God

Contending for the Faith in the Wake of Trump

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” Jude 3(b)-4, NIV

It will shock no follower of my blog to hear that the “certain individual” in mind here is Donald Trump. Spouting lies and fomenting fear, he has strategically “slipped in” among gullible Christians to maneuver his way into the White House and renew his “license for immorality.” And while I do not know his heart, his ungodly behavior seemingly denies his professed faith in Jesus Christ  – dividing the church and leading many to belief and behavior in direct contradiction to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But it will indeed surprise some to hear that I do not hate Trump. I have only Christian love for him. I pray frequently that he will open his heart to God and follow His great commandment to love others. For reasons of which only He is aware, it seems God has yet to answer in the affirmative.

And while I do not hate Trump, I do hate many of his behaviors. In Proverbs 8:13, God instructs us:

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech.”

In case you’re not paying attention, Donald Trump is proud, arrogant, full of hate and vicious speech. He has many other well-documented sins as well, all of which he remains proudly unrepentant.

But I am not writing to convince POTUS to confess his transgressions and seek forgiveness. As previously noted, that is something for which I lovingly pray. Nor am I motivated by the applause of those who already despise Trump’s behavior.

Rather, I write, as Jude shares in verse 23, to “save others by snatching them from the fire.” I pen these words because, like Jude, I am “compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

Thus, instead of castigating his enablers despite the damage their hypocrisy brings upon the church, I petition – beseeching them to turn from their implicit endorsement of Trump’s antics that are in direct conflict with the word, will and example set forth by Christ Jesus.

My rationale for such an appeal to the Christian brethren who enable Trump is twofold. First and foremost, such encouragement coming from the church is blatant hypocrisy. One cannot credibly attest to Gospel faith while undermining everything that faith advocates – such as humility, mercy, kindness, repentance and, above all, love. Such hypocrisy sabotages evangelical outreach. How can we bring people to Christ when segments of the church are facilitating immorality and disobedience?

Secondly, such fawning at the feet of POTUS only endorses and enables his ungodly behavior – lighting the fuse of his narcissism. Rather than encouraging Trump to love and repent, the apologists douse him in kerosene on the road to the eternal fire. They do him no favors. As Christians, our mandate is to turn people TO God, not away from Him.

Christian brethren, I, like Jude, beseech you to contend for the faith. Do not be led by the ungodly, nor share in their immoral pursuits, subjecting yourself to similar judgment. Instead, lead the faithless to faith by an example of humility, patience, generosity and love. That, after all, is the example that our Lord Jesus set before each one of us.

What Do YOUR “Itching Ears” Want to Hear?

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, NIV)

I have a particular fondness for the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. But I think these words from the Apostle Paul to his protégé Timothy are best consumed in the blunt vernacular of the New International Version (NIV).

The message is a warning – a warning about a spiritual pattern Paul declares will happen among people, particularly those within religious communities. This is yet another of his prophetic proclamations that has blatantly manifested in sects of the Christian church today.

The aggrieving party: Those factions of the church that stubbornly remain apologists for a POTUS that behaves in a manner contrary to the commands and living testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ – empowering, endorsing and encouraging disobedience that is scripturally and morally evil.

Consider what Paul means by “sound doctrine.” His epistles teach us that sound doctrine is rooted in the Gospel of Grace. It is not merely abstract theology but instruction that produces godliness and self-control. For Paul, true doctrine aligns with Scripture and manifests in a lifestyle that reflects Christ’s character. Love. Peace. Mercy. Kindness. Gentleness. Generosity. Humility. Truth.

Paul cautions that the transgressors will no longer pursue the righteousness of sound doctrine, but instead seek leaders who tell them what they want to hear – that they are not the aggrievers but the aggrieved. Those leaders are quite willing to manipulate the vulnerable for personal gain.

“In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” (2 Peter 2:3)

That time has arrived.

Rather than illuminate God’s truth, these leaders – one POTUS and his self-serving sycophants, in particular – fan the flames of bigotries, misogynies and misplaced fears, leading the susceptible to “turn aside to myths.”

What myths? That minorities are stealing their jobs. The wealthy are overtaxed. The poor are lazy. The sojourner is a criminal. Elections are being stolen. Climate change is a hoax. Welfare is theft. Mercy is weakness. Retribution is honorable. Hate is justifiable. Love is overrated.

I plead with my brothers and sisters in Christ: Do not reject sound teaching. Do not turn from the truth of the Gospel even when it is uncomfortable. Do not be manipulated. Turn instead from the worthless shepherds that traffic in self-serving lies and venom. Stay rooted in Scripture. Love your neighbor. Follow the teaching and example of our Lord Jesus.

