Monday, July 28, 2008
Monday, Pregnant
Monday—found out I’m pregnant. Wow! Shocker! Was not expecting that, but it must be the Lord’s plan for us. There is no doubt that if the Lord decided to bless us with a child that He will also provide a way for us to financially support that child, along with our other children. Rec’d a phone call that same night…work is slow due to mortgage industry and my hrs are cut by two a day. That is quite a chunk from monthly income! But…not an hr before that phone call came the Lord showed me that our faithfulness in Him will overcome any financial (or any other) burden and that His unfailing love is on those who trust in Him and His plans will endure. (Psalm 32:10; 33:11, 18-19, 20-22) Praise the Lord for His love and mercy on those who trust in Him.
Friday, June 6, 2008
What Kind of a Christian is Barack Obama?
I want to start by saying Barack Obama and his family are in desperate need of prayer. We need to pray for God to reach the Senator and bring him back to Christ, as there is a strong possibility he could become our next president. We also need to ensure true Christians are not fooled by his rhetoric and claims of following Christ.
Obama has certainly been in the spotlight for his profession of Christian faith coupled with his liberal anti-Christian political agenda—most notably, partial-birth abortion and gay marriage. Long before his candidacy for the Presidential seat, he entertained religion reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, Cathleen Falsani, in an afternoon interview. Noted below are his words about his faith as a Christian and his beliefs in Christian principles, taken directly from the interview transcripts. Following his comments are verses from the Bible (NIV), along with some of my own comments (in CAPS).
“If all it took was someone proclaiming I believe Jesus Christ and that he died for my sins, and that was all there was to it, people wouldn’t have to keep coming to church, would they.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
“I am a Christian… So, I have a deep faith. I'm rooted in the Christian tradition. I believe that there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.” Matthew 7:14 “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
When speaking of the Sunday about 16 years ago when he went to the altar at his church as was saved, he said: “I think it was just a moment to certify or publicly affirm a growing faith in me." Matthew 6:20 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full” Isaiah 2:17 “The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day”
“There's the belief, certainly in some quarters, that if people haven't embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior, they're going to hell...I can’t imagine that my God would allow some little Hindu kid in India who never interacts with the Christian faith to somehow burn for all eternity. That’s just not part of my religious makeup.” Jeremiah 31:33 “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts, I will be their God and they will be my people.” Psalm 9:8 “He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.”
“I think that religion at its best comes with a big dose of doubt.” James 1:6 “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
When mentioning a certain “power” he can “feel” when speaking, and then questioned if he believes it’s the Holy Spirit, he says: “I think it’s the power of the recognition of God, or the recognition of a larger truth that is being shared between me and an audience.” WE MUST REMEMBER, GOD REVEALS HIMSELF TO US! Zechariah 4:6 “So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
When asked “Who’s Jesus to you?” He states: “Jesus is an historical figure for me, and he’s also a bridge between God and man, in the Christian faith, and one that I think is powerful precisely because he serves as that means of us reaching something higher.” NOTICE THAT HE DOES NOT SAY JESUS IS MY SAVIOR OR JESUS IS LORD! YET HE GOES ON: “And he’s also a wonderful teacher. I think it’s important for all of us, of whatever faith, to have teachers in the flesh and also teachers in history.” Titus 2:13 is clear: “…the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,”
Asked if he reads the Bible, he says: “I read it not as regularly as I would like. These days I don’t have much time for reading or reflection, period.” Matthew 4:4 “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” and 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed…”
He continues on, “but that’s where that internal monologue, or dialogue I think supplants my opportunity to read and reflect in a structured way these days.” Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.”
When asked, “Do you believe in heaven?” He questions back, “Do I believe in the harps and clouds and wings?” Better defined by the interviewer as “A place spiritually you go to after you die?” He goes on to explain, “What I believe in is that if I live my life as well as I can, that I will be rewarded.” GOOD WORKS OVER JESUS? Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Obama says he’s most aligned spiritually when “I’m being true to myself.” Matthew 4:10 “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Obama claims the name of Jesus and the Christian faith, but he does not speak of or stand for the truth of the Bible--the only truth there is for true followers of Christ.
