional competence and institutional integrity. Many officials have been fired or sidelined for not showing personal loyalty, even when they were fulfilling their legal or ethical duties. Such behavior undermines legislative effectiveness and stifles candor.
Trump’s leadership is further compromised by decision-making that is impulsive, ego-driven and entirely self-serving. The cost: collaborative, evidence-based policymaking.
His rhetoric typically centers on grievance and personal slights, intensifying divisions and deepening the “us v. them” narratives that preclude national healing and unity. Witness his deranged holiday tweets.
Dangerously, POTUS has unpretentiously normalized falsehoods. He flouts truth in order to create a narrative that feeds his monumentally narcissistic character. And while the most blatant and notorious example is that of his knowingly false claims of election fraud, his ceaseless fabrications run the gamut from trivial to treacherous – from cheating on the golf course to denying credible government statistics, making false claims about immigrants, denying climate change, characterizing white supremacists as “very fine people” and pretty much anything else that comes out of his mouth.

A textbook example of Trump’s treachery is the recent firing of BLS chief Erika McEntarfer, guilty only of being the messenger to the disappointment of the Trump economy. Concerned that the monthly jobs report reflected poorly on his performance, POTUS immediately looked to scapegoat McEntarfer, knowing his minions would be fooled by his maneuvering. Trump not only cruelly upended the life of a civil servant, but compromised the integrity of future reports. He didn’t do this because of anyone’s incompetence or deceit – he did it ONLY to escape any accountability for bad numbers and to intimidate McEntarfer’s successor.

This is the man in charge of the nuclear codes. This is the man elected to care for our hungry and indigent. This is the man charged with caring for the afflicted. This is the man who is supposed to be a custodian of our planet. This is the man some believed would deliver world peace.

This is the man destined to be an example for our children.

When to Disobey: Biblical Insights on Authority

July 31, 2025October 6, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, authority, Bible, Christian nationalism, Christianity, citizenship, Daniel, Faith, God, Grace, hypocrisy, Jesus, MAGA, oppression, trumpLeave a comment

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2 NIV)

In his letter to Christians in Rome, the Apostle Paul advocates for submission to government authorities, arguing that they are God’s servants to maintain order and justice.

Similarly, the Apostle Peter instructs the faithful to submit to rulers, thereby silencing critics and honoring God.

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” (1 Peter 2:13-15)

As we see, the Bible addresses obedience to government authorities in several key passages, emphasizing a general principle of respect and submission to those in power, while also recognizing God’s ultimate authority. However…

How are we to respond in situations where those in positions of authority mandate or coerce behavior that is contrary to God’s word? This is a crucial question in light of the current administration’s assault on the poor, the sick and the sojourner – an assault that is clearly at odds with the Lord’s commands for love, charity, hospitality, patience and grace.

Blessedly, God definitively affirms that His authority – as revealed in scripture – is supreme. That is, when human authority conflicts with His word, civil disobedience is not only merited, but mandated.

“We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29)

These words, delivered by Peter in response to the high priest’s command to remain silent regarding culpability in the death of Jesus, clearly establish that obedience to God takes precedence when authorities contradict His word.

Such obedience was demonstrated by Daniel who continued to pray to God despite a royal ban (Daniel 6) – and by his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who refused King Nebuchadnezzar’s edict that his image was to be worshipped (Daniel 3). In both cases, they respectfully disobeyed unjust laws and accepted the consequences, putting their trust in God.

Christians are called upon to obey just laws that align with biblical commands to respect civil authorities. But when legislative mandates directly contradict God’s commands, Christians are not only permitted but obligated to respectfully disobey.

We must respond to governmental directives that promote injustice, violate human rights, subjugate the disenfranchised and demand behavior that contradicts God’s law. Christians are called on to advocate for the oppressed and to oppose corruption and injustice, especially in the face of the political status quo. This is not partisanship; this is a commitment to truth, to mercy, to righteousness, to love, and to God.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9)

As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:20, as Christians “our citizenship is in heaven.” We must view all earthly powers through that lens. Loyalty to a nation or political party must never override our loyalty to Christ and His commands.

Scripture teaches us that judgment is coming for those that choose to reject the Lord’s commands for compassion and love. I believe punishment will be rendered not only to those who legislate the oppression of the vulnerable, but also those who enable, empower and encourage disobedience through their advocacy.

Woe to those who make unjust laws,
to those who issue oppressive decrees,
to deprive the poor of their rights
and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people. (Isaiah 10:1-2a)

In conclusion, those who would resist injustice and pursue righteousness must do so with humility…and in prayer. We must advocate for change with respect and love, even while strongly opposing unjust laws. Engagement should be marked by grace, not hatred, slander or division. This is what God demands of us. Our posture matters.

For the Lord is our judge,
the Lord is our lawgiver,
the Lord is our king;
it is he who will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)

Isaiah 5:13: A Call to Know God

July 18, 2025September 15, 2025 Tom RatkovichBabylon, Bible, Christianity, exile, Faith, God, Isaiah 5, Jesus, Judah, judgment, scripture, the bible project, the bible recapLeave a comment

Two-and-a-half years ago, I authored a post discussing The Imperative to Know God. The message was a simple one: Spiritual ignorance makes one ripe for worldly pursuits and the poor decisions that follow.

We were made by God to know God. He desires that we grow in our knowledge of Him and His purpose for us. In so doing, we not only nurture our love for Him but we come to know the peace and the joy that such knowledge begets.

This post recently came to mind as I was reading through the book of Isaiah, specifically verse 5:13:

“Therefore my people go into exile for lack of knowledge;
their honored men go hungry,
and their multitude is parched with thirst.”

This verse is a vital component of the larger prophetic message of Isaiah 5 in which the prophet delivers God’s judgment against Israel’s southern kingdom, Judah. It conveys a strong warning regarding the consequences of spiritual and moral failure.

Such failure is a consequence of intellectual and spiritual ignorance. As noted in my earlier post, I have been there. This ignorance made me incapable of understanding God’s will for me, His love of me, and the consequences of my disobedience.

Those consequences stem from God’s judgment. As Isaiah makes clear in 5:13, divine judgment is forthcoming for all of us. Judah’s disobedience would precipitate exile and deprivation – a deprivation that is symbolic of both physical need and spiritual emptiness.

Disobedience to God stems from illiteracy of His word and His will. As documented in the Bible’s Old Testament, Judah rejected His wisdom and truth. It abandoned God’s ways and was subjected to His judgment of exile to Babylon, just as the Lord had cautioned through His prophets.

I offer my thoughts below on two critical questions:

What is the application of Isaiah 5:13 today?
How do we cultivate our knowledge of God?

Regarding the first, this verse is a wake-up call to the importance of seeking and valuing God’s truth. It further warns about the consequences of moral and spiritual apathy, especially among leaders of men. Perhaps most importantly, it is an encouragement to cultivate a deep, living relationship with God, not simply a cursory acknowledgement of His existence.

So, how do we make that happen?

A pastor friend of mine wisely advised that one cannot have a relationship with God without an understanding of scripture. This does not simply mean memorizing key Bible verses or studying the big stories that many of us were exposed to in Sunday school. It means comprehending the Bible’s overall narrative, seeing that it is not a tethering of unrelated anecdotes but a single, awesome and loving rendering of God’s “creation-to-salvation” plan for the restoration of man.

Certainly, this undertaking may, at times, seem overwhelming – particularly in the midst of Leviticus. But the rewards of perseverance are considerable (more below).

Two suggestions: first, set aside time each day for worship, prayer and Bible study – ideally upon waking. Second, get help and/or inspiration. Two of my favorite sources for doing so are The Bible Project (the animated overviews of each chapter are very enlightening} and The Bible Recap offering a daily summation and interpretation of each day’s reading. Links to these and selected resources are available HERE.

