A Christian Perspective

The Unseen World Shows Itself

May 3, 2025April 30, 2025 Loring Schultz

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 NLT

I awoke the other morning to an all too familiar headline from ‘6abc news’ in Philadelphia. “8 shot, 1 killed across 4 neighborhoods within 3 hours in Philadelphia.” I realize this happens in virtually every major city in the United States and across the world. Some are not as bad, some worse, but it is on-going. It hits close to home with Philadelphia being the closest major city to where we live. People across the U.S. experience those same feelings frequently if they reside near a major city. It has become a way of life to digest these news stories daily.

Government officials and law enforcement are fighting a losing battle as they attempt to curtail crime in their major cities. It is made harder when politicians spread their wings, and the root of the problem is not acknowledged or even discussed. The root of all crime is the fallen sinful nature of every human being. Until this is realized, and we seek the help and guidance of God in governing according to His standards, this will continue to escalate. There will still be crime in the fallen world as Satan is the prince and power of the air in our sinful world (Eph.2:2) but as we turn back towards God there will be less of it.

The apostle Paul states clearly that Satan is at work in this world. It is not only the physical world, but it is the unseen spiritual world where Satan does his best work. This manifests itself in the news headline we just witnessed from Philadelphia this week. The unseen world of evil rulers and authorities with their mighty powers shows itself every day in the violence we face. This is the root of the problem.

So, what are we to do? Know that God is a just God. Know He will make everything right. Know that God has a plan for a future heavenly kingdom on this earth. Know that this kingdom will be ruled by Jesus Christ. Know that when that future day comes and you want to be sure you are there, you need to accept Jesus as your savior. Know that Jesus died for your sin and know that He defeated Satan at the cross. Satan’s rule of the unseen world and its influence on earth will end. In the meantime, let us work at governing as God has commanded us according to His Word, understanding the root of the problem.

A Christian Perspective

Government Subsidies

April 26, 2025April 24, 2025 Loring Schultz

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36 NLT

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Government subsidies are benefits provided to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, medical facilities, social and economic programs, food distribution to low-income people, and industries involved in agriculture, energy, and housing. Many countries across the world supply these government subsidies. They vary as to the needs of the country and the resources available. For example, China and the European Union provide subsidies in agriculture. Poland, Germany, and France grant fossil fuel subsidies. The United States provides subsidies in agriculture and manufacturing, along with other industries for the advancement of a sound economy and the overall prosperity of its people.

While many government subsidies are beneficial and the taxpayer’s money is well spent, many are not so beneficial, and many need to be streamlined or eliminated. One area needed to be streamlined are the government assistance programs for the poor. Overall, government subsidies given for the health and welfare of the poor and elderly are needed programs. It is the responsibility of the government to care for those who cannot care for themselves and to assist those to be able to care for themselves. There are non-profit organizations that receive government assistance for their programs to feed and care for the poor. My question is, should Christian organizations including churches willingly accept money from the government in caring for the poor?

I have heard it said, and have repeated it many times myself that, ‘if Christians and the church were doing what we should be doing there would be no need for government assistance.’ Christians are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. No, we can’t feed the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, but we can give what we can and watch the Lord multiply it through others doing the same. The church has a deeper responsibility in caring for the poor than any government. Government assistance is given out of duty and obligation. Christian giving is given out of love for Jesus Christ and love for our neighbor. When we love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves the Lord will provide what is necessary to help the poor and hungry through us.

Again, if the church is being the church and Christian organizations are adhering to Biblical standards there should be no need to accept federal money. Going into partnership with the deep pockets of the government may seem logical but it is what is known as a ‘red herring.’ First, the government’s deep pockets are filled with money that is non-existent. Adding to the federal debt when we as Christians can help with this problem is irresponsible and showing lack of faith in our creator. Secondly, once any Christian organization, church, medical facility, or educational institution accepts money from the federal government they have lost full control of administering the gospel message with the services they provide.

Government subsidies have their place in our world today, but they have put a strain on federal budgets across the world. The Christian church can help relieve some of the burden by being the church, being the hands and feet of Jesus, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

“For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.” (Ro.15:26 nlt)

A Christian Perspective

Fraud and Inefficiency (a false balance)

April 19, 2025April 17, 2025 Loring Schultz

“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1 ESV

The United States’ New Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released its latest savings report of $155 billion as of April 14, 2025. It is a ‘Combination of asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions.” (1) Living in a fallen world, it should come as no surprise that there would be fraud and inefficiency in those who are to uphold the law. Government, their institutions, their departments, and each agency is run by people, fallen people living in our sin sick world. No government is a machine that is not accountable to its citizens. There needs to be justice.

