Category: Politics

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Last Days Prophetic Sign or Mere Coincidence: Is UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer a modern-day “Neville Chamberlain?

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announcing recognition of a Palestinian State. A faded image of Neville Chamberlain is beside him and the text says, "Is this a Prophetic Sign of the End-times?"

The Prophetic Past is Prophetic Present

In the autumn of 1938, during the Hebrew High Holy Days, Neville Chamberlain stepped off a plane in England after returning from Munich. There he had agreed to hand over the Sudetenland to Hitler in exchange for “peace.” He was met with thunderous applause from the crowds and relief from much of the watching world.

Many in the Church echoed this relief. While some spoke against antisemitism in principle, far too many distanced themselves from the Jewish people, fed conspiracies, and remained silent in the face of Nazi propaganda, pogroms, and growing hatred. After all, it was tragically common to slander Jews not only in Germany but across Europe and beyond.

What Has Been Will Be Again

Fast forward to today: has Prime Minister Keir Starmer just become a prophetic modern-day “Neville Chamberlain,” convinced that appeasing evil will somehow prevent aggression?

The last time Britain and Europe bowed to evil, they opened the floodgates to a world war that claimed the lives of roughly 21 to 25 million soldiers and 50 to 55 million civilians. Read that again, more than twice as many civilians as military. In all, up to 85 million men, women, and children perished. That is nearly the same as Germany’s entire population today.

Hope for the Discerning

And yet, even in those dark years, God raised up voices like Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the faithful remnant of the Confessing Church, who refused to bow to a compromised Christianity. Many risked their lives to aid the Jewish people and embrace costly discipleship, the very path Bonhoeffer set forth in his 1937 book The Cost of Discipleship.

So here we stand on the eve of Rosh Hashanah and the High Holy Days once more. Is it merely coincidence that appeasement of evil and rising antisemitism are again on the world stage, even within the church? Or is this a prophetic sign for those with eyes to see? (Matthew 24)

Learn more about the Palestinian announcment at CBN News.

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Go Deeper with these thought-provoking questions:

  1. When you hear Neville Chamberlain’s story in 1938, do you see parallels with today’s political climate?
  2. Can appeasement of evil ever bring true peace, or does it always lead to greater conflict?
  3. Why do you think so many churches in the 1930s stayed silent about antisemitism instead of taking a bold stand?
  4. What lessons should the Church today learn from the failures and compromises of that era?
  5. Do you believe antisemitism is on the rise again in our generation? If so, where do you see it most clearly?
  6. How can Christians discern when political compromise crosses the line into moral failure?
  7. In what ways might the “Confessing Church” model of costly discipleship challenge us today?
  8. Do you think Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s warnings apply more to our time than we might want to admit?
  9. Jesus warned in Matthew 24 about deception and hostility toward God’s people. Do you believe we are seeing signs of that now?
  10. If history is repeating itself, what responsibility do believers have to speak truth and stand with the Jewish people?
  11. Could the patterns of appeasement and rising hostility toward Israel be a prophetic sign for the last days?
  12. What does it mean for you personally to resist compromise and stand firm in faith, even when it is unpopular?

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Civil Discourse

We live in troubled times. Unemployment, gang violence, shrinking investments, violent protests, food prices, drugs, school shootings, and many other issues are only symptoms of the serious problems hidden under the veneer of political double-speak and personal agendas. It is easy to understand why so many are cynical and discouraged.

Frustration aside, we cannot afford the luxury of surrender. We must fight harder than ever for future generations. The best answers will not be discovered in increased spending or more police with bigger weapons; it will not be found in new laws or the right politicians. No, the most important question to be answered is “Who are we?” The real battle being waged is over our underlying values and principles. What kind of people do we want to be?

While there is a compelling need for ordinary citizens to engage in the social, moral and economic discussions of our day, it is important that we do not trade who we are for what we want. Too often, conversation degrades to kindergarten level as politicians and average citizens begin name calling and “gotchas.” This kind of rhetoric is destructive in numerous ways: 1) It challenges and diminishes the respect we should have for one another. 2) It reduces our own credibility and reputation. 3) It is a poor model for our children who are learning how to engage their world. 4) It strains our ability to work together toward much needed solutions.  5) It causes us to miss real issues. 

To positively affect our world, we must learn to stay on topic. We must discuss the “what” (the issue) and not so much about the “who” (the person.) We must form and clearly articulate the “Why’s” and the “How’s.”: 1) Why is this an important issue? 2) Why is my proposal a good one? 3) How will this plan work? 4) How much will it cost? 5) How much will it save?  6) How will this benefit all interested parties—not just the special interests? 7) How will our decision be viewed by the next generation?

While name calling and personal attacks require less effort than substantive arguments, it also diminishes who we are. So, think twice before forwarding that humorous email and find a more thoughtful way to engage the real issues.

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Junteenth

Juneteenth flag

As we celebrate and reflect on Juneteenth (aka Freedom Day and Emancipation Day), I am thankful for all those who risked their relationships, their employment, their reputation, and even their lives to fight for abolition long before it was popular.

I am grateful for preachers, such as Quaker Benjamin Lay, who bucked the status quo to preach the true message of the Bible, that slavery is sin. I am inspired by their action of ex-communicating slave-traders, and slave owners, from their churches. I am saddened by their all-too-frequent disappointment with those churches and self-described Christians who refused to hear and obey the truth.

I am inspired by businessmen similar to Matthias Baldwin who sacrificed popularity and wealth to make a moral and political stand against slavery. Baldwin hired black workers in his locomotive factory and fought for the African American vote as early as 1837 even though it cost him business in the South.