The benefits to knowing God are profound. I made reference earlier to the peace and joy that such knowledge engenders. In a previous post, I argued that the Bible validates God’s existence. I believe that a diligent, thoughtful study of scripture could lead to no other conclusion. And as God has Himself reminded us through His prophet Isaiah, knowledge and obedience to His will prepares each of us for the divine judgment we will inevitably face.

False Teachings: The Hypocrisy of the Prosperity Gospel

July 11, 2025August 11, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, Bible, Christian nationalism, Christianity, Faith, false teachers, hypocrisy, paula white, prosperity gospel, Titus, trump, white house faith office2 Comments

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”

Titus 1:15-16 (NIV)

I have been unyielding and unwavering in my criticism of our current POTUS – and the Christian communities that support him. As a passionate and studious Born-Again Christian, that criticism has been entirely grounded in scripture.

These two passages from the Apostle Paul in his letter to Titus seemingly offer opportunity to rebut POTUS’ professed love of Christ and the misguided Christians that empower him. But to do so would be taking these verses out of their intended context.

In his letter, Paul is specifically referencing leaders within the church – particularly those teaching false doctrine. Applying it directly to a political leader outside the church stretches its context.

So let’s put the spotlight on those church leaders that endorse, enable and empower POTUS by leveraging their church leadership to deceive those whom they are to faithfully lead to Christ.

I preface these comments by acknowledging that God alone will judge the hearts of those to whom I have alluded. I cannot and will not do so. But I will judge their words and behaviors in the context of scripture. And I will pray that God sees in each a repentant, compassionate and faithful soul – just as I pray He sees that in me.

Here I will focus on the individual POTUS appointed to lead the White House Faith Office. This woman, void of formal theological training, is a zealous proponent of the prosperity gospel, asserting that faith and financial giving will lead to material wealth, physical health and personal success.

Most theologians believe this to be a distortion of biblical teachings. For instance, 1 Timothy 6:9-10 clearly warns of the evils of such material aspirations:

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Her willingness to beguile those whom she should be leading to Christ becomes particularly evil when, instead, she leverages those relationships to enrich herself through highly questionable appeals. This past Easter season, for example, this pastor encouraged followers to give her $1,000 and receive in return “seven supernatural blessings” based on Exodus 23: God will “assign an angel to you,” “be an enemy to your enemies,” “give you prosperity,” “take sickness away from you,” “give you a long life, “bring increase and inheritance” and “give a special year of blessing.” Oh, and she’ll also send a Waterford cross.

Contrary to her implication, God is not a divine vending machine. Scripture is unambiguous that He prefers love, compassion, humility and sacrifice to cash. The Christian theology is one that worships God – not use Him.

Ironically, this pastor seems to have conveniently skipped past verse 1 of this same chapter which warns as follows…

“Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.”

… while verse 2a offers wisdom to those who may be vulnerable to dubious solicitations:

“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.”

In his letter to Titus, Paul is writing about false teachers and those who undermine Christian teaching through hypocrisy and moral failure. Those who claim to know God but live in disobedience to His word are the subject of his warnings, representing the greatest threat to the Christian Church in their hypocrisy.

As to why POTUS deemed this individual to be the right choice to lead the White House Faith Office, one can only speculate. I have my thoughts but leave the reader to nurture their own. However, as with many similar choices, this one was made with fealty to him in mind – not to serve the faithful in this country.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them —bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.”

2 Peter 2:1-3

Lessons from Proverbs 28: Leadership and Its Consequences

June 21, 2025July 31, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christianity, compassion, fox news, God, humility, integrity, Jesus, leadership, POTUS, pride, Proverbs, Solomon, trump, Wisdom2 Comments

My current Bible study finds me in Proverbs. The book is traditionally attributed to King Solomon and contains vast wisdom and instruction on moral behavior. Unfortunately, Solomon’s inability to adhere to his own teaching led to the rupture of his realm into two kingdoms – and initiated a downward spiral of failed kingships across Israel and Judah resulting in ceaseless wars and, ultimately, exile.

Solomon’s is a story of failed leadership. We may be nearing a time when history will repeat itself – a time in which failed leadership precipitates the division of our own country into two (or more) “kingdoms” – and triggers the fragmentation of the global order.

Much of the wisdom related to leadership – and the ignorance of failed leadership – can be found in the 28^th chapter of Proverbs. This chapter contrasts the deeds of the righteous and those of the wicked, teaching that true wisdom is more than just the discerning of moral behavior; it is living it.

Let’s get specific.

“When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.” (v. 2, NIV)

Stability is the result of wise leadership, creating peace and order. Conversely, poor leadership leads to division and chaos.

Where are we today? I lean to division and chaos. Peace and order seem but a pipedream.

“Evildoers do not understand what is right,
but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.” (v. 5)

Justice is rooted in righteousness. Just leaders are guided by the Lord’s commandments for compassion and, above all, love for others – ALL others, not just those that look like them. Evil leaders are led instead by personal interest.

I see very little compassion within this country’s current leadership. Actually, that is generous. I see NO compassion. I observe only disdain for those that do not look like, think like, or bend the knee to POTUS. The only love I see is self-love.

Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse. (v. 6)

Integrity is essential to wise and effective leadership. Integrity is reflected not by wealth, but by truth and selflessness. Those preoccupied by riches will abuse their leadership to increase them.

Consider the current administration. POTUS frequently visits and promotes his own properties, receiving exorbitant payments from political groups, foreign dignitaries, and government officials. Campaign funds have been frequently spent at those same properties. Foreign governments have booked rooms and events at Trump properties – evoking ethics complaints and violating the Emoluments clauses in the U.S. Constitution. And rather than divesting in the Trump Organization, POTUS empowers family members to leverage his brand to enrich his businesses through media, mobile services, cryptocurrencies and more. His greed obstructs his ability to care for his constituents.

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (v. 13)

I’ll admit, I don’t know if POTUS conceals sins. But those that remain unconcealed are quite prolific. Of course, we all sin…me more than most. But while I seek the Lord’s mercy, Trump remains utterly unapologetic and unrepentant in his iniquity. This reflects his immense arrogance and enormous pride. He is effectively putting his morality above God’s.

Confession and humility strengthen a leader’s character – and his ability to serve rather than be served. Ultimately, this is most disqualifying of our current POTUS as a leader of men: he believes that he – and those that share his idols and prejudices – are to be served rather than to serve.

In Proverbs 28, Solomon warns against greed, dishonesty, corruption and pride in leadership. He praises honesty, compassion, justice, generosity and accountability.

Unless one is lost in the bubble of Fox “News,” it is evident that POTUS remains ignorant of Solomon’s wisdom. It is also likely that were he acquainted with it, his pride, like that of Solomon, renders him incapable of abiding by it. Let us pray that history does not repeat itself.

As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart. (Proverbs 27:19)

I Was a Republican…Until I Found Christ

May 28, 2025July 18, 2025 Tom Ratkovichadam kinzinger, Bible, Character, Christ, Christianity, Faith, GOP, Grace, greatest commandment, Jesus, liz cheney, love, Mercy, POTUS, republicans, trumpLeave a comment

Anti-tax. Anti-welfare. Anti-immigration. Anti-affirmative action. For too much of my life, I was pretty much anti-anything that would hinder my accumulation of wealth and prestige…and give it instead to those who were too lazy to get a job and make their own way.

I was the poster boy for the GOP. Trickle-down economics? Gimme some of that. I surmised that the extra money I had in my pocket as an affluent, well-educated citizen would eventually find its way into the hands of those who couldn’t figure it out on their own. They were, after all, lucky to be living in this country rather than a foreign land where the freedoms they enjoyed as Americans were suppressed.

That is, if they indeed were Americans. More likely, many came here unlawfully to sponge off of our overly-generous welfare system.

