A Christian Perspective

The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same

February 1, 2025January 31, 2025 Loring Schultz

“For you are God, O Sovereign LORD. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant.” 2 Samuel 7:28 NLT

Traditional news sources we have become accustomed to have come to an end. The Econo Times reported at the end of last year, “The media landscape in 2024 is undergoing seismic changes as traditional news outlets face dwindling audiences and staff layoffs. Networks like CNN, NBC, and Vox have been forced to reduce staff, while platforms like X have gained prominence as sources of news, bolstered by user interaction and a perception of greater control over the narrative. Consumers are increasingly seeking news that feels participatory and relevant to their lives, often turning to platforms like X and TikTok for real-time updates and direct engagement.” (1) A major factor in the decline of network news has been political bias by these organizations. With the rise of social media and independent journalists creating their own platforms, news seekers gravitated to the non-bias sources. But this is also becoming a problem.

The new media landscape is not much different than the old. Newly created news organizations and social media platforms are catering to a certain segment of society they see as profitable. The political biases have not disappeared but only changed locations. The more things change the more they stay the same. There may be more of a balance between different points of view in this ‘new’ versus the ‘old’ media. It’s become a point-counterpoint news media. Elon Musk’s ‘X’ formerly ‘Twitter’ is countered by ‘Bluesky’ founded by Jack Dorsey, the former CEO of ‘Twitter.’ Video hosting service ‘Rumble’ is countered by ‘Tik Tok’. ‘Facebook,’ a pioneer in social media platforms with its own problems, currently seems to be in the middle of the road. And then there are live stream news sources and podcasts from both sides of the aisle as we say in America. Well, you get the idea.

The bottom line is, can all or any of these news sources in the current media structure be trusted to tell us the truth. I’m sure there is plenty of honest reporting, and I have come upon a few I trust. But that doesn’t relieve us of our responsibility to make sure by doing our own fact checking and not letting personal biases we carry cloud our thinking and judgement. With that in mind, there is only one source we can go to get the truth every time, for it is the only source of truth in all history, and that is the Bible, God’s Word. Within its pages we will find how we are to live in treating other people, in conducting our business, in handling selfishness and pride, in applying true justice, in loving one another, and if you can name it, you’ll find an answer to that as well, and more importantly we will find how to love the Lord our God. We can be thankful the more things change in our world; the more God’s Word stays the same. You can factcheck it.

(1) Legacy Media’s Collapse Leaves Millions Turning to Social Platforms for News – EconoTimes

Raise your right hand and repeat after me

January 25, 2025January 25, 2025 Loring Schultz

“But you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.” Psalm 119:51, 60 NLT

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Much has been made on social media and mainstream news networks of Donald Trump not having placed his hand on the Bible during the swearing in ceremony. The best of intentions sometimes goes awry even in a well-planned inauguration of a president of the United States. The President-elect had chosen the first Bible his mother gave him and the famous Lincoln Bible used by President Lincoln. The problem was the oath was already being administered when the future first lady was in position with the Bibles. Yes, an unintentional case of bad timing even in a Presidential inauguration.

Regardless of whether President Trump had his hand on the Bibles, does that relieve him of holding to the oath since he did not have his hand placed on them, or if he did does it make his oath more authentic? I find these questions interesting for discussion, but I also find them irrelevant. The main question to consider is, is the Bible relevant to the one taking the oath. Does a future president or anyone taking an oath in a court room believe the Bible is God’s Word, every word of it, and fearing the Lord God Almighty? I thought of that question last weekend before the inauguration on my drive to visit a family member by something that provoked me on the radio.

This is a lesson for all of us to consider when we’re asked to raise our right hand and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. If we believe in the God of the Bible and His Son Jesus Christ, and believe His Word is true, we can easily place our hand on the Bible. But if there is no Bible we can still swear by His Word and His Name, for we are committing to tell the truth before His presence. Whether Donald Trump had his hand on the Bible or not, his oath was before a Holy God who gave us His Holy Word. What makes an oath authentic is swearing before the one you truly believe in.

