Bill Leveridge

Change My Heart Oh God

2011-09-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

National Debt and Out of Control Spending

2011-08-04T14:31:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Congress sets a federal budget every year in the trillions of dollars. Few people know how much money that is so we created a breakdown of federal spending in simple terms. Let's put the 2011 federal budget into perspective:

• U.S. income: $2,170,000,000,000 (what we take in)
• Federal budget: $3,820,000,000,000 (what we spend)
• New debt: $ 1,650,000,000,000 (additional debt)
• National debt: $14,271,000,000,000 (total owed)
• Recent budget cut: $ 38,500,000,000 (about 1 percent of the budget)
It helps to think about these numbers in terms that we can relate to. Let's remove eight zeros from these numbers and pretend this is the household budget for the fictitious Jones family.

• Total annual income for the Jones family: $21,700
• Amount of money the Jones family spent: $38,200
• Amount of new debt added to the credit card: $16,500
• Outstanding balance on the credit card: $142,710
• Amount cut from the budget: $385
Whew! I'm glad they got that all worked out to our benefit, aren't you? When we hear the pundits screaming about cutting benefits for the old, the disabled and the poor keep this little chart in mind. If we cut 40% of the budget we would still be deficit spending. Drastic cuts and drastic reforms are not optional they must be made now or we will become irrelevant in the world. This “big cut” that had all of the liberals upset amounts to telling a junior high boy who is 200 pounds overweight that he can’t have that Jolly Rancher as you are driving away from an all-you-can-eat restaurant because, “Hard candy is not good for your teeth.” God help us!

A Letter of Faith

2011-08-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Below is the letter of Major Sullivan Ballou of the Union Army's Second Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, to his wife Sarah days before he was killed in the Battle of Bull Run. Ballou wrote the letter on July 14, 1861 while awaiting orders that would take him down to Manassas, Virginia where he was killed on July 28. Ballou, 32, was a lawyer and father of two small boys, Edgar and Willie, who volunteered to fight for the Union Army.

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure -- and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done.

If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter.

I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles I have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us.

I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -- perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been!

How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours -- always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood.

Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters.

Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them.

O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/07/28/major-sullivan-ballous-letter-to-wife-sarah/#ixzz1U5tx9lpH

A Superman and A Wonderwoman!

2011-08-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Marriage is a disappointing thing for many young couples much like church can be disappointing for Christians.

A girl gets married thinking her Romeo is going to give her the same attention and affection in marriage that he did when he was trying to catch her.

The reality is many times couples think they have captured Superman or Wonderwoman and their mate will be able to repair everything wrong in their world.

The girls in my generation thought they were marrying John Wayne and would wake up to find out it was really Barney Fife they had tied the knot with.

The girls in this generation think they are marrying Patrick Dempsey and wake up to find George Constanza starring back at them.

Churches many times think that their pastor or their staff are supermen.

They believe if they can just get the right leaders, Superman, their church will soar. While good leadership is vitally important, we must not hang our hats upon a man.

Superman and Wonderwoman are myths, fairy tales just like the idea that life is always easy for followers of Christ. Anyone who claims to have a special connection or power from God should be very careful. These words from Corinthians make it clear about such false teachers.

2Corinthians 11:13-15

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness whose end will be according to their works.

So we see that the Word must be what our faith is built upon.

We want to reach the world but we cannot compromise with the world in order to do this.

We must reject all false doctrines, even those that seem to be good. We must follow Christ and His teaching strickly from the Bible and not from the mouths of those seeking fame and noriety.

Does Jesus still do miracles, does the power of God still work in lives today?

Yes, Yes!

However, do not look for a superman or a wonderwoman to give you answers, look to Jesus and his Word.

“Are you living life in God’s time?”

2011-05-20T22:23:00.000-07:00

God’s time is the difference between success and failure.

God’s time is the difference between peace and war.

God’s time is the difference between joy and heartache.

God’s time is the difference between marriage made in heaven and marriage made in hell.

God’s time is the difference between life and death.

Are you on God’s time or your own?

Are you walking through life seeking the will of God, praying, asking Him to open the doors that you are to pass through or are you kicking down doors regularly?

Is God’s ultimate will cancelled because you choose wrong?

No, but it can make your life miserable.

I have tried to knock down doors before.

There have been times when I was successful at doing this and it cost me.

At other times I have tried to knock down doors and I gave up believing that God had other plans.

I was told that I was not the right color for a job by a huge corporation.

I am not mad at them, God used it to get me on the right track.

God used it to get me to where He wanted me to be; God has used it to bless me beyond measure.

You see, what we all need to see is that true success is measured not by how much you make, there are untold thousands of people on this globe with millions who are miserable.

Success is not measured even by how hard you work.

There are millions working like slaves who are miserable.

Success is not measured by the quality of work that you do (although it is important to do what you do with excellence) there are millions doing great work who are miserable.

This is the question. Are you doing what He wants you to do and are you sold out to Him?

Jesus was on God’s time and He refused to let His friends, His enemies or His own emotions change that.

He has to tell a very close friend named Peter in Matthew 16:23,

“Get thee behind me Satan,”

He also had to tell this same guy in John 18:11,

“Put up your sword. Shall I not drink the cup which my Father has given me?”

Jesus is living life in God’s time.

Whose time are you living your life in?

Bill

CHANGED LIVES

2011-05-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

Changed lives do not happen in a vacuum.

Changed lives do not happen because we have a bigger or better church building than someone else, or that we have a gym and others don’t.

Changed lives do not happen because our bus ministry is better.

Changed lives do not happen because our sanctuary chairs are more comfortable.

Changed lives do not happen because our baptistery is unique and beautiful.

Changed lives not do happen because our per capita income is higher than the church down the street.

Changed lives do not happen because we are just really nice church people.

Changed lives do not happen because our preacher looks like a movie star.

You and I will never be effective warriors in the battle for the change of hearts and minds of people...

UNLESS WE HAVE FIRST BEEN TRANSFORMENT BY THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!

You see, out of the life that Jesus lived and the life that Jesus gave He has provided those of us who are saved with a life to share to help others change.

If you are lost today, meaning you have never realized your sin nature and your sinning ways then you have no hope of this life that I speak about.

This changed life does not come by good deeds, coming to church, reading your Bible, praying, or refraining from certain activities.

This life comes only by FAITH in the person and the work of JESUS CHRIST.

Acts 1:8 is a guide for Christians to follow to helps others to experience a changed life.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

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The Founders of America as Christians

2011-05-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

Samuel Adams

Father of the American Revolution, Signer of the Declaration of Independence

I . . . recommend my Soul to that Almighty Being who gave it, and my body I commit to the dust, relying upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins.

The Will of Samuel Adams --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Charles Carroll

Signer of the Declaration of Independence

On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for salvation and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.

From an autographed letter in our possession written by Charles Carroll to Charles W. Wharton, Esq., on September 27, 1825, from Doughoragen, Maryland.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

William Cushing

First Associate Justice Appointed by George Washington to the Supreme Court

Sensible of my mortality, but being of sound mind, after recommending my soul to Almighty God through the merits of my Redeemer and my body to the earth . . .

The Will of William Cushing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Dickinson

Signer of the Constitution

Rendering thanks to my Creator for my existence and station among His works, for my birth in a country enlightened by the Gospel and enjoying freedom, and for all His other kindnesses, to Him I resign myself, humbly confiding in His goodness and in His mercy through Jesus Christ for the events of eternity.

.

One Life to Live - Live for Jesus

2011-04-16T22:22:00.001-07:00

There is a huge commotion throughout the city as Jesus enters.

Jesus says, John 12:24 "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Jn 12:25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

John 12:26 "Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. You have heard me say often, if you are unwilling to die then you will never live."

Jesus does not bid you come and live, He bids you come and die so that you may live. Are you willing to die to the flesh? You see those ruled by fleshly desires do not belong to Jesus.

Are you willing to die to the world?

You see those ruled by society, what is politically correct, or what makes them popular will not please Jesus.

The only way to please Jesus is to die to self.

To love Him more than anything, to love others as much as you love yourself, to be willing to obey Him even if it means being unpopular or persecuted.

Look carefully at verse 24. Notice that it says only when a grain of wheat dies will it produce fruit?

Why is the church losing ground? It is because the church has sold salvation as free life without first dying.

Let me tell you this if you bought salvation without first dying what you have may make you feel good but it will not take you to heaven.

Whoever serves me must follow me-interpretation those who are truly serving me follow me daily.

They go where I would go. They do what I would do. They think like I think. When Jesus died much fruit was produced.

He drew all men to Himself.

Sadly many have refused to come to Him.

When you die to yourself in order to live to Him and for Him then much fruit will be produced.

People will be drawn to you and in being drawn to you they will be drawn to Him. You see the life of Jesus and the words of Jesus were in perfect harmony.

Oh Lord one of the biggest legitimate arguments that the world has against coming to church, and against becoming a Christian is that our words and our deeds do not match up.

We say one thing and do another.

Jesus lived the same truth that He spoke.

For us to be His instruments in changing the world we must live what we speak. Are you living on God’s time or making up your own schedule?

Jesus lived out God’s plan for Him to the exact degree so much so that there are literally a hundred or more prophecies that He fulfilled.

Are you living out God’s plan or are you living out your plan.

I know that I am living out God’s plan because this plan has no football and no cows, and if it were my plan it would include both!

And no I am not suffering for Jesus, I am simply telling you that this was not God’s plan for me, and my plan included cows and football.

Now God’s plan for you may include football and cows but His ultimate for all of us is to live in His will.

Jesus lived with His attention on others beginning with the Father and then other people.

He obeyed the Father and He served others before Himself. Jesus lived life in accordance with His own words.

His words and His life matched. Our church will only be as successful in reaching others as we are at living what we profess.

Multitudes do not come to church because they watch us in action and say, “I live as good as them.”

May this never said about any of us ever again. What about it, “Do your words and you life measure up?”

We have one life to live let’s live it like Jesus.

The Founders of America on Gambling

2011-04-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

Take a look at what our founders had to say about gambling and its effects on a Christian society.

WallBuilders - Historical Writings - The Founders on Gambling

The Black Robe Regiment

2011-04-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

Take a few moments to learn another great piece of forgotten American History.
Watch video here...

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Samuel Adams, Views on Jesus & Christianity

2011-03-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; “FATHER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION”; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS

I . . . [rely] upon the merits of Jesus Christ for a pardon of all my sins.

The name of the Lord (says the Scripture) is a strong tower; thither the righteous flee and are safe [Proverbs 18:10]. Let us secure His favor and He will lead us through the journey of this life and at length receive us to a better.

I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world . . . that the confusions that are and have been among the nations may be overruled by the promoting and speedily bringing in the holy and happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.

He also called on the State of Massachusetts to pray that . . .

The peaceful and glorious reign of our Divine Redeemer may be known and enjoyed throughout the whole family of mankind.
we may with one heart and voice humbly implore His gracious and free pardon through Jesus Christ, supplicating His Divine aid . . . [and] above all to cause the religion of Jesus Christ, in its true spirit, to spread far and wide till the whole earth shall be filled with His glory,
with true contrition of heart to confess their sins to God and implore forgiveness through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior.

John Quincy Adams

2011-03-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

SIXTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES; DIPLOMAT; SECRETARY OF STATE; U. S. SENATOR; U. S. REPRESENTATIVE; “OLD MAN ELOQUENT”; “HELL-HOUND OF ABOLITION”

My hopes of a future life are all founded upon the Gospel of Christ and I cannot cavil or quibble away [evade or object to]. . . . the whole tenor of His conduct by which He sometimes positively asserted and at others countenances [permits] His disciples in asserting that He was God.7

The hope of a Christian is inseparable from his faith. Whoever believes in the Divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures must hope that the religion of Jesus shall prevail throughout the earth. Never since the foundation of the world have the prospects of mankind been more encouraging to that hope than they appear to be at the present time. And may the associated distribution of the Bible proceed and prosper till the Lord shall have made “bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God” [Isaiah 52:10].8

In the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior. The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity.9

John Adams - Views of Christianity

2011-03-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; JUDGE; DIPLOMAT; ONE OF TWO SIGNERS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECOND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.1

The Holy Ghost carries on the whole Christian system in this earth. Not a baptism, not a marriage, not a sacrament can be administered but by the Holy Ghost. . . . There is no authority, civil or religious – there can be no legitimate government but what is administered by this Holy Ghost. There can be no salvation without it. All without it is rebellion and perdition, or in more orthodox words damnation.2

Without religion, this world would be something not fit to be mentioned in polite company: I mean hell.3

The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity.4

Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a Eutopia – what a Paradise would this region be!5

I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world.6

"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!"

2011-02-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

Patrick Henry - 03/23/1775

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not [Jer. 5:21], the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss [Matt. 26:48]. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us [2 Chron. 32:8]. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone [Eccl. 9:11]; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace [Jer. 6:14]. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle [Matt. 20:6]? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

A Flood of Memories

2011-02-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

by Ken Ham (with Mark Looy)

Today is a special date in the history of the biblical creation movement. It was fifty years ago on February 20, 1961, that the first copies of the now-classic book The Genesis Flood were shipped by the publisher and received by co-author Dr. John Whitcomb. As such, February 20 has become something of an unofficial birthdate for this monumental work by Dr. Whitcomb and his colleague Dr. Henry Morris, who would later found the Institute for Creation Research. Dr. Whitcomb’s hand-written journal for February 20, 1961, featured a bold, underlined heading at the top with the words “FLOOD ARRIVED.” Underneath, Dr. Whitcomb’s entry reads: “While at school, Sene phoned to say that The Genesis Flood had arrived! I went home at once and found my 25 copies . . .”

Recently, I was asked to write an endorsement for the fiftieth anniversary edition of The Genesis Flood that is being printed by P&R Publishers. Dr. Whitcomb is sending material for the new introductory matter (the preface and history of the book), and Dr. Morris’s two sons (who work today at the organization he founded, ICR), are composing a memorial foreword to honor their father. Here is what I submitted for possible use by the publisher (recognizing that an editor might shorten it).

I have been privileged to have witnessed the rising biblical creation movement for the past 40 years and have seen it be mightily used by God to blossom into a major international force. The movement has not only shaken the evolutionary/millions-of-years establishment, but more importantly has equipped the church to share our Christian faith with renewed boldness. The publishing of The Genesis Flood 50 years ago is the recognized birthdate of a movement blessed by God, and this classic work is also now recognized as a monumental milestone in the fight against compromise in the church and for biblical inerrancy in general during our skeptical modern era.

Finding a copy of The Genesis Flood in an Australian bookstore and devouring its contents was a key event that led me to join the modern biblical creation movement in the 1970s. Drs. Whitcomb and Morris became real “heroes of the faith” for me. I saw them as giants in Christian apologetics.

I shared the above bookstore experience in a web article I wrote a few years as I composed a tribute to Dr. Henry Morris after attending his funeral in San Diego. It showed how that book changed my life.

Drs. Morris and Whitcomb before the 1961 publication of The Genesis Flood.

Because The Genesis Flood has needed updating, Dr. Andrew Snelling took on the task of writing the update/sequel to this masterpiece. Entitled Earth’s Catastrophic Past (two volumes), Dr. Snelling wrote it as a project for ICR with the blessing of Drs. Morris and Whitcomb. Dr. Snelling finished the books as he joined AiG’s ministry. In this massive two-volume set (which I urge every serious creationist to add to their library), Dr. Snelling offers the latest in geological evidence that supports the accuracy of the Bible’s account of the Flood—and also its Creation account. With a PhD in geology, Dr. Snelling looks at evolutionist interpretations of the geologic record, and in his volumes he exposes their poor assumptions and conclusions. Then in a positive way, he builds a biblical geologic model for earth history, demonstrating—as did The Genesis Flood—that the book of Genesis and its history are true.

Blessed in the Field

2011-02-13T20:44:00.000-08:00

Blessed shalt thou be in the field. (Deuteronomy 28:3)

So was Isaac blessed when he walked therein at eventide to meditate. How often has the Lord met us when we have been alone! The hedges and the trees can bear witness to our joy. We look for such blessedness again.

So was Boaz blessed when he reaped his harvest, and his workmen met him with benedictions. May the Lord prosper all who drive the plow! Every farmer may urge this promise with God, if indeed he obeys the voice of the Lord God.

We go to the field for exercise, and we are happy in the belief that the Lord will bless that exercise and give us health, which we will use to His glory.

We go to the field to study nature, and there is nothing in a knowledge of the visible creation which may not be sanctified to the highest uses by the divine benediction.

We have at last to go to the field to bury our dead; yea, others will in their turn take us to God's acre in the field. But we are blessed, whether weeping at the tomb or sleeping in it.

"I know how to abound." --Philippians 4:12

2011-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

There are many who know "how to be abased" who have not learned "how to abound." When they are set upon the top of a pinnacle their heads grow dizzy, and they are ready to fall. The Christian far oftener disgraces his profession in prosperity than in adversity. It is a dangerous thing to be prosperous. The crucible of adversity is a less severe trial to the Christian than the refining pot of prosperity. Oh, what leanness of soul and neglect of spiritual things have been brought on through the very mercies and bounties of God! Yet this is not a matter of necessity, for the apostle tells us that he knew how to abound. When he had much he knew how to use it. Abundant grace enabled him to bear abundant prosperity. When he had a full sail he was loaded with much ballast, and so floated safely. It needs more than human skill to carry the brimming cup of mortal joy with a steady hand, yet Paul had learned that skill, for he declares, "In all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry." It is a divine lesson to know how to be full, for the Israelites were full once, but while the flesh was yet in their mouth, the wrath of God came upon them. Many have asked for mercies that they might satisfy their own hearts' lust. Fulness of bread has often made fulness of blood, and that has brought on wantonness of spirit. When we have much of God's providential mercies, it often happens that we have but little of God's grace, and little gratitude for the bounties we have received. We are full and we forget God: satisfied with earth, we are content to do without heaven. Rest assured it is harder to know how to be full than it is to know how to be hungry--so desperate is the tendency of human nature to pride and forgetfulness of God.

"Take care that you ask in your prayers that God would teach you "how to be full."

By Charles Spurgeon

Election Euphoria or Determined Will?

2010-11-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

The election of 2010 will go down in history as a major defeat for the Democratic Party and a major victory for the Republican Party. The question is however, “What will be the real result of this election?” Previous candidates have made much the same promises as those running this time. Promises to stop deficit spending, promises to change the way that business is being done in Washington, promises to stop waste fraud and abuse, and a thousand other things. The truth is unless this new group combined with a few of the seasoned veterans are willing to give of their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors then the United States financial system will not be fixed. There are too many addicted to the benefits to do any real reform. Those who get serious about reform will be torn to pieces in the press as cold and uncaring rich politicians.

Some have already quit reading because this “boo bird” (one who attends sporting events just to boo at everything) is taking away their hard earned euphoria. The truth is America is addicted. Farmers are addicted to the billions in subsidies handed out directly from the government to them every year. Schools are addicted to the federal aid to feed children or to hire specific professionals. Federal workers are addicted to the perks and benefits promised when they began their careers 20 plus years ago. Parents and college students have expectations that the government should pay for their college. Cities, towns, and schools, hire grant writers to get government money “free.” Of course the government has a grant tree so that money does not really come from tax payers (sarcasm intended). Some who have served in the military believe that everything they ever do after their service should be paid for or subsidized by the government. Don’t misunderstand the service is greatly appreciated but does service of fours years with three of them sitting at a desk demand a lifetime of benefits? Senior citizens believe that their healthcare including medicine should be paid for by the government. There are those who believe that all should own a house (whether they want to or not) so low interest government loans are made available to certain groups. Companies are fleeing our shores because of terrible tax policy and a government or unions that demand certain perks. America has become addicted to the perks offered from a benevolent government. That same benevolent government can only be benevolent on one side if it takes away from those who are actually producing something on the other side. In effect the government is the middle man taking from one to give to another. Since 40% of the people pay zero federal taxes one can safely assume that most if not all of that 40% qualifies for some perk.

This newly elected body that were put forth by those demanding that the wild spending stop will be surprised that most of those who voted for the wild spending to stop only want the other guys perks to stop. They fully expect their perks to continue. We will continue this discussion next week!

The Founding Fathers Rejected Democracy

2010-10-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

The Founding Fathers universally rejected democracy and hoped that posterity would never turn the United States into one. The word they used was “Republic,” which is not synonymous with “Democracy.” The word “Democracy” is not in the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, or the Bill of Rights. Even the Pledge of Allegiance is “to the Republic for which it stands.”

Benjamin Franklin defined democracy as “two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.”

So why did they reject Democracy? Because it is inherently flawed with the “share the wealth” philosophy, which only works as long as there is someone else’s money to share. Those receiving are quite pleased with getting something for nothing. But those forced to give are denied the right to spend the benefits of their own labor in their own self-interest, which creates jobs no matter how the money is spent. They also lose a portion of their incentive to produce.

Fraser Tyler, author of The Decline and Fall of the Athenian Republic authored more than 200 years ago said it best. “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.”

Where does the money come from for all the “good” that government does? Answer, out of someone else’s pocket. If it is with his consent it is a form of charity. If forced, a form of tyranny. The more and the longer given, the more entitled the receiver becomes until he is quite willing to take to the streets and demand more of other people’s money, fully satisfied that he has every right to it. This works until those who have money are destroyed as a class and everyone is equally poor. The result is a diminished standard of living for everyone, as was the case under 20th Century communism.

A Democracy gives us the principles of majority rules and frequent elections with options, but little more. It does not protect us from the government’s redistribution of wealth philosophy, which entitles the less productive to get something for nothing.

A Republic includes frequent elections with options. It also gives place to majority rules, but only to a point, for as your mother told you growing up, the majority is not always right. A Republic is also based upon natural unalienable rights that come from a source higher than man (for example life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.)

Minority rights are protected from the majority in a Republic. A lynch mob is Democracy. Everyone voted but the man being lynched. A Republic rescues this man gives him a fair trial with a bona fide judge and witnesses for his defense. In a Republic there is an emphasis on individual differences rather than absolute equality. Such individual differences are seen as a strength in a Republic rather than as a flaw under Democracy, which equates sameness as equality.

Limited government is also a major aspect of a Republic. The government is handcuffed from dominating our lives. There is a list of functions and a clear process for obtaining additional power. Finally, there is a healthy fear of the emotion of the masses, destabilizing natural law upon which real freedom is based.

The Founders created a Republic, not a Democracy. The Constitution, as designed, is the mechanism to ensure we stay a Republic. We must demand from our leaders a strict adherence to that document in order to preserve our liberty, and that of future generations.

Dr. Harold Pease is an expert on the United States Constitution. He has dedicated his career to studying the writings of the Founding Fathers and applying that knowledge to current events. He has taught history and political science from this perspective for over 25 years at Taft College.

"The Hope Which is Laid Up for You in Heaven." Colossians 1:5.

2010-10-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

OUR hope in Christ for the future is the mainspring and the mainstay of our joy here. It will animate our hearts to think often of heaven, for all that we can desire is promised there. Here we are weary and toilworn, but yonder is the land of rest where the sweat of labour shall no more bedew the worker's brow, and fatigue shall be for ever banished. To those who are weary and spent, the word "rest" is full of heaven. We are always in the field of battle; we are so tempted within, and so molested by foes without, that we have little or no peace; but in heaven we shall enjoy the victory, when the banner shall be waved aloft in triumph, and the sword shall be sheathed, and we shall hear our Captain say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We have suffered bereavement after bereavement, but we are going to the land of the immortal where graves are unknown things. Here sin is a constant grief to us, but there we shall be perfectly holy, for there shall by no means enter into that kingdom anything which defileth. Hemlock springs not up in the furrows of celestial fields. Oh! is it not joy, that you are not to be in banishment for ever, that you are not to dwell eternally in this wilderness, but shall soon inherit Canaan? Nevertheless let it never be said of us, that we are dreaming about the future and forgetting the present, let the future sanctify the present to highest uses. Through the Spirit of God the hope of heaven is the most potent force for the product of virtue; it is a fountain of joyous effort, it is the corner stone of cheerful holiness. The man who has this hope in him goes about his work with vigour, for the joy of the Lord is his strength. He fights against temptation with ardour, for the hope of the next world repels the fiery darts of the adversary. He can labour without present reward, for he looks for a reward in the world to come.

With Me Wherever I Am

2010-09-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

2 Chronicles 20:17

This was a great mercy for Jehoshaphat, for a great multitude had come out against him; and it will be a great mercy for me, for I have great need, and I have no might or wisdom. If the Lord be with me, it matters little who may desert me. If the Lord be with me, I shall conquer in the battle of life, and the greater my trials the more glorious will be my victory. How can I be sure that the Lord is with me?
For certain He is with me if I am with Him. If I trust in His faithfulness, believe His words, and obey His commands, He is assuredly with me. If I am on Satan's side, God is against me and cannot be otherwise; but if I live to honor God, I may be sure that He will honor me.
I am quite sure that God is with me if Jesus is my sole and only Savior. If I have placed my soul in the hands of God's only-begotten Son, then I may be sure that the Father will put forth all His power to preserve me, that His Son may not be dishonored.