Related: TRUMP

The Sons of Disobedience

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“For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7 (NKJV)

In his epistles, the Apostle Paul thrice uses the figurative phrase “sons of disobedience.” He does so not to define people of biological descent, but to characterize those in rebellion against God – lives marked by defiance, unbelief and resistance to God’s will.

The sons of disobedience persist in sin without repentance. In the verses above, Paul is specific that such sin includes sexual immorality, covetousness and idolatry; that is, a life conforming to worldly desires. He further asserts that such a life is influenced by spiritual forces opposed to God in which one walks “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…” (Ephesians 2:2)

Notably, the apostle declares that we were once all among the sons of disobedience, having been born into a fallen state as the descendants of Adam. Ephesians 2:3 continues:

“…among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”

The good news, however, comes in verses 4-5:

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)…”

By God’s loving grace, through faith which manifests in repentance and obedience, we are no longer sons of disobedience but become the adopted sons of the everlasting God.

In Romans 8:13-14, Paul contrasts the sons of disobedience with the sons of God:

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

That is, those who yield to the Holy Spirit rather than be led by the worldly desires of the flesh are the sons of God.

Such a distinction is particularly relevant in today’s volatile and divisive political climate. Many are quick to characterize those who do not share their world views as ill-informed or, worse, evil.

For example, does Donald Trump fit the biblical description of the sons of disobedience? How about those who empower, endorse and encourage him?

Such questions are actually relevant because of those seven words comprising Ephesians 5:7:

“Therefore do not be partakers with them.”

Whether or not Trump fits the description of a son of disobedience as described by Paul requires nothing more than objective observation. He is an adulterer. He covets power, money and exaltation – and he lies, sues and slanders in pursuit of them. He genuinely hates those who stand in opposition to him. Most grievously, he is unrepentant in all of it. These are indisputable, observable behaviors.

But because “sons of disobedience” describes a spiritual condition known only to God, I am incapable of making such a judgment. Christians are called to evaluate actions and fruit – not to declare knowledge of one’s spiritual identity.

Instead, I will simply defer to Paul’s warning not to be partners in their sin. I appeal to those who endorse behavior that is in direct conflict with God’s commands for repentance, forgiveness and love to consider whose sons they want to be. For they, too, will stand in judgment before the bema seat of the Lord.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Isaiah 5:20

Related: Do Not Tolerate the Unrepentant

The Obedience of Faith

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

“1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ” Romans 1:1-6 (ESV)

In his transcendent letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul bookends the epistle in 1:5 and 16:26 with a short phrase, but one that carries profound implications for the faithful in Christ. In both his greeting and his doxology, Paul underscores “the obedience of faith” – the context of which is similar in both instances.

“25Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith — 27to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16:25-27

As he teaches throughout his letters, Paul does not mean that salvation is earned by obeying rules. Rather, he describes obedience that flows from a genuine faith in the Lord.

Faith comes first. Paul is unambiguous that believers find grace by trusting God – not by works of the law.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Authentic faith manifests in obedience to God’s word. The gift of such faith begets a changed life – one in which we respond to the Lord with trust, hope and submission – aligning that life with God’s will.

Paul is making the point that faith is not simply an intellectual acknowledgement of the gospel. True faith leads to a transformed life.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

I confess to having been “conformed to this world.” I confess to a “faith” that, prior to becoming a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), was not authentic but corrupt. I confess to professing my Christianity verbally, failing to acknowledge that such profession came from my mouth, not my heart. I confess that I was a “Christian” when it was convenient to be one, but would rationalize my disobedience when it was not.

It is only by the grace of God that I am saved. I do not deserve such grace; none of us do. But God sent His only begotten Son to us so that His grace, His mercy, His love – is available to all who believe.

I believe. I now seek to do the will of God – that which “is good and acceptable and perfect.” This is the manifestation of authentic faith. Of course, I fail…repeatedly. But rather than rationalize my sin, I confess it and repent of it. The Lord knows that I – like both of you reading this post – am flawed. But the obedience of faith does not imply that we will be perfect. However, obedience does include repentance:

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30

In summary, “the obedience of faith” means a trusting response to the gospel that results in a life of obedience – obedience not to earn salvation, but obedience that naturally flows from genuine faith. Paul’s instruction calls for a faith-response that changes how we live in Christ.

“Put Away the Evil Person”

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“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” 1 Corinthians 5:11-13

In the first of his two canonical letters to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul addresses how Christians should relate to those inside the church who persist in serious, unrepentant sin. In these verses, three critical questions are answered:

  • To whom is Paul alluding?
  • What defines an evil person?
  • How are believers to respond?

To these, I add a fourth:

How are Christians to reconcile the professed faith of Donald Trump with his persistent, unrepentant sin within the context of Paul’s missive?