Global warming? Who cares? Wasn’t my problem. Future generations would figure out the climate thing…if it really was a thing.

After all, it’s all about TODAY. Why worry about the mushrooming national debt incurred to fund my tax cuts? That was just another burden that could be pushed down the road to my kids and grandkids. Of course, they would be insulated by familial wealth accumulated thanks to GOP dogma.

Born Again

I’m not proud of it, but that’s a pretty good description of my disturbing perspective. I wince as I read and re-read what I have admitted. But I become physically ill in the knowledge that the horrible things I confessed to comprise the societal blueprint for our POTUS and his GOP acolytes.

I am forever thankful that the Lord, in His boundless love, led me to Him. I became a new creation – one passionate to understand His will for those of faith. He opened my eyes and my heart to that of which I was being truly “anti-:“ Anti-love. Anti-grace. Anti-mercy. I was, in essence, anti-Christ.

My awakening led me to change many things in my life, including my political affiliation. I was compelled to leave the GOP – not for the Democrats who have challenges of their own – but to re-classify as unaffiliated. Still, I could no longer be part of a political constituency whose leadership demands followers subvert the character of Jesus Christ.

Consider:

Jesus was compassionate and loving. He demonstrated deep care for the suffering, the marginalized, the poor, the sick and those considered outcasts (e.g., lepers, tax collectors, Samaritans). He healed the sick, fed the hungry, forgave the sinful and welcomed the sojourner.
Jesus was humble and obedient. In His time on earth, Jesus lived simply, serving others rather than being served. His humility was demonstrated by washing the feet of His disciples…and His obedience to God the Father by going submissively to the cross.
The Lord preached mercy and forgiveness, teaching that “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” He also embodied it, forgiving those who betrayed, denied and crucified Him.
Jesus was courageous and just in the face of religious hypocrisy, injustice and oppression, even when it put His life at risk.
He spoke the truth, and did so with conviction and profound wisdom.

The Greatest Commandment

In summary, Jesus’ character was defined by love, compassion, humility, integrity, mercy, justice, faithfulness and truth.

All of this is reflected in the Lord’s teaching of the greatest commandment:

“The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 29-31).

I do not know the heart of Donald Trump, nor those of his groupies. I only know what I see from him…and what I do not. For instance, I do not see love. I do not see compassion. I do not see humility, mercy or truth. What I see instead are political and social pursuits that do not simply subvert – but invert – the teaching of Christ.

I see hate rather than love; cruelty rather than compassion; narcissism rather than humility; disdain rather than mercy; lies rather than truth.

One more thing I do not see: those in Trump’s orbit speaking truth to power. And with the exception of American heroes like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, much of the GOP is in lock-step with their demigod.

For many years, I was among those cloaking myself in the American flag – justifying the pursuit of self-serving political and societal ambitions as patriotic and just. But just as Trump is who he is, the sycophants among the GOP are what they are. And as I came to understand, God sees the hearts, minds and souls of those that enable, empower and encourage the inversion of God’s will.

I, for one, refuse to be one of them. I pray you will as well.

Manifesting Faith Part II: The Righteous vs. The Wicked

May 20, 2025July 17, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christian nationalism, Christianity, Faith, God, Jesus, psalms, repentance, trump, wickedness1 Comment

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:18-20)

In my most recent post (The Manifestation of Faith), I spoke to how those who come to faith in Christ Jesus become more like Him – more loving, more merciful, more humble and more obedient. We also become repentant of our sin.

As God, Jesus had no need for repentance. It was and is, however, foundational to His message:

“…but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)

There is, of course, the flip-side of the coin – the unrepentant. Psalm 36 teaches of those who have given themselves over to sin:

¹There is no fear of God before his eyes.
²For he flatters himself in his own eyes,
When he finds out his iniquity and when he hates.
³The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit;
He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
⁴He devises wickedness on his bed;
He sets himself in a way that is not good;
He does not abhor evil. (Psalm 36:1-4)

In fact, the Psalms offer an appropriate framework for drawing distinctions between the righteous and the wicked. In the Psalms, the “wicked” are broadly defined as those who are ungodly, rebellious, and characterized by evil actions and attitudes. They reject God’s authority, prioritize their own desires, and pursue self-interest at the expense of others. They are contrasted with the “righteous,” who are those faithful to God and live according to His principles.

My very favorite psalm – Psalm 1 – exemplifies this contrast, juxtaposing the blessed (righteous) and the wicked. The former delights in God’s law and is fruitful in doing so; the other circumvents God’s word and associates with those who mock God:

¹Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
²But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
³He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
⁴The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
⁵Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
⁶For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish. (Psalm 1)

A deeper dive into the contrast between those whose faith manifests in righteousness and those who neither believe or trust in God’s goodness, provision and justice, uncovers some distinctive attributes. Specifically, the “wicked” as characterized in the Psalms:

Demonstrate a profound self-centeredness and lack of humility, prioritizing their own ambitions rather than those of our Lord God.
Actively engage in acts of violence, oppression and deception against others.
Make the accumulation of wealth, possessions and accolades their idols rather than the pursuit of God’s will.
Remain rebellious and disobedient towards God, actively opposing His word and unwilling to either acknowledge or submit to His authority.
Refuse to acknowledge their misconduct, remaining unrepentant of their sinful behavior.

The “righteous,” of course, are not without sin. But they strive, unsuccessfully at times, to live by the will of God – to be led by the Holy Spirit. They seek not to profit at the expense of others, but to find fulfillment in His word and obedience to it. And they wait patiently for the Lord to fulfill His promised return.

In closing, we must nonetheless remain vigilant in our faith while remaining patient for:

The wicked prowl on every side,
When vileness is exalted among the sons of men. (Psalm 12:8)

Clearly, the world exalts vileness. We are witness to it every moment of every day – in our politics, our communities, our economies – even in our churches. Everywhere.

In His time, God will put down the wicked and lift up the faithful. Psalm 50 gives warning to those who exalt evil – and offers hope to the faithful.

¹⁶But to the wicked God says:
“What right have you to declare My statutes,
Or take My covenant in your mouth,
¹⁷Seeing you hate instruction
And cast My words behind you?
¹⁸When you saw a thief, you consented with him,
And have been a partaker with adulterers.
¹⁹You give your mouth to evil,
And your tongue frames deceit.
²⁰You sit and speak against your brother;
You slander your own mother’s son.
²¹These things you have done, and I kept silent;
You thought that I was altogether like you;
But I will rebuke you,
And set them in order before your eyes.
²²“Now consider this, you who forget God,
Lest I tear you in pieces,
And there be none to deliver:
²³Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
And to him who orders his conduct aright
I will show the salvation of God.” (Psalm 50:16-23)

The Manifestation of Faith

May 8, 2025October 30, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, Bible, Christianity, Faith, God, Hebrews, humility, Jesus, love, Mercy, Micah, Obedience, repentance, Romans1 Comment

I started this post with the intent of addressing the what, why and how of eternal life with the Lord. But as I began to put context to this idea, I quickly realized that I was adding unneeded complexity to a simple truth. The what and why are obvious…and the how is actually quite uncomplicated.

There is but one how to eternity: faith in the Triune God.

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

In his epistle to the Romans, the Apostle Paul confirms this truth:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (8:1)

No condemnation. No death. Faith alone.

The concept of “faith” may be obscure to many. Even as defined by the writer of Hebrews in verse 11:1, the meaning can seem vague:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is trust in God’s word. Faith is certainty of His existence and His promises – despite the fact that we cannot perceive them with our physical senses. It is spiritual certitude grounded not in tangible evidence, but in our trust of God’s character.

This certainty – this faith – triggers a transformation of our very being. What are the manifestations of that transformation in our time on this earth?

Love. Repentance. Mercy. Humility. Obedience.

