A couple of years ago I wrote the following song about trying to live up to expectations. It is called “Better Than That.” The first verse is about expectations at work, the second is about personal expectations, and the third is about marriage. You’ll have to use your imagination as to what the melody sounds like, and at the bottom I’ll share a few comments…

It’s about understanding, the culture of this corporation

And how their expecting you to exceed expectations

And now they’re demanding you to unleash your imagination

In short, the financials are flat; You gotta do much better than that

You gotta do much better than that; take off your favorite hat

You gotta do much better, better than that

One day I read in the paper, “fresh new talent,” some big wig was searching

So I got out my old guitar and, well I started rehearsing

Wrote myself a cute little song, one that I thought some folks could sing along

But all the other groups were DJs and rap; They said “You gotta do better than that!”

Then came my sweetheart’s birthday, thought about what had worked in the past

The same bouquet of pink flowers, a bottle of wine, and a gift that would last

Put on her favorite music, my old suit, and straightened up real fast

But as she sighed and put her coat on the rack

She said, “I hoped this year it would be better than that.”

You gotta do much better than that; Take off your favorite hat

You gotta do much better, better than that

You gotta do much better than that; Find out where the party’s at

You gotta do much better, better than that

It’s a goofy song, I know, and it also has some pretty depressing lyrics, right? But I know the world described in this song is the reality in which many of us live…constantly striving to fulfill the expectations of employers, family, and ourselves. Often times we fall short of what people hope for or even demand, and it leaves us feeling discouraged, tired, sad, and even angry. So where is the relief from feeling like a failure?

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:28-29

Our relationship with God is not dependent upon what we can do for Him, but what He has done for us. And as Mike will preach about next week, true joy can be found through intimacy with Christ. What a relief from the performance demands of the world! Not only that, but I truly believe when we prioritize God’s expectations for ourselves (developing intimacy with Christ), the natural result is that we will be better equipped to fulfill the expectations of others in our life…or at least we will worry less about when people aren’t pleased with us. So if you find yourself running on the hamster wheel of human expectations, without seeking support from Jesus, you gotta do much better than that!

Cory Grimm

Are you a trader? A trader might seem like an “occupation” of days gone by and remind you of The Little House on the Prairie. And while most of us aren’t trading animal skins for groceries, or manual labor for building supplies, there are still many things that we trade even in the modern era which we live.

In its simplest form, a trade is an act of exchanging one thing for another. Instead of exchanging some farm fresh eggs for a new pair of shoes, most often we trade our wares for dollars and cents. We trade our time and skills for an honest wage; we trade our products and services for a deposit in the bank. Athletes are traded to other teams in hopes of a winning season and big profits, and salesman make deals to trade cars and trucks. Many things are also traded apart from financial gain. Friends trade phone numbers, homemakers trade recipes, kids trade baseball cards and friendship bracelets. Brides trade their last name for their husband’s, new mothers trade in sleep for time spent with snuggling babies.

So what makes a good trade? That depends! What might seem like the deal of a lifetime to one person wouldn’t cause someone else to take a second look. A good trade depends on the viewpoint of the parties involved. A good trade means that the value of what you are getting is better than what you gave up.

In our competitive culture, we seem to have a constant craving for something better. We strive to get the upper hand when it comes to our careers, possessions, sports, and hobbies no matter what or who stands in the way. At times we trade in morals and character for a promotion or a bigger paycheck. But at what point do we say it’s not a good trade?

In Isaiah 43:4 God says, “Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored and I love you.” Although these original words were spoken to the nation of Israel, they grabbed my attention. It is extremely humbling to even consider that I might have been chosen over another. What if someone gave their life that I might live? What if somebody on earth was asked to trade their days in early so that I would hear a wake up call before it was too late? Even more, in light of eternity, what if I was to spend forever with Jesus because someone exchanged their spot at the table for mine?

Which leads me to wonder, if someone else’s life really was given in exchange for mine, would the way I am living and the person who I am prompt anyone to think that it was a good trade? Jesus tells us in John 15 that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend; to trade places with them. Jesus made the ultimate trade. He exchanged the glories of heaven and perfect harmony with the Father for thirty-three years on this sin-filled earth in a fragile human body. The Creator traded places with His creation. And he did it all out of his great love for us.

