A Christian Perspective

Forced Learning

January 31, 2026January 29, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Command and teach these things….…. devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” 1 Timothy 4:11, 13 ESV

‘Forced Learning,’ it sounds negative. It gives the impression of lack of freedom and choice. It can also assume indoctrination. The world’s education system has many contributors forcing their brand of learning based off their worldview to indoctrinate unexpecting students. This is occurring from early childhood development to our colleges and universities. Sadly it is also in some of our most prestigious non-profit and religious organizations and even in some churches. The justification for this teaching is they are in sync with the changing progressive culture. People in the early days of the New Testament found themselves in much the same situations. Paul, the apostle, has a few words to say about this.

Paul was giving Timothy instructions on being a disciplined servant of Christ. Timothy’s job was to teach and instruct the church of the ways of God, salvation, and Chrisitan living in a world with an ever-changing culture. Paul said to ‘Command and teach these things.’ The early church faced false teachers claiming something new and contrary to Scripture. Timothy was to devote himself to being persistent in the public reading of Scripture in worship services. He was also to continue to exhort and teach the brethren, in fact Paul told Timothy to ‘command and teach these things.’ It sort of sounds like ‘forced learning,’ but if Timothy’s teaching was based on the truth of God’s Word from God Himself then Timothy had a responsibility to carry out that command to teach those things.

Christians today have the same responsibility to communicate the truth of God’s Word. This is not to be left up to the pastor but is an obligation of every living saint. The error of false teaching must be met with truth from the Bible. The progressive cultural of our day is increasingly drifting away from the Bible with their forced learning procedures. It’s time to ‘command and teach these things.’ in the love of Christ.

A Christian Perspective

Evil Among Us

January 24, 2026January 23, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 13:24-30 NLT – Parable of the Wheat and Weeds – Here – Bible Gateway

“Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.” Matthew 13:30 NLT

In the political world the United States and most developed countries have a divided populace. The divide is largely between those on the ‘right’ or conservatives, and those on the ‘left’, liberals. Within each side there are multiple factions sub-dividing themselves which makes for an even a more complicated political system. The bottom line is there seems to be nothing that both sides can agree on and that is sure disaster. Speaking more accurately with confidence as a citizen of the United States than other parts of the world, it looks like America, who is celebrating its 250^th anniversary this year, will not see a tri-centennial if it does not get it together soon. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

Having said the above, Jesus told a parable which kind of helps us understand the division we have in the world. It is a simple manner of good and evil. Please note I am not calling out one side or the other. I am noting there is good and evil in the world, a natural divide, which Jesus explains in His parable of the ‘Wheat and the Weeds.’

Jesus says a farmer planted good seed in his field. “But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.” (Mt.13:25-26 nlt) In Jesus’ day if someone wanted to destroy a neighbor’s field they would secretly plant ‘darnel’ (weeds) within the good seed. As they both begin to grow, the weeds are not noticeable but appear to be same as the wheat.

Applying it to the kingdom of God and our day, Satan is the one who planted the weeds in God’s field. Good and evil are present in our day and age. The saved and unsaved live in this world side by side. Satan’s plan is to infiltrate the world, especially Christian churches with the weeds in our society appearing good and righteous but are evil and doing the devil’s bidding. This is causing the divide we see in many churches today, even evangelical churches. Comparing it to the politics and governing of our day we can clearly see the evil among us.

For Christians who desire to see our governments rule righteously we are to pray to that end. But evil and corruption will not be wiped out completely, at least not until Jesus comes back again. Good and evil will work side by side. The saved and unsaved will live together side by side. Jesus says, “Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.” (Mt.13:30 nlt)

So, what should be our main concern? It should be the salvation of the unsaved as we are living together with them side by side until that day comes. On that terrible day the weeds will be tied into bundles and burned in the everlasting fire. Yes, getting rid of evil in our politics and government saves for the moment but changing someone’s evil sinful heart saves for eternity.

A Christian Perspective

Pay Them No Mind

January 17, 2026January 15, 2026 Loring Schultz

“The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.” Proverbs 10:20 NLT

Not to get into politics, well, maybe a little. Mostly everything in one way or another is political. We all have opinions and convictions we hold to. At times we find it hard not to respond to voices opposite of ours. Especially if they are said or written in a mean-spirited and untruthful manner. We may feel it’s our right and duty to expose this wrong for what it is, foolish and worthless. So, perhaps a better response would be to ‘pay them no mind.’

