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Archive for August 2007

What’s In A Name? Indians, Blu-Jays, & YAHWEH

August 31, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

Last night I attended the first high school football game of the year and noticed on the program cover that we were playing against the Archie Indians. Then when I opened the program and looked at the roster, I realized we were actually playing the “Archie Whirlwinds.” Living in the obsessive politically correct world in which we do, I presumed that “Archie” bowed to the moral police of America and changed their nickname, so as to offend no one of Native American persuasion. This has, of course, become the latest fad issue for American liberals. And it’s one we’ll have to endure until they move on to their next “cause” such as saving the spotted dung beetle, or protesting the mowing of the precious ragweed.

My question is this: are names of sports teams really that important? Who cares if Archie is called the “Indians?” Ironically, one group who overwhelmingly DOESN’T CARE are Indians. In a recent survey, 91% of Native Americans were not offended in the least by “Indian” mascots (and the 9% who were offended are the types who take offense at anything and everything.)

But what about other nicknames? The Archie “Whirlwinds”? To be honest, if I had my home destroyed in a tornado, I would be much more offended at the glorification of a storm than I would a people group (even if I were an Indian). Likewise, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, who used to be called the “Savages” are now called the “Savage Storm.” Even my own alma mater, Northeastern State University (NSU) had to bow to political correctness, changing their name from “Redmen” to “River Hawks.” The lunacy here is even greater, given the fact that NSU is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, which is the capital city of the Cherokee Nation. NSU was started as a school for Indians; and in honor of their heritage, they were called the “Redmen”—and in all my years there (and I spent MANY years there) I NEVER knew an Indian who was offended by the nickname. In the grand scheme of things, everyone had more important things to worry about. Everyone, that is, except politically correct Liberals.

Furthermore, many Indian groups take great pride in these nicknames. The Seminole Nation of Florida uses the Florida State mascot as an opportunity to educate people about their tribal heritage. Other tribes have done the same thing. Many see it as a badge of honor, rather than a racial insult. Is anyone really losing sleep over the San Diego State Aztecs? I doubt that even Montezuma himself would give a flip about it.

I say, if we’re going to worry about people’s feelings in naming sports teams, let’s also include animals…at least birds. I personally know of a support group made up of “Blue Jays” here in Kansas that are deeply offended by our teams being called “Blu-Jays.” Not only is it degrading to these poor birds….they’ve also mentioned they’re upset that we leave the “e” off of “Blue.” INSULTING! And what about those poor little redbirds over in Missouri? The audacity of that baseball team in St. Louis is shocking!!! They would dare offend our feathered friends by calling their team the Cardinals? And here is the worst of all…..Ducks! Everyone loves ducks, right? How dare….Oregon University……HOW DARE they offend our quacking comrades by calling their team…..THE DUCKS!!!!…..I tell you it’s an insult to web-footed waddlers the world over.

Does it sound like I’m being silly? I am. And so are the PC Police trying to enforce the ban on “Indian” names. The NCAA has threatened banning all teams from the post season basketball tournament, if they have “Indian” nicknames. Maybe the NCAA should oversee sports….and leave the nicknames to the universities? When you check the NFL football scores in most major newspapers, you’ll notice that every nickname is used, except for the Washington Redskins. They’re simply called “Washington” because the “holier than thou” press corps refuses to acknowledge their nickname. GIVE ME A BREAK! Aren’t their more important issues for us to be worrying about? Hot tempered Irishmen aren’t offended by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and that is a stereotypical, racial judgment if there ever was one. Cattle owners aren’t offended by the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Lewisville, Texas is known as the “Fighting Farmers”…yet no angry plow boy has ever charged the town with a pitchfork yet.

But while we’re on the topic of offensive nicknames….I have one that DOES offend me. As a Christian, and a Pastor, I’m offended by the Duke Blue Devils. I’m also offended by the DePaul Blue Demons (and since my favorite color is blue, I’m offended they’re using my color too). Arizona State Sun Devils? Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils? Why is there no outcry over the glorification of the Kingdom of Darkness? Don’t the Liberal PC’s care? No. But they would if they thought Satan might be offended. Then they would start a petition post-haste.

Mascot names are unimportant. But God’s Name is eternally important. This Sunday I’ll be preaching on the 3rd commandment. “Thou shall not take God’s Name in vain.” Yahweh–God’s Name– is holy because God is holy. And God’s Name should not be used in a meaningless or insulting way. I’ll elaborate on Sunday, and I hope to see you there. And in case you didn’t know it…..another name for a Pastor is “Bishop.” As in the Ohio Wesleyan University Battling Bishops (no joke)……Hey….you know what? As a Bishop…..when I think about that school’s nickname…..I get kind of offended……How dare they insult me and other Bishops. Why, just wait until I get a hold of the NCAA and report this infraction… (HA HA HA—Just kidding)  Until next time, this is Shane Kastler, Pastor, Bird Counselor, Duck Defender, & Proud Battling Bishop signing off…

Posted in Political Issues | Print | 3 Comments »

Why I Hate The Lottery

August 28, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

The idea for this blog came to me recently when I was standing in line at a local convenience store…..for 10 minutes…..while the person in front of me was attempting to buy out the store’s allotment of lottery tickets…..then scratch everyone of them off while standing in line……then discussing how close they came to winning…….then actually winning $5……then taking 10 minutes to decide whether or not to pocket the money or buy more tickets…..then deciding to buy some more tickets…….ONLY TO REPEAT THE ABOVE CYCLE ONCE AGAIN!           

Actually, this isn’t the first time it’s happened.  It seems as though every convenience store in Kansas greets me with the same scenario.  Perhaps the gamblers see me coming and jump in line ahead of me only to bring frustration to my life.  Of course I know that isn’t the case.  In reality a sovereign God has ordained that I live in the midst of a lotto cesspool….so that I would offer this blog as another viewpoint on the sinful squandering of God’s resources…..also known as the lottery.

            Admittedly, the above example is not really a spiritual reason….its simply an annoyance in my life.  But I do believe there are some spiritual reasons to oppose the lottery and I offer them now.           

First, the lottery flourishes upon the principle of laziness.  People desire to make money and get rich, so they buy lottery tickets.  Actually, the Bible provides a way in which people can make money and even become wealthy.  It’s a long forgotten practice known as “work.”  God commanded Adam in the Garden of Eden saying:  “By the sweat of your face you will eat bread, until you return to the ground.” (Genesis 3:19)  Sometimes the question will arise about other means of making money.  What about investments?  What about inheritance?  Aren’t these honest ways of making money that don’t involve my working?  Yes…but they both have the foundation of being based on the “work” of someone.  When you buy stock, you are investing in a company made up of individuals who you are hoping will work hard and make the company a success.  When you buy a lottery ticket you are investing in nothing buy blind chance and the luck of the draw.  When you are granted an inheritance, you are given something that is the result of another’s hard work.  Again, the resources exist because of toil….not chance.  I hate the lottery because the lottery promotes laziness.           

Secondly, the lottery flourishes upon the principle of selfishness.  Being rich is not a sin.  DESIRING to be rich is a sin….at least according to the Bible.  “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:8-10 (NASB)  Money isn’t evil.  Making money isn’t evil.  But loving money is.  Not being content with “food and covering” is.  Lustful desires for wealth lead people into ruin….or as Paul says “temptation and a snare…..and destruction.”  WOW Paul, could you give us an example?  How about the lottery?  I wonder how many people have foolishly squandered money they couldn’t afford to lose because of their fleshly desires for wealth?           

Another argument in favor of the lottery is that it’s “only for fun.”  There’s nothing wrong with spending money to play a game is there?  Of course not.  GO BUY MONOPOLY!….OR go watch a football game.  Or go play a round of golf.  A certain amount of leisure activity is good…..but if your “hobby” is buying lottery tickets, find some other way to unwind.           