There is plenty of controversy and political wrangling over some of the cuts made by DOGE in the list above. But it is safe to say there were people with good intentions who approved the money for special programs but then saw an opportunity to siphon money out to non-essential areas, even lining their own pockets. Which brings me to my main point. These tactics damage the credibility and integrity of the government but more specifically, it hurts the people who work in government, both the guilty and the innocent.

For Christians working in government, now is the time for them to show grace to those impacted by the uncovering of the abuse of power over the years. Perhaps they find themselves being caught in the game of politics participating in the expansion of irrelevant programs passed off as essential, or under the guise of something else. King Solomon knew a lot about politics, government, and money. He wrote, “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” (Pr.11:1 esv) The Lord expects honesty and justice within the governments on the earth. All authority comes from Him and He delegates it to those He chooses. Those in positions of leadership in the government are accountable to its citizens and to God. It’s a good thing to make the country more efficient and get rid of fraud, but a better thing to change hearts and minds of those who are using ‘a false balance.’

(1) DOGE: Department of Government Efficiency

A Christian Perspective

Israel’s Future, Our Future

April 12, 2025April 8, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 54:11-17 NLT – “O storm-battered city, troubled and – Bible Gateway

“You will be secure under a government that is just and fair. Your enemies will stay far away. You will live in peace, and terror will not come near.” Isaiah 54:14 NLT

Scanning the news coming out of the Middle East over the last 18 months, there seems to be little progress to the end of the war between the terror group Hamas and the nation of Israel. The fact is that region of the world has been unsettling for centuries and will continue to be so until Christ returns and establishes His earthly kingdom. There will be peace in Jerusalem one day. Our prayers are not in vain when we pray, “Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.” (Ps.122:6 nlt)

On that future day, Jesus Christ Himself will rule the world from Jerusalem. He will rebuild His holy city. “O storm-battered city, troubled and desolate! I will rebuild you with precious jewels and make your foundations from lapis lazuli.” (Is.54:11 nlt) Jerusalem, all of Israel, the entire Middle East, and all the world will live in peace. A new real sheriff will be in town. “You will be secure under a government that is just and fair.” (Is.54:14a nlt)

When we pray for the peace of Jerusalem, we pray for so much more than the present day. We do pray for periods of peace when guns are not firing, and rockets are not in the air. We do pray for all people in the region to live and work together in the midst of their differences. We do pray for leaders across the world to assist in negotiating peaceful resolutions for our day. But we are ultimately praying for the day when we know there will finally be peace in Jerusalem, the Middle East, and the world.

That day is the day of the Lord’s return to earth. It will happen. There are many references to these future events in Scripture. Jesus spoke of His future kingdom while here on earth 2,000 years ago. It is a sure thing. It’s time for us to wrap our minds around the thought of Israel’s glorious future which will be every Christian’s glorious future. The present days may seem dark and without hope, but there is a future day that is bright with the guaranteed hope of peace in Jerusalem and for all the world.

A Christian Perspective

Spending More to Win Big

April 5, 2025April 1, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!” Ecclesiastes 5:10 NLT

Starting today April 5^th, a Mega Millions lottery ticket will cost you $5 instead of $2 here in the U.S… The title of this week’s Christian Perspective, ‘Spending More to Win More’, was a headline last week in our local Sunday newspaper. An article from Kurt Snibbe of the Southern California News Group provided the full-page article including graphs and statistics. Justifying the increase, Snibbe writes, “Officials who run the lottery say there will be bigger prizes won more frequently, along with slightly improved odds. Among the key changes are that the jackpot will start at $50 million instead of $20 million.” (1) The slightly improved odds increase your chances to ‘1 in 290,472,336’ from ‘1 in 302,575,350.’ Sounds like a sure bet to me.

This isn’t a piece endorsing state run lotteries that help create revenue for needed programs, nor is it a reprimand to Christians who place a few dollars in the state’s coffers each week. It is a piece to help us re-evaluate and think through where we spend our money. Are we investing it wisely? How can it be used more wisely to help others? Is God please where it is going? Do we care more about those in need than we do ourselves? Granted state lotteries fund a major portion of education and other needy programs. California for example provided $2.1 billion for education in 2024 from $9.2 billion in lottery sales. From a Christian perspective would it not be better to invest the entire $9.2 billion in education and other much needed services. This would be more beneficial not only in California but in every state in the country. That’s a hard sell but think about it.