Oh, for faith to take hold upon the short but sweet text for today! O Lord, fulfill this word to Thy servant! Be with me in the house, in the street, in the field, in the shop, in company, and alone. Be Thou also with all Thy people.

"On mine arm shall they trust."

2010-08-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 51:5

In seasons of severe trial, the Christian has nothing on earth that he can trust to, and is therefore compelled to cast himself on his God alone. When his vessel is on its beam ends, and no human deliverance can avail, he must simply and entirely trust himself to the providence and care of God. Happy storm that wrecks a man on such a rock as this! O blessed hurricane that drives the soul to God and God alone! There is no getting at our God sometimes because of the multitude of our friends; but when a man is so poor, so friendless, so helpless that he has nowhere else to turn, he flies into his Father’s arms, and is blessedly clasped therein! When he is burdened with troubles so pressing and so peculiar, that he cannot tell them to any but his God, he may be thankful for them; for he will learn more of his Lord then than at any other time. Oh, tempest tossed believer, it is a happy trouble that drives thee to thy Father! Now that thou hast only thy God to trust to, see that thou puttest thy full confidence in him. Dishonour not thy Lord and Master by unworthy doubts and fears; but be strong in faith, giving glory to God. Show the world that thy God is worth ten thousand worlds to thee. Show rich men how rich thou art in thy poverty when the Lord God is thy helper. Show the strong man how strong thou art in thy weakness when underneath thee are the everlasting arms. Now is the time for feats of faith and valiant exploits. Be strong and very courageous, and the Lord thy God shall certainly, as surely as he built the heavens and the earth, glorify himself in thy weakness, and magnify his might in the midst of thy distress. The grandeur of the arch of heaven would be spoiled if the sky were supported by a single visible column, and your faith would lose its glory if it rested on anything discernible by the carnal eye. May the Holy Spirit give you to rest in Jesus this closing day of the month.

Love and Seek True Wisdom

2010-08-23T16:58:00.000-07:00

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17

Wisdom loves her lovers and seeks her seekers. He is already wise who seeks to be wise, and he has almost found wisdom who diligently seeks her. What is true of wisdom in general is specially true of wisdom embodied in our Lord Jesus. Him we are to love and to seek, and in return we shall enjoy His love and find Himself.

Our business is to seek Jesus early in life. Happy are the young whose morning is spent with Jesus! It is never too soon to seek the Lord Jesus. Early seekers make certain finders. We should seek Him early by diligence. Thriving tradesmen are early risers, and thriving saints seek Jesus eagerly. Those who find Jesus to their enrichment give their hearts to seeking Him. We must seek Him first, and thus earliest. Above all things Jesus. Jesus first and nothing else even as a bad second.

The blessing is that He will be found. He reveals Himself more and more clearly to our search.... Happy men who seek One who, when He is found, remains with them forever, a treasure growingly precious to their hearts and understandings.

Lord Jesus, I have found Thee; be found of me to an unutterable degree of joyous satisfaction.

The Blessed Man

2010-08-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

UNQUALIFIED!

2010-07-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

This writer has never met Elena Kagan the latest nominee to the United States Supreme Court. From her performance in the confirmation hearings (which are a complete joke) it would appear that she is highly intelligent, confident in her abilities, pleasant in her personal approach to people in general, and witty. She is also a master at dodge language. Some of the readers may not be informed about dodge language. It is played much like dodge ball. When the ball strikes a person in dodge ball they are called out and are disqualified from the game. The team with the last man standing wins. Elena Kagan will be confirmed for two reasons: 1) She will receive few if any tough questions, therefore dodging will be relatively easy, 2) Those asking the question who should know the truth either do not or are afraid to stand unashamedly for it.

Lis Weihl an attorney and legal analyst for Fox News stated that, “Kagan was a moderate, a legal scholar, and she loves the law” as qualifications to justify Kagan for the High Court. While this writer would certainly defer to Lis Weihl on what has “become” the legal system, her statements on why Kagan should be confirmed are greatly lacking in a fundamental understanding of what the Founding Fathers intended for a High Court nominee. Kagan also has spoken on her love for the law. Since Weihl and Kagan have both stated that Kagan loves the law one might want to know what that little phrase means to them.

Old Court House

It is important to note that Kagan did not say that she loves the Constitution. She said she loved the law. Kagan loves the law like small children love Legos, they can be manipulated according to personal preference, not built from a blue print or absolute standard. Legos have lots of parts and every person who spends time with them has a different vision of what the finished product should look like. It does not have to look like anything. It does not have to work. It does not have to stand on its own. It can fall over, fall down, be crooked, be straight, be tall, be short, be wide or be narrow. The limitations are only in the mind of the creator. Why is this a problem? The High Court was established to hold the legislative and executive branches to the Constitution, not to write a New Constitution. Unfortunately the High Court for the past 70 years has been writing a New Constitution. Kagan is a totally devoted follower of writing a New Constitution. In her Constitution partial birth abortion would be legal. In her Constitution openly homosexual individuals could serve in the military. In her Constitution everything to do with public life would be secular with no religious influence at all. In her Constitution the military is to be disdained. She is not unqualified because she takes the wrong stand on issues. She takes the wrong stands on the issues because her belief system is faulty. She does not see or embrace absolute truth. She firmly believes that her Lego creation is just as good as any one else’s creation. She does not see the hand of God in the creation of the Constitution. She does not see His Word in any of this sacred document. The result of this is that she will work to write a New Constitution for the citizens to follow.

Out House

This writer is surprised that Weihl would pretend that Kagan is a moderate. In general moderates do not exist. Moderates are either conservatives who erroneously believe that if they vote with the liberals from time to time that they will win some support from them, or liberals who are confused on which way they were suppose to vote. Kagan is a liberals liberal and to even suggest that she is anything less than that is flat wrong.

Judges 17:6, “In those days there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” America as a nation has decided that we will ignore the absolute truth of God and therefore everyone does what is right in their own eyes.

White House

The result has been chaos at every level from the school house to the court house and from the outhouse to the White House. Elena Kagan will help us to continue down this path. She will not do this because she is bad she will do this because she has chosen her truth over absolute truth. Based upon this she is unqualified to hold the highest office in the land.

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Psalm 121

2010-06-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

1. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

PRAISE THE LORD!

CHRISTIAN WORLD VIEW

2010-06-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

What Do They Really Believe?

2010-05-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

This writer has spent nearly 30 years on the other side of a desk from people pleading for help in relationships. These relationships may involve a child, a husband, a wife, an in-law, a co-worker, a boss, or an employee. There are few problems that this writer has not heard at least once. He has heard confessions, and denials, and witnessed a multitude of red herrings from both the guilty and the innocent. Those who claim to believe correctly but live in direct opposition to what they say they believe are more common than one might think, in fact they are everywhere. While this writer cannot claim to be able to read people’s minds he can certainly see what they do and draw some conclusions from their actions.

Often over the years, in marital counseling when mates have separated and are thinking about (or at least one side is) divorce. The one considering divorce will tell the spouse of their love, but continue to move on toward divorce. Every time the spouse who is being left hears, “I love you,” they get hopeful that everything is going to work out fine, even though the actions of the leaving spouse do not change. In counseling it is important for the wronged spouse, employee, employer, in-law, child, etc. to learn that words are cheap, and easy to pass out. In short the language on their lips violates the intent of their hearts. It would be like this writer telling his wife of his great love for her in the morning and then introducing her to his new girlfriend that evening. Either the words of the morning or the actions of the evening are a lie they cannot both be true.

We often see this phenomenon from elected leaders. They throw harsh words at their opponents for supporting bad legislation. Some might be thinking that at this time the writer would go into a diatribe of all of the violations of the liberal left. While the liberal left is certainly guilty of throwing harsh words at their opponents while doing things just as bad, they by-in-large do not claim to be born again. In other words they support abortion because they do not claim allegiance to the Scriptures. Conservatives in name unfortunately do the same. They rant and rave about the treachery of those who vote for abortion, or who support special status for those practicing homosexuality and then turn around and add 1 million dollars to an appropriations bill for a new welcome center for their town. Some refer to this as ear marks and with few exceptions (and thank the Lord there are a few) the House and the Senate of both federal and state governments follow this pattern. These actions should be a moral outrage to the American public, but they are not because the American public while despising Congress loves their guy who provides the nice Welcome Center.

This pattern has left the federal government and many of the state governments sunk in debt so far that they will never be able to repay. The picture is indeed bleak. Although the problem gets worse when liberals run the show conservatives have also been drinking the same cool aid. Keep this truth in mind; when a conservative votes to spend more than is available to spend he is not a true conservative. He/she may say that they are conservative. He/she may say that they believe in biblical principles and try to live by them, but they have had too many drinks of the cool aid. The reality is they have embraced the 75 year FDR to Obama deception that government control and deficit spending brings prosperity.

If this NATION is to SURVIVE and not end up like Greece, and very soon Portugal, Italy, Spain, Ireland, and most likely Great Britain it must return to the WISDOM OF THE SCRIPTURES, and the VOTERS MUST REFUSE to listen to what politicians on both sides say and watch what they do. What they do is what they really believe. Some may believe that their party is better and it may be, but without real conservatives there will be no change only re-wrapping the old package. Looks good but has the same old gift in it.

Let’s Fix the Leak

2010-04-16T12:34:00.001-07:00

This writer can work on plumbing a little, but he is not very good at it for the simple reason that in plumbing, “Close does not count.” A plumbing joint that seems put together correctly can still drip. On some occasions this writer has fitted and refitted the same joint only to have it leak. After several tries a different part or parts are purchased and usually this provides the solution. What was the problem with the original fittings? A small notch or a small chip in the end of one side keeping it from getting a good seal or a hairline crack in the pipe that only opened up when the pressure was turned on. There was even one time when there was actually a pin hole in the pipe. Even a small drip in the plumbing can cause long term expensive problems. A few years ago the dishwasher of a certain person began to drip in secret under the dishwasher and into the wood flooring. After literally months of this activity the floor began to buckle and soon the entire floor had to be replaced. The leak was small, unseen by everyone, until the floor began to have problems.

The political philosophy of those leading this country has a leak. It goes unnoticed by a very high percentage of the people. The majority continue to go on with their daily lives completely oblivious to the decay going on underneath the expensive beautiful tile that is on top. The oblivious ones hear the “we are going to take care of you rhetoric,” they see the outward display of wealth at every level of life (not realizing that all of the money is borrowed) and they taste the delectable treats of government programs and their minds become numb. They see wrong proclaimed as right and vice versa. They have the same look that my dog use to have when a lucky horse or cow whacked him in the nose as he was nipping at their heals.

“OK Bill enough mystery what is the drip?” The drip is in judicial appointees. Any judicial appointee who strays one millimeter from the constitution is unqualified to serve as a judge. Now granted there are some legitimate differences of opinion on the constitutionality interpretation, but the founders made their intentions quite clear on most issues. Those however who teach that the constitution is a living breathing document really mean that they can make it say whatever they want it to say. The Constitution was never meant to be changed by alternative interpretations it was meant to be changed by amendments. When the radicals realized that changing it for their selfish, unwise, and unrighteous intentions would be impossible by amendments they simply began to reinterpret it and accomplish the same thing.

It would be nice and conscience soothing to be able to blame all of this judicial leaking on those who proclaim themselves to be liberals, but the truth is over the past 60 years so called conservative presidents have appointed some big leaks to the court. Pres. Eisenhower appointed Earl Warren to the Supreme Court. Pres. Nixon appointed John Paul Stevens to the appeals court and then Pres. Ford appointed him to the Supreme Court. Pres. Nixon also appointed Harry “babies are not people” Blackmun. Reagan appointed Anthony Kennedy (although in Reagan’s defense Kennedy was his third choice, after Bork got borked and Ginsburg admitted smoking pot during college) however he also appointed Sandra Day O’Connor. Each of these judicial appointments has stained America by their living breathing mindset concerning the Constitution. Although some more than others this group consistently strayed away from Constitutional truth, and these few named are only the tip of the iceberg. They have allowed the dripping and rotting to continue under the floor. Most of the adult population simply does not realize the moral and political drift that takes place when liberal judges gain power. They begin to change from the bench (a few elites) what the founders intended to be changed only by amendment (the people). These foolish elites will bring this nation to its knees. Every single nominee of this current President and every President in the future should be rejected by both parties unless they are devoted and have a resume to demonstrate that they will follow a strict construction of the Constitution. This nation has a Constitution and it does not need a new one written by foolish clowns who pretend to be wise. There is a leak that will destroy this nation unless wise leaders arise, reject the current drift and fix the leak.

Our Only Hope!

2010-04-01T16:26:00.001-07:00

Hope is a word that can convey several different ideas. Right before Christmas most children can produce a list of the things that they hope to receive. This is a “wish-upon-a-star” kind of hope. While it is often a hope filled with expectation it is likewise seldom a hope with much assurance, it might happen or it very well may not.

There is another kind of hope that means assurance. This kind of hope has no “if” to it, it is a settled fact. This is the kind of hope that all human beings are in need of. Human beings desire hope (assurance) on many levels and unfortunately on most issues there is little real assurance. What appears to be a good job and a safe job can disappear with the simple stroke of a pen by a government executive and a small swing in the economy. Companies and individuals often discover that factors beyond their control can bring about circumstances that cause their economic fortunes to boom or to be dashed to pieces. A person who appears to be a picture of health can suddenly discover that he/she has only a short time to live. Some doctor somewhere is passing out that, “it is malignant” message every day. The media daily writes or speaks of fatal accidents that take the lives of individuals. Bank accounts can be wiped out by tragedies, sickness, disease, lawsuits, identity theft, and natural disasters. This writer can still remember when women loved Ryan O’Neal for his looks. Somewhere there is probably another human being who loves Ryan O’Neal but probably not for his looks. In 1978 Roger Staubach was a great quarterback but today he is a 68 year old senior adult who would not be able play quarter back for a good junior high team.

When a person does an honest assessment what one quickly discovers is that this life is filled with uncertainty. So where does one turn for hope? Some might say that they have turned to government and for the past 75 years the trend in America has been to do exactly that. This is true even though every single social program that the government has initiated from Social Security to Medicaid has provided less and cost more than was promised. So one might ask this question; “Is there any real hope to be found?” The answer is a profound yes, but this hope is not found in money, fame, physical prowess, or popularity, it is found only in the crucified, buried, risen, very much alive Christ.

The only hope for America today is to embrace the crucified, buried, risen, and very much alive Christ Jesus. Those who truly embrace the resurrected Christ do not steal, they do not commit adultery, they do not cheat on their taxes, they do not lie, they do not covet what belongs to their neighbor, they honor those in authority, they obey the laws of the land, they pray for others including those who do them wrong. Those who truly embrace Jesus Christ stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves like the sick the weak the old and the unborn. They give to those in need, but their focus is a hand up not a hand out. Those who embrace Jesus know when to stand and fight and when to turn the other cheek.

As we take time to celebrate this season of the year would the readers please give thought to the original proposition; “He is our only hope.” Although there will be difficult days ahead regardless of what we decide those who choose to place their faith in the risen Christ have one thing that can never be taken away, hope. May each of us be lifted today by the hope (assurance) that only He provides.

Goodbye Old Friend?

2010-03-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

Alexander Fraser Tytler made this interesting observation about democracy in 1776: “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship.

By some accounts roughly 46% of the American electorate is now on the public dole meaning they receive some direct monetary benefit from the government. Would very many or any of these 46% vote for a cut in what they receive from the government? It is highly unlikely that they would do this. The net result then is this; there are not enough votes to reduce government and restore the republic to a sound fiscal policy. Can the inevitable be delayed? Yes it can be at least delayed by better fiscal policy, but without drastic painful changes the United States of America will collapse from within because of loose fiscal policy. When this happens paper money will be worthless; gold and silver and tangible goods will be the new money.

Many are blaming President Obama and he certainly is doing his part to speed up the decline, but this decline started years ago when this country embraced an unbiblical view of science (Darwin), and unbiblical view of economics (Keynes), an unbiblical view of government (Marx), an unbiblical view of education (Dewey), an unbiblical view of philosophy (Freud), and ultimately an unbiblical view of the Bible (Welhausen).

One might read the previous paragraph and wonder what the connection is between the teachings of these men and the current plight of the United States. From Darwin we are told that God did not really create this world but that it is nothing more than an accident. While some preacher types have tried to blend the two views together they are diametrically opposed to one another. The preacher types tried to change the Bible out of fear that this so called science might be true. They felt compelled to try to defend the Bible by changing it, instead of letting it say exactly what it says and merely believing what it says.

From Keynes we are told that government spending actually brings wealth. I have a friend who has tried that personally. He has lost it all and is working for minimum wage. Spending more than he made has not worked and he has been doing it for 30 years. He would like to declare bankruptcy but there is a limit to how often one can do that! What is funny is that he has been through several classes to learn how to manage but deep in his heart continues to believe that if he just keeps spending somehow he will be just fine.

From Marx we have learned that if government is given enough power they can bring in a Utopian society where everything that one needs is taken care of by the government. Everyone is at the same level (except of course those making the rules) and there is no jealousy, murder, alcoholism, adultery, or anything but bliss. Of course not one single example of utopia can be produced at this time, but hey no body is perfect huh?

From Dewey we have learned that when a certain philosophy is taught to the vast majority of children that same philosophy becomes the norm to the next generation. If that philosophy is wrong then the whole nation suffers. Congratulations we have been dumbed down to the point that like Esau we think only of our stomach pains at this moment and we have no interest in the future or spiritual things. We have become a nation of Esau’s who thirst to give the flesh another buzz whatever the cost. What happens in national policy is boring and not really much fun. We would much rather watch “Dancing With the Stars” or take our children to a concert and watch a half naked, rung out teenager hump and pump on stage. Johnny can’t read but he has t-shirts from 5 different sports teams, and thinks that the best use for a dictionary is to keep the potted plant from direct contact with the particle board floor in the double wide, and all of this of course is the teachers fault!

From Freud we learned that there are no absolutes and everything is relative. This philosophy sounds great because it means that everyone can make up their own truth. If I think that taking a bribe is good then for me it is good and how dare anyone suggest otherwise. Bribing members of Congress for their votes has gone on for a long time. Maybe not quite as blatant as the cornhusker kickback and the Louisiana purchase, but hey if you scratch my back then I will scratch yours. Isn’t this the way it has always been? Is it really possible to be sort of pro-life? Evidently to some so called pro-life Democrats being kinda pro-life is equivalent to being pro-life. This is of course proof that they do not really understand the life issue but the pro-life label is to their advantage. To a true pro-lifer pressure from a President would not break him but would make him even more determined to hold his ground

The Bible to some is irrelevant. The Bible to some is a good book that has some good ideas but it falls short as far as a policy manual for life or love, or marriage or government or much of anything really. To still others the Bible is like a cafeteria line “take what you like and leave what you don’t like.” To fewer and fewer the Bible is absolute truth. How has our old friend faded into this sea of debt, and this fog of errant ideology? It is simple we have embraced everything and everyone except the one absolute that can deliver us from this fog.

I feel like those must have felt as they saw their loved ones heading west during Colonial times. They knew in their heart of hearts that they might never see them again. America can be saved but it will only be saved when her people return to the God who made them. We pray that this is not Good bye Old Friend!

Tea, No Sugar Please!

2010-02-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

It seems that the Tea Party has gotten under the skin of the Democratic Party and their left leaning allies, including that bastion of propaganda otherwise known as the main stream media. What does this mean for the Tea Party? It means that every move they make will be under intense scrutiny. It means that if they have blemishes (and they do just like the rest of us) those blemishes will be printed on the front page and shown in living color over and over again. It means that anything negative that can be attached to the Tea Party movement; will be attached in triplicate.

Admittedly none of this is revelation to those who in any way stay abreast of current political events. If the Tea Party holds to its mantra to reign in the federal government by cutting spending and taxes; the hate will spread well outside of simply the main stream media and the lefties. So called moderates and so called conservatives will also began to cast doubt on this new movement. Why? It is because they are addicted to a certain level of comfort and to really get this nation back on track economically it is going to require some pain. Everyone is for cuts as long as the cuts do not include their job or benefits.

Social Security has been robbed since Lyndon Johnson; therefore the money is not available to finance it. This statement alone sends those who count on it for their food into shock. What is the solution? First Social Security funds must be set aside and not be a part of the federal budget to keep politicians hands out of it. Second, since Americans are living much longer than when it was instituted they should not be able to receive a full portion until they are 72. They should be allowed to receive 50% at the age of 69. Those already drawing would be grandfathered in at their current level. Third for all of those born after 2010 Social Security should be an option. This would give the system basically twenty years to get its house in order to prepare for the days of optional plans. This writer can already feel the hate for his plan. The point is the money is not there and it is going to get worse unless someone with the courage to speak truth takes action. (Don’t expect this from the current group)

State and Federal employees being able to retire as healthy 53 year olds are also going to have to be a thing of the past. Many of the state workers retirement programs are under funded. Here is a news flash; this money must come from somewhere. This means that in order for the states to honor their commitments to these 53 year old healthy retirees they are going to have to raise taxes on everyone else. How did this happen? Those planning the retirement systems did not take enough money out of the workers checks along the way. The promises far over shot reality, which is par for politician promises. Where does the constitution or the Bible suggest that early retirement is promised or even encouraged? This writer’s children know the phrase from the old hymn, “We’ll work til Jesus comes” quite well because they have heard that refrain many times from their father’s lips.

Corporations being able to provide complete medical coverage, vacation, sick leave, personal days, and various other days off to the point of the ridiculous is a thing of the past. Taxes, regulations, and benefit levels all are contributors to America’s difficulties in competing with foreign countries in the manufacturing sector. Taxes, unions and regulation happy lawmakers have driven much manufacturing to other countries. What does this have to do with the government spending problem? It has created an entitlement mentality among the populace. America has led the world for 100 years by out producing the rest of the world, not by taking more days off. America became wealthy because of the blessings of the Lord, and because of freedom, ingenuity, and hard work. Today the expectation of the workers is, “someone will take care of me” or “I deserve” or “I can borrow the money” instead of, “I must work harder, longer, and smarter if I want to get ahead.” Living off of the past is over. The wealth is gone and the note is due. The choices are clear, keep spending and become Western Europe (pretending to still be great) or endure the pain and get serious about rebuilding America.

If the Tea Party sticks to its guns it will find many more enemies. Who are these enemies? They will be everyone who is unwilling to suffer. No diet is pain free and getting out of debt won’t be either. A true change in economic philosophy will hurt for several years, but the eventual results will mean a blessing for all.

Does the Tea Party have the muster to help America make the change? It is certainly worth a try. Will they find friends in either of the two major parties? Only a few will agree with them, because there are few true conservatives in either. Most of them prefer their system, they are addicted to the sugar.

“Generational Cool”

2010-02-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

Each generation seems to define what is cool. Admittedly the use of the word cool places this writer in a specific group. Having just missed the groovy years and being a teenager when the word cool was at its zenith this writer may not be cool but he can define cool by his generation’s standards. In order to be cool a person had to demonstrate ability in some area. One could be considered cool by his/her athletic prowess however if they were really dumb then dumb trumped their athletic ability therefore they were not cool. One could be cool if he/she were a great musician, but if they were also really weird then weird trumped musically talented and therefore they were not cool. One could be cool if he/she were really quick witted unless of course the wit was mean spirited and then they might have a small following of fans but the group seldom considered them cool. One could be cool if he/she were great looking unless of course they were arrogant and then few seldom considered them cool. One could even be cool if he/she were really good academically unless their superior intellect made them unable to talk to or be understood by the general population and then they were considered simply irritating. The point is that cool was often trumped because of a flaw that overshadowed the cool.

Most political leaders have things about them that draw others. It may be their story, their ability to communicate, their leadership skills, their looks, their name recognition or a host of other things that draw the people to them. People of course should ascend to public office on the strength of their character not on their ability to trick others (Thank You John Edwards).