It is the inability to credibly reconcile these facts – and the hypocrisy that stems from it – that, I believe, present the greatest peril to the growth of the Christian church in America today.

“Anyone Named a Brother”

Paul’s instruction to the Corinthian church is to disassociate from those who claim to be believers but continue in blatant, ongoing sin. He is clear that his directive does not apply to non-Christians. While the church is obliged to judge those within, it is only God that will judge those outside.

Let us consider the faith of POTUS. Is he a Christian or does he profess his faith only to manipulate the devotion of his apologists? While I believe all evidence points towards the latter, I cannot know his heart. Thus, for the purposes of this assessment, let’s take him at his word and consider him a brother in Christ.

Paul exhorts those in the church not to keep company with sinful brethren – to “put away from yourselves the evil person.” He offers a brief but poignant description of how those evil persons behave.

“The Evil Person”

Paul leaves little room for interpretation. He is unequivocal in his portrait of the evil person and the specific behaviors that make him so – behaviors that not only warrant, but demand, disassociation from the church. Sexual immorality. Covetousness. Idolatry. Hate. Fraud.

I do not judge Donald Trump’s heart. I do, however, judge his behavior. Sexual immorality? Check. Covetousness? Check. Idolatry? Hate? Fraud? Check, check, check. Those behaviors – for which he insists he is unrepentant – are indisputable, even to the most ardent of his sycophants.

To be sure, Christians should acknowledge the sin nature intrinsic to man since his creation. We know believers will struggle. Jesus went to the cross specifically for that reason.

I humbly confess to each and every one of these sins…and more. But Christ’s relentless, incalculable love finally found its way to my diseased heart. Of course, I am only human and I still sin – hopefully with less intention and gravity – but my trust in God allows me to both confess it and repent of it.

Confession and repentance are demonstrative of – and essential to – a genuine faith. POTUS proudly and emphatically concedes neither.

“Put Away from Yourselves the Evil Person”

Paul’s command reflects his concern for the spiritual health and integrity of the church. Quite simply, Christians are not to tolerate persistent, unrepentant evil in the community from those who profess their faith. Such profession is disingenuous and hypocritical.

Again, the apostle’s instruction does not apply to non-believers. His message is clear that while the church is responsible for judging the brethren, God alone judges those outside of it. Paul’s concern is the hypocrisy evident in the refusal to repent while claiming Christian identity – and the damage overt hypocrisy does to the church.

I believe such hypocrisy extends to those who empower, endorse and encourage “the evil person.” This, of course, includes the abundance of Trump apologists, false preachers, self-serving politicians and others who profess Christ but enable his evil behavior – particularly those who fail to offer correction.

It is important to note that Paul’s instruction to remove the evil person from church fellowship is mandated not only to stem the damage of hypocrisy, but to provoke healing in the sinner. Judgment inside the church is about the body’s credibility and the restoration of the sinner. It is not about punishment. Instead, separation is intended to make clear that the behavior is incompatible with obedience to the Lord.

Trump’s sinful actions are indisputably incompatible with Christian morality – as is his stubborn unwillingness to repent of them. But those in the church who fail to hold him accountable for those evil behaviors are far from faultless. They are not only complicit in Trump’s evil behavior but put their own standing in the church at risk. For as Paul warns in verse 33:

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33

Final Words

Today, 1 Corinthians 5:11–13 is usually applied through the practice of loving church accountability, not social shunning or moral policing of society. Much to the dismay of Christian Nationalists, Paul’s words do not call upon the church to enforce Christian morality on the wider culture. Believers are to engage the world outside the church with humility and love, not condemnation. “Those who are outside [the church] God judges.”

Nor are those inside the church who sin, confess, repent and seek change the target of Paul’s admonition. He is unambiguous in calling for the church to disassociate from those asserting belief but are persistently vile and remorseless. Because Donald Trump unabashedly professes his faith, I believe Paul is commanding the church to hold him accountable, offer correction and, hopefully, initiate discipline that is restorative. Those in the church who fail to do so put their credibility and integrity in jeopardy – as well as that of the church.

“Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:32

Related: TRUMP

Endurance & Perseverance: Running the Race for Eternity

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

“…one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)

The upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The resurrection. The prize of eternity with the Lord.

It is the only prize that matters. As with any prize, there is a path to victory. To Christians, that path is sometimes referred to as The Way…as in:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

John 14:6

And while The Way has 66 books of the Bible devoted to its amplification, an exceedingly abridged account of the path incorporates:

  1. Acknowledgement of our sin: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)
  2. Recognition that we deserve death: “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23)
  3. The understanding that Jesus died as a propitiation for our sins and was resurrected: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
  4. Faith: “For by grace you have been saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, that no one should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
  5. Living our faith by being obedient to His word: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)

How to Run

The Bible makes several analogies of our journey in The Way as a race. The Apostle Paul instructs us as to how this race is to be run:

“…I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.”

