Let’s Not Assist The Devil.

Before we get to today’s article, I just want to mention that am writing from the perspective of a man that has experienced many of the challenges of which I write…. and those spiritual battles continue daily. The articles are implications of what it means to obey the commandment to raise your children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. They require some reflection and are particularly for Christians who, as Peter would say, are diligently seeking to confirm their calling and are making every effort to supplement their faith. Said more succinctly, serious Christians. If you know other believers who desire to walk more faithfully with the Lord, please forward an article to them and tell them to sign up for future articles. Thanks so much!

Let’s Not Assist The Devil.

It was late in the afternoon on February 28^th, 2005, and I was in my office huddled around a small conference table with a few members of my staff, reviewing some plans about the future of our Christian school. It was common knowledge among the employees that when my door was shut and the blinds closed, I was not to be interrupted. Yet on that day, a young lady who we hired only to answer phones after school let out, came to the window, and feverishly knocked until I open the door. Her eyes bulging and her face red with panic, she said, “Mr. Lee, everyone is calling the school!” As she spoke, I could hear the phone ringing nonstop in the admin area. What had happened? Here is an excerpt from the letter that I wrote to our school parents. I have replaced the name of our school with the words, “our school.”

“Our school received an application from the co-host/producer of a radio program (as per his words on the application). The application was reviewed, and the school decided it was best for both the school and the parents that we not partner with them in the education of their child. The school then wrote a personal letter to the parents which included the reasons for declining the application. The parent then took the letter to his radio station and along with his co-host proceeded to malign the school for several hours. There were many things that were said by the two co-hosts but much of it came down to their claim that the school was punishing the child for the fact that the father (the applicant and co-host/producer) worked with a self-proclaimed ‘slimy’ and ‘vulgar’ person (the other co-host who does most of the speaking on the show said this about himself).”

I went on later in the letter to give additional details:

“Of course, there was the constant name calling as they called us such things as hypocrites and cowards. Furthermore, blatant lies were told about the school including that our school is not accredited (we are) and that we had kept the registration fee from the application (the check was in with the letter). We understand they corrected this later in the show. The radio program encouraged listeners to stay away from our school, disenroll, and quit if you worked for our school.  Sadly, many people called in to the program and made comments based on believing that everything the hosts said was absolutely true- even professing Christians. A few derogatory calls were made to the school and emails were sent. All in all, this did not make for a very pleasant day.”

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the last time that we had to put out a raging PR fire, but it would have probably been worse if it happened today. Why? For one reason, the iPhone and Facebook were yet to be created and the internet was still in its early days of development. The second reason- I think people today are more addicted to “juicy” news than ever before, and I am including Christians in that statement. 

Recently, a young brother in the Lord came to me and told me that a well-known national pastor was about to be thrown out of his church. I asked him why and he said because he stole money and lied to his people. I then asked him how he knew that was true and he said, I don’t know all about it, but I saw a trailer for a YouTube video that is coming out. So, I said, you haven’t actually seen the video? And he said no. And then I asked him who had made the video and he said that it was a number of people in that pastor’s congregation. Hearing that, I had to warn him not to believe any of it until the information could be validated to be true and not to mention it to anyone.

Following that, another well-known national pastor got into hot water two weeks ago when his counsel to a grandmother regarding her attendance at a LGBTQ wedding became public. This case is different from the previous case I mentioned because the facts of the matter were easily verified by watching a video of the pastor speaking.

In citing both cases, I am not here to debate or declare what these men have done is right or wrong. However, what I am trying to do is make us think about the Christian response to the gossip that comes to us in our church circles locally, as well as the salacious news that hits us from national figures.

As mentioned earlier, we did not have the multitude of social media tools back in 2005 and that was a blessing. But now, we have literally millions of people who have websites, blogs, videos and so on, that are constantly telling us what to buy or how to look or what to think. I’m not a luddite so please don’t hear me saying that it’s all bad. But, I am saying that the danger is real and Christians need to think about what they are hearing even from Christian purveyors.

