A Christian Perspective

Is this heaven? No, It’s Iowa!

May 25, 2024May 23, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared.” Revelation 21:1 NLT

Baseball enthusiasts and movie goers alike share a common interest in the 1989 motion picture release “Field of Dreams.” For the baseball fan, especially those who would consider themselves a traditionalist, a historian and lover of the game, it brought out everything that is good about the game. Baseball has the ability to unite people of all races and generations through a game played on grass and dirt with a wooden bat, ball, and glove. Its legends and heroes have managed to survive the test of time and will continue to do so. For the movie goer and causal baseball fan, the movie brings about an escape from the day to day drama in our lives and in the world. It also affirms the yearning of all of us for something much bigger than ourselves is possible, if only in a dream, a field of dreams.

The sentimental attachment to a movie produced thirty-five years ago has not faded. It has become a national treasure in America with tours of the set where it was filmed on location in Dyersville, Iowa. It prompted Major League baseball in 2021 and 2022 to schedule two regular season games to be played next to the already historic site. As game week unfolded in both years there was much enthusiasm as to the upcoming events. People from all walks of life were anticipating the game, the nostalgia, and asking the question from that famous line in the movie, ‘Is this heaven?’ The answer of course is ‘No, it’s Iowa.’

Many people are looking for a heaven here on earth. They dream of a place if even for a moment that will absolved their tears and frustrations of life. But even in that moment as Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) answered truthfully in that iconic movie, ‘No, It’s Iowa.’ There was no claim that it was heaven, but a field of dreams.

The good news is, there is such a place as heaven. It is real and not a dream. God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, has made such a place. It is reserved for those who trust in His Son Jesus Christ for salvation. Yes, it is possible to enjoy a little heaven on earth through the blessings God has bestowed on us such as baseball and the movies. But the ultimate enjoyment will be in eternity with our Lord Jesus. Have you made that commitment to trust in Him? You will not need to ask is this heaven when you arrive, you will know. It’s not Iowa, this is heaven.

A Christian Perspective

Irreconcilable Value-Systems

May 22, 2024May 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Matthew 5:10-11 NIV

Jesus’s final Beatitude sayings deal with the persecution of His followers. The Beatitudes (Christian characteristics) end with the understanding that all who desire to follow Jesus will suffer persecution. Those who have realized their own spiritual poverty and mourned over their sin accepted Christ as their Savoir. They are meek with a hunger and thirst for righteousness. True Christians show mercy, are pure in heart, and are peacemakers in our world today. And due to these characteristics, they will be persecuted as Jesus says, “for my sake.”

John R. W. Stott points out in his book, The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, “Persecution is simply the clash between two irreconcilable value-systems.” We cannot deny in the world in which we live there are two value-systems, the Biblical worldview and the non-Biblical view. They are without a doubt at odds with each other and irreconcilable, for in order to be reconciled there needs to be compromise between them. Compromising the truth of scripture for the sake of getting along with the world is not an option for Christians.

Christians are to be peacemakers in our world today, but it does not include compromise. We are to adhere to our Lord’s value system. German theologian Helmut Thielicke is quoted as saying, “Anybody who enters into fellowship with Jesus must undergo a trans-valuation of values.” Our value system before we became a Christ follower cannot coincide with His. As Paul wrote, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Cor.5:17 nlt) And that includes our value system.

But let us not get discouraged, Jesus calls us “Blessed” when persecution comes our way. Blessed because “for ours is the kingdom of heaven……. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is our reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before us.” (Matthew 5:10, 12 kjv)

Read: Matthew 5:3-12 NIV – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Misplaced Priorities

May 18, 2024May 16, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Then the LORD sent this message through the prophet Haggai: ‘Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?’” Haggai 1:3-4 NLT

Christians have a whole different set of priorities than non-Christians, or do we? Afterall the Lord has richly blessed us, and we are more than willing to support the church financially, or are we? The Lord God has bestowed upon us natural gives of ability and certain spiritual gifts which, of course, we use in service for Him, well maybe not. Jesus Christ opened the door of salvation for us by dying on the cross and we are eager to open that door to others, I wish that were true. Now, all this may seem harsh, and I am not calling out anyone. It is for all of us who proclaimed the name of Christ to self-examine if we have misplaced priorities, me included.

After seventy years in captivity the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem. They restored worship and preceded to lay the foundation to rebuild the temple that was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. The work started with joy and praise to God for their return to the homeland, but soon the work was stopped due to opposition. It was during this time of hostility against them the Jews backed off rebuilding the temple. The focus became restoring their lives first even using the building material designated for the house of Lord for their own homes. The Lord sent the prophet Haggai to confront them and encouraged them to get their priorities in order and finish building the temple.

