[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_custom_heading text=”“A Piece of My Mind”” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_custom_heading text=”February 2023 Newsletter” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:30px|text_align:center|color:%232633ef” google_fonts=”font_family:Bitter%3Aregular%2Citalic%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Advancing Christian Faith and Values,
Defending Religious Liberty for All,
Supporting Civility and the Common Good
through Preaching, Teaching, Writing,
Activism and Reasoned Conversations

www.donaldshoemakerministries.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”1304″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Buffalo Bill’s Defensive End Damar Hamlin

“The idea that prayer is improper at big-time sporting events was forgotten on Monday night [January 2]…. Suddenly prayer—the ancient activity of speaking to God in the belief that he can hear and respond—was everywhere.” – Barton Swaim, Editorial Page Writer, The Wall Street Journal (January 5, 2023)

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Now is as good a time as ever to be trained in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

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Why the Current Disinterest in Bible Prophecy?

When I was a young Christian in the 1960’s I was concerned that a disinterest in Bible prophecy seemed to be settling into evangelical churches and youth ministries. This was a BIG change from the 1950’s, when Bible Prophecy was a huge teaching theme. Trends in youth ministry pointed us to focus on the problems of this world and our role in changing things. Prophecy took a back seat, for it was seen as a hindrance to “this-world” ministries.

Everything changed dramatically again with the arrival of The Jesus Movement in the late 1960’s. Many of the “Hippies” who were attracted to The Jesus Movement were kind of “doomsday” people to begin with (the singer Barry McGuire, who converted to Jesus, was already known in the entertainment world for his song “Eve of Destruction”).

The Jesus Movement was highly influenced by the Calvary Chapel churches that grew from it and by Hal Lindsey, author of The Late Great Planet Earth. Calvary Chapels were strongly into Bible Prophecy and were (and still are) strong proponents of the “Pre-Tribulation Rapture.” Youthful Christians were taught that the Rapture could happen at any moment. Songwriters produced songs on prophecy themes (like Larry Norman’s popular pre-trib song “I Wish We’d All Been Ready”). The youth of my own congregation in Long Beach, California started a regular “Jesus Meeting” gathering known as “Last Generation.” Youth-driven interest in prophecy topics had never been greater, I’m quite sure.

The popular film “A Thief in the Night” promoted a pre-tribulation rapture. San Diego-based pastor and author Tim LaHaye, whom TIME Magazine named one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America, produced the immensely popular “Left Behind” series of 12 books that depicted a world in turmoil after the sudden pre-trib rapture of the saints.

Now today we have lapsed back into disinterest in Bible prophecy. One writer said you have to be over 50 to be interested (all those Jesus People are now well over 50!). This could be blamed on the excesses and extremes of some prophecy teaching. Or to the “this-world” orientation of a lot of teaching and ministries today (including efforts to change society). Or simply to a blind spot in our attention to some of the Bible’s key themes.

Whatever the reasons, the current disinterest is nothing new. “I’ve seen it all before!”

Churches, Pastors and Theologians need to be concerned about the current disinterest in Prophecy.

Churches need to intentionally reform themselves through a healthy restoration of Bible Prophecy.

Pastors should create a sermon series on Prophecy Issues designed to reignite interest in Bible Prophecy in the hearts of congregants—a series that is rational, Bible-based, theologically informed, timely and without speculations.

This is a slightly revised excerpt from my 2022 essay, “For Me, the ‘Rapture’ Is
Up in the Air!” The entire 29-page study is available as a blog on my Website.
Upon request, I will send you a PDF copy of the study. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Better Arguments, Less Heat

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger* once told a gathering of bishops and cardinals they needed to lower the temperature during a heated debate.

“The arguments are either convincing or they are not convincing; the tone can either be disturbing or helpful.

I suggest we help each other to take down the tone and strengthen the arguments.”

His reasoned temperance would serve debate well, whether the issue is theology, church policies, secular politics or anything else.
* Cardinal Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. From his retirement in 2013 until his death on December 31, 2022 he served as Pope Emeritus.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

“The Lord’s Prayer” #1 – An Introduction

As [Jesus] was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

– Luke 11:1-4 (King James Version)

When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

– Matthew 6:7-13 (King James Version)

Over the next few months we’ll take a serious look at the prayer Jesus gave us to pray. Each study will look at one or more of the phrases of this prayer. Plus, this first lesson will give an introductory look at some features of the prayer. My desire is to increase our understanding and use of this prayer. The ultimate goal is to deepen our communication with our Father in Heaven through the teaching ministry of Jesus.

Introductory Teaching for Understanding “The Lord’s Prayer”

1. Jesus gave us The Lord’s Prayer so we would avoid meaningless prayer patterns (Matthew 6:7-8) and develop good prayer habits (Luke 11:1).

“Lord, teach us to pray…” Jesus’ disciples once came to him with this request (Luke 11:1). Jesus’ answer was what we call “The Lord’s Prayer” (2-4). This prayer is also taught in Matthew 6:9-13.