Our faith is an open invitation to the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts and lead us in fulfilling the words of the prophet Micah:

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.” (6:8)

I pray that this faith is YOUR faith. If so, you are blessed. But the Lord’s blessings are waiting for those who have yet to find it. He has made Himself known through creation, through scripture, and through the person of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will seek Him.

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:13

When Loyalty is NOT a Virtue

April 17, 2025May 28, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christianity, Faith, God, Jesus, Loyalty, trump, virtue2 Comments

My bible study currently has me in the book of Ruth. In scripture, Ruth stands a pillar of loyalty – a woman whose profound faithfulness and selfless love is rewarded by God’s blessings of family and prominence in the lineage of King David and, thus, Christ Jesus.

The Bible emphasizes the merits of loyalty in marriage, family and friendship. Most importantly, scripture accentuates the importance of loyalty to God.

To characterize loyalty as a virtue would thus seem to be a no-brainer.

I would argue, however, true virtue manifests not in loyalty itself but in that to which one chooses to be loyal. Certainly, loyalty can be a virtue reflecting trust, commitment and a sense of responsibility – one which inspires support and sacrifice.

Conversely, loyalty can be corrosive – particularly if it manifests in allegiance to something or someone that is immoral, corrupt, abusive and/or vindictive.

There is no person alive more demanding of loyalty among his acolytes than Donald Trump. This demand, of course, is for personal loyalty to him – not to the country to which his political minions have pledged allegiance. POTUS revels in the litmus tests he accords his followers, such as their championing of the false, stolen election narrative.

The Ironies of the Ultimatum

Such demands are perfectly reflective of his narcissism, his insecurity, and his blatant self-centeredness. Needless to say, there are several fascinating ironies here.

For example, in making personal loyalty rather than competence the determinant in building his administration (see Hegseth, Gabbard, Kennedy, etc.), Trump not only weakens the country but demands disloyalty to the Constitution. His insistence that VP Mike Pence invalidate the 2020 election is but one of innumerable episodes in which Trump has demanded his truth supersede that of our nation’s laws.

Chillingly, his frequent and self-validating falsehoods demonstrate disloyalty to God. For while the rectitude of loyalty may be situational, the Lord does not compromise on truth.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Proverbs 12:22, NKJV

Ironically, loyalty is not a quality Trump is capable of reciprocating. Pence was loyal to the point of humiliation. In return for his nearly four years of groveling, POTUS offered tacit approval of a mob’s intention to “hang Mike Pence.” Needless to say, Trump’s infidelities reveal his inability to maintain loyalty within his marriage.

The Great Danger

The examples of Trump’s abuse of his office to exact retribution upon those who fail to bend the knee are profuse. Beyond Pence. Beyond Comey. Beyond Kelly, Barr, Mattis, Vindman and more. In virtually each instance, it involves Donald Trump putting himself above the people and the Constitution of the United States to satisfy his fragile ego.

This, ultimately, is the greatest danger of his presidency. A man whose ego is so brittle – one which can only be satisfied by bullying the rest of humanity into submission – should not oversee this country’s nuclear arsenal. Nor its global leadership. This is what his followers fail to comprehend.

A Final Irony

Trump, in his narcissism, believes that the declarations of loyalty by the GOP’s congressional lemmings are genuine. My guess is that such declarations are, by and large, insincere – that their true allegiance is not to POTUS but to their own relevance and power. These legislators were first-hand witnesses to the persecution of true patriots like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger – who remained loyal not to a man, not to their careers, but to their oath to uphold the Constitution.

Actually, most were far more than indifferent witnesses – they were the persecutors themselves – condemning those with the integrity to speak truth to power – in order to gain favor with the man who could smile on their political fortunes.

Perhaps we can conclude that loyalty is a conditional virtue – one that only becomes virtuous when it is grounded in wisdom, fairness and ethical purpose. These all seem to be absent in the demands of Trump and the posturing of his followers.

The Lamp of the Body

April 8, 2025July 17, 2025 Tom RatkovichBeatitudes, Bible, Christianity, Faith, God, hypocrisy, Jesus, Sermon on the Mount, trumpLeave a comment

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

Matthew 6:22-23, NKJV

These verses, spoken by the Lord Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount, have particular relevance in today’s politically-charged culture. How we see and respond to the exceptional circumstances confronting this world reveal the integrity and faithfulness of our hearts.

As one whose eye was in need of correction for much of his adult life, I am particularly appreciative of the Lord’s teaching. My “bad eye” saw the world only as an opportunity to pursue false idols – those that satisfied my insatiable pride. Wealth. Gluttony. Lust. You get the picture.

My body was “full of darkness.” Praise God, He saw fit to perform a vision correction at a time of particular desperation. My eye – for the first time in my adult life – became a lamp that illuminated His word and His will.

A “good” eye allows light to enter the body and irradiate the heart – characterizing a faithful servant, spiritually focused and aligned with God’s truth. What truth is that? We need only revisit the Lord’s Sermon on the Mount – specifically the Beatitudes.

As I came to see, God treasures humility, empathy, repentance, mercy and a righteousness that comes only through faith. He blesses the pure in spirit – those that serve Him with an undivided heart – indifferent to the adoration of peers. He rewards the peacemakers who bring reconciliation rather than anxiety. This is evidence of a “good eye.”

“But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.”

Unfortunately, we live in a world with poor eyesight. Too many – including countless Christians – fail to see God’s truth and blessings, obsessing instead on the temporal, the self-serving and the immoral. They witness, for example, a POTUS whose behavior is vindictive, dishonest, pompous, merciless and corrupt. Their bad eye sees not a man in need of a changed heart that will save his soul – but a redeemer to be encouraged and empowered.

Such are those deceived by darkness – selling out their righteousness while hiding behind the bluster of a demigod. I know. My demigod was my pride by which I rationalized my disobedience.

And just as I pray to God for the salvation of Donald Trump and the blessing of a new heart, I ask Him also to give those incapable of seeing their hypocrisy new eyes that will illuminate their souls. For as warned by Scottish author and minister George MacDonald:

“One day you will be compelled to see, nay, to feel your heart as God sees it; and to know that the cankered thing which you have within you, a prey to the vilest diseases, is indeed the center of your being, your very heart.”

Are your thoughts and actions guided by God’s truth? Do you strive to emulate the love, mercy, humility and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? If so, your eye is good and your body is full of light.

If instead you exalt and empower the behavior of those who consistently, flagrantly and unapologetically demonstrate disdain for God’s word, your heart may indeed be a “cankered thing.”

“If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

A Test of Faith

March 17, 2025July 17, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christianity, Deuteronomy, Faith, God, hypocrisy, Jesus, trump2 Comments

In a post shared in May of 2023 (Navigating the Deception of Trump-Love: Insights on God’s Sovereignty and the Works of Darkness), I argued that Donald Trump’s ascension was the work of God – that Trump’s immorality and narcissism were so blatantly obvious and patently evil that only God could blind so many to these truths.

As one who believes in the inerrancy and infallibility of scripture, I view Romans 13:1 as confirmation:

“…there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Left unanswered in that prior post is the question of why? – why would He who knows all and sees all elevate this man to the highest office in the land?

I had no answer in May 2023 and chose not to speculate on God’s reasoning. Instead, I acknowledged that His ways are higher than my ways, and that I am to trust in God.

I continue to trust in His purposes. But that trust no longer precludes me from speculating as to what those purposes might be.

Scripture leads me to believe that the Lord God will test His creation. Such stalwarts of faith as Abraham, Moses, Job, Peter and Paul were often put to the test to build character and deepen their dependence on God. They passed far more often than they failed. But, as descendants of Adam – the first to fail his test – each bungled God’s trials at times. Thankfully, we have a merciful, loving God. Our failures – of which there are many – are forgiven through repentance, faith and the Lord’s work on the cross.