A Christian Perspective

National Sanctity of Human Life Day will Continue

January 18, 2025January 16, 2025 Loring Schultz

“So, God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.’” Genesis 1:27-28a NLT

This Wednesday January 22, 2025, is the annual observance of the National Sanctity of Human Life Day in the United States. The third Sunday each January is also noted as Sanctity of Life Sunday in many churches across America. On Friday January 24, the annual March for Life Rally will be held in Washington, D.C. (1) Each year pro-Life supporters gather in the nation’s capital to celebrate life and to urge federal legislators to draft and pass laws protecting the unborn in the womb. These faithful pro-Life advocates have been organizing these rallies since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.

There has been lot of noise on the other side by pro-Abortion advocates since the overturning of ‘Roe’ in June of 2022. Cries about not having access to abortion when the life of the mother is at stake are most repeated. An article on the Cincinnati Right to Life website says the following, “Medical science has progressed to the point where an abortion is never necessary to preserve the life or the health of the mother. This has been true for more than half a century.” (2) And the Charlette Lozier Institute reports that 0.3% of abortions are performed due to risk of the women’s life. (3)

The overturning of ‘Roe’ bringing the issue back to the states has resulted in some states passing legislation to restrict abortion, but despite these advances abortions have not decreased overall in the United States. According to a report from CNN Health, “Despite restrictions and bans that have taken effect in the two years since the US Supreme Court’s Dobbsdecision revoked the federal right to an abortion, the average number of abortions provided each month in the United States continues to rise, a new report shows. There were an average of 98,990 abortions each month in the first three months of 2024, according to the latest data from #WeCount, a research project from the Society of Family Planning. That’s about 14% higher than the average from the same period last year, or about 12,000 more abortions each month.” (2)

There is still much work to do in limiting and bringing abortion to an end. This upcoming week is a reminder of that. The National Sanctity of Human Life Day will continue until our nation respects and protects human life from conception in the womb, and in addition recognizes “God created human beings in his own image (and) then God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it.’” (Gen.1:27a, 28a nlt)

(1) https://marchforlife.org/national-march-for-life/

(2) https://cincinnatirighttolife.org/what-percentage-of-abortions-are-medically-necessary/

(3)

Fact Sheet: Reasons for Abortion

Visit Preborn.com https://preborn.com/

A Christian Perspective

The World needs Rulers who speak Righteousness and administer Justice

January 11, 2025January 10, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.” Psalm 58:1-2 NIV

During a fourteen-month period from January 2024 through February of this year 2025, there will be approximately 90 countries installing new leadership, including the United States on January 20, 2025. There were more national elections held worldwide in 2024 than any year in history, and with that new leadership has been installed. The Bible says in Romans, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (13:1b niv) We may not all be pleased with the leaders God has place for us in our country, but it is for His purposes.

Every government leader in the world has the same responsibility towards God to rule righteously. Their authority is given and ordained by God. We all can testify most world leaders are not following through with their obligation. Citizens had the same problem thousands of years ago. David wrote the 58^th Psalm as a lament against tyranny, wicked leaders, and judges. He criticized the rulers for being silent in righteous matters. “Do you rulers indeed speak justly?” (1:1a niv) And he questioned their integrity in administering justice. “Do you judge people with equity?” (1:1b niv) The answer to both questions is no. In fact, they were doing just the opposite, devising evil schemes that resulted in cruel injustice. Not much has changed over time.

There have been and still are government leaders who try to do the right thing for the people. But with the current situation the world is in we need a lot more of them. This pass election year was a pivotal point for most countries in the world in how they will govern in the future. People across the globe have expressed their dissent with the violence, chaos, drug cartels, corruption, and instability of their countries. And most voted in that way. These newly elected rulers have their work cut out for them. First and foremost is the recognition that their position is authorized by the God of the universe, and they are accountable to Him. The second is to rule righteously and administer justice according to the one who gave the authorization to govern. Third, and this is for us, to pray for our leaders wherever we reside.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1Tim.2:1-2 niv)

A Christian Perspective

Wars Will End

January 4, 2025January 2, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.” Psalm 46:8-9 NLT

At the beginning of every year wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year are shared among individuals. In addition to the well wishes there is the desire for world peace and the end of wars and hostilities. Deep down there is the hope this may be a year of peace and wars will end. Some asked the question, ‘will there ever be an end to wars and will there be world peace?’ The answer is yes to both questions!

