A Christian Perspective

A Visit by a King

Two men in suits walking and talking on a stone path in front of the White House
Two prominent leaders walk and converse on the White House grounds.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom paid a visit to America this past week. It was the first visit of a Royal English Monarch since Queen Elizabeth was invited by President George W. Bush in May of 2007. There were many notable moments from the afternoon tea with President Trump and first lady Melania, to the State Dinner, King Charles’ speech to a joint session of congress, the visit to New York city, and wrapping up in the state of Virginia, one of the original thirteen colonies. There were jabs made in jest of America’s independence from England about to celebrate 250 years, but heart-warming respect for the alliance both countries now share and have shared for over two hundred years. It was refreshing to see two heads of State and two powerful countries coming together in unity.

It is ironic for both countries that unity is missing within both the United Kingdom and the United States. The divide in the United States is far greater than in the UK, admitting I am writing from my experience as an American but it sure seems that way. Political theater has become just that in the United States, entertaining. It is said, ‘you can’t make this stuff up’ when the hypocrisy is ridiculously exposed. A case in point became known this week with a visit by a king. There have been countless rallies across America called ‘No Kings Rallies’ in opposition to President Trump. Half of America do not want a king, or a president they see as ruling as a king, but they welcomed a foreign king to their soil and honored him. In fact half of the joint session of congress stood and applauded King Charles with the man they accuse of being a king is in the same chamber. No, you can’t make this stuff up!

There is no problem with honoring King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It is the right thing to do. The manner and structure of government, although similar in some ways, is different between the two countries. The king of England serves as the Head of State performing constitutional duties and remains neutral in governing. His position ensures a well-functioned parliamentary democracy.

With all that said, what should a Christian’s perspective of kings and presidents look like? First, we are to pray for all in authority whether kings or presidents and second, there is only one king, King Jesus, who is coming back and not only for a visit but to rule the earth with peace and justice. In that day there will not be any ‘No Kings Rallies.’

A Christian Perspective

God’s Word will never disappear; No Update Needed

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Luke 21:33 NLT

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Recently a presiding bishop aligned with a major Christian denomination stated there was a need for a third testament of the Bible because God’s Word has become problematic. In a recent message she says, “This a very dangerous thing that I’m about to say now… a bit dangerous. I’m of the opinion that we need a Third Testament. because the Bible has become problematic…… I am completely frustrated with the ways in which the text speaks to the kind of vitriolic God that makes those kinds of things. And people will say, ‘well, it’s in the book.’ And I said, then we need to pull that page out. And they said, well, you can’t do it. It’s the Word of God. I said, no, it’s words about God. Come on now. But is it the Word of God? No. It is not the Word of God.” (1)

I remember a pastor friend of mine saying to me many years ago, ‘you have two choices, you either believe the Bible is God’s Word or you don’t. I choose to believe it.’ with that said I believe it also. There is no in-between. Yes, it is a dangerous thing that the bishop said. Obviously the bishop’s choice is clear. The problem as I see it is that a new third testament, according to the bishop’s own words, would also be ‘words about God.’ I don’t think God is going to write another text to suit those who refuse His already written Word which is never going to disappear. You can tear some pages out, but there’s always another Bible around. It is not going away.

What is needed are the Words of God from God and we already have them. “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2Pt.1:20-21 niv)

God gave us all we need to know on how to love our neighbors, how to treat each other with respect, how to find help through the Holy Spirit in the temptations of sin, how to live obedient to His Word, and most of all how to find salvation and eternal life through confession and repentance accepting Jesus Christ as our savior. There is no need for further revelation. God’s words will never disappear, and we can trust them with confidence.  

(1) Bishop Says We Need a ‘Third Testament’ Because The First Two Are ‘problematic’ And ‘not the word of God’ – Protestia

A Christian Perspective

True Justice    

“This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” Zechariah 7:9 NIV

“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.” Micah 6:8 NIV

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Are you an advocate for administering true justice with mercy and compassion? If so, where do you find the source for true justice, mercy, and compassion? There can only be one source, the creator God and His written word. The prophet Micah confirms this by saying ‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.’ (Mic.6:8 niv) Therefore by following the principles and guidelines found in Scripture we have a solid foundation to build upon in administering justice with mercy and compassion.

