America, not guns caused the tragedy last week. We as a nation have forsaken Christ for the last time. Our children are reaping the fruits of what we have sown before them. In the 1960’s, we kicked Christ out of our schools. In the 1970’s, we legalized (unconstitutionally) the murder on demand of the unborn. And since then, we have began to reap what we sewed, when Oklahoma City was rocked and Columbine was violated. Not much has changed.
School violence is becoming common. Abortions are still legal. And Christ is still unwelcome in schools. Jesus , or any mention of His name, was missing from the “invocation” the day after VT’s tragedy? All those so-called ministers of God never once encouraged the people to find hope in Jesus. So America, you will keep reaping violence until you get a clue and restore Christ. May God have mercy on those so-called clergymen. You are not His priest.
Hosea says it best, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. Hosea 4:6
Monday, April 23, 2007
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Is it lawful to pay taxes?
Taxes- Are they Christian?
Tax day is here and for many of faith we are like so many others required to fund the civil government with the sweat of our brow. While my political opinion is that taxes on labor is unconstitutional and unethical; as a Christian I know I have a commandment from my Lord to be civilly obedient as long as it does not violate the Word of God. So what is the Word of God on Taxes? If we remember, the Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up with this very question. Jesus’ answer is priceless. “Who’s picture is on the coin“, he asked? So then he said, give to Cesar what is Cesar’s and what is God’s to God. So what do we owe Cesar?
Paul expounds on this in Romans 13. In this chapter he explains the civil government is a tool of God to maintain order and that we are to obey and honor them. And that includes taxes. In verse six it says, “because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting them to this very thing” What is “this” in that verse? It is the fact we are to obey the civil magistrate as long as they do not violate God’s law. So sad to say we have to pay taxes no matter how unconstitutional they are. Remember the magistrate does not yield the sword in vain (Romans 13:4). Break the law (even though there is no law to pay Federal income taxes) you should be prepared to pay the consequences. So, as verse five says “Therefore, it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath (the sword), but also for conscience sake.” So be a good Christian and pay your taxes, God loves a cheerful giver and so does George W.
Tax day is here and for many of faith we are like so many others required to fund the civil government with the sweat of our brow. While my political opinion is that taxes on labor is unconstitutional and unethical; as a Christian I know I have a commandment from my Lord to be civilly obedient as long as it does not violate the Word of God. So what is the Word of God on Taxes? If we remember, the Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up with this very question. Jesus’ answer is priceless. “Who’s picture is on the coin“, he asked? So then he said, give to Cesar what is Cesar’s and what is God’s to God. So what do we owe Cesar?
Paul expounds on this in Romans 13. In this chapter he explains the civil government is a tool of God to maintain order and that we are to obey and honor them. And that includes taxes. In verse six it says, “because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting them to this very thing” What is “this” in that verse? It is the fact we are to obey the civil magistrate as long as they do not violate God’s law. So sad to say we have to pay taxes no matter how unconstitutional they are. Remember the magistrate does not yield the sword in vain (Romans 13:4). Break the law (even though there is no law to pay Federal income taxes) you should be prepared to pay the consequences. So, as verse five says “Therefore, it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath (the sword), but also for conscience sake.” So be a good Christian and pay your taxes, God loves a cheerful giver and so does George W.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Elaboration on my letter to the editor this week.
Disclaimer: This is a biblical explanation. If you are not a Christian or do not believe the Bible is our guide for teaching then do not bother reading this because it will make no sense to you. You have been warned. There are many who read my letter that just do get what I am saying and what I tried to say. I only had 200 words to fully explain something that their has been books written on. So I will try to explain it a little more thoroughly now. God has gender roles for both sexes. One cannot start a company without roles being set forth. A football team cannot win a game if the positions are not carefully determined before the game. Our government cannot work (as is proof by its demise now) without each branch keeping their roles in perspective. God’s plan for the home as been undermined by this idea that a women must find fulfillment, self-worth outside the home. Society tells them they are just slaves if they simply stay home and keep the house. Then others are tempted by the desire for material things. They do not accept God’s provisions in their life and work so that they may have more things. These temptations from society has destroyed the union of marriage. We have kids who lack discipline and directions. We have a society that does not know God. Women who feel the need to work outside the home leave their kids for hours in daycares where someone else is shaping that kids life. Then they ship them off to a public school where they are taught that there is no God and that you can do whatever makes you happy. Women no longer are keepers of their home. They are rebellious to God and family just so that they may find what they feel is worth and for material things.
Lets look at my scripture proof. Titus 2:4-5. Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. Lets break these phrases down. First women are to teach the young be sober. In Greek this is what is called a purpose clause. That is to say it is present and active. That means it is to be done and to keep on doing it. Women no longer are teaching this. They now say go out and get what is yours. This is not a sober spirit. Sober has nothing to do with drinking. It means to have a clear mind. To keep ones senses. Women are suppose to teach the younger women to keep their heads by doing the following, which is the purpose of teaching sobriety. The next thing is that women are to tech the younger to love their husbands. This phrase, in Greek, is accusative. So it is straight forward but to the original reader it would say to them love their husbands and no other man. Society teaches you can love whatever and whomever you want. Love is disposable in today’s world. No fault divorce has killed marriage. A common excuse is well I just want to be happy and I do not love him anymore. The Bible in 1 Corinthians 13 says love never fails. So you obviously ignored God and married the wrong person if you do not love them anymore. Real love is unconditional and never ending. You will love your husband and no other man, ever. That I am sure will make some boil but that is truth. Next women are to teach younger women to love their children. We should say duh, but you will be surprised. We freely allow the murder of our unborn children for the sake of convince. We ship them off as soon as maternity leave is up. We let TV baby-sit as we strive to get what is ours. I think everyone needs to read 1 Corinthians 13 and really learn what love is. What we call it now is far from Godly love.
(5) To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. The next verse is continuing with this purpose of teaching. Women are to teach the younger women to be discreet. We do not use this word to often in its context. Discreet in Greek means to curb one’s desires and impulses. To be self controlled and have temperate. Well if one is working outside the home they are surly not controlling their impulses or desires. With credit card debt in today’s society crippling budgets, it seems neither men or women are very self-controlled. And it all plays right into the destruction of the family because we have forsaken the roles God set up. Next women are to learn to be chaste. This word is so much more then chastity. It also means extreme reverence as well as purity. Some women get the purity part but they forget reverence. For example the do not revere the Word of God when the ignore his commanded gender roles. There is more that could be said about that, but I am sure you won’t care anyways. Now is the phrase that has caused all the hoop-la. Women are to be keepers/workers at home. What does this mean? The Greek work oikouros has a vary unique meaning. Its root word orous means guard. So women are to be guards of the household. If a women is out working, who is guarding the house? Women are to keep the house and this done not just mean laundry, vacuum, dishes. Chores are not just the women place, men CAN and SHOULD do them as well. One of the definitions is keeping at home to care for the household. The key phrase is keeping at home. If they are suppose to guard the home they cannot do it from a job outside the home. Women have left their post and the home has been destroyed in many families. Next women are to be good/kind. This means they are to be good natured. They are to have good attitudes. Found to be respectful by others. This one is not to hard. Many women do this. But there are some out there that there demeanor is very un women like. This next phrase is going to anger some as well. Women are to be obedient/subject to their husbands. Just as Christ is head of the church, man is the head of the wife. But the word subject does not mean to rule over. It means to bring under ones authority. It is a military term. A women is to bring herself under a man’s authority. This is why I said a women should not supervise. That contradicts God’s line of authority. In the military there are ranks and on the field those ranks are kept tight so that the chain of command is not broken. God is our General. But, like in war, Generals are not there on the front lines. They make the plans. So they place others to be in command. All are needed to win the war but some are needed to lead it. The man is the leader. He is responsible to see the Generals orders are carried out. Submission is being under one in the same mission. Men are not to be tyrants. They are to be leaders. They are not to be masters and the women slaves. The husband and wife are to be one flesh striving to fulfill one mission. So women are to teach the younger women that a man has authority and headship and they are to bring themselves under that authority just as we all bring ourselves under Christ authority. Lastly is another purpose clause. Why do we do these things? So that the Word of God is not blasphemed. So when we do NOT do these things we are blaspheming the Word of God. When a women does not follow these God prescribed directions they are blaspheming they very Word of God. This is not my opinion, this is what the Bible says. So you can disagree with me all you want. But the fact of the matter is, your relationship with God is hindered if you are continually blaspheming His Word. I hope this makes more sense. I am sure you all will still disagree and call me all sorts of names. But I will not waver in my conviction and blaspheme the Word of God so that we can have more stuff. My wife is doing her duty by guarding our home. She is happy and we are all happy. You see I needed 1400 words not 200 to properly explain it all.
