Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2014 - Be Informed

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As we conclude 2013, we can look back at a number of events that have impacted us both individually and collectively this past year.

But let's look ahead.

George Barna has distinguished himself as the premier researcher on values and beliefs in the American culture.

What he has found in regard to the Christian church and the culture is very troubling. But it should also sound the alarm and serve as a call to action by those who are informed.

The fact is that churches are generally not speaking to the issues that are destroying our culture, and many pastors don't intend to do so in 2014---for a variety of reasons.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Robertson Reinstated--What It Reveals About The Church And The Culture

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In my blog article last Friday morning, I quoted the entertainment industry saying A&E Network would reverse their decision to suspend Phil Robertson from his family reality show, Duck Dynasty, within a week.

Friday evening, A&E reversed their decision. Phil has been reinstated after only a 9 day suspension and will not miss a single episode.

I have been saying in this column and on our daily live radio program that this issue is not about a television show---or even Phil Robertson the individual. It's about much more than that.

So, what is it about?

What does it reveal about the homosexual advocacy groups in America, the entertainment industry, the Christian church and Christians who are willing to risk taking a public stand on their biblical beliefs?

Friday, December 27, 2013

Christians Speaking To Cultural Issues: Fools or Faithful?

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The Duck Dynasty controversy continues to dominate the news.

It is also dominating industry trade magazines with most concluding A&E CEO Nancy Dubuc blew it in the way she handled the conflict. One of the problems the industry sees is that Phil Robertson actually believes the Bible on these issues and is willing to act on his biblical beliefs.

But are Christians blowing it by speaking out on the issue? Are we foolish in taking a stand?

Pastor Greg Laurie posted his thoughts on Facebook. He sees the demands being made on Christians, such as Robertson, as reaching far beyond "tolerance."

Millions of Americans, Christian leaders and leaders who are Christian have spoken out, saying the Robertson issue is an attack on religious freedom. Greg Laurie believes it is an attempt to force biblical Christians to "affirm" not "tolerate" behavior that is defined as sin in the Bible.

I agree with Laurie. And have been saying this is about much more that a television show.

However, there are a number of Christian leaders who identify themselves as "evangelical" who are calling those who speak out on this and other similar issues "foolish." They say it is hurting the cause of Christ and makes the church look foolish.

They are asking Christians to not stoop to the level of Sarah Palin.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas

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When Mary learned how she would be used by God, she was fearful and questioning, but later confessed, "For with God, nothing will be impossible."

Simeon, a devout man of faith had prayed that he might see the Messiah before his death. He not only saw Him, but held Him and blessed Him.

When the angels appeared to the shepherds they were very fearful, but were told, "Do not be afraid, I bring you good tidings of great joy."

The angels affirmed the words of Isaiah:

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end.

May God's Word be affirmed to you as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Merry Christmas.

Gary Randall

Monday, December 23, 2013

Charlie Brown and Duck Dynasty Winners

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Last week, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" aired on ABC.

It first aired on television in 1965 and has aired every year since.

America has become more sophisticated and prefers more edgy, suggestive and explicit programs now, right?

The media and the entertainment industry would lead one to think so, but when given the choice, the American people say otherwise.

Remember "The Bible" miniseries that aired this past year? It set viewer records on cable television, beating the old networks every night it aired, with audiences reaching 11 million viewers.

A number of reality shows are failing, people are tired of the same old lines and format. And the contrived "reality." It's anything but "reality."

While American Idol, Simon Cowel's X Factor and others are consistently loosing viewers, people are turning to programs that reflect more traditional values and principles.

Charlie Brown beat Simon Cowel's X Factor last week in the ratings. Charlie drew 6.41 million viewers, while Cowel drew 6.22 million viewers. And for Cowel's X Factor, it was the show's finale to see who won the season and would possibly be the next American pop star.

"Good Grief". With Charlie Brown, we all know how it ends, but we want to see it again and again, even though some of us have seen it every year for the past 48 years.

Why is Charlie Brown so enduring?