In postmodern America getting elected however is directly related to cool. The one with the good looks, the name recognition, the good looking wife (she can be ugly if she is rich, something about rich seems to trump good looking), or a good delivery get elected. Having the character of a tom cat is his/her private life has no bearing on his/her public performance. For those of you unfamiliar with the behavior of tom cats, they reproduce with every single female that they can find and they do it in a very rough manner. Their life in general revolves around food and females which reminds this writer of a President from the not to distant past. Some have suggested that term limits would fix the problem. This would be hilarious if it were not so sad. What is really being stated is that the money of the incumbent influences the voters so that they must be thrown out every few years. What is the problem? The problem is cool! America is voting for cool instead of character. So why is Barack Obama in the White House today? He embodies cool to his generation. He went to Harvard, he did community work, he never worked in the private sector and yet lived well (ever wonder who was paying his bills?), he is young, he is handsome, and let’s face it he is cool.

Congratulations America you have elected the epitome of cool. He thinks that recessions end by spending (thank you John Maynard Keynes). He thinks that unborn children are things to be discarded by whim (thank you Charles Darwin). He thinks that more government control is the answer to social problems (thank you Karl Marx). He thinks that the more that government is involved in education the better for the children (thank you John Dewey). He thinks that Christianity is just one of many roads to God (thank you Julius Wellhausen). America, we elected cool instead of character and that is exactly what we got. We must awaken up to the simple truth that our Founding Fathers knew quite well; character always trumps cool in God’s paradigm.

“Where’s the Bacon?”

2010-02-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

Growing up on a farm was a great experience for this writer. The regular farm duties of feeding and milking the cows, the hogs, and from time to time the chickens were special experiences. From watching mom literally run up a tree to escape an angry cow protecting her baby to being regularly chased by hot headed bantam roosters, life simply could not get much better.
With apologies to the nut jobs at PETA slaughtering ones own meat was a semi annual event. The case was simple; this family was nourished by good quality meat therefore something had to die. The selected chickens, pigs and calves were chosen and then butchered. To say that meat was plentiful would be an understatement. Meat was served in large portions for every meal with one lone exception-bacon.
2 strips of bacon was usually the limit for a given meal. Every other meat was “all you could eat” but the bacon was 2 strips per person. The rare exception would be if someone who was usually there did not show for some reason then his/her portion was divided among those who were present. This writer’s mouth is watering just thinking about that bacon, “oh it was good.” Upon entering late adolescence and the early teen years this writer learned to cook his favorite foods and, “you guessed it” bacon was at the top of the list. Bacon has an interesting character in the iron skillet before it is cooked. It stretches from side to side and even over the side depending upon the size of the skillet. It looks full and wide but something happens during the cooking process, the fat melts away and the bacon shrinks to usually about ¼ its pre-cooked size (in the expensive brands the cheap brands shrink to about 1/8 its pre-cooked size). While cooking the promise of a mouthful continues as the aroma of newly cooked bacon fills the room. “Oh, how good the promises smell.” What started as a mouth full now will do good to wet the appetite. Long after this family stopped slaughtering their own hogs Mom continued her famous mantra, “Bacon is expensive and besides 2 pieces is enough.”
So why Bill would you share the bacon story today? The State of the Union address by President Barack Obama reminded this writer of this experience from the past. Barack Obama looked so good, especially to the uniformed and the politically naïve as a candidate. He was dripping with tasty oratory skills, he was tall and handsome and seemed to fill the pan, and even though his promises seemed too good to be true he evoked a small measure of believability even in the skeptical. Just listening to him intoxicated some (Chris “My leg is tingling” Matthews). His odor filled every room that he entered. Some were even referring to him as the Messiah. While granting that the expectations were quite high lets take a look at his real production.
After a year in the frying pan his State of the Union was over-cooked (bitter). His oratory that seemed new and fresh now seems over-used. His purported oratory skills pale in comparison to a true orator. He simply is a good reader of teleprompters and his speech writers have no new ideas therefore he does not. He not only fails to fill the pan, the majority of Americans are asking, “Where’s the bacon?” Even with large majorities in both houses of Congress he has failed to get most of his agenda passed. The country is lagging in economic activity and he continues to blame everyone but himself for his failures, which is the standard for narcissism. He continues to suggest that it is not his agenda that failed but that people simply do not understand his agenda or they would be for it. In other words his agenda would work if the dumb folks could just understand it. The entire address was a lecture of the failures of everyone but himself. He seemed convinced that one less piece of bacon per year per person deserved complete conservative approval. Granted any cutback is good for an obese person, but a one piece a year cutback for a person eating 2 lbs a day seems a mite insignificant. The public has realized that while his promises sounded good, the price for that expensive bacon is too high. Imagine that, the people in a sense are actually acknowledging that it is best not to eat too much bacon. My Mom would be proud!

In God We Trust

2010-01-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

The year was 1863. The sun was blazing hot and the North and South armies stood poised to fight on the fateful Gettysburg battlefield. In desperation Abraham Lincoln left his office, and went into his room and locked the door. There he fell before a chair. With his head in his hands, he wept and prayed. It was a heart breaking hour of prayer.

On his desk was a copy of the new Thanksgiving Proclamation. He had proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a day of national Thanksgiving. The nation had never before had such an annual Thanksgiving Day.

Now he read slowly the proclamation:

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God.

We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.

We have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us."

Tears slipped down his cheeks as he read these words, for he believed in them deeply.

It was because of this belief that he ordered the Treasury Department to engrave the words,

IN GOD WE TRUST,

on all future coins.

As he was sitting at his desk, thinking about these things, an aide rushed in, excitedly exclaimed, "There's good news from the battle at Gettysburg, Sir!"

Victory was now on the side of the North! The United States of America would soon be whole again, she would survive this great division!

Abraham Lincoln's courage to trust God when all around him was crumbling secured two major traditions which continue to honor God for our nation's blessings even into the 21st Century.

What will we leave behind in 2010 which will cause future generations to honor God?

My prayer is that we will leave behind
the courage to trust God when all around us is crumbling!

RONALD REAGAN'S CHRISTMAS ADDRESS 1981

2009-12-27T19:51:00.001-08:00

Christmas in Early America

2009-12-07T21:51:00.000-08:00

In America's early years, the celebration of Christmas was a subject of heated debate among Christians, and the lines between the opposing views were drawn largely according to church affiliation. Those from the High Church (e.g., Anglicans, Catholics, Episcopalians, etc., which practiced a more formal tradition of worship), tended to support Christmas celebrations, while those from the Low Church (e.g., Congregationalists, Baptists, Quakers, etc., which practiced a more informal mode of worship), tended to oppose that celebration.

The views of the two sides had largely been shaped by their own history in Europe. For example, the High Church, which had been the church of Europe for centuries before the first colonists came to America, celebrated Christmas. However, those from the Low Church had been persecuted by the High Church, particularly by the Catholic and Anglican Church, so the Low Church saw no reason that they should copy the festival of those that had so harshly persecuted them.

Interestingly, when European colonists came to America, those affiliated with the High Churches tended to settle in southern colonies such as Virginia, Maryland, and Carolina, while colonists from the Low Churches more frequently settled in northern colonies such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Not surprisingly, therefore, the Virginia colony- affiliated with the Anglican Church- began celebrating Christmas from its very beginnings under Governor John Smith, but the Pilgrims and Puritans of Massachusetts- affiliated with the Congregational Church- refused to celebrate that day. In fact, their opposition to Christmas was so strong that for almost two centuries in Massachusetts, Christmas celebrations were not only discouraged but even forbidden by law.

The first state to make Christmas a state holiday was Louisiana (a southern state with a Catholic tradition) in 1837- a time when the resistance to Christmas in the north was just beginning to weaken. By the 1840s and 1850s, many more states began recognizing the holiday, and by 1870, Christmas celebrations had become so accepted that Christmas was even recognized by the federal government as a holiday.

The Christmas Sermon below was delivered in 1844- a time when the celebration was still a subject of hot debate among Christians across the nation. Preached by Robert Hallam, rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Connecticut (an area of the country still very resistant to recognitions of Christmas), the sermon is an apologetic in favor of Christmas celebrations. It addresses the arguments against celebrating Christmas and presents arguments in favor of such celebrations.

CHRISTIAN HOLY-DAYS:

A

SERMON

Preached In

St. James' Church, New- London;

Christmas- Day, 1844,

By Robert A. Hallam, Rector.

"I went with the multitude, and brought them forth into the house of God; in the voice of praise and thanksgiving, among such as keep holy-day."- Psalm xlii: 4. 5. (Psalter.)

"To them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saint, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:- Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ."- 1 Cor. 1: 1-3.

"He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it."-Romans, xiv:6

The Apostle speaks here of the Jewish holy-days. By the abrogation of the Law these had fallen from their ancient dignity of things obligatory, into the humbler class of things indifferent. Their observance was no longer binding upon the conscience of any man. Expediency was the highest sanction it could claim. Liberty of opinion produced its usual result of diversity of judgment and intolerance.

Jewish Christians were dealt with indulgently, and allowed without hindrance or molestation to persevere in paying a sacred regard to those annual seasons, which the history of their nation, the example of their forefathers, and the habits of their own former lives had invested with so many venerable and endearing associations.- This was simple permission however. Not even Christian Jews were required to observe Mosaic holy days. And Christian Gentiles were decidedly dissuaded from it. Their adoption of the practice might seem to indicate obligation, represent it as a permanent law and institution of Christianity, and denote a dangerous learning to formality and superstition. Even in the case of the Jews the license was jealously watched and carefully guarded. Every disposition to elevate liberty into obligation, to magnify their privilege into a duty, to enforce conformity among themselves, still more to exact if of the Gentiles, was immediately noticed and repressed.

"Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years," writes St. Paul to the Galatian Christians in a tone of solemn remonstrance and alarm, "I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain." Of this freedom variety of opinion and usage was the natural fruit. Most Jews regarded the day; perhaps a few Gentiles. Some Jews disregarded the day; and the great body of the Gentiles. The difference was perfectly allowable and innocent, and ought to have created no disturbance of confidence or interruption of harmony. But the spirit of man is naturally prone to be uncharitable and dictatorial. He is not content with liberty, he aims at dominion. His own judgment is the infallible standard of truth, his own practice the unquestionable rule of rectitude. He would fain be a pope and a despot, who decisions are not to be questioned, whose will is not to be contravened, whose conclusion is a Procrustean test, not only to measure but to coerce.

The Christians of Apostolic times were not satisfied to differ amicable in things intrinsically indifferent. Conscience must needs be enlisted on the side of their respective views; and then the more conscientious they were, the most intolerance they grew. Alienation and distrust, party spirit and proselytism, mutual denunciations, bickerings and criminations were the melancholy consequence.

The Gentile was not a Christian because he did not keep the Passover; the Jew was not a Christian because he did. The Apostle saw and lamented the causeless and injurious strife. This fourteenth chapter of the epistle to the Romans, as well as several chapters in his first epistle to the Corinthians, is devoted to an examination of the dispute about this and kindred topics, with a view to settle the questions that had given rise to it upon their real merits, and allay the unholy heat it had generated. "Let no man," he writes, "judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days,"- that is, of the old seventh day Sabbath, which, under the new economy had given place to the Lord's day of the first,--"which," says he, "are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."[1] And again, "One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it." The diversity is lawful and harmless. Observance or nonobservance is perfectly optional. The celebration of the day, with an enlightened, pious and devout endeavor to make it subservient to the promotion of the honor of God and the welfare of the soul, is a truly Christian service, such as Christians may fitly and profitably render; and such is acceptable to the Lord and redounds to his honor. And the refusal to celebrate the day, if it be grounded upon an honest conviction of its inutility and a holy fear of its perversion to sensual or superstitious purposes, it equally innocent and commendable, a Christian service also, and offering pleasing to God and conducive to his glory. Let not him that regardeth the day, despise him that regardeth it not; and let not him that doth not regard the day, judge him that regardeth it: for God hath received him.

At an early period of the Christian era-how early we cannot precisely determine, certainly very early, in days bordering very closely upon the times of the Apostles, if not retreating into them-a system of fast and festival commemorative of the leading events of the life of Jesus Christ, grew up, which in its relationship to Christianity, and to the duty of Christ's disciples, is, in many important respects, parallel to the Christian retention and adoption of the Mosaic holy-days. Like it, it can claim no divine authority; for it is enjoined by no precept of the New Testament, and can shew no clear proof of having originated in any suggestion of Christ, or in the example of his Apostles. It can urge nothing beyond probability- a probability of the exact degree of which men, with their existing prepossessions, can hardly judge candidly and impartially- that it had primarily a more honorable beginning than individual fancy; though it soon acquired an ecclesiastical approval and sanction. It was a natural fruit, as it seems to us at least who regard the day, of religious impulses and reverential sentiments, of feelings deeply seated in the constitution of man and ever craving opportunity of outward expression, of the very same sensibilities which have led men of all countries and ages to regard with a peculiar sacredness and veneration places and days signalized by important events, to mark them by permanent monuments and periodical observances. It is the religious memory embodied and made visible; just as the patriotic memory is, in the noble shaft that graves the heights of Charlestown, or in the festivities that mark the anniversary of the day that gave birth to our national independence. It is the symbol of an inward sentiment strong in the texture of humanity, indelible and universal, which vehemently demands utterance and manifestation, and will not be denied it in some form without a violence that injures the fabric. That this system began, at least almost as soon as the Christian Church was established, is manifest from the fact of its universal and consentaneous observance in all parts of that Church, however widely separated and however differing in many respects, from the earliest times of which ecclesiastical historians give us any account, and of its uninterrupted continuance in all its branches till within three centuries past. Even now, it is retained by a vast majority of those who bear the Christian name, as well as Reformed as Romanist, Greek, or Oriental, whether Episcopal or non-Episcopal in their constitution, liturgical or extemporary in their worship. The exception is confined, as the preacher believes, to those bodies of Christians in Great Britain and this country, whose forms of government are nonprelatic, and of worship, unwritten. Certainly then, this system may claim to rank among those antiquities of the Gospel, whereof the memory of man and the testimony of history runneth not to the contrary; and can make good to itself that celebrated canon, the "quod semper, ubique, ab omnibus," the always, everywhere, by all, of Vincent of Lerins. [2] I said above, this system is a natural growth of the human mind. I believe it would have formed part of the costume of an historical religion, of a religion founded on historic facts, under any circumstances. But it was peculiarly natural under the actual circumstances. Jew and Gentile united in the Church of Christ, had each been educated under an annual series of holy-days; that of the former, accommodated by God to what I have described above as a want of our nature; that of the latter, devised by man to satisfy and appease it. How natural how happy, that the new religion in whose common bosom their ancient feud and distinction were to cease, in its rich store of solemn and interesting histories, should afford materials out of which to frame a new and common series, to occupy the place of the obsolete observances of the once, and of the impure trivial ceremonies of the other.

Among the inconsiderate aspersions thrown by those who do not regard the day upon their Christian brethren who do, is the charge that the practice is pagan, and was adopted in accommodation to the customs of the heathen, as a means of conciliation, and with a view of rendering the transition to Christianity more gentle and palatable. [3] I am not aware that the charge is anything better than a surmise, or can claim in its support one particle of historical evidence. But I am not careful to deny it. I am perfectly willing that it should be true. Let it be, that our Christian holy-days are an imitation of heathen festivals. I see in the fact nothing but a proof of the singular wisdom and candor of the primitive Christians, who could see and acknowledge what was good in a corrupt religion, gracefully adopt it, and use it as a means to facilitate the success of the truth. The alleged coincidence of the principal holy-days of the Church with corresponding festivals of heathenism, whether real or imaginary, designed or accidental, will be no disparagement of them with men of sense and impartiality. It leaved the real question at issue entirely unaffected-are they innocent? Are they salutary?

Equally ungenerous and irrelevant is it to call the holy-day system Romish, a remnant of Popery. True, the Church of Rome holds the Christian holy-days sacred. So does the Sabbath, the Bible and the Sacraments. True wisdom consists in "taking forth the precious from the vile." [4] Candor will be careful to discriminate, and not to condemn and reject the good and harmless things of an evil system. They who follow in the steps of the English Reformers, suppose, that in a clearer perception of this principle that was enjoyed by most of their fellow laborers in the work of the Reformation, consisted the especial advantage and honor of those venerated men. But the holy-day system is in truth much older than Popery. It is the common possession of Papist and Protestant, inherited from a day older than either. It flourished at a period when the Bishop of Rome, so far from assuming that unlawful title to himself, was reproving his brother of Constantinople, for daring to arrogate the dignity of universal bishop; and before that monstrous fabric of falsehood and corruption, which sprung from and in turn supported the Papal supremacy, had so much as received its foundation. It is not to be disposed of by an appeal to popular odium. It must rest upon its intrinsic expediency and worth. It was neither originated by Rome, nor can it be disparaged by her adoption.

We rest then the claims of this festival, and of the system into which it enters, and of the system into which it enters, simply upon the plea of a presumed utility.

In support of this plea, we allege, first, the nature of man, so constituted, that he instinctively seeks to reveal in outwards expressions of an appropriate and significant description the inward feelings that occupy and engage him, and finds in such manifestation not only a relief, but the aliment and support, of the emotion that prompts them. This propensity discloses itself in the universal fondness for monuments and commemorative rites, which has always and does everywhere characterize mankind. And all experience proves the efficacy of such memory of the facts they represent, preserving a fresh and lively sense of them in men's minds, giving stability to the principles embodied in the, permanency to the enthusiasm which they tend to inspire, and perpetuity to their practical influence.

We adduce, also, its early adoption by the Church of Christ, as evidence that this very want impulse were actually felt, obeyed, and Christianized by an incorporation into the service of God, before the Bride of the Redeemer had declined from the fervor of her "first love," [5] or departed from her primal purity and fidelity.

We add the testimony of our own experience and observation. We say with the Psalmist, "As we have heard so have we seen in the city of our God." [6] We have, as we trust, ourselves been made holier and happier by its operation. We have witnessed, as we think, its influence upon others, in helping to make them holier and happier. Its whole tendency seems to us benign and profitable. It arrays the Church "in a raiment of needle work," "a clothing of wrought gold," [7] a fit apparel for her presentation to the Kind, a costume that makes her venerable and lovely in the yes of her children. Whatever tends to render religion beautiful and attractive, to call the attention of men to her, to awaken their interest in her, is deserving of the regard of her friends. An attire of comeliness is not to be despised, if it do but serve to obtain for her that notice, which may lead to the perception and appreciation of her more solid and substantial charms. [8] Rome has bedizened her in the finery of a courtesan; the fear of Rome may sometimes have reduced her too nearly to a state of nudity. [9]

As a means awaking interest, and calling forth a spirit of inquiry in the young, the holy-day system is highly useful. This happy effect Scripture expressly ascribes to the Mosaic festivals:-it is not less true of the Christian:-"and it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, what mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, it is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses."[10] The simple questions of a child about the evergreen wreaths that now adorn our temples, may afford a particularly happy and favorable opportunity for communicating to it a knowledge of the facts and truths of Christianity. Instruction so communicated, in answer to voluntary inquiry, comes with far greater effect, than that which comes unsought to passive, perhaps reluctant, minds. Answer your children's questions then. Perhaps the result of some such question and answer may lead you to bless God for Christmas, and for this Christmas.

The holy-day system moreover provides a series of profitable and interesting themes for public instruction. It brings into an annual review the principal incidents in the life of Christ, the leading features of the great work by which he wrought out our redemption. It presents them in their order and connexion, and displays the successive contribution of each to the perfect whole. Such a system is replete with instruction, instinct with doctrine and with duty. It involves all that a Christian ought to believe and to do to his souls health. It is a great safeguard against partial teaching. It secures an annual survey of the whole field of the gospel. It checks the tendency of ministers to have pet topics and doctrines. Even if the pulpit be silent, the desk must make its annual proclamation of the whole counsel of God. A people among whom this system is developed with any tolerable degree of ability and fidelity, may parish; but it cannot be that they shall be "destroyed for lack of knowledge." [11] I speak warmly, for I feel warmly. I know that no generous mind will be displeased at the spontaneous movements of an honest but not uncharitable enthusiasm.

I trust then, sufficient reason has been shown, why, in the celebration of this festival, and of that round of holy-day which in their orderly succession make up that zodiac of heavenly signs [12] through which she delights to take her yearly circuit, our church is not justly liable to any charge of superstition, of adding to the word of God, of Popery, or of dogmatism. She ranks it no higher than a municipal regulation, recommended to her by the ancient and general practice of the Church Catholic, and by her own experience of pleasure and profit in its use. She rests her observance of it, upon no divine law or intrinsic obligation, but simply upon expediency and ecclesiastical precept. It is but a private way she has of endeavoring to "edify herself in love," [13] and "build up her children in their most holy faith." [14] She dictates to none; she reproaches none. Thus have I sought to "give an answer to every man that asketh a reason" of this peculiarity of our practice, "with meekness and fear;" [15] and to make it appear not incredible at least to any, that "he that regardeth the day" may "regard it unto the Lord;" and unseemly in "him that regardeth it not" to judge severely "him that regardeth it."

But let us not forget that the text has a reverse side. It is also written, "He that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it." Godliness then, will consist with a disregard of the day. Let us then be careful never to charge those who neglect to observe the day, with a breach of the divine law, or the omission of an essential means of spiritual edification and improvement. They do at the utmost but forego a source of religious improvement and strength which we retain and price, the want of which is compensated to them, it may be, by other arrangements of their own, Certain it is, that without them, they do attain a measure of Christian excellence, activity and usefulness, which should provoke us only to praise and emulation. Let us not conclude, that, because they have not our way, they have no way of keeping in mind the incarnation and other facts in the history of redemption, of meditating upon them, and making them "profitable for doctrine and instruction in righteousness." [16] Let not "him that regardeth the day" grow arrogant, and despise "him that regardeth it not." Not even if we are assailed with ignorant misrepresentation and rude invective, let us be driven out of our calmness and charity. Nay, my dear brethren, let us never forget that we are disciple of One, "who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; who, when he suffered, threatened not; but committed himself to Him who judgeth righteously." [17] "Render not evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." [18]

We are assembled this day to celebrate the nativity of the Son of God. The theme is one full of wonder, of instruction, and of comfort.

It commends Christ to us as a perfect Savior. As a Redeemer. We need one who can suffer in our stead; one who can make a satisfaction to divine justice; one who can be a "mediator between God and man," [19] "a days-man betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both," [20] This qualification the Son of God acquired by his assumption of flesh. This enabled him to die, to die a penal death, and by his death, render our pardon practicable, righteous, safe and credible. Hence "it is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation," that Christ is "able to save." Are you weary and bowed down with burden of sin? Go to Him: he can, he will "give you rest."

As an example. By his human life, he became the model of humanity; a display of what our nature should be, a demonstration of what our nature may be. How inspiriting is this exhibition! Who has not felt the force and value of a pure and lovely example? Christ has gone before us in our walks, in our labors, in our trials, in our sufferings. Wheresoever we are, we may carry with us in the mirror of our minds, an image of "the man Christ Jesus;" and fashion and attire our life after the pattern of its perfect simplicity, propriety and beauty.

As a Head and Champion. His assumption of man's nature at once proved its dignity and augmented it. It teaches us to think highly of ourselves, not morally or spiritually, but as to the constitution and destiny of man, and of ourselves as man. "God hath made us a little lower than the angels, to crown us with glory and honor." [21] Therefore "the Lord from heaven" stooped to be one of us, and to save us. He became "the second Adam," the new Head of humanity; and took it into a close and eternal union with himself, and made it sharer of his own dignity. [22] As he died because we die, so he rose that we might rise, and was glorified that we might share his glory. "As our forerunner, he hath for us entered" [23] heaven; and "he ever liveth to make intercession for us". [24] What a demonstration of the value of our souls! What en encouragement to seek their salvation!

As a Friend and Helper. His human nature has gone up with him on high. His human memories and sympathies survive, and abide forever. He sees us, and with interest, in all our earthly troubles, in all our conflicts with unbelief, in all our struggles after holiness. He come to us, to enliven, refresh, strengthen, and reclaim us. "We have not an High Priest, that cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities;" [25] or that will look idly upon them. Wherefore "lift up the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees." [26] "Come boldly to a throne of grace to find mercy and grace to help in time of need." [27]

http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=4652

Prepare to Enjoy Your Kids Forever

2009-11-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

All Christian parents want to train their children to be “good kids.” But that honorable goal is starkly shallow compared to the eternal purposes God has in mind for your parenting.

The purpose of training is to prepare the soil of our child's heart so they will seek God for themselves and be convicted of their own sinfulness and their need to repent. Compelling a child to “pray a sinner's prayer” will not save them. It will only make false converts if the heart is not prepared for God's presence.

The Bible mentions the heart 826 times. “Heart” refers to the core of a person's being. From the heart proceed our good and bad thoughts, emotions and behavior. What we teach our children can determine whether that soil is prepared to produce good or evil.