The last few weeks here in the United States we witnessed a full display of foolishness, to be polite, of the rhetoric concerning government affairs. It began with a biased news media and politicians feeding their hungry base of social media pundits who repeat and add on to their reporting to support their ideology on the subject. But their main agenda is to cause division within the nation. I will say they have succeeded. It is tempting to want to call them out, but will they see the error of their ways? Scripture says, Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” (Pr.23:9 nlt)

Most disheartening are the posts on social media by well-respected individuals, people you know, close friends, and even family members who post an opposing point of view based on ideology and not the truth. There’s an old saying, ‘don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.’ As believers in Christ we walk a fine line. Yes, truth should be told and lies exposed. But how do we do this? The apostle Paul gives us some advice, “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible.” (Eph.5:10-11, 13-14 nlt)

Christians have the light of Christ within them. Light automatically dispels darkness, lies are uncovered. So how do we respond? We respond by living a Christlike life and speaking the truth in line with God’s Word. When the lies start to come our way, it’s best to ‘pay them no mind.’

A Christian Perspective

Who Do You Go to When You Are Distressed?

January 10, 2026January 8, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 118:5-9 NLT – In my distress I prayed to the LORD, – Bible Gateway

“In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5 NLT

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

There are not two people living on this earth who are exactly alike. Even identical twins with many similarities have differences between them. There is no one who has your fingerprints, they are yours and yours alone. Your emotions, characteristics, and your stress level are also yours and yours alone. Certain social and economic structures, worldwide events, natural disasters, and environmental issues may cause like symptoms of stress between individuals, but each reacts according to their own specific blueprint. Each one, if need be, seeks out professional help in dealing with the stress in their life as it effects them directly. But there is one professional who is able to meet everyone’s stress level as only He can, the Lord God.

Please note I am not suggesting professional help is not necessary, I thank the Lord for the professional and medical experts He has blessed us with and they are to be of service to us using the talents and wisdom God has given them. Having said that, just as you would visit a doctor who specializes in treating your specific need, the Lord God knows you intimately and is able to comfort you when feeling distressed. The pressures of the world that come upon us can make us feel like everything is against us. But Psalm 118:6-7 says, “The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me.” (nlt)

The Lord wants us to look to Him in our times of distress in this world. He wants us to trust Him over people giving us advice or governing authorities who do not have our best interests at heart. So, who do you go to when you are distressed? By all means get the professional help you need, and more importantly go to the Lord in prayer trusting Him to help and guide you in your distress.

A Christian Perspective

Revival of the Nations

January 3, 2026January 2, 2026 Loring Schultz

There is an undercurrent here in the United States, and I believe in many nations around the world, of a spiritual revival about to take place. As in past history when people drift away from God, chaos erupts, society crumbles, and it appears all is lost. The cry of ‘Come, Lord Jesus’ is the sounding board used by many Christians to throw up their hands in defeat and give up. Yes, Jesus Christ is returning one day to rule, but it is in times like these that God raises up people to pick up the mantle of the gospel as the only way out of our present-day chaos. Individuals here in America and throughout the world are starting to have an impact on our current and future generations by following the Holy Spirit’s lead that revival starts with me, then the church, and then all nations.

What is revival?

The word ‘revival’ comes from two Latin words, ‘re’ meaning ‘again’ and ‘vivo’ which means ‘to live.’ So, the meaning is ‘to live again.’ Applying this to the Christian’s spiritual life it is the restoration of believers in Christ by the Holy Spirit’s work. This pertains to those of us who have also drifted away. There is no human strategy involved, but we are involved as we follow the Spirit’s leading. True revival starts small with a few people expanding to a group of people then to the whole church and on to other churches and cities around us exploding into the vast regions of the country in which we live. Richard W. DeHaan writes, “We shall consider ‘revival’ as that special season of refreshing when many believers simultaneously experience deep, Holy Spirit conviction, causing them to make private and public confession of sin, along with a renunciation of it…..and the whole experience bearing fruit in the salvation of the lost.” (1) Note that ‘revival’ is not political, it’s not governing, and it’s not claiming a special right or privilege. Revival is getting right with God which leads people to do the right and moral things in every aspect of their lives.

Who are the nations?