Wars will end at the end of the war of all wars, the battle of Armageddon, when Jesus Christ riding a white horse returns as Warrior-Messiah-King. (Rev.19:11-21) The battle of Armageddon is the final battle. The psalmist writes, “Come, see glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.” (Ps.46:8 nlt) Indeed, this is the final war. The psalmist continues, “He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.” (Ps.46:9 nlt) The Lord Jesus strikes down the nations and destroys all weapons of war with a sword from His mouth. Yes, it is the final war as we have come to know war on the earth.

As much as the nations want world peace it will not be realized until Christ rules on the earth. Then all the nations will honor and praise God. There will be world peace and there will be no more wars. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” (Ps.46:10 nlt)

The only hope for world peace is Jesus Christ and that day is soon on the horizon. But more importantly the hope for peace with God is also Jesus Christ. Individually, none of us are at peace with God because of our sin nature. Christ came to rectify that by shedding His blood on Calvary’s cross. Let us not worry so much about wars between the nations but about our own war with God by not accepting His Son for salvation.

Find peace with God: Home – Peace With God

A Christian Perspective

Blessings for the Nations in 2025

December 28, 2024December 26, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34 NIV

The year 2024 is rapidly coming to an end and a New Year is about to start unfolding. None of us know what will be unpacked in 2025 regarding the nations of the world. Presidents, Prime Ministers, and all government officials across the globe would like insight into what the New Year has is store for the world and more importantly for their country. Looking back at 2024 most nations of the world have good reason not to be optimistic, but there are some who see the light at the end of the 2024 tunnel.

The United States is one nation who is looking to shed some of the chaos caused by policies from the current administration. Over half of the country see that light getting brighter in the days ahead of the New Year, but there are many citizens who do not share that optimism. Other countries in the world are experiencing the same situation as 2025 is just a few days away. Will the New Year bring in with it opportunities to dissolve differences, negotiate peace, and for their homeland to be secure and prosperous?

The desire to live in peace, kindness, free from hostilities, being prosperous, and live in a nation that is blessed is only fulfilled in one way. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (niv) Most nations in the world today, if not all, are anti-God, even the United States. America’s roots are found in the Scriptures and a belief in the God who created the heavens and the earth, but the roots are slowly being pulled up. The Bible which was key in the country’s founding also says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Pr.14:34 niv) Perhaps no explanation is needed except we here in the United States and other nations across the world need a blessing.

Scripture is clear. Blessings for every nation are possible in 2025. When nations recognize and honor God, living and governing in righteousness, God will be true to His Word and bless the nations. There is no other way!

A Christian Perspective

The ‘X’ in Xmas

December 21, 2024December 18, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” Matthew 1:16 KJV

During the last half of the 20^th century and so far so in the 21^st century a certain amount of people take offense to the spelling of Christmas as ‘Xmas.’ Their argument is, and rightly so, it is used to keep ‘Christ’ out of Christmas. The phrase ‘Keep Christ in Christmas ‘was coined to list ways to keep the meaning of Christmas true to what it is, the birth of Christ. Notably, it is also used to refute the spelling of ‘Xmas.’ There is no doubt within secular society attempts are made to undermine and diminish the influence of Christianity, and by using ‘Xmas’ they are found guilty. The opponents of the use of ‘Xmas’ need not worry so much. Those who use ‘Xmas’ with the intent to remove Christ from Christmas are failing in their attempts because, little do they know, they are promoting Christ in their actions.

The original use of ‘Xmas’ dates back to the year 1021, however it began to be used more frequently in the mid-1500s. The ‘X’ is from the Greek letter ‘Chi’ which is the first letter in Greek for the word ‘Christ.’ In Greek, the name of Christ is Χριστός (christos). The first letter resembles the English letter (x). It was in the middle ages when writing in ink was expensive that shorthand was used, and ‘chi’ was inserted for Χριστός. Carried over into English is ‘X’, therefore ‘Xmas’ meaning (christos-mas.) There was never any effort to disrespect the name of Christ for they could not have, it was not their attempt. The writing signified Christ and that was their intention.

Fast forward to 1983 and Webster’s 9^th Edition which reads, “[X is symbol for Christ from the Greek letter chi (x), initial of Christos Christ + mas (in Christmas) ]: Christmas (dates from 1551).”

So, feel free to use ‘Xmas.’ You are honoring Christ who was born to save us from our sins. Don’t discourage those who use it thinking it keeps Christ out of Christmas, it does not. But thank them for honoring your Lord and Savior and show them Χριστός (christos) and His love for them and wish them a Merry Xmas.