Nothing is more important than seeding deep within the heart and mind of a child core Christian convictions like Jesus is God; The reasons we know Jesus Christ rose from the dead, why we should be convinced the Bible is a true and accurate revelation from beginning to end and the absolute truth that Jesus is the only way to God. Unless our children know these and other key doctrines revealed in the Bible, they will not be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Although the word “doctrine” sometimes intimidates people, it is nothing more than a description of the will of God and the Gospel. If we have not trained the hearts and minds of our children to love sound teachings then we should not be surprised when three-fourths of them eventually walk away from the faith in college.

You don't have time to waste. Read and re-read this book to your child, and the training you provide will last for an eternity.

CHRISTIAN WORLD VIEW FOR CHILDREN
BY BRANDON HOWSE

Darwin's Sad Legacy

2009-11-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

The common thread throughout Darwin’s life was his continual struggle with the issue of death and suffering. He was never able to reconcile the existence of death, disease, and struggle with the character of a loving God:

I cannot persuade myself that a beneficent and omnipotent God would have designedly created the Ichneumonidae with the express intention of their feeding within the living bodies of Caterpillars, or that a cat should play with mice.1

Darwin was unable to understand why a loving Creator God would allow the horrible things he witnessed in nature and everyday life. Animals fed on one another; creatures ripped each other apart; women died in childbirth, etc. The world seemed heartless and cruel. Darwin’s eventual expansion of the concept of evolution seemed to provide a somewhat positive purpose for the suffering and death he could not explain.

Two of Darwin’s biographers went so far as to imply that the death of his daughter, Annie, caused Charles to walk away from his Christianity:

Annie’s cruel death destroyed Charles’s tatters of beliefs in a moral, just universe. Later he would say that this period chimed the final death-knell for his Christianity . . . . Charles now took his stand as an unbeliever.2

While there is no evidence that Darwin was ever a believer in biblical Christianity, his writings reveal that Annie’s death did cause him to doubt the existence of a loving God. Ultimately, as he developed his concept that lesser creatures evolved into more complex creatures (i.e., evolution by natural selection), he viewed cruelty in nature as the natural order of things. In other words, struggle and death were required for the onward progression of evolution.

Darwin was not, however, driven away from “the faith” by Annie’s death. Even in his twenties and after sailing on the famous ship the Beagle, Darwin had already rejected the true history of the world as found in Genesis and doubted the truth of the Christian faith. He did not have the right foundation of thinking to help him deal with the question of death and suffering:

Whilst on board the Beagle I was quite orthodox . . . But I had come, by this time, to see that the Old Testament from its manifestly false history of the world . . . was no more to be trusted than the sacred books of the Hindoos, or the beliefs of any barbarian.3

Thus, even at this early age, Darwin had rejected the book of Genesis (along with the entire Old Testament). Instead, he accepted the concept that the earth was millions of years old and that death has always been a part of our world. The core tenets of his belief in evolution were time and death.

The issue of suffering still troubles countless people, both believers and non-believers. But Genesis tells us of a time before sin when there was no death. Only the biblical account of history adequately explains the origin of death and suffering—they are the result of man’s sin. And only the biblical account adequately explains why Christ the Creator came to earth 2,000 years ago—to shed His blood to die on the Cross, but to be raised from the dead to conquer death.

Ultimately, Darwin’s rejection of history as given in Genesis left him without a foundation upon which to correctly interpret the world in which he lived. Furthermore, the bad fruits of his faulty thinking are all around us today. People have increasingly turned their backs on the Word of God, thinking the Bible is untrustworthy (and thus its message of salvation as well). Too often an evolutionary worldview has been used to justify people’s view on such things as abortion and racism. After all, humans are just animals, aren’t they?

Charles Darwin is honored by the world because he thought like the world. The tragedy was that this godless search for truth left him unable to understand the world in which he lived. What a lesson for our culture today.

This article is from Anwers in Genesis.

What is a Christian worldview?

2009-10-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Question: "What is a Christian worldview?"

Answer: A “worldview” refers to a comprehensive conception of the world from a specific standpoint. A “Christian worldview,” then, is a comprehensive conception of the world from a Christian standpoint. An individual’s worldview is his “big picture,” a harmony of all his beliefs about the world. It is his way of understanding reality. One’s worldview is the basis for making daily decisions and is therefore extremely important.

An apple sitting on a table is seen by several people. A botanist looking at the apple classifies it. An artist sees a still-life and draws it. A grocer sees an asset and inventories it. A child sees lunch and eats it. How we look at any situation is influenced by how we look at the world at large. Every worldview, Christian and non-Christian, deals with at least these three questions:

1) Where did we come from? (and why are we here?)
2) What is wrong with the world?
3) How can we fix it?

A prevalent worldview today is naturalism, which answers the three questions like this: 1) We are the product of random acts of nature with no real purpose. 2) We do not respect nature as we should. 3) We can save the world through ecology and conservation. A naturalistic worldview generates many related philosophies such as moral relativism, existentialism, pragmatism, and utopianism.

A Christian worldview, on the other hand, answers the three questions biblically: 1) We are God’s creation, designed to govern the world and fellowship with Him (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:15). 2) We sinned against God and subjected the whole world to a curse (Genesis 3). 3) God Himself has redeemed the world through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15; Luke 19:10), and will one day restore creation to its former perfect state (Isaiah 65:17-25). A Christian worldview leads us to believe in moral absolutes, miracles, human dignity, and the possibility of redemption.

It is important to remember that a worldview is comprehensive. It affects every area of life, from money to morality, from politics to art. True Christianity is more than a set of ideas to use at church. Christianity as taught in the Bible is itself a worldview. The Bible never distinguishes between a “religious” and a “secular” life; the Christian life is the only life there is. Jesus proclaimed Himself “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) and, in doing so, became our worldview.

http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-worldview.html

Devil or Angel?

2009-10-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

In the world of politics it is sometimes tough to discern just exactly who is the devil and who is the angel. What it appears to this writer is that too often the identity (devil or angel) of the one in question is being determined not by the real character of the person but his/her acceptance or rejection of a certain program. What faithful disciples of the republic must make clear is that the character of the man chosen is everything. If he has weak character he will not be a good leader even if in general he seems to agree with ones view. Those with weak or greatly flawed character (every person on earth is flawed so forget about the idea of finding one who is not) will work to please men in order to “make others happy” or will work toward a self serving agenda.

Since President Obama has been elected there has been a steady chorus of those crying devil as well as those crying angel. Michael Moore and his cohorts are greatly displeased because President Obama has not followed their radical agenda for America. Moderates are equally upset because he has surrounded himself with radicals and made several moves as it he may really try to please the radicals.

Why the mixed signals from the President? Why does he act as if he knows exactly how to fix the economic problem and then with full force pass a non-stimulus stimulus? Why does he speak of the greatness of capitalism and then try to take over industry? Why does he talk about being a tough negotiator and then give the Russians exactly what they wanted in Europe? President Obama does not know who he is; therefore he cannot know what he stands for. He like Bill Clinton before him grew up in a totally dysfunctional home. He learned to talk his way out of and into whatever he wanted. He learned that to get what he wanted he had to deceive some. He is an expert when it comes to talking therefore he is at his best when talking. That is why he makes so many speeches. That is why he thinks if he can just talk to someone he can persuade them to see things his way. He has used this tactic his entire life to get his way. He is an expert when it comes to manipulating the discussion. He is an expert when it comes to pitting one group against another in order to get what he wants. He is a man who has zero or almost zero core values. He makes his decisions based upon what he prefers at the time, what will promote him, or what will make those who he wants to please happy. That is why he stayed in the church with Rev. Wright for twenty years. What Rev. Wright was saying was in material to him, what mattered to him was that Rev. Wright was promoting him to the thousands who frequented that church. What was important to him was that he was gaining followers. It did not matter to him whether they shared his views or not, he has always been able to talk his way out of everything why would being President change that?

Here is a new flash for President Obama, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is not grandma, he is the devil in the flesh. He views the President’s desire to talk as a weakness. He believes that the President’s desire to talk is evidence that the god of Islam is working in his favor. The President’s actions are actually empowering him.
Kim Jong 11 is not like momma, a globe trotting hippy child of the sixties, he has created the closest thing to hell on earth for his own people. He thinks that the President is plastic and weak and he believes that if he keeps the pressure up that he will get what he wants. The people of the United States of America are not living in a hut in Kenya; unaware of the world around them. A smooth line can obviously fool some of them since President Obama was elected, but they are gradually realizing the truth that this President is struggling. He is struggling not because he is the devil or because he is an angel. He is struggling because he does not know who he is, therefore he also does not know where he stands.

Like Mr. Atlas he is trying to lift the world. The problem is he is standing in quick sand with no solid values to keep his feet from sinking.

EXPERIENCE THE TRUTH!

2009-09-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am writing the same thing this week because I don't want you to forget about the Truth. If you haven't already, check out the Truth Project. The link is listed below....just click it and go see for yourself. We are having this at our church right now. So, speaking from experience this is something every Christian should see.
Have a great week and EXPERIENCE THE TRUTH!

The Truth Project......Isn't it time for everyone to know the Truth?

2009-09-19T20:26:00.000-07:00

If you are ready for a Christian World View, this is the place for you. You will learn more than you can imagine plus, you will be able to pass on to your children and your grandchildren the truth, God's Truth.

Thank You

2009-09-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

A Lesson in Civics

2009-09-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

It’s Now or Never

2009-08-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

The United States of America basically has two political parties. Although there have been a number of third parties over the years few of them have had an impact on a national election. Ross Perot probably changed the election of 1992 in Bill Clinton’s favor. 2000 was so close in some states that Pat Buchanan or Ralph Nadar may have changed the result there. The point is that elections are a two horse race on most occasions.

Although this writer has never been to the track he has watched important horse races on television. He has even tried a few times to pick the winner. His reason for choosing a horse however is not scientific. He chooses based on color of the horse; a pretty colored horse has a big advantage to this viewer. He also chooses by looking at the jockey. If the jockey has a unique name, or a winning streak, or has never ridden in the race before, that horse might get the nod. If the horse is a good looking horse, has a good story like, “They were just about to make glue out of him when we found him,” has a jockey with a unique name, and is a big underdog, this writer is in! Of course, a real horse person would most likely suggest that these criteria are not the best criteria to choose if one wants to win.

American voters often use the wrong criteria when choosing who to vote for. Both current parties in this two party system have sold out to the “borrow and spend” mentality. While the Dems. Are known as the big spending party, ( and rightfully so) the Repubs. are not far behind. One might argue that the Repubs. spend on better stuff than the Dems. Which could be defended but the point is that neither understand the problem.

While deficit spending during times of war might be justified, deficit spending any other time reflects on the part of both parties a materialistic and socialistic mind set. There are few true conservatives in either party. Many who parade around as conservatives are right on one issue. Some contend that they are conservative because they are against abortion. Some contend that they are conservative because they are against homosexual marriage. True conservatism views the world through a prism of absolute principles that are applied to every issue, not just one. Stealing from the next generation in order to live high now is not conservative, it is immoral. Accepting perks from corporations which suggest inappropriate influence is not conservative it is unethical. Voting oneself a pay raise is not conservative it is prideful and arrogant.

The only way for America to recover is for her people to return to the principles that are absolute and they are found in the Word of God. If every person who claims to be a believer would vote those principles consistently, and live those principles consistently America would make a true transformation. Unless that happens we are witnessing the beginning of the end. Now is that reason to give up? No, no, no, we must fight on regardless of the cost. The transformation must begin within!

Math for Dummies Anyone?

2009-08-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

The Government of the United States led by President Barak Obama has decided to purchase your old car. Your old car may only be worth $500.00 but the government will give you$3,500.00 to $4,500.00 for that old car. Since this writer has one vehicle that qualifies for this “great deal” he should immediately go to the dealer of his choice and take advantage of this extra money.

Now before we get too excited about this deal we must ask a few questions: First where is the money to buy these cars coming from? Second is this money borrowed or is it from an excess cash fund that this government has? Third does borrowed money really help an economy that is laboring with huge debt? Fourth is it legal or ethical to take money from one person in order to buy another person a car?

Question 1: This money is coming from the United States Government which means that in reality it is coming from the American tax payer’s pockets. So in essence the Government has decided to give some of my money to someone else so that they can buy a car. Sounds unfair to me, but that’s just me.

Question 2: Since the United States Government is spending trillions more than it is taking in this money is borrowed. The United States Government is borrowing money from anyone and everyone that they can in order to buy new cars for some people. Something is not right about a government that is broke, borrowing money to buy cars for people. The really sad part is since I am a citizen of this government part of that IOU is my responsibility.

Question 3: Since car sales help car manufacturers, car dealers, and car salesmen it is important that they sell enough cars to stay in business. This writer has numerous friends who are involved in the car industry and he certainly wants them to prosper. Does government borrowing and spending really help any of these people in the long run? The answer is no it absolutely kills them. These sales are false and although business picks up today what happens when the program runs out of money? They are right back where they were last month. Living high on borrowed money is not sustainable it is a short term feel better pill. Kind of like taking pain killer with a kidney stone. Helps ease the pain but does nothing to help the stone go away. Unless the stone is addressed or passed the pain will return with a vengeance. Borrowing now to buy now feels good, no doubt about it, but when the borrowed is spent the pain returns and economically speaking the pain is worse because now there is a debt.

Question 4: It is immoral for a government to take money away from one citizen in order to make a direct payment to another. Who is deciding that someone needs a new car worse than this writer needs tuition money to put his child through school? Who is deciding that someone needs a new car more than this writer needs to pay a friend to work on his own car that does not qualify for the cash for clunkers?

The current President of the United States has chosen to use smoke and mirrors instead of real math. He has convinced the American people that borrowing more money will make the recession go away and return national prosperity. He has a Harvard degree so he is not a dumb person, but he lacks wisdom and judgment and his economic philosophy violates every single principle of sound economics. He has bought the big lie of John Maynard Keynes that government spending stops recessions and returns prosperity. Although a big rush of government cash may relieve some short term suffering it does great damage to the long term economic health of the nation.

It would appear that the popularity of the cash for clunkers program shows us that our President is not the only one who needs a quick course in “Math for Dummies.”

One Race

2009-07-30T16:50:00.000-07:00

Jesus taught His followers to love God and love others. He even told a story that is often referred to as “The Story of the Good Samaritan” to illustrate His teaching of how human beings are to treat each other. These principles are to cross all ethnic, gender, and age group lines that we sometimes draw to declare our own comfort zone.

This writer as a child lived in an “all white” town. Now understand the term “all white” in those days did not really mean “all white” it meant “no black.” There were quite a few Native Americans who resided there but somehow they were not separated in the minds of most like the African Americans were. Many of the friends of this writer had the letters “ski” on the end of their names which usually meant Eastern European heritage and Catholic faith. While this Western European and Baptist faith white boy was not threatened by the Native Americans, the Eastern Europeans, or the Catholics he was intimidated by African Americans. He had never been around African Americans. Their color was drastically different. Their language while basically the same when they spoke it, sounded different. At that time (late 60’s,) there was much racial tension in a large city not to far from this small town. The race riots played out on the evening news every day in his home. It made his mother afraid and it gave him reason for caution when black Americans were present. Hate was not the problem. This white kid simply did not understand who they were or why on TV they were mad at everyone. At 10 years old, he had not walked one step in their shoes much less a mile.

At thirteen, his father was transferred to a place with a small population of African Americans. He went to school with them. They played together at school, on the field, the court, and the track. They rode around with him and he rode around with them. They became friends. He was no longer intimidated. He was no longer afraid. He went to college and again they lived in the same dorm together. They played on the same field, rode the same bus, ate the same “cafeteria food” and ran on the same track. He came to the realization that there is one race. He realized that he could use their blood and they can use his for life saving surgery. Too much sun will give them both skin cancer. Too much fat will reshape both. Both are affected by male pattern baldness. While there are different ethnic groups there is one race!

Now for the big shot over the bow. I really wish that our President would not suggest that no one but African Americans understand what it is like to be discriminated against. Granted this writer does not know nor does he pretend to know what it is like to be African American, he has always been white. He does understand discrimination. He did not go through puberty until he was sixteen and most of his friends went through it at age twelve or thirteen. He understands working harder than others in athletics and still struggling to stay up. He understands what it was like to be told my a major corporation in May of 1980 “Your not the color we need right now”, (thank you Jimmy Carter). He understands what it is like to have to compete against huge wealthy ranches when showing cattle, or showing pigs in competition with huge hogs farms. He understands what it is like to belong to a civic club and be ostracized because stuffy rich people who by birth or worldly accomplishment feel superior and act it out. He understands what it is like to be told that you are a “can’t miss” candidate for a job only to discover that an insider got the position. Let’s face it discrimination is a part of this life and always will be. Each and every one has to decide whether these experiences will make him bitter or better. Government needs to have basic guidelines in some of these areas but no man or government can stop discrimination. It happens every day in every way imaginable. There will always be people who prefer their own color over those of another color, and those who want what they want regardless of what is fair and right.

This writer assumes that because of his believe system he is going to be discriminated against (evangelical Christian). He does not whine or moan of how bad he has it; he simply works harder to inform people of the truth. He assumes that because he is a white male there will be some who will not like him (Latino Supreme Court nominees). He assumes that because of his age there are some jobs where younger people will be preferred (Young preachers). He has decided to continue to trust the Lord and do his best.

Grow up Mr. President, move out of your resentment and “they are picking on me because I am black” mentality. While I can never understand what it is like to be black. Don’t you dare pretend that you and your ethnic group are the only ones to understand discrimination. This writer’s family did not come over here on a slave ship but they did come on a debtor ship. Not what one would call the upper crust. What’s the beef anyway; Mr. Gates is a Harvard professor and you are the President of the United States, not too bad for a couple of guys who have been discriminated against. Keep in mind men it is not too late to get better!

“This is not Healthy”

2009-07-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

Our nation is currently in a debate about health care. While our system is certainly not perfect and could stand some reforms; is turning it all over to the government the “best” thing to do for the citizenry?

Let’s review the history of the government of the United States. In 1935 the government established the Social Security Act. It was set up as a government fund for unemployment and old-age insurance. It was a tax on employee’s wages and employer’s payrolls. When a worker retired he was to get regular monthly benefits from the Social Security system. This was introduced as a voluntary program, and the tax on wages and payrolls was small (2%). Social security soon became mandatory (1937) for most people and the taxes grew substantially. In 1939 SS grew to cover dependents and survivors. In 1950 coverage was expanded to jobs outside of commerce and industry, and benefits were increased, taxes went to 3%. In 1956 Disability insurance was created, and expanded over the following years. Early retirement at age 62 for women was permitted taxes went to 4%. In 1961 Early retirement was added for men also (62) and taxes went to 6%. By the early 1980’s it was apparent that Social Security was in trouble but there has not been a proposal to bale it out that has really addressed the problem.

What is the problem? When Social Security began there were 35 workers for every 1 receiving benefits. By 1950 the ratio had fallen to 16 workers for every one receiving benefits. Today there are 3.3 paying in for every one that is receiving benefits. By 2025 that number will settle in at about 2 working for every one receiving benefits, which means that 30-40% of ones wages would have to be paid in to Social Security in order for those receiving to continue to get benefits. Anyone managing a business in this manner would have been fired long ago, and if it were a small business it would never have gotten off the ground. It would have gone broke right out of the gate. What is the point? The point is this, “Do we really want a group running our health care who have managed this poorly on the retirement program?”

This is but a small sample of what the American people are in for. A similar story could be told concerning Medicare. It has grown exponentially and the debt continues to mount. Numerous other government programs have produced similar outcomes. America must awaken very soon or we will become only a blip on the radar screen of history. Financial ruin is awaiting us if we embrace the wacky economic policies of this president. The programs that he has pitched thus far from the stimulus to cap and trade to health care are nothing but radical ideas that will stimulate nothing, ruin any chance for our children to enjoy true financial prosperity, and bankrupt this nation. He is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and it is time that America realizes who this guy really is. He is a fox in the hen house swearing his allegiance to the chickens as he daily squeezes their necks a little tighter.

New and Improved Christianity?

2009-07-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Since this writer can remember ads on television and in magazines that have proclaimed the advantages of the “New and Improved” version of whatever was being marketed. Often times the new and improved version had some sort of added ingredient that was revolutionary and of course no other product and no other company had access to this recipe.

The labeling of the product also would often have bright colors proclaiming the “new and improved” as nothing short of miraculous. Who hasn’t tried to get the ketchup out of a white shirt using the “new and improved” version only to discover that while it got the ketchup out it left a yellow spot? The second application and washing did little to remove that yellow spot. What was left but to hope that the spot was low enough that one could tuck it into his pants? New and improved seldom holds up to the claims made about it or the claims are so ambiguous with such clever wording that the claims themselves are words actually saying nothing.

There is a move among the church in America today that Jesus would not recognize as the movement that He started some 2,000 years ago. The new movement is not really a new movement at all in fact it is the oldest movement known to man. It began long ago in the heavenly realms when Satan decided that he deserved the top spot and challenged God for His position. The rest is “history,” Satan lost and since that day he has been using his own failure to lure others to join him in his fate. He of course does not present himself for whom he really is, he pretends to be light when in reality he is darkness. He pretends to only want the good of others, when in reality he is out to destroy their very soul. What is this movement? This movement has many different names but the identifying marks of the movement are that it makes man supreme and it relegates God to playing nanny to every whim of man.

This movement is prevalent in America especially in the wealthy suburbs, but on occasion it can also be seen in rural areas and even in the inner city. It is a new theology, a theology that makes man the center of the universe. “What ever I want” has become more important than God’s will. Getting “my needs” met has become the motivation for being “spiritual.” Some resort to literally the “name it claim it” approach where confidence abounds and God is ordered around like the servant of man “that He is suppose to be” (in that theology of course). Other groups while not getting caught up in the money “name it claim it stuff” focus on everything but sharing the Gospel. They have women’s meetings, men’s meetings, youth meetings, children’s meetings, senior adult meetings, women with preschoolers meetings, empty nester meetings, finance meetings, building meetings, and every other kind of meetings known to man, but seldom if ever do they use the Gospel message as the meat of the sandwich. It comes back to meeting those needs. Granted Jesus commanded His followers to help the naked, hungry, and those without shelter, but each of these helps is only of a temporary nature. For one to fail to focus on the eternal issue is to fail to do what Jesus told His disciples to do. Helping those in need is a biblical command, but without Christ in their lives meeting that temporary need is just that temporary. They will still end their lives in Hell unless they have a personal relationship with Jesus.

This new movement one might refer to as the “I have a better idea movement.” Jesus did meet temporary needs for those who came in contact with Him, but His life’s focus was God’s truth. He understood that He had been sent by the Father to teach and preach the truth. To fail to do this was unimaginable to Him; it ought to also be to us. It can be agreed that one cannot simply ignore the temporal physical and emotional needs of those in this world but to fail to be consumed with Jesus is to fail to be Christ centered. A life that is not Christ centered will if not at first become self centered. This is the result in the church in America. The church in America has lost its way. It has turned away from its first love to pursue self and even some good things but not the best thing; the Lord Himself!

The new and improved is in reality a poor imitation of the real thing. May each one who reads this blog determine to submit to His idea of “the good life” 1 Timothy 6:6-11.

What is Your Worldview; Bacon or Best?

2009-06-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

This writer grew up in a family where agriculture was an important part of life. Life down on the farm included some of everything from growing a gigantic garden to gathering eggs, feeding pigs, slaughtering corn fed steers from a tall tree using a block and tackle, bucking hay onto a trailer, working cattle with his bare hands, to nursing a sick calf back to health using a bottle and lots of home remedies.

What does this have to do with a Christian worldview? Be patient that is coming, eventually! Breakfast was the favorite meal growing up. Fried eggs, toast with home made butter, bacon, fresh sliced tomatoes, always chased down with milk and nothing was rationed except, “the bacon.” Eggs, toast, tomatoes and milk could be devoured with no limits but bacon was a different story. Two pieces were the limit unless someone was sick and did not want theirs or someone voluntarily gave theirs up (which never happened). Man that bacon was good. Fried just right in its own juices so that even the fat was crispy, but not burnt. There were days growing up when ½ # would not have been too much, and yet it was carefully rationed. When a new hog was slaughtered the bacon was always the first to go, and Mom would have to begin buying it in the store again until it was hog slaughtering time again. She often bought “Corn King” oh yes this writer knew what brand. It must have been the cheaper brand because she was a bargain hunter deluxe.

So why would parents limit the bacon? Didn’t they realize that it tasted great? Didn’t they realize that two slices of bacon is not really much meat? Didn’t they realize that 3 or 4 or 5 or even the whole package would have made this farm boy a whole lot happier? How dare them deny him those tasty morsels that he loved so much. Let’s be honest here how much more would 1 or 2 extra pieces of bacon really cost?