Every Christian is to be outspoken with the injustices committed in our society. Whether it is the neglect of the poor and homeless, or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, or religion. Christians should be out front not only with calls for justice, but with the actions to back it up. The New Testament book of 1 John tells us, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (3:17, 18 niv)

The key word in I John 3:18 is ‘truth.’ Our advocacy must be based on truth. The truth of God’s Word. There is a problem today for many Christians and it has made its way into many Christian churches. God’s justice (Biblical justice) is being intermingled with the world’s term of ‘social justice.’ They are not one and the same. It is true caring for the poor, the homeless, and standing against discrimination are tenets of “God’s justice’ as well as ‘social justice’, but not all the tenets of ‘social justice’ are tenets of ‘God’s justice.’

As Christians we are to be wise and discerning in what constitutes ‘social justice’ in our day. The cries of each injustice are to be examined in the light of Scripture to test and prove it is a Biblical principle that has been violated. It is to not contradict any other of God’s principles in Scripture when addressing it. If it passes the test then we are to be an advocate for the injustice by following what the Lord said in the book of Zechariah, “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.” (Zech.7:9 niv)

A Christian Perspective

God of Eternal Hope      

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT

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We have just come out of the Easter weekend holiday. I heard messages last weekend of hope, peace, light and other necessary needs for our present world made possible through Jesus Christ rising from the dead. His resurrection gives us all hope for the day in which we live was expounded in their sermons. These words came from some of the world’s renowned and most respected Christian leaders. But there are serious flaws in their messages. It was not what was said, but what was not said.

I will not take away anything from those who pray for peace in this world, we need more spiritual leaders to be part of this. Their Easter message of hope and peace is available to all because of Christ’s resurrection but only through the saving grace of God as one accepts Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for their sins does it apply. It is a personal experience. The main message of Christ’s resurrection has been replaced by a general one-size-fits-all secular version of hope and peace for this world neglecting the true reason why Christ came; to lay down His life for sinners. Jesus Christ came to save us all who are dead in our sins and believe on Him for salvation saving us from eternal punishment of hell’s fire.

It is true that those who accept Christ as savior from their sin have received joy, peace, and the light of Christ in this dark world that shines for all to see. That alone brings some peace to the world but realize it is a changed person who is now alive and has the Holy Spirit within them because of Christ’s resurrection. The hope of the resurrection we celebrate is future, an eternal hope. Christians who truly know the Lord as savior have the assurance (hope) of being resurrected on the last day and assured of eternal life. That is the true message of Easter (Resurrection Sunday) from the true God of eternal hope.

A Christian Perspective

Which Cross Are You On?

Read: Luke 23:33-43 NLT – When they came to a place called The – Bible Gateway

“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ And Jesus replied, ‘I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” Luke 23:42-43 NLT

FreeBibleimages.org

On a spring morning outside Jerusalem three men are sentenced to death by crucifixion by the authority of the Roman government. Crucifixion was the most barbaric and tortuous form of execution known to man. The horrors of the pain involved is accompanied by shame and humiliation all in public view. Of the three crucified that morning, two were clearly guilty of crimes deserving of death. But the man in the middle, Jesus, clearly was not. Although Jesus was not deserving of death, as confirmed by Pontius Pilate, His being on Calvary’s Hill that day with the two criminals is a picture of God’s love, God’s mercy, God’s grace, and a picture of all of us.

We may not want to admit it, but the two criminals are a picture of each and every one of us. All of us are deserving of death due to our sin. Born with a sin nature, we are sinful creatures living in a fallen world and will die physically as a result. The Bible is clear, “And just as each person is destined to die once.” (Heb. 9:27a) We deserve to die physically due to our sin. The two criminals on the cross deserved to die physically for their sins and specifically on that day for actions committed against humanity for which they are guilty.

Another picture we see in the three crosses, pertaining to the two criminals, is a picture of the world in their acceptance or rejection of Christ. The two criminals each had a choice to make about Jesus. One wanted nothing but to escape from his present condition, the other acknowledging his sin, realizing his spiritual condition, called out to Jesus in his time of real need asking to be with Him in paradise. It is a true picture of the world today.

God’s love is on full display as He sent His Son to die undeservedly for those who deserve to die. The picture of His mercy and grace is evident by Jesus’s words to the one criminal, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The choice is yours and mine. Which cross next to Jesus are you on?

A Christian Perspective

Are You in Rebellion?    

“If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:38 NLT

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‘Rebellion’ carries with it a negative tone. The word is defined as, ‘armed resistance to one’s government, or defiance to any authority.’ A rebel is one who takes part in resisting authority. Certainly, this is not what a Christian should be involved in. I agree with that under most circumstances. But Christians have a higher authority to answer to, the Lord God creator of heaven and earth.