My creative nature stands in awe of Harriet Beecher-Stowe – daughter of Rev. Lyman Beecher – and how she used her extensive Biblical knowledge and deep passion for the oppressed to weave the tale of Uncle Tom’s Cabin into the most provocative and mind-changing story ever produced in America. The 1852 book and subsequent stage play did more to change the hearts and minds of Americans than any other single action or event.

In the same manner, I am stirred by John Sullivan Dwight, who translated the timeless work “O Holy Night” into English in 1858. He added a verse which pricked the conscience of our nation and called us to righteousness:

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;
Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
And in his name all oppression shall cease,
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;
Let all within us praise his Holy name!

I feel blessed by those involved in our national founding, such as Physician and Statesman Benjamin Rush, who–though they could not persuade the majority at the time–planted the early seeds for abolition which were to grow up into freedom and equality for all.

I am astounded by early African American leaders such as Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, and Frederick Douglass who leveraged God’s amazing transforming power of grace and forgiveness to create critical positive change not only for the black community but the entire world and all its people. My admiration of them, all they overcame, and all they achieved can not be overstated. They amaze me! I will consider my life successful, if I accomplish just a little of what they did.

Closer to today, I am grateful to have learned from Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. who taught us that love, not hate, is the only thing that will bring lasting change. As I reflect on all these heroes today, one thing in particular fits so perfectly into Pastor King’s worldview. It was not the color of their skin that mattered, it was the content of their character.

May the content of our characters fare as well in our generation.

Happy Juneteenth!

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National Prayer Breakfast 2020: Was Trump Acting Christian? Part 2

In my last blog, I addressed some of President Trump’s less-than-Christian remarks at this year’s National Prayer Breakfast. It amazes me how the press, who often disdain everything Christian, quickly judges the worthiness of those who refer to themselves as a believer.

While I agree with the President’s critics that he failed to live up to the high standards called for by Scripture, I also pointed out that all of us fall short of these aspirations. Trump himself acknowledged that he often makes things difficult for believers who support him. The audience laughed with understanding. God is still working on all of us. Thankfully, He doesn’t disown us every time we fail.

Continue reading “National Prayer Breakfast 2020: Was Trump Acting Christian? Part 2”

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National Prayer Breakfast 2020: Was Trump Acting Christian? Part 1

When I saw the headlines in my newsfeed last evening, I sighed. President Trump’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast were the talk of the airways, and they were not ideal. Less than two days after what was arguably his most presidential speech yet, the president was jumping back in the mud. While the State of the Union Address was controversial, it was missing the petty digs and character assassinations that all too often emerge from Trump’s twitter feeds and off-the-cuff remarks. The Prayer Breakfast seemed to return to business as usual–or so the headlines implied.

Continue reading “National Prayer Breakfast 2020: Was Trump Acting Christian? Part 1”

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How the Progressive Left Proves Christianity True

justice-2060093_1920Over the past several years rhetoric against American history, white privilege, gender inequality, Christianity, and more has been championed by secular organizations, college professors, and politicians. The fervor has become increasingly intense. Students violently protest speeches that haven’t even been given yet. Average citizens assault politicians in public restaurants and elevators. Police officers are shot while sitting in their car, and celebrities rant on the nightly news. Continue reading “How the Progressive Left Proves Christianity True”

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The First Witness is Always Right… Until – BONUS ARTICLE

Dr. Christine Ford

Can I Get a Witness?

As I watched the trial of the century (albeit not an actual trial) I reflected on Proverbs 18:17; “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (ESV)

Folk Should Know Better

More disconcerting than the actual testimony was the almost giddy speculations coming from people in the news media. You would think that the years of seasoning – necessary to reach the heights of national and international news – they would know better. Are they really that naïve, or are they pushing a carefully crafted narrative on the American people in order to influence them? As frightening as the naiveté scenario is, the narrative one is even worse.

Continue reading “The First Witness is Always Right… Until – BONUS ARTICLE”

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Kavanaugh & Ford: Truthful Fiction?

nerve-cell-2213009_1920Is it possible that Dr. Christine Blasey Ford is both lying AND telling the truth? Sound ridiculous? Read on.

While there have been too many theories flying around the past few weeks to keep track, I am surprised by what I haven’t heard. Is it possible that Judge Kavanaugh’s accuser may be honestly lying? Continue reading “Kavanaugh & Ford: Truthful Fiction?”

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Prophets and Pharisees Part 5 of 5: Is it About Me or Them?

discussion-2884020_1920The Golden Rule in Scripture teaches us to treat others as we would have them treat us (Matthew 7:12). Unfortunately, the contemporary refrain seems to be either “Do to others before they can do to me,” or “Treat others as they treat me.” We often justify our actions like kindergartners, “He touched me first,” or “She did it too.” Continue reading “Prophets and Pharisees Part 5 of 5: Is it About Me or Them?”

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Prophets and Pharisees Part 2 of 5: Is this Kingdom or is this personal?

architecture-3171675_1920In Part 1, “Is it About God or is it About Me?”, we looked at how true prophets must always be concerned that their message is in line with God’s heart and purposes. As people of God, it is incumbent upon us to put God and His Kingdom first instead of ourselves. What does He want? How does it want it accomplished? To be truly effective, we need to die to ourselves, so that Jesus can come alive through us. Continue reading “Prophets and Pharisees Part 2 of 5: Is this Kingdom or is this personal?”