Christians today have as much opposition against them as the Jews of ancient days. It is just as easy for us to back off the Lord’s work. But we are reminded the Holy Spirit is with us and we need not be afraid or intimidated. The effects of misplaced priorities can have devastating results as the prophet Haggai explained to the Jews in Jerusalem. Concentrating only on themselves they were always lacking, coming up short. The Lord God did not bless their efforts. Haggai tells the people, “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you!” (Hag.1:7 nlt) When we find ourselves in similar circumstances it just may be the Lord getting our attention to recognize our misplaced priorities.

Read: Haggai 1 NLT – A Call to Rebuild the Temple – On – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

God’s Wisdom; this world’s only hope

May 11, 2024May 10, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. And how happy I was with the world he created; how I rejoiced with the human family!” Proverbs 8:30-31 NLT

“Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’” Psalm 14:1a NLT

This world has been in trouble for ages. It has been in a downward spiral and continues to pick speed heading into destruction. Evil and corruption has made its way onto every branch of our world. We live in a fallen world due to sin and human beings’ sin nature. But God created this world in a perfect state by His wisdom and even though we are in a fallen state, the world can be less chaotic if we acknowledge Him and follow His Word and His Wisdom.

The Old Testament book of Proverbs is one the wisdom books in the Bible. Included in chapter 8 is the origin of wisdom. “Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.” (Pr.8:23 esv) Wisdom is personified as it is God’s Wisdom, it is eternal, it assisted in creation as the architect, and rejoiced in the world God created. The eternal God who with His wisdom created the earth and maintains it, who created mankind and provided us with a book in how to do life is still there with wisdom to help us govern our affairs.

Our society today sees no need for God, in fact He gets in the way of our plans, so we are better off without Him. God is called upon in emergencies but is quickly forgotten once the crisis is past. Scripture says those who say there is no God are fools. They determine their own wisdom is enough and will suffice, but we have seen the results. “Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.” (Ro.1:22 nlt) The only chance for hope and peace in this world until Jesus Christ returns is for God’s Wisdom to be applied. Until then, the good news is the Lord Jesus Christ is going to return and reign on the earth with perfect wisdom which will not be rejected.

Read: Proverbs 8:22-31 NLT – “The LORD formed me from the – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

The Temple of the Living God

April 24, 2024April 23, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14, 16a NLT

There are deep divisions in the world in which we live. We have come to notice it more in recent years due to the political landscape of our day, but divisions have always been throughout millenniums. The bottom line is all the divisions in the world stem from one source, one’s belief or non-belief in the creator of all things. Jesus Himself said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” (Lk. 11:23 nlt) It is easy to see from Jesus’ words, why there is so much division between people, nations, communities, and all the religions of the world. Jesus’ words are divisive, and in today’s world divisiveness is not tolerated. The world is to be united.

The apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth they are the temple of God. Every individual in Christ is a temple of the living God. He stresses God’s temple cannot be in union with the religions of the world (idols). In the same way, Christians (God’s temple) cannot be in union with those who oppose God by living contrary to His teachings in Scripture. Christians are not to be supportive of legislation enacted that violates God’s moral laws, but we are to pray for all those in authority. Paul again writing to Timothy says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (1Tim. 2:1-2 nlt)

Christians are to be a beacon of light in a dark world, always being careful not to have our light dimmed by sin in our lives, but to live righteously. Christians are also to be careful not to alienate ourselves from others. We are to live in the world but not be part of it. (Ro.12:2) The command from Christ to tell others about Him cannot be realized if we isolate ourselves. The world must see the temple of the living God in our lives. It is a delicate balance, but scripture points to the fact no union is possible with those outside of Christ no matter how much the desire for unity.

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NLT – The Temple of the Living God – Don’t – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Misplaced Trust

April 20, 2024April 19, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. ””Psalm 146:3 NLT

This morning as I write this, the news media is covering Israel’s attack on Iran in response to Iran’s attack on Israel a week earlier. News outlets are also reporting the arrest and suspensions of over one hundred students at Columbia University in a makeshift encampment as part of a pro-Palestinian protest. Anti-Semitism has been on the rise at Columbia along with many institutions of higher learning across the America. A week ago in Dearborn Michigan, anti-Israel, pro-Palestinian protesters chanted ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel.’ On Monday of this week, the state of New York has put a former President of the Unted States on trial for falsifying business records. And, this week, articles of impeachment were drawn up against the Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary for failing to secure the United States border. Yes, it does look like the United Staes and the world is on fire as the news media also reports.