So how about you? Are you a good trade? Are you letting the ransom that was traded for you go to waste, or are you seeking to honor and glorify the One who traded his life for yours?

May it not be said of us that we were a bad trade.

Erin Jacobsma

During the summer my children enjoy working with their 4-H cattle. They give the cattle a bath, blow dry them, and comb them until they are show ready. The kids lead each animal with a halter, pet them, and care for their every need. Even after being out to pasture for several months, when the kids call their names, they come running for the gate for a scratch behind the ears. A bond has been developed that won’t quickly go away.

This spring, two of the heifers had babies. After each calf was born, they had to be separated from their mom to check their health and give them an ear tag. Even with the kids by the gate trying to comfort the momma cow, she was clearly agitated and did not want to trust anyone with her baby calf. Each time they entered the pen, the cow was certain to stay between them and their beloved calf.

While watching this happen, I was struck by the similarities of humans and animals to protect their young. As a parent, I do everything I can to protect my children from the things the world yells at them as acceptable and okay. My desire is that they would listen to me and obey my requests.

As a follower of Christ, I know that God wants nothing more than to protect me from the ways of the world also. His greatest desire is that I may listen to the requests He has prepared for me in advance. For many years I told the world I was a Christian and yet did what the world told me was acceptable. I went to church, helped out where I was needed, and did my best to act like a Christian should. Yet I felt as though something was missing, and had a desire in my heart for more.

Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

God gives us guidelines to follow in living a life pleasing to Him, but He wants more than just “good people.” The Bible is more than an instruction manual to living a good life and someday being part of God’s Kingdom. We are in God’s Kingdom here on earth now and God instructs us to follow Jesus’ example.

Yes, God wants us to trust and love Him, but He desires us to be His disciples, too. As a disciple in Christ, we need to learn to live our life like Jesus would if He were to slip into our shoes. God wants us to do so much more than just believe His Word, He wants us to be doers of His Word. We are part of God’s plan to build up His church. Not only is our job as a parent to instruct and protect our children, but more importantly it is to disciple them to be little disciples spreading the love of God throughout the Kingdom right here on earth. We need to teach our children that being in Heaven with God one day is not our only purpose in following Christ.

We can only be gently corrected and steered in the right direction by God if we have a relationship with Him so we can hear His familiar voice when He calls. Only then can we begin to lead others to know who their Savior is. Paul instructed the church in Corinth to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) Paul left us the example of studying the scriptures, meditation, and prayer. We are to do the same.

For myself, this was a new lifestyle. I have done my best to be a whole new identity in Christ, and leave my old life behind. Everyday more and more of my old self is left behind and it is my prayer that more and more of me is a reflection of my God, my Savior – my one true love, Jesus Christ.

Becky Ossefoort

I was asked to be a delegate to the 209th General Synod of the RCA. After I agreed, an email arrived giving information needed for the meetings. That email included 265 pages of resolutions and material to study so I would be prepared to vote on the many issues.

The first session began on Thursday afternoon with Synod President Greg Alderman leading worship and sharing thoughts from Malachi 3:16 which says, “Then those whose lives honored God got together and talked it over. God saw what they were doing and listened in. A book was opened in God’s presence and minutes were taken of the meeting, with the names of the God-fearers written down, all the names of those who honored God’s name.” (The Message) That scripture was the theme of our many challenging discussions. We came together from many places, many backgrounds, with many issues to discuss, and many of us with personal agendas.

Multiple resolutions were brought before the assembly to be discussed and decided. Reports included information from the seminaries, commissions on Christian discipleship and education, race and ethnicity, women and youth, Christian action, unity, worship, theology, history, and more. Some reports were for information while others had resolutions that were to be voted on.

As a regular delegate from Minnesota Classis I could fully participate by having the privilege of the floor (allowed to speak to the synod), vote, make motions, or be elected to office. My time was spent listening—not talking. The delegates and others attending the synod meeting sat by round tables usually with 4 others. Our table included a delegate from New York, a pastor and an elder from Michigan and a non-voting individual from Colorado. The voting delegates were each given a keypad which was used in voting.

Voting proved to be a challenge as often a resolution would come before the group only to have an amendment attached. Then there might be an amendment to the amendment and discussion for the amendment which could include more discussion before the final vote. The keypad was used to decide whether the resolution passes or fails and the results were on screens in graph form within 30 seconds.

