Category Archives: America

by | October 14, 2011 · 1:42 pm

Monkeys in Space: Almost

Disclaimer: Due to the author’s sense of humor, those without one should skip this article.

True Story

Sometime last month (between August and September, 2011) the primates of Iran were in mourning. What was supposed to be a small step for monkey, a large tree swing for monkeykind, ended in tragic failure. Now, all space monkey programs are on hold, indefinitely.

Recently, it was learned that Iran had attempted to send a live monkey 75 miles into space for a 20 minute orbit. Soaring into history inside the Kavoshgar-5 rocket, this little squeaker was going to show the world that Iran was that much closer to either putting a man in space, or launching banana hurling chimps at America. But something went wrong – terribly wrong. (Click here for the news story)

Old Story

What amazes me is that it has been over 52 years since NASA sent 2 monkeys, Able and Baker, into space (May 28, 1959). Both survived. Miss Baker even went on to live to 27 years while staying at the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center in Alabama.

NASA went on to send even more monkeys into space. The lessons learned from these missions were invaluable to the growing space program which ultimately put men on the moon in 1969, just ten years after the first monkey went ballistic (pun intended).

Now we have Iran attempting to do what we did 52 years ago (without Windows 8), and they still failed. How depressing that must be! How embarrassing for the poor little dessert monkeys! Surely they are wishing they could defect to a Western zoo about now.

Advanced Griping Standards

So, I couldn’t help but think about something. We all know that Iran hates us, correct? I think I know why. We have more advanced griping skills. Let me explain.

Since 1969 Americans have been without excuse for failure. Since then there have been unbelievable advances in every kind of technology known to man. Why? Because whenever there was a need, all somebody would have to say was, “We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t…” Here are a few examples of how that would sound…

  • We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t make an fast-cooking oven?
  • We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t make a cordless telephone?
  • We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t have more than 3 television stations?

You see, all someone would have to do is throw out that “man on the moon” thing and genius would be shamed into action. I just can’t help but wonder if that is why Iran is always in such a bad mood. Is this why they hate us so much, aside from supporting Israel, and all? I mean, when you stop and think about it, they can’t even elevate themselves to the same level of complaining!

  • We can put a man on the ……..wait…….
  • We can put a monkey on the ………no, wait…….
  • We can kill a monkey strapped to a bottle rocket, yet we still can’t find a cure for camel bad breath?

There’s just no comparison, is there? No wonder they are so far behind. No wonder they hate us. We’re 50 years ahead in griping standards!

The Greatest Standard

But when it comes to standards, there is one that we all fall short of – the holiness of God. We can look at our own achievments and compare them to others, but how do they compare to God? We can compare our righteousness to the deeds of our neighbor, but how do we compare with God?

“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 20:7 KJV

“Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” – 1 Peter 1:16 KJV

We can put a man on the moon, but we can’t save ourselves. We can do great and wonderful things, but we can’t achieve holiness. The heart of man is “desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). The only way we can truly be “holy” is when we “put on Christ” (Romans 13:14). Then, and only then, can we rise to our full potential, for we can “do all things through Christ.”

 

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by | September 20, 2011 · 10:11 am

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Why is it that so many place such a high premium on what children say? Why should we “listen to the children?” Sure, every once in while they say something cute or insightful, but on a regular basis? Get real. They may be short, but we’re not talking about Yoda. Youth is not a prerequisite to wisdom.

Buy Your Own House

This morning I was driving my bus full of children and one decided to share his “wisdom” with me. According to this young man, a fifth grader, it was better to not buy a house together, or share your money with your wife (if you get married). Why? “Because your wife may end up becoming a prostitute and kick you out and make you pay alimony.”

I can only pray for that poor boy. Where is he learning that stuff? Is this what he thinks of all women? Is this what he thinks of marriage? What kind of future do we have if kids like that keep growing up and taking over? He is definitely NOT a child I want to listen to.

If Children Ruled the World

But there are those who swear that true wisdom can be found in the words of young children. Forget the need for a lifetime of experience, listen to the wisdom of those who just learned to wear pull-ups and cut their own meat. If we did what the bleeding-hearts wanted us to do – listen to the children – where would we be right now?

* No one would ever work, except those that need to work so that others would not have to work.

* Every day would be Christmas, Halloween, and summer vacation.

* There would be peace on earth and no more wars – except when someone disrespects you or takes your candy.

* Everything should be available for the asking whenever it is wanted, as long as we don’t have to be the ones providing it for someone else.

* There would be no need for multiple cable channels, only Disney, Nickelodeon, MTV, ESPN, and The Twilight Channel.

* Everyone would be able to walk around and have everything, while complaining that they are mistreated.

* No one would ever eat at home.

* Education, if desired, would be determined by what the child thought was important.