Source used: Wiersbe, David W. & Warren W. C is for Christmas. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2012. Pg 199-200

A Christian Perspective

Look to the God of Heaven to Supply Your Need

December 14, 2024December 11, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches.” Philippians 4:19a NLT

On January 20, 2025, the United States will have a new administration in the White House with the support of both houses of congress. Depending on which side of the aisle you align yourself with, you think it’s either a good thing or a bad thing. One side is hopeful they will get everything they voted for, and the other side is afraid they will lose all they had. There was a time in Washington D.C. where there was a thing called compromise for what is best for ‘we the people.’ But that doesn’t seem to exist today. So, we look for our party to be in power to get what we think we need for ourselves.

There has been some concern reported by the news media about budget cuts being proposed which would diminish quality of life and the needs of people in the country. (1) It is admirable that we as a country take care of its citizens and do what we can so all can live safe in freedom with their needs met. But with that said, let us be reminded, as Christians, that the Lord God is the one who supplies our needs. He does so like no country in the world, even the United States could possibly do.

Our lives are to be dependent on our Lord God and not any government institution. We are His children, and He will supply our needs. It is very possible the Lord will use government programs to meet our needs, but they come under His direction as He works His will. Israel is God’s chosen people, His children, and He told them as they were about to enter the Promised Land, “The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.” (Dt.28:12 nlt) God promised to take care of His children, and He will. May we move our faith away from government and put it where it belongs, in the God of heaven.

“For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” (2Cor.9:10 nlt)

(1) Federal budget overhaul could cut deep in Trump country

A Christian Perspective

Embrace the Gift of Peace for 2025

December 7, 2024December 4, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT

As 2024 is rapidly coming to a close, the hope for peace and prosperity is wished for all people and nations in the New Year. As the world looks forward to the horizon of 2025, it can’t help but to be reminded of the sunset we are seeing in the present year. So many conflicts among nations continue to rise. Social issues are still demanding their presence on the world stage, and the attack on the nuclear family is ever increasing. World Peace may seem to be hard to come by in 2025. It is not only hard to come by but will not happen despite the best efforts of world leaders. But there is peace available to every man, woman, and child in the New Year, and it is a gift we only need to receive.

This gift of peace was first given to us as a promise from God the Father bridging the gap between us and God created by Adam and Eve. A gift of peace, a savior, would come into the world. (Gen.3:15) The gift of peace was born to us over 2,000 years ago in a stable in the town of Bethlehem. “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Lk.2:11, 14 nlt) This gift of peace, Jesus Christ, came into an unpeaceful, sinful world and has provided peace for all who believe in His name, accepting Him as savior.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gave His disciples a deeper meaning to the salutation ‘Shalom’ meaning peace. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (Jn.14:27 nlt) This peace reflects our reconciliation with God the Father through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins. This is true peace and nothing the world can provide. The world can only crave lasting peace which they cannot provide. Jesus’ peace is real and is the answer for all the fears in the world.

A Christian Perspective

Playing God

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

Our lives are under the watchful eyes of God the Father. From beginning to end, nothing escapes His sight in all that goes on. He is aware of the slightest scratch on our bodies, every scar and how it got there, and even the emotional struggles we deal with. Nothing is outside of His knowledge, and for that we should be thankful.

King David was truly amazed and awe-struck of how intimately the Lord God knew him. So amazed that he wrote the 139^th psalm to express his feelings towards God’s complete knowledge of himself and every human being. David tried to comprehend it but couldn’t. He wrote, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” (Ps.139:6 nlt) David knew but couldn’t understand how God knew his every move before he made it, every word before he spoke it, he could not get over the infinite mind of God and all its wonders as it pertained to human life. David also was confused how God knew the exact number of days of his life before he was born. Although he couldn’t explain it, David knew it to be true.

David wrote, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Ps.139:16 nlt) David said the Lord God saw his unformed body in his mother’s womb, and why wouldn’t He, God is the creator of life from its very beginning. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Ps.139:13 nlt) The baby in the womb is God’s handywork starting with conception, the beginning of life, and David believed it. “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” (Ps.139:14 nlt)

It is a comfort to know our lives are in the hands of God and we are never out of His sight from the moment of conception until we died. It is also a sobering thought to think that every abortion performed is seen by the eyes of God. If only those in the pro-choice movement would realize they are playing God by taking the life of one of His precious children.