Although 53 resolutions were voted on, the one topic which seemed to consume an inordinate amount of time was that of homosexuality and what stand the RCA has. The discussion was difficult as there were many different views on what the Bible says about the topic and many arguments for and against accepting the homosexual as a church member, as elder or deacon, or as pastor. A commission was assigned to continue discussion toward making a definitive decision. I can’t guess where that will lead us to, but know that no matter what is decided there will be people who will leave the RCA.

Even though sitting is difficult for me and considering we started the day at 8:00 AM and continued until 9:00 PM, the times of sharing, worshiping and voting proved to be interesting as well as challenging and time passed quickly. The Spirit was evident as the “church” expressed their love for God even through difficult discussion and disagreement.

There were many positive times including stories of Transformed and Transforming and what that means for the Reformed Church, for our respective churches, and with us individually. It was stated that God alone is God, that God alone is the agent of spiritual transformation, that the love of God casts out fear, and that the Spirit works through the body of Christ.

The RCA has a goal of transformation, but it is you and I who have to be transformed so that we become a catalyst for change in the RCA, the ARC, in our communities, and homes. There is so much more to share and I have the 200 pages which are available for you to read and digest. Don’t hurt anyone running to get first dibs on the information!

George H. Bonnema

Thanks again to everyone who supported the recent trip to Haiti through prayers, finances, and encouragement. Many people have shown a great interest in the trip, the people of Haiti, and our guest Zacharie who is staying in Luverne for the summer. Below are the most common questions we have been asked with the answers we have been giving.

Cory Grimm

1. Have things improved in Haiti since the earthquake in 2010?

By outward appearances things seem to be improving. I remember travelling in the country shortly after that time, and the tent cities were everywhere. I wondered if a large number of people would still be living that way in 5-10 years. That doesn’t appear to be the case, at least going by what you can see from the main roads. Also the roads themselves have benefited from a lot of repair, including better pavement and improved bridges. Hopefully this is an indicator of upgrades in other areas of society as well. The Haitians are a tough people who know how to bounce back from disasters.

2. Did you accomplish on the trip what you set out to do?

Yes, and more. We spent some quality time connecting with the kids at the Deaf/disabled School, and took new photos for their sponsors. We also had some good conversations with Lucner and Julianna, the directors of the school, and spent a morning working in their garden to plant some produce for the kids. The balance of the time was spent connecting with past, present, and future partners of H.I.M., the highlight of which was probably visiting Accolade, a ministry to street children in Les Cayes.

3. How did George Bonnema do in Haiti?

We couldn’t have picked a better representative of ARC to go with us on this trip. First of all, George is very low-maintenance, so he never complained about the accommodations or the various last-second changes in schedule, etc… He’s also very comfortable in the heat as he works countless hours outside in the hot Luverne summers, so his adjustment to the climate was no big deal. Most importantly, he really seemed to connect well with and appreciate the people of Haiti, which is the country’s greatest treasure by far.

4. How is Zacharie adjusting to America, and what will he be up to this summer?

He seems to be enjoying himself, though he is very cold when it gets below 80 degrees! We are running our heat in the basement this summer so he can sleep at night. He stays busy participating in our normal family activities, church activities, and various special meetings. For example, he preached at the Union Gospel mission last week, and he has a meeting with Alan Green of Lifelight on Friday, a contact he made years ago when they did a music festival in Les Cayes, Haiti. He is learning from everybody while he is here, but is also imparting his wisdom to people he meets.

5. What is the plan moving forward for H.I.M. (Haitian International Missions)?

The big push now will be to fill some mission trips so people from our church and region can use their passions and faith to make an impact in Haiti and be impacted by the people there. The first trip will be Nov. 11-18 and will focus on ministry to children. Our tentative plan will be to facilitate a construction trip sometime this coming winter and a trip for teenagers in the summer of 2016. We have many opportunities to support Haitian-led ministries that are making a difference in Haiti and beyond for the kingdom of God.

What do a snake bite, a broken wheel, a sunburn, and a stinky pickup have in common? Well before this week, probably nothing. I am sure most of you could relate to one or more of those items, but probably not all at the same time. As it turns out the common denominator was that these were all the side effects of helping a friend. Let me explain.