The idea we take a vice as gambling and defend its use by giving some of the proceeds to the poor, the very people who are buying most of the tickets and can least afford it needs to be re-evaluated. The ‘Focus for Health Foundation’ reports, “The lottery preys on vulnerable people. The people most likely to habitually play the lottery are typically poor, largely minorities, and often addicts. The Journal of Gambling studies found that lowest fifth in terms of socio-economic status has the highest rate of playing the lottery. Despite the terrible odds of winning money through the lottery, people in financial trouble think the lottery is the only way to accumulate money.” (2)

Christians today need more discernment concerning this issue than in years past. Gambling has been increasing dramatically as almost every state in America has a state lottery and recently added legalized sports betting. This is not only an American problem, but many countries around the world are experiencing the same trends. The poorest among us are being taken advantage of and then there are those who never have enough. Both want to get rich quick. Both are willing to spend more to win big. May we be wise and good stewards with what the Lord has blessed us and help those in need directly rather than through a lottery ticket.

(1) https://www.ocregister.com/2025/03/28/lottery-the-mega-millions-ticket-is-going-to-be-5-soon/

(2) The Lottery: The Poor are Playing, and the Wealthy are Winning – Focus for Health

A Christian Perspective

A Grass Roots Jeus Movement

March 29, 2025March 28, 2025 Loring Schultz

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

A subtle change is taking place across America in case you have missed it, especially among Christian athletes. I call it, ‘A Grass Roots Jesus Movement.’ Never have there been such bold commitments from athletes sharing their faith publicly as there have been in the last few years. The most recent example is TCU’s Hailey Van Lith after helping send TCU women’s basketball team to the sweet 16 for the first the first time in the school’s history. Van Lith stated during the press conference, “I’m really standing on God’s shoulders right now, you guys, He’s delivered me from so much, man, and so much pain and suffering and confusion. I just — it’s all glory to God, truly. I would be nothing without Him. In the darkest moments of my life, He never turned His face from me, and I just couldn’t be more grateful to experience His love in this moment.” (1) The realization of what God has for her, that it’s all Him and not her, needed to be shared with the world. He is always there no matter what we are going through.

It’s hard to pinpoint when this movement started to pick up steam, but it had to start somewhere. Some mark the Covid 19 pandemic as the beginning of planting these seeds of spiritual growth. Others see the cultural shift in the politics of the nation starting to take root where athletes are no longer intimidated of sharing their faith. Another possibility could be the spiritual revivals that sprung up on college campuses in 2023 filtering down from the weeks long revival started on the campus of Asbury University in Kentucky. Whatever the case, there is a movement today that wasn’t there before, and it is growing.

It is good to see young athletes taking a stand for Christ amid all the chaos and secularization in our major universities. It is more refreshing to see professional athletes serving as role models doing the same, not only inspiring college students but young people of all ages. These Christian athletes are serving the Lord in every professional sport. In the NFL there are quarterbacks Russell Wilson, Patrick MaHomes, C, J. Stroud, and Kirk Cousins, along with running back Christian McCaffrey, and place kicker Harrison Butker, among many others. The NBA has Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, while Major League Baseball has Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Orioles rookie Jackson Holliday and his father former MLB star Matt Holliday, and pitchers Aaron Nola and Zack Eflin and many more. My point is that the list is growing, and we certainly don’t want to leave out single competition athletes such as Olympian Allyson Felix, track and field, young tennis star Coco Gauff, and professional golfer Scottie Scheffler.

Sports have a way of connecting with people and bringing people together. For a few hours personal problems and the problems of the world are masked. But the mask comes off after the game or competition has ended. Perhaps God is using some of these athletes to heal their wounds, give them courage, and show them their need for Jesus Christ. So, I say, let the movement continue to grow. There are a lot of people who are hurting in this world.