So, does God test us? Of course, He does. God tells us as much in scripture:

I, the Lord, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:10)

Thus, my answer to the “why” question is this: God has elevated Donald Trump in order to validate and deepen our faith.

I suspect that my take on this subject will raise the ire of the MAGA acolytes who believe POTUS to be a demigod put on earth to single-handedly bully a misguided world into obedience with their righteous morality. I am of the belief, however, that God’s intentions are somewhat more obscure. I look to the Bible – specifically, Deuteronomy 13 for clues as to what those intentions might be.

Verses 13:1-4 are as follows (NIV):

“¹If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, ²and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” ³you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. ⁴It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.”

Let’s see if we can put some modern-day context to these verses.

Deuteronomy 13 is a warning against false prophets and those who would lead others into idol worship. Let’s be clear…Donald Trump considers himself a prophet, essentially proclaiming himself God’s hand to fulfill a higher purpose. This alone, however, does not make him a “false” prophet. Nor does Trump’s promise of a return to power – even when “the sign or wonder spoken of takes place.”

Rather, Trump identifies himself as a false prophet by exhorting his acolytes, “Let us follow other gods and let us worship them.”

What are those objects of Trump’s idol worship? They are visible for all the world to see: Wealth. Power. Deceit. Lust. Gluttony. Envy. Retribution. It is his unrestrained and unrepentant pursuit of these that make him false – and condemns those that encourage, enable and follow in his idol worship.

How do these harmonize with such core Christian values as love, truth, forgiveness, humility, fidelity, hospitality and righteousness? Please ask yourself this question…because God is asking it of you. Again…

“The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. ⁴It is the Lord your God you must follow, and Him you must revere. Keep His commands and obey Him; serve Him and hold fast to Him.”

There are consequences to disobedience – and the failure to remain steadfast in the face of enticement to idolatry. As a reminder, Jeremiah 17:10 tells us that the Lord God searches the heart and tests the mind “to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”

Do not exalt those who would lead you to worship false idols. Do not be led by those who repudiate the Lord’s commands for love, humility, truth and justice. In doing so you not only encourage but enable hate, deceit, retribution and greed.

Is Being “Born Again” a Thing?

February 21, 2025December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, Bible, Born again, Christianity, Faith, God, Grace, Jesus, John the Baptist, Mercy, regeneration2 Comments

Nicodemus was perplexed. When the pharisee was informed by Jesus that one must be “born again” to see the kingdom of God, Nicodemus asked incredulously:

“How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (John 3:4)

His confusion was hardly placated by the Lord’s response:

“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”

I can appreciate why Nicodemus was befuddled. I first read these words – at least with enthusiasm – some 15 years ago. Unlike the pharisee, however, the Lord’s teaching brought understanding to something I had experienced only weeks earlier. For by God’s mercy and grace, I had become the “new creation” described by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

A New Creation

The specific circumstances surrounding my born-again experience are the subject of another story. But the quick narrative is simply that in the selfish, sinful exercise of my own free will, I became completely, utterly dependent on God’s mercy to not only avoid personal devastation, but also to mitigate the anguish that my repulsive behavior would bring to others.

I needed the Lord’s intervention. I prayed. I repented. In desperation, I even made promises. Yes, I know it is silly to negotiate with God but my despair got the better of me. Praise the Lord, the sinful choices that I made He used for good.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

He not only intervened, but God gifted me with His Holy Spirit to help me with those promises – and to save me for all eternity. I had been born again – regenerated in Christ as an adopted son of God the Father.

I felt much different. I had a fervor for God’s word which is precisely why Jesus’ teaching to Nicodemus was so enlightening to me. Moreover, I had a passion to be obedient to it – one that had not existed to that point in my life.

Rather than facing the deserved punishment for my evil choices, the Lord was merciful. But as monumental as this display of God’s love was to me at that time, it was but a microcosm of His relentless pursuit of my heart, soul and mind. Like every one of us, I warrant punishment for all of my sinful choices – all of my disobedience to His word.

Regeneration Follows Repentance

However, He did not, has not and will not subject me to that which I deserve. Instead, God sent His only begotten Son to take the penalty for me – and for all those who are in Christ. When we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross, we are cleansed of our sin. Our hearts are thus prepared to be led by the Holy Spirit. We are born again.

What does it mean to accept what Jesus did for us on the cross? As we know from John 3:16, faith in Christ is paramount. I believe that faith is manifested by repentance, and that repentance leads to regeneration. That is, one cannot be born again without acknowledging and repenting of our disobedience to God’s word.

Conclusion

As a pharisee educated in the words of the prophets, Nicodemus was undoubtedly familiar with Ezekiel 36:25-27:

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

These words would underscore the ministry of John the Baptist as he prepared the way for the Lamb of God. He called on followers to repent of their sins and turn back to God – the symbol of which was water baptism in the River Jordan. John was the bridge between the prophets of the Old Testament and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, cleansing impurities so that the faithful would be indwelt by the Spirit of the Lord and moved to obedience.

In his letters, the Apostle Paul uses the terms “new man” or “new self” – living a “new life” in which our “deceitful desires” have been set aside for a life lived in “true righteousness and holiness.” I fall far short in living such a life. My sins, however, are washed clean by the blood of Christ. His Spirit leads me in repentance and in pursuit of a righteous and holy life.

Being “born again” is not just a thing. It is the thing.

If you have not yet become God’s new creation – and you will know if you have – I pray you will open your heart and mind to becoming just that. Read scripture. Pray. Repent. Jesus has already done the hard work on the cross. His Holy Spirit will do the rest.

The Role of the Bible in American Education

January 22, 2025April 8, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christian nationalism, Christianity, education, Faith, schools2 Comments

One need only peruse the subject matter of my posts to know that I have enormous disdain for the Christian Nationalist agenda. A fundamental objective of that agenda is to put the Christian Bible into America’s classrooms. And while I scorn the nationalist’s rationale for doing so, I cannot dismiss the notion that the Bible should be a component of public education in this country. Four reasons:

#1: The Bible Is Foundational

The reality is that our legal system – as well as our definition of what constitutes moral behavior – derives from the Bible. This cannot be denied. Taught within this context, Christian scripture – without judgment – merits a place in our classrooms. Doing so, however, should be framed as education – not indoctrination.

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us:

”All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

I concur. But whether or not one agrees with the Apostle Paul that the Bible is “God-breathed,” it cannot be denied that its contents are indeed “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training righteousness” – where righteous behavior is characterized as upright, moral and virtuous. Understanding the origins of righteousness is vital to the youth of a civilized society.

#2: The Bible as Literature

It is also undeniable that the Bible is the most published, most read and most influential “literature” of all time. However, at no point in my school years – as long ago as they might have been – was I required to read it. I was, however, required to read other literary works such as Homer’s Odyssey, Twain’s Tom Sawyer, Orwell’s 1984 and several other novels about which I can remember little of the plot and even less of the moral precepts. And while each of these works doubtlessly proved beneficial to my education and personal development, none are as impactful as the Christian Bible.

#3: The Bible as Prophecy

It is ultimately the purpose of one’s education to shape the future – both that of the individual and the collective future of the community, the country and the world. That purpose is fulfilled through discussion, debate and negotiation around various future scenarios.

Among those scenarios is one which the Christian church accepts as inevitable. It can certainly be argued that the biblical narrative on the end times is the singularly most accepted theory of the planet’s ultimate demise. As such it merits a prominent place in the debate and, thus, recognition in the classroom where the debate is fomented.

The Bible Is History

In Utah, state legislators have designated the Ten Commandments as a historic document, thereby endorsing its posting in classrooms. Philosophically, this is an approach that is largely consistent with my sentiments on the matter – certainly more so than those states endeavoring to mandate Bibles in the classroom as a means of programming students into the Christian faith. Indoctrination must be the realm of home and church.