Lets look at my scripture proof. Titus 2:4-5. Titus 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children. Lets break these phrases down. First women are to teach the young be sober. In Greek this is what is called a purpose clause. That is to say it is present and active. That means it is to be done and to keep on doing it. Women no longer are teaching this. They now say go out and get what is yours. This is not a sober spirit. Sober has nothing to do with drinking. It means to have a clear mind. To keep ones senses. Women are suppose to teach the younger women to keep their heads by doing the following, which is the purpose of teaching sobriety. The next thing is that women are to tech the younger to love their husbands. This phrase, in Greek, is accusative. So it is straight forward but to the original reader it would say to them love their husbands and no other man. Society teaches you can love whatever and whomever you want. Love is disposable in today’s world. No fault divorce has killed marriage. A common excuse is well I just want to be happy and I do not love him anymore. The Bible in 1 Corinthians 13 says love never fails. So you obviously ignored God and married the wrong person if you do not love them anymore. Real love is unconditional and never ending. You will love your husband and no other man, ever. That I am sure will make some boil but that is truth. Next women are to teach younger women to love their children. We should say duh, but you will be surprised. We freely allow the murder of our unborn children for the sake of convince. We ship them off as soon as maternity leave is up. We let TV baby-sit as we strive to get what is ours. I think everyone needs to read 1 Corinthians 13 and really learn what love is. What we call it now is far from Godly love.
(5) To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. The next verse is continuing with this purpose of teaching. Women are to teach the younger women to be discreet. We do not use this word to often in its context. Discreet in Greek means to curb one’s desires and impulses. To be self controlled and have temperate. Well if one is working outside the home they are surly not controlling their impulses or desires. With credit card debt in today’s society crippling budgets, it seems neither men or women are very self-controlled. And it all plays right into the destruction of the family because we have forsaken the roles God set up. Next women are to learn to be chaste. This word is so much more then chastity. It also means extreme reverence as well as purity. Some women get the purity part but they forget reverence. For example the do not revere the Word of God when the ignore his commanded gender roles. There is more that could be said about that, but I am sure you won’t care anyways. Now is the phrase that has caused all the hoop-la. Women are to be keepers/workers at home. What does this mean? The Greek work oikouros has a vary unique meaning. Its root word orous means guard. So women are to be guards of the household. If a women is out working, who is guarding the house? Women are to keep the house and this done not just mean laundry, vacuum, dishes. Chores are not just the women place, men CAN and SHOULD do them as well. One of the definitions is keeping at home to care for the household. The key phrase is keeping at home. If they are suppose to guard the home they cannot do it from a job outside the home. Women have left their post and the home has been destroyed in many families. Next women are to be good/kind. This means they are to be good natured. They are to have good attitudes. Found to be respectful by others. This one is not to hard. Many women do this. But there are some out there that there demeanor is very un women like. This next phrase is going to anger some as well. Women are to be obedient/subject to their husbands. Just as Christ is head of the church, man is the head of the wife. But the word subject does not mean to rule over. It means to bring under ones authority. It is a military term. A women is to bring herself under a man’s authority. This is why I said a women should not supervise. That contradicts God’s line of authority. In the military there are ranks and on the field those ranks are kept tight so that the chain of command is not broken. God is our General. But, like in war, Generals are not there on the front lines. They make the plans. So they place others to be in command. All are needed to win the war but some are needed to lead it. The man is the leader. He is responsible to see the Generals orders are carried out. Submission is being under one in the same mission. Men are not to be tyrants. They are to be leaders. They are not to be masters and the women slaves. The husband and wife are to be one flesh striving to fulfill one mission. So women are to teach the younger women that a man has authority and headship and they are to bring themselves under that authority just as we all bring ourselves under Christ authority. Lastly is another purpose clause. Why do we do these things? So that the Word of God is not blasphemed. So when we do NOT do these things we are blaspheming the Word of God. When a women does not follow these God prescribed directions they are blaspheming they very Word of God. This is not my opinion, this is what the Bible says. So you can disagree with me all you want. But the fact of the matter is, your relationship with God is hindered if you are continually blaspheming His Word. I hope this makes more sense. I am sure you all will still disagree and call me all sorts of names. But I will not waver in my conviction and blaspheme the Word of God so that we can have more stuff. My wife is doing her duty by guarding our home. She is happy and we are all happy. You see I needed 1400 words not 200 to properly explain it all.
Go, Preach, Make Diciples
In America today, and even more specifically here in the Ozarks there is a message. A message that has stood the test of time. A message that has been passed down for generations. That message is not purpose driven. That message has nothing to do with you best life now. That message was started by Jesus, and spread by the apostle Paul. Now that message is yours. What will you do with it? Unfortunately, this day and age, that message has been forgotten. One of our Lord’s greatest commandments, forsaken for the sake of filled pews with transferred sheep. That message is the Great Commission. Go, preach, and make disciples has been traded in for a gospel of greed and self happiness. The time is now that we go back to Paul’s claim of knowing nothing but Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). It is time we fulfill that Great Commission.
The sweet message of the Gospel has been the same for years. Great evangelist from Whitefield to Billy Graham have brought thousands upon thousands to Christ with that simple message. So why have we forgotten it as of late? Who will do the work of the evangelist? We should all be saying “here am I Lord send me”. Jesus told his disciples while He was still on earth “behold…look on the fields for the are white for harvest” (John 4:35). So, I have some observations for you all this month. And a challenge to rise up and be an evangelist.
First, why is evangelism so important? Billy Graham gives us some great reason why. First, life’s needs are never met by social influence or material affluence. Look at those who are in power and who are wealthy. They seem happy. Yet how many well to do stars and power players have met a tragic end? Jesus is the only answer. Second, there is an emptiness in all humanity. No amount of money can by the happiness that comes from knowing Christ as Savior. How true that is in light of the recent passing of Anna Nicole Smith. On the outside she seemed to have it all. But on the inside her life was empty and meaningless. So much so that she was wanting death just so she could end the pain. Society needs Jesus, not prosperity. Third, there is what is called a cosmic loneliness in the unsaved. They try to fill the emptiness with sex, drugs and alcohol. They think a spouse can make them fill whole; yet the divorce rate is proof that that is not what they need. They need Jesus, and they need you to deliver it to them. Fourth, the unsaved are wrapped in a sense of guilt. Prozac is prescribed like candy to hide this feeling of guilt. Little do they know that an encounter with a loving Savior can take it all away. Lastly, there is a fear in all of death. People fear the unknown of death. This is why shows like “Crossing Over” and the “Ghost Whisperer” have seen great success. They feel that there is life after death and it is not heaven or hell. We must show them that there is a hell and a heaven and the message of the Cross is Christ has defeated the grave and you can have eternal life! Most Christians do not fear death because they know where they are going. You can see this difference whenever you attend a believers funeral. Next month I will continue with this message of the Great Commission, the forgotten commandment. Until next month this has been One Man’s Opinion, I hope you share it.
The sweet message of the Gospel has been the same for years. Great evangelist from Whitefield to Billy Graham have brought thousands upon thousands to Christ with that simple message. So why have we forgotten it as of late? Who will do the work of the evangelist? We should all be saying “here am I Lord send me”. Jesus told his disciples while He was still on earth “behold…look on the fields for the are white for harvest” (John 4:35). So, I have some observations for you all this month. And a challenge to rise up and be an evangelist.
First, why is evangelism so important? Billy Graham gives us some great reason why. First, life’s needs are never met by social influence or material affluence. Look at those who are in power and who are wealthy. They seem happy. Yet how many well to do stars and power players have met a tragic end? Jesus is the only answer. Second, there is an emptiness in all humanity. No amount of money can by the happiness that comes from knowing Christ as Savior. How true that is in light of the recent passing of Anna Nicole Smith. On the outside she seemed to have it all. But on the inside her life was empty and meaningless. So much so that she was wanting death just so she could end the pain. Society needs Jesus, not prosperity. Third, there is what is called a cosmic loneliness in the unsaved. They try to fill the emptiness with sex, drugs and alcohol. They think a spouse can make them fill whole; yet the divorce rate is proof that that is not what they need. They need Jesus, and they need you to deliver it to them. Fourth, the unsaved are wrapped in a sense of guilt. Prozac is prescribed like candy to hide this feeling of guilt. Little do they know that an encounter with a loving Savior can take it all away. Lastly, there is a fear in all of death. People fear the unknown of death. This is why shows like “Crossing Over” and the “Ghost Whisperer” have seen great success. They feel that there is life after death and it is not heaven or hell. We must show them that there is a hell and a heaven and the message of the Cross is Christ has defeated the grave and you can have eternal life! Most Christians do not fear death because they know where they are going. You can see this difference whenever you attend a believers funeral. Next month I will continue with this message of the Great Commission, the forgotten commandment. Until next month this has been One Man’s Opinion, I hope you share it.
IS your President Candidate a Christian?
What does it mean to be a Christian?
The last few weeks have seen a great deal of debate on what it means to be a Christian and what our responsibility is. For a while now, a local pastor has used the pages of this paper to spread what is commonly referred to as the Social Gospel. Just this week, the News-Leader’s own, Brian Lewis, challenged Christians on what the purpose of a Christian is. So what is it? This debate is certainly not special to the Ozarks. In fact,because of the fast approaching ‘08 elections, this debate is only getting started nationally. On the fore front of this debate is one, Senator Obama. A Clintonesque candidate with a social agenda. At a recent church conference by Rick Warren on AIDS, he had this to say. “My faith also tells me that – as Pastor Rick has said – it is not a sin to be sick. My Bible tells me that when God sent His only Son to Earth, it was to heal the sick and comfort the weary; to feed the hungry and clothe the naked; to befriend the outcast and redeem those who strayed from righteousness. Living His example is the hardest kind of faith – but it is surely the most rewarding. It is a way of life that cannot only light our way as people of faith, but guide us to a new and better politics as Americans.” Well Senator, God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, not to be a social worker. So you may want a refund on that Bible you have. You see, Christ did not come to do all those things. He came to seek and save the lost. All those things were a by-product of His love. If Jesus only came to heal the sick and feed the poor, then he would not have had to die on the cross. So when pastors like Rick Warren and Roger Ray lower Christ to nothing more than a social worker, they are in essence ignoring the very gift that is suppose to save their souls. Christians should be appalled by such behavior from the pulpit. To say Christ came to feed our bodies but not our souls is heresy in the grandest degree. It seems when churches become more “purpose driven” and less cross driven, the identity of a Christian becomes very clouded.
The last few weeks have seen a great deal of debate on what it means to be a Christian and what our responsibility is. For a while now, a local pastor has used the pages of this paper to spread what is commonly referred to as the Social Gospel. Just this week, the News-Leader’s own, Brian Lewis, challenged Christians on what the purpose of a Christian is. So what is it? This debate is certainly not special to the Ozarks. In fact,because of the fast approaching ‘08 elections, this debate is only getting started nationally. On the fore front of this debate is one, Senator Obama. A Clintonesque candidate with a social agenda. At a recent church conference by Rick Warren on AIDS, he had this to say. “My faith also tells me that – as Pastor Rick has said – it is not a sin to be sick. My Bible tells me that when God sent His only Son to Earth, it was to heal the sick and comfort the weary; to feed the hungry and clothe the naked; to befriend the outcast and redeem those who strayed from righteousness. Living His example is the hardest kind of faith – but it is surely the most rewarding. It is a way of life that cannot only light our way as people of faith, but guide us to a new and better politics as Americans.” Well Senator, God sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, not to be a social worker. So you may want a refund on that Bible you have. You see, Christ did not come to do all those things. He came to seek and save the lost. All those things were a by-product of His love. If Jesus only came to heal the sick and feed the poor, then he would not have had to die on the cross. So when pastors like Rick Warren and Roger Ray lower Christ to nothing more than a social worker, they are in essence ignoring the very gift that is suppose to save their souls. Christians should be appalled by such behavior from the pulpit. To say Christ came to feed our bodies but not our souls is heresy in the grandest degree. It seems when churches become more “purpose driven” and less cross driven, the identity of a Christian becomes very clouded.
Keep trying SBC
The Southern Baptist Convention took up probably one of the boldest and most needed resolutions in America Today. Roger Moran, a member of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee and a leader in the Missouri Baptist Convention, and a Houston author, asked the convention to propose that all SBC parents remove their kids from the public school systems. It is their beliefs that this system is destroying their children’s well being. They cite the state of the current cultural clashes (homosexuality and creationism) as evidence enough. This has been on the Convention calendar for several years now, but they have yet to respond with a full denominational backing.
The SBC has refused to back this resolution. They believe students need to be a “godly influence” to the others in the school system. With that rationale, I guess men can be a godly influence at strip clubs and bars. I hope the SBC will lay aside their complaints and lead this country to a cultural reformation. Why has the Assemblies of God not made such an attempt? What if both denominations were to make such proclamations? Is it even their job? Should parents follow their spiritual leaders advice on this familial issue?
I believe the SBC made the wrong choice not to back an exit strategy for their kids from the public schools. The State’s indoctrination centers are teaching the kids their liberal agenda with stealth like devastation. The kids are growing up believing that there is no God and that life began as primordial sludge. They are taught a second rate history, if any at all; where heroes are transformed into godless pimps of diversity and tolerance. Kids are ridiculed and ostracized for holding fast to Jesus and His teachings. When schools band together to defy activist judges, they are demonized by the public and media.
It is my opinion that if you are sending your child to the public schools you are committing child abuse of the worse kind. God’s Word charged the parents and not the government to educate their children (Deuteronomy 4:10, Psalms 34:11, Titus 2:1-15). Christian children need Christian education. The public schools, because of the ACLU and the NEA, can only teach liberalism and secular humanism. Is this what you’d have your child knowing? So, I hope Christian parents remove their kids ASAP. Their spiritual lives and well being depend on it.
The SBC has refused to back this resolution. They believe students need to be a “godly influence” to the others in the school system. With that rationale, I guess men can be a godly influence at strip clubs and bars. I hope the SBC will lay aside their complaints and lead this country to a cultural reformation. Why has the Assemblies of God not made such an attempt? What if both denominations were to make such proclamations? Is it even their job? Should parents follow their spiritual leaders advice on this familial issue?
I believe the SBC made the wrong choice not to back an exit strategy for their kids from the public schools. The State’s indoctrination centers are teaching the kids their liberal agenda with stealth like devastation. The kids are growing up believing that there is no God and that life began as primordial sludge. They are taught a second rate history, if any at all; where heroes are transformed into godless pimps of diversity and tolerance. Kids are ridiculed and ostracized for holding fast to Jesus and His teachings. When schools band together to defy activist judges, they are demonized by the public and media.
It is my opinion that if you are sending your child to the public schools you are committing child abuse of the worse kind. God’s Word charged the parents and not the government to educate their children (Deuteronomy 4:10, Psalms 34:11, Titus 2:1-15). Christian children need Christian education. The public schools, because of the ACLU and the NEA, can only teach liberalism and secular humanism. Is this what you’d have your child knowing? So, I hope Christian parents remove their kids ASAP. Their spiritual lives and well being depend on it.
Dirty Word "Jesus"
I found it very interesting that, over the Christmas season, so many Christians were enraged that a private business refused to wish them a Merry Christmas; when their preacher’s, more than likely, have not preached Christ in the last year. Christians were quick to rally against the outside world, yet sit quietly in the pews as their ministers do the same thing. We must preach Jesus every chance we get. To avoid offending a culture who has decided to live a Christless existence, the retail industry has marketed Christmas as simply a holiday season. While this should enrage you, you should be more offended at the fact that Jesus is rarely mentioned in the pulpits of our churches. If the church would do its job in the pulpit and in society, the name of Christ would be boldly proclaimed. Preachers have decided to take the “man upstairs” approach with the name of Jesus. By voiding the power in Christ name, we have effectively rendered our witness to a dying culture, useless. Sermons about how to be happy and how to find prosperity have replaced sermons about Christ and his ultimate sacrifice for us.
In a movie called “Time Changer”, the main character had to take a time machine to modern day America to see what would happen if we taught morals and our faith apart from the Name of Christ. What he found is what you will find today, which are churches bragging about programs, golf teams, and trips to see a baseball game. Also, pastors preaching lifeless messages voided of any hope. A Christian culture desensitized by movies that freely blaspheme the name of Christ and call it a good movie because it was “moral film”. What kind of morals do we have when we are not deeply offended by Hollywood’s obvious agenda to destroy Christ and his name. With more and more Christian films being produced, I hope we can send Hollywood a message saying, stop blaspheming our Lord or we will not attend your films.
Churches and Christians are blatantly allowing abominations towards God to happen. They hold fast their addiction to political correctness, and remain silent because they do not want to force their opinions on someone else. Jesus Christ is not an opinion. If you are a true Christian, you have a duty to your God and your fellow man to share Jesus with everyone you meet. To keep silent and not mention Christ, and what he has done for you, is wrong and unchristian like. Paul claimed to preach nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Are we better than Paul? This has been One Man’s Opinion, I hope you share it. Thank you all for the positive e-mails I have been getting about this series. I hope to finish the book soon and will let you all know when it is done. God Bless.
In a movie called “Time Changer”, the main character had to take a time machine to modern day America to see what would happen if we taught morals and our faith apart from the Name of Christ. What he found is what you will find today, which are churches bragging about programs, golf teams, and trips to see a baseball game. Also, pastors preaching lifeless messages voided of any hope. A Christian culture desensitized by movies that freely blaspheme the name of Christ and call it a good movie because it was “moral film”. What kind of morals do we have when we are not deeply offended by Hollywood’s obvious agenda to destroy Christ and his name. With more and more Christian films being produced, I hope we can send Hollywood a message saying, stop blaspheming our Lord or we will not attend your films.
Churches and Christians are blatantly allowing abominations towards God to happen. They hold fast their addiction to political correctness, and remain silent because they do not want to force their opinions on someone else. Jesus Christ is not an opinion. If you are a true Christian, you have a duty to your God and your fellow man to share Jesus with everyone you meet. To keep silent and not mention Christ, and what he has done for you, is wrong and unchristian like. Paul claimed to preach nothing but Christ and Him crucified. Are we better than Paul? This has been One Man’s Opinion, I hope you share it. Thank you all for the positive e-mails I have been getting about this series. I hope to finish the book soon and will let you all know when it is done. God Bless.
American Idols
American Idols: How the American Church Has Turned To Idol Worship
I will finish up the seven dirty words, but I just wanted to share something I feel has been put on my heart for the church. While working on the word righteousness for the seven dirty words, I kept coming to this idea that the church has forsaken righteousness because they cannot seem to let go of their American Idols. No, not the television show, but the idols America has seemed to fall for. This month is probably the granddaddy of them all, the Super Bowl. Never, in all my wildest dreams, would I have ever thought churches would close or stop services for the Super Bowl. But that is exactly what has happened in many of our churches. Then the churches that do not close seem to hold some sort of Super Bowl special where they show the game on the same screen that usually holds the songs of worship. This friends, is not glorifying God in any way. “Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE (2 Corinthians 6:16)”. We should all repent of this and ensure that, in the future, we put God ahead of football. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth, Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV).” You see, God is a jealous God and will not share your heart with anything. If you feel you cannot miss a football game to worship the one whom you call Lord, then I am afraid you have an idol in your life. We should avoid such things in our lives. “Little children, guard yourselves from idols (John 5:21).”
So what are the American Idols? Besides football and other sports, there is of course television. There are some who cannot miss a single episode of their favorite program. So when the show’s time is changed to a church night, suddenly that person is no longer there. Some find themselves entrapped by celebrity watching. They get so obsessed that they often change their entire lifestyle to mirror that of their favorite celebrity. In fact, they can quote People magazine better than they can quote the Bible. These are all idols that can deeply affect your walk with the Lord. Do you find yourself planning events around God or around the TV Guide? Is deer season more sacred than communion with God? Is the Super Bowl or the Cardinals so important that you are not willing to skip it to be in church? If truth be told, I must say that the American church has forsaken it’s first love for idol worship. Just look at the pews next time there is a big game on. This is One Man’s Opinion, I hope you share it
I will finish up the seven dirty words, but I just wanted to share something I feel has been put on my heart for the church. While working on the word righteousness for the seven dirty words, I kept coming to this idea that the church has forsaken righteousness because they cannot seem to let go of their American Idols. No, not the television show, but the idols America has seemed to fall for. This month is probably the granddaddy of them all, the Super Bowl. Never, in all my wildest dreams, would I have ever thought churches would close or stop services for the Super Bowl. But that is exactly what has happened in many of our churches. Then the churches that do not close seem to hold some sort of Super Bowl special where they show the game on the same screen that usually holds the songs of worship. This friends, is not glorifying God in any way. “Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE (2 Corinthians 6:16)”. We should all repent of this and ensure that, in the future, we put God ahead of football. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth, Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV).” You see, God is a jealous God and will not share your heart with anything. If you feel you cannot miss a football game to worship the one whom you call Lord, then I am afraid you have an idol in your life. We should avoid such things in our lives. “Little children, guard yourselves from idols (John 5:21).”
So what are the American Idols? Besides football and other sports, there is of course television. There are some who cannot miss a single episode of their favorite program. So when the show’s time is changed to a church night, suddenly that person is no longer there. Some find themselves entrapped by celebrity watching. They get so obsessed that they often change their entire lifestyle to mirror that of their favorite celebrity. In fact, they can quote People magazine better than they can quote the Bible. These are all idols that can deeply affect your walk with the Lord. Do you find yourself planning events around God or around the TV Guide? Is deer season more sacred than communion with God? Is the Super Bowl or the Cardinals so important that you are not willing to skip it to be in church? If truth be told, I must say that the American church has forsaken it’s first love for idol worship. Just look at the pews next time there is a big game on. This is One Man’s Opinion, I hope you share it
Friday, November 03, 2006
Vote Tuesday November 7th
Please visit my Website chrisfluharty.com and see where I stand on the key issues. I am a write in for the 137th and am the only conservative candidate. I am the only Pro-life candidate and the only one endorsed by Missouri Right to Life. If you want a real family driven candidate then please write me in. Thanks for your support.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Seven Dirty Words you can't say in church "doctrine"
This month’s dirty word is “doctrine”. Originally I wanted to start with this word because it is the root problem to all the false “doctrines” being spread under the guise of the gospel. Since the church has decided to reject doctrine, we now have all sorts of New Age Occultism and Pop Psychology being called the gospel. If we did hold fast to doctrine, then our congregations would see the errors and call them for what they are. Doctrine is simply put, teachings. This is how it is usually translated and discussed. There was a time when churches held fast to sound teachings. Today, man’s dogma has usurped authority and doctrine has been deemed unwanted and even viewed as a hindrance. Paul warned of this and we shouldn’t be surprised we have an epidemic of false doctrines spreading like a wildfire.
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having Itching ears; 4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:1-5 KJV
So, as you can see, Paul knew that through-out the ages there were going to be these teachers that would sooth itching ears rather than preach sound doctrine. Why we’d make this such a dirty word is really beyond common wisdom. Nevertheless, Jesus, Paul, and the Apostles have had their teachings moved to second-rate status in the name of church growth and sensitivity to seekers. As I have said many times, this is pastoral malpractice and these preachers of feel good, cotton candy will have their place if they fail to repent. For many will say Lord, Lord.
Now I want to respond to those who have written asking why I am calling out these false doctrines and preachers. People are getting saved in these ministries so shouldn’t we overlook their errant teachings if people are saved? No! I cannot keep silent while the Gospel of Christ is lowered to a motivational speech. The Blood of Christ bought and paid for the church, and to lower that message to psychology and to man’s wisdom is blasphemy. We as ministers of that scared Gospel must stand up and say no more. His sheep deserve better than we are giving.
"I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.“ “I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own shelves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert (watch), remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears." Acts 20:26-31 (italics mine)
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having Itching ears; 4. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
2 Timothy 4:1-5 KJV
So, as you can see, Paul knew that through-out the ages there were going to be these teachers that would sooth itching ears rather than preach sound doctrine. Why we’d make this such a dirty word is really beyond common wisdom. Nevertheless, Jesus, Paul, and the Apostles have had their teachings moved to second-rate status in the name of church growth and sensitivity to seekers. As I have said many times, this is pastoral malpractice and these preachers of feel good, cotton candy will have their place if they fail to repent. For many will say Lord, Lord.