References:
Chicago Sun-Times: http://www.suntimes.com/news/falsani/726619,obamafalsani040504.article
Full Interview Transcripts:
http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/2008/06/06/barack-obama-the-2004-god-factor-interview-transcript/
Obama has certainly been in the spotlight for his profession of Christian faith coupled with his liberal anti-Christian political agenda—most notably, partial-birth abortion and gay marriage. Long before his candidacy for the Presidential seat, he entertained religion reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, Cathleen Falsani, in an afternoon interview. Noted below are his words about his faith as a Christian and his beliefs in Christian principles, taken directly from the interview transcripts. Following his comments are verses from the Bible (NIV), along with some of my own comments (in CAPS).
“If all it took was someone proclaiming I believe Jesus Christ and that he died for my sins, and that was all there was to it, people wouldn’t have to keep coming to church, would they.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
“I am a Christian… So, I have a deep faith. I'm rooted in the Christian tradition. I believe that there are many paths to the same place, and that is a belief that there is a higher power, a belief that we are connected as a people.” Matthew 7:14 “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
When speaking of the Sunday about 16 years ago when he went to the altar at his church as was saved, he said: “I think it was just a moment to certify or publicly affirm a growing faith in me." Matthew 6:20 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full” Isaiah 2:17 “The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day”
“There's the belief, certainly in some quarters, that if people haven't embraced Jesus Christ as their personal savior, they're going to hell...I can’t imagine that my God would allow some little Hindu kid in India who never interacts with the Christian faith to somehow burn for all eternity. That’s just not part of my religious makeup.” Jeremiah 31:33 “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts, I will be their God and they will be my people.” Psalm 9:8 “He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.”
“I think that religion at its best comes with a big dose of doubt.” James 1:6 “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
When mentioning a certain “power” he can “feel” when speaking, and then questioned if he believes it’s the Holy Spirit, he says: “I think it’s the power of the recognition of God, or the recognition of a larger truth that is being shared between me and an audience.” WE MUST REMEMBER, GOD REVEALS HIMSELF TO US! Zechariah 4:6 “So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
When asked “Who’s Jesus to you?” He states: “Jesus is an historical figure for me, and he’s also a bridge between God and man, in the Christian faith, and one that I think is powerful precisely because he serves as that means of us reaching something higher.” NOTICE THAT HE DOES NOT SAY JESUS IS MY SAVIOR OR JESUS IS LORD! YET HE GOES ON: “And he’s also a wonderful teacher. I think it’s important for all of us, of whatever faith, to have teachers in the flesh and also teachers in history.” Titus 2:13 is clear: “…the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,”
Asked if he reads the Bible, he says: “I read it not as regularly as I would like. These days I don’t have much time for reading or reflection, period.” Matthew 4:4 “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” and 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed…”
He continues on, “but that’s where that internal monologue, or dialogue I think supplants my opportunity to read and reflect in a structured way these days.” Joshua 1:8 “Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.”
When asked, “Do you believe in heaven?” He questions back, “Do I believe in the harps and clouds and wings?” Better defined by the interviewer as “A place spiritually you go to after you die?” He goes on to explain, “What I believe in is that if I live my life as well as I can, that I will be rewarded.” GOOD WORKS OVER JESUS? Matthew 5:20 “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Obama says he’s most aligned spiritually when “I’m being true to myself.” Matthew 4:10 “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Obama claims the name of Jesus and the Christian faith, but he does not speak of or stand for the truth of the Bible--the only truth there is for true followers of Christ.
References:
Chicago Sun-Times: http://www.suntimes.com/news/falsani/726619,obamafalsani040504.article
Full Interview Transcripts:
http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/2008/06/06/barack-obama-the-2004-god-factor-interview-transcript/
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Conservative Intolerance at Univ. of Wisconsin
Recent vandalism, of sorts, against a pro-life campaign at the University of Wisconsin has some questioning the politics of campus life. During an approved pro-life demonstration, Pointers for Life members set out 800 crosses in a “graveyard” setting as symbolic of the babies’ lives that are lost everyday in America to abortion.
This quiet demonstration was rudely interrupted by sophomore student, Roderick King. Caught on (Cemetery of Innocents Conflict, Youtube.com), King displayed the utmost intolerance for the group’s campaign and began yanking crosses from the dirt, all while harassing them about the rights of other people.