I believe that the entirety of scripture is historical – not just the Ten Commandments. It is ingrained into the fabric of this country’s moral, ethical and legal precepts. It holds a dominant place in the history of the world regardless of one’s acceptance of its veracity. Thus, the failure to include it as a fundamental element of school curriculum is the very definition of educational malpractice.

Turning the Page on the Trials of 2024

January 1, 2025April 30, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Broviac, Christ, Christianity, Faith, Helene, hematoma, hip surgery, PICCLeave a comment

In August of 2022, I published a post titled “The Purpose of Our Trials.”

With reference to Philippians 1:29, I wrote the following:

“It is through suffering – and our attitudes towards it – that we enter into fellowship with Jesus. Keep in mind that this does not simply reference the persecution and ridicule the Bible tells us Christians will face for their faith. This suffering includes the death of loved ones, poverty, hunger, sickness, etc. – suffering that can lead some to question God’s very existence.

And it is not the suffering itself that is the critical behavior here. It is how we respond to that suffering, for one’s ability to maintain his or her Christ-centeredness in the face of torment glorifies God by demonstrating unwavering trust in Him.”

This past year, God blessed me with a test of my fidelity to these words.

Some of you are aware of the health challenges stemming from my hip replacement surgery on April 2, 2024. For those who are not, I offer some elaboration below. I do so not to garner sympathy or glorify myself in any way – only to give perspective to this message. I will, of course, glorify God for these trials – and my amazing wife who I burdened with caring for me, and whose relentless love restored me. So, in brief (though it may not seem so):

Surgeries 1-3

Three months following successful shoulder replacement surgery in Colorado (1/4/24), I had my arthritic left hip replaced (4/2/24), again in Denver by the same orthopedic group that did my shoulder and knee replacements. Yes, I’ve been the recipient of all the bionic man references.

I returned home to NC ten days later (4/12). While toweling off after a Saturday morning shower (4/13), an ugly pus began to ooze from my incision. I sent the video to my surgeon who instructed me to immediately get to the hospital emergency room. I did so and a staph infection was quickly confirmed. An emergency “washout” was performed the next morning and I spent the next four days in the hospital on IV antibiotics.

The attending physician in NC strongly encouraged me to return to Denver for follow up treatment by the team performing the original surgery. So after checking out of Advent Hospital in Hendersonville on the morning of April 17, my wife and I boarded a plane to Denver that same afternoon. Two days later, a second washout was performed and infected components of my new hip were replaced. Again, I remained in the hospital for five days receiving antibiotics – and was released on April 26 to return home to NC and begin a six-week, twice-daily regimen of antibiotics that were self-administered via a “PICC” line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) – a tube inserted into my upper arm and threaded into a large vein near my heart.

Blood Clots & the WSOP

For six weeks, all was good. Unfortunately, as I neared the completion of the regimen, my arm began to swell – the result of a blood clot triggered by the PICC line. This was more worrisome to the doctors than to me and I was put on another twice-daily routine of self-injected anticoagulants. Apparently my antibiotics precluded the use of oral blood thinners so I got to stick myself twice a day. Not a big deal.

Once again, things seemed to be on track. The PICC line was removed, my antibiotics were now taken orally, and the injections were tolerable. The timing was perfect for my annual trip to Las Vegas for the World Series of Poker. Although the prior three months had been less than fun, all was now right with the world as I was on my way to my favorite event of the year.

I flew to Las Vegas on June 8. As I walked repeatedly between the WSOP and my hotel, a discomfort and stiffness began to grow in my hip. By 6/19, the discomfort had become agony and any movement was excruciating. On Monday June 24, I was on a flight to Denver for evaluation and treatment…and pain meds.

Surgery #4

I could not complete Tuesday’s scheduled MRI as I was unable to sufficiently straighten my leg to fit in the machine. I checked into the hospital that night with my fourth surgery now scheduled for Friday. On Wednesday, my hip joint was partially drained in the hope that some relief would be provided. I can’t say it really helped. The appearance of the drained fluid was ambiguous as to whether or not the infection had returned. So the surgeon opened me up once again two days later (6/28), uncertain as to what he would find.

Where the first three surgeries were executed with an anterior (less invasive) approach, the fourth required a posterior incision – larger, more muscle tissue cut, longer and more painful recovery. However, this approach was necessary to remove my new and potentially infected artificial hip, and implant a temporary antibiotic cement hip spacer. The doctor believed this to be the most prudent approach to ensure the infection would be entirely remedied. Thus, a fifth surgery would be required to replace the temporary cement spacer with a permanent (hopefully) artificial joint.

What the doctor did find was a couple of significant hematomas that were the likely cause of my excruciating hip pain. Those were drained and I had some modest amount of immediate relief. (As this is already too long, I will leave out the part about the nasty impact the pain medication had on my digestive system and the ugliness of how it was remedied.)

The hematomas, of course, resulted from a series of unfortunate and unlikely sequential circumstances: an infection (itself about a 1% possibility) that required a PICC line; a PICC line that caused a blood clot; a blood clot that required anticoagulants; anticoagulants that prompted the hematomas.

The Fifth and Final

Following another six-week regimen of thrice-daily antibiotics (this time through a Broviac catheter inserted in my chest), the cement hip spacer was removed on October 10 and replaced by a permanent artificial hip. Of course, it was not seamless as hurricane Helene complicated our travel to Denver. Without power/water/connectivity at home, a dog sitter was no longer an option. Instead, we had to drive to Colorado, dog in tow – and do so in a roundabout manner as direct routes were closed. But Helene is a whole other story. This one is long enough already.

Blessed

Now healing, I am looking to 2025 with optimism and blessedness. But I have also sought meaning in the trials God set in front of me. Never did I believe that I was being punished. Disciplined perhaps, but not punished. I, of course, deserve punishment far worse than anything I went through in 2024. We all do.

I prefer to consider these trials to be both a test and a refinement of my faith. As noted in scripture:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3

I believe this is a major part of God’s plan for me – to build perseverance for tasks and trials yet to come. I indeed consider it “pure joy” that He knows me and has plans for me.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

In closing, I pray that I have followed Christ’s example in confronting the trials set before me, though I have endured nothing to compare the persecution and crucifixion He withstood on my behalf. In so doing, perhaps I have served His purpose in some way. I pray that my trust has glorified Him.

It must also be noted that there are many that have participated in my medical journey in 2024. This includes not only the physicians and nurses that I came to know quite well after multiple episodes under their care – but those that have relentlessly prayed for my recovery. I have been blessed by them all, but none more so than my faithful wife, Monica, who had to endure every surgery, every doctor visit, every injection, every road trip and so much more – all while taking on solo responsibilities for managing the household.

Of all blessings the Lord has bestowed upon me, she is at the top of the list.

Discovering Spiritual Truths through Music: “Trust in God”

December 24, 2024March 17, 2025 Tom RatkovichAtheism, Bible, Christianity, Faith, Free will, Grace, Trust in God1 Comment

In a recent FB post, a dear friend of mine characterized faith as a “fear of death scam.” Like many who have yet to know Christ, he revels in his unbelief.

I, for one, certainly do not fear death. Nor do I long for it. I see my time in this world as an opportunity to glorify God and strive to bring others to Him.

It was not always so. My friend, who has been more like a brother for fifty years, has seen me at my absolute worst. It is not unreasonable to think that my rebirth in Christ strained the limits of my credibility with him.

Because I love him, I pray for his change of heart. And because many others have also borne witness to the depths of my sin, I author this blog, hoping that the radical transformation that has manifested in me may prompt some to revisit the inherent truth in scripture.

I have addressed my friend’s unbelief in a prior post. As noted therein, I believe professing and advocating atheism is in itself an expression of fear.

I have not been shy about sharing the reasons for my faith. Many of these reasons are shared in a series of blog posts under the heading “Why I Believe.” Absent in those posts is the reason “fear of death.”

