abandoned to Christ.

When I first heard the news about Target and their new Transgender bathroom and fitting room policy announced on Tuesday, April 19, 2016—I prayed. I prayed for the Lord to give me wisdom in conversations regarding this issue, and for the safety of innocent women and children who may be endangered by those who would abuse this policy to satisfy their sinful passions.

The crux of Target's policy is summed up in this quote, "Most relevant for the conversations currently underway, we welcome transgender team members and guests to use the restroom or fitting room facility that corresponds with their gender identity."

Before you get offended by my prayers, please understand, I absolutely do not think everyone who identifies themselves as transgender is more perverse than those who don't. I know for a fact that all people: gay, straight, transgender, Black, White, Asian, etc. are all inherently perverse (wayward, wicked, corrupt—sinful) before the sight of a holy God—and that includes me.

As God Almighty has revealed in His Word, only through repentance and faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ alone, can anyone do anything that is good and acceptable in the sight of the Righteous Judge of all—the Great I AM.

" 'None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.'

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus..."

-Romans 3:10-12; 23-24, ESV

Sexual Predators Posing As Transgender

Sadly, to inflame this already heated debate, there have been erroneous news reports from both Christian and non-Christian sites regarding sexual predators posing as transgender females in order to abuse innocent women and children. One of the faulty reports is about 33-year-old Jason Pomare, who fraudulently posed as a transgender female in order to use the women's bathroom at a Macy's store in Palmdale, California. Though the news reports of this incident are accurate, the reports about when and why it happened are not. This incident did not take place in April 2016, but actually took place in May of 2013. Therefore, though what Pomare did was atrocious (videotaping women in bathroom stalls), this incident did not occur due to any recent battles regarding laws or policies that make provisions for transgender people to use whichever restroom or dressing room they prefer.

But just because the date of the incident was incorrect doesn't mean we ought to foolishly discount the entire report...because it did happen. Sexual predators like Jason Pomare of California, and 37-year-old Christopher Hambrook of Toronto, are everywhere. And there are countless other sexually deviant men and women like them, who already have, and will continue to falsely pose as transgender men and women in order to prey on and abuse the innocent.

Again, I am not accusing all transgender men and women of this crime, I am rightly accusing anyone; truly transgender or falsely transgender, who will see policies like Target's as a gateway for their ruse to abuse.

Biblical Perspective on Transgender Restrooms and Dressing Rooms

As a Christian, I am not alarmed by this policy. We live in a fallen world, and my Lord Jesus already warned all who belong to Him, of the trials and tribulations we will suffer in this life (John 16:33). With His warnings, Jesus also plainly revealed how we, as dearly beloved children of the Most High God ought to respond.

Christians are commanded by God to faithfully, lovingly and boldly preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in order that some may be saved. We are commanded to protect the innocent and wish no ill on anyone, but to speak up and fight for the protection of the innocent. We are not, however, called to fight social battles that neither endangers nor threatens the welfare of others (e.g., boycotting Starbucks and other companies who choose to say "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas"). However, this issue of allowing transgender people to use whichever restroom or dressing room they prefer does jeopardize the safety of innocent women and children by exposing them to falsified transgender men and women. And this is why we must speak up and take action.

Therefore, every Christian ought to boycott Target because Target is foolishly entrapping innocent people by exposing them to the wave of sexual predators who have, and will continue to abuse policies like these.

Reasonable Solution

If Target or other companies want to include transgender people, then they ought to assign bathrooms and dressing rooms that are unisex. That way, those who feel comfortable using the same restroom or dressing room with a transgender male or female, will be able to do so, without forcing those who are uncomfortable with this arrangement to comply.

PARENTS BE ADVISED: the video below is not appropriate for young children.

In Acts 11:26, it's recorded that this is the first time disciples of Christ were called "Christians". The entire New Testament books are replete with what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ—a Christian. In those days, "Christian" was not a complimentary or even as a neutral term for a group of people, but rather, they were called "Christians" as a derogatory term. We know this because we read account after account about the many who suffered for being named a Christian.

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name."

-1 Peter 4:12-16, ESV

In Acts 2:42-47, we're given a beautifully clear picture of what the Church (that is, the Body of Christ) looked like: devoted to the apostle's teaching (Scripture); breaking of bread; prayer; having all things in common; sacrificially and generously giving to one another not out of compulsion, but from sincere hearts; habitually fellowshiping in the temple and at one another's homes; praising God; and the Lord added to their number daily, those who were being saved. This is what the Church should look like today, but doesn't.

We more resemble the Corinthian church—full of sexual immorality, greed, gluttony, pride, envy, strife, misuse of spiritual gifts, spiritual laziness/apathy, nominal and corrupt church leaders who neglect the flock while filling their egos and lives with mammon. Beginning with the sexual devolution promoted by Hugh Hefner in the early 1950s, leading to the women's liberation movement in the 1960s and culminating with the legal right to murder innocent lives if they're an inconvenience in 1973 with Roe v. Wade; it's been a slow fade. It's understandable that these wicked behaviors founded on wicked beliefs are fulfilling to the people of this world, but it's a complete abomination that these same wicked behaviors are being accepted, excused, and chased after by professing Christians.

Yesterday, I saw something on Twitter that grieved my heart: a list of the top 25 bestselling "Christian" books for March 2016. It's too painful to share all 25, so I'm only sharing the screenshot of the top 10 because the rest of the list is just more of the same.

I was heartbroken that Sarah Young's blasphemous and heretical book Jesus Calling, two books by well-known heretic and unbeliever Joel Osteen, the undoctrinal book about prayer Fervent by Priscilla Shirer (which the movie War Room was largely based on), and worse...adult coloring books, topped the list.

Here's what Waterbrook Multnomah (Waterbrook Press), whose membership was revoked from NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) in 2014 says about their adult coloring book Whatever is Lovely, "Color your way to peace and worship. We live in such a busy, hectic world—but what waits for you inside this adult coloring book is a way to quiet the noise, express creativity, and spend some sweet time with God. Each page features an original design from one of a dozen different artists, beautifully illustrating a contemplative quote from an inspirational writer, a beloved hymn, or Scripture."

Mind you, there are four adult coloring books that make this list of top 25 "Christian" bestsellers, and three of them are listed in the top 10. If you're interested, you can view my top 20 favorite and recommended books by clicking here: Sunny's Top 20.

I lament to say that I know too few "Christians" who read, study, meditate and understand the Bible (in context), and too many who can only quote Scripture out of context (or can't quote Scripture at all), and get the majority of their theology from heretical books, heretical TV miniseries and heretical "bible" movies. Prior to this, they could only share what they "felt" like God's Word says to them, but now, they can also, literally, color in God's Word however they'd like.

As I consider how the Bride of Christ is shamefully defiling herself with vain and worldly philosophies, rather than cleansing and strengthening herself with the Word of God, these words from our heavenly Father come to mind, "Folly is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him" (Prov 22:15), "When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways." (1 Cor 13:11), "Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them." (Ps 111:2), "And he [Christ] gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes." (Eph 4:11-14), "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Heb 4:12)

The word "Christian" used to mean someone who is crucified with Christ, someone who carries their cross daily—dying to sin and living in Christ's righteousness. It used to mean someone would sacrifice personal comforts and delights (family, friends, riches, food, etc.) for Christ rather than settle for false peace just to keep "good" relations with family and friends who profess Christ, yet practice sordid ways of living that oppose and mock Him (1 Jn 2:3-6, 3:7-10).

To the many who love Jesus Calling and other heretical books and movies, I pray you repent of your idolatry, hunger and thirst for righteousness, and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus (Col 1:9-12). Kill your pride and throw off every weight and sin that clings closely; hindering you from running with endurance, the race God has set before you in Christ Jesus (Heb 12:1-2).

To the few who diligently read, study, meditate and memorize the gracious, pure and precious Word of our LORD, press on and sow the good seed of faith even while you mourn, for our Father promises you comfort in your sorrows (Zeph 3:17), and an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison when you arrive Home (2 Cor 4:15-18, Heb 11:13-16).

Recently, during a Christian Post interview, Dr. Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Dallas, called Christians who refuse to vote for megalomaniac Donald Trump, "fools". I'm proud to say, I'm one of those fools Jeffress is talking about. I'm glad to be considered a fool by man, rather than be deemed a fool by God.

#NeverTrump: Because I love Jesus

One of the essential differences between Christians and unbelievers is that we are new creations in Christ, therefore, we love what He loves (righteousness) and hates what He hates (sin). We don't make decisions based on our fears or affinities like the world does, but we make our decisions based on God's Word, and desire His perfect precepts (Ps 19:7-9; Prov 14:8; Prov 16:2-3, 9)—even if that means we may have to suffer temporarily (Ps 119:67, Is 30:18, 20-21). We trust our lives wholly to our good, sovereign and loving God and Father (Rom 8:28-29).

I've been voting for 29 years and am fully aware I'm not voting for a pastor; I'm voting for the next President or our great nation. Which means I'm not looking for the best Sunday School teacher-like characteristics. What I am looking for is someone who's a servant-leader that cares for others more than self; who's wise; has a firm grasp on foreign policy and can converse intelligently with foreign dignitaries; will uphold and protect our Constitution (not rewrite or ignore it), and does not support, in any manner, the killing of the innocent and the promotion of all that God calls evil.

Donald Trump: A Modern Day Barabbas

In three gospel accounts (Mk 15:7, Lk 23:18-19, and Jn 18:40) we're given a glimpse of Barabbas, the evil man the crowd chose over the good Lord Jesus Christ. The people voted for Barabbas because he said and did things that others were afraid to say and do. He was a loud, demanding and commanding leader, who charmed many to follow him because he appeared strong, unhindered by political correctness and deceptively looked as if he fought for the good of his nation. But God said Barabbas was a murderer, thief, and insurrectionist (someone who hates established government authority and leads a rebellion against it). Therefore, according to God, Barabbas was not the right person to vote for.

Supports Murderers: Donald Trump has donated an undisclosed amount of money to the world's largest baby killing factory Planned ~~Parenthood~~ Barrenhood and continues to speak well of them as a leader in women's health. Trump funds murderers for hire.

Thief: Donald Trump is well-known for doing whatever benefits Donald Trump the most. And if that means filing four bankruptcies so he doesn't have to pay his creditors what he owes, then so be it. Unfortunately, his thievery isn't limited to the business world. His thievery extends to extra-marital affairs in which he proudly brags about all the married women he's bedded and "stolen" from their husbands.

Insurrectionist: Donald Trump has been very clear that he hates established government and that's one of the main reasons why he's running for President of the United States of America...to run our country like his businesses, rather than lead the people of our great nation. He sees our country as just another commodity that he wants to win, rather than see our country as a people, precious people.

I don't care what next big name Christian rallies behind Donald Trump. I'm not impressed with the big names in this world or even in the Church. I'm impressed with Jesus Christ who alone is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Therefore, I refuse to cast my vote for a modern day Barabbas like Donald Trump. I will vote for the candidate who most closely aligns with my Savior's precepts, and that's Senator Ted Cruz. If Ted Cruz doesn't win the GOP nomination, I will either write in a candidate, or not cast a vote at all in the next Presidential Election. Saying we have to vote for Donald so Hillary won't win, is like saying, "We have to vote for Jeffrey Dahmer so Charles Manson won't win." Trump and Clinton are two peas in a pod and I refuse to vote for one of two equal evils.

Though Trump's self-aggrandizing, Barabbas ways aren't hidden, the majority of evangelicals are voting for him anyway. Why? I believe it's because we have too many slumbering Christians in our country due to the lack of Bible reading, studying, and meditating. We live in a time where many Christians get their theology from heretical books, TV shows and movies, claiming that these things are more exciting and relatable to them than God's holy Word. Shame on us. We need to repent of our spiritual laziness and apathy, and ask God to help us live as children of light, rather than like a sow, who after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire (2 Pet 2:22).

We need to wake up—and follow hard after Christ.

"There are many ways of promoting Christian wakefulness...Let the eye of faith be constantly looking unto him; let your heart be full of him; let your lips speak of his worth. Friend, live near to the cross, and thou wilt not sleep. Labour to impress thyself with a deep sense of the value of the place to which thou art going. If thou rememberest that thou art going to heaven, thou wilt not sleep on the road. If thou thinkest that hell is behind thee, and the devil pursuing thee, thou wilt not loiter."

-Charles Spurgeon

The condensed version of, "I told you this would happen, but you wouldn't listen." is, "I told you so." It's been ingrained in me and I think, most, if not all of you, that saying "I told you so" is wrong. It's considered to be harsh, inconsiderate, unkind, jabbing; and therefore, the most unloving and graceless thing to say to anyone after they've neglected to heed wise counsel, and find themselves in an unsavory and often, painful situation.

"Call me crazy, but in the history of conversations, has the phrase 'I told you so' ever really generated a positive response? I'd say no, it has not...'I told you so' is a negative and counterproductive way of saying, 'I’m right and you’re wrong,' that does neither party any good. Even if the person in the wrong has been stubborn and refused constructive advice, that does not give another person the authority to rub their face in it...

"If you must say something, please do so the properly way. That is, be a friend and not a bully. Instead of saying, 'I told you so,' look to your sensibility and maturity for guidance. Try to offer a positive spin on the situation that will make your friend feel better."

-Richie Frieman, Modern Manners Guy

Though I agree with much of what Mr. Richie Frieman said, naturally, as a Christian, I must disagree with his assertion that we need to put a "positive spin on the situation" in order to merely "make your friend feel better." As a grateful recipient of God's grace and mercy—eternal life in Jesus Christ, I always love and desire to speak truth, rather than "spin" (that is, manipulate) my words or actions just to make someone feel good and thus, think well of me (proving I care more about myself than I actually care about them). By God's grace, I'm compelled to lovingly speak truth to usher God's eternal best for others; which is a far greater thing than merely making someone feel better for a moment.

Saying "I told you so" after someone has suffered the consequences of their foolishness, is usually a brazen "in your face" kind of statement people say in order to lord over another person's failings. And that's just flat out cruel. However, that doesn't mean we can, nor should assume that everyone who says "I told you so" is being cruel or arrogant. As a matter of fact, they may be saying it out of deep empathy, compassion, love and mercy for the person they're saying it to. Yes, I said mercy.

It may seem strange for you to reconsider that saying "I told you so" may perhaps not be the wrong, but rather, the right, good, and most helpful thing to say when someone is sitting in the miry pit of their indiscretions. So allow me to share a few real-life, biblical examples of where the person saying "I told you so" is genuinely being kind, merciful and encouraging (that is, instilling courage) into the person they're saying it to.

"And Reuben answered them, "Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy? But you did not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood.

"And the LORD said to me, 'Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.' So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country. Then the Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you and chased you as bees do and beat you down in Seir as far as Hormah.

"Jesus said to her, 'Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?'

"saying, 'Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.' But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said...Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, 'Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship...Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, 'Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.' Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship's boat and let it go."

-Genesis 42:22; Deuteronomy 1:42-44; John 11:40;

Acts 27:10-11, 21, 31-32 (ESV, emphasis mine)

In all these incidences, whether it was Reuben, Moses, the Lord Jesus Christ, or the Apostle Paul telling the hearers, "I told you so" was said not to lord it over them, but in order to mercifully and lovingly remind the hearers of the painful calamities that happened the first time they didn't heed wise counsel. In such cases, "I told you so" was said not to injure the one being told, but in order to shield them from repeating the same foolishness; and thereby, be spared the same pain or worse, due to their rebellious heart.

"Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, 'See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.' "

-John 5:14, ESV

This is not to say that hardships only come upon us because we sin (we know this because of John 9:3), but in the above verse (John 5:14) we see clearly that Jesus confirms what God reveals throughout the Old and New Testaments: sin devastates, divides and decays our relationships, our jobs—our lives. And in the case of this man that Jesus healed at Bethesda, according to Christ, this man's 38 years of being an invalid was the direct effect of his sin. Which is why we can readily conclude that Jesus' strong admonition wasn't "kicking someone when their down" but it was a merciful reminder of the destructive and painful consequences of sin.

Therefore, though it's most widely understood that saying "I told you so" is unkind and unloving, we see here, that once again, the heart in which we do or say things (Ps 141:3-5, Mt 15:18-19) should alone be the determining factor of whether or not it was loving or unloving, kind or unkind.

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