Month: March 2016
Do You Have Trouble Memorizing the Bible? Try This.
Posted on March 31, 2016 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
Can I share a little secret with you?
The truth is, I’m not very good at memorizing Scripture.
I’m not talking about memorizing the “essence” f a verse. I can paraphrase Bible verses all day. But when it comes to knowing the reference and the word-for-word text of the verse, I have trouble.
Maybe that’s a surprise since I spent so many years studying the Bible and teaching the Bible. Maybe it’s disappointing to some who have known me in a pastoral role. Whatever the case may be, the truth is that it is a battle to memorize God’s Word.
But I’m trying. I have a number of verses that I have worked on and continue to memorize. And I read Scripture daily in order to keep it filtering through my mind. I need the wisdom and pruning of God’s Word in my mind, heart, and daily life. We all do. And to help with that I am looking for creative ways to study and memorize Scripture. And, since I thought someone else out there might struggle with memorizing the Bible like I do, I wanted to share this practical, and helpful article I found.
I Was Surprised When this Highly Respected Institution Said Encouraging Youth Transgenderism is a Form of Child Abuse
Posted on March 30, 2016 in Public Policy, Sexuality by Nathan Cherry
A court finds living as a boy when you are a girl is punishable by jail time. The American College of Pediatrics believes advocating for youth transgenderism is “child abuse.” And I am really confused by it all.
As you probably know, there is a massive push to “support” youth transgenderism. Schools and other public facilities are being pressured to allow transgender students to use whatever bathroom and locker room they want. Apparently they think it’s a great idea to let hormone-driven boys into girls bathrooms and locker rooms. Since everyone now has cell phones with cameras you can only imagine the privacy and safety issues that will no doubt result in such actions. Nonetheless, the push continues because: equality.
The media has been focused on North Carolina where a “controversial” bill to require people to use bathrooms and locker rooms according to their biological sex has been passed. There has been nationwide outcry from media and activists saying that this a form of discrimination. Again, some people think allowing anyone to use any facility they choose simply by claiming to be the opposite sex is a good idea. I’m sure pedophiles and sex offenders do think it’s a good idea. However, common sense says that such measures are absurd, at best.
POWERFUL VIDEO: Former Abortionist Explains What Happens During an Abortion
Posted on March 29, 2016 in Life by Nathan Cherry
For years pro-abortion advocates have labeled pro-life advocates as “anti-science” in discussing abortion. But in recent years that ploy has been unmasked as medicine and science have both confirmed the absolute humanity of the unborn. This has left pro-abortion advocates with one less tool in their belt to deceive people into supporting their culture of death.
The following video is no exception.
In this video, produced by Live Action, Dr. Anthony Levatino, a former abortionist, explains exactly what takes place during a second trimester abortion. The video uses animation to show the brutal reality of what happens during abortion. It is a difficult video to watch. A recent article comments on the powerful message of this video:
“The new video series features Dr. Anthony Levatino, a former abortionist who became pro-life. In the videos, Dr. Levatino uses simple medical descriptions of the most prevalent abortion procedures. These innovative videos use medical animations (not graphic photos) to show the brutal injustice committed against preborn children. Information presented in the videos is backed by peer-reviewed medical journals and has been developed and reviewed by practicing OB/GYNs, medical professionals, and former abortionists… As this new video project is showing, when people see what an abortion really does to an unborn baby, many change their minds.”
Watch the video below and please share it. Many Americans are uninformed or misinformed about what an abortion is. This video shows exactly what takes place and has been medically verified for accuracy. This video has the power to change someone’s mind and maybe even safe lives.
If the video doesn’t appear automatically, please refresh your browser.
Have You Ever Considered the Miracle Before Easter? Think About This…
Posted on March 24, 2016 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
Easter has all sort of controversies.
Some think the name “Easter” has pagan origins and refuse to use.
Some think having anything to do with bunnies and eggs filled with candy is a perversion of a sacred day.
Some don’t think the resurrection occurred in the Spring and want to change the date.