I truly believe that anyone who studies scripture with an open mind and tender heart cannot do so without being transformed by the love, grace and, yes, the logic embedded therein. It is also evident, however, that those with hardened hearts – those seeking reasons to ridicule those of faith and continue to glory in their love of the world – will likewise be successful.

In this, I speak from experience. For so much of my life, my heart was diseased by pride – by the need to glorify myself. Without the Lord’s intervention, I would remain ignorant of His word and disobedient to it.

God, in His immense goodness, rescued me at a time of bitter anguish. He allowed me, in the poor exercise of my own free will, to fall into a state of utter despair, knowing that I could escape only by putting my trust in Him.

As beautifully described in this worship song from Elevation Worship:

I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered
That’s why I trust Him, that’s why I trust in God

It was not a fear of death that led me to Christ. It was the fear of living without Him. Please have a listen.

Surrounded by Sin

December 13, 2024November 1, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, Bible, Christian nationalism, Christianity, Faith, Forgiveness, Free will, Grace, hypocrisy, Jesus, Micah, Romans, sin1 Comment

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:29-32, NIV)

Who are “they?”

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The Cancer of Hypocrisy in Evangelical Christianity

November 13, 2024November 14, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christian nationalism, Christianity, Faith, Free will, God, Grace, hypocrisy, Jesus, trump2 Comments

Anyone who has perused the pages of this blog knows that I am not a fan of a Donald Trump presidency. They will also know that I pray for his repentance and his salvation.

My concern with the return of DJT to the White House has little to do with democracy, policy or the direction of our country. I have put my trust in God, knowing that His ways are not my ways. And the Lord has warned us repeatedly that turbulent times are in front of us.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NIV)

Rather, my anxiety has far more to do with what Trump’s re-election says about the leadership and the integrity of the white evangelical Christian community in this country.

Donald Trump is, after all, the poster child for 2 Timothy 3:1-5. I confess that I do not know his heart. Only God does. But I can observe his behavior. What I witness is a narcissist, a lover of money, a proud, boastful and abusive man without love for his neighbor – unmerciful, slanderous, adulterous – well, you get the picture. This point cannot be argued; the evidence is prima facie. And let’s not forget that he is a twice-impeached convicted felon, has been found liable for sexual assault, faces four outstanding criminal indictments and has proudly boasted of how he impresses women by grabbing them by the p**sy.

Read that last paragraph one more time. This is the man white evangelical Christians were instrumental in returning to office. Instead of having “nothing to do with such people,” as instructed by the Apostle Paul, they have empowered, endorsed and encouraged the evil so forcefully illustrated and condemned in scripture. Wow.

I am ready for the turbulent times before us. Prayer and scripture have prepared me. I will strive to glorify God by living my faith. I will, of course, fall short and seek His mercy and grace – knowing that it is the only path to eternal life.

Unfortunately, however, many are unprepared, vulnerable to the disingenuous faith of those who seek righteousness not through God’s mercy and grace but through their noble morality. They seek to legislate their morality to coerce behavior they believe make them “good people” – removing the choice to be obedient to God out of love. In their moralism, like the Pharisees, they fail to see grace.

The vulnerable bear witness to the hypocrisy. Is it surprising that they build a wall around themselves and project an unwillingness to hear God’s word given that the messenger is so compromised? In these last days, we must encourage a willingness to hear and live the Gospel – not push those who have yet to accept Christ to the edge of the cliff through hypocrisy, selfishness and hate.

As Christians, our aspiration must never be to simply be a “good person.” Such a mindset puts the focus on our own conduct rather than on the saving grace of Lord Jesus. We are sinners in need of a savior. Our one and only goal must be to be more like Christ.

Virtuous Leadership

August 25, 2024April 30, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Faith, Grace, leadership, virtueLeave a comment

In his instructions to his protégé Titus, the Apostle Paul outlined essential qualifications of a church leader:

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” (Titus 1:7-8, ESV)

While I am reluctant to conflate church and state as it feeds the disastrous Christian Nationalism narrative, I believe that important elements of Paul’s criteria for elders can be extended to leadership excellence and effectiveness in the political arena.

A virtuous leader – regardless of the domain – provides an example of how we are to treat and respect others. He (or she) is not, for example, “arrogant or quick-tempered.” That is, he does not assume himself to be the smartest person in the room. He is not only willing to listen but actively seeks to leverage the wisdom of others. Importantly, he is not “violent” or abusive to those who fail to fall to their knees before him.

Instead, a leader should be “hospitable” – welcoming the opportunity to engage with those to be led in a “self-controlled and disciplined” manner – demonstrating goodness, integrity and humility.

In an earlier post, I pointed to King Solomon’s wisdom and humility as virtuous traits of an effective leader of men. Needless to say, Solomon’s humility dissipated in the face of wealth and women, precipitating the fracture of Israel. Perhaps we can see similar traits in would-be leaders of today.

Many great leaders of the Bible were indeed flawed, but were humbled and repentant when confronted with their sin. Moses, for instance, led Israel out of captivity in Egypt demonstrating faith, compassion and obedience to God’s will. Yet he equivocated on more than one occasion – his trust in God wavering as he doubted his ability to deliver on what God was commanding. Needless to say, he found that trust.

From his youth, King David maintained a deep connection with God. He was gifted with bravery, conviction, compassion and faith. And, like most, he was burdened by pride. David was both an adulterer and murderer. He needed God’s help to see his sin. But once he did, David was repentant. He found God’s mercy and grace to be prodigious. David was promised that his descendant would sit on the throne over God’s people for eternity.

The Apostle Peter was a flawed man. Yet Jesus calls on Peter to “Feed my sheep.” Peter was asked to carry the Gospel to the Jews – the very people who crucified the Son of God. Why? Because despite his many missteps, Peter did not wallow in self-pity. He did not blame others or circumstances. He accepted responsibility and grew. That is what virtuous leaders do.

Perhaps the greatest lesson – the most powerful example ever given in leadership – is that provided by none other than Jesus Christ. That lesson is this: ultimately, leaders are servants – whether such service is as humble as washing the feet of His apostles, or as momentous as satisfying God’s wrath as the propitiation for the sins of His creation through death on the cross.

Scripture is clear that virtuous leadership is a function of character. Integrity, faithfulness, trust, humility, self-control, truth and compassion are among those qualities that make a leader virtuous and effective. Arrogance, greed, self-righteousness, falsehoods and a lack of repentance do not.

The Fallacy of the “Lesser Evil” in Marriage

May 27, 2024December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Deception, lesser evil, marriage, one flesh, remorseLeave a comment

I lied. A straight-out, bald-faced lie to my wife, whom I love more than life itself.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight. (Proverbs 12:22)

I made myself an abomination both to the Lord and to my bride.

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Discovering Spiritual Truths through Music: The Prisoner

May 17, 2024January 17, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christianity, Faith, Grace, Mercy, ministry, prison, Tom MohrLeave a comment

Perhaps some who have perused this blog in the past will recall that my favorite passages in the Bible are those describing the prophecy of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46. These verses underscore how we display our vertical love for God – and describe the manifestation of the horizontal love we have for others.

But a brief phrase in verse 36 has puzzled me.

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The Manifestation of Pride: A Humble Reflection on Self and Faith

May 15, 2024December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christianity, Faith, heart, humility, Jesus, pride, sin1 Comment

Humility was once an admired trait within our culture. My parents frowned on overt celebrations of self that belied a sense of humility and denigrated others. We could rejoice in a good report card, but unrestrained reveling in the defeat of a competitor was unbefitting.

Of course, that was then. My youth was too many years ago. In today’s “taking-care-of-number-one” culture, the celebration of self is ever-present. It can be witnessed in unscrupulous business practices, the fracturing of the family, the viciousness of social media, trash talk on the playing field and pretty much anywhere else we choose to turn.

