#i have a lot of feelings about this
it’s not that i want to push sexuality on anyone or out anyone but taylor’s not even trying anymore. the only thing she hasn’t dont is explicitly say “i’m bi” or whatever she may identify as. She dressed in the Bi flag colors, constantly writes songs with extremely sapphic undertones, and advocates strongly for the LGBTQ+ community. The only reason more ppl don’t realize it is the heteronormative culture we live in. and frankly i don’t blame taylor for not coming out (if she is bi) because she would probably face a lot of hate because a lot of people hate her for whatever she does
[Saint] Paul was denounced to the [Roman] authorities by owners of a slave-girl who had the power of predicting the future [due to the influence of a demon. Such soothsaying was not uncommon;] in the uncertainties of a pre-scientific age, any high-ranking official would have a staff of seers to predict the future for a price. Today we [effectively] still have them and they call themselves scientists, whether their predictions have a sound scientific basis or not. [Although legitimate science is praiseworthy and practically useful, we see the modern “demonic” aspect inevitably emerge when the knowledge gained by science is separated from God, being instead hailed as the result of human power alone, and used for trivial, selfish ends. Like in the pagan days of Rome, today individuals of popular esteem or rank will, almost religiously, consult the (often unprofessional) predictions of ‘science’ to guide and govern their choices. This superstitious obsession, and the power it brings, has become so integral to the lifestyles of so many that, when it is questioned– or removed, as Saint Paul did with the demon of divination– the result is striking. Idols do not fall quietly, especially not before Christ. Likewise,] when Paul silences this girl– and deprives her owners of their income– [in their fury,] they easily accuse him of other 'crimes’. These might be refusal to attribute divine status to the Emperor– [the next step up in idolatry. Whereas a pagan had no trouble promoting mortals to 'godhood’ and consulting spirits for hidden knowledge, the early Christians– still seen only as a Jewish sect– openly refused and rebuked such practices. Their faithful devotion to the One God, and declaration of His Sovereignty, was an automatic criminal sentence in the eyes of a vengeful nonbeliever– or even a misguided man of their natal faith, once the Christian declared Christ as God Himself! Thus] in his proclamation of the Gospel, Paul was caught between two [unavoidable and painful outcomes]: either he was beaten by the lictors for refusing divine honour to the emperor, or he was beaten by the Jews for granting divine honour to Christ. [Nevertheless, he– and all the faithful– stood undaunted.] Half-a-century [after Paul was so accused,] Pliny, as a provincial governor, challenges Christians to say ‘The Emperor is Lord’; they reply, ‘Damn the Emperor, Jesus is Lord!’
Dom Henry Wansbrough; Expounded Commentary on Acts 16:16-22
“Never be afraid of your Bibles. If there is a text of Scripture you dare not meet, humble yourself till you can. If your creed and Scripture do not agree, cut your creed to pieces, but make it agree with this book. If there be anything in the church to which you belong which is contrary to the inspired word, leave that church.”—
Charles Spurgeon
This, right here, is the powerful heart of Christian living, the true fire of Charity.
The Bible contains many “hard sayings,” many difficult commands, and plenty of convicting truths. Being the Holy Book, it will inevitably point out our unholiness with piercing accuracy. Don’t run away. Don’t let pride make you hide! That Biblical cutting-down-to-size is what cuts out our sinful habits, if we humbly accept that we both need and deserve the process.
Likewise, some of your personal beliefs, opinions, preferences, ideas, etc., being formed by the world, will stand opposed or contrary– however minimally– to what it says in God’s Word. You may laugh this off as mistranslation or “outdated doctrine” or the like, trying to justify yourself and validate all your thoughts instead, forgetting that you are terribly fallible and prone to commit error every moment. When your viewpoint clashes with that of Scripture, you get off that high hill of yours and seek a different vantage point. When your own “book” of rules disagrees with the one Good Book, you tear your tome apart at the very spine. I use brutal language because we cannot be mincing or hesitant in these matters. There is One Truth that is God, and if we encounter opposition to it in ourselves, however “minor,” it is still a lie in the face of God and it must be removed and replaced.