Third, the lottery is pathetic stewardship.  Granted, many of the lotto players of our world aren’t Christians and don’t care about being good stewards.  But some of our nations gamblers ARE Christians.  Every dime you possess is a gift from God.  Everything you have belongs to the LORD and you are only stewards or managers of it.  God has blessed you in many ways.  Shall you take GOD’S money and buy lottery tickets with it?  Shall you take GOD’S money and squander it on a game of chance?  Or shall you take GOD’S money and put it to good use?  Use the money to make more money in an honest and hard working fashion.  Or use it to provide for your family.  Or use it to save up an inheritance for your kids.  Or use it to further God’s kingdom on earth.  But don’t use GOD’S money to feed your insatiable desires for riches….and feed the State’s morbid agenda.  Which leads to my last issue with the lottery.  It funds a Godless entity.           

This is the argument you will hear from pro-lottery advocates:  the lottery helps fund the public schools.  In fact, when presented this way, the government will even convince you that you’re doing kids a favor by playing the lottery.  Those poor children won’t have school books unless you buy that Powerball ticket.  And without those books, they’ll never be able to teach these poor children the things they need to know so they can grow up to be Godless deadbeats as well.  Why it’s a “win-win” situation.  You play the lottery and squander your hard earned money (???Win???), while at the same time funding the schools so they can teach atheism, secularism, political correctness, homosexual tolerance, and evolution (???Win???).  Without doubt the lottery is a “win-win” situation….. for the Kingdom of Darkness.  Adults are enslaved by greed…..kids are enslaved by a Godless education.  And Satan sets back and smiles, for the lottery has done wonders in advancing his depraved agenda.  And how many Christians have shelled out the bucks at convenience stores all over America to advance this putrid cause……while I stand behind them in line for 30 minutes, waiting to buy my Dr. Pepper?

I have no problem funding good schools.  But if the ONLY way we can fund public schools is by having a lottery then maybe we need to do away with both.  On the contrary, I think there are other ways to fund education that won’t involve preying upon the greed or desparation of the “money hungry” among us.  Furthermore, I would prefer to fund schools that teach reading, writing, and arithmatic….and leave the social indoctrination to the parents who raise them.  Public school curriculum often ventures into areas that they have no business going into….and I have no desire to fund it. But that’s a blog for another day.  Today, I address the lottery….and in case you haven’t discovered…..I oppose it.

            Consider the verses I cited and think long and hard about what God would have you do with the resources He’s blessed you with.  “For we must all stand before the judgment seat of God…….then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:10, 12)  

Posted in Political Issues | Print | 1 Comment »

Does “Appearance” Matter?…Not With GOD

August 24, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

The Second of God’s TEN COMMANDMENTS says:  “Thou Shalt Not Make a Graven Image.” (Exodus 20:4-6) Obviously, it’s a “no-brainer” to most Christians that we should not make any statues that we bow down to and worship.  This brand of idolatry was fairly common in Biblical times….and is still common in many parts of the world today.  But the commandment is not simply against making images of “false gods”….it also includes making images of the REAL God, since part of the commandment forbids us to  make “any likeness of what is in heaven above.” (Exodus 20:4) 

            GOD is all powerful, all knowing, supremely sovereign….and UNSEEN.  He is invisible to our physical eyes, because He has chosen to be that way.  Indeed, God has ordained that it is only with “spiritual eyes of faith” that we are allowed to “see” Him in anyway.

             I think many people in our society struggle with this because we put such a premium on appearance.  Living in the technology age as we do, we expect someone to look a certain way, if we are to give them our praise or support.  Politicians spend a fortune hiring consultants who will help them project the right image.  They concern themselves with the right suit, the right hair style, the right voice inflection….all so they can appear to be fearless leaders, when in fact they may not be.  Richard Nixon lost the 1960 Presidential election to John Kennedy in large part because Kennedy looked so much more polished in their television debate, which was the first such debate ever televised nationwide.  Ironically, a man like Abraham Lincoln, who many consider our greatest President, would have no chance of being elected in our day and age.  He was tall, gangly, bearded, and ugly.  We wouldn’t like his “appearance.”  And the fact is, we might not like God’s appearance either.  Let me explain.