(1) TCU’s Hailey Van Lith ‘really standing on God’s shoulders’

A Christian Perspective

For it before you were against it

March 22, 2025March 21, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” Luke 11:23 NLT

Advocating for something before speaking against is known in the political realm as being for something before being against it. The catch phrase dates to a presidential candidate in the 2004 presidential election who made the statement, ‘I voted for it before I voted against it’ in reference to a Senate bill. Ever since, the phrase has been used to display the on-going hypocrisy in politics. A prime example are the recent attacks on Tesla dealerships in the United States and now spreading to other countries. CBS News reports, “Graffiti on a Tesla dealership sign. Molotov cocktails thrown in another dealership’s lot. Tesla charging stations set on fire. Across the country, the electric vehicle company’s facilities and vehicles are being hit with protests and violence over Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration.” (1) From the Associated Press, “Cybertrucks set ablaze. Bullets and Molotov cocktails aimed at Tesla showrooms. Attacks on property carrying the logo of Elon Musk’s electric-car company are cropping up across the U.S. and overseas.” (2)

What was once hailed as a great achievement and supported very passionately for the protection of the environment, is now being destroyed by the same people due to politics. On the other hand, those who adamantly oppose electric cars are now finding a change of heart due to their politics. Hypocrisy knows no boundaries. They were for it before they were against it and vice versa.

Some Christians today have the same mindset. Due to pressure from the culture, what they were once for based on a Biblical conviction and worldview they are now against. Finding it easier to go along with the crowd they are persuaded their beliefs do not reflect the norms of society, are outdated, not respectful of our time, and should be abandoned. A word of caution in support of that kind of thinking; society may have changed, but God never changes. His Word stands alone.

Jesus 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) When we start to move away from Scripture and Jesus’ words to adapt to the world we are working against Him. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2Tim.3:16 nlt) Jesus, God the Son, used Scripture throughout His ministry on earth to teach us right from wrong. Scripture has not changed, and just because Jesus while on earth did not address certain issues does not mean they are no longer relevant or weren’t relevant in Jesus’ day.

Opposing certain passages of Scripture due to our politics or changing culture is opposing Jesus. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb.13:8 nlt) May Jesus’ followers never be heard to say, ‘we were for it, before we were against it.’

(1) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tesla-violence-protest-elon-musk/

(2) https://apnews.com/article/tesla-vandalism-musk-trump-domestic-extremism-7576c03393a733eaf34b793e86ad1a6f

A Christian Perspective

Persecuted Christians in Ukraine

March 15, 2025March 14, 2025 Loring Schultz

“In the throes of the devastating war, these Christians are attacked from without and within.” (1)

One tragic lost story not being reported by most of the world’s news media is the persecution of Christians in Ukraine. This had been a reality since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine three years ago. Some may argue since Ukraine has been predominately Christian for centuries, an attack on the Ukrainian people would be an attack on Christians, that may be true, but it goes much deeper than that.

It is not surprising that Russia, still influenced by their Communist atheist past, although supportive of the Russian Orthodox church, would be persecuting Christians in Ukraine. Russia is actively persecuting their own Christian citizens today in their country. “In 2024, the United States Department of State designated Russia as ‘a country of particular concern’ due to its repression of religious freedom and believers within its borders.” (1) In an opinion piece at ‘The Christian Post’ on February 26, 2025, Steven Moore and Colby Barrett write, “Russian forces have killed 49 faith leaders in occupied Ukraine, while dozens more are being starved and beaten in Russian prison camps. More than 630 places of worship lie in ruins in Ukraine — shelled, looted, or destroyed. The Russian security services have shut down every church in occupied Ukraine they do not control and are imprisoning believers simply for holding Bible studies in their homes.” (2) ‘The Church Times’ reported on January 10, 2025 “that Christians who do not belong to the Moscow-affiliated Orthodox Church are being forced to become ‘underground believers.’” (3)

Linda Burkle Ph.D., states on ‘persecution.org’, that Christians in Ukraine are not only suffering from persecution from Russia but from their own government. Burkle writes, “Under the pretext of the war, the Ukrainian government has targeted religious organizations that are considered to have ties with Russia, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, and by default, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Legislation known as Law 3894, codified in August 2024, will be fully enforced on May 24 and effectively ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) and any affiliated groups deemed to be Russian-influenced or sympathetic to Russia. Members of the UOC condemned the Russian invasion, many are serving on the front lines and raising money and support for their soldiers.” (1) For the government of Ukraine to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church when their stand on the war is well-known being in full support of their solders is nothing but an evil attempt to silence the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

This may be the most underreported story of the Russia Ukraine war, but it has not escaped the knowledge of the Lord God. He is intimately aware of every detail of what His children are going through. Our God is a righteous and just God, and He will make all things right in His timing. May we as the church be praying for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia who are suffering persecution during this time. Let us thank the Lord for those news outlets who boldly report the truth, and may we be praying for a soon end to this unprovoked war.