Now I want to respond to those who have written asking why I am calling out these false doctrines and preachers. People are getting saved in these ministries so shouldn’t we overlook their errant teachings if people are saved? No! I cannot keep silent while the Gospel of Christ is lowered to a motivational speech. The Blood of Christ bought and paid for the church, and to lower that message to psychology and to man’s wisdom is blasphemy. We as ministers of that scared Gospel must stand up and say no more. His sheep deserve better than we are giving.
"I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.“ “I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own shelves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert (watch), remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears." Acts 20:26-31 (italics mine)
Seven Dirty words you can't say in church "hell"
Long ago a vulgar comedian had a bit about seven dirty words you cannot say on radio. As of late, I have felt like the Lord has been telling me through the Holy Sprint that in today’s church we have invented our own little list seven dirty words you cannot say in church. Popular preachers and writers are proclaiming on secular television that the Fundamentalist who push these seven dirty words are destroying the church. I believe this is a grave error. Not to boldly proclaim these seven words is malpractice for the pastor of that church. You, sir or mam are leading your sheep straight to the slaughter with such a watered down, cotton candy approach to God’s Word. Your gospel lacks the authority and power to do anything for the sinner. Here are the seven dirty words you cannot say in the American church.
Hell- H E double hockey stick, Hades, Sheol, the grave, the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, eternal torment, lake of fire. No matter what term you use, we must use it in the church today. Popular teachers say the use of Hell damages the persons self-esteem and causes them to reject the church. Others just say they do not believe in a literal Hell, as Joel Osteen did on Larry King Live:
KING: But you are not fire and brimstone, right? You aren’t pound the decks and hell and damnation?
Osteen: No. That's not me. It's never been me. I've always been an encourager at heart. And when I took over from my father he came from the Southern Baptist background and back 40, 50 years ago there was a lot more of that. But, you know, I just -- I don't believe in that. I don't believe -- maybe it was for a time. But I don't have it in my heart to condemn people. I'm there to encourage them. I see myself more as a coach, as a motivator to help them experience the life God has for us. (emphasis mine)
If Hell is not real, then what Jesus did for us on the cross was in vain. With this line of belief, there is no alternative to Heaven. How dare we say such a dirty word in our churches. Heaven forbid if we preach like Jesus. News flash! Jesus preached more on Hell then he ever did on Heaven. It’s in the Bible, you just got to read it. The Texas preacher calls himself a coach or a motivational speaker, maybe then he should stop claiming to be a minister and pay taxes on his enormous empire. I guess peddling Jesus has its rewards. Oh, to return to 40 years ago when we preached the truth!
This article is an adaptation of the authors forthcoming book Seven Dirty Words You Can’t Say in Church, For more info email at actstwofour@hotmail.com
Hell- H E double hockey stick, Hades, Sheol, the grave, the place of weeping and gnashing of teeth, eternal torment, lake of fire. No matter what term you use, we must use it in the church today. Popular teachers say the use of Hell damages the persons self-esteem and causes them to reject the church. Others just say they do not believe in a literal Hell, as Joel Osteen did on Larry King Live:
KING: But you are not fire and brimstone, right? You aren’t pound the decks and hell and damnation?
Osteen: No. That's not me. It's never been me. I've always been an encourager at heart. And when I took over from my father he came from the Southern Baptist background and back 40, 50 years ago there was a lot more of that. But, you know, I just -- I don't believe in that. I don't believe -- maybe it was for a time. But I don't have it in my heart to condemn people. I'm there to encourage them. I see myself more as a coach, as a motivator to help them experience the life God has for us. (emphasis mine)
If Hell is not real, then what Jesus did for us on the cross was in vain. With this line of belief, there is no alternative to Heaven. How dare we say such a dirty word in our churches. Heaven forbid if we preach like Jesus. News flash! Jesus preached more on Hell then he ever did on Heaven. It’s in the Bible, you just got to read it. The Texas preacher calls himself a coach or a motivational speaker, maybe then he should stop claiming to be a minister and pay taxes on his enormous empire. I guess peddling Jesus has its rewards. Oh, to return to 40 years ago when we preached the truth!
This article is an adaptation of the authors forthcoming book Seven Dirty Words You Can’t Say in Church, For more info email at actstwofour@hotmail.com
Seven Word's you never hear in church "sin"
This month’s word is sin. Why don’t we call sin, sin anymore? We try to make it out as if God does not care if we transgress His laws. Preachers are quick to preach on God’s love, His money, His plans for our lives, yet they forget to preach on His key attribute and that is, righteous judge. If we live like sin is not sin, we deny his holiness and are no different than the unbeliever. John, in his letters, even said we were never children of God if we do that. So, why do these powerful TV preachers and pastors in pulpits around America not preach sin? Here is more from Osteen’s interview with Larry King. This time we see what he thinks about sin. The last part is how popular author and Pastor Rick Warren views sin. With these men peddling Christ and not leading others to proclaim the real gospel, it is no wonder we never hear the word sin in church anymore.
KING: How about issues that the church has feelings about? Abortion? Same- sex marriages?
OSTEEN: Yeah. You know what, Larry? I don't go there. I just ...
KING: You have thoughts, though.
OSTEEN: I have thoughts. I just, you know, I don't think that a same-sex marriage is the way God intended it to be. I don't think abortion is the best. I think there are other, you know, a better way to live your life. But I'm not going to condemn those people. I tell them all the time our church is open for everybody.
KING: You don't call them sinners?
OSTEEN: I don't.
KING: Is that a word you don't use?
OSTEEN: I don't use it. I never thought about it. But I probably don't. But most people already know what they're doing wrong. When I get them to church I want to tell them that you can change. There can be a difference in your life. So I don't go down the road of condemning.
Mr. Osteen, we know there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, but we have to get them to Christ first. In sin, there is condemnation and the devil is the first to point that out. Did you know the word "sin" occurs in the King James Bible over 830 times alone Mr. Osteen !? Jesus used it, what makes you any different?
Rick Warren, another popular preacher, does not like this idea of sin either. In fact, he downgrades it and says that the root of all sin is simply self-centeredness and “not giving God the glory” (pp. 54-55 Purpose Driven Life). Warren does not use words like evil, wickedness, unrighteousness, or disobedience to God in his book; which are the Biblical definitions of sin. Warren talks of it as merely mistakes, stumbling, lack of maturity, hurting the community, etc. Not calling sin, sin, is destructive and misleading to the body of Christ. Throughout Warren’s book, it is all about God’s love, but it never speaks of God’s holiness. To separate the God of Love from the God who is judge is hermeneutical suicide and pastoral malpractice. We must fear God as much as we love Him. This has been my One Man’s Opinion.
KING: How about issues that the church has feelings about? Abortion? Same- sex marriages?
OSTEEN: Yeah. You know what, Larry? I don't go there. I just ...
KING: You have thoughts, though.
OSTEEN: I have thoughts. I just, you know, I don't think that a same-sex marriage is the way God intended it to be. I don't think abortion is the best. I think there are other, you know, a better way to live your life. But I'm not going to condemn those people. I tell them all the time our church is open for everybody.
KING: You don't call them sinners?
OSTEEN: I don't.
KING: Is that a word you don't use?
OSTEEN: I don't use it. I never thought about it. But I probably don't. But most people already know what they're doing wrong. When I get them to church I want to tell them that you can change. There can be a difference in your life. So I don't go down the road of condemning.
Mr. Osteen, we know there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, but we have to get them to Christ first. In sin, there is condemnation and the devil is the first to point that out. Did you know the word "sin" occurs in the King James Bible over 830 times alone Mr. Osteen !? Jesus used it, what makes you any different?