Until this writer was 15 Mom was a stay at home Mom. She cooked, canned, cleaned, milked, made butter, hoed the garden, and worked like a field hand. She watched carefully every penny that she got and she did not waist any. Mom wanted her kids to be healthy. As the first of 13 she had been raising kids long before her own 3 came along. Why only two slices of bacon? Well first off bacon was expensive and she liked bacon too but to spend any extra money on delicacies when an abundance of staples were available; not on her watch. Bacon (a delicacy, an extra) tasted good but in those days it was high in fat and high in sodium, not exactly a “healthy choice.”. Bacon was never designed to be a meal, even though a little added much to the meal. An all bacon would not have been balanced and she wanted her children to have a balanced diet or at least one that she thought was balanced. This leads to a short detour. Her rule for her only son was that he had to, “pick something green from the table to eat.” For a meat, bread, and potatoes guy this was torture. The first choice was always green peas. Oh the writer likes green peas? No in fact green peas are right at the bottom of the list for this writer (like kryptonite to Superman). So why did he often choose green peas? They can be swallowed without chewing! It is interesting that now he eats little meat and potatoes and mostly green things (still does not like green peas)! This loving mother wanted not just bacon for her children she wanted the very best. Bacon was good and from time to time she would even do a BLT sandwich (that is bacon, lettuce, and tomato for all of the readers not from the south), but it usually only had two slices on it too. Of course the slices were torn in half so it looked like more than it was.

Ok Bill enough of your life story what does all of this have to do with a Christian worldview? Government is now gauged by the average American according to one factor, “How much bacon is brought home.” If a state or national leader gets money in the budget for a museum parking lot then that community names the parking lot after him and brags for the next 30 years about great of a representative or senator he was. The reality is that he had enough clout to get taxpayer money and spend it on his parking lot before another powerful leader spent it on a different parking lot. America now judges her leaders not by their leadership qualities, their moral commitments, their loyalty to truth and justice, but on how much bacon they put on “my” plate. Interestingly enough not one single person is ever satisfied. The reason that America is so far in debt both personally and nationally is that two slices is never enough. “More bacon” is the never ending demand of the American populace and now even a whole package is not enough. This shows on the balance sheet and in the waistline, but America continues to cry, “more bacon.”

So how should believers out there respond to this continual cry of “more bacon?” They should teach their children the value of living a healthy life in every way. Teach them to be disciplined in their diet, in their finances, in their studies, in their pursuits, in their relationships, and in every other area of their lives. Teach them to depend on God, their family, their church, and their own hard work to get what they need, and refuse to become a cheerleader for those who simply bring home more bacon. Teach them that more bacon only causes one to miss the best; that balanced godly life.

1979 Revisited

2009-06-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

The year was 1979. Jimmy Carter was in the middle of one of the most inept presidencies in this nation’s history. His hope that undermining the Shah would produce a wonderful society of Muslims loving Muslims and a better world had come crashing down. One has to feel sorry for former President Carter today as he ignorantly continues to cling to this myth that signing a peace agreement with evil somehow changes the evil to something less than evil.

He reminds one of Neville Chamberlain, British Prime Minister 1937-1940 who met with Hitler in 1938, gave him the Sudetenland (He did invite the Czechs to the meeting which would have been nice since he was giving away part of their country) and came back to Britain and declared that he had achieved “peace for our time.” Six months later Hitler took the rest of Czechoslovakia, and within a year had taken Poland too.

Where did these two men fail? It appears that they really do want peace. It appears that they at times have gone into enemy territory in order to talk to try to find peace risking their own lives. It seems however that every time they get a signature it is not worth the paper that it is written upon. What is the problem? The basic problem is their worldview. They both hold to a worldview (Chamberlain is dead but Carter continues to hold to this worldview) that believes that man by reason, understanding, knowledge, talking, doing good, can change the nature of other men. They believe that man can fix his own problems if he simply comes to the table and really works hard at doing so. They believe that they can change another person by reasoning with him/her. While there is a place for reason in human discussions, man’s reasoning ability cannot change the heart. Man’s reasoning ability cannot change the nature of man. Reason will never be able to cause a wicked heart to pursue righteousness.

Today Iran is in great turmoil much like it was in 1979. Those who were considered the “good guys” in 1979 have now ruled for 30 years, and after 30 years of poverty and oppression they are no longer the good guys but the bad guys. In reality they were always the bad guys. What is interesting is that one of the most wicked leaders of Iran from the 1980’s is now being promoted as the liberator. Is he a liberator? No, he will only be a different kind of oppressor. Much like the French revolution of the late 1700’s those who play the liberators once in power become the oppressors in order to keep control.

So what is the answer to all of this upheaval? Is man doomed to revolution? The answer is the return of Jesus Christ and yes man is doomed to perpetual revolution. Why? He has a sin nature and that sin nature can only be held in check by one of two ways. One is voluntary submission to Christ and the other is forced obedience by the threat of punishment. Iran as a nation has rejected Jesus Christ and therefore they have chosen the rod. They may revolt and throw off this current oppression, but if they do not submit to the Lord then another oppressor will simply replace the current one.

The United States must repent and submit or we will follow suite at some point.

Is the Government Really Helping???

2009-06-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

This writer during his lifetime has witnessed increasing government intervention into private business, and personal lives. The government has done this on the premise of helping the poor, lifting up those who have been discriminated against, or in general making things “more fair” for the masses. These programs are usually titled with something that “sounds” good. Let’s be honest, who would be against helping more kids go to college? Never mind that public universities are so subsidized now that anyone willing to work can afford them. Who would be against helping the poor? Never mind that many of the so called “poor” have obesity rates comparable to the general public. Who would be against helping a veteran with a low interest loan? Never mind that the vast majority of veterans were volunteers. They were paid while they served, and were offered further education paid for by the government. The freedom that they fought for is being enjoyed by them and their posterity as well. Who would be against health care for all Americans? Never mind that of the so called 48 million without coverage 24 million are rotating, in other words they might be out right now but will have it within a month. It may be because of a change in jobs or a change in health care provider that has put them in this condition. 20 million of the 48 million are illegal so that leaves 4 million chronically without coverage.

What is the point? The point is that many times the programs began by our government (with general citizen approval) are not necessarily bad, but almost without exception establish an attitude within the population of entitlement. Every group either because of their contribution (veterans), their condition (poor, disabled, a minority, a woman), or their position (student, politician, teacher, professor) are somehow “entitled” to receive something to reward or encourage them for what they do or have done.

Please do not misunderstand, this writer grew up with a man who landed at Normandy, and witnessed the human carnage at Buchenwald. He still gets chills and his eyes sweat (or something like sweat) when he shakes the hands of those who serve, or hears a powerful patriotic musical rendition, or sees one who has been wounded on behalf of freedom. The issue however is not are we proud of our warriors, our teachers, and our students. It is not, do we have compassion for the poor, the disabled, or those who have experienced discrimination, the issue is this; “Should the government take money away from one group, or borrow money from everyone out there including foreign governments who hate us in order to give another group entitlement status?” A person with average intelligence and any common sense would say, “That is wrong!” If the average person would say no then why do new programs get introduced continually and the old programs grow and expand? It is simple, a very high percentage of the people are getting something and each defends their handout vigorously. A careful study of the political winds then bring to ones attention the fact that any individual or group that stands to oppose a handout are attacked as un-American, immoral, cold uncaring, or just down right mean. Therefore once a handout has been put into place it never dies, it grows. A politician will never vote against it because the easiest path to re-election is to bring out a long laundry list of all of the projects (programs) that he/she has brought to that district.

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Is this writer cold and uncaring, un-American , or just plain mean? The answer is no he is not. He is a giver. He gives to numerous charitable organizations beginning with his church. He helps those in need often with his own money. The problem is he is offended when the government chooses to take his money away from him under the guise that someone else deserves it more, and they (the government) are more qualified to hand it out than he is. By the way that man that this writer grew up with said this, “They don’t owe me anything. They paid me while I was there, I did my job and I have been enjoying the fruits of my labor ever sense.”

Who is to blame for this? We are when we protect our handout we are empowering others to protect theirs. To close today this quote seems appropriate, “This republic will last until the people figure out that they can vote themselves a portion of the treasury” If you have not yet experienced any of the stimulus money promised, may this blog stimulate you today!

S.O.S.

2009-06-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

Please excuse this writer for the failure to post weekly. Things have been busy with seminary work, message preparations, and one of the most rewarding things that this writer has ever been a part of. It is called SOS.

What in the world is SOS you might ask? SOS is Service Over Sulphur where every able bodied member of the First Baptist Church signs a card to work on a crew doing yard work, construction, painting, small repairs, house cleaning, etc. Forms are placed in the local paper for two weeks and those who sign up are evaluated and informed whether or not their job can be done. Sometimes everything that needs doing is accomplished while some are turned away for various reasons. The point is that every single task that can be accomplished in seven days (Saturday-Saturday excluding Sunday) is done to show the love of Christ to the world.

Crew Chiefs (those who really know what they are doing) are assigned several tasks for the week and then given a crew according to the work load. This year over 100 workers signed up and this does not include the 30-40 who made food for the workers or served food to the workers. Porches, roofs, paint jobs are being done all over town with for FREE!

You see Jesus told His disciples to wash each others feet, so this is the way this church chooses to wash feet. Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient unto death even death on the cross. Humility is an interesting quality; the moment that you think you have it-that is pride so you lose it. The point is that humility is an every day activity in the life of a believer. Have you washed any feet this week?

So what is the most interesting thing about SOS? When this started the intent was to show others the love of Christ and while this is still the goal, those doing the work are more blessed by doing the task than those who are getting the free work done.

Another interesting thing that has happened is that the church is pulling together closer and closer through the fellowship that has developed from this work together.

Hats off to the First Baptist Church in Sulphur, Oklahoma for washing feet!

Biblical Christian World View # 2

2009-05-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Biblical Christian World View

2009-05-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

“Can’t We All Just Get Along”

2009-05-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Former President Carter with anti-American, Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez.

Former President Jimmy Carter has started a new organization that he calls “The New Baptist Covenant.” Mr. Carter has talked of bringing people of faith together to help the imprisoned and the impoverished with his new organization. Former President Bill Clinton is also one of the co-creators of this organization. When questioned recently by Newsweek former President Carter made the following statements:

Newsweek: Do you think a Mormon is a Christian?
Carter: Yes, I do. I have a cousin who is a Mormon and she married one of the Marriott family. I don’t know anyone who’s more devout in their faith than she and her family. I admire them very much.

If you read his answer carefully then you noticed that sincerity was his test for orthodoxy. His cousin was devout in her faith therefore she is a Christian. He did not mention the object of her faith. Mr. Carter of course was elected in 1976 largely on the strength of his appeal to southern conservatives (He promoted himself as a born again Southern Baptist) and upon the scandal ridden Republican party. As President Carter landed in the oval office it became quickly apparent that he was not a conservative by any definition of conservative. Mr. Carter has embraced every wicked dictator in this world. Mr. Carter is a supporter of abortion on demand. Mr. Carter’s political record is atrocious. His Community Reinvestment Act, which required banks to make 20% of their loans to people who did not qualify; was the first step toward the banking crisis of today. He encouraged radicals in Iran, and actually believed that letting the radicals have their way was better for Iran and made the U.S. safer. He also claimed in that same Newsweek article that the principles of Islam as taught in the Quran are much the same as those taught in the Bible. My answer to that is simple, he is either totally ignorant or he has not read both of them. They contradict on the character of God. They contradict on who God is. They contradict on the principles of salvation. They contradict upon who Jesus is. The Bible and the Quran are in total conflict.

Former President Carter meeting with Dictator Fidel Castro of Cuba.

So why does a Christian blogger interested in helping others to understand how to view the world through the Scriptures want to talk about a washed up former president? The answer is simple Mr. Carter presents himself as a learned man. Mr. Carter presents himself as one who knows the Lord. Mr. Carter presents himself as one who has the best interest of others in mind, and yet his words and his actions speak of something far different. This same man who came upon the national stage wearing a “born again” mantra now wants to reach people, but for what? It appears that in his world view everyone gets in if they are sincere. The god of the Mormon faith worked his way up after starting out as a man. The god of the Mormon faith encourages baptism by proxy for those already dead. The god of the Mormon faith says that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers. The god of the Mormon faith was given life by a 2 bit con artist named Joseph Smith. The list goes on and on; does this sound like the Christian faith? The answer is no, it is not the Christian faith. In Islam Mohammad said kill unbelievers in the name of Allah. In Christianity Jesus said love unbelievers even though they may hate. In Islam only good works can get one approved before Allah. In Christianity only faith in what Jesus has done will get one approved before the Lord.

What is the point? Mr. Carter may be sincere, I certainly do not know his heart, but I can observe his actions. He is an all out supporter of abortion on demand. He supports stem cell research using human embryos. His complete incompetence and ineptitude in office led to the radical take over of Iran (he thought they would like him). His fake, forced peace in the Middle East has only empowered the radicals to surround and squeeze Israel. His born again status is at least different from orthodoxy. He seems to have this Why can’t we just all get along mentality? but, reality is that truth cannot pretend to agree with a lie! Mr. Carter once again is either tremendously dumb or he is deceived. So what do we make of “HIS” new Baptist movement? He is not a Baptist and he is not a conservative. The only thing I am sure about him is that he is theologically confused.

Former President Carter meeting with Hamas.

If it Seems too Good to be True….It Probably is.

2009-05-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

A government big enough to give you everything that you want is also big enough to take everything that you have.

My grandfather was politically astute. While owning and operating a dairy in 1933 my grandfather saw through the short term benefits of the government programs created to “help” people. He made this comment often during the difficult days of the 1930’s; “What Roosevelt is doing is going to ruin our country down the road.” He daily with the help of two boys milked 30 head of Jersey cows, and hauled his milk to town to sell it. From time to time during the toughest days they actually gave milk away to those who could not pay.

My father like my grandfather was politically astute. Without a degree he began his career shoveling coal in an electric power plant. He retired 40 years later the plant manager of a power plant and spent nearly twenty years in that position. He often spoke of his disappointment with “Truman” for refusing to support Chiang Kai Shek against Mao Tse-Tung and the communists in China. He was disappointed in “Ike” for not standing with Hungary during their revolt in 1956. HE was disappointed with Kennedy for not standing with those freedom fighters at the Bay of Pigs. He was greatly disappointed in the unwillingness of political leaders to stand up and stop spending more than was coming into government coffers. He often expressed disappointment in those who promised change only to appoint the same old retreads to office who had failed previously. From 1964 through 2008 most elections on the national scene were disappointing to my family. Even on the occasion when the supposed “conservative” won much of the time he was not really a conservative he was only conservative compared to the ultra liberal on the other side. Although election night was always greatly anticipated it rarely went our way. While there were a few exceptions many election nights were let downs.

What did these men believe in to the point that Election Day disappointed them so much? First they believed the Bible. The Bible says that those who do not work will not eat. Now of course this does not refer to those who cannot work it refers to those who will not work. There are millions of Americans today who will not work and yet they receive a government check. What harm does this bring on the culture? These people become dependent, and their expectations are that someone will provide for them. They fail to take responsibility for themselves. They then teach their children the same philosophy and since they are not working they produce large numbers of children (men will understand this last statement). The Bible further says that those who will not provide for their families are worse than an infidel. What is an infidel? An infidel is an unbeliever. Therefore one who claims to be a follower of Christ and does not support those of his own household is being disobedient to the Lord. Any politician who through his legislation or philosophy encourages others to disobey a specific biblical command is wrong, and God will hold him accountable. Of course everyone knows the temptation to become a men pleaser especially if becoming a men pleaser keeps one in office.

Second these men believed in the Constitution of the United States of America. The Constitution is a document that is brilliantly written to protect individual rights and at the same time restrict those rights to keep them from infringing upon the rights of others. Every election seemed to take the country a little further down the road away from its biblical and constitutional foundations. This Constitution is the nearest to perfection of any man made document ever written. The framers of this document understood the depravity of man. They understood that the passions of men unchecked bring devastating consequences especially when those men are in positions of authority. The Bible speaks of the blessing of having righteous rulers. When my father and grandfather saw those men get elected based upon their multiple promises of gifts to the voters they could forecast the result; a nation bogged down with debt, and from education to automobiles producing inferior products, and constantly demanding more free time and more prosperity but unwilling to work to have it.

Third these men understood that unrighteous men regardless of what they promise can never lead a nation to righteousness. “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” Men with good intentions without the righteousness of God cannot lead a nation to righteousness. We must pray for President Obama. Although I do not know his heart, his actions speak of a gifted orator, who could sell sand to a shepherd living in the desert, whether he needed it or not. What he has proposed after the first 100 days is nothing short of an unbelievable turn away from the path of righteousness. As John Adams said, “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

I Pledge Allegiance

2009-04-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

Most people who live in this country are familiar with these words. As children we learn very young the words of this pledge. It is a pledge that speaks of one’s loyalty to the United States of America. A few years ago while working with some school children the time for the pledge came around and one boy did not stand. This writer was instantly angry, and immediately said, “Get up.” Now before anyone allows their circuits to over load a quick mental evaluation of the situation brought to this writer’s mind that children could not be forced to say the pledge. Rather than “going for the jugular” the student was simply required to stand with everyone else but did not have to say the pledge. While not saying the pledge of allegiance would have never even entered the mind of this writer, he does understand the right of others not to say it if they do not want to. Of course having a father who served with Patton’s third army in Europe, who landed at Normandy, and was present at Buchenwald when the dead were being buried and the living were being loaded out it stands to reason that patriotism has been deeply ingrained into the very being.

While saying that this writer is patriotic is an understatement, his love for his country is not his first allegiance. This writer is a follower of Jesus Christ. That statement alone tells a story. It tells of a time when this writer realized his sinful nature. It tells of a time when this writer realized that he was in great need of a savior. It tells of a time when this writer humbled himself before an awesome mighty God and begged for His forgiveness. It tells of a time when this writer chose by the drawing of the Holy Spirit to surrender his own will to the will of the Father. Now he continues to battle his own will, and he must daily surrender his will to his Heavenly Father, but he has accepted the forgiveness granted by the Father. In essence there was a time when he “pledged allegiance” and he continues to “pledge allegiance” every day.

There are so many times when this writer has wanted to say, “Get Up” to those who claimed to have pledge allegiance to the One who made them. There are so many times when this writer has wondered about those who claim to be friends of God. Understand God has not made him the judge but God has told believers that they would know each other by their fruits (what their lives produce). I often hear people pledging their allegiance to a political candidate because of the party affiliation of the candidate regardless of the beliefs or actions of the candidate. I often hear people talking of their affection for specific television programs regardless of the worldview being espoused by the show. In mass people endorse every government program that promises to put money into their pockets, never mind that the money is borrowed at someone else’s expense. Never mind that the program is nothing more than a glorified handout. Never mind that the recipient’s grandchildren will be forced to live at a lower level trying to pay back what has been borrowed-“live for the moment for tomorrow we die” has become the philosophy of the masses.

Today would you consider “Pledging allegiance to the One who made you and gave His life for you?” It will require that you die to self. It will require that you surrender completely. It will require that you view the world through the lens of Scripture-what He is against; you are against, what He supports you must support. Political parties will be secondary at best. It will require a daily diligence and often you will find yourself swimming upstream, against the flow of the culture. Those who know God will daily pledge allegiance, and their actions in every area of their life will reflect that allegiance. What does your life reflect about you? My father fought those who would pledge allegiance to wickedness and he saw the vivid results in terrible suffering when entire cultures move away from allegiance to the one true God. Have you pledged allegiance?

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People

2009-04-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

This is a topic that can really test what one believes. Often it seems that those who are good suffer disproportionately. Even more difficult to understand is why the innocent suffer and at the same time the guilty seem to get by with deception or plain old evil. Some religious folks would try to explain this with a theological stand that would go something like this; “Well God is sovereign so whatever happens is His will” or if they were more secular they might say; “What is meant to be is meant to be.” While God is certainly sovereign, and some things are going to happen do these statements really help us to understand what is going on and why? In most cases these statements only serve to frustrate and raise more questions than answers.

A correct understanding of Scripture is needed to deal with the “why” of events in life. First the premise that was painted in the headline is misleading at best and just down right false at worst. There are no good people! The Bible is clear on this topic. Is. 64:6 “Our righteousness is as filthy rags” says it all; our righteousness when compared to true righteousness is dirty. Romans 3:23 says this; “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Each and every person born on this earth from man is born with a sin nature. Everyone is born corrupt. Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” The biblical perspective then is clear everyone is deserving of death. Everyone who has been born deserves to die. The single exception to this is the one who was born of the spirit of God, Jesus Christ.

The choice by Adam and Eve to disobey God in the garden brought sin into the world. Since that fateful day the earth has been under the penalty of sin. This is a fallen world, and despite man’s best effort this world continues to decline. There are children born with terrible birth defects-why? This is a fallen world and all suffer the consequences of that fall. Little children in Africa and Asia are starving-why? This is a fallen world and all suffer the consequences of that fall. Little children are born in the United States into drug infested environments never knowing who their father is and with mothers so strung out that the child has to fend for himself-why? This is a fallen world and all suffer the consequences of that fall. Crimes are committed against those who know God and love God-Why? This is a fallen world and all suffer the consequences of that fall. At this point some would want point out those who seem to live in luxury and bliss their entire life. One must keep in mind that things are not always what they appear. Many times it is like Paul Harvey often said, “Now for the rest of the story.”

This pastor has been fooled by the appearance of people many times over the years. Those who appeared to be confident, secure, with everything going their way had more insecurities and inner turmoil that a stock broker in 1929. The message today is really simple. Is. 55:8-9 tells the faithful that how and why God does what He does or chooses not to do some things is beyond our ability to understand right now. God sees in 4D. He sees every motivation of every person. He knows the hearts when we really do not. He knows the circumstances and we do not. He knows and we don’t, therefore our options are simple. Stay frustrated, get angry, and become bitter, at things that we do not understand, or we can choose to believe that He has His hand on it all. Here is a good saying that is filled with true that has helped me many times, “When I cannot see His hand I choose to trust His heart.”

The Main Event

2009-04-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sam Jones winning shot!

March Madness has come to an end. Of the 129 teams who hoped to be wearing the title of the best in college basketball only one team for each gender gets to claim that crown. The other 127 teams hopes were dashed as their season ended most likely in tears, missed shots, and missed opportunities. Some of those teams might be willing to say the best team won while others would choose to believe “if this” or “if that” or “we should have” and 30 years from now will still be saying those same things.

Bob Hayes

Our culture is filled with big events or at least events that we promote as important. Who can name the Superbowl Champ from 1999 without looking it up? Only the sports trivia geeks or maybe a few that remembers “their” team winning that year. The point is glory fades quickly. My childhood athletic idols are unknown to the youth of today. What person under 45 would connect with these names; “Bullet Bob Hayes” or “Dick Fosbury” or “Sam Jones” the answer is very few or none. Being famous or performing great fetes as measured by human standards do not last much more than a generation. Just as many under 45 would say, “Who are those guys and what sport did they play?” A generation from now (30-40 years) young people will say; Who is Michael Jordan? Who is Lance Armstrong? Who is Tom Brady?

Dick Fosbury

There is however an event that will never be forgotten because it supersedes every event in the history of man. This event is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This time of year it gets a lot of press, but the rest of the year it is attacked. The same networks that show various religious figures celebrating the resurrection work to cast doubt upon it the rest of the year. After over 2,000 years much of the world still knows about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an event that surpasses all others. While celebrating the event is good and acceptable, the most important thing is to receive this truth deep into the inner man. Many of those who celebrate it have never made it personal. Resurrection Sunday most churches will have their “best” day of the year in attendance. People who only come once a year come on this day.

This begs the question: If this event is the most spectacular and most remembered ancient event ever in the history of the world how should we respond? What should we do with this event? While celebrating this event is wonderful the only way to do real justice to this event is to believe its authenticity (God sent His only Son to die for the sins of the world and after three days He arose), embrace it’s precepts (You must die to self, be born again, there must be a new birth in your life, a spiritual birth that transforms you from the inside out) and live with one goal, to serve the One who died in your place. While all of the celebration on the outside is admirable the real test is inner transformation. May each of us be conformed to the Savior today as He is the TRUE main event.

Bill

P.S. Who were those guys? Bob Hayes was the 100 meter champion in 1960 Olympics and a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. He was so fast that he forced defenses to change. Dick Fosbury 1968 Olympic champion in the high jump. He introduced the concept of going over the bar backwards. Most all high jumpers use this technique today. Sam Jones was a long time member of the Boston Celtics championship basketball teams. He was the master of the bank shot.

So, God created man in His own image...