In Matthew’s version, Jesus gives this prayer to correct meaningless prayer habits—habits that are essentially pagan. “Use not vain repetitions,” that is, “Do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words” (6:7). The Greek verb for “babbling” is interesting—“battalogetō” (“to babble, to stammer, to speak without thinking”). It’s what we call an onomatopoetic word—its meaning comes from how it sounds, like “bang!” or “swish”. Don’t keep praying “batta-batta-batta-batta”—don’t pray any prayer that sounds like babbling!

Our God is not like the gods of paganism. He stands ready to hear. In fact, “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (6:8).

So we pray with simplicity and with faith. God doesn’t weigh prayer by the pound. He hears the little child. “The Lord’s Prayer” is excellent for its simplicity. New converts often don’t want to pray out loud in public because, they think, they don’t know how. What they mean is they can’t pray like the “prayer giants” they hear praying at church. In reality, we should learn from the simple prayers of new converts.

I’ve been in prayer gatherings that go “batta-batta-batta.” I’ve been guilty of trying to pray with fancy words. I need to hear the lesson here.

2. The Lord’s Prayer gives us both a pattern to follow (Matthew 6:9) and actual words to say (Luke 11:2).

[Mt. 6:9] – “pray like this” – a pattern to follow. You don’t have to use the exact words, but learn to pattern your prayer life using this as a guide. You never have to wonder whether or not you are praying “in God’s will” if you are praying after the pattern of The Lord’s Prayer.

In Luke 11:2, Jesus says, “When you pray, say…” We can actually pray the very words of The Lord’s Prayer. We should never frown at the practice of Christians who recite the prayer privately or in worship liturgy. If anything, we should do it more often than we do. However, we must never allow The Lord’s Prayer to become like the empty repetition it’s supposed to prevent.

3. Jesus gave The Lord’s Prayer to us. He never prayed it himself.

Certainly Jesus prayed and practiced certain points of this prayer. He hallowed the name of his Father in Heaven. He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.”

But he never prayed, “Forgive my sins.” Nor did he pray to “our Father,” but rather to “my Father.” The Gospels underscore Jesus’ unique sonship. See John 20:17 NIV – “I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” The Lord’s Prayer is really “The Prayer of Jesus’ Disciples.”

4. The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that God must always come first. While our needs are important, God is all-important (as in the two “love commands”).

When Jesus taught the two “Love Commandments” he made it clear which was first (“Love the Lord your God”) and which was second (“Love your neighbor”). See Matthew 22:37-40. Both are important and necessary. But the first is primary.

So it is in The Lord’s Prayer. First we pray for God’s honor and kingdom. Second we pray for our needs. Both are important and necessary. But the first is primary. How often do we focus first on our “needs” and “wants” and fail to put God’s honor first (or even to mention it)?

5. The Lord’s prayer has (1) an opening address and (2) six petitions (two pairs of three).

God is addressed as “our Father in Heaven.” We will see that this address is vital and must not be changed. Six petitions follow: three for God and his honor, three for us and our needs.

6. The traditional doxology at the end of the prayer was added to later manuscripts and is not part of the original prayer.

It may disappoint, if not alarm, some Christians to learn that the phrase “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” is not original to the Gospel of Matthew. Certainly, though, it is outstanding and true (and how could we sing Malotte’s The Lord’s Prayer without it?). It is proper to add these words to worship liturgy following The Lord’s Prayer.

7. Finally, it is important to see the differences between the Matthean and Lukan versions of the prayer.

Matthew has these statements not found in Luke [based on readings from The Greek New Testament, Society of Biblical Literature Edition, 2010]:
“Our” before “Father”, plus “…who is in heaven.”
“…your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
“…but deliver us from evil.”

Matthew’s prayer is for forgiveness of “debts” whereas Luke says “sins.”
A warning about the necessity of forgiving the sins of others (using the word “trespasses”) follows the prayer in Matthew. So here we see two of the many words that are synonyms for “sin.” (Public prayers typically use either “debts” or “trespasses.” What matters is that we all speak the same word together!)

There are no contradictions here. Nor do these differences affect the meaning of the prayer, except that Matthew’s word on forgiving others is explained. We may assume that Jesus taught about this prayer on many occasions.

Beginning next month we will examine the opening address and the petitions in The Lord’s Prayer. These introductory points will aid us as we look at them.
I encourage readers to check out the Internet to find an abundance of lessons and information. I also recommend Praying The Lord’s Prayer by J. I. Packer.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

First Amendment Liberty Vigilance –

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
– 1st Amendment

Tolerance, Diversity, Inclusion

Leftist Cancellations

The First Amendment limits the power of government. But it would be wrong to ignore the pedagogical effect of The First Amendment on the attitudes, conduct and policies of people and organizations in the United States. Below are two accounts of actions and attitudes (by government or businesses) that do not reflect the spirit of The First Amendment.

Will renowned neurosurgeon Ben Carson’s name be scrubbed from the Detroit school named after him?
Very possibly, if some school board members and activists have their way. Regardless of his medical accomplishments and public service and his role model for aspiring students, many resent his service in the Trump Administration, where he served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Carson grew up in Detroit as a disadvantaged child.