Regardless of the permissions granted by the University itself and the rights of the pro-life group (those first amendment freedoms that many liberals hide behind), King believed his opinion mattered more—so much more that he could bluntly trample on the rights of everyone else involved.
King argued that since Roe v. Wade, abortion has been a right of all women. Hence, the group had “no right to challenge it [abortion].” No right to challenge it? No right to challenge a court ruling? This certainly does not sound like the democracy in which we live. Of course there is a right. There is a right to challenge anything anyone feels should be challenged, granted it is done so in a manner which does not violate other laws. Simply because the demonstration is one of conservative, life-saving ideology doesn’t make it any less valuable under the blanket of the Constitution.
Still, the most disturbing aspect of the escapade is not King’s response to the demonstration, for all who stand in support of God’s love will endure this type of backlash. It is the lack of action on behalf of school officials.
King vandalized an approved demonstration out of hostility toward the movement and harassed members of the group, yet campus officials have done nothing to reprimand the sophomore who currently holds a position of Student Senator. According to OneNewsNow (Campus Tirade Against Pro-Lifers, OneNewsNow.com), “…no disciplinary action has been taken against the student, and the student government has decided to put the issue off until next semester.” Once again the inequality of leftist reasoning is polluting a university campus.
Ultimately, there is one question raised in the midst of this antic that we all must ask ourselves. Had a conservative student run rampant on a homosexual rights demonstration, for example, just as King had against the pro-life campaign, would officials continue to sit quietly and do nothing? Not likely. The action would have spurred local media attention and perhaps escalated to national spotlight.
After all, everyone knows that America despises intolerance. Well, at least intolerance toward anyone who doesn’t have a Conservative or Christian message to share.
This quiet demonstration was rudely interrupted by sophomore student, Roderick King. Caught on (Cemetery of Innocents Conflict, Youtube.com), King displayed the utmost intolerance for the group’s campaign and began yanking crosses from the dirt, all while harassing them about the rights of other people.
Regardless of the permissions granted by the University itself and the rights of the pro-life group (those first amendment freedoms that many liberals hide behind), King believed his opinion mattered more—so much more that he could bluntly trample on the rights of everyone else involved.
King argued that since Roe v. Wade, abortion has been a right of all women. Hence, the group had “no right to challenge it [abortion].” No right to challenge it? No right to challenge a court ruling? This certainly does not sound like the democracy in which we live. Of course there is a right. There is a right to challenge anything anyone feels should be challenged, granted it is done so in a manner which does not violate other laws. Simply because the demonstration is one of conservative, life-saving ideology doesn’t make it any less valuable under the blanket of the Constitution.
Still, the most disturbing aspect of the escapade is not King’s response to the demonstration, for all who stand in support of God’s love will endure this type of backlash. It is the lack of action on behalf of school officials.
King vandalized an approved demonstration out of hostility toward the movement and harassed members of the group, yet campus officials have done nothing to reprimand the sophomore who currently holds a position of Student Senator. According to OneNewsNow (Campus Tirade Against Pro-Lifers, OneNewsNow.com), “…no disciplinary action has been taken against the student, and the student government has decided to put the issue off until next semester.” Once again the inequality of leftist reasoning is polluting a university campus.
Ultimately, there is one question raised in the midst of this antic that we all must ask ourselves. Had a conservative student run rampant on a homosexual rights demonstration, for example, just as King had against the pro-life campaign, would officials continue to sit quietly and do nothing? Not likely. The action would have spurred local media attention and perhaps escalated to national spotlight.
After all, everyone knows that America despises intolerance. Well, at least intolerance toward anyone who doesn’t have a Conservative or Christian message to share.
Monday, May 19, 2008
It Is Written
I feel so sickened with grief for our state and our country. I cannot believe the marriage issue has come to this. This should not be happening. California has condemned itself and all those in it who turn a blind eye. It has condemned the nation by housing the most influential Supreme Court in the country. God’s warriors should be standing firm against this force of evil, but they’re not. They waver—out of fear or lack of concern, who knows?
God is not going to put up with this for very much longer—His own creation spitting in His face. His people may be persecuted while here, before Jesus returns, but we will be met with eternal love and peace. We will walk for all eternity with the Lord Almighty.
The battle is won. Satan may have the majority here and now, but he knows his fate. He knows his eternal punishment and all those who deny the Lord Jesus Christ will suffer eternally with him. The kingdom has come. The temple must be knocked down before it can be rebuilt. The Lord will pour out His love, grace, and mercy on His people. He will give us the strength and peace we need to stand strong against the powers of this world. We must stand together—with other true believers—indulge in His word, His promises, His strength, and work for His glory in this nation. We will endure—it is written! We will overcome—it is written! Jesus will return—it is written! The victory is already His—it is written!
God is not going to put up with this for very much longer—His own creation spitting in His face. His people may be persecuted while here, before Jesus returns, but we will be met with eternal love and peace. We will walk for all eternity with the Lord Almighty.
The battle is won. Satan may have the majority here and now, but he knows his fate. He knows his eternal punishment and all those who deny the Lord Jesus Christ will suffer eternally with him. The kingdom has come. The temple must be knocked down before it can be rebuilt. The Lord will pour out His love, grace, and mercy on His people. He will give us the strength and peace we need to stand strong against the powers of this world. We must stand together—with other true believers—indulge in His word, His promises, His strength, and work for His glory in this nation. We will endure—it is written! We will overcome—it is written! Jesus will return—it is written! The victory is already His—it is written!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Clinton, Obama Moral Integrity
In a recent story from OneNewsNow titled, "Obama, Clinton to headline forum on 'pressing moral issues'," our presidential candidates are spotlighted for their moral backbones. Interesting, I thought. The research I've done on both Obama and Clinton didn't provide much in the pro-moral category. Nevertheless, "The Compassion Forum" on CNN Sunday night (hosted by Messiah College in Grantham, PA) will give each candidate 40 minutes to discuss moral issues dividing America. McCain, unfortunately, has a conflicting schedule and is unable to attend.
Of the hot topics are: "...poverty, AIDS, global warming, abortion, genocide in Darfur, as well as human rights and torture." Global warming? AIDS? Are these actually moral issues? Poverty? Perhaps to a degree, but most of us know the Democratic stance on poverty and taxes.
Ok...abortion. That is definitely a controversial moral issue facing Americans. Katie Barge, Director of Communications at Faith in Public Life, says she hopes "we can find a lot of common ground." I'm sorry, did I miss something? Obama - pro-choice, Clinton - pro-choice. Where is common ground supposed to come into the picture? Well, they both attend church. That's something, right? They seem to be "good" Americans. Reality check! They're political celebrities living the high-life in the spotlight at the moment, and leading America down the path of no return.
One has unashamedly stated that a “literal reading of the Bible is a folly” (Obama, Book Excerpt: Barack Obama, Time.com), while the other doesn’t sway one way or the other, “For Clinton, it is a difficult tight rope to walk as she continues to talk openly on faith and religion without speaking directly about the controversial social issues” (The Morning Grind, Hilary Clinton Talks Religion, CNN.com).
We can’t offend the voters, now can we?
Of the hot topics are: "...poverty, AIDS, global warming, abortion, genocide in Darfur, as well as human rights and torture." Global warming? AIDS? Are these actually moral issues? Poverty? Perhaps to a degree, but most of us know the Democratic stance on poverty and taxes.
Ok...abortion. That is definitely a controversial moral issue facing Americans. Katie Barge, Director of Communications at Faith in Public Life, says she hopes "we can find a lot of common ground." I'm sorry, did I miss something? Obama - pro-choice, Clinton - pro-choice. Where is common ground supposed to come into the picture? Well, they both attend church. That's something, right? They seem to be "good" Americans. Reality check! They're political celebrities living the high-life in the spotlight at the moment, and leading America down the path of no return.
One has unashamedly stated that a “literal reading of the Bible is a folly” (Obama, Book Excerpt: Barack Obama, Time.com), while the other doesn’t sway one way or the other, “For Clinton, it is a difficult tight rope to walk as she continues to talk openly on faith and religion without speaking directly about the controversial social issues” (The Morning Grind, Hilary Clinton Talks Religion, CNN.com).
We can’t offend the voters, now can we?