2009-04-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image.
Is there any resemblance between fathers and their children? The answer is a profound yes, of course. On a personal note I have a child who has a carbon copy of my feet (nothing to brag about). I have a child who has a personality like mine. I have a child who has an attitude like mine. I have a child who thinks much like me. While my three children are different and none look like me (thank you Lord) they all have characteristics that show rather profoundly that they belong to me. I am their father and although strictly by a first look that might not be obvious when one begins to investigate carefully the characteristics come out. I gave them my DNA and they are marked, in a way they are in my image.
We all have a heavenly Father who has declared that He made us in His image. He stamped us with His DNA and since He is spirit we too have a spiritual component to our being. Contrary to modern psychology we are not this structural machine that can be programmed and reprogrammed at will using conditioning techniques. While some view man as trichotomous (body soul spirit) and others dichotomous (body soul=spirit) Christians should realize that it is the nonphysical part of man that was made in God’s image. One of the reasons for the failure of modern psychology and much of the counseling given today is the fact that both of these try to operate pretending that there is no spiritual component in man. The result of this is that those trying to counsel cannot get to “what makes men tick” without dealing with the spiritual part.
The foundation for a sound spiritual life was given by Jesus; Love the Lord your God with all of your heart soul, mind, and strength. This simple truth means that in order to have a healthy spiritual life requires that love in full measure be returned to the Father. Is this what we here today in the modern classrooms of America? No the mantra in most of those classrooms is “Love yourself” or “I’m ok you’re ok” or “Think positive.” There are at least two results of this philosophy. The first is arrogance. If I love myself above everything and everyone else who is going to be able to contradict my opinion on anything? The answer is no one; therefore we have classrooms out of control because Little Johnny thinks he is God’s gift to writing therefore do not try to tell him anything. He does not know the difference between a period and a comma but in his mind it does not matter anyway. (His mother will usually agree with him) By the way do not try to tell him that anything he wants to do should not be done, part of his self love is based upon his right to do whatever he wants. Mom finally gives up and takes Little Johnny to the counselor because he won’t listen to anyone, is 13, bigger than her and totally out of control. Of course the counselor cannot help Johnny either, because his problem is spiritual and no secular counselor is going to touch that “wacky spiritual stuff.”
The second result of pushing self love as a priority is mediocrity. I am not an artist. A quick look at my efforts to draw will tell anyone with an eye that I am not an artist, nor do I have a natural ability to draw anything. Stickmen are a challenge to me. But if I am Little Johnny where self love rather than love for God is first then I want the blue ribbon. The quality of my work does not matter. I love self and self deserves the blue ribbon. As a child I was a faster runner than my classmates. As a young teen most of my classmates were faster than me. As an older teenager and young college student I was somewhere between the two extremes. I experienced the blue ribbons and I experienced that fateful call that I had to make as an 8th grader to ask the coach if I could be the manager for one particular track meet since I was not in the top three in any event (He was so gracious, Thank you coach Lee Cobb for having compassion on me). Over the past 40 years the U.S. has begun to struggle in many areas of manufacturing. We are not competing with the rest of the world. In a number of areas their products demonstrate a higher quality than ours. Why? We have become so enthralled with feeling good about ourselves that the quality of our products has become a secondary issue at best. We just want to feel good. We want the blue ribbon even when our product doesn’t meet the standards.
So what do we do? We acknowledge that we are made in the image of God. We acknowledge that because sin entered the world through the sin of Adam we were each and everyone born with a sin nature. We submit ourselves to the One who made us, and love Him with everything in us. We die to self so that we might love for Him. When we do these things we will resemble the One in whose image we were made. Who do you resemble?
Bill

Sin; OUCH!

2009-03-28T18:57:00.000-07:00

Who do you know who likes to be told that they are by nature sinful? Although this writer would admit that there could be someone out there somewhere, he has not yet met one. Few if any like to be told that they have evil imaginations, that by nature they are selfish, and will tend toward evil if left on their own.
How many of the readers have seen that exasperated mother in the store tell her 6 year old 13 times not to handle the produce only to watch him grab it over and over again? Mom after a long day at work and the child after a long day at school and then another 2 hours in the “after school” program are both tired and frustrated. He wants her attention which he has not had for the past week, and all she wants at this moment is a robot who will respond at her every command. The result of all of this is usually a crying screaming fit on the part of the child and a yelling, embarrassing display in front of an aisle full of busy shoppers.
This sinful nature cannot be reigned in by human effort. There is not enough human strength in anyone to successfully conquer the sin nature. The mother in order to provide more for her family takes on a demanding job that pays good money. She convinces herself that more money will help her family to have the things that they need, and granted there are some cases where this is fact, but the truth is that in most cases it is the “greeds” that are being addressed, not the needs. The child having for the most part been raised by someone other than a parent develops resentment. When he is finally rescued from others at 5:20 P.M. he has to go “run errands” with mom. Maybe even unconsciously he “gets her back” for his frustrations. When they finally arrive at home they are both too tired to do anything but eat and sit in front of a computer or television and become a zombie, only to arise the next morning for a repeat performance.
Does this sound like your life? Does this sound like a good life? Many would answer yes and then give a long list of all of their “things.” The reality is that these kinds of lives are destructive to all who are living in them. Now everything that this writer has just written is a result of that old sin nature. We have what we call insatiable desires. That is regardless of how much we get we “by nature” want a little bit more. How many have ever received a tax rebate and been literally thrilled only to be sad three days later because it is two hundred short of being enough to get “everything” on the list? The Founding Fathers realized the fact of this sin nature that is in all of us. That is why they established a form of government with checks and balances. Each arm of government would be checked and balanced by the other. When will this form of government cease to work? When one branch does not fulfill its constitutional obligation to check and balance the other (Congress has the responsibility to remove federal judges who fail to follow the Constitution) or when all branches decide that they can ignore the constitution and the people do not hold them accountable (continue to vote for those who fill our pockets and their own). A government big enough to give us everything we want is also big enough to take everything we have. Only when the majority of the people have had a supernatural work performed on their heart will a free system last. Heart surgery anyone?
Bill

Education Part 2

2009-03-16T20:01:00.001-07:00

What happens to education that leaves God out? Education without God is like studying a stream of flowing water without considering its source. Granted one could study a multitude of things about the stream and even break down its entire contents but in order to truly know that stream and its reliability one must become familiar with its source.
Whether the subject therefore is math, language, science, history, speech, geography, or a multitude of potential others to deny the source is to limit the understanding gained from the study. The point is this if God is sovereign, and He created this earth and everything in it then true understanding must begin with a study of Him. It also would require that He be acknowledged along the way in the study of every subject. If God made and sustains this world how can one do justice to the study of it and leave Him out?
This begs the question then how can one get to know God? One can get to know God by His own revelation of Himself that He has provided for us---we call it the Bible. Once the source for everything and everyone is consulted many man made theories no longer need to be studied. The Bible eliminates the idea that man just happened. The Bible eliminates the idea that the language and the speech of man began with animal like grunts and evolved into complex languages that we know today. From the beginning God spoke to man and man spoke to man. History is really the story of God’s redemption in spite of man’s failure. Every move of history has been directed by the great director. Nothing has happened but what God either did it or allowed it, for His ultimate purposes to be fulfilled.
The result of leaving God out of education has been catastrophic. Since there is no thing as absolute truth (according to the educational establishment) only relative truth, everyone can decide what they think is right. The result is that from the lectern God is mocked in tax supported educational institutions on a daily basis, all in the name of education. Man descending from apes is accepted as fact and yet when some guy acts like an ape there is a national outcry. Everyone suddenly wants to know why he did what he did. Some blame his parents, while some blame society, others will try to explain away the problem from failure to “take his medicine” to blaming the drugs that he was taking. Seldom if ever does anyone admit that within what may have seemed to be a docile person was a sin nature. That sin nature left unexposed to the grace of God is capable of anything. History is rewritten leaving out the very centerpiece of all history. Math is approached not as a gift from God to help man to understand his universe, but as something that man has devised on his own.
So what must believers do with this problem? Make sure that your children are taught the truth. Question them often about their philosophy of life. Whether your children attend a public school, a private school, or are home schooled there are many sources for unbiblical thinking. Teach them about the One who is the centerpiece of all of history. Teach them about the one who invented science. Teach them about the One who invented math. Take on His perspective, “Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Train up means to narrow the path so we are to narrow the path for the children so that they can clearly see what path to follow.
Bill

Education Part 1

2009-03-05T20:48:00.001-08:00

School children near Sulphur, Oklahoma around 1900

Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
What a powerful authoritative statement. The idea of this passage is simple; true knowledge begins with a fear (reverence, awe,) of the Lord. This passage expresses a complete submission to the Lord’s will. In fact it is THE most important factor in order to attain knowledge. Therefore the opposite is also true; those who reject the Lord are fools and will rarely demonstrate anything other than foolishness. The fear of the Lord is the first and controlling principle of knowledge.
In speaking of education then where does this leave this nation? Much of the so-called education in the United States of America does not even acknowledge God, and in growing numbers there is an all out attack on the God of the Bible from those in positions of authority. Harvard was established in 1636 by the Puritans 6 years after they landed in 1630. The founders of Harvard wrote the following;
“Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life (John 17:3) and therefore lay Christ in the bottom, as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning.”
In 1647 Massachusetts passed a law that came to be called the Ole’ Deluder Satan Act. This act provided that since Satan was on “Old Trickster” every town with fifty families had to hire a teacher and every town with 100 families had to have a school to get students ready for college. Why would they pass this act and what did it mean? The Puritans said unashamedly that Satan was an old trickster therefore every single child needed to know how to read so that they could read the Bible and “put on the whole armor of God.” They clearly understood what America today does not-the beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord. Reverential fear of the Lord is the prerequisite of knowledge. There is a way which seems right to man, but the end thereof is destruction, and America has chosen that way.
Next week we will look at the contemporary results of our leaving God out of education, and what our response needs to be.

Colbert School, Davis, Oklahoma, around 1912

Economics Part 1

2009-02-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

What exactly is economics? For the purpose of the following work this is the definition: System of management; general regulation and disposition of the affairs of a state or nation, or of any department of government. The point is this; every government takes on a money management theory of some kind. That money management theory will then take actions that will produce consequences. Now the theory that has been used to manage the United States of America’s resources over the past 76 years has been a theory from John Maynard Keynes. Keynes was a British economic theoretician who advocated central planning and massive economic and social intervention by the government. Keynes said that the great problem behind recessions or depressions is unemployment, therefore if government just steps in and hires people to do work even if the money to pay those people has to be borrowed or taken from others in the form of tax it is ok, because this action will prime the pump and the nation can then “spend its way to prosperity.” Does any reader out there any where know of any one who has ever spent their way to prosperity? The answer is no; while those in business could argue that to make money one has to spend money, there has never been a single individual, business, or government that has spent its way to prosperity.
What is the real philosophy behind this theory? The real philosophy is that man can solve all of the problems of man. Those who study the biblical model know that man has a fallen nature and until Jesus Christ establishes His rule man will have problems. This fallen nature cannot be controlled by laws, or regulations. It can only be controlled through a will that is submissive to Jesus Christ. Those who think that man is basically good continue to try to set up a system whereby all are secure and everyone is equal. The “intellectuals” of course would still expect to be elevated. Those who think that man has an inherited fallen nature recognize that freedom with some basic guidelines offers the best opportunity for the majority to prosper. The Christian believes that the best economic system protects basic human rights that are given by God from those who would take them away, and a system of checks and balances that would check the power of any one person or group. This is not just something that the Christian has grabbed out of the air. The Scriptures are full of admonition for the Christian to work hard. The Puritans had a simple theory when they settled this country as the first large group; “Love God and work hard.” History also demonstrates without argument that freedom produces much more than central government planning.
Why were all of these programs started in the 1930’s? During a time of human suffering (although other countries look at our 1930’s and laugh that we think it was really suffering) people are much more willing to listen to promises of grandeur. People will accept almost anything when times are tough (Germany, Adolph Hitler). The work projects and the social programs began by Roosevelt admittedly did relieve some pain for some people at the time. So what is the problem? That is not government’s job; that is the job of family, friends, neighbors, communities, churches, charitable organizations etc. When government steps in there is always massive waist, and many times complete fraud. The long-term problem however is that the people begin to depend upon government for everything. They take on an entitlement mentality, a mentality that changes freedoms into demands. What was once a privilege has become a right. What was once something to work to obtain has now become something that is deserved. To earn enough money to save for retirement is a privilege. To buy health insurance for catastrophic health issues is a privilege. To be able to work ones way through college is a privilege that makes the journey worth more. To save for a garden tiller after using nothing but a shovel and hoe for several years is a privilege. When big brother government just up and provides these things they are not only stealing from someone else to be able to do it but they are taking the joy and privilege away from the one who could work for it.
PART II
What is so wrong about government taking over these areas? It is like the deer in Washington State that were recently attacking the people there. Why, were they attacking? It seems that some of the people have been feeding them for quite some time instead of letting them forage for themselves. The result is that they are angry when a passerby does not produce food, so they butt them. What are some of the tangible results of the programs began by our chief executive officers, including company heads and elected leaders? GM and Chrysler are going broke because they cannot pay the promised retirement benefits, and health coverage, to their retirees and still compete in the market place. They set up an expensive program of allowing their workers to retire too early therefore in effect paying double the salary cost including those retired and those working. The government promised retirement benefits to everyone who was enrolled in the system. Many have not prepared for retirement at all, counting upon the government check to support them. Social Security is not enough as those on it realize. Welfare, a program began with good intent has created multiple generations who are dependent upon it, and most of these people could make it on their own if they were really willing to work. When Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are added together they make up over 50 % of the entire U.S. government budget, and they are growing exponentially. Keep in mind the money that government uses to finance these programs is taken from someone who worked for it, and given to someone who did not. Most do not realize that if they withdrew from their own checks each month the same amount that is taken by Social Security and invested it they would have much more than the average person ever gets from Social Security.
So what do we do? WE begin to think right. We acknowledge that we as a nation have messed up a good system. We have embraced so called security over freedom, not realizing that it was the freedom that helped to create the wealth to begin with. We acknowledge that almost to a man we have lived beyond our means. What does the writer mean by this? Whether it is a low interest loan to a veteran for a house, a student for college, or a poor person for a house that is not the government’s job and they will mess it up (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, nonpayment of student loans etc.). If it is a farm program handout to help a farmer deal with erosion, cedars, weeds, or bugs or even buy his milk, make cheese and give it away, or pay him not to grow something, government intervention in the private sector only creates a bigger and bigger bureaucracy and eventually hurts everyone. Government and big company involvement in the health care industry has caused much of the problem today. When government provides cart blanc coverage for everything, what do those giving tests do? They give every test since there is profit in tests. Companies who provide complete coverage historically have also driven up the price as many have had the carte blanc approach as well. The result has been that instead of just the tests or procedures that are needed being done a whole host of useless expensive things are done. Silly lawsuits have driven the cost of malpractice insurance over the top so that doctors must charge high prices to cover the cost of their insurance. Most of these problems are a direct result of government misuse or abuse.
So what do we do about short-term pain that comes naturally to free economies as they move up and down? We do what we have historically done, we employ the biblical concepts. WE work hard, spend wisely, and always stay ready to help those in need, because that is what the Bible teaches. Keep this in mind, when the incentive to work hard is taken away from enough people either by excessive taxation, or the fact that those who do not work have it better than those who do, get ready a complete economic collapse is the consequence. We must say no to those who would want to take care of us from the cradle to the grave. Without judging their personal intentions the result is more poverty for all.

Politics Part 2

2009-02-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

Businesses come and go. Those who have something to sell that is in demand prosper and those who do not go out of business. Those taking the risk get the reward when things go their way either through hard work, good decisions, or what appears to be just good fortune. (Even those who know that God is sovereign know better) Government’s responsibility here is to make sure that the rules are the same for all participants, not to make sure that poor little Johnny who can’t run, can’t jump, can’t catch, and is afraid of loud noises gets to play middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears because he is sweet and wants to play. A free society will have economic swings. What made this current swing so big was not the fault of the capitalistic system; it was manipulation by those in positions of authority both in the financial world and those in positions of power in government. What does this mean for the rest of the country? It means that there can never be enough laws passed to force the population to act right. If those with wicked hearts are elected or placed into positions where they can manipulate for their own gain the country will suffer.
So what should Americans be looking for in their leaders? Americans should be looking for those with great character, not those who can make great speeches. Americans should look for those who see serving as a responsibility, not for those who see office as a way to get personal fame, or financial security. So how long does America have with its current attitude about politics? Check out the information below for yourself.
About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:
"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government."
"A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury."
"From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."
"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years"
"During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:

1. from bondage to spiritual faith;

2. from spiritual faith to great courage;

3. from courage to liberty;

4. from liberty to abundance;

5. from abundance to complacency;

6. from complacency to apathy;

7. from apathy to dependence;

8. from dependence back into bondage"

This spending spree brought on by the agent for change that we recently elected will firmly place this great country at number 7.
So what should our leaders do? 1. Determine not to spend one cent more than is taken in by taxes. This means entitlements would be cut dramatically. Over time a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution is what is needed. 2. Cut the corporate tax rate from the current 35% to the 15-20% range. This country has the highest corporate tax rate in the world. This means that trillions of dollars are leaving this country because corporations can do much better abroad. 3. Cut the individual tax rate to 17% with no deductions at all for anyone, everyone pays the same rate. 4. Put a two-year halt on capital gains taxes to encourage investment. 5. Throw those who manipulate the system in jail and take every cent including personal assets, and assets that they have given to family or friends. This would put a screeching halt to all except the few worst criminals. If these actions were taken today, within six months the economy would spring back to life with bee like activity.
In our generation the need for changes to the Constitution is not nearly as great as the need for changes in human hearts.

Politics Part 1

2009-02-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

After the past two years of listening to those who were running for office crow about all of the wonderful things that they were going to do for us, who wants to hear any more about politics. Well in order to have an accurate worldview all of us need to understand politics.
The American system is called a republic. It is called this because it chooses representatives to represent the people on the federal, state, and local levels in government. Citizens do not get to vote on every bill, but choose others to “represent” them, and cast in essence what is “their” vote. The Founding Fathers were wise. They understood that the masses are emotional and will often times react or overreact to things in such a way as to put their system of government in jeopardy.
Our new president Barak Obama proclaimed change throughout his campaign. He maintained that business as usual was over. He promised a new day of cooperation and opportunity. He promised that his administration would raise the bar as far as ethics were concerned. He promised that lobbyists would be held accountable on his watch. This certainly sounds good, but what did he mean by these words?
His first act as president was to lift the ban on American tax dollars going to fund abortions in other countries. He has appointed at least three people to high positions in his cabinet (at this writing two have withdrawn and the other has been confirmed) with massive tax problems like not paying their taxes. He has proposed a massive spending bill although he is referring to it as a “stimulus package.” This spending bill according to some estimates will be as low as 800 billion and as high as 1.2 trillion. So we must ask this question; “Did change mean “more” out of control spending?” Since one of the great failures of the Bush administration was out of control spending, how could anyone suggest that they were going to “fix” the out of control spending by spending even more? That is like the guy who is drowning in the lake crying out for a cup of water, instead of a lifejacket! One estimate has 12 cents of each dollar of this massive spending bill actually going toward stimulating the economy. The rest will be simply blown on pet projects that will do nothing to stimulate anything other than a few fat cats pocketbook. How many households in America who are in financial trouble could solve their troubles with a bigger loan and no changes in the way that they are doing business? The answer is not one. The same is true for government.
Ok Bill so what should the government do to help suffering people? First it is important to understand that the government is not our mother! Government was not established to “take care of us from the cradle to the grave.” Second government was established to provide for the common defense (military) promote the general welfare (tax to build roads, provide police and fire protection and keep economic bully’s from depriving the general population an opportunity to prosper) and secure the blessings of liberty for all.
Third suffering people will always be with us! They always have been and they always will be. It is not the job of government to instantly stop all suffering. This is the task given to communities, neighbors, churches, and not for profit groups who specialize in helping those in need. They will do it much cheaper than the massive government and they know what they are doing.

Law Part 2

2009-02-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

Those who have rejected the absolute authority of the Law of God have been responsible for the mass murders throughout the history of the world. Readers would be comfortable at this point if the writer mentioned Hitler, Stalin, or Mao, but few would be comfortable if this writer mentioned the crusades both “so called Christian” and “Muslim.” Why? Followers of both were convinced that their cause was right; when in reality both causes violate the absolute principles of God’s Law. Jesus NEVER told His followers to take up arms against unbelievers He told them to love unbelievers even those who hated them. This does not mean that war is never justified and it does not mean that a man cannot defend his family. It means that bringing people to Christ was NEVER to be by the sword, but by love. Muhammad claimed to be working for God and forced others to submit to his views. Were his views correct? Muhammad denied the deity of Christ and the authority of Christ claiming that his own authority superseded that of Christ. He claimed to accept Christ as a prophet but rejected Him as the Son of God. It was Jesus who said that He was the Son of God, so how could Muhammad accept a liar as a prophet? The point is this, regardless of what a person calls it when one rejects the absolute authority of God’s law he/she is opening the way for every kind of distortion known to man, and the result will be destructive.
Humanist believe that the state must create law, enact law, execute law, and interpret the law. The state then is not only the originator of rights but in actuality determines what human rights are and what they are not. The humanist cannot accept the idea that there is clearly established natural law; if they did, it would mean there was a cause for their existence. If there was a cause for their existence, then it must mean there was a lawgiver, and if there is a lawgiver then humanity is responsible for listening to and obeying that Lawgiver.
So what are some signs of man believing that he can solve his own problems? The gradual rejection of the original intent of the Constitution is one sign. Many jurists today do not care what the Founding Fathers intended, they know what they want and so they give an interpretation that fits what they want, and totally ignore the lawgiver. The United Nations is another sign of this. While there is nothing wrong with getting together to work out disagreements the very founders of this effort carried with them the idea that if man can just get together he can fix his own problems without input from the lawgiver.
Where does one then turn to understand how all of this works? He turns to Romans 1:18-20 where God clearly establishes the fact that He through nature itself has shown them who He is. In fact He has done this so well that no one can say that they did not know. To these then that suggest the Constitution should be ever changing this writer would say shame on you, you know better. You know that God exists, and you know that He is in charge. Your denial is quite simply rebellion. So is the Constitution error free as if it were Scripture? The answer is no, but the Founding Fathers knew the Word of God and they knew the fallen nature of man, therefore they fixed into this document safeguards to protect man from himself. When our nation ignores these safeguards and runs rough shod over these sacred principles we do so at our own risk.
Take the time to read this sacred document. There are a number of places online where it can be read. The www.wallbuilders.com website is an excellent place to get engaged in the process of understanding the many reason why we must return to our Founders understanding of the Law!

Law part 1

2009-01-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

Often times this line can be heard from those who do not understand Law, “Our Constitution is a living breathing document.” Now to the novice this sounds good. It sounds as if the one making this statement believes that this Constitution is alive with truth and that truth transcends time so that the principles laid out will remain and continue to guide regardless of how much time passes. The sad fact is that most of those who make this statement are actually saying just the opposite.
What do people mean when they say that the Constitution is a living, breathing document? They mean that it can be interpreted totally different this year from last year because society has changed. Man’s opinion has changed therefore the rules that he lives by must also change. Man is supreme therefore he is not guided by absolute principles.
For the secular humanist law originates with man. What man decides is the ultimate truth or rule. One might be tempted to ask, “Where in the world did they get this idea?” The true humanist thinker derives his ideas about law from the biological theory of evolution. Therefore one can say without hesitation that humanist legal principles are always changing. Just as man is evolving so are the legal principles that he lives by. While the murder of the unborn for thousands of years by even primitive cultures was considered wrong, under the humanist influenced courts it has become simply a woman’s right. To the humanist the criminal is not at fault in his crime spree, but the faulty society is to blame. It would then be unethical to execute a criminal for murder because execution is a “forever” punishment, and since the law might evolve next week, next month, or next year it would be wrong to execute anyone. That is why their focus is on rehabilitation and reeducation instead of punishment. While there is certainly a place for both of these, law demands that punishment that fits the crime be included in the equation.
The Ten Commandments are rejected by the humanists because the Commandments set definite boundaries, they are absolute by nature. To the humanist law is man-centered not God-centered. Man sets his own rules and while this may sound as if it is true freedom it is actually slavery. What happens when self-centered men (which everyone is capable of being) rule? They make the rules whereby they prosper and others do not. (Check Congress and Wall Street September 2008) Where does this lead? It leads to a dictatorship where the opinion of one or at the most a few becomes the law. When this happens then rights go out the window.