The school’s website has glowingly stated why it was named after Dr. Carson:
The school is named in honor of the acclaimed Detroit-born, African-American pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson. As a pediatric neurosurgeon…
Dr. Carson was honored with the 2008 Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions. The school aims to honor the contributions Dr. Carson has made not only to the global medical community, but also as a role model for Detroit students with aspirations and interests in science and medical fields.
– The Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine in Detroit

Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams, who served in that role during the Trump Administration, found that jobs can be hard to come by.
He explored jobs in academia but received rejection notices from university officials who worried that he would be badly received by their left-leaning student bodies. Some corporations decided he was too “tainted” to employ.
In September of 2021, Purdue University President Mitch Daniels hired him as executive director of health equity initiatives. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1598373738095{border-radius: 3px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Back
The Badge
“Blessed are those who
maintain justice.” – Psalm 106:3

Line-of-Duty Deaths in 2022

Around 2 p.m. on December 29, 2022 Deputy Isaiah Cordero, 32, pulled William Shae McKay, 44, over for an unknown traffic violation in the city of Jurupa Valley, CA.

“As (Cordero) approached the vehicle, the suspect produced a (handgun) and shot the deputy,” Riverside (CA) Sheriff Chad Bianco told reporters Thursday night. Deputy Cordero died of his wound.

After an intense freeway pursuit McKay was shot and killed during a shootout between him and deputies.

Though McKay pulled the trigger, the sheriff pointed to the criminal justice system as the one that ultimately failed his department.

“This terrible tragedy should have been prevented by the legal system,” Bianco said at Thursday night’s news conference. “McKay has an extensive, violent past and was convicted of his third strike in November of 2021.”

McKay was a “violent felon” whose criminal acts began in the 1990s. Bianco said the shooter should have been locked away under California’s “three strikes” law. [December 30 News Account]

The killing of McKay was justifiable and righteous. The deputies did the will of God. The judicial system did not “seek justice” as it should (Roman 13:1-7; Micah 6:8).

Deputy Cordero was the last Line of Duty Death (LODD) in the U.S. recorded in 2022.* The total LODD in 2022 was 229. This number represents a decrease of 66% over 2021, when 669 LODD were recorded. The main reason for the decrease was a significant reduction in Covid-related deaths from 474 to 73.

Still, Covid was the leading cause of LODD in 2022 in spite of the dramatic drop. Other main causes of LODD in 2022 were:
• Gunfire (66)
• Automobile crashes (32)

These three causes led to 171 LODD, or 75% of the total deaths in 2022. Also important to notice is that 330 law enforcement officers were shot and there were 80 attempts at ambushing an officer last year.

The traffic stop is one of the most common enforcement exercises by observant, pro-active law enforcement officers. The “routine” traffic stop is anything but routine and cannot be treated as such. The approaching officer is at a tactical disadvantage. There is distraction and danger from oncoming traffic. Tinted vehicle windows obscure what the officer can see, especially dark front seat windows, which might be illegal.

Those in the vehicle need to comply with the officer’s orders. Officers must be firm and yet show appropriate courtesy. On top of all this, some of the public are always ready to pounce on officer conduct, at the slightest suspicion of rudeness or excessive force.

A Hancock County (Indiana) police officer pulled over murder suspect Bryan Kohberger and his father, Michael.** Traffic on the Interstate made it hard for the officer to hear occupants of the vehicle.

This traffic stop, following the fatal shooting of Deputy Cordero, underscores the inherent risk of traffic stops.

* The second LODD in 2023 was also a Riverside County Deputy Sheriff—Darnell Calhoun, killed by gunfire on January 13, 2023.
** Whether this and one other stop were done at the request of the FBI is now disputed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1672774688935{background-color: #c6956f !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Social Media and the Explosion of Anxiety

“Anxiety, we know, is felt by heavy users of social media. A 2019 report from the Berkeley Institute for the Future of Young Americans suggests that the rate of university students with anxiety disorders has doubled since 2008, from 10 percent to 20 percent. [The report] attributes this to increased time on digital devices, social media in particular, as well as financial stress.

“In particular, students who spent more than twenty hours of leisure time per week on digital devices were 53 percent more likely to have anxiety than young adults who spent fewer than five hours a week doing so.”

– Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Morality—Restoring the Common Good in Divided times (Basic Books, 2020), from pages 272-73

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www.donaldshoemakerministries.com

Don has been a member of the clergy in the Long Beach, California area since 1970. He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Grace Community Church of Seal Beach (where he was senior pastor 1984-2012) and as Senior Chaplain of the Seal Beach Police Department (2001+). He previously was an assistant professor of Biblical Studies at Biola University (1976-84) and chaired the Social Concerns Committee in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches from 1985 to 2019.

His graduate work includes a Master of Divinity from Grace Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary with a concentration in Christian ethics, and a Doctor of Ministry from American Baptist Seminary of the West (now Berkeley School of Theology) with a concentration on the Charismatic Movement. His law school studies included a course on the First Amendment. He and his wife Mary have been married for over 56 years. They have two children and six grandchildren.