The world asks the question, who can put out the fire? Where are the world’s most respected and knowledgeable negotiators willing to reach a peace deal? Are there any world leaders who will look out for the interests of their citizens and not for themselves? Are there leaders among us who will fight off corruption at every turn instead of looking the other way or covering it up? Do we have those in authority who will stand for truth wherever it leads them? It’s obvious if we had less leaders as listed above, we wouldn’t be feeling the heat from the flames spreading all around us. I’m not saying there is no hope, no hose to help extinguish the fire. This world has many good and decent, highly intelligent people in leadership that need our prayers and support. But be careful that your trust in them is not a misplaced trust.

Psalm 146 is the first of the joyous praise songs that closes the Psalter. It begins with praising the Lord, and then warns us where not to put our trust, being very specific. “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.” (Ps.146:3-4 nlt) The warning is clear. Our trust is not to be in powerful people, but in the Lord. “He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.” (Ps.146:6 nlt) The rest of the Psalm continues with the guaranteed hope we have as we see God fulfill all His promises. We can be sure our trust in God is never a misplaced trust. Put your trust in Him.

Read: Psalm 146 NLT – Psalm 146 – Praise the LORD! Let all – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Unity in Our Faith

April 13, 2024April 12, 2024 Loring Schultz

“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 NLT

This past Monday millions of people across North America felt a sense of unity experiencing a once in a lifetime totality of a solar eclipse. Comments heard on social media, major news networks, and the NASA telecast all celebrated the coming together of humanity as the sun, the moon, and the earth all lined up. Sadly, in most cases, it didn’t last more than four minutes, and it will be years before it will be experienced again in this part of the world. People do have a longing to belong and to be a part of something bigger than themselves to be shared with others. How important it is to have that longing fulfilled not only for a matter of minutes, but for a lifetime and through all eternity.

Another weekend is here and again this Sunday church doors will be opened. These doors will lead into all different structures to conduct worship services. From the little white church in the country, to major cathedrals across the world, to modern theater assemblies, to rented spaces in various buildings, to a house church around the corner, the church doors will be opened. If you are looking for something to fill the empty space in your life going through those doors this weekend is a good place to start. There will be others there to share in the experience of hearing of the love of Christ being preached.

The apostle Paul was very concerned about the unity of believers in their faith. He knew the only thing that would cement them in unity with others was sound teaching from the Word of God. Unity among believers is only possible when built on the strong foundation of biblical truth. In writing to the church at Ephesus Paul explains the gifts the Lord gave to the church was for their benefit, “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” (Eph. 4:11-13 nlt)

Unity is a wonderful and beautiful thing if held together by truth. Make sure as you make your way through the church doors that truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation of their unity. If so, you have found a place to belong filling that empty space through Christ. You will be with others who also need a touch of God’s grace and you will not need to wait years to return, you can return next week.

A Christian Perspective

The Art of Persuasion: Being Pushed in the Wrong Direction

April 9, 2024April 6, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.” Psalm 118:13 ESV

Have you ever had the feeling you are being led in a direction that is not comfortable? You find yourself going along and agreeing with every wind of change around you and soon find yourself asking, how did I get here? You’re being pushed in the wrong direction. Those doing the pushing are using the ‘Art of Persuasion.’ A quick ‘google’ search reveals the following from Forbes.com: “Persuasion is the art of getting people to do things that are in their own best interest that also benefit you. Everyone can be persuaded, given the right timing and context, but not necessarily in the short term.” (1) Our current secular society has been influenced by the methods of those desiring to change the culture to what benefits them. This is not unique to the 21st century but has been progressing for centuries. The cultural elites of our time are patient knowing that in time everyone can be persuaded to change.

There are four basic stages to the ‘Art of Persuasion’ according to the ‘Harvard Business Review,’ “First, effective persuaders establish credibility. Second, they frame their goals in a way that identifies common ground with those they intend to persuade. Third, they reinforce their positions using vivid language and compelling evidence. And fourth, they connect emotionally with their audience.” (2) The Art of Persuasion can certainly be used in a positive matter. This model can greatly help in sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and all Christians should strive for that, but awareness of how it is being used to distort the gospel and discredit the truths of the Bible is vital if we are to stay in our lane.

Psalm 118 is a jubilant psalm of thanksgiving. The psalmist not identified but possibly is King David acknowledges his past distresses and praises God for deliverance from his enemies. “I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.” (Ps. 118:13 esv) David confirms his trust in the Lord by not putting his trust in man. “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.” (Ps. 118:8-9 esv) The psalmist words should encourage us to seek refuge in the Lord and not man, or any governmental authority, especially if they are using the ‘Art of Persuasion’ to push us in the wrong direction.

