The Reformed Advisor

Tag: conviction

GrubHub CEO Doesn’t Want to Do Business with Trump Supporters and I Support Him

Posted on December 8, 2016 in Religious Freedom by

After the election of Donald Trump a number of CEO’s made it clear that Trump-supporters are not welcome at their companies. This article shares the reactions by several CEO’s at various companies’ that decided it was a good idea to tell Trump supporters that they are not welcome at their company.

Now, I’m all for the first amendment rights of these owners making it clear where they stand. And, I fully support their right to do business with whomever they choose. I’m also supportive of their right to refuse to do business with anyone they want. Business owners should have the right to adhere to their conscience and convictions, and should not be forced to conduct business that would violate those convictions.

A Baltimore Victory! And a Victory for Religious Freedom Too

Posted on October 19, 2016 in Life, Sexuality, Theology by

It’s almost too absurd to consider. And yet, it’s a reality in our upside down social landscape. Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and the City Council sought to force pro-life pregnancy centers to advocate abortion. Mayor Blake an the City Council apparently are so committed to abortion in Baltimore that they are willing to force people fundamentally opposed to it to not only support it, but to help advertise it.

A recent article reports:

I’ll Tell You Exactly What I Think of Starbucks and Their Red Cups

Posted on November 16, 2015 in Marriage, Religious Freedom by

Last week the country flipped out over the decision by Starbucks to use red cups for Christmas this year. Accusations of religious persecution and limiting free speech abounded as self-proclaimed Christians blasted Starbucks for the red cup design. Social media lit up and arguments got heated as “offended” people made their feelings known.

Despite employees saying that Starbucks has never prohibited them from saying “Merry Christmas,” some urged patrons to tell their barista their name was “Merry Christmas” so they would have to write it on the cup and say it. Hilarity and absurdity ensued from there.

Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed as Christians reminded us all that they were there to get a cup of coffee, not be evangelized or reminded of the true meaning of Christmas. Some even cautioned us from expecting a secular organization to act religious or in any way celebrate Christmas in a biblical way. Good advice.

Are Christians Hypocrites for Demanding Service While Refusing to Serve Others?

Posted on September 22, 2015 in Life by

Once again I find myself struggling to determine what is acceptable as I read a recent headline causing a stir. It seems the lines between “rights” and “discrimination” have become so blurred that it’s hard to decipher anything clearly.

The story making headlines is that of an Office Depot store in Illinois that refused to print the pro-life flyer a woman brought in because, they said, the language used was graphic and offensive.

The flyer in question is one being used to call for prayer for Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion business. The flyer shares details from Planned Parenthood’s most recent annual report, includes information about their harvesting body parts, and includes a prayer for the conversion of Planned Parenthood. While I can certainly understand someone not agreeing with the content of the flyer, there is nothing that I can see which would cause anyone to describe this flyer as “graphic” or “offensive.” (Click here to see the flyer.)

Of course many media outlets, organizations, and corporations have supported Planned Parenthood over the years. They have covered up atrocities committed by the abortion giant, refused to report on shocking cases of abuse, rape, sex-trafficking, and abortion related death, and donated money. So maybe Office Depot is simply protecting a friend, an asset.

Steps Every Church Can Take to Defend Biblical Teaching on Marriage

Posted on May 13, 2015 in Marriage, Religious Freedom by

As I discussed yesterday, the Supreme Court is preparing to rule on the issue of marriage. More specifically, whether or not it should be legal in all 50 states for homosexuals to marry. This decision will have a major impact on every person regardless of which way the court rules.

Several years ago I was involved with educating churches and pastors on what steps they could take to protect their churches from lawsuits due to changing cultural norms. While many churches were receptive to such instruction, some churches believed it unnecessary. Few churches today seeking to protect their religious freedom think being educated is unnecessary.

Groups like The Gospel Coalition have been more cautious in recommending to churches steps that can be taken to protect their pastors, facilities, and religious freedom. So when I see recommendations from The Gospel Coalition, in conjunction with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), I take notice.

In a blog post not long ago, The Gospel Coalition recommended five ways churches can protect their religious convictions and freedom amidst a changing culture. These are five steps groups like ADF and the one I worked with were encouraging years ago; they are more critical today than ever.

The five steps are:

David Platt’s Message to Christian Won’t Be Well Received. But It’s Absolutely Needed.

Posted on February 23, 2015 in Theology by

David Platt has a new book called “Counter Cultured” in which he encourages Christians to decide whether they will live with conviction, and what that might cost them.

The message is timely as religious freedom has been attacked at increasing rates and many Christians around the world are losing their lives for their faith.

According to a recent report by The Blaze, Platt discusses the upside down reality that right and wrong are no longer measured by transcendent truth, but by popular opinion. The word tolerance has bee hijacked to accomplish this goal. The end result is, if you agree with what is popular you are tolerant, if you disagree, you’re intolerant. But, as Platt says, this is a misunderstanding of the word tolerant:

“Basically, if you agree with what’s popular or politically correct, then you’re okay — but if you don’t, you’re labeled intolerant. Part of it is the way we’ve mystified the idea of tolerance. Tolerance, itself, implies disagreement.”

Platt is among a group of young leaders emerging as the voice of modern Christianity. With a solid theological foundation Platt has repeatedly called Christians to die to this world, and to self, in order to spread the Gospel. Now he is reminding Christians of the dangers this will involve and urging us to count the cost, then move.

Watch the short video below to get an idea of what Platt’s new book “Counter Cultured” is all about. If the video doesn’t appear automatically, please refresh your browser.

Dr. Dobson Dares President Obama to “Come and Get Me”

Posted on May 8, 2014 in Life by

With all due respect to Russell Moore and Albert Mohler, we need more leaders like James Dobson. America needs leaders that will stand up when faced with evil and say, “come and get me.” Dr. Dobson has been standing strong in the face of culture for decades and he didn’t back down when face to face with President Obama.

To be fair I am a huge fan of both Russell Moore and Albert Mohler. Their work within the Southern Baptist Convention is, in my opinion, timely and on point. The difference between them and Dr. Dobson though is with regard to personal conviction.

Let me explain. It seems that when many leaders speak on issues, whether life or marriage, or religious freedoms, they do so in an almost passive way. It’s not that they don’t care, they just seem to speak from the realm of “what if’s” more than from a personal place. I hear a lot of “Christians should not be made to,” and “It’s wrong to force Christians to,” when they speak. While I agree with those sentiments, there’s an element of personal force lacking.

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