Commentators with no more expert perspective than shared anguish, are all over news and social media regarding recent evil attacks. They blame every possible cause except the reality of evil. Then, from their clueless platforms, recommend solutions no more effective than throwing water on a grease fire. The same frenzied voices who called to defund and disarm police are the ones to grab a bullhorn and blast out when police actions are not tactical enough to save their children. Whether on the news or in the streets, they are just rioters. The character of rioters hasn’t changed since the riot at Ephesus in Acts 19. The 32nd verse says, “…some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there.” We should be listening to professionals. One is Ed Mireles, a well-known former FBI agent. Ed will share his experiences at our…
2022 May
Within a few hours of writing last week that the animus in America is palpable, a man drove from Las Vegas to an LA Suburb and opened fire, killing one and injuring five. He was angry over Taiwan separating from China. As usual, my media enquiries started soon after. Some wanted to know if it’s time for metal detectors at churches. One was horrified that I suggest designated teams of armed defenders be ready in churches. I told her that good and brave men like Dr. John Cheng (who died charging and disrupting the killer) would not have to die if there were armed responsible defenders. She said, “Even more would be in danger if normal citizens were armed!” I’m tired of hearing that. I’ve even spoken in church security events where some “trainer” with all his credentials attempts to convince the audience that citizen defenders with guns would only…
Humans are social. We fight better as a battalion, compete better as a team, sing better in a worship service and learn better when we discover together. We are better together. That’s why we need gatherings: homecomings, reunions, meetings, congregations and conferences. Fear and federal domination caused our culture to stop gathering for 2 years. Anger and mistrust took root in society, more lethal than any virus. It affected relationships across the spectrum (families, friends, communities and nations) so much the animus is now palpable. As church doors opened, the returning congregations had changed. There is a perceptible limp and measured caution as people return to gatherings. The effects of 30 months of isolation, restriction and fear placed on society is seen in individual faces. Mistrust is prevalent. The role of church security has changed as well. It has never been more critical than now to be ready for when…