Love of Wisdom

2009-01-16T22:19:00.000-08:00

Philosophy-“philo” in Greek means love. Sophia means wisdom. Philosophy, therefore, has the literal meaning of the love of wisdom. Philosophy is an area of study that attempts to explain the entirety of existence or reality.
So do you have a philosophy of life? Sure you do, everyone does, even though they may not know what to call it or even where they got it, they do have one. The philosophy of life that each person has is the “behind the scenes” reason for why one does what he/she does the way he/she does it.
If a person were to say that they had a Christian philosophy of life, what exactly would that mean? It would mean that he/she believed that God was sovereign (in complete control). Therefore, everything that happens God either directly performs or allows to happen through the rules of the cosmos which He has established. When a four-ton boulder rolls down a mountain whatever it hits is changed. A stream may be detoured by the boulder, a car may be crushed, the force may crack smaller boulders, and the ground itself will be indented. God has established the rule that boulders roll downhill. Anyone or anything that enters the path of a rolling four-ton boulder will be affected by it. God has the power to send the boulder and He may, but He also has established natural laws that guide our system so that boulders roll downhill when natural conditions are right. A Christian philosophy would acknowledge the supernatural. A Christian philosophy could explain what appears to be unexplainable by pointing to the supernatural, all-powerful, all-knowing God who exists outside of the limits of time and space. Christian philosophy is not only right it offers the most reasonable answer to life’s questions. Does Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” seem more reasonable than “4.5 billion years ago a series of accidents caused by who knows what brought about the orderly, beautiful, complex world that we have today?” This is a “no brainer” the former makes most sense to the ordinary man as well as to the deep thinking philosopher.
Ok Bill, what are you trying to say here? A philosophy without God refuses to accept the supernatural in any form so every act is an act of nature. In essence, whatever exists can be explained by natural causes. The god of the secular philosophy is matter in motion. Matter is all that exists and it is put together, shaped, or tore down and destroyed all by natural causes, there is no supernatural involvement. So what are the practical results of this philosophy? There is no human soul, or personality. There is no God; there is only matter. To quote one of secular humanisms finest, Carl Sagan, “The cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be.” Therefore to take another human life is ok since they are nothing but matter. It is no different than cutting down a pesky red cedar and throwing it in the brush pile to burn. So this begs the question: Can mindless matter with no help from the supernatural really form minds that think, work, and reason out complex equations? The answer is profoundly no. The mind that created this writer’s mind (as limited as it is) had to be unimaginably superior because He also created minds much superior to this one. He created minds that design nuclear reactors, space stations, satellites, cameras that can read a newspaper on the ground from space. Can matter left to itself do any of these things? No, matter requires intelligence, or it will have no design. Matter left to itself is lifeless.
So can the Christian really present enough valid evidence to prove the case for his belief system? The answer is absolutely yes there are an "astounding" number of ancient manuscripts: 5,000 Greek manuscripts, 10,000 Latin and 9,000 other--totaling over 24,000 manuscript copies or portions of the New Testament. These are dated from 100 to 300 years after the originals a simple comparison with other ancient documents demonstrates the point quite clearly. There are 10 copies of Caesar’s writings but the closest to the original is 1000 years later. On the Roman historian Tacitus there are 20 copies the earliest being 1000 years after the originals. There are 7 copies of Plato’s writings with the earliest being 1200 years after the originals.
This writer has been on the short end of the stick in athletic pursuits several times. He has been defeated by small margins and large margins but never 24,000 to 20. Case closed Jesus wins by landslide!
Philosophy can be a complex subject and this article has barely touched the surface of elementary philosophy. The important thing to remember is that for all of those who call themselves “Christian” their philosophy of life must adhere to the sacred Scriptures. A great book for all of the readers to acquire would be “Understanding the Times” by David Noebel. It goes through each of these areas that we are trying to reinforce with clarity. It is a big book with a mountain of information but it is written in a manner that even this writer can understand!
“Since God is the Supreme Being it follows that He gave being to all that He created out of nothing.”- St. Augustine

Theology-The study of God

2009-01-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

There are those who refer to themselves as “believers” who profess a belief in God and even a relationship with Christ and yet embrace humanist’s doctrines in many areas. One would be very tempted to ask the question: “How can this be?” Since this very thing is becoming more and more prevalent in the culture of America it is important to investigate the source for this phenomenon.

It would appear that the root of the problem is a poor theology and or at least an incomplete theology. What one believes about God has everything to do with how one thinks, lives, interprets events, and interprets philosophies which are being preached by the culture at large. Secular Humanism is a religion and its theology is atheism. This truth has been proclaimed by the humanists themselves in the Humanists Manifesto I and the Humanist Manifesto II as well as the Supreme Court of the United States in 1960. Humanist Paul Kurtz said this “Humanism cannot (in any fair sense of the word) apply to one who still believes in God as the source and creator of the universe.” There are quotes like the previous one from educational leaders over the last hundred years numbering at least in the thousands if not millions. Many of these people like John Dewey (1859-1952) have been instrumental in shaping the theology/philosophy now espoused in this nations public (and many private as well) universities where teachers are trained. A number of different organizations have conducted research suggesting that anywhere from 50-80% of college students from evangelical homes and churches leave their faith while in college. The humanist theology is really quite simple, “Nothing exists but atoms and the void.” The only thing then that is real to the humanist thinker is nature or the physical world. Popular humanist thinker Carl Sagan says, “We are in the most profound sense, children of the cosmos.” He also says in reference to ancient cultures worshipping the Sun, “It makes good sense to revere the Sun and the stars because we are their children.” For Sagan and his disciples including most of those in positions of authority on university campuses, “the cosmos is god.” For the true humanist instead of, “In the beginning God,” it is “In the beginning the cosmos.” To the humanist God did not create man, Man created god. Humanistic theology in its fullness is based upon a complete denial of God and anything supernatural. Humanism therefore both rejects God and deifies man. It is the age old problem that Satan had early on; he wanted to be God.

What one believes about God ultimately affects everything else in life. A wrong view of God will lead to an embrace of pagan philosophies and the conduct of man will begin to resemble the conduct of animals, which of course fits nicely into the evolutionary idea anyway, since all animals are, “my brothers.” A wrong view of God ultimately leads to a god in the image of man, or a man promoting himself to the point that he believes he has achieved godhood. These two ideas have eventually destroyed every single culture beginning with Adam and Eve… This writer’s guess is that it will also destroy the present day cultures if they continue to embrace these false ideas.

A correct view of God will lead one to embrace moral absolutes and ultimately righteousness produced from a right relationship with God. Granted within the Christian circle there are some erroneous views of God that ultimately are wrong and bring on much confusion, but that is a topic for another day. God, the uncaused One who has always existed. He is all powerful, all knowing, and is everywhere at once. He is the Creator who made man in His image. He loved man even when man rejected Him. He desired to redeem man from his depraved condition, so He sent His only Son to live a perfect life, die on the cross, and after three days to rise from the dead. He is Immanuel (God with us) and He will never leave us or forsake us.

What is your view of God?

The Dr. Wong Story

2008-12-25T21:21:00.000-08:00

Biology-The Study of Life Part 2

2008-12-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

To the humanist only nature exists, God does not. Therefore everything has a natural explanation. Humanists Kurt E. M. Baier says this, “Biology teaches us that the species man was not specially created but is merely, in a long chain of evolutionary changes of forms of life, the last link, made in the likeness not of God but of nothing so much as an ape.” Carl Sagan says, “Evolution is a fact not a theory.” Intelligent Design proponents as well as creationists would agree with the evolutionists that microevolution (changes within species) does happen and there is proof. Macroevolution however (one specie changing into another) is quite another issue. There is absolutely no evidence in the fossil record that macroevolution has ever occurred. Darwin acknowledged that the fossil record would bear testament as to whether or not he was right or wrong. As of 2008, there has not been one single fossil unearthed to support Darwin’s theory. Followers of Darwin have embraced every conceivable possibility in an attempt to continue to support this contradictory theory. They have created punctuated equilibrium, which is the idea that for thousands of years species stayed static and then suddenly without explanation changed to a new species. They embraced this when it became apparent that the fossil record did not support their theory. Every person who is alive today came from a living creature therefore the axiom that life springs from life is valid. Humanists however maintain that at some time in the past life came from non-life.
Isaac Asimov a scientist and humanist acknowledges that spontaneous generation (life springing from non-life) is bad science. However, he turns around and states this “Once upon a time, very long ago, perhaps two and a half billion years ago, under a deadly sun, in an ammoniated ocean topped by a poisonous atmosphere, in the midst of a soup of organic molecules, a nucleic acid molecule came accidentally into being that could somehow bring about the existence of another like itself—and from that all else would follow” His denial of an all-powerful Creator has created a situation where he opposes spontaneous generation (life springing from non-life) and yet argues that at some point in time past it “must” have happened. He replaces the super naturalness of God with the supposed super naturalness of nature (at least as a one time thing). He has replaced faith in this all powerful loving Creator with faith in a one time accident that “started it all.”
Which one of these two scenarios takes the most faith? Through simple reason which one of these two scenarios “seems” more likely? Even throwing out all religious aspects and depending upon reason alone would not lead one to think that non-life became life. So why is there such an effort to do this very thing? It is simple rebellion against God. Once man is elevated as the Supreme Being, his thoughts become godlike and must not be challenged. This now provides for the reader a picture of the two problems. 1) Man is in rebellion against God. 2) Man has chosen to make himself God. Historically man has consistently either tried to bring God down to being like man (Greek mythology), or elevating man to be like God (Roman emperor worship). Secular science has consistently embraced both. They have tried to tear God down and lift themselves up to replace Him. While they have succeeded in the public square at tearing Him down, they have failed miserably at replacing Him. The more answers they give to try to explain life the more times they shoot themselves in the foot, and provide contradictory answers to their own questions.
Their proposals in explaining the complexity of life and how it came to be has stooped to proclaiming an acceptance of aliens planting life here (Richard Dawkins, Expelled). In its desperation to give a viable answer to the question of how life came to be like it is today brilliant minds like the late Stephen J. Gould of Harvard have stooped to nothing more than science fiction with his punctuated equilibrium explanation.
Can a person believe in the God of the Bible and embrace evolution? The answer is yes but only out of ignorance. The two diametrically oppose each other in almost every single aspect. God says that He spoke the universe into existence. The evolutionary crowd embraces everything from the big bang, to unexplained magnetic forces. Scripture gives an order or when each thing was created which stands in direct opposition to the order listed by evolutionists. God says nothing about a warm soup in a pond somewhere possibly during a lightening storm, while evolutionists speak of this often. The list is endless; therefore one with a Christian worldview will embrace the truth that God has given about when and how the universe and life specifically began. Those details that God has not given can be debated almost endlessly, but those debates must not cast doubt on what He has spoken.
Do you have a Christian worldview when it comes to biology?

Biology-The study of life

2008-12-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

Do you have a Christian worldview about life? Let’s look at some other views about life in order to help those who really want to have a Christian Worldview define what it is and what it is not!
Humanists have embraced the theory of evolution in totality. They believe that evolution is a fact. Their doctrine states that 4-5 billion years ago the first speck of life came into existence from non-life, or matter. According to your basic neighborhood humanist this probably happened by lightening striking, or the “mud soup” getting shocked. This little speck of life then reproduced and before long a full-fledged cell appeared. Through these billions of years of upward movement these cells improved (or at least some of them did) until seaweed and algae appeared, and then tiny animals. From those tiny animals eventually came fish, then amphibians (for the fish who got tired of swimming all of the time) and reptiles. From the reptiles came mammals’ that produced monkeys then apes and then man. To a humanist man is just plain lucky to be here. Most humanists explicitly trust Darwin’s explanation from his book “Origin of Species.”
This writer would guess that most who read this blog do not know that Darwin’s original book was entitled the Origin of Species and the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life. Over the years it has been shortened to “Origin of Species.” This begs the question; Was Charles Darwin a racist? The answer is absolutely yes. He believed that this ongoing process of “moving upward” should be applied to every single living thing. Therefore since some had “evolved” more than others, it stands to reason that some were superior. Who in the world might he have thought were inferior or superior? Since he was English and born the fifth child of wealthy parents it certainly was not the English who were inferior. Would it surprise anyone to know that Adolph Hitler and Karl Marx were both faithful followers and believers in the work that Darwin did?
The point is this and everyone needs to embrace this concept; “Ideas have consequences!” What one thinks has an impact on how one lives, how one relates to others, and how one views life. If life is truly a great cosmic accident, with no plan and no purpose then can right and wrong really be defined. If life is one big accident then there is no God, no higher being to be accountable to, and no reason to do what some would say is “good.” Life has no purpose, and there is no hereafter, so grab everything available now. Man becomes an animal constantly hunting for that next fix. When acting only on instinct with no concern for the impact that an action might have on someone else. Today many of the teachers who work with youth daily would testify that they see this very attitude. Where has it come from? It has come (in part) from teaching children for the past three generations that they are an accident, and just another animal. It must be very confusing for them when they act like an animal this society puts them in jail. This society spends millions on helping them to “feel good about themselves” even when they act like yard apes. When they are five and act like yard apes everyone laughs. When they are sixteen and murder their parents and two siblings the laughing suddenly stops and everyone asks the question, “Why?”
Although this writer does understand that not every ill of society can be blamed upon evolution, it would be ludicrous to suggest that what children are taught has no effect upon their behavior. Part 2 next week!

The Truth Project

2008-12-02T17:15:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS WORLDVIEW?

Education Part 2

2008-11-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Bible gives the responsibility for the education of children directly to the parents. For anyone who would challenge this statement, the writer gives Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:1-4, Deut. 6:6-9 as a few biblical examples as to who has responsibility for the education of children. Ultimate responsibility for what goes into the heads of children falls directly on the parents. If children are taught the wrong things, parents cannot blame the church, the school, or the neighbor kids down the street who are a “little wild.” God says that parents are responsible.
“Ok Bill so what do we do in small town America to take back our educational institutions?” From the late 70’s until his death in 2007 Dr. Jerry Falwell was active in the political realm. Although his organizing efforts did help to keep evil at bay and did help to elect some conservative Bible believing saints to higher office, it did little for the masses. Why? They voted how he wanted them to vote but continued to think wrong about many issues. Once again their basis for choosing a candidate was not biblical in the strictest sense. The candidates often elected were better than the opposition but still lacking as far as having a biblical worldview. Dr. Falwell all the while, which few on the outside knew was taking a full court press approach. He began to teach his congregation how to think biblically. This equipped those on the public school mission field (teachers, coaches, administrators) how to think and how to convey truth without crossing the politically correct line drawn by the secularists. He started a Christian school for those who wanted or needed more than the public school environment, and then he started Liberty University, which teaches a Christian worldview in each of their programs whether it is nursing, literature, or math. He started Liberty University Law School to teach future attorneys how to stand by the Constitution. He did all of this with the support of his congregation, which was large by most standards but when compared to the nation was quite small. Most people were only aware of his political involvement and had no idea that behind the scenes he was working to change the culture from inside out while at the same time being involved in the ongoing political process.
What is taught in the classroom in one generation is public policy in the next generation. Why has America changed so much over the past 40 years? It is because the secularists totally control the teacher training colleges, and the textbook publishers. 96% of all college professors define themselves as liberal. If the teacher in an elementary or high school classroom loves Christ but has been deceived by well meaning but secularists trainers, and the books they use have strong secularists leanings, leaving out all of the Judeo-Christian foundations, what will the children be taught? From experience this writer can say there are a number of places where evolution is treated as fact in classes besides science. Every Christian teacher can and should be able to point out things that violate the Christian worldview without crossing the line. Christian teachers can only be effective if they are trained in how to think biblically on every subject. Do your children know enough about the founding fathers to challenge anyone who would say disparaging things about them? Have they read of their faith, their loyalty to their mates, and their loyalty to the founding of this nation? Do they know the facts that support the creation account as given in Genesis?
So what can Christian parents do to help their children who are in the public school arena? Talk to them often about “why we believe what we believe.” If they cannot defend what they believe then some secularists will make them to feel foolish. The facts are on the side of the Christian so it involves knowing the facts. If they are being taught something that is wrong, equip them to confront evil or wrong. If the children are young and simply not equipped to defend themselves, a respectful meeting with their teacher is certainly the right thing. This writer has often helped his children to verbalize what they believe clearly to teachers who had different views. Some of the finest people that this writer knows are servants in the public schools. They are as frustrated as anyone else with the conditions forced upon them by a government gone mad where useless paperwork is more important than people. To each and every one of them, “hats off“ you are on the greatest mission field in the world. Take pride in being fully equipped to do battle with the enemy. Do not back up or back down. The secularists have won the last fifty rounds but God is not dead! He still reigns in the affairs of men! For education in the United States to return to what it was intended to be by the Lord and the Founding Fathers, Christian people must unite and either change the public institutions or start their own. Time is of the essence; the survival of this nation is at stake!

Education Part 1

2008-11-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

When this writer uses the terms “Christian Worldview” or “Biblical Worldview” most readers in this country including most Christians do not know what these terms mean. Not only do most not know what they mean but they also do not know how they relate to how a Christian thinks and lives.
If one’s thinking is wrong,then his/her life will be lived wrong. A thief is not a thief because he steals; he steals because he is a thief. In other words, he was a thief long before he stole. He became a thief the moment his heart lusted for something that did not belong to him and he then acted out those thoughts. If there is to be a true change in America, it will be when the hearts and minds of America change. It will be when the citizenry began to think from a biblical worldview. This in essence means every decision and really every thought must be tested by the words of Scripture. Scripture becomes the ultimate authority on every single issue. Most Americans have reduced “how they think” to feelings, emotion, what seems right, or even what the herd says on a particular day. Some want an earthly “Messiah” to come along so the entire universe will be filled with peace and love. This idea has been resurrected from the sixties, “Can’t we just all get along?” The answer is no! Truth trumps unity every time and truth will never compromise with error, even for the sake of unity.
The first topic to consider in this worldview excursion is Education. All would agree that education is important. All would agree that the culture of the United States talks much about education, and pours billions into education but continues to trail the world in educational performance. If one really believes that the United States has the right emphasis, on education, check the difference between the crowds at the National Collegiate Academic Bowl verses the crowd at a run of the mill college football game on Saturday (this is coming from a man who lettered in two sports on the college level). The point is athletics from little league to the professional level are emphasized far more in homes in America than anything to do with math, science, or literature. How many little boys’ rooms are decorated with the pictures of famous scientists who have made life so much better?
Upon what foundation is education to begin? Scripture says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Martin Luther the great reformer said, "I am much afraid that schools will prove to be the great gates of hell unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures, engraving them in the hearts of youth. I advise no one to place his child where the scriptures do not reign paramount. Every institution in which men are not increasingly occupied with the Word of God must become corrupt.” Keep in mind that church and state were joined together when Luther wrote this. He was really sending this message to the religious leaders working in the schools who were more interested in money and perks than they were in teaching truth. Educational instruction that leaves out the authority of Scripture Martin says “will become corrupt.” He is right! Real education begins with a relationship with God through the Son, and an understanding that His word has the first and last “say” on every single subject. TO be continued……….

America Waits...

2008-11-05T14:34:00.001-08:00

There is a hush over America today as the people wait to see how this sometimes closet and sometimes not so closet radical is going to try to “change” America. If he fulfills his agenda, as laid out in his own manifesto, he will do some things that will destroy the very fabric of America.
Believers cannot throw in the towel! They must be vigilant with the consistent message of the Gospel. They must be untiring in getting the truth out and into every mind out there that still works at all. They must begin today to pray for President Elect Barack Obama. Jesus was clear in the Sermon on the Mount that we are to pray for those who mistreat us and for those who use us. If the numbers are correct, a whole host of Christians were used on election day whether they were willfully deceived or simply ignorant of the teachings of Scripture.
If people think that the state should have a monopoly over education, they will get schools ruled by the decree of the state rather than by the decrees of the local school board. The result is - students who pay homage to the state in godlike fashion.
If the people think that the government should run health care, they will get a system where the state decides who gets care, where they can get care, and who is in line first. If the people think that to depend upon the government is better than depending upon the Lord, the individual, or the church, then get ready they will consistently vote to give big brother more power over their lives. Let’s commit over the next four years to get educated and become politically astute people once again.
If the people think that their whims are more important than a life, they will consistently give the state power to take the lives of little babies. If the people think that the government can do better with their money than they can, they will continue to vote for those who promise to give them more, not realizing that this philosophy also requires the government to take more.
If the people think that countries gain wealth by printing money, then they will continue to vote for those promising to spend more, not realizing that bankruptcy is no fun for individuals or countries.
If the people think that mother earth should be as valuable as a baby, then whales will continue to get more protection than babies, and electricity will get higher because one would never want to burn that poor little old piece of coal. How dare we think of drilling for more oil and gas! How could we be so hurtful to the earth? (Sarcasm)
Be encouraged friends, Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! Choose to change this stinking thinking which pervades our beloved America. Pray for those in authority even if you do not like their policies. Being angry or vengeful is not biblical and it hurts you much more than it does them. Get over it and fight on for truth beginning in your life and that of your family.
Coming Soon: “What is a Christian Worldview and how should it affect my decisions?”

About fifty years ago my grandfather told me this story...

2008-11-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

In the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, there was a pack of razorback hogs roaming the woods. The folks were upset about the razorbacks raiding their cornfields and gardens but they did nothing until one day the razorbacks attacked and killed a small child who had wondered into the woods alone. The people in the community became outraged and decided to place a bounty on the razorbacks.
Soon hunters from all over Arkansas and Tennessee flocked to the Ozarks to collect the bounty. They brought with them their guns, traps, and some of the finest hog hunting dogs in the country. Months went by and not a single razorback was killed.
Then one day a city slicker from Chicago came into town. Dressed in fancy three-piece suit, the city slicker announced that he had come to collect the bounty. He didn’t bring a gun, had no traps and no dogs. He went to the livery stable and rented a wagon and a team of mules. Next, he went to the hardware store and purchased an ax and a saw. Then he went to the feed store and filled the wagon with sacks of cracked corn. The city clicker from Chicago announced, in a loud voice, as he drove the wagon into the woods, that he was now ready to go get those wild hogs.
Several weeks went by and nothing was heard from the city slicker. Folks just assumed that he had given up and gone back to Chicago. Then one day the man from Chicago drove that wagon into town. The wagon was filled to the top with dead razorbacks. The people were amazed. After all, the best hunters in two states had been unable to kill a single razorback, after trying for months. They asked the city slicker how he had managed to do what the best hunters from two states had been unable to do.
The city slicker, dressed in his now very dirty three-piece suit answered. “It was easy. First I used the ax and saw to cut enough post oak to lay the bottom rail of a corral. Then I busted open a sack of corn in the middle of the rails and left. The next morning, when I returned, the corn was gone. I cut more post oak and added a second rail to the corral, and busted open another sack of corn in the middle of the rails. When I returned the next morning the corn was gone too. I repeated this same procedure each day, until one day I returned and the corn was still there. That is when I knew for certain that I had them. I added another rail for good measure, cut a gate for the corral, and put all the corn that I had left in the middle of the corral. Leaving the gate open, I then hid nearby in the woods. A short time later I heard them coming. When the last razorback had entered the corral, I rushed out and closed the gate. After that it was a simple task to take the ax and one by one kill all those hogs.”
The City slicker concluded, “It was really very simple. Hogs are a lot like people. If you can get them depending on you enough, you can trap them every time.” My grandfather ended the story by telling me that government is a lot like that city slicker from Chicago. If government can get the people depending on it enough, it can trap them every time. The moral of the story is this; “A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have!”

Pursuit of Happiness

2008-10-29T15:07:00.000-07:00

Are you happy? It is interesting that polls of who is happy and who is not happy do not follow the money trail. There are an equal number of unhappy people whether the poor or the rich are questioned. Money does not seem to be a major factor in determining happiness. Those with a spiritual foundation know that happiness is a temporal thing. Today if the pizza place puts anchovies on my pizza I am not happy. Today if the referee makes a call, which I think is incorrect I am not happy. Today if someone pulls out in front on me in his or her car I am not happy. Achieving happiness as a permanent condition in this life is not going to happen. So, what in the world did the founders of our great nation mean when they declared that we had a God-given right to pursue happiness?
This great phrase is closely related to life and liberty, and keep in mind it is unalienable. What in the world does unalienable mean? It means unable to be surrendered or transferred. Therefore, the Founding Fathers believed that God gave each individual a right to pursue or chase after their own happiness. The source of this right is God, not some man or man-made government. This would mean that a person could pursue any field or profession they so desired without government intervention or coercion. This would also mean that no laws could be made to “keep” people in a certain class. How does this translate in a practical way? It means that anyone with the drive to do so (and meets the Constitutional criteria) may become President of the United States. It means that a boy born in the ghetto can be a “Wizard of Wall Street” if he can perform at the level required to get there. It means that a girl born in a shack in Kentucky can become a famous country singer. It means that neither government nor society can place artificial ceilings over anyone because of their color, gender, economic status, or family tree. This writer is a male, with white skin, from a middle class upbringing, and like most he has a few strange birds sitting in his family tree. Isn’t it encouraging to know the Founding Fathers understood he had a God-given right to pursue happiness, and no government had the right to take his pursuit away?
It is important for believers to keep in mind however that “happiness pursuit” can become a futile exercise. The Scripture is clear, happiness is fleeting. What does one do? “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” What are these things? These things are the needs mentioned in the previous passages, food, clothing, and shelter. The Christian is not wrong to pursue what makes them happy however it can only be a secondary search, the primary search must be for God and His righteousness. What will this search produce? It will produce joy that unlike happiness does not come and go with circumstances but endures regardless of the circumstances. Let’s seek Him, receive the eternal joy that He wants us to have, and trust Him to provide for us!
Pray for your country today. We are in perilous times with the future hanging in the balance. Be sure and vote as a Christian on Tuesday November 4th standing for the principles that this blog is dedicated to teaching.