When reality shows are dropping like a rock in ratings, why is Duck Dynasty arguably the most popular show on television---cable, no less, with up to 12 million viewers per episode?

A&E Network, who carries the Duck Dynasty show, found out just how much America likes the show when they "indefinitely suspended" Phil Robertson, the Robertson family dad and star of the show, for not affirming homosexual behavior and expressing his biblical beliefs.

Although the Robertson's are very open about their faith in God on the show, it was not in one of the episodes, but in an interview with GQ Magazine that Phil Robertson shared honestly what he believed about homosexual behavior, quoting the Bible as the source and reason for his beliefs.

A&E jerked him from the show, while the press labeled him as a bigot and hater.

That was last week.

Over the weekend, America pushed back---way back.

And I just read what Robertson told his Sunday School class at church yesterday.

Friday, December 20, 2013

Cultural Chaos and Crises @ Christmas

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At a time of year when we could be reflecting the goodness of God our Creator and the birth of His Son Jesus Christ, many are not.

Instead, Christmas creates conflict for many and cultural chaos that impacts every family that has children in public school, nearly every courthouse, statehouse and even the White House with a heightened sensitivity to political correctness.

We try oh-so-hard to celebrate Christmas by calling it by any other name and describing it as anything but the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ--God who became flesh and lived among us.

And this notion of celebrating a non-Christmas holiday at Christmas time creates chaos, confusion and crises for many.

A Pew Research Poll taken last week reveals that only about half of Americans consider Christmas a "religious" holiday anymore.

A part of the half who "do" believe Christmas is religious, must be the atheists. They believe fir trees, mittens and snowflakes are Christian symbols during the month of December. They even believe the colors "red" and "green" are religious this month.

Many who consider themselves Christian have less faith than the atheists.

Ironically, while only about half of us believe Christmas is religious, 75% of us believe that Jesus was born of a virgin.

Cultural chaos, crises and confusion @ Christmas.

But why?

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Why All The Distress Over "A Plastic Baby Jesus?"

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WLTX TV quoted military veteran John Sammons---"I don't know where a plastic baby Jesus could cause such emotional distress on somebody that they would want to get involved with the military folks and have them removed."

Probably only in America, Mr. Sammons, a country founded on biblical principles with the Founding documents framed in the context of a cultural Christian consensus.

Sammons said, "Many have died overseas today for the right for your religious freedom and it breaks my heart."

It's breaking many hearts.

But the heart breakers are at it again.

The removal of the Nativity scene at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumpter, S.C., came as a result of demands from Mikey Weinstein and his atheist Military Religious Freedom Foundation.

Mr. Sammons makes a good point.

Should a plastic baby Jesus create such a stir?

Is there more than patriotism motivating these folks?

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

WA Healthcare Making Unauthorized Withdrawals

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The Associated Press reported last week that "Washington has seen a jump in the last month in the number of people signing up for private insurance through the state's health exchange." Obamacare.

This story, and others like it, have been published by various news organizations.

What has been generally missing is a story that KING 5, to their credit, did run.

They reported that "For the second week in a row, the Washington Healthplanfinder web site is down, and its causing problems for people who are dealing with billing issues." Obamacare.

Some of them say "the web site is mistakenly debiting their accounts"----as in personal bank accounts.

Monday, December 16, 2013

LA Times Comes Out For Religious Freedom?

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The Los Angeles Times hasn't started campaigning for the religious rights of biblical Christians who oppose same-sex "marriage," but their editorial board has addressed the question of whether Christians who oppose same-sex "marriage" and own businesses should be forced by law to participate or offer their services to a same-sex "wedding" or similar celebration.

The Times editorial board asks the question, "Should they be able to act on their beliefs by refusing to do business with gay couples?"

They are specifically thinking of cases such as the cake maker in Colorado, whom I wrote about last week, the cake maker in Gresham, Oregon who was put out of business because of his beliefs, the photographer in New Mexico who refused to do a gay "wedding celebration" because of biblical beliefs, and some one like Arlene's Flowers in Richland, Washington.

I was a bit surprised by their conclusion.