Philippians 3:12b

In other words, we run by “pressing on.” We do not relent. We do not lose focus. We run with perseverance.

As the author of Hebrews exhorts us:

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”

Hebrews 12:1

Although we may be mature in our beliefs, we must recognize that Satan is ever-present. He is always seeking to make the race more difficult by throwing up obstacles – those things we see as temptations or distractions. It is why we must run with endurance and perseverance – and be confident that as we tire or become confused, the Holy Spirit will give us a course-correction.

Preparing to Run

Competition and fitness were central features of the Roman and Greek cultures in which Paul was immersed during his four missionary journeys. Athletic success required preparation. Training and diet were fundamental elements of that preparation.

Perhaps this is what Paul had in mind when he wrote in chapter 4 of his first letter to Timothy that good ministry requires that one be “nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine” while exhorting him to “exercise yourself toward godliness.”

Despite the fact that Paul knew Jesus better than anyone else, he continued to hunger for ever-greater, ever-deeper knowledge of Christ. Nourishment in God’s word strengthens the relationship one has with Him. A greater knowledge of God leads to a greater love of Him.

Of course, most of us know of someone with a shallow or insincere love of Christ. Most likely, that reveals a shallow knowledge of Him. Running the race with endurance and perseverance requires that we nourish ourselves properly with “words of faith and good doctrine.”

It also necessitates “exercise towards godliness.” Becoming increasingly godly is foundational to the race itself. We do so by consuming a steady diet of God’s word and exercising love and discipline in our obedience to it. Preparation becomes part of the race itself.

Winning

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

I Corinthians 9:24-27

In the athletic competitions of ancient Greece, there was but one winner. Thankfully, that is not the case in this race. Jesus died on the cross so that each and every one of us can win our race. We are not racing against others – but we are racing against the world.

A key component of our individual race is the exhortation of our brethren to train with us, and run with endurance and perseverance. For as Jesus said to His disciples just prior to ascension,

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

Matthew 28:19-20

And we are to run, as instructed by Paul in I Corinthians 9, with the certainty of victory. We are to exercise discipline to run through our inadequacies. And we are to be obedient to the rules of the race.

The Finish Line

While sitting in a Roman jail – knowing that his execution was but days away – Paul wrote to Timothy:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

Death on earth is indeed the end of the race. But for those that have run with endurance and perseverance, and finish with faith and obedience, it is the beginning of a resurrected eternity with the Lord. It is the prize for which we press on, the reward for finishing well.

Paul knew the resurrection to be fact – he was, after all, face to face with Jesus on the Damascus Road. He knew that Jesus had defeated death. That gave Paul his ultimate goal – and his reason to press on.

Perhaps we have not been face-to-face with Christ in the same way. But Christians have felt the presence and the direction of the Holy Spirit in our lives – giving us the same confidence Paul had. Confidence in Christ. Confidence in the resurrection. And with confidence comes hope. With confidence comes joy. With confidence comes peace.

In fact, Paul’s confidence was such that he could see death as gain:

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21

How about each of us? Do we fear death – or do we see death as necessary to win the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?

If we have run the race the right way, death is not to be feared; rather it is to be viewed as gain. For as C.S. Lewis so wisely wrote:

“Nothing that has not died will be resurrected.”

Walking in The Way: A Journey of Faith and Righteousness

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“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

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , 1 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

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“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

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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:

  1. What is the application of Isaiah 5:13 today?
  2. 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.

Lessons from Proverbs 28: Leadership and Its Consequences

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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 28th 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)

See also The Tragic Fall of King Solomon; The Righteous v. the Wicked

Manifesting Faith Part II: The Righteous vs. The Wicked

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“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

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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

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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

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“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

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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.

Related: Evangelicals & Trump: Mutual Abuse of Biblical Proportions

Is Being “Born Again” a Thing?

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , 2 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 Cancer of Hypocrisy in Evangelical Christianity

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , 3 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.

For the Love of God: Deciphering the Sheep & the Goats

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“In the end, that Face which is the delight or the terror of the universe must be turned on each one of us . . . either conferring glory inexpressible or inflicting shame that can never be cured or disguised.”

C.S. Lewis

For me, the Bible’s consummate message is found in the 25th chapter of the Book of Matthew – specifically verses 31-46.

Some characterize this passage as the parable of the sheep and the goats. My quibble with such a characterization is that I believe this episode is not a parable at all, but a prophecy of what the Lord’s return for His faithful will engender.

Continue reading “For the Love of God: Deciphering the Sheep & the Goats” →