For me and my family those things are mostly peripheral issues that take a back seat to the celebration of the resurrection. But before we get to the celebration we have to consider all of the divine miracles that led to the glorious culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
So I want to ask, have you ever stopped to think about the incredible miracles that took place prior to the resurrection?
Let’s start with the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin. Not the part where a virgin gives birth. Don’t get me wrong, that’s amazing all by itself. I’m talking about the part where the Creator of all that exists comes to earth wrapped in the flesh and bones of a tiny baby.
Is Voting for “The Lesser of Two Evils” a Biblical Position for Christians?
Posted on March 23, 2016 in Public Policy, Theology by Nathan Cherry
Is it appropriate for Christians to vote for the “lesser of two evils” in an election where there is not a good candidate?
I was in a discussion with some friends recently in which the question was raised of who Christians should vote for if the candidate choices were Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. On one hand, Clinton is pro-abortion, pro-homosexuality and same-sex “marriage” and pro- many other things that Christians oppose. She is not a fit candidate for any Christian to support.
But on the other hand is Donald Trump. Trump claims to be a Christian but says he has never asked God for forgiveness and doesn’t need to, he is belligerent, insulting, and proud of his own sins. His brand of “Christian” is false and has the potential to drive people away from Jesus rather than to Him. Overall he is not an expression of Christianity or an example of Christ that a Christian should endorse.
The conversation turned to the idea of voting for the “lesser of two evils” and it was quickly decided that Trump is that choice. This bothered me. I knew I could not vote for Trump just because he was a little less “evil” than Clinton but I wasn’t sure how to articulate why. Then I read an article by Dr. Albert Mohler on the subject and it made perfect sense.
VIDEO: This Animated Explanation of Heaven and Earth is Great for Kids – and Adults!
Posted on March 22, 2016 in Family, Home School, Theology by Nathan Cherry
I ran across this video explaining heaven and earth at a blog site I frequent. It’s simple in its composition but the depth of theological insight and teaching is definitely there.
Many people are confused by the difference between heaven and earth. Are they one and the same? Are they totally separate? How will God bring them together? Is God bringing them together now or will that happen in the future? There is a lot of questions and the average church attending Christian does not have many answers.
This fun video illustrates the difference and explains in simple terms what God did, is doing, and will do with respect to heaven and earth. Take a look and see if you don’t learn a few things. Watch it with your kids and start a conversation about how they can come directly into God’s presence each and every day.
If the video doesn’t appear automatically, please refresh your browser.
Rep. Diane Black Responds to Actress That Said She had Never Regretted Her Abortion in Powerful Letter
Posted on March 17, 2016 in Life by Nathan Cherry
Amy Brenneman decided to share her abortion story with the world. She was candid in her admission that she has “never, not for one moment, regretted my abortion.” She decided to share this aspect of her life in hopes of raising more support for abortion. Her concern that abortion is losing support to the pro-life movement prompted her to tell the world how proud she was of her own abortion.
In response to Brenneman’s story, Rep. Diane Black, a staunch pro-life Congresswoman that had a 40 year career as a nurse has written an open letter to the actress. Rep. Black wrote her letter with the utmost respect and civility, something often missing from political discourse today. Rep. Black even apologized for the lack of “compassion and empathy” on the part of pro-lifers in the past, saying:
“I also know that some who, like me, identify as pro-life and oppose abortion have not always conveyed that opinion with the compassion and empathy that should be afforded to this topic on both sides of the debate, and for that I am sorry.”
But at the heart of Rep. Black’s letter is the firm conviction that life must be defended from the moment of conception if we are truly going to claim to be the land of the free.
Read Rep. Black’s powerful letter in its entirety below. Let us be reminded that while those fighting for abortion are often ideological hypocrites, they still deserve our respect and civility in discourse. I thank Rep. Black for her tireless effort to defend the most vulnerable among us. She is no doubt part of the reason so many young women are pro-life and standing together to defend the unborn.