Rick Warren, another popular preacher, does not like this idea of sin either. In fact, he downgrades it and says that the root of all sin is simply self-centeredness and “not giving God the glory” (pp. 54-55 Purpose Driven Life). Warren does not use words like evil, wickedness, unrighteousness, or disobedience to God in his book; which are the Biblical definitions of sin. Warren talks of it as merely mistakes, stumbling, lack of maturity, hurting the community, etc. Not calling sin, sin, is destructive and misleading to the body of Christ. Throughout Warren’s book, it is all about God’s love, but it never speaks of God’s holiness. To separate the God of Love from the God who is judge is hermeneutical suicide and pastoral malpractice. We must fear God as much as we love Him. This has been my One Man’s Opinion.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
When bad things happen to God's people
I have recently been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a very curable and treatable cancer. Some have already started with “why would God do this”. To that I simply say God did not do it. You see, God may have allowed it, but he never puts sickness on his kids. I must admit, I have felt a little like Job lately. However, when I went back and read that story, I felt almost honored. You see, God allowed the devil to smite Job to prove just how faithful Job really was. God still had control the entire time. God has allowed the devil to take my Mother from me at an early age. God has allowed the devil to put sickness on my youngest daughter. And now God has allowed the devil to strike me with this illness. All I have to say is, Satan, is that all you got?! Where me and Job differ is, I have a God fearing wife and praying friends. Sure I have questioned myself and asked, where did I forget to put my armor on at. I have questioned God’s reasoning for allowing this. But I must remain like Job and say, Though He Slay me yet will I trust Him!!!!!!!
What I have been bothered by is those who say I am sick because I do not have enough faith. To them, I say read your Bible! Are you telling me that Job had little faith? I am a proud Pentecostal and I know that I know there is healing at the cross. It was by Jesus’ stripes that I am healed. Jesus took it for me at that place called Calvary. Their lack of understanding in something so basic as the Cross, blinds their eyes with dogma that is not from God. If there is someone out there going through Hell and back as I am, I am here to tell you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Before the foundations of the earth, He knew this event would come to pass and He had already began a way of escape. The Cross is our salvation. However, it does not end there. The blood shed on that Cross was for you and me. Our atonement, healing, and so much more was offered up for us, all we must do is accept it and His loving grace. I am not sure as to why God chose me or why I must go through this time of trials. But I know that where there is a test, there is a testimony! I believe that at the end of this, God will get glory beyond measure and he will use me beyond my expectations. I leave you with this. It is this One Man’s Opinion that the Cross of Christ must be proclaimed for all to hear. It was Paul’s sermon every time. He claimed to know only Christ and Him crucified. So why do we push programs and purpose over Christ and the Cross. If just one soul comes to Christ because of my infliction, it will be worth the pain. To Him be the Glory forever.
What I have been bothered by is those who say I am sick because I do not have enough faith. To them, I say read your Bible! Are you telling me that Job had little faith? I am a proud Pentecostal and I know that I know there is healing at the cross. It was by Jesus’ stripes that I am healed. Jesus took it for me at that place called Calvary. Their lack of understanding in something so basic as the Cross, blinds their eyes with dogma that is not from God. If there is someone out there going through Hell and back as I am, I am here to tell you, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Before the foundations of the earth, He knew this event would come to pass and He had already began a way of escape. The Cross is our salvation. However, it does not end there. The blood shed on that Cross was for you and me. Our atonement, healing, and so much more was offered up for us, all we must do is accept it and His loving grace. I am not sure as to why God chose me or why I must go through this time of trials. But I know that where there is a test, there is a testimony! I believe that at the end of this, God will get glory beyond measure and he will use me beyond my expectations. I leave you with this. It is this One Man’s Opinion that the Cross of Christ must be proclaimed for all to hear. It was Paul’s sermon every time. He claimed to know only Christ and Him crucified. So why do we push programs and purpose over Christ and the Cross. If just one soul comes to Christ because of my infliction, it will be worth the pain. To Him be the Glory forever.
MSU does not need a sexual orientation policy
Here we go again. After years of trying and failing the Lambda Alliance is once again trying to force its special rights policy on the entire campus. This time it is under the guise of diversity. This is not a difficult thing to figure out. No policy will end discrimination. As long as there is short-sighted bigots who fail to see everyone as the same there will be atrocities like racism, intolerance, and hatred. So, why cost the school money to re-print everything to include a few words for a specific group. Those words will not keep gay students from being harassed. Which in all honesty in my three years at MSU I have never seen a gay student harassed. They have all been good students, respectful of others and hardworking. I have never met one that I did not respect.
My problem with this policy is it gives specific rights to a single group. Why should homosexuals get there own policy? I have been harassed by many at MSU in class and out for my extreme conservative views. So should we include a policy that says Christian conservatives shall not be discriminated against.? That would be ridiculous. And so is giving the gay and lesbian group their own special policy.
Christian conservatives are probably the most discriminated group on campus. We are ridiculed in class discussions. Some Professors act as if our Christian beliefs are dumb and non-academic. Christian conservatives are silenced from lack on-campus groups because there are so few Christian conservative professors to sponsor groups. So, if the homosexual minority, who seems to rarely be harassed, gets an unneeded policy. Then why don’t the diversity committee include one for Christian conservatives who are the most discriminated group on campus. So much so that many of them keep their beliefs to themselves, which affects diversity on campus. Most of the time on campus thought is dominated by liberalism and secular humanism. Any beliefs outside this has been belittled. If we all think the same way how is that diversity? The school needs the Christian conservatives too. This policy will keep many away and make some leave.
If President Nietzel was genuinely concerned about diversity he will not go out of his way to pass this very divisive policy that benefits only one group and does nothing to improve MSU academics. I’m just glad I graduate this year.
My problem with this policy is it gives specific rights to a single group. Why should homosexuals get there own policy? I have been harassed by many at MSU in class and out for my extreme conservative views. So should we include a policy that says Christian conservatives shall not be discriminated against.? That would be ridiculous. And so is giving the gay and lesbian group their own special policy.
Christian conservatives are probably the most discriminated group on campus. We are ridiculed in class discussions. Some Professors act as if our Christian beliefs are dumb and non-academic. Christian conservatives are silenced from lack on-campus groups because there are so few Christian conservative professors to sponsor groups. So, if the homosexual minority, who seems to rarely be harassed, gets an unneeded policy. Then why don’t the diversity committee include one for Christian conservatives who are the most discriminated group on campus. So much so that many of them keep their beliefs to themselves, which affects diversity on campus. Most of the time on campus thought is dominated by liberalism and secular humanism. Any beliefs outside this has been belittled. If we all think the same way how is that diversity? The school needs the Christian conservatives too. This policy will keep many away and make some leave.
If President Nietzel was genuinely concerned about diversity he will not go out of his way to pass this very divisive policy that benefits only one group and does nothing to improve MSU academics. I’m just glad I graduate this year.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Springfield misses the point about gays
Re: Too many churches focus on judging and not forgiving & Hateful messages get us no where in the community.
In the last couple of days, several well-meaning Ozarkers tried to justify the homosexual lifestyle as normal and acceptable. Then they condemn the Christians who call it what it is, and that is sin. Mr. Cox said that we Christians “make it abundantly clear as to what they think sin is”. I would hope your religion professor would have told you it is not what we think it is but what God says it is. “Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals shall inherit the kingdom of God” 1 Corinthians 6:9. However, there are a lot of other sins there as well so we should not be so quick to single out. You see, it is no wonder Ms. Caesar has a problem with Christians holding fast to their beliefs, it has been the ACLU and NEA on a mission using the Government schools to force tolerance of sin and rejection of everything Godly. From K-College students are told there is no God and you came from primordial sludge. You can do whatever makes you happy. This post-modern secular humanism is destroying the moral fabric of our society.
If anything, Christians do not do enough to stop the acceptance of the gay lifestyle. Their fear of not being liked keeps them huddled in their little pews only worrying about themselves. So, when real Christians do speak out, we are labeled bullies and bigots. The only way to save America from following Rome into certain destruction is to raise your voice in the public forum before Hillary makes it a crime. You must pull your kids from the government’s indoctrination centers (public schools) and do your job as a parent to raise them in Godly principles. Also, get rid of any pastor who refuses to preach Christ and Him crucified. We have to many limp wrist preachers proclaiming 40 days of purpose and not enough proclaiming repentance.
Mr. Cox did say something that was right. Why are we so quick to judge the homosexual sin when all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? We need to call all sin, sin, and stop singling out the sins that get the most press.
In the last couple of days, several well-meaning Ozarkers tried to justify the homosexual lifestyle as normal and acceptable. Then they condemn the Christians who call it what it is, and that is sin. Mr. Cox said that we Christians “make it abundantly clear as to what they think sin is”. I would hope your religion professor would have told you it is not what we think it is but what God says it is. “Do not be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals shall inherit the kingdom of God” 1 Corinthians 6:9. However, there are a lot of other sins there as well so we should not be so quick to single out. You see, it is no wonder Ms. Caesar has a problem with Christians holding fast to their beliefs, it has been the ACLU and NEA on a mission using the Government schools to force tolerance of sin and rejection of everything Godly. From K-College students are told there is no God and you came from primordial sludge. You can do whatever makes you happy. This post-modern secular humanism is destroying the moral fabric of our society.