            God cannot be seen by man….unless God chooses to manifest Himself to man, which is exactly what He did.  In fact, God BECAME a man and “dwelt among us” in the person of Jesus Christ.  And we were so impressed with His appearance that we killed Him.  But Jesus did not come to dazzle us with His Physical appearance….He came to dazzle us with the GLORY OF GOD.  By His own choice, He came humbly and unimpressive in appearance. 

            So what did Jesus look like?  Well, He certainly wasn’t a blond haired, blue eyed Anglo-Saxon in a 3-piece suit.  He was born as a Middle Eastern Jew, who worked as a carpenter.  The closest thing we have to a physical description comes from Isaiah.  “He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”  (Isaiah 53:2-3 NASB)  Incidentally, the only other physical characteristic we know of Him is that he had a beard (Isaiah 50:6), which will be a disappointment to the obsessive “clean cut” crowd among us.  Make no mistake; if you are impressed by physical appearance, then you would have been disappointed in Jesus.  BUT, if you’re impressed by DIVINE POWER…..then you would have worshipped Him for the God that He was and is. 

            We don’t really know what GOD looks like…..yet.   But one day we will.  The day is approaching in which He will be “coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him.”  Revelation 1:7 (NASB)  On that day we will ALL see Him….but we won’t all be happy to see Him.  Some will see Him as their Savior, and they will rejoice to behold the Lord in all of His Majestic Glory.  He will take us unto Himself and welcome us into His Perfect Pardise.  Others will see Him as the Divine Judge, who has come to shell out the final, eternal reckoning.  They rejected Him on Earth….and they shall suffer forever in Eternity.

            So, what does God look like?  You had better seek the answer with “spiritual eyes” rather than “physical eyes.”  God is Holy, Perfect, Righteous and Just.  But we are woefully sinful creatures.  Yet, God in His Infinite Holiness, is also Gracious and Merciful; inviting us to His table and promising our adoption if we will but repent and place our faith in Christ Jesus as Lord.  You cannot SEE Him…but you CAN have Him as your eternal King and Savior.  We will see Him soon enough, for the day is coming when His people will worship Him, bowing before His throne, at His very feet.  Then we shall see Him…..and our imaginations will be forever satisfied in Him Alone.

 

Posted in Eternal Issues, Theology | Print | 1 Comment »

When The “Bridge” Is More Troubled Than The “Waters”: The Minneapolis Disaster

August 2, 2007 by Shane Kastler.

Simon & Garfunkel once sang a song about “a bridge over troubled waters”, yet the tragedy that has befallen Minneapolis, Minnesota this week causes us all to pause and wonder, “What if the bridge is more troubled than the waters?” When it’s all said and done, this is just another reminder that all is not perfect in the cursed world in which we live.

Most people drive over several bridges everyday, and I doubt they give a second thought as to whether or not it will hold. Our society has become so safety conscious, that we just assume things are built right, and government inspectors will never let something pass that isn’t up to snuff. While the majority of the time that may be true, accidents still (and always will) happen.

Like many others, I was curious as to how this could have happened. Let’s face it, this wasn’t an isolated wooden bridge somewhere in the middle of nowhere. This was a bridge on a major U.S. Interstate, that ran right through a major U.S. City, over the largest river in our country. If ANY bridge would be safe, you would assume that one would be. But, sadly that wasn’t the case.