(1) Persecution of Ukrainian Christians: From Within and Without – International Christian Concern

(2) A hidden war: Russia is targeting Ukraine’s Christians

(3) Charity reports on secret worship in parts of Ukraine

A Christian Perspective

The American Church is at the Threshold

March 8, 2025March 6, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea.” Numbers 14:25 NIV

Photo by Soul Winners For Christ on Pexels.com

Israel experienced the Lord delivering them from the bondage of the Egyptians. He had freed them to follow Him as He was leading them to the Promised land. They witnessed God’s might power in opening the Red Sea to cross over and escape from the pursuing chariots of the Egyptian army. They woke up every morning to the daily supply of food provided for them by the Lord. When they needed water, God provided it. But it seems they had a short memory of what God had promised them, and more importantly in what they had witnessed during their short time in the wilderness.

The children of Israel were on the threshold of entering the Promised Land. God had led them to the door of opportunity to continue following His lead. Everything was in place, the Lord had already given them the victory, Moses had the land surveyed to know what to expect, and now it was time to fulfill the Lord’s promise. But Israel failed to take advantage of the promise He had given them. They missed out by not following through with God’s plans, refusing to go in due to fear. One of the saddest verses in Scripture contains the Lord’s words, “Turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea.” (Nu. 14:25) They forfeited their opportunity to enter the Promised Land and were told to turn around and go back in the opposite direction.

The Christian church in America is at the threshold of an open door for ministry perhaps not seen in quite a while. There are youth movements springing up on college campuses, the sports world has an increasing number of athletes no longer intimidated to express their faith, and there is a more openness in referring to God across the public, the news media, and even in our politics.

Is the church in America ready, is to cross the threshold into this new opportunity where God is leading? If we’re committed, there is no turning back. May we remember all the Lord has for us over the years, He has proven Himself faithful. May we continue be faithful, and not hear the Lord say to us, ‘turn back tomorrow and set out toward the desert.’

A Christian Perspective

AI, ChatGPT, and the Gift of Speaking

March 1, 2025February 28, 2025 Loring Schultz

The following Christian Perspective was posted 18 months ago, September 23, 2023. In light of the recent news headlines a repost is in order.

“Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11 NLT

Living in the 21^st century certainly has its advantages. The advances I have seen in my lifetime could never have been imagined as coming into being. Most advances are aimed at making everything easier and more efficient. This is especially true in the area of technological advancement. Who would have thought a program could be invented to assist in writing an essay or term paper for you, along with helping you through the most difficult math exam. I could have used that in my college days for my Math of Finance exams. These advancements come under the auspices of what is known as AI, (Artificial Intelligence), and the creation of ChatGPT. It almost sounds futuristic, but it is not, it is now.

How should a Christian view AI and all its components such as ChatGPT with its learning, reasoning, language, and problem solving through “the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.” (1) As Christians we should always take advantage of every opportunity to spread the gospel. It started back in the 15^th century when Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. Radio airwaves were introduced in the early 20^th century and television broadcasts followed in the mid to late 20^th century. Before the turn into the 21^st century we had the establishment of the internet taking place and now we have advanced to the point in possessing technology in the palm of hands to listen to, watch, or read anything we choose.

We should use all the avenues and vehicles available to us in advancing the message gospel, but we need to be careful that our message is the truth of Scripture through our words and not words artificially generated. Ours words that are spoken or written are to be our words. Basic rules in writing apply to cite any references made that are not your own. Quote and document with accuracy statements and writings from other authors giving them credit. This may seem elementary but if words, phases, sentences, and even projected thoughts are extracted from ChatGPT are they yours, and if not, you can’t claim them. This is not to say we cannot edit our work to ensure proper grammar, punctuation, etc. with proper sources. But our work needs to be ours.

The apostle Peter gives us good advice, although I’m sure he never anticipated AI or ChatGPT in his day. He writes in 1 Peter “Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you…….…. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ.” (4:11) Our responsibility as Christians is to be truthful and honest in all we do, especially in presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ bringing glory to God.

(1) https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence