Kenny Weliever is my son. He lives in Tampa, Florida. And currently coaches the Cross Country team at Florida College. He’s a faithful Christian. A good husband to April. And a concerned citizen. He also is a regular reader of the Tampa Bay Times.
In the October 30th issue of the TBT there was a guest article by Susan Reimer, sports writer for the Baltimore Sun, about NFL star Adrian Peterson. Football fans may recall the news that Peterson, a running back for the Minnesota Vikings, had been questioned for his decision to play in a game against the Carolina Panthers following the death of his two-year old son. A son that he had only recently learned about.
In the days following the boy’s death, news surfaced that the unmarried Peterson may have fathered five children by four different women. Reimer criticized Peterson “for his careless and cavalier sexual behavior.” She also wrote, “The question we should be asking is not whether Mr. Peterson should have played football Sunday. But whether he should have worn a condom when having sex. Or whether he should be having sex with waitresses and dancers at all.”
The TBT chose to run Reimer’s article under the provocative headline “What Adrian Peterson Needs Most: A Condom.” Kenny responded to the article with a letter to the editor that began, “What Adrian Peterson needs is the Bible.”
The TBT published most of Kenny’s letter which in part said, “The word of God which guides our lives and tells us what is best for us. One man for one woman, take care of your body, look out for the needs of others. Things the good book tells us but most people choose to ignore.”
“And why the sudden outcry about Peterson. This is prevalent in sports and in the world. Do I need to list the names of all the people who fornicate, commit adultery, divorce, ignore children, etc. Some who claim to be Christians. Couldn’t do it–only God has that list. We will all be judged by it.”
Predictably several have responded negatively to Kenny’s letter. (Welcome to the world of writing, Son!) Kenny was accused of “judging,” “being ignorant” and “cherry-picking” his favorite Bible verses. Perhaps the most ridiculous reply was a reader who defended Peterson by quoting Genesis 1:28 “Be fruitful and multiply.” Uh, I don’t believe that’s what God had in mind when he spoke those words to Adam and Eve!
But, back to Kenny’s original, opening line: “What Adrian Peterson needs is the Bible.” What does it say about Peterson’s behavior, as well as others like him?
1 Thess. 4:3-6
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable” (NIV)
Heb. 13:4-5
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (NIV)
1 Cor. 6:18-19
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.” (NIV)
1 Cor. 6:9-11
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality….will inherit the kingdom of God.”
In a world gone mad with lust and license, these words of Scripture are lightly regarded, or literally laughed at. Every behavior, no matter how brazen or bizarre, should be permitted. Accepted. Even lauded in some circles. But certainly not “judged.”
There is hope, however, for the Adrian Peterson’s of the world. God loves you. Christ died for you. And no sin is beyond forgiveness. Come to Christ for cleansing. And you will receive spiritual sanctification.
Oh, and thank you, Kenny, for the courage to stand up and speak up for Truth.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
ThePreachersWord 
Thanks Ken for this!!! Tell it like it is and the Bible speaks for itself!!!!
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Thanks Fay! Good to hear from you
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Good article – it’s nice to see young people standing upon their convictions and teach God’s word fearlessly. Kenny came from good stock!
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Thanks Linda!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Ken,
Thankful for the courage Kenny had to speak up. You never know the influence what he said will cause someone to search to include God in their lives and serve and obey ALL of what he has revealed to us in his Word.
So often we say nothing for fear of rejection when what God requires is for us to testify about Him.
Camille
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Roy & Mattie would be so happy to know their teaching & example has lasted through the generations and will continue on & on! Great article!
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Thanks, Ruth!
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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I agree completely that Mr Peterson needs the bible, but I actually think the problem might be a little deeper than that. The country was built and formed around godly principles. God was everywhere, our homes, our government, our business, our schools, our dinner table… you get the idea.
As I see it, children growing up in an average home family (go to church 2-3 times a year) were still exposed to biblical principles without ever seeing a bible. I don’t know anything about Mr Peterson’s home life as a young man, but if I had to guess he wasn’t exposed to biblical or godly principles on a daily basis and those influences from the home and society play a large role in upbringing without ever touching or reading a bible. Just my 2 cents.
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Excellent observations, Randy! You’re right on. Thanks for sharing.
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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I know the joy Kenny’s article brought to your and Norma’s heart! Funny, how they can “judge” Kenny, but he is rebuked for “righteous” judgement! That is how the wicked defend their evil deeds. Even stranger is that they state the Bible to “judge not”, yet ignore all the other biblical commands, given by The God and Creator of all things!
God bless you Kenny, for not being ashamed to proclaim The Lord.
Valerie
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Thanks, Valerie! You are so right. Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful words.
Ken Weliever 400 NW Highcliffe Dr Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 Home Phone: 816-600-5001 Cell Phone: 813-507-1726 Church Office: 816-761-2659 preacherman@weliever.net web site: http://www.weliever.net/ blog: http://www.thepreachersword.com/ Church web site: http://hickmanchurch.com/
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Great, Ken. I appreciate your son for standing for the truth. Thanks for sharing too.
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