Last week Saturday I had the pleasure of joining a group of individuals that traveled to Sioux Falls to assist with work at the home of Rick & Joy Dawson. The request had gone out to the congregation and I am grateful for the twenty plus people that gave of their Saturday to help a brother and sister in need. The snake bite occurred in the midst of the work… mostly. The youngsters discovered early on that there were snakes in the back yard and several volunteers (particularly me) were not keen on working next to reptiles. The snakes we encountered grew in size and after some fun and taunting, the ‘daddy’ snake tried to inflict some pain on his young handler. The blood was minimal and to my delight, the snake was released into the bordering corn field not to be seen again.

The rest of this series of unfortunate events occurred after the group enjoyed the satisfaction of a job well done and many words of gratitude and appreciation. A wheel on one of the trailers broke off at the gas station on the way home and the pink color on several necks and arms intensified as the day went on. The stinky pickup wasn’t apparent until Tuesday when the bunny that the youngsters had been playing with was discovered on the back seat. Needless to say, there was one casualty and a disgusted pickup owner.

As I recalled these events, I began thinking about the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. The familiar story depicts how we should love our neighbor as our self and show mercy to those around us, but I wondered about the unwritten part of Jesus’s example. Children’s books picture the Good Samaritan as a light hearted young man who was just tickled to offer assistance to a perfect stranger, but really? He was obviously very generous and offered to pay for the man’s care, but what about the incidentals of helping someone. Do you suppose he counted the cost as he approached the man in the ditch the same way I do when I see a hitch hiker on the side of the road? Do you suppose he weighed the pros and cons of his decision before he dismounted his donkey? Do you think he tried to ignore his conscience and pretend he didn’t see the need?

There’s an old proverb that says “no good deed goes unpunished”. In other words, even good actions may have unforeseen bad consequences. But does that release us from the compulsion to help somebody? Remember Jesus said things were going to be different with his followers – “not so with you”. The proverbs in God’s word offers a contrasting perspective to the viewpoint of the world. Proverbs 3:27 says “Whenever you are able, do good to people who need help” and Proverbs 21:26 says “Good people give without holding back.” In today’s society we even have laws to protect the Good Samaritan because we don’t want people to be reluctant to help a stranger in need for fear of legal repercussions.

So regardless of problems that we might encounter in reaching out to a fellow child of God, it is still more blessed to give than to receive. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and you will receive. You will be given much. Pressed down, shaken together, and running over, it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.”  Let us give and live generously!

Erin Jacobsma

What an amazing week we have had at Vacation Bible School! During VBS, the directors and I do our best to keep things moving and organized behind the scenes for the teachers and helpers. Often times I move on to the next task once something has started, never stopping quite long enough to take it all in. It is what is needed to keep things running smoothly, but it does leave me feeling like I miss out on some of the joy that others experience while they sit and listen to the kids talk about what they are learning.

We began Monday’s activities after welcoming 157 smiling children through our doors. Using the Bible as our guide, we got started on our first trek up the mountain to a Bible lesson where we learned the story of God providing for Elijah. God has the power to provide! After reflecting on the week’s lessons, I could see exactly where God provided for us during the week. We did not run out of a single item, even though it was close after having 13 more students than the last few years. Not only did we have enough supplies, but we had many wonderful helpers to help create an environment for the Holy Spirit to be at work.

Tuesday, we learned that God has the power to comfort. Once again, we met Elijah in the wilderness and learned that King Ahab was angry and in hot pursuit of Elijah. Elijah was scared and told God he just wanted to be done, because it was too hard. But God comforted Elijah by whispering, “I love you.” Preparing for VBS is a tremendous amount of work for many who are involved. For myself, I can see where God comforted me in both the planning stages and this week during the busyness when things weren’t going exactly as planned and while we were moving outdoor activities inside because of the rain – and it all worked out perfectly.

God has the power to heal. The students were off to the Jordan river on Wednesday where they met a sick man named Naaman. A young slave girl told his family that he should go to Israel to meet Elisha. Naaman was very reluctant to take a bath in the dirty Jordan river, but after he did, God healed him! We have all been healed at one time or another. I’m happy to report there were no major injuries at VBS, but we did get out the first-aid kit a few times. I thank God that he has the power to heal!

On Thursday, the students were led to hide with some close friends of Jesus. They were all very afraid because Jesus had just been arrested and crucified on a cross. Peter explained to them how he had hurt his friendship with Jesus when he denied Jesus three times. Our sin picks away and breaks apart our friendship with God. But God loves us so much that he doesn’t want our friendship with him to be broken. God sent Jesus to repair our broken friendship with him. God has the power to forgive. Many eyes welled up with tears as we placed our thumbprint on a cross and whispered “I’m sorry, Jesus.”

Each of us goes through hard times and our world is not a perfect place. Yet, no matter what happens here on earth, we know that because of Jesus we can go to a place where there is no trouble! God is preparing a forever home for you and me. One day, we will all be welcomed by Jesus where we will be connected to him forever. God has the power to love us forever. I trust many seeds were planted this week and have great anticipation to see each child grow in their faith, trusting Jesus as their Lord and Savior

After reflecting on our week, I may not have had the opportunity to hear all the chatter our children had among themselves, but I thank God for revealing his mighty power to me while doing the work he had laid before me. This week is another reminder of how God is at work in every aspect of our life. Pay attention to what you do and take time to reflect on your day in prayer with your Father in heaven. Where do you see our powerful God at work?

What a mighty God we serve!

Becky Ossefoort

I would like to begin my article by making a judgment that many people in the church misinterpret what the Bible says about judging. Over the past few weeks I have been in conversations where someone has said, “I know I’m not perfect and I know we’re not supposed to judge, but…” or “We have to be careful not to judge…” or “I’m struggling with the concept of judging others.” So, should we or should we not judge?

The answer is yes, we must judge in the sense that we must be discerning. God expects us to make judgments. How can a person distinguish right from wrong unless they make a judgment? In Hebrews 5 the writer implies that the word of God is useful in making judgments between good and evil.

In Mark 12:38, Jesus warned the disciples to watch out for the teachers of the law because of the way they abused their power and exploited the poor. He expected them to make a sound judgment. Proverbs 31:9 commands us to, “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Failure to judge is not only irresponsible, it is also uncaring. In I Corinthians 5 Paul chastises the church because they passively sat by knowing that a man was having sex with his mother. Actually it says they were proud of it. Paul instructs them to make the judgment of expelling the sexually immoral brother to be handed over to Satan.

I can remember when our boys where young, we wouldn’t allow them to play with one of the neighbors because he was bad influence. Was it wrong for us to judge that other young man?

And the answer is also no, we must not judge. Jesus said in Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” So is Jesus contradicting himself? No, what Jesus is implying here when he says we must not judge is that we must not judge critically or hypocritically. May it not be so with us in making judgments that tear people down in order to build ourselves up, but rather we must be charitable in our judgements.

In Matthew 7:3 Jesus gave an example of hypocritical judgment. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye.” In other words, it’s foolish for me to be concerned with some tiny issue in another person’s life when I have some major sin issues in my own life. For example, can we criticize the government for wasteful spending, when we waste so much ourselves?

If we are going to judge someone else’s sin clearly we must first be clear about our own sin. The point of making judgements must always be for the purpose of helping, and I can’t be effective in helping someone with their speck until I resolve my log issue.

Paul gives instruction on how to make charitable judgements to the Galatians in chapter six, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” When helping someone caught in sin we must do so without condemnation, but rather with gentleness, humility, compassion and grace.

To judge or not to judge; that is the question. And the answer is yes. May it be said of ARC that our judgments are designed to protect, transform, and strengthen others. Like Jesus may our judgments always be filled with truth and grace.

Grace to you, and peace, Mike Altena

Last week I shared some thoughts on Bruce Jenner’s confusion over his gender identity. When watching the interview I kept wondering, how could a person be confused about their gender when the defining characteristics seem so clear?

As I was reflecting on the interview I sensed the Spirit asking me, “Mike, although you may be certain of your gender identity, in what ways do you find yourself confused about your spiritual identity? In what ways do you deny who God created you to be in order to impress or fulfill the expectations of others?” In short, in what ways are you living a lie?