If anything, Christians do not do enough to stop the acceptance of the gay lifestyle. Their fear of not being liked keeps them huddled in their little pews only worrying about themselves. So, when real Christians do speak out, we are labeled bullies and bigots. The only way to save America from following Rome into certain destruction is to raise your voice in the public forum before Hillary makes it a crime. You must pull your kids from the government’s indoctrination centers (public schools) and do your job as a parent to raise them in Godly principles. Also, get rid of any pastor who refuses to preach Christ and Him crucified. We have to many limp wrist preachers proclaiming 40 days of purpose and not enough proclaiming repentance.
Mr. Cox did say something that was right. Why are we so quick to judge the homosexual sin when all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God? We need to call all sin, sin, and stop singling out the sins that get the most press.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
14th is not a free ride for illegals
I think the News Leader staff really missed the target on this one. There are two problems with stating the Constitution ensures education for all. The first, is the State Constitution is subject to the US Constitution and nowhere in the US Constitution are there any enumerated powers for a free public education. This idea is foreign to a Republican form of Government and would have never been accepted by any of the founders except maybe Benjamin Rush. The idea to tax one person to educate another’s child is not only socialism and redistribution of wealth but it is also welfare. Why should one citizen’s hard earned dollars be taken from them to educate a non US citizen? There are no grounds for this anywhere in our Constitution. The SCOTUS has repeatedly sided against citizen voted measures to protect our borders, resources and the like. I voted for Prop 187 and it won easily yet we’re told it is unconstitutional? The judges ignored the people of California and the state congress to enact its own laws. Why do we allow them to legislate from the bench like that. Your defense is the 14th amendment. It is a shame that the staff did not spend a little more time in research on that bag of worms.
The 14th Amendment was never legal nor was it ever considered Constitutional from the start. The Constitution clearly states that proposed amendments must be passed by two thirds of both houses of Congress. In December of 1865, those in control of Congress refused to allow the South’s elected Representatives and Senators to be seated. At that point, Congress itself was unconstitutional. The 14th Amendment was easily defeated when it was rejected by all but one of the southern States and all of the so-called “border” States. Iowa and Massachusetts had also failed to ratify it by the beginning of March, 1867. So thus, they had only 21 ratifications of the 28 needed. So your evidence as well as the basis for the SCOTUS decision is false, unfounded and unconstitutional. So why does Americans and Missourians continue to allow the government to plunder their finances to educate other peoples kids and now illegal immigrants as well. Rise up Missouri and let them know that their thievery will no longer be tolerated. If we wanted to live in a socialist society then we’d move to Russia. If Dr. Ridder thinks I am going to approve more taxes in April when he just might spend it on more illegals he is dead wrong. To Change your Government change your vote.
The 14th Amendment was never legal nor was it ever considered Constitutional from the start. The Constitution clearly states that proposed amendments must be passed by two thirds of both houses of Congress. In December of 1865, those in control of Congress refused to allow the South’s elected Representatives and Senators to be seated. At that point, Congress itself was unconstitutional. The 14th Amendment was easily defeated when it was rejected by all but one of the southern States and all of the so-called “border” States. Iowa and Massachusetts had also failed to ratify it by the beginning of March, 1867. So thus, they had only 21 ratifications of the 28 needed. So your evidence as well as the basis for the SCOTUS decision is false, unfounded and unconstitutional. So why does Americans and Missourians continue to allow the government to plunder their finances to educate other peoples kids and now illegal immigrants as well. Rise up Missouri and let them know that their thievery will no longer be tolerated. If we wanted to live in a socialist society then we’d move to Russia. If Dr. Ridder thinks I am going to approve more taxes in April when he just might spend it on more illegals he is dead wrong. To Change your Government change your vote.
The Confederate flag belongs over their graves
Open Letter to Elected Officials:
Mr. Governor, Speaker, President Pro tempore, How long will you allow the fear and ignorance of a disorganized caucus destroy any attempt at improved race relations in Missouri. This bill is more about historical heritage and respect for veterans then it is about hate and racism. The only people making it about race and hatred are the ignorant and misinformed. Keeping the flag from its place will only spell doom for Missouri history and heritage. Here are several examples as to why history proves the Confederate flag is not about hate. Hopefully after reviewing the evidence you will restore the flag to its rightful place, flying over the graves of those who died for it.
HB 999 is stuck in the rules committee with no sign of going to the floor because some think the Confederate flag is racist. Why is St Andrews cross so offensive? Did the Confederate flag ever fly over slave ships? NO! Some say, well it was used by the KKK, yeah in Ohio and New York both Yankee states mind you. The Klan has always used the American Flag. Others have said, it stands for hate and slavery. If you believe thousands died in the South to protect slavery for the 3-6% who owned them you are indeed misinformed.. The South fought for independence from oppressive taxation. The North had implemented tariffs that were destroying Southern profits. The War was fought for states rights nothing more. The Confederate flag was a flag that stood for every ones rights. If it was so racist why did 160,000 blacks, Spanish, and Native Americans fight under it. If it stood for hate then why did a black representative from the Mississippi state legislature get out of bed sick to vote to build a Confederate monument? John F Harris a black Confederate veteran and elected official from Washington County Mississippi said this about his vote. “I want it known to all the world that my vote is given favor of the bill to erect a monument in honor of the Confederate dead”. It is time for people to stop the ignorance and make a genuine effort to work on race relations in Missouri and to return the flag to where it belongs , over the graves of the men who fought for it. Call Rep. Jetton and Sen. Gibbons and tell them to stop being cowards.
Mr. Governor, Speaker, President Pro tempore, How long will you allow the fear and ignorance of a disorganized caucus destroy any attempt at improved race relations in Missouri. This bill is more about historical heritage and respect for veterans then it is about hate and racism. The only people making it about race and hatred are the ignorant and misinformed. Keeping the flag from its place will only spell doom for Missouri history and heritage. Here are several examples as to why history proves the Confederate flag is not about hate. Hopefully after reviewing the evidence you will restore the flag to its rightful place, flying over the graves of those who died for it.
HB 999 is stuck in the rules committee with no sign of going to the floor because some think the Confederate flag is racist. Why is St Andrews cross so offensive? Did the Confederate flag ever fly over slave ships? NO! Some say, well it was used by the KKK, yeah in Ohio and New York both Yankee states mind you. The Klan has always used the American Flag. Others have said, it stands for hate and slavery. If you believe thousands died in the South to protect slavery for the 3-6% who owned them you are indeed misinformed.. The South fought for independence from oppressive taxation. The North had implemented tariffs that were destroying Southern profits. The War was fought for states rights nothing more. The Confederate flag was a flag that stood for every ones rights. If it was so racist why did 160,000 blacks, Spanish, and Native Americans fight under it. If it stood for hate then why did a black representative from the Mississippi state legislature get out of bed sick to vote to build a Confederate monument? John F Harris a black Confederate veteran and elected official from Washington County Mississippi said this about his vote. “I want it known to all the world that my vote is given favor of the bill to erect a monument in honor of the Confederate dead”. It is time for people to stop the ignorance and make a genuine effort to work on race relations in Missouri and to return the flag to where it belongs , over the graves of the men who fought for it. Call Rep. Jetton and Sen. Gibbons and tell them to stop being cowards.