Lastly, we live in the last days. The Church, though her heart is safeguarded as the Bride of Christ, nevertheless is maintained by thousands of human sons & daughters who maim their Lord’s teachings by their own errors, by gutless lies and social pride and moral laxity. Your local church is not exempt from this plague. You must keep your eyes & heart fixed on God’s Word, vigilant for any missteps or malice both within yourself and in your worship community, and like a devout soldier, always ready to defend your Lord’s honor and guard His Church from the enemy, the Liar. Be gentle but firm, courageous but meek, merciful but just– and start with yourself. Get the beam out of your own eye, by the grace of God! Only in true humble piety can you discern dangers in the church, which includes you. If you aren’t properly living as a sheep of His flock, you won’t recognize the impropriety of a wolf… and a true sheep knows their Master’s Voice: a Voice we learn to love through His Word.
Never be afraid of the Bible. Yes, it is full of fearful power, but that power is meant to save! Such is the nature of holiness. Its fire is meant to purify and enlighten! Every word within it has been given for Good. Trust in its heart, and read it constantly. Let it define your entire life, for when this life ends, only the soul who has loved God’s Word will know the Way to life eternal.
The prophet Samuel tells the people of Israel that sacrifices and burnt offerings are not what God desires most. What God is really looking for from His people is obedience, not showing off with public spectacles of religion. [Centuries later,] God [still] asks us simply to obey Him, [except now He has also given us,] to follow, Jesus’ model of love, mercy and humility. [His example of obedience is perfect; we need only imitate Him through love. We couldn’t have simpler directions! Nevertheless,] we live in a time when churches can get sidetracked [from simplicity, becoming preoccupied] with putting on events or running programmes that are focused ‘inwards’– [prioritizing their own immediate needs over any acts of mercy]. Perhaps these are the bold 'burnt offerings’ of today? [After all, no matter how impressive the architecture, financial resources, public image, or social life of our church may be, if these things are not being used to actively obey God’s person-focused commandments, they mean nothing to Him.]
[Today, consider God’s true wants from us and ask:] How do we live out our faith in a practical way that pleases God most? [Have we done so today?] How do we become outward-facing churches and Christians, [making the service of God and His people the ultimate motive and end goal of all our choices?] God is looking for Christians who are willing to reach out to those in need [whenever we encounter their needs, not just when it’s 'convenient’]. How do you respond when you see those who are a pariah, [someone rejected or ridiculed even by fellow members of the faith? How do you meet the sick, the imprisoned, the homeless, the addict, the refugee? How do you act to soothe those who are afraid, lost, hopeless, disabled,] poor or in pain? [Do you see them all as people, or as projects for your pride? We cannot please God if we are thinking about what will make us look good.] What would it look like for you to look outwards and [selflessly] serve those who are in need of God’s love? After all, how we serve the poor and follow the example of Jesus is the real litmus test for churches and for us as individual Christians. [God’s commandments are to love and serve one another, not to help ourselves].
Mercy Ships
Trusting in God (in Hebrew, bittachon - בִּטָּחוֹן) does not mean that we are obligated to affirm that this is “the best of all possible worlds,” though it does mean we believe that eventually God will wipe away every tear and make all things right. Bittachon is a word for this world, which says, “Though He slay me, I will trust in Him…” Those who call upon the LORD can trust not only in concealed good behind ambiguous appearances (“all things work together for good”), but also in a future, real, substantive good that will one day be clearly manifest for us all. We fight the “good fight” of faith, which is a worthy struggle that eventually is realized for blessing. Meanwhile, may the LORD our God keep us from such depth of sorrow that leads to sickness, darkness and despair.
John J. Parsons