Christianity: A Threat to America
Erica Corder, one of 15 valedictorians of Lewis-Palmer High School in Denver, Colorado was threatened, by the school principal, to not receive her diploma if she did not prepare a public apology for mentioning Jesus Christ in her commencement speech. Many Americans embrace their right to free speech and their right to freedom of religion; however, when Corder embraced the two together, she was at risk of disciplinary action. The growing intolerance for Christianity has become more than apparent in the United States. What is it about this particular religion that makes individuals and organizations feel threatened?
There are religious extremists in several major religions of the world and their acts reign terror on many nations. Radical Christians have killed and destroyed on the basis of protecting human life. Extreme Hindu organizations have completely demolished buildings of other religious groups out of intolerance. Sikh terrorists have bombed airlines and massacred hundreds for fear that the position of their religion was descending. Radical Muslims have murdered thousands in their own lands in adherence to the commands of their god.
Christianity is not the radical philosophy that is often exploited in the media. True Christianity is love, compassion, hope, patience, and understanding. Where in these attributes is the threat to Americans? When followers of a different religion are the subject of negative stereotypes, American people work diligently to reverse those notions as nothing more than just poor representations of the group as a whole. When Christians are subject to negative stereotypes, the labels are accepted by many Americans: “Christians are hypocrites.” America’s religious tolerance has become acceptance for all, except Christianity.
The majority of Americans have experienced the evangelism of a Mormon follower at one time or another (For the record, my opinion holds that Mormonism is not Christianity. Christianity has a closed canon consisting of the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. The Mormon religion incorporates the teachings of a second book, The Book of Mormon. Mormonism has developed from the fundamentals of Christianity, as Christianity—and Islam—have from Judaism). Mormons are tolerated (even if for only seconds) when they knock on the door of homes; they are tolerated when they interrupt an individual in a public shopping center and dismissed as “that’s just what they do.” A young girl embraces the name of Jesus in a speech about moving forward with her life and she is threatened to lose the reward of years of hard work—her high school diploma.
As children, Americans are taught equality and tolerance. Equality and tolerance for different races, genders, and concepts of sexuality are implanted in a child’s brain as early as pre-school. Religious tolerance is embraced: to Buddhists who affirm no god, only Nirvana; to Hindus who worship Brahmin and Vishnu, among others; to Muslims who embrace one god and one god only, Allah. Shift to Christians in America who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and that tolerance becomes a theoretical reality.
In many local Asian food restaurants, there are statues and paintings of “Buddha.” They are admired, perhaps sometimes chuckled at, but never viewed as an infringement on another’s personal religious freedom. These icons of the Buddhist religion are accepted in public areas—Americans are proudly tolerant of other religions! No one person wants to be branded a bigot because they are offended by the Buddha. Turn the tables to the symbol of Jesus Christ and Christians are in violation of everyone else’s first amendment rights. For example, a high school in Charleston, West Virginia is home to a classic picture of Jesus—a picture that had been an art piece at the school for more than 30 years. Two people have taken offense to this picture and caused the school to enter into litigation on the basis of “unconstitutional religious expression.” The lawsuit exclaims, “The expenditure of public funds to maintain the Jesus portrait is unconstitutional." What types of additional funds are actually required to maintain a picture that hangs on a wall?
The picture lawsuit is one of many examples of the anti-Christian religious tolerance that is sweeping the nation. A 10-year old boy in suburban Philadelphia was not allowed to wear a Jesus costume to school because it was said to promote religious activities. Yet, other students were allowed to dress as devils for the festivities. Devils too transmit religious symbolism, but for some reason, that was overlooked. Why was the Christian image of hope and love a threat to Willow Hill Elementary administration?
A former classmate once described her work environment where Muslim co-workers would congregate at certain times of the day, and bow down in prayer. This, of course, is their right—their religious freedom. Among fellow employees who did not share the same religious values, the Muslims were allowed to embrace their religious duties. In New Orleans, multiple school districts have entered into litigation because school board members joined in prayer prior to their board meetings. School board meetings are held after school hours, outside any school building, and no children are required to attend. Some parish school districts have already lost their battle to maintain opening prayers due to, that’s right, first amendment violations. Violations have been declared, yet there was no person present at the board meetings that did not engage in the same beliefs and practices of the board as a whole. The hypocrisy of America’s religious tolerance is more than evident in circumstances such as these.