Some Worthwhile Christian Opinions on Donald Trump. And Why He is Not a “Christian Candidate”
Posted on March 16, 2016 in Public Policy, Theology by Nathan Cherry
Donald Trump seems to be eliciting a reaction from nearly everyone with his presidential campaign. Some are energized by the un-politician and his blunt remarks. Others are angry over what they believe are racist, bigoted, xenophobic statements. And still others, like Pastor Max Lucado and well-known Christian media outlet The Christian Post are so incensed that they have broken political silence to denounce Trump.
Max Lucado has been a fixture of Christian culture for decades. I grew up reading his books and being inspired by his ability to paint word pictures from the biblical text. And though Lucado has written millions of words in his books, he has remained silent during presidential campaigns; refusing to endorse or condemn any candidate. Until now.
Likewise, The Christian Post has been a go-to resource for many people of faith for many years on all things religious. The Christian Post has never taken a position on a presidential candidate; even though many criticized their silence. All that has changed as The Christian Post makes it clear who they will not be supporting in this year’s election.
So why would two icons of Christian culture break their long-standing tradition of not endorsing or condemning a presidential candidate now? After all, President Obama ran for re-election; isn’t that enough to warrant an op-ed? What is it about Trump that has caused even the most reserved and controlled of Christian media outlets to break their silence?
I believe it is the mass support by self-identified “evangelical Christians” for Trump that has both Lucado and The Christian Post concerned. Specifically it is the concern that people outside of faith in Jesus Christ will conclude that all Christians are like Trump. This is particularly troubling given many of Trump’s claims. The Christian Post says:
Gov. Tomblin Vetoes Bill to Ban Dismemberment Abortion in West Virginia. State Legislature Responds with Powerful Message
Posted on March 15, 2016 in Life by Nathan Cherry
It seems Governor Tomblin can’t get anything done these days.
In recent weeks Gov. Tomblin has vetoed several bills and been promptly overridden by the legislature. One of those bills was SB 10, The West Virginia Unborn Child Protection from Dismemberment Abortion Act. This bill had broad bi-partisan support from the time it was introduced and seemed like a no-brainer to sign into law.
Gov. Tomblin however, claiming to be pro-life, vetoed the bill. Honestly, I’ve never seen someone that claims to be pro-life do so little to protect the unborn. Tomblin has, however, done plenty to ensure abortion continues in West Virginia. Maybe he should stop claiming to be pro-life and just admit that he supports abortion. After all, actions speak louder than words.
In his veto, Tomblin said:
“I am advised this bill is overbroad and unduly burdens a woman’s fundamental right to privacy.”
Apparently a woman’s “fundamental right to privacy” outweighs an unborn child’s right to not be torn limb from limb. That’s an odd position to take.
Thankfully, though, the West Virginia legislature once again rose to the challenge and overrode Tomblin’s veto quickly. The governor must have known this would happen considering the majority support for this bill. Whether he knew he would be overridden or not, I am thankful the legislature did what was right and made sure unborn babies in West Virginia would not be subject to this terrible torture.
VIDEO: Planned Parenthood Breaks Federal Law – No One Cares
Posted on March 10, 2016 in Life by Nathan Cherry
The Center for Medical Progress (CMP) has released a 12th undercover video showing that Planned Parenthood actively changes the abortion procedure to harvest fully intact “specimens” to sell.
The latest video features Jennefer Russo, medical director at Planned Parenthood in Orange County, California, telling undercover investigators how her clinic seeks to harvest fully intact babies in order to sell the bodies to a bioscience company. In case you didn’t know, knowingly altering the abortion procedure is a federal crime. Selling fetal body parts for profit is also a federal crime. The undercover videos released by CMP have proven definitively that Planned Parenthood has daily broken both of those federal laws.
You might be wondering why Planned Parenthood has not faced any criminal charges. Why hasn’t anyone been arrested? The truth is that Planned Parenthood is protected by the most pro-abortion president in United States history. President Obama has repeatedly “blessed” Planned Parenthood for their work and given billions of dollars in tax-money to the abortion business despite objections from Americans. (Hillary Clinton is a big fan of Planned Parenthood as well.)
A recent article carried comments by CMP president David Daleiden regarding the shocking revelations uncovered by the undercover video: