American Pastors Network: Health Care Should Be Biblical, Too

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Many Christians are careful to ensure that their giving, spending, investing and even shopping aligns with their biblical values. But what about their health care?

The American Pastors Network says this major component of the American culture and the political sphere should also be in concert with God’s Word.

To discuss the biblical ties to health care, APN President Sam Rohrer recently welcomed a director for one of the nation’s leading health care sharing ministries.

Rohrer and his “Stand in the Gap TV” co-host, millennial pastor Isaac Crockett, spoke with Anthony Hopp, vice president of external relations for Samaritan Ministries, through which more than a quarter of a million Christians worldwide engage in health care sharing—a God-honoring model of health care whereby members directly share in each other’s health care needs through monthly financial shares, while also sending encouraging notes and lifting up their brothers and sisters in Christ in prayer.

“The American health care system is being dismantled, yet the provision for health care sharing is growing,” Rohrer said on the program. “Socialistic policies are replacing what should be a Bible-based system of health care. The issue of health care in America is important to each of us. When we need quality care at an affordable price, we’ve come to expect that we can get it nearly immediately. We’ve become accustomed to the finest of care and the most professional of physicians. Steeped in a Judeo-Christian mindset of compassion, health care and helping those in need has become the norm both on the part of the patient and the provider. Yet, the push for socialized healthcare with less care, higher costs and diminished doctor-patient relationships is increasing, with many people believing it will somehow be better.”

The co-hosts and Hopp discussed, however, that the socialization of health care is one of the major problems in the field, along with growing costs, greater government involvement, a lack of price transparency and heightened third-party interference. Health care sharing through Samaritan Ministries, Hopp said, addresses these concerns by enabling members to pay less for quality health care, move away from government involvement and intrusive third parties, and experience price transparency and even discounts.

Additionally, Rohrer and Hopp noted, members of Christian health care sharing ministries do not pay for abortions or gender reassignment procedures/treatment with their financial shares.

Rohrer also detailed America’s health care spending problems by the numbers.

  • According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as a percentage of the total U.S. economy in 2017, health care represented 17.9%, reaching $3.5 trillion or $10,739 per person.
  • National health spending is projected to grow at an average rate of 5.5% per year for 2018-2027 and reach nearly $6 trillion by 2027, Reuters reported, raising the health care total percentage of the U.S. economy from 17.9% to 19.4%.

“These numbers are almost too large to understand, especially when we realize that Congress recently voted to increase U.S. spending by $320 billion and remove the debt ceiling cap until 2021,” Rohrer said. “The size and scope of spending, be it on health care or anything is else, is out of control and increasing. But rising health care costs and spending can be curbed with health care sharing. Certainly, not every problem with the current health care controversy in this nation can be solved by health care sharing, but for Christian people who choose this legal option and who want to as much as possible follow biblical principles and models, it can be a welcome, God-sent path.”

Rohrer added that with the passage of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, the drive toward socialized medicine and destruction of the American health care system was greatly accelerated.

“The ongoing presidential debates are also focusing much of the discussion on health care, with nearly every candidate trying to out-promise the others from the standpoint of who and what will be covered by a universal, single-payer government plan,” he said. “Yet in the midst of all this is a bright spot in health care sharing. It is growing and flourishing, as more families are finding affordable health care, biblical community and are able to continue being treating by the doctors they trust—all while they honor God.”

View the two “Stand in the Gap TV” programs on health care sharing below:

Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

American Pastors Network: Immigration Issues Are Complex, But God Is Not Confused or Divided

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Borders and immigration are complex issues, especially for the faithful, and will again be top concerns for the 2020 election, says the American Pastors Network (APN), which is why Christians must be informed from a biblical and constitutional perspective on these hot-button matters.

APN frequently explores the topic of immigration on its popular daily, live, one-hour radio program, “Stand in the Gap Today,” heard on more than 400 stations nationwide.

First, says APN President Sam Rohrer in his daily 60-second radio feature, “Stand in the Gap Minute,” the abuse of immigrants is mentioned in 2 Chronicles, where King Solomon focused on the “seven prayers for seven judgments.”

“There are seven warnings for nations that turn their backs on God,” Rohrer says. “One of those signs of judgment is the ‘abuse of immigrants.’ From our nation’s beginning, we’ve welcomed people to our Shining City on the Hill, in part so they could know our God Who is the Light. Today, immigrants are mere players in a political game of chess, introduced first to the god of government with social benefits offered as bribes for votes. Solomon perceived this horrendous government injustice to the stranger and saw that it would tarnish the testimony of God. Instead of pointing people to God, the immigrant was pointed to some other manmade god. In the ongoing debate about immigration and borders, how many Christians and pastors have considered this abuse of the immigrant to be an evidence of judgment? God does.”

But therein lies the complexity, Rohrer adds. False moral and biblical arguments abound, even from pastors, when it comes to addressing immigration—both from a legal and illegal standpoint.

“The moral component being cited by some religious leaders to justify a nearly unrestrained open-door policy is the biblical admonition to welcome the stranger and sojourner,” he says. “They then couple this with the biblical command to care for the poor, the widow and the orphan, to turn the other cheek and to love our enemies. While in some ways this concept is admirable and true, it falls entirely short in our current situation. We as Americans are known for our compassion for the poor, and we have perhaps set the highest standard in the history of all civilizations in giving of our bounty for others. That is, in fact, what Christianity is all about. Some pastors and religious leaders, however, are wrongly applying the command to the Church and individuals to governmental public policy. That is not only unbiblical and denies the clear

teaching of Scripture, but it is also dangerous and threatens the very foundation of our system of civil government that permits the Church and individuals to freely fulfill what God has commanded.

“Should the Church be concerned about helping to meet the needs of the poor?” Rohrer continues. “The answer is unequivocally yes. But this command only applies to these two jurisdictions—Church and individuals—here in our own nation, our own communities or our own neighbors. Can we help overseas? That answer is a resounding yes as well. Many organizations and groups meet the needs of the poor being displaced worldwide by war, unrest or famine. This is exactly what should be done. But, Jehovah God, the Author of Moral Truth, and Jesus Christ, the Embodiment of Truth, never told any nation to open their arms unconditionally to the ‘stranger.’ God never commanded any nation or His nation of Israel to invite in the sworn enemies of God or those committed to the destruction of their system of moral and civil law. There is simply no moral obligation for government to do what is currently being done or advocated. In fact, it is not only a violation of our civil law, it is a violation of moral law to bring in those who embrace the fundamental tenets of the very enemy who have sworn to kill us or to bring in people from countries who are training and harboring these enemies of freedom.”

In the end, Rohrer says, the matter has a simple solution. Government and government officials should do their lawful and moral duty to enact justice and protect God-honoring and law-abiding citizens of this nation. Likewise, church leaders and individuals should do their duty to extend compassion and kindness to all strangers, foreigners, the poor, the widow and the homeless, whether next door or around the world.

“If these simple lines of jurisdiction are followed, this current controversy would be eliminated,” he says. “God is not divided nor is He confused on this or any issue—and neither should we be. I pray to God that all in positions of authority would heed and lead. Our very freedom depends on it!”

Israel Continues to Be One of President Trump’s Most Critical Election Issues for 2020

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Israel last week announced that the nation would ban two American Congresswomen from visiting because of their anti-Semitic stances—then reversed the decision, stating Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) was approved for a “humanitarian” visit. Friday afternoon, however, reported Fox News, Tlaib confirmed she would not be visiting her grandmother in Israel after all, citing “oppressive conditions.” Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) is still banned from visiting.

The American Pastors Network (APN) follows news about Israel closely, especially as it relates to American politics and American Christians—and in light of the fact that Israel will be one of the most important 2020 election issues. In fact, APN focuses on Israel at least once a week on its daily “Stand in the Gap Today” radio program, which airs on about 400 stations nationwide, as well as addresses news coming out of the Middle East from a biblical and constitutional perspective.

To one of these recent programs, APN President Sam Rohrer welcomed former Minnesota U.S. Representative and presidential candidate Michele Bachmann, with whom Rohrer attended the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast earlier this summer; Bachmann also co-chairs the event. On “Stand in the Gap Today,” Bachmann made bold statements about President Donald Trump and his ongoing commitment to Israel, stating “never before” has she seen a “more pro-Israel president.”

In many respects, Rohrer agrees, stating that President Trump has indeed kept his promise to Christians that he would advocate for Israel on behalf of America.

“Over the past several years, presidential actions have been overwhelmingly supportive of Israel, which should be important to all Christians,” Rohrer said. “Those who support Israel will be put onto a path of blessing—to that, the Bible is clear. Those who bless Israel, God will bless, and those who curse Israel, God will curse. And in these end days, there will be a sifting to either sheep nations or goat nations. That distinction will be led by those nations’ leaders and how they relate to the principle of God’s plan for Israel. Few would deny that this president has taken strong positions in relation to Israel.”

But to whom should this presidential commitment to Israel be meaningful?

“People who are Remnant Christians and believe that Israel is a nation blessed by God will be on board with this administration’s actions and commitments,” Rohrer said. “Certainly, President Trump’s moves and counter-moves concerning the Holy Land do not matter to those who think God is done with Israel, and his support for Israel upsets the Islamists among us.

“But undeniably, all of this brings into context that there is a prevailing, sovereign God who is at work,” Rohrer added. “He is not out of the picture. And many Christians should get Him back into the picture. The fact is that God’s plan for Israel supersedes and is bigger than the U.S. It’s from the beginning of time and directly reflects what God says in the Bible.”

Photo by Joe Pregadio on Unsplash

Back to School Gives Children and Parents a Chance to Go ‘Back to God’

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by Sam Rohrer

It’s approaching fast! We’ll soon be sending our kids and grandkids back to school! But where is our emphasis? New classes? School supplies? Clothing? God’s emphasis starts with how we’re preparing our children spiritually. In Deuteronomy 6, God commanded His people to teach His ways to their children. This includes a God focus in the morning, throughout the day and in the evening. Are we approaching God’s mandate strategically and intentionally in our child’s education and life the best we can be?

Consider starting each morning with your kids in prayer, committing to Christ-like decisions and behaviors. Next, encourage this daily. Uplifting lunchbox notes or text messages may be just what’s needed to overcome anxiety or temptation. Finally, end each day thanking God for His protection and wisdom, then close with Scripture and prayer. Character is not formed in a day; it’s formed day by day to train up a godly next generation.

I’m already stepping off Xanax after two months of treatment. Today is the third day after dose reduction. I feel fine, just slight anxiety comes wavy, but I’m doing good overall. I know about Xanax withdrawal but hope to avoid it. My psychiatrist says it’s possible if we don’t hurry and taper off the therapy gradually. Wish me luck!

Likewise, a new school year should motivate us to more intentionally develop our children’s complete God-centered education. Even our Lord Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man. So, how can we encourage our children as they enter a new school year? Scripture describes God’s design for parents and children as a loving relationship. Joseph and Mary invested in the life of Jesus, providing both His physical and learning needs. Helping our children with an assignment communicates the importance of them and their education. Turning off the television, computers and cell phones to read together increases knowledge as well the relationship with our children. Just talking with your son or daughter about their day as you share a meal can open conversations to encourage learning in ways often overlooked. Other people and resources can help too, but nothing compares to a loving parent committed to the whole education of their child.

This Christian parental involvement is critical, because sadly, according to a 2018 Barna and Impact 360 Institute Research study, 96% of Generation Z have a failed education if we consider that just 4% hold a biblical worldview. But this tragic fact can change if parents live biblically. First, remember that making disciples starts in the home. Second, purposely address the difficult issues of our culture, whether these involve sex, gender or evolution. God’s Word addresses these matters, and so can parents. Third, make worldview development a daily effort. Living obediently, reading your Bible and praying, loving your spouse and faithfully attending church sets a compelling example for children.

When it comes to a biblical worldview, more is “caught” than “taught.” Allowing children to see an obedient walk with God in our lives will confirm that God is real, personal, just and loving. It’s the hope and confidence the next generation needs.

But with cultural challenges evident, can children really spiritually succeed in school? The apostle Paul addressed this challenge to young Timothy when he wrote in 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” The greatest test of our children’s faith will be to live it out at school. When Paul taught Timothy to set an example through his speech and actions, he knew the young man’s life would impact others.

Whether to a classmate or teacher, the words our children use display their attitudes. Their actions come next. Together, their speech and actions determine their example, and that example can be powerful. Parents and grandparents, our words and choices set a powerful example to the kids we love. So let’s make a renewed effort to set the highest possible standard for our words and actions. In turn, our children will be encouraged to do the same.

Finally, let’s remember the most important things to send with our children to school. How many times have we reminded, “Don’t forget your lunch!” as kids head out the door? And I wonder how many children have heard it over the years. As parents, we work hard to make sure our children have everything they need to succeed in school. This includes their lunch as well as homework, but what do our children need to succeed spiritually? If we’re intentional in living a biblical worldview, making disciples, speaking of God when they get up, through the day and at the end of the day, children will be prepared to make the choices that result in spiritual success.

Training up a child in the way they should go is God’s plan. Praying faithfully for them, as James 5:16 reminds us, is also part of God’s plan and more important than we may ever understand. Prayer is the glue that cements biblical training, a godly example and a biblical worldview into place.

Note: This article was originally published on the Christian Post website HERE.

Photo by Hope House Press – Leather Diary Studio on Unsplash

Seven Prayers-Seven Judgments: A Stand in the Gap Minute Series Based on II Chronicles 6

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Can We Know if God’s Judgment is on America?

As I crisscross this nation and interface with pastors and Christian leaders, it’s apparent that crippling paralysis and impotence grip most Christians as well as the Church at large in America. When our pulpits should be flaming with the preaching of righteousness, repentance, and God’s anger with personal and national sin, most are silent. Instead of calling attention to God’s judgment, many pastors deny that we can even know if God is judging America. Seeking ‘comfort’ rather than ‘engagement,’ most pastors are inadvertently contributing to the destruction of our nation by infusing their people with lethargy rather than with an urgency for righteous living.

This paralysis exists in part because leading pastors and church leaders are not certain themselves if God’s judgment is on America or if anyone can or should legitimately declare what God is doing or not doing. Some well-known pastors recently declared this position, with one even telling me directly that 2 Chron.

Chronicles 7:14, which speaks to the issue of national judgment, is not for America or any nation today. They’ve actually said that to speak of the certainty of judgment, to offer the requirements for repentance, and to tell of God’s promise to ‘hear our prayer, forgive our sins, and heal our land’ is to offer a fraudulent hope!

I contend that claiming we cannot know if God’s judgment is on our nation is but a feeble attempt to justify the failure of pastors convincingly to preach on the reality of sin, God’s anger with sin, His holiness, and the need for repentance. The cost of not preaching on the reality of God’s judgment is great.

The failure to preach on the need for repentance now will guarantee God’s final judgment on America.  I contend that if we can recognize God’s blessing on our nation, we can with as much certainty know when His hand of judgment is on us. In this week’s Stand in the Gap Minutes, I will identify the seven marks of national judgment that precipitated God’s answer to King Solomon in 2 Chron. 7:14. The correlations to America are undeniable. 

Please click on the links below:

  1. The First Mark of God’s Judgment on America: The Removal of God’s Blessing
  2. The Second Mark of God’s Judgment on America: Government Sanctioned Injustice
  3. The Third Mark of God’s Judgment on America: Military Defeat
  4. The Fourth Mark of God’s Judgment on America: Drought
  5. The Fifth Mark of God’s Judgment on America: Extreme Weather and Internal Attacks
  6. The Sixth Mark of God’s Judgment on America: Abused Immigrants
  7. The Seventh Mark of God’s Judgment on America: War and National Collapse

Study: Majority of Christians Say Their Faith Came from a Family Member

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According to recent research by Barna, a majority of Christians say they came to the faith long before adulthood—usually before the age of 12.

American Pastors Network (APN) says the findings are interesting because they show the link between faith and heritage, but simultaneously, asks APN President Sam Rohrer, what does it mean for the future of the Christian Church in light of the knowledge that more millennials—today’s young parents—are backing away from Christianity.

“What will be the future of the church if we know that 59% of current practicing Christians say their Christian faith was ‘passed down’ to them from a family member?” said Rohrer, who hosts the popular daily radio program, “Stand in the Gap Today,” heard on several hundred stations nationwide. “With more and more millennials leaving the church—in fact, some studies say that, coincidentally, 59% of millennials have already left the faith—we might find a way to reach the younger generations so they can pass the hope of Christ onto their children.”

Rohrer added that a key may be the connection between the older and younger generation, especially among pastors.

“Most older, faithful pastors have a concern for younger pastors but don’t always have ways to connect with them,” he said. “And younger pastors tend to be divided into two categories: those who don’t necessarily see the value with connecting with other generations, or those young biblically faithful pastors who do long for the opportunity and are honored to be in the presence of those who have sustained, perhaps, a 40-year ministry and have remained true. Many from all age groups who truly want to connect just don’t know how.”

Barna also found that more than half of survey respondents say they grew up as a Christian (57%) and were Christian at the time of their birth. This response, Barna says, “is revealing either of their theology or of how extensively Christianity permeated their upbringing.”

“We must better connect pastors of all generations—both to each other and to younger generations,” Rohrer said. “If we don’t, how we can expect them to connect with their own people on the importance of having a biblical worldview they can pass on to future generations?”

Photo by David Beale on Unsplash