Christians are to be rebellious. We are to rebel against the sinful nature of our flesh and the evil Satanic ways of the world. Modern-day theologian David Guzik writes in his commentary, “ Most people think of following Jesus as conforming to the establishment. Actually, Jesus called us to rebel against the established order of this world. We are called to rebel against the tyranny of the flesh, against the fear and conformity of the world, against the traditions of man. Jesus encourages a slave rebellion, where the slaves of sin, Satan, and the world rebel against their masters.” (1)

The current world system is corrupt in every way. Flagrant immorality, thefts, murder, abortion, fraud, deception, and the list goes on. Many of these vices along with others are found in most governments, businesses, organizations, communities, families, and individuals who follow a secular worldview. Satan is influencing every social class and moving people away from the things of God and promoting his Satanic ideals. He is the prince and power of this world system. The apostle Paul makes that clear in Ephesians 2:2, “You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.” (nlt)

We are living in a world between good and evil. Jesus Himself declare this world as adulterous and evil days. It is time for all Christians to rebel against our sinful flesh and the urge to conform to the world system which is under the control of Satan.

(1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/mark/mark-8.cfm?a=965038

A Christian Perspective

Beware of Today’s Soft-Spoken Lambs

Read: Revelation 13:11-18 NLT – The Beast out of the Earth – Then I saw – Bible Gateway

“Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth. He had two horns like those of a lamb, but he spoke with the voice of a dragon.” Revelation 13:11 NLT

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.” Matthew 7:15 NLT

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I am going through the book of Revelation this month as part of my private devotions. As I read the first verse of the reading in the devotional for today (3/17/26) it struck me, this certainly applies to today. Now I’m not an expert in eschatology and do not claim to know all things pertaining to the last days, but what is predicted in Scripture is beginning to be seen in our day and age, at least from a symbolic point of view. It is easy to agree how some of the things that will occur during the tribulation period is a fact when we see examples of it in our generation.

Revelation 13 describes another beast rising up out of the earth. This is the final false prophet that will appear. He will have religious authority and will demand that the antichrist, the political and military leader, to be worshiped as God. The Bible says he will have two horns like a lamb. He will come as a harmless lamb speaking in a soft tone. His message will be smooth and attractive to many, but with the deception of Satan’s lies. Jesus warns us in His ‘Sermon on the Mount’ to beware of false prophets who disguise themselves as harmful sheep but are actually vicious wolves. This would indicate that false prophets are not reserved for the end times but are with us today.

All we need to do is scan the latest news headlines. Observe those who the media is focused on and listen to their words. Listen to their tone. Noticing their sincere smiling faces. Do some homework and fact-check what they are saying, both from history and the Word of God. An honest check, accepting the results you find, will lead you to realize they are who Jesus said they are, vicious wolves speaking as soft-spoken lambs. Our generation needs to understand this deception is all around us. Satan is not about to give up. His time is running short and he will use any smiling face he can find. Beware of today’s soft-spoken lambs.  

A Christian Perspective

God Blesses Those Who Bless Israel

“Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you.” Numbers 24:9b NLT

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Scripture is quite clear of God’s love for His chosen people, the Jews. God chose Abram to leave his homeland and go to a place He would lead him. The Lord spoke to Abram saying, “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen.12:2-3 nlt) God has fulfilled His promise to Abram. Israel became a great nation, the Jewish people have been a blessing to the world, and all the families of the world are blessed through Abraham’s seed in the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

God’s love has never wavered for Israel even through their times of sinful idolatry recorded in the Old Testament. The Jews were punished severely for their sins by having their land destroyed and being taken captive to foreign kingdoms. But God had grace and mercy on His chosen people and brought back into the land due to His promised covenant and His love for them. The Jews are indeed God’s chosen people. Throughout history nations who have blessed and supported Israel were blessed, and those who have not, were not blessed, but cursed.

The nations of the world in 2026 have had a close eye on Israel since the terrorist attack by Hamas in October of 2023. There are sympathizers on both sides. Here’s a word to the nations who support Hamas and other extremists such as the radical Islamists in Iran by agreeing with their ideology. The Jews are still God’s chosen people. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied against Mount Seir, also known as Edom, after the bloodshed they caused against the Jews trying to escape their Babylonian captors. “Your eternal hatred for the people of Israel led you to butcher them when they were helpless, when I had already punished them for all their sins. For you said, ‘The lands of Israel and Judah will be ours. We will take possession of them. What do we care that the LORD is there!’” (Ez.35:5, 10 nlt) Sounds a lot like 2026, the 1930’s and ‘40’s Germany, and all through history. God’s chosen people have always been under attack.