Friday, December 13, 2013

NBA Star Dwight Howard: "I Heard God's Voice"

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Dwight Howard, Houston Rocket forward-center, shared last week how an encounter, in which he believes he heard God's voice, has solidified his course in the NBA.

Howard, a 7-time All-Star in the NBA, made big news when he left Orlando and came to Houston recently.

Because of his stature in pro basketball and his success, people pay attention to what he says. People are paying particular attention to what he told a Houston pastor about his relationship with God and his explanation of how he "heard God's voice."

Thursday, December 12, 2013

"A Step Backward"

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Democratic Sen. Patty Murray and Republican Representative Paul Ryan congratulated and complimented each other for a job well done as they presented what is being called "The Bi-Partisan Budget Act of 2013."

A USA op-ed written by Michael Needham, CEO of Heritage Action for America, isn't as celebratory.

He says, "Unfortunately, the budget agreement struck by Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Patty Murray is a step backward."

While some are heralding the deal as an indication politicians can put aside their petty differences and achieve something, Needham says, "In coming days, members of Congress will have to explain to their constituents what exactly they have achieved by increasing spending, increasing fees [taxes except in the mind of the politician] and offering up another round of promises waiting to be broken."

These are not "petty differences." Mike Flynn explains why and how the promises of this deal will be broken.

Some are asking if there are any true conservatives left in American politics, except those few who are being skewered by their own Republican Party for being "too conservative."

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Deception--Christians Beware

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Deception introduced itself in the Garden of Eden and has lurked around every culture since.

US Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) is having a tough time in his bid for re-election. He is facing a formidable challenge from Republican Congressman Tom Cotton.

Pryor recently created a TV ad in which he declares his belief in God and in His Word.

But his actions don't match his words.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is seen by many conservatives and Christians as a possible strong candidate for the presidency in 2016.

However, his comments on Bloomberg TV are raising some concerns with a number of social conservatives, myself included.

It is written, "Be not deceived..."

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Colors Red and Green Now Banned in Government Run School

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Recently, the Texas Legislature passed what they called, "The Merry Christmas Law."

The bill allows for public school teachers and staff to "educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations including 'Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy holidays.'"

Additionally, the law allows schools to "display on school property scenes or symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah or a Christmas image such as a Nativity scene or Christmas tree."

Thus, the schools are no longer living under the fear of lawsuits they cannot afford. They will no longer be bullied by the threat of lawsuit from the ACLU or atheist groups, seeking recognition.

So public education in Texas is "free at last" to say forbidden words like "Christmas." Public education can now practice its open minded pursuit of Truth. And not be concerned that the anti-Christmas groups will get them.

All is well.

Well, not exactly.

I read this story and checked it twice to be sure...it's true, Nichols Middle School in Frisco, Texas has not only banned all things Christmas, but they have banned the colors "Red" and "Green."

And the school is in the legislative district of Rep. Pat Fallon who authored "The Merry Christmas Law" in Texas.

Here's the explanation.

Monday, December 09, 2013

Court To Cake-Maker: Serve Gays Or Be Fined"

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Jack Phillips is a cake shop owner. He is also a Christian.

He refused to make a cake for Dave Mullins and Charlie Craig's same-sex "wedding" celebration last July.

Phillips told Mullins and Craig it was because of his religious beliefs. He was not discriminating, he simply could not violate his conscience regarding marriage.

He told KCNC- TV in Denver his "beliefs on marriage doesn't allow him to support same-sex marriage."

The ACLU filed a complaint against Phillips on behalf of Mullins and Craig who had "married" in Massachusetts, but wanted to celebrate their "marriage" in Colorado.

A Colorado judge ruled on Phillips this past Friday.

Biblical Christians should be aware of the ruling. We should also be informed as to the reasoning behind the ruling.

Friday, December 06, 2013

"Tips For Jesus" A Blessing or Distraction?

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His Instagram account says he is "doing the Lord's work, one tip at a time."

This mystery man, who is leaving thousands of dollars in tips across the country, remains, at the time of this writing, well.....a mystery.