I predict we will see a media-fueled, over reacting blame game ensue in the coming days. Don’t get me wrong, there obviously needs to be an investigation into what happened, and if it truly was negligence on someone’s part, they need to be help accountable. But, what I think you’ll see are politicians clamoring for the camera with promises of a full scale inspection of every piece of pavement on the planet. Higher taxes to cover “repairs” that may or may not be needed, so people can feel safer. And reporters constantly asking, “who can we blame?” In fact, this has already started. This morning on “Good Morning America” Diane Sawyer in her best “I’m a serious newsperson” voice, asked a Civil Engineer what the average citizen is supposed to do if they feel uneasy about driving across a bridge. The engineer spent the next 2 minutes, basically saying, “find another route to your workplace.” But is that really necessary? Are we going to become a nation marked by over-reacting paranoia concerning bridge safety? We’ve already over-reacted on airplane safety to the point where you can scarcely enter a plane without the standard body cavity search to make sure you’re not concealing a tube of toothpaste somewhere. How will we over-react to this tragedy?

Rather than fear, blaming, and unnecessary paranoia, let me offer another suggestion. Trust in the Sovereignty of God over your life, and make eternal issues your primary focus. We have become a country that puts so much faith in man’s ability, that we often forget that man’s abilities are (and always will be) limited. Technology has advanced to the point where we can travel great distances in short amounts of time. We can send information across the world in a matter of nanoseconds. Diseases that were once sure-fire death sentences can now be treated and cured. YET….YET….ALL PEOPLE STILL DIE. Eventually, something is going to take your life. It may be cancer, it may be a bullet, it may be a faulty bridge. Rest assured, it WILL be something. So be it. If we live for the next world, then the freak accident that ends our life here won’t be something we continually fear, nor even dread. I’m not saying to live recklessly…but I AM saying to live a life of simple trust and faith in a Sovereign God…..then let the chips (or bridges) fall where they may. If tomorrow is your appointed day of death, all the civil engineers in the world can’t change it. And if tomorrow is NOT your appointed day, then an atom bomb dropped in your living room won’t be able to take your life. One of my favorite verses in Scripture is Psalm 139:16, “In Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. (Psalms 139:16 NASB)

Incidentally, I’m not saying that if someone you know loses a loved one to a freak accident you should respond by telling them, “Too bad, I guess it was just God’s appointed day for them.” While that may be true, we need to be sensitive to the moment, and to a person’s understanding of God before we make such matter of fact statements. But this is the mindset, that should govern the Christian’s life. Trust in God, and focus on the unseen, eternal world. Jesus taught the same thing, in the following passage:

“Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.’” (Luke 13:1-5 NASB)

The people of Jesus’ day assumed that tragedies only befell those under God’s judgment. Our society does the exact opposite. Unwilling to cope with a God of Justice, our society sees every catastrophe as a strike against innocent victims. While Jesus explodes the myth that bad things only happen to bad people, he also points out that in reality, there is nothing but bad people. In other words, rather than dwell on the earthly tragedy that took the life….Jesus focuses our attention on the eternal reality that we are all sinners in need of repentance, who are careening towards an eternal judgment, far worse than any national disaster. Unless we repent, turn from our sin, and place our faith in Jesus Christ alone as Lord of our life…..we will all likewise perish. Though the tragedy may not be a fallen tower, nor a collapsed bridge….we will ultimately perish in eternal Hell. And that really should be the greater concern, should it not?

Heartfelt sympathies and prayers should go out to those in Minneapolis who lost a loved one in this tragedy. Losing someone is never easy. Losing someone under such bizarre circumstances is even harder. But God is big enough to see them through. My hope is that this will once again make people stop and think about how fleeting life is…and about the reality of a world beyond. That bridge you cross tomorrow may collapse. If it does, will you be ready to stand before your Maker? Do you live everyday, walking the narrow road (Matthew 7:13-14) behind Jesus Christ? If so, then fear not. God is in control of your life…but your life will still end someday. God knows that day, in fact he has appointed it. The circumstances that take your life might be “of the devil”…but it’s a Sovereign God who is in ultimate control and allows, ordains, and works all things “after the counsel of His will.” (see Ephesians 1:11) If Christ is your Lord, then rest easy and sleep well tonight. Your days may be numbered…but your eternity is sealed. Fight the urge to worry and fret about your safety….and place total trust in your Sovereign King who still exercises complete control, over a broken, shattered, and dying world.

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