Read: Psalm 118:5-16 ESV – Out of my distress I called on the – Bible Gateway

(1) https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonnazar/2013/03/26/the-21-principles-of-persuasion/?sh=147215eea4c9

(2) https://hbr.org/1998/05/the-necessary-art-of-persuasion#:~:text=First%2C%20effective%20persuaders%20establish%20credibility,connect%20emotionally%20with%20their%20audience.

A Christian Perspective

The Sun will be Darkened

April 6, 2024April 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.” Matthew 24:29 NLT

This coming Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass through North America. Its path starts in the South Pacific Ocean entering the mainland on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The path continues through Mexico entering the United States in Texas and traveling in a northeastern direction through the United States up through New England and entering Canada in southern Ontario exiting off the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland. This eclipse is being dubbed as the Great North American Eclipse as the moon makes its way between the sun and the earth. Thousands of people are making their way to the best locations to view the eclipse in its totality. From the small cities of Kerrville, Texas and Russellville, Arkansas, to Cleveland Ohio and Buffalo, New York, and everywhere in between spectators will be lining up to view the astronomical event. It is estimated that close to 50 million people are in the solar path, not to mention those travelling to it. Total solar eclipses are rare occurrences but happen within the astrological timetable. But there will be one last astronomical event as we know it that will darken not only the sun but the moon as well.

Jesus told His disciples He was going away, but He was coming back. When Jesus ascended into heaven from on top of the Mount of Olives two men dressed in white said to those who witnessed Jesus’ departure, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:11 nlt) The Lord Jesus is going to return and plant His feet back on the Mount of Olives. Matthew describes this astronomical event as, “……the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Mt. 24:29-30 nlt)

As we view God’s creation of the sun, the moon, and the stars during the solar eclipse, may we remember that His Son Jesus Christ is returning in a way that will rock the world. He will come back and rule as King on the earth for a thousand years. The total solar eclipse will darken the sun for a few minutes in a very small portion of the earth, but when Jesus returns the whole world will see the darkening of the sun and feel the cataclysmic effects upon the earth. But the light will reappear when Christ begins His earthly reign. Astronomers through careful study can predict the next solar eclipse, but even the most educated theologians cannot predict the when the Son of Man will come back again. Everything is in place and ready for His return. Are you?

A Christian Perspective

There are no Lone Rangers in the Kingdom of God

March 23, 2024March 22, 2024 Loring Schultz

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament, March Madness, is the second most anticipated sporting event in the United States behind the Super Bowl. I admit getting sucked into filling out a bracket and have it busted after the first round. Part of the excitement is picking and rooting for the underdogs to upset their overmatched opponents. It’s David vs. Goliath. My problem is the ‘Davids’ I pick lose, but there are others sure to beat Goliath as has been a recurring theme the last few years.

A noticeable reason for this increase in upsets is finally starting to be discussed by the sports media. It has been ignored mostly due to the media not being willing to criticize the negative effects of the changes implemented by the NCAA over the years. I will stick to basketball, but the football program has even bigger problems that will come to surface in the fall. My perspective is student athletes are not student athletes. Major universities have adopted the one and out season, where a skilled high school athlete enters a ‘Division 1’ school to play for only one year. There is also the transfer portal which has been in effect for a while, but now that money is involved and playing time is at a premium, the students are more athletes than students looking out for themselves more than their education and their school. Many of the top 25 college basketball teams are in this category. Basketball is a team sport, and yes, an outstanding player does make a difference, but it doesn’t always lead to championships.

Enter the mid-majors’ men’s college basketball programs. To be fair, these programs deal with the same issues, but on a much smaller scale. Most of these schools have students who are upper classmen and have played together for two to four years. They are building a cohesive unit by working together towards a team goal of making the tournament and beating Goliath. They experience growth as they mature into young adults, encouraging one another to achieve their highest potential for the sake of the team, the coach, and their school. The major universities are doing a disservice to their basketball programs, their school, and the one and out students by promoting individualism which is rapidly starting to fail.

The church is a group of individuals who do not act independently. We are all in need of each other. Paul, the apostle, tells those in the church in Thessalonica “to encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Th. 5:11nlt) God has bestowed spiritual gifts to every Christian to be used for His service, and they work best when involved with the church of fellow believers. This is not to say ministries outside of the church, or your personal ministry is not valid, it is to say that the encouragement you need through prayer and support come from those in whom we share like faith. Faith and trust in Jesus Christ. I heard a statement many years ago I have never forgotten, ‘There are no Lone Rangers in the Kingdom of God.’ If you are involved in a personal ministry, do not try to do it alone. If you are involved in a church ministry, bring others alongside with you to share the burden and build a cohesive team to help share the gospel carrying out the work of the church. It’s a winning combination when we work with each other and together with Christ, the head of the church, as our coach. Goliath’s will fall and souls will be brought into God’s Kingdom with a host of rangers.