Every person should question why Christianity, why Jesus Christ, why the Christian God is perceived as threatening, and why so little tolerance is offered in comparison to the hundreds of other religions abounding in this nation. Maybe then, the double standard of religious freedoms guaranteed to all by the Constitution of the United States of America can be relieved.
There are religious extremists in several major religions of the world and their acts reign terror on many nations. Radical Christians have killed and destroyed on the basis of protecting human life. Extreme Hindu organizations have completely demolished buildings of other religious groups out of intolerance. Sikh terrorists have bombed airlines and massacred hundreds for fear that the position of their religion was descending. Radical Muslims have murdered thousands in their own lands in adherence to the commands of their god.
Christianity is not the radical philosophy that is often exploited in the media. True Christianity is love, compassion, hope, patience, and understanding. Where in these attributes is the threat to Americans? When followers of a different religion are the subject of negative stereotypes, American people work diligently to reverse those notions as nothing more than just poor representations of the group as a whole. When Christians are subject to negative stereotypes, the labels are accepted by many Americans: “Christians are hypocrites.” America’s religious tolerance has become acceptance for all, except Christianity.
The majority of Americans have experienced the evangelism of a Mormon follower at one time or another (For the record, my opinion holds that Mormonism is not Christianity. Christianity has a closed canon consisting of the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. The Mormon religion incorporates the teachings of a second book, The Book of Mormon. Mormonism has developed from the fundamentals of Christianity, as Christianity—and Islam—have from Judaism). Mormons are tolerated (even if for only seconds) when they knock on the door of homes; they are tolerated when they interrupt an individual in a public shopping center and dismissed as “that’s just what they do.” A young girl embraces the name of Jesus in a speech about moving forward with her life and she is threatened to lose the reward of years of hard work—her high school diploma.
As children, Americans are taught equality and tolerance. Equality and tolerance for different races, genders, and concepts of sexuality are implanted in a child’s brain as early as pre-school. Religious tolerance is embraced: to Buddhists who affirm no god, only Nirvana; to Hindus who worship Brahmin and Vishnu, among others; to Muslims who embrace one god and one god only, Allah. Shift to Christians in America who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and that tolerance becomes a theoretical reality.
In many local Asian food restaurants, there are statues and paintings of “Buddha.” They are admired, perhaps sometimes chuckled at, but never viewed as an infringement on another’s personal religious freedom. These icons of the Buddhist religion are accepted in public areas—Americans are proudly tolerant of other religions! No one person wants to be branded a bigot because they are offended by the Buddha. Turn the tables to the symbol of Jesus Christ and Christians are in violation of everyone else’s first amendment rights. For example, a high school in Charleston, West Virginia is home to a classic picture of Jesus—a picture that had been an art piece at the school for more than 30 years. Two people have taken offense to this picture and caused the school to enter into litigation on the basis of “unconstitutional religious expression.” The lawsuit exclaims, “The expenditure of public funds to maintain the Jesus portrait is unconstitutional." What types of additional funds are actually required to maintain a picture that hangs on a wall?
The picture lawsuit is one of many examples of the anti-Christian religious tolerance that is sweeping the nation. A 10-year old boy in suburban Philadelphia was not allowed to wear a Jesus costume to school because it was said to promote religious activities. Yet, other students were allowed to dress as devils for the festivities. Devils too transmit religious symbolism, but for some reason, that was overlooked. Why was the Christian image of hope and love a threat to Willow Hill Elementary administration?
A former classmate once described her work environment where Muslim co-workers would congregate at certain times of the day, and bow down in prayer. This, of course, is their right—their religious freedom. Among fellow employees who did not share the same religious values, the Muslims were allowed to embrace their religious duties. In New Orleans, multiple school districts have entered into litigation because school board members joined in prayer prior to their board meetings. School board meetings are held after school hours, outside any school building, and no children are required to attend. Some parish school districts have already lost their battle to maintain opening prayers due to, that’s right, first amendment violations. Violations have been declared, yet there was no person present at the board meetings that did not engage in the same beliefs and practices of the board as a whole. The hypocrisy of America’s religious tolerance is more than evident in circumstances such as these.