The word ‘nations’ used in the Bible both in the Old and New Testament means ‘people.’ The Hebrew word ‘goy’ is used as “nation, people.” In the New Testament, the Greek word used is ‘ethnos’ meaning “a race (Gentiles), people, a multitude living together.” Therefore we’re talking about people. This should quiet those who criticize movements of spiritual awakenings as found in some of our college campuses in the United States and elsewhere around the world as a political movement. It is not. It is the Holy Spirit working in the hearts and men and women who are serious about their relationship with Christ and desire to live accordingly.

Where do we go from here?

Pray! All Christians should be praying for revival in their own country and other countries around the world. It starts with individuals being sensitive to the Spirit’s call who is also calling others to join you and vice-versa. Don’t neglect the Holy Spirit’s nudging in this direction. Getting ourselves right with God, praying for others, and praying for those in authority to come to know Christ as savior will see a revival that will be hard to miss. Remember, revival is about changing lives. The rest will take of itself as revival expands through the nations.

(1) Richard W. DeHaan, Are We Confused About Revival? (Grand Rapids: Radio Bible Class), p. 1,2.

A Christian Perspective

Mentors

December 27, 2025December 26, 2025 Loring Schultz

THE FOLLOWING IS A REPOST FROM SEPTEMBER, 2023.

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 NASB

The company I worked for before my retirement designated certain individuals in each department as a “mentor.” A “mentor” by definition is a wise advisor, a teacher or coach. Their name tag reflects one who is knowledgeable and is in a position to train those within the department. Training is leading by example. Mentors demonstrate and explain the proper procedures for the department to be successful, but more importantly that the associate is successful in the future.

Just as we need mentors in our workplaces, we need mentors within the church. We need those who are spiritual and knowledgeable in the things of God and His Word to train those who are the future of the church. Individual believers need mentors who lead by example, who walk the talk as the saying goes (although none of us are perfect.) Believers need mentors to help them grow to spiritual maturity.

The writer of Hebrews says, “Remember those who led you……..imitate their faith.” Perhaps there is one that you remember who has influence you in your walk with Lord, I have such a one. One to whom I am eternally grateful for the time he invested in me many years ago.

As we remember those who led us, let us be leading those who will follow behind us. Let our lives be the name tag that tells others that we are mentors.

A Christian Perspective

Peace in the midst of evil

December 20, 2025December 15, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 84 NLT – Psalm 84 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

“O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed. For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory” Psalm 84:9, 11 NLT

Charles Spurgeon noted the 84^th Psalm ‘was entitled to be called The Pearl of Psalms. This is one of the most sweet of the Psalms of Peace.’

As I write this ‘Christian Perspective’ on a clear cold December morning, we have just come out of another horrific weekend of evil around the world. Two U.S. soldiers, members of the Iowa National Guard, were killed in an ambushed attack by an ISIS gunman in Syria. Two students were shot and killed and nine others injured in a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island as an assailant entered a classroom shouting and began shooting. A Hanukkah celebration turned deadly in Sydney, Australia as the Jewish community gathered at the world-famous Bondi Beach. A father and son duo staged a planned attack on the celebrating Jews killing 15, including a 10-year girl and wounding 40 others. And just this morning, (Monday) the news headlines include the double homicide of actor Rob Reiner and his wife. Their son has been arrested in connection with the killings.

Yes, we are living in a violent and evil world. We may ask will there ever be peace in this world. How is it possible to be encourage about the future? Is it even possible to live in peace in the midst of all this evil. Psalm 84, in which Spurgeon calls ‘the most sweet of the Psalms of Peace,’ has several references we can cling to in answering these questions.

This psalm is one of several ‘songs of ascent’ pilgrims sang as travelled to Jerusalem for one of the feast days. Their attention was focused on the presence of God as they would worship Him in the Temple. They had a deep longing and passion for the house of God. God was there. It was His house; it is where He chose to place His Holy name. It brought peace in the midst of evil.

Later in the psalm, the psalmist writes of a king preferably David or perhaps Solomon who is God’s anointed. (v.9) This anointed one was a shield to his people during his reign. Ultimately this is a reference to the future king, the Lord Jesus, who will come and be a shield to those who believe in Him. In verse 11, the psalmist refers to God as a sun and shield. Charles Spurgeon comments, ‘A sun for happy days and a shield for dangerous ones. A sun above, a shield around. A light to show the way and a shield to ward off its perils.’

In a few days Christians around the world will celebrate this anointed king coming to earth as our sun and shield who will grant us peace in the midst of evil. Jesus does that by setting those free from the slavery of sin whose accept Him as their savior. The evil of sin in our hearts is done away with, and we can live in peace with God for we have been reconciled to Him. We can then live in this world in peace in the midst of evil for our future is bright.