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Why Do Atheists Show Compassion Without God?

May 7, 2024December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichAtheism, Bible, Christianity, Faith, Free will, Morality5 Comments

A friend of mine posted this quotation on Facebook – attributing it to Martin Buber – though I can find no validation of such attribution. Nor could Google or ChatGPT. But as my friend characterized this statement as a comprehensive summary of his personal view of religion, I consider it worthy of discussion.

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The Eternal Blessings of Mercy and Forgiveness

April 6, 2024December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christianity, Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Jesus, Mercy, Salvation3 Comments

While recovering from hip replacement surgery, I spent much of the past week in front of my computer striving to up my social media game. I’ve got a long way to go.

I also took the opportunity to tinker with an AI tool for the first time, posing a simple question: what are the benefits of forgiveness? In a split second, an essay conveying a dozen mental and physical dividends was spewed my way. The rewards included improved mental health, enhanced relationships, emotional healing, heightened self-esteem, and reduced risk of such health issues as high blood pressure, cardiovascular stress and a weakened immune system. (But nothing about my hip!)

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Who Are “the Least of These My Brethren?”

March 7, 2024December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, Bible, Brethren, Christianity, Faith, Free will, Sheep, the Least1 Comment

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
Matthew 25:40 NKJV

As noted in earlier posts, I believe this instruction from the Lord Jesus given in the prophecy of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46) is fundamental to our salvation. It is directed to those “blessed of My Father,” who will “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” In other words, the sheep.

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Rewards in Heaven: Biblical Perspectives on Faith & Works

February 21, 2024December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, Bible, Christianity, Faith, five crowns, fruit, heaven, rewards, sacrifice3 Comments

In the second chapter of his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is unequivocal in his assertion that faith in Christ Jesus ensures entry into the Kingdom of Heaven – not our deeds on this earth:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.“
Ephesians 2:8-9

Those of faith can rejoice in the scriptural confirmation of eternal life. But the Bible also makes it abundantly clear such faith will manifest in good works:

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Understanding Unbelief: A Christian Viewpoint

November 16, 2023December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichAtheism, Bible, Faith, Fear, Free will, last days, pride, unbelief15 Comments

I keep telling myself to get off Facebook once and for all. I invariably find myself getting worked up over what I see. Not angry, really…just kind of disappointed with humanity. While there are indeed moments of harmony and kindness, I seem to just as readily find discourtesy, disrespect and, all too frequently, rage.

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Armageddon: Humanity’s Fragile Existence and Faith in the Last Days

October 10, 2023December 4, 2025 Tom Ratkovicharmageddon, Bible, Christianity, end times, Faith, global apocalypse, last days, Revelation2 Comments

My favorite movie of all-time is Armageddon.

Seriously.

Apparently, I’m a dupe for feel-good action movies that unite humor, romance, bravery and Bruce Willis (Die Hard is in my top ten). This is one of those.

It is also a reminder, for those that need one, that ours is a fragile existence – both that of our planet and of the human race.

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Confronting the Dangers of Christian Nationalism: My WHY

September 2, 2023December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christian nationalism, Faith, Jude1 Comment

My last post turned out to be a bit controversial.

I spent half of the past week getting chastised by those who would transform the Christian Bible into the U.S. Constitution, and the other half getting berated by pro-choice advocates who could not understand my acceptance (not endorsement) of pro-life legislation.

Should I have known better?

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Born That Way

August 16, 2023December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, Bible, Christianity, homosexuality, Romans 1Leave a comment

Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. (NIV)
Romans 1:26-27

I will not pretend to understand the complexities of gender identity so prevalent in our contemporary culture. It is only with Google’s assistance that I can disentangle such labels as LGBTQIA2S+.

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Flawed to Forgiven: The Imperative to Know God

January 14, 2023December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christianity, Faith, False doctrine, Knowing God4 Comments

Other than the Bible, I believe that the very first non-fiction Christian book I read after my regeneration in Christ 15 years ago was Knowing God by J.I. Packer. I was drawn to Packer’s classic by a longing to know God as I never had before, and a book titled Knowing God seemed like a good place to start.

Despite having professed my Christianity throughout life, I now see that I was very, very flawed. I am still very flawed. But it is only my knowledge of God that makes those flaws so visible. And it is only by knowing God’s grace that my repentance will be met with the Lord’s forgiveness and His strength to carry on when tempted to backslide.

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Who Do You Love?

January 9, 2023December 4, 2025 Tom Ratkovich1 John, Bible, Christ, love, world2 Comments

My bible study currently has me in 1 John. While my studies always prompt me to contemplate the commitment to my faith and my obedience to the word of God, verses 15-17 of chapter 2 cut to the heart.

They read:

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

As someone who spent most of his life lusting, I momentarily wanted to “un-read” these words. But the twinge of regret and the grief for my past disobedience quickly dissipated as I remembered the foundational truth of my most recent post, powerfully voiced in 1 John 1:9:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

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Why Faith Matters More Than Being Good

June 12, 2022December 4, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Christianity, Faith, james, pride, works7 Comments

In a recent discussion around faith, a friend of mine made the comment that “I just want to be a good person. That’s all that matters.”

Two questions came immediately to mind: (1) what defines a “good” person, and (2) in whose eyes does this individual want to be one?

Upon further contemplation, I realized that my friend’s position on such questions comprised a single answer: a good person is someone who does things (works) considered good by other people. That is, this individual seemingly desires to be elevated to the status of “good” by his/her peers.

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Biblical Revelation: Embracing God’s Word and His Inerrant Truth

May 8, 2022April 30, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Born again, Christianity, Faith, Psalm 40, seek2 Comments

I’ve always considered myself to be a Christian. I really knew nothing else. I believed because my parents taught me to believe. I was baptized in the Serbian Orthodox Church. I served as an altar boy and drove my Baba and Dzedo (grandma and grandpa) to church when they were no longer able to do so themselves. I played on St. Steven’s basketball and softball teams, and bowled in our church league.

To the St. Steven’s community, I was engaged, obedient and faithful. It was, at best, dishonest.

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Why I Believe Part II: The Bible as Evidence

April 21, 2022November 1, 2025 Tom RatkovichApostle Paul, Bible, Christianity, Faith, Prophecy1 Comment

In Part I of this commentary, I discussed Intelligent Design and man’s place at the top of creation’s hierarchy. My beliefs regarding an order to the universe and man’s appointment by the Orderer as the caretaker and custodian of His creation were shared as key drivers of my faith.

There is, of course, a vast collection of additional non-biblical evidence of God’s existence. This includes archaeological evidence, philosophical arguments around man’s innate moral compass, the otherwise inexplicable occurrences of miracles, and more.

But I turn now to God’s Word, the Bible. The Bible articulates God’s plan for His creation – and for eternity. If the Bible is credible, God not only exists, but He informs us of how we should live to conquer death and spend eternity in His presence.

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Why I Believe Part I: Creation & Man

April 19, 2022November 1, 2025 Tom RatkovichBible, Creation, Faith, Intelligent Design1 Comment

All the proof of God’s existence I ever needed was provided by His intervention at a difficult time in my life. I feel incredibly humbled and blessed that He chose to answer my desperate prayers and, in doing so, reveal His grace and His love.

Of course, there are many who feel that their prayers have not been answered. For some it is because they have not prayed; for others God has, in His wisdom beyond understanding, not responded as desired. For those individuals, evidence of God’s existence may seem elusive. That is unfortunate, because that proof seems readily observable from biblical and non-biblical sources.

In Part I of this commentary, I will discuss two points of simple observation that, for me, point to God’s reality. The first is a very brief and uncomplicated treatment of intelligent design; the second a more robust argument of the human species as itself evidence of God’s certainty and plan.

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