I watched the video of the pastor giving counsel to the grandmother, so I know personally exactly what the pastor said. But when I went online, I saw so called “reporting” that was absolutely ungodly. Most Christian bloggers and YouTube talking heads stated that the pastor had said that he approves Christians attending gay weddings. However, what the pastor said was intended for this one person who was asking counsel from him. This particular pastor by the way, is well known for his bold preaching about all things LGBTQ and some of the talking heads even made note of that while at the same time were recategorizing his entire ministry now as pro LGBTQ. One YouTuber with more than 500,000 subscribers led with the line that this pastor was speaking for the devil.

As I watched this story develop over the two weeks, it seemed like most of these guardians of Christianity couldn’t stop going back to any “fresh meat” on this story. Many of them said that they felt bad about reporting it, but they had been asked by their listeners to tell them what they thought about it. So, I guess if your audience asks you to do something, you must do it, no matter what it is.

And then there are the comments that follow, and this is the worst part for me. You would think that if we just had this pastor in our presence and had a good size piece of wood at hand, we could just go ahead and burn him at the stake.  Of course, we also have those who are on the other side of the issue and want to defend the pastor no matter what. It reminded me of the time my wife and I attended a church where the lead pastor (another nationally known preacher) had gotten a divorce and refused to step down from his position as unqualified. There was a huge church meeting and people stood in line to go to the microphone and make their case for the dismissal or acceptance of the pastor. One man stood up and said, we can’t let him go; pastor so and so is our Moses! Horrible.

Well, at this point I think that I’m just venting some frustration over the fact that confusion and the spreading of false information is handiwork of who? Yes, Satan. And it seems to me that much of what he does to destroy people and the church are things that we partake in. We must be very careful to discern what we are seeing and hearing in the world around us. Here are a few reminders:

1. The default setting for us should be the same one the Bereans had: we are not believing anything until we have done the research ourselves! Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if   these things were so (Acts 17:11).
2. Know that the truth can be easily misrepresented with devastating effect. The apostle Paul was preaching that grace can overcome the penalty and power of any sin, but some were saying that if God is that gracious and he is glorified when doing so, why not just sin all of the time?  But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just (Romans 3:8).
3. Remember that the Lord Jesus commanded that we are to love our brothers and even though one of these pastors may have made a mess of their ministry and are a thousand miles away from us, he is still our brother, and our hearts and prayers should be for him.
4. Understand that when we perpetuate the destruction of one of God’s people by either listening to gossip or facilitating its spread, we are aiding and abetting the devil in his never-ending effort to sow chaos into the worldwide church.
5. Who should you go to for truth? Jesus, our Shepherd first (that is, your Bible) and then His appointed under shepherd, your pastor.
6. Remember the words of Paul to the Thessalonians. He was urging them to walk in holiness and toward the end of his letter he writes: But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one (1 Thessalonians 4:10-12).

 That’s a good word from Paul- we should spend much more time focused on our own walk with the Lord, doing our work and taking care of our families, because the world is watching us. Lord help us to do so!

Thanks for listening, see you next time.

THIS WEEK’S SPOTLIGHT: 

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

“Why Should I Believe Anything About Jesus Christ?” Written By Various Authors And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This Podcast features three famous recordings of booklets written by John Blanchard that will strengthen your own understanding on the death and resurrection of Christ and also serve as a great evangelistic tool for a friend or family member. The first booklet is called, “Ultimate Questions.” The second booklet is called, “Why The Cross?” And the third booklet is called, “Jesus, Dead Or Alive?”

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-why-should-i-believe/id1692832161

YouTube: Each of the John Blanchard booklets has its own recording. See below.

Ultimate Questions.  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQggMxnbCbkLux2C6QB1W0VG

Jesus- Dead Or Alive? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjeqfP9L1olkHULFCNHVDDF

Why The Cross? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgJEuKxJL0dgjCDM85tyqrQ

Christian Behavior, written by John Bunyan. This is a wonderful fairly short book written by the great John Bunyan to help Christians understand that their lives should be full of good works! Bunyan takes us to Titus 3:7-8 and brings practical application to all areas of the Christian life. You will be blessed by this great saint!

Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-christian-behavior-by/id1716196912

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjUQ_MpGbnqwrBVi7TgRKi3

Choose Your Master: God Or Money. The links are immediately below-

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: All Things For Good Written By Thomas Watson And Read By Michael Lee

Description: One of the great Puritans, Watson writes based on the great promise from God that all things work together for good to those that love God. The book will expand your faith in God’s promises and His attributes and give a great comfort to your soul.

Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-for-good-by-thomas-watson-and-read-by-michael-lee/id1703108941)

YouTube (https://youtu.be/cCMPuNsv6dE).

Read it online at www.ModernPuritans.com

Title: Critical Considerations For Christian Parents About Your Child’s Education, By Michael Lee

Description: As we search the Bible for answers to the question: How shall we raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord,” we can see that the system for educating children was done primary by the parents in the home. However, the world in which we live now is quite different and the vast majority of parents use an educational system that is outside of the home and is that system is called the public schools, or the government schools.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-critical-considerations/id1678162250

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjnvjc7QuytT2V3lVr53oqa

Title: From Religion To Christ, Written By Peter Jeffery And Read By Michael Lee

Description:  Tired of the many systems of religion that you have observed or been part of in the past? Are you ready to say goodbye to religion? The author Peter Jeffery, agrees! Doing “religion” is empty and will not get you to heaven. There is something more-something much greater. Take a careful listen through this podcast and discover what a real relationship with God actually looks like.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-from-religion-to-christ/id1687134464

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQg_lCngBTcjs_dXT1VYvYWA

Title: Rediscovering The Lost Treasure Of Family Worship. Written By Jerry Marcellino And Read By Michael Lee

Description: Family Worship was once the normal practice that most Christian parents led in their homes. Led by either parent, the children would be taught daily from the word of God, pray and sing songs. It was considered to be a vital part of the Christian life.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-rediscovering-the-lost/id1692401602

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgNq7asslVBsKyq0FC3arMs

A Call To Prayer By J. C. Ryle.  Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id1672880807

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Thoughts For Young Men From The Book By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: A wonderful book of Biblical truth and advice for young men. Helpful to parents as well as the young men themselves. Full of wisdom for a life filled with Christ. J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) served God in England as a pastor and teacher for more than 40 years. His words are still being used by the Lord today and are applicable to all Christians in all times.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-thoughts-for-young-men/id1673847428

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQixZIaBE95_JRojVSkzq1nl

Title: Stand Firm Written By Peter Jeffery and Read By Michael Lee

Description: So you just became a Christian and now what? Get ready for a life of walking with the Lord and experiencing the joy of knowing you have peace with God. However, you also have an enemy- the devil. Peter Jeffery wants to help by teaching you about the battle with the wicked one and how you can STAND FIRM against his attacks!

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-stand-firm-written-by/id1681861976

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjhDFeGYG5Tt5EWjeuz-e1p

Title: The Duties Of Parents From The Booklet By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: From the famous booklet written by Pastor J.C. Ryle. Pastor Ryle gives us 17 points of Christian parenting on which to focus our attention. His words are timeless and apply to parenting today as much as it did 100 years ago.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-the-duties-of/id1676664853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQgfoZGiRgzptFs7g07vkwU5

Title: Choose Your Master: God Or Money. Written And Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is one of the most written about topics in the Bible because it is one of the most dangerous to the Christian. Listen in on the good and bad experiences of the author and strongly consider the Bible’s teaching on stewardship.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-choose-your-master-god/id1683382182

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQiHoB3-tBm1qDDbxxpQAvTl

Title: A Call To Prayer By J.C. Ryle. Read By Michael Lee

Description: This is a passionate plea from the famous preacher and teacher, J.C. Ryle. Although these words were penned more than 100 years ago, the need and application for today’s Christian is greater than ever.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-a-call-to-prayer-by/id167288080

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAh2MVKU1VQjaXXgO8P1U-bBFkEMCwdYR

Title: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices From The Book By Thomas Brooks. Read By Michael Lee

Description: (This is one that you can listen to a “precious remedy” each day). Thomas Brooks, born in 1608, was a Puritan preacher who wrote a number of essays during his time with possibly the foremost entitled, “Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices.” In writing the book’s dedication, he wrote, “Christ, the scripture, your own hearts, and Satan’s devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter.” Brooks believed that all Christians have particular weaknesses in their faith and those weaknesses would be exploited in some way by Satan.

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cherish-ephesians-6-4-presents-precious-remedies-against/id1671364198

YouTube: Not on YouTube just yet.

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Last modified: February 9, 2024