Some are saying it is Jack Shelby, former VP of PayPal. Others are saying it is a group of men on a mission. No identity has been verified at this time.

Why he (or they) are doing it is not so mysterious. He says he is "Tipping for Jesus."

What he is doing, as one can imagine, is catching national attention. And the attention of servers in restaurants and bars.

He has even visited the great Northwest. He left a $5000 tip at Moondogs, Too, in Port Orchard, WA.

I spoke with Darryl Baldwin, the owner of Moondogs, by phone yesterday. More on that later.

People are stunned when they see the amounts of the tips he leaves behind. They range from $500 to $10,000. The tab always carries a handwritten note, "Tips for Jesus--God bless you."

Is this a Christian witness or a distraction from the message Jesus brought to us?

Thursday, December 05, 2013

Bainbridge Is. School Investigates Potential Christian Activity

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Seattle's KING 5 News is reporting, "Some parents were kept in the dark about youth pastors volunteering at a public school on Bainbridge Island, WA."

"Concerns," says KING 5, "from parents at Woodward Middle School led to the school district hiring an investigator."

This week the findings were released and made public.

And were discussed at a special School Board study session Tuesday.

Wednesday, December 04, 2013

Overlake Christian Church Provides Aids Test To "Remove Stigma"

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Last Sunday, Overlake Christian Church in Redmond, WA., a suburb of Seattle, provided AIDS testing for its members. The church Facebook page explains the church is "standing in solidarity and getting rid of the stigma."

Linda Robertson leads the local HIV/AIDS Outreach Team at the church and volunteers regularly at RoseHedge Multifaith Works in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle.

Linda and her husband Rob are active in the church and in the gay community/Aids efforts in Seattle.

Their son Ryan was homosexual and died in 2009. She says her passion is that Ryan's life and death will matter...and the mistakes she made, as a conservative evangelical mom with a young gay son, "will serve to help someone else learn to really love their children, just because they breathe...and before they no longer do."

Linda writes for Huffington Post and other publications in advocacy of correcting her "mistakes."

I want to take a look at the "mistakes" Linda feels she made in regard to her son.

And is "standing in solidarity and getting rid of the stigma" of AIDS the biblical message of redemption and love according to God's Word?

Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Is Inslee Administration Misleading The Public?

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Claims are being made that "According to emails acquired by a public records request, Washington Governor Jay Inslee's office, leaders from Washington State's Health Benefit Exchange (HBE) and the office of the Insurance Commissioner scrambled information to mislead the public" with skewed or withheld enrollee numbers during the first week of the exchange launch.

Monday, December 02, 2013

Using The Holidays To Redefine The American Family

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With Thanksgiving Day just behind us and Christmas Day just ahead, there are those who seem intent to take the joy and good will of the season, and politicize it to push yet another political or cultural agenda.

Michelle Obama asked people across the country to discuss the great opportunity that Obamacare provides while sharing Thanksgiving dinner with family or friends. She suggested you ask your family and friends specifically when they are going to sign up.

But it was the New York Times, The Washington Post and ABC who choose to use these special days to feature bizarre and immoral behavior as normal, acceptable and becoming more and more common.

The NYT featured---glorified--- what they call the growing diversity of the American family.

The Washington Post featured an article that seeks to normalize and affirm the push toward using "preferred pronouns" when addressing students---particularly those who are confused about their own gender. Rather than "he" or "she," the Post article seems to attempt to elevate the growing use of non-gender personal pronouns like "ze," "they," "sie," "e," "ou" and "ve."

And ABC's Nick Watt told their audience---in great detail, with numerous examples, that there is a growing number of "couples" living in "open" relationships where both husband and wife sleep around with the other's permission, supposedly without jealousy. And "marriages" become groupings, rather than couples.

These people are advocating polyamorus relationships and ABC is giving them a national voice to do so.

ABC quotes one of the advocates saying it is actually very helpful in their relationship.

Is any of this worthy of mention?

Why should I care?

If you have children or grandchildren you better be aware, because they are---or soon will be. We need to care because the attempt to redefine marriage and family is more than a passing cultural fad happening somewhere else.