Every person should question why Christianity, why Jesus Christ, why the Christian God is perceived as threatening, and why so little tolerance is offered in comparison to the hundreds of other religions abounding in this nation. Maybe then, the double standard of religious freedoms guaranteed to all by the Constitution of the United States of America can be relieved.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The New America
Can you feel it? There is an anti-Christian movement spreading throughout this country. Now, I’m not sure if I am feeling this so strongly because I have recently come into a very powerful relationship with Christ, but I know it’s here. It’s in the form of liberalists who insist on the protection of rights for everyone except Christians; it’s in the form of new spiritual movements, promoted by national icons like Oprah Winfrey; it’s in the form of so-called Christian churches that distort the Word to appease society.
This movement is very strong, and Christians—real, faithful, believing Christians—are bullied into a corner blanketed by silence. The anti-Christian movement likes silence. A day of “silence” for the LGBT community is manifesting in our children’s schools and is expected to climax on April 25, 2008. That silence needs to be countered with the noise of prayer—prayer for children who are forced to accept something that our Bible says is a sin. The protection of rights for Christian children is disintegrating.
Oprah enjoys the silence as well. She is led by Eckharrt Tolle, author of A New Earth Phenomenon: An Hour That Can Change Your Life, in an opening moment of “silence” during one of her latest webcasts (YouTube). She is promoting a “New American Spirituality” via webcasts, her website, and her TV show. She has blatantly denied Jesus is the only way to God. She has gone as far as proclaiming God is not even what the Bible says, “God is a feeling experience, not a believing experience” (Oprah, YouTube). Her website (Oprah.com) clearly explains the concepts this book campaigns: “old spirituality,” which includes God, Jesus, one path to salvation, and church, is no longer the way; “new spirituality” is the way. It teaches:
1. “You are your own best authority.”
2. “You listen within for your own definition of spirituality.”
3. “Many paths lead to spiritual freedom and peace. …String a necklace all your own.”
4. “Everything is sacred…. The world is sacred, too, with all of its light and darkness.”
5. “The truth is like the horizon…forever changing its shape and color. Let your spiritual path change and diverge as you journey toward it.”
Let us not forget what the Bible (NIV) says:
1. The Lord is the only authority on and of this earth.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew 28:18
It is only through Him that men are given any authority—to do His will for His glory:
“He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” – Matthew 10:1
2. We cannot define our own spirituality; the Lord gives us this wisdom.
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” Psalm 51:6
3. There are not many paths. There is only one. No one gets to God, the Father, except through our Lord Jesus Christ. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
God wants to shower us with peace and freedom from the troubles of this world:
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…” 1 Peter 1:8
Filled with inexpressible and glorious joy! How much more freedom and peace is there?
4. This world is full of evil. The darkness of the world is not sacred.
“I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.” Isaiah 13:11
The darkness of this world is the illusion of pleasure—worldly desires that draw us away from the Lord:
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:4
5. The truth is never-changing.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
The only absolute in life is our Lord who remains forever the same:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Rev. 22:13
There is no truth to be found in this world:
“Therefore say to them, 'This is the nation that has not obeyed the LORD its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips.” Jeremiah 7:28
There is only one truth that we should seek:
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
All that Oprah is following and promoting is against everything the Bible says; it is anti-Christian; it is anti-Christ. Hopefully she will turn her heart and listen, “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.” (Acts 8:22)
The Holy Bible is guidance for our time on Earth. It is our instruction for salvation, hope, peace, love, and everlasting life. No other truth, way, or spiritual walk will speak to us the way the Lord does through His word. There are churches in this nation who distort God’s word to fit society. They justify their teachings by hiding behind the idea of mistranslation. They conform to the ways of the world instead of helping the world conform to the ways of our Lord. These churches silence the voice of God.
God should not be silenced! Christians should not be silenced! We should be heard loud and clear when expecting religious freedoms and equal protection of our rights under the law.