I felt convicted; the Spirit was right. I also find myself feeling confused over my spiritual identity. See, although Jenner’s struggle is that he is trying to become someone who he is not, my struggle is becoming someone who I am. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”

So according to this verse, even though it sometimes feels like it, I am no longer bound to my sin nature; I am now a saint who can choose to walk in the Spirit. Because I am secure in Christ, I need not live in fear. Because I am accepted in Christ, I need not strive to win the approval of others. And because I am significant in that I have been created in Christ Jesus to do the good works which he prepared in advance for me to do, I need not try to enhance my value to society through performance or productivity.

Before we look down on Jenner, we must admit that the ways in which we live a deceptive life or fail to live as a new creation are many. We often consider our occasional or besetting sins less offensive to God than the sins other people commit.

For example, having sex before or outside of marriage is much more acceptable than homosexuality or being transgender, yet we consider it a much worse sin than self righteousness or gossip. Or working at the grocery store on Sunday is more acceptable for a student than it would be for a farmer to harvest his crops. Sometimes we pretend that we are pretty good people, yet John reminds us, if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Another way we live in spiritual confusion is the refusal to accept our talents, our personality and our giftedness. Rather than enjoying how God hard wired us in these unique areas, we try to be like someone else. We often wish we had someone else’s gifts. By comparing ourselves to others, we often reduce ourselves to being “just average” disciples in God’s kingdom.

Again, if I am honest with myself, the list of ways in which I live a lie are many. The truth is, apart from appropriating my new life in Christ, I am often not the person you think I am. And being aware of my own deceptive ways, I also realize that often times you’re not the person you’re pretending to be. May it not be so with you and me.

So hear the good news about our identity! By faith in Christ God loves you and me and is pleased with us and God will complete the good work of transforming us into the sons and daughters he saved us to be. And may we not forget or be confused, “You and I have been crucified with Christ and we no longer live, but Christ lives in us” (Galatians 2:20).

From a blood bought, Spirit empowered, adopted son of God,

Mike Altena

I was watching the news recently when a segment of Diane Sawyer’s interview with Bruce Jenner was played. In that interview, Jenner, the 1976 Olympic gold medal winner of the Decathlon, shared that since he was a little boy, “I have always been confused about my gender identity. I have always been living a lie about who I am.”

When Sawyer asked Jenner if he was a woman, Bruce went on to share how, even though he has all male body parts, for all intensive purposes he is a woman. His “heart and soul and everything he does identifies with being female.” Jenner said he feels like a small boy stuck in the middle of being a man and a woman. He repeated, “Bruce lives a lie, she is not a lie. I can’t do it anymore”

So at the risk of hurting all of his fans, friends, and family, by sharing with a watching world that inside of his male body he feels like a woman, Jenner hopes to “change the world”. “I really firmly believe that we’re going to make a difference with what we’re doing” (The “we’re” being the other 700,000 transgender Americans).

In her commentary, Sawyer then explained how, with the help of a therapist, Jenner made the decision to stop running from his feelings and began transitioning into a woman. Jenner found a doctor who prescribed “female hormones—estrogen… he had surgery on his nose…and began treatments to remove his chest hair.

After reflecting on this particular eight minute portion of the interview I realized Jenner was right, he is indeed helping change the ethos of America. Being applauded and affirmed by millions for his courage of exposing “the lie” he was living, Jenner sadly continues to add to the confusion over reality in our nation.

Jenner’s inner struggle clearly reveals that the heart is deceitful above all things. Seems to me that simple logic would say if I have male body parts, I look like a male, and sound like a male, then regardless of any feminine type thoughts, feelings or actions, I am still male.

The Bible says in Genesis 1:27, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” The Bible gives no indication that God created “transgender.” In fact in Deuteronomy 22:5 we find that God detests it when a woman dresses like a man and a man dresses like a woman.

The truth is, Jenner is not helping our society by claiming to be female when we all know he is a male; he/she is still living a lie. And it doesn’t help in our day of political correctness for Christians to passively allow this foolishness to deceive and destroy our society under the biblical misinterpretation that we are not to judge other people. Silence and passive acceptance only adds to the confusion and one day we are all going to wake up and realize it is too late.

And let me close by adding, as Christians we add to the confusion when we express contempt for those who are clearly deceived for we all live a lie in one form or another. May it not be so with us to condemn those who are caught in sin, but rather may we walk in the grace and truth that Jesus walked. If you and I are going to change the world then we must speak the truth in love for we know that it’s the truth that sets us free.

Grace to you, and peace,

Mike Altena