A Christian Perspective

God’s Economy

December 13, 2025December 11, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 NLT – Whatever you give is acceptable if you – Bible Gateway

“As the Scriptures say, ‘Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.’” 2 Corinthians 8:15 NLT

There are those who read today’s text from 2 Corinthians 8 and see it as ‘socialism’ advocating for this in the structure of governments across the world from a Christian perspective. The fact is that this has nothing to do with government affairs, but everything to do with Christians and the Christian church.

The apostle Paul was instructing and explaining to the church in Corinth God’s method in giving to those in need. The church had started a ‘fund drive,’ as we would call it today, for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He was encouraging them to complete it. Their good motives must now be brought to completion for what was pledged. Paul was saying one should give according to their means, what they have and not what they do not have. One should never pledge an amount they cannot afford to pay.

The instruction was not to make life easier for others at their own expense, but there should be fairness or equality. This is where some people jump on the ‘socialism train.’ But this is not what Paul is teaching. He is not saying all Christians should have equal possessions, but equal proportion in their giving according to their means to help others. When following these instructions everyone’s needs are met. Paul refers to the example of God’s provisions to Israel in the wilderness with the supply of manna. “So the people of Israel did as they were told. Some gathered a lot, some only a little. But when they measured it out, everyone had just enough. Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough. Each family had just what it needed.” (Ex.16:17-18 nlt)

A Christian Perspective

Jerusalem: the city of God

December 6, 2025December 5, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 87 NLT – Psalm 87 – A song. A psalm of the – Bible Gateway

“I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me—also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of Jerusalem!” Psalm 87:4 NLT

The city of Jerusalem is a much-disputed city today in 2025. It is the holy city of the three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Each claim a historic site within the city. The western wall known as the Temple Mount is the remains of the second temple built after the exile under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The church of the Holy Sepulchre, is believed by Christians as the site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Islam notes that The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque is where Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven.

The city not only has territorial disputes, but disputes based on religion which tie into the territorial disputes. All three of these major religions have a belief in God, but again there is a dispute among them as to their interpretation of God, and His plan of salvation, and His plans for the world. To add to this, many nations across the world have a deep hatred for Israel and the Jewish people. They also have the same hatred towards Christians who name the name of Christ as the only way of salvation.

One thing that might be worth mentioning is there are no disputes over Jerusalem with God, because Jerusalem is the city of God. “On the holy mountain stands the city founded by the LORD. He loves the city of Jerusalem more than any other city in Israel. O city of God, what glorious things are said of you!” (Ps.87:1-3 nlt) It is the Lord’s city. It is where He chose to place His name. And one day Jesus Christ, God the Son, will rule the world from the city of Jerusalem.

Psalm 87 is a celebration of Jerusalem, the city of God, and it forecasts the millennial kingdom when Christ will rule on the earth. There may be disputes today over Jerusalem, but it is God’s city and always has been. One day all people in every nation will come to realize that when the Lord Jesus returns to rule on the earth. That day may be sooner than we think. Although Jerusalem is a divided city today, it will not be in the future as it will serve as the capital of the world under Jesus Christ.

A Christian Perspective

Turn us again to yourself, O God

November 29, 2025November 27, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 80:3-7 NLT – Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make – Bible Gateway

“Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” Psalm 80:3 NLT

As I write this on Thanksgiving day, the United States has yet faced another tragedy on the day before this holiday of thanks. Two of our brave National Guard are fighting for their very lives as they were targeted and shot on the streets of our nation’s capital for doing their job to protect American citizens. There should be such an outcry that it is heard in every corner of the world. I say every corner of the world because it affects every nation and every person in wherever country they live.

That outcry needs to be what the psalmist wrote when pleading for restoration after Israel was plummeted by a foreign power. “Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” (Ps.80:3 nlt) Israel had repeatedly sinned against God being warned countless times they continued to turn their back on God, therefore their destruction. The United States has turned its back on God, and we continue to do so. There have been recent attempts to right the ship and I pray they will continue to move forward, but what is needed is a total commitment to return to the country’s founding Judea-Christian principles found only in the Word of God.

There is a sense that God’s hand of judgment is on America. If you think not, take time to read through the history of fallen nations and empires examining the culture and practices of their day and compare them to America in 2025. I think you will see a remarkable resemblance. I do not believe that all is lost, but we are on the verge of losing it all if we do not turn ourselves back to God so He will turn us again back to Himself.