Most importantly, we should be loud in prayer. This country needs prayer more now than ever. This nation, this world, is in need of healing that only God can provide. I encourage every God-loving Christian, every “unsure about God” person, and everyone who wants to see our society change to take advantage of the National Day of Prayer that is approaching. On May 1, 2008, thousands of people will join in prayer for this country. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.” NationalDayofPrayer.com has a list of cities around the nation where people will be gathering. Even if you don’t go to a public gathering to pray, spend time that day in your home or church in deep prayer for the much needed healing of our country, healing of the hearts of our leaders, and protection for all of God’s people.
This movement is very strong, and Christians—real, faithful, believing Christians—are bullied into a corner blanketed by silence. The anti-Christian movement likes silence. A day of “silence” for the LGBT community is manifesting in our children’s schools and is expected to climax on April 25, 2008. That silence needs to be countered with the noise of prayer—prayer for children who are forced to accept something that our Bible says is a sin. The protection of rights for Christian children is disintegrating.
Oprah enjoys the silence as well. She is led by Eckharrt Tolle, author of A New Earth Phenomenon: An Hour That Can Change Your Life, in an opening moment of “silence” during one of her latest webcasts (YouTube). She is promoting a “New American Spirituality” via webcasts, her website, and her TV show. She has blatantly denied Jesus is the only way to God. She has gone as far as proclaiming God is not even what the Bible says, “God is a feeling experience, not a believing experience” (Oprah, YouTube). Her website (Oprah.com) clearly explains the concepts this book campaigns: “old spirituality,” which includes God, Jesus, one path to salvation, and church, is no longer the way; “new spirituality” is the way. It teaches:
1. “You are your own best authority.”
2. “You listen within for your own definition of spirituality.”
3. “Many paths lead to spiritual freedom and peace. …String a necklace all your own.”
4. “Everything is sacred…. The world is sacred, too, with all of its light and darkness.”
5. “The truth is like the horizon…forever changing its shape and color. Let your spiritual path change and diverge as you journey toward it.”
Let us not forget what the Bible (NIV) says:
1. The Lord is the only authority on and of this earth.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew 28:18
It is only through Him that men are given any authority—to do His will for His glory:
“He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” – Matthew 10:1
2. We cannot define our own spirituality; the Lord gives us this wisdom.
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.” Psalm 51:6
3. There are not many paths. There is only one. No one gets to God, the Father, except through our Lord Jesus Christ. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
God wants to shower us with peace and freedom from the troubles of this world:
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” Job 22:21
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy…” 1 Peter 1:8
Filled with inexpressible and glorious joy! How much more freedom and peace is there?
4. This world is full of evil. The darkness of the world is not sacred.
“I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.” Isaiah 13:11
The darkness of this world is the illusion of pleasure—worldly desires that draw us away from the Lord:
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:4
5. The truth is never-changing.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
The only absolute in life is our Lord who remains forever the same:
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Rev. 22:13
There is no truth to be found in this world:
“Therefore say to them, 'This is the nation that has not obeyed the LORD its God or responded to correction. Truth has perished; it has vanished from their lips.” Jeremiah 7:28
There is only one truth that we should seek:
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
All that Oprah is following and promoting is against everything the Bible says; it is anti-Christian; it is anti-Christ. Hopefully she will turn her heart and listen, “Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.” (Acts 8:22)
The Holy Bible is guidance for our time on Earth. It is our instruction for salvation, hope, peace, love, and everlasting life. No other truth, way, or spiritual walk will speak to us the way the Lord does through His word. There are churches in this nation who distort God’s word to fit society. They justify their teachings by hiding behind the idea of mistranslation. They conform to the ways of the world instead of helping the world conform to the ways of our Lord. These churches silence the voice of God.
God should not be silenced! Christians should not be silenced! We should be heard loud and clear when expecting religious freedoms and equal protection of our rights under the law.
Most importantly, we should be loud in prayer. This country needs prayer more now than ever. This nation, this world, is in need of healing that only God can provide. I encourage every God-loving Christian, every “unsure about God” person, and everyone who wants to see our society change to take advantage of the National Day of Prayer that is approaching. On May 1, 2008, thousands of people will join in prayer for this country. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.” NationalDayofPrayer.com has a list of cities around the nation where people will be gathering. Even if you don’t go to a public gathering to pray, spend time that day in your home or church in deep prayer for the much needed healing of our country, healing of the hearts of our leaders, and protection for all of God’s people.
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