God’s Word still stands true today, “Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel,
and cursed is everyone who curses you.” (Num.24:9 nlt) Edom was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century B.C. and again by John Hyrcanus, a Hasmonean (Maccabean) leader in 126 B.C… There is no trace of the Edomites in our current day. Curse is everyone who curses Israel.

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The United States and many other nations across the world have been supportive of Israel for many years. These nations must be careful not to let their support wane. The United Nations as a governing body hasn’t been much help in garnishing support for Israel. The United States, as the leader of the free world in 2026, has the advantage to take the lead in their support for Israel. As a citizen of the United States and a Christian, I realized America has been blessed beyond measure for our support of God’s chosen people. May the current administration continue and enhance the United States’ support for Israel. For God says, blessed is everyone who blesses Israel.

A Christian Perspective

Pray for the People of Iran       

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The following is my view from a Christian perspective of the current conflict in the nation of Iran. It is an earnest plea to pray for the people of Iran. This is about the innocent lives in the nation who have been suffering under the influence of an Islamic totalitarian regime for forty-seven years. This is not about the politics surrounding the military strikes, or who occupies  the White House, or who controls the United States congress, it is about the tens of thousands of people who have been killed by this evil empire for almost five decades both in Iran and around the world. The people of Iran have been living under fear and daily threat for their lives if they don’t bow and surrender their God given right of freedom to this oppressive regime.

The protests against the radical Islamic government of Iran from late last year through January of this year has resulted in thousands of people killed. The number varies from 3,100 according to state media and to over 30,000 cited by independent sources and medical professionals. The loss of the internet has stifled accurate figures coming out of Iran. But “ Time magazine cited two senior Iranian health ministry officials saying at least 30,000 people had been killed in street clashes across Iranian cities. The Guardian reported a similar figure of 30,000 deaths on 7 January, citing its sources, and added that a large number of people had disappeared.” (1) The evidence is overwhelming as to the cruelty of this regime and it is time for good people to take a stand with the people of Iran and support them during this critical period.

As Christians the most important support we can give right now is our prayer support. Pray for no more casualties among innocent civilians. Pray for Christians in Iran to be examples of Christ bringing comfort and the gospel of peace to their Iranian neighbors. Pray that many non-believers will accept Christ as savior during this time. Pray for a soon end to this conflict and that the transition period will bring about positive change for the Iranian people. We need to pray for President Trump and the U.S. military along with all our allies in this undertaking to achieve justice and freedom for the people of Iran. Let us pray!

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(1) Iran protests death toll could surpass 30,000, reports claim

A Christian Perspective

No Open Borders  

Read: Exodus 23:27-33 NIV – “I will send my terror ahead of you – Bible Gateway

“Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me.” Exodus 23:33 NIV

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There is much in the news cycle around the world these days concerning countries with open borders even though they say their borders are secure. The main reason for closed and secure borders is for protection of their citizens. This is nothing new or distinct for the 21st century. We find an early prime example of a ‘no open borders’ policy from the pages of the Bible in the book of Exodus.

The Lord God established Israel’s border before they entered the Promised Land. “I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the desert to the Euphrates River.” (Ex.23:31 niv) Israel has well defined borders. They haven’t changed and a future day will come when Israel will possess all the land God has promised them.

What has caused a major delay in Israel not having all the land assigned to them was their unwillingness to finish the job of driving out the nations the Lord required them to do. They let them hang around within their borders. God specifically warned Israel if they did this their hearts would turn away from God. Israel would be influenced by those around them and would soon find themselves sinning against God. Israel didn’t secure their borders nor drive out all the heathen nations God required them to and we are still seeing the effects of that today.

Many Christians today are similar to ancient Israel in not having a ‘no open border policy.’ We let ourselves be influenced by things and even people God is instructing us to drive out of lives. The apostle Paul writes, “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2Cor.5:17 niv) If we continue in our relationships as previously and do the things we did before as if nothing has changed, then nothing has changed! We have not closed our borders to the outside influences that can harm us. This will lead to damaging effects in our lives down the road. As a nation needs to secure its borders, Christians, especially new Christians need to seal off all negative influences that would lead them away from the Lord.