Secure our Borders
Open letter to our elected officials
Dear official, there is a epidemic taking place in the borders of our great state. An epidemic that will in the long run cost us more then any hurricane. It already cost taxpayers millions a year. Yet, as of this letter, you have done little to protect us from it. You managed to pass bills like hand fishing, yet this problem festers everyday. This problem is being ignored by both parties in Washington and here in Missouri. The problem is Illegal immigration. They steal our public education. They are being imprisoned in our overcrowded jails. They acquire fake ID’s and receive social entitlements that are designed to help our citizens. Yet, you sit upon a hill, silent. The people of Missouri demand action. The Constitution Party of Missouri calls for action. We call for the deportation of all illegals currently in our custody and that are found. We call on harsh penalties for any employer who employs illegals. We call on you to enforce your Constitutional oath to protect us from invasion. We will not forget your response on election day. Choose this day whom you will serve, the people or them
Dear official, there is a epidemic taking place in the borders of our great state. An epidemic that will in the long run cost us more then any hurricane. It already cost taxpayers millions a year. Yet, as of this letter, you have done little to protect us from it. You managed to pass bills like hand fishing, yet this problem festers everyday. This problem is being ignored by both parties in Washington and here in Missouri. The problem is Illegal immigration. They steal our public education. They are being imprisoned in our overcrowded jails. They acquire fake ID’s and receive social entitlements that are designed to help our citizens. Yet, you sit upon a hill, silent. The people of Missouri demand action. The Constitution Party of Missouri calls for action. We call for the deportation of all illegals currently in our custody and that are found. We call on harsh penalties for any employer who employs illegals. We call on you to enforce your Constitutional oath to protect us from invasion. We will not forget your response on election day. Choose this day whom you will serve, the people or them
Saturday, February 18, 2006
HB 1502 is an unwelcomed mandate
RE: Bill would protect all from bullying News Leader 2-17-06
HB 1502 is why no parent in their right mind should send their kids to the Government’s welfare schools. Rep. Lampe now wants Jefferson City to dictate your communities values and school policies. This bill would require all school districts to have one policy in-spite of what the local school board says. This is nothing more then a usurpation of power by people who do not share the same values as you. As long as you have kids, you will have bullying. This is an insult to the teachers. Lampe’s bill acts as if our teachers do nothing to protect their kids from bullying. This is a local issue that should be solved locally. As for Mr. Dressel and his groups obvious voice in this legislation, I say why are you insistent that we accept your abnormal lifestyle as normal. And tell me how a 6 year old can understand that they have an attraction towards the opposite sex? Maybe if we kept your groups agenda out of our schools we wouldn’t have any LGBT youth. Missouri you brought this upon yourself when you decided to push God out of your schools to let Dressel’ group in.
HB 1502 is why no parent in their right mind should send their kids to the Government’s welfare schools. Rep. Lampe now wants Jefferson City to dictate your communities values and school policies. This bill would require all school districts to have one policy in-spite of what the local school board says. This is nothing more then a usurpation of power by people who do not share the same values as you. As long as you have kids, you will have bullying. This is an insult to the teachers. Lampe’s bill acts as if our teachers do nothing to protect their kids from bullying. This is a local issue that should be solved locally. As for Mr. Dressel and his groups obvious voice in this legislation, I say why are you insistent that we accept your abnormal lifestyle as normal. And tell me how a 6 year old can understand that they have an attraction towards the opposite sex? Maybe if we kept your groups agenda out of our schools we wouldn’t have any LGBT youth. Missouri you brought this upon yourself when you decided to push God out of your schools to let Dressel’ group in.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
When You Pray
Just a little talk with thee
Last time I talked to you about one of the three acts of righteousness. I thought about it and decided to continue with that theme in this article as well. This time I’d like to talk about prayer. It is a expected task that is rarely practiced. If it is, it is usually a little rehearsed rhyme heard at church or a published one from a little book of prayers. I understand personally this struggle to pray. For years I felt like “why does God want to hear from me“? Then when I got married, it seemed to hit me. In a relationship, there has to be communication. If there is no communication, the relationship stagnates and becomes rough and even unbearable. In communicating, you have a chance to express your feelings, wants and desires. You also have a chance to be validated and to validate the other person. I want to say to you, God wants to talk to you. He wants to hear your desires, needs and hopes. He wants to pour His joy into your life. Prayer is not a magic formula like some may teach. Prayer is not making God into some pawn shop or cosmic genie like others may profess. No, prayer is a just a little talk with God. If one was to go into a Christian bookstore, they would find volumes of books on prayer. One lady has made millions on her series The Power of a Praying… These books are good resources to start a prayer life but ultimately one must develop a more personal prayer life. Jesus, in His sermon on the mount, gives the example we all need. But when you pray do not be like the hypocrites who love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners praying so that they can be seen by men…But when you pray go into your inner room close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret…And when praying do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles, for they suppose they will be heard because of their many words. (Matthew 6:5-7). Also, later in verses 9-15 we see how Jesus wants us to pray. Notice again that it does not say if you pray, but more importantly, when you pray. Jesus commands that we have a prayer life with the Father. Also He says we must keep it personal and not make it an issue for all to see. There is a time and place for corporate prayer, but this is talking about your personal prayer life. You should be praying more often then just at church. Lastly, we see Jesus saying we need not to repeat ourselves. This would make prayer out to be some sort of magic spell as opposed to a personal talk with a loving Father. Some preachers would have you believe that everyday you need to remind God that he promised you this or that and you need to tell Him about it every time you pray. Do not be as the Gentiles, but keep it real. Follow Christ’s example and not man’s.
I got email from my cousin who, like so many in our family, have been called to a life of ministry. I believe it will help those who may have no clue as to how to pray, or where to start. Please enjoy and start a prayer life today.
A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows.An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit. "I guess you were expecting me, he said. 'No, who are you'?" said the father.The minister told him his name and then remarked, "I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up."
"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?". Puzzled, the minister shut the door."I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life I never knew how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head."
"I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old gentleman continued, "until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me: "Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with God. Here is what I suggest. Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see God on the chair. It's not spooky because He promised: 'I will be with you always'. Then just speak to Him in the same way you're doing with me right now.""So Preacher, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though because if my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm."
The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old gentleman to continue on his journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church.Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her Dad had died that afternoon.Did he die in peace?" he asked. "Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me how much he loved me, and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was one thing strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?".
The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said: "I wish we could all go like that!".
Last time I talked to you about one of the three acts of righteousness. I thought about it and decided to continue with that theme in this article as well. This time I’d like to talk about prayer. It is a expected task that is rarely practiced. If it is, it is usually a little rehearsed rhyme heard at church or a published one from a little book of prayers. I understand personally this struggle to pray. For years I felt like “why does God want to hear from me“? Then when I got married, it seemed to hit me. In a relationship, there has to be communication. If there is no communication, the relationship stagnates and becomes rough and even unbearable. In communicating, you have a chance to express your feelings, wants and desires. You also have a chance to be validated and to validate the other person. I want to say to you, God wants to talk to you. He wants to hear your desires, needs and hopes. He wants to pour His joy into your life. Prayer is not a magic formula like some may teach. Prayer is not making God into some pawn shop or cosmic genie like others may profess. No, prayer is a just a little talk with God. If one was to go into a Christian bookstore, they would find volumes of books on prayer. One lady has made millions on her series The Power of a Praying… These books are good resources to start a prayer life but ultimately one must develop a more personal prayer life. Jesus, in His sermon on the mount, gives the example we all need. But when you pray do not be like the hypocrites who love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners praying so that they can be seen by men…But when you pray go into your inner room close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret…And when praying do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles, for they suppose they will be heard because of their many words. (Matthew 6:5-7). Also, later in verses 9-15 we see how Jesus wants us to pray. Notice again that it does not say if you pray, but more importantly, when you pray. Jesus commands that we have a prayer life with the Father. Also He says we must keep it personal and not make it an issue for all to see. There is a time and place for corporate prayer, but this is talking about your personal prayer life. You should be praying more often then just at church. Lastly, we see Jesus saying we need not to repeat ourselves. This would make prayer out to be some sort of magic spell as opposed to a personal talk with a loving Father. Some preachers would have you believe that everyday you need to remind God that he promised you this or that and you need to tell Him about it every time you pray. Do not be as the Gentiles, but keep it real. Follow Christ’s example and not man’s.
I got email from my cousin who, like so many in our family, have been called to a life of ministry. I believe it will help those who may have no clue as to how to pray, or where to start. Please enjoy and start a prayer life today.
A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father. When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows.An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit. "I guess you were expecting me, he said. 'No, who are you'?" said the father.The minister told him his name and then remarked, "I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up."
"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?". Puzzled, the minister shut the door."I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life I never knew how to pray. At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head."
"I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old gentleman continued, "until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me: "Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with God. Here is what I suggest. Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see God on the chair. It's not spooky because He promised: 'I will be with you always'. Then just speak to Him in the same way you're doing with me right now.""So Preacher, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day. I'm careful though because if my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm."
The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old gentleman to continue on his journey. Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church.Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her Dad had died that afternoon.Did he die in peace?" he asked. "Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me how much he loved me, and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. But there was one thing strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed. What do you make of that?".
The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said: "I wish we could all go like that!".
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