Liberty

2008-10-22T15:52:00.001-07:00

What is liberty? It seems that those without it understand its importance better than those who have it. Those who have it often take it for granted.
What is liberty: freedom to worship as one wants, to speak or write in a public forum expressing ones personal views, to petition the government concerning wrongs, to own a firearm, to know that ones house cannot be searched without probable cause, to know that one can “have a say” and vote their convictions often on local, state, and national issues.
Why is freedom such a big deal in this election cycle? Why should I care? The answer is simple but far reaching. Our Founding Fathers in their wisdom established three branches of government and each of these branches were established with certain powers. Whenever one branch oversteps its power the other branches have at their disposal the authority to bring balance back to the equation. Since Congress from the beginning has chosen not to follow their Constitutional obligation to call justices on the carpet for unconstitutional behavior and decisions the only recourse for the people is to make sure that the court has strict constructionist judges. There is an old axiom that says, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” which is very true. The Supreme Court, because of the neglect of Congress, has reached a point that it is the most powerful body on the planet. The Founding Fathers never envisioned it to have this kind of power. Think about it for a minute, “Did the Founding Fathers really want a court of nine people who have been appointed to decide what is best for the ordinary citizens?” The answer is a resounding “NO!” Since the liberal Congress is unlikely to do anything that makes sense one can forget that. So what do we do? We make sure that only strict constructionists get appointed to the courts, and remember the President appoints judges. Who began this journey down the road to ruin for the Supreme Court? It was FDR who first made a “whole sale” appointment of justices who wanted to give government more power. His number of years in power helped to totally change American jurisprudence. Since that time many so called conservative Presidents have appointed left leaning justices who seem determined to destroy the nation. Ford appointed Justice Stephens, Bush 41 appointed David Souter, and Reagan appointed Kennedy (although it was his third choice after Bork got Borked and Ginsberg admitted inhaling in college, interesting how Obama has admitted using cocaine and no one asks a single question about that). Kennedy is considered a moderate, which basically means that he does not know what he believes. He is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. These men and others like them have found in the Constitution the right for a woman to kill a baby. I have read the Constitution through many times and have yet to find that right. Obama believes that health-care is a right, like abortion I have yet to find that in the Constitution either.
So how does the Supreme Court affect this liberty that the Declaration so eloquently establishes as a basic right of all men? In one single vote they have taken away the life and liberty of 49,000,000 babies since 1973. They recently decided that a city can take away a persons land for economic reasons. If the city where you live wants a mall worse than they want you, your place is up for sale whether you know it or not! They have taken prayer and Bible reading out of the schools of America against the will of the people and keep in mind they were not elected they were appointed!
One of my business professors asked the class one day what tight rope walkers and accountants had in common; since none of us had a clue he gave us the answer which was this “the worst thing that can happen to both is to lose their balance!” America has lost her balance; we have given an appointed court too much power and then placed unqualified people on that court with an agenda to move America far away from her founding principles. They are single handedly taking away the freedom of Americans one decision at a time. If believers in Jesus Christ and the Constitution do not get informed and begin in the home and church to return to the principles that built this great nation, it will crumble before our eyes. We are much like a group of children that my friend told me about several years ago.
He was white water rafting and had been on a long trip down the river. Their guide pulled them over to the shore. As they were standing there on the shore a group of mentally handicapped children came by waving and smiling, to my friends group. My friend said to his guide, “I thought that this was the last stop?” The guide said, “It is.” My friend then noticed that the guides for the children were fighting with all of their might to bring the crafts into the shore, and the children were still smiling and laughing and waving to the crowd on shore. My friend asked the guide, “Why can’t we go further down the river?” The guide said, “Down the river there is a major waterfall and we would not survive.” So why were these children so happy and still smiling? They knew nothing of the danger down the river. Why were their guides fighting with all of their might to get to shore? This was the last stop before the falls! We must not wait another minute we must fight or be swept away.
Please understand our very liberty is at stake in this election. This may be the last chance to change course before the fall. Obama is in love with this crisis and he will use it to give the government more power over our lives. John McCain is not a savior but he will stem the tide of big government and the loss of freedom.

A Letter of Truth

2008-10-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

The first sentence of the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence reads:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are
endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Our founding fathers held an unshakable belief that mankind has a creator and the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were granted to mankind by the Creator and not by a king or any kind of government. They believed these God given rights were unalienable, that the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness could not be taken away by any government. They held this belief so strongly that they declared their independence from the King of England, fully realizing they would be branded traitors subject to punishment by death.
For the past fifty years or so, this idea that life is a right granted by God has been successfully attacked by the secular humanist movement. The most obvious assault has come in the area of abortion, particularly partial birth abortion.
Partial birth abortion is a barbaric procedure during which a full term baby is partially delivered from the mother. Once the baby’s head is half-way out of the mother, the doctor pokes a hole in the baby’s head, inserts a tube, and sucks the baby’s brains out. This procedure is sanctioned by our government as a woman’s Constitutional right to choose. But what about the Baby’s God given right to life? What about our founding father’s belief that the right to life is a God given right that is unalienable, a right that cannot be taken away by government?
The idea that any government’s authority over mankind is limited by God is, of course a Judeo-Christian concept. This concept is easily discarded when a government, as ours has done by judicial fiat, declares that there must be separation of church and state. While few people in this country would want a theocratic government, i.e., one that dictates what one’s religious beliefs must be, neither should we tolerate a government that chooses to ignore the very Judeo-Christian principles upon which this country was founded. Life is a God given right that no government can take away. Only by ignoring God’s will can any government declare that an innocent person has no right to live. Then there is this, if our government can deprive an innocent baby of the right to life, what other God given rights will our government try to take away next?
The concept of separation of church and state is only raised when some individual or group desires to abolish or erode a traditional Judeo-Christian moral concept. Our courts have dramatically eroded the intention of our founding fathers that our government cannot infringe upon our freedom of religion or the practice of it. Examples include telling people they cannot pray in schools or before high school football games; we cannot read the Bible in school; teachers cannot teach creationism as revealed in the Book of Genesis but must teach evolution as theorized by the atheist Charles Darwin; teachers cannot teach Christianity but can teach our children about Islam’ cities cannot have crosses in their city seals or display nativity scenes in front of city halls; state courthouses cannot display the Ten Commandments in the courthouse and lawyers cannot quote from the Bible or even mention the name of Jesus when arguing a case to a jury. These are just a few of our government’s encroachments on the religious freedom of Christians and Christian communities.
Secular humanists and atheists argue that Christians have no right to force their beliefs on others. They do so as if this is what all Christians want to do. Such is not the case. The reality is beliefs abhorrent to Christians have been forced down our throats by our government. Every year billions of Christian taxpayer’s dollars are used to fund abortions because our government has decreed that a mother and her doctor have a Constitutional right to end the life of an innocent baby. Who’s shoving whose beliefs down whose throat?
In the recent past, it was popular for Christian youth to wear bracelets with the letters “WWJD” on them. These letters were short for “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?” Of course that is a good start for any Christian facing a difficult decision, but it is not enough. A Christian must go further and try to “DOWD” (DO WHAT JESUS WOULD DO).
Would Jesus vote for any candidate that would ban prayer in our schools or before high school football games? Would Jesus vote for a candidate who will appoint judges who will ban the very mention of Jesus in the courthouse? Would Jesus vote for a candidate who will appoint judges who, under the doctrine of separation of church and state, will hold that Judeo-Christian morality must not influence the way our government conducts business? Would Jesus vote for a candidate who will appoint judges who will uphold a mother’s right to have a partial birth abortion? Christians, regardless of political party affiliation should ask these questions and then DO WHAT JESUS WOULD DO.
Christians who place their loyalty to a political party or their own pocket books above their loyalty to Jesus Christ have their priorities out of order. GOD IS PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT WE AS A NATION STAND FOR AND DO, EVEN IN THE VOTING BOOTH.
Submitted by a Christian Attorney

It's All About Life!

2008-10-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

We hear much in our world today about rights. Today there is at least one union group picketing because they do not feel their rights are being honored. In the economic times that we are in, it is difficult to have much sympathy for a person with a good job complaining about too many people on an airplane!
Everywhere we look, we see ignorant politicians creating “rights” out of thin air. The Founding Fathers expressed the idea that God had given certain unalienable rights to every person, among these were life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They didn’t say that these three were the only rights that God had given but they did acknowledge that these came from Him. They understood that government was not the giver of rights but the protector of rights. One presidential candidate even thinks that health care is now a right.
The Founding Fathers were acknowledging that God is the Giver of life. If God is the Giver of life, then who can take away life, but God? The answer: only those who God has empowered to do so. When God established civil government He authorized those in government, to be able to enforce the death penalty for certain crimes. When a person’s life was being, threatened they could take a life in self-defense. God also allowed lives to be taken in times of war. Some would argue, “What about unjust wars where a country was simply attacked for no reason?" God will hold the leader of that war responsible, as well as those who participate, with knowledge that their actions are wrong.
Abortion (life) is the issue on the burner this election season. Many in the culture and some who claim to be Christians claim that abortion is a right given that should be given to women. Evangelicals, in general, have long opposed the legalizing of abortion, but it still remains. The Obama campaign has taken up a deceptive approach to try to win over Evangelicals to their side by suggesting that the President makes no decisions over abortion. While the President cannot stop abortion today he has a huge impact on the national policy concerning the abortion issue. First, partial birth abortion is now against the law. How did that happen? President Clinton vetoed legislation that would stop partial birth abortion two times after it had passed both houses unanimously. When it came before President Bush, he signed it into law. Case closed, right? Hardly, this has been challenged in court as to its constitutionality. Guess which two men are now on the playing court to make sure that it stays the law? John Roberts and Samuel Alito are two who support the ban. If either Gore or Kerry had won in 2000 or 2004, partial birth abortion would still be legal! Anyone who says that the President does not make a difference on abortion is constitutionally ignorant. What about the infants born alive legislation? Without a lover of life in the White House, this bill, too, would have failed. Infants born alive are infants who are aborted and survive. Before this bill in 2002, they were simply left on tables or in trash cans to die. This bill guarantees them basic medical care. While a member of the Illinois State Senate Obama, by the way, killed this bill three times for fear that it would lead to “unnecessary restrictions on the women who had given birth to these babies.” He was the only senator to stand and speak against this bill.
When the sperm fertilizes the egg, life appears. Instantaneously, the DNA is set and a human being is present when still unseen. Scripture establishes this simple truth (Psalm 139). Of course, there are several arguments given by those who favor abortion. The first argument usually presented is, “Well, what about rape and incest?” While both of these are reprehensible, does either of these suddenly make this baby a non-life, a worm, a glob, a freak, a criminal? The answer is a resounding "no", and even though a terrible injustice may have been committed against the mother, there is still a life to consider. By the way, an extremely miniscule number of the abortions given list either rape or incest. Even those who perform abortions admit freely that convenience is the number one reason given for having an abortion today. The second argument given is the supposed right of the mother over her own body. The trouble with this argument is that this baby is not her body. Granted, he receives nourishment from her but he may have a different blood type than she does. He has his own DNA, and he is his own person. What is the real issue here in all of this? The real issue is rebellion. As a culture, we have decided that we want to do the crime but not do the time. In other words, with abortion one can have free sex with multiple partners whenever the urge strikes. We then make an appointment with the abortionists and do not have to pay the consequences. Of course, this is the great deception. The truth is, “Be sure your sins will find you out,” and, “what you sow that you will reap.” The emotional scars I have witnessed first hand are deep and difficult to overcome.
So, does the Constitution guarantee a woman the right to murder a baby living inside her womb? No, it does not and this is why Roe V Wade is such terrible law. Scripture forbids us to take the life of an innocent child. People who give their tacit approval to this practice are spitting in the face of God. We must be faithful to support pro-life candidates.
Prayer: Lord forgive us, your people, for allowing ourselves to be caught up in a culture of death. Help us to see the importance of speaking out both from your word and from the founding documents of our country about the importance of life. Help us to always be faithful to support those candidates who stand up for life and to vote against those who favor death. Lord, we know it breaks your heart that we have chosen convenience over obedience and short term thrills over long term peace, and fleeting happiness over eternal joy. Remove the blindness from our eyes so that we may see your truth. Amen
Next we will discuss Liberty-what it is and what it is not!

Blind! Who Me?

2008-10-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

This writer had a great childhood. I had two parents who loved each other and who loved me and my sisters. Like all families this family had its good times and hard times but the good times were so good and so often that those few bad times seem miniscule in comparison. Although, name calling at my house was discouraged one could occasionally get by with it. Mom didn’t go for stupid, or dummy, and certainly no bad words but generic words like “crazy” or phrases like “blind as a bat” could fly under the radar. It became somewhat of a science to find those really good name calling words that would not draw punishment.
For this writer, missing something that was right under the nose seemed like an everyday occurrence, but many thanks to Mom who must have had some secret sonar or radar or something. She could always find that missing sock that lost shoe, or that favorite gadget which for some reason had disappeared. When Dad got into the project his line would be “It is right here! Are you blind?” Now, as a fairly quick thinking kid, my mind wanted so badly to say, “Blind? Not me; I’ve got 20-10 vision which is better than anyone else around here.” Now these words went through my mind but never passed my lips lest my lower extremities become suddenly warmer. True vision was never the problem. The problem was a lack of focus and maybe a settled knowledge that even if this writer could not find it, Mom would save the day.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus heals a blind man. The religious leaders want the blind man to deny that Jesus healed his eyes. When the man will not deny that Jesus gave him sight the Pharisees threw him out of the synagogue. Soon after this, Jesus makes the following statement: “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind” These Pharisees, assumed that they could "see" their assumption was that they did not need this interesting man from Galilee to help them to “see.” They asked Jesus in a mocking fashion "are we blind, too?" Jesus' reply speaks volumes to us today. Jesus tells them that because they think they can see when they cannot, they are in deep darkness. If they would acknowledge their blindness, they could be helped, but since they will not there is not a solution for them.
America has lost its way, or we might say has become blind. The problem is that we do not believe that we are blind therefore, “great is our blindness.” Year after year we vote for those who will “butter our bread.” Recent statistics show that Americans in general love their Congressmen but dislike Congress. Isn’t this a contradiction? Not really what it says is that we love the “one” who is bringing home the bacon to our district but we dislike the one who is taking bacon home to another district. So in essence we love one and despise the other 434 or the other 98 depending upon which body we are discussing. Why is there so little turnover? They won’t let us vote for those bad ones in “other” states of course. In a spiritual sense the penalty for refusing to see and embrace the truth is eternal separation from God. In the physical world a refusal to admit that cars are harder than human bodies can result in death. A refusal to admit that trains are harder than cars can also result in death. It is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. The mismatch is obvious. There are consequences for the actions that we take. When we elect a government based upon how much they promise to give us, we have in essence joined the blind. Why after all of the promises don’t things get better? When the blind lead the blind the result is that they both fall into the ditch. Obama is totally blind to the truth, and he has surrounded himself with others like him. McCain has some significant blind spots. So what do we do? We vote against the worst and Obama is in a league of his own when it comes to being the worst. Obama makes George McGovern look conservative. In fact, George McGovern was so bad that Richard Nixon of all people slaughtered him in the presidential race.
So how can America get better? How can America really “change” for better? How can America lose its current blindness? When we recognize that the solution rests in admitting our blindness. Then, as painful as it may be, in the short term, we must begin scraping the scales from our eyes. This means refusing to be consumers and becoming producers once again. We must stop accepting government handouts and programs that encourage dependence upon government. We must demand that the government get out of the banking business, the mortgage business, the car business, the welfare business, the old age pension business and privatize these things so that they will truly be market driven instead of government restricted. We must stop being spenders and return to being savers. Will you scrape the scales from your eyes for the sake of your grandchildren?
Prayer: Dear Lord, open our eyes to the truth that our system of government will only work when the majority are God loving, self disciplined people. Help us to understand that our system is totally inadequate for a nation of undisciplined, selfish, and greedy crooks, who would sell their mother for a temporary fix. Forgive us Lord and restore our vision so that we may see You for who You are and for what You have done. Help us to return to the Republic that You so graciously gave to us over 200 years ago, lest we destroy our way of life completely. Deliver us from this blindness. Amen

Where Are You When We Need You George?

2008-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

At the end of the War for Independence George Washington longed to go back to Mt. Vernon and relax. He had been on the front lines for a long time and he was ready to turn things over to another. He had after all given much more than his share in the war effort. Suffering from painful rheumatism, he hoped to be excused from making the long journey to Philadelphia He was finally persuaded by close friends that his presence was vital. As far as history records Washington only spoke once during the Constitutional Convention, but his very presence gave dignity to the proceedings. Even those who did not agree with George believed that anything he gave his approval to was good and right. When the Constitution was ratified by the nine states required the old Congress began to make plans for the new government. They established the capital temporarily in New York, and informed the states to prepare for the Presidential and Congressional elections. On April 30, 1789 George Washington the man who only wanted to go home and enjoy his remaining years was unanimously elected President. “No man before or since has commanded such respect from the American people.”

What were the traits this man had which seemed to elevate him above the others? First he was courageous. He had agreed to lead a makeshift army and take on the most powerful nation in all the earth. His reputation even among his political adversary’s was a man of the highest integrity. He had great character, and much wisdom. When he left office his farewell address included the following warnings; avoid entangling alliances with other nations, guard against divisive sectionalism, and against the “baneful effects of the spirit of party.” Washington was right, although the global economy has created some alliances, which he could not foresee in his day, a good number of the alliances that our nation has are suspect at best. The sectional differences led to the Civil War. The “spirit of party” combined with an ignorance of the Constitution and a general apathy among the people has elected many morons, and placed many more ignoramuses in high office and has left us in the shape that we are in today. Washington acted upon principle, with a keen sense of justice. He was not about a party. He was not about his personal bank account. He was not about what made him look good. He was about what was right and what was best for this nation.

In this current election we have essentially two choices for President. One who has led a military force, stood against his own party many times (although I have disagreed with some of his stands) because he thought that he was right, and by action has demonstrated his undying loyalty to this country and the American people. At least a portion of these times he has demonstrated statesmanship rather than political expediency.

The other candidate in contrast has been all over the map. I have yet to see anyone from his past (age 1-45) show up and say, “Anything positive.” The ones who do show up are left wing radicals who hate America. Granted one has to be careful about condemning a person based upon simple contact with shady characters. However like my father-in-law said the first time I heard him speak, “If you wallow with the hogs you will smell like the hogs.” Any person who stands up on the state senate floor in Illinois and opposes the “Infants born alive act” which was designed to provide care for little babies who were aborted but survived does not care about me either. If he will not vote to protect the most defenseless people in our society one can rest assured that he will not vote to protect me either. Sadly I must admit I do not see George in this lineup. John however is far above the alternative.

Prayer: “For the future Lord if there is another George out there do you think you might send him our way? We are in terrible need of a leader who loves you and this country more than he loves himself. I know Lord that this is asking a lot but we also need one who would rather hear your voice rather than his own or the squeals from his adoring fans! Amen

Fear in the Financial World: A Crisis

2008-09-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been made to pull weeds? Long ago while being forced to engage in weed pulling I discovered something interesting. Pinching the weeds off at the ground level was a whole lot easier than digging and pulling and tugging until the root came out. There was one little problem with my solution; it was only temporary. As long as the root remains the weed will continue to steal nutrients from the good plants.
Our nation is facing a financial crisis, but this financial crisis is only the part of the weed that is showing. The root is much bigger and continues to expand deep underground. Only experienced weed pullers realize the problem.
Some readers will be quick to blame one political party while others will be inclined to cast blame in the opposite direction. While both political parties have contributed in their lust for power, this current crisis has arisen from individual greed, an absence of character, and a distorted worldview. It was John Quincy Adams who said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to be the government for any other.” One party proclaims more regulations while the other party proclaims better regulations. The truth is no amount of regulations will stop thieves. It is like padlocks, and passwords, the criminal mind will always find ways to break in and steal whether it is one’s new car or Sarah Palin’s private email. Therefore the answer is not in regulations (although guidelines are needed) it is in better people. More regulations or better regulations will not work on crooked people. CEO’s with pure hearts do not lie and they do not steal regardless of the bonus offered. Government officials with pure hearts do not lie and they do not steal even if being honest cost them their jobs. Employees with pure hearts will work every minute of that 8 hour day if they are being paid for 8 hours of work. Hiring a spend crazy Congress and President to set guidelines for Wall Street is like having the fox watch the hen house.
Alexander Hamilton said this, “In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men the great difficulty lies in this: You must first enable the government to control the governed, and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” A government that can give one everything that he/she wants can also take everything that he/she has. From medical care, to old age pension, from jobless payments to a college education, from child care to housing, the American population has proclaimed by their votes from 1932 to the present that they prefer a government that will give them everything that they want from the cradle to the grave. There is a famous quote from days gone by that goes something like this, “A republic will last until the people figure out that they can vote themselves a portion of the treasury.” Governments of a free people do not have any money except the money that they have taken from someone. Therefore to vote money for oneself means to vote to take it away from another.
So what will heal the current financial crisis in America? Character, integrity and a right worldview are the ingredients that built this country and they are the same ingredients that will restore it. As the ship slowly sinks lower in the water each of us must ask ourselves this important question; will we join the chorus of those who want to bail or will we start plugging the holes in the ship? Are you bailing or plugging?

Tax Shelter.... or Truth.....

2008-09-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

In 1948 Lyndon Johnson won the U.S. Senate race in Texas by 87 votes. There were charges of fraud, and much wrangling before Johnson was able to quell the protest through legal maneuvers and win the seat in the senate. His opponents in this race were two non-profit anti-communist organizations.
In 1954, Johnson was facing re-election to the Senate and was once again being opposed by two non-profit anti-Communist groups. These groups were campaigning hard against Johnson and his liberal agenda. Johnson in an effort to boost his re-election bid and silence his critics inserted language into the IRS code that prohibited non-profits, including churches, from endorsing or opposing candidates for political office. Johnson used his power and his party’s power in the Senate to shut-up those who disagreed with him. Sadly this legislative ploy worked and with one fail swoop the churches in America grew silent. Although the Johnson camp claimed later that he did not have churches in view when he proposed the amendment it effectively silenced them. This amendment turned the First Amendment to the Constitution on its head. The three hundred year old tradition of churches and pastors leading the charge for righteous rule on the North American continent had come to a screeching halt. Churches and pastors within a few years were not only missing from the front lines in the moral and cultural battle for the nation, but were totally removed from the public square.
What is the situation today? Most preachers fail to take a stand on the moral and cultural issues and sadly many could not even name the issues! Not only are they absent from the battle, they think that biblically and constitutionally they are supposed to be on the sidelines. What a change from the late 1700’s when during the War for Independence the Presbyterians, the Baptists, the Congregationalists, the Dutch Reformed, and many of the Catholics supported from their pulpits the movement for freedom. During one battle at Springfield New Jersey James Caldwell a Presbyterian minister ran into the church grabbed an armload of Isaac Watts hymnals ran to the men on the front lines who were low on paper wadding for their muskets began tearing the books apart while shouting “Now boys give’em Watts.” American history will show that there have been literally hundreds of sermons preached from the pulpits of America promoting biblical principles as well as the candidates who support those principles. The Johnson Amendment has effectively squelched most of those sermons.
So should a pastor speak concerning the issues and the candidates of the day? The answer is absolutely because the Bible speaks to every issue of the day and reveals the heart of the candidates by where they stand on the issues. Prohibiting the church or the leaders of that church from speaking from the pulpit concerning the issues or personalities of the day is not only unconstitutional it is unbiblical. John the Baptist spoke up and it cost him his head. Paul faced the cultural and political forces of his day with honesty and courage; of course Paul was not worried about his tax-exempt status. What about you dear church leader will you speak up, or have you fallen so in love with your tax shelter that truth has taken a backseat to comfort? Ouch that hurt!