* Teachers, Doctors, Policemen, School Teachers, and Ministers would be disrespected and maligned, while movie and rock stars would be deified.

* Animals would be considered equal with humans.

* Hate would be outlawed; that is, unless someone disagreed with you.

* Church would be nothing but fun and games, with cookies for all to enjoy.

Wait! Maybe the children are already in charge!

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Filed under America, Christian Living, Christian Maturity, Defending Traditional Marriage, General Observations, Relationships and Family, the future, World View

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by | September 10, 2011 · 4:39 pm

I Will Remember

Ten years have come and gone, and many have already forgotten what happened on September 11, 2001. But I won’t forget.

Not only will I not forget, I will choose to remember.

I will remember…

  • that freedom isn’t free, and there are those who want to steal it.
  • that Christ came “to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;” therefore America is never more “Christ-like” than when its people shed their blood for the freedom of others, whether they love us, or not.
  • that two, huge buildings once stood where one that doesn’t do them justice stands now.
  • that it wasn’t secularists, militarists, or white, Anglo-Saxon protestants that crashed four aircraft on that day, killing thousands.
  • that Islam is the enemy to liberty and freedom, no matter what the media or Muslim apologists attempt to say.
  • the Byzantine Empire and Constantinople – they weren’t converted to Islam through peaceful conversion.
  • who is considered the “Great Satan” and what countries are truly religiously intolerant.
  • the heroes who went back into those buildings to rescue anyone they could.
  • the heroes who fought back and said, “Let’s roll!”
  • the heroes who go into harm’s way for freedom every day.
  • that if it were 50 years ago we would have rebuilt the twin towers bigger and better, and would have said to the terrorists, “Just try that again!”
  • that if we had had generals and a president with the mentality of those in the 1940’s and before, there would be a lot of glass parking lots in the middle east right now.
  • that America was founded by men who knew God; who recognized the hand of Providence; and who knew when to bow a knee and call to God for deliverance.
  • that we (and all freedom-loving people) are in a life-and-death struggle between opposing worldviews – a war. Losing can’t be an option.

I will also choose to remember, and not forget, that America, no matter its current faults and flaws, is made up of a people, who, when push comes to shove, will take the fight for freedom anywhere in the world. We will also defend it. That’s who we are.

God Bless America!

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by | July 27, 2011 · 12:36 pm

Where Do You Stop When You Start to Slide?

I should have known I couldn’t keep my mouth (keyboard) shut for a week. Who was I kidding? But, in order to keep things in perspective, I will make this short….no pictures or fancy editing….no thinking of just the right words to express my thoughts…I’m already taking too much time.

 Slippery Slope Argument

For years it has been argued that once some aberration (the fact or an instance of deviating…from a moral standard or moral state) is allowed to be accepted as the norm, then there exists a danger for society to continue down an ever-increasing slope. This “slippery slope” argument has been debated and maligned by others who say that rather than a slope, it is a “straw man” or “red herring.” Those who would challenge accepted cultural norms in Western society would say that it is not a “slope” into perversion, but a ladder to heaven. I tend to disagree.

I believe that the “slippery slope” argument is perfectly valid in this case, even when many of the doom-and-gloom forecasts are not entirely accurate or timely. The fact is that when one has a moral standard that is dashed at one level, it falls down to the next. Each concurrent level then bears the weight of the upper levels, thereby making each still holding that much weaker.  Eventually, all moral standards fall through the floor like a multi-storied building with no inner support.

Still, others who would differ with me say that the redefining of societal standards is a progression in understanding and tolerance. I guess that all depends on where you’re standing and how you define up, down, backwards, and forwards. If one only has “self” and “desire” as his guides, then one man’s slope could be another man’s ascent into paradise.

My Standard

The standard by which I judge morality and what is to be considered acceptable behavior is based on objective truth. I do not try to make my own truth, but rely on the Word of God to set the standard of behavior. My selfish desires based on what I want for myself may change with the direction of the wind, but God’s Word never changes. It is the highest standard of morality from which every perversion is a slide downward and away.

With that being said, I came across a news story when I was checking my email. It caused me to want to write because it struck so close to home. The story is about a lesbian who was told, as she was entering Dollywood (a theme park in Nashville), to turn her t-shirt inside out. Why? Because park officials thought it might be too offensive to other patrons in the park. What did it say? It said, “Marriage is so gay.” (click here for article)

To make a long story short, the lesbian couple is going to take Dollywood to court over this. They are probably going to win, along with make a lot of money. She and she will probably go back to the park with matching t-shirts that say “Marriage is so gay…and Gay is soooo profitable.”

Where will it end?

Without getting into the whole argument over whether or not the definition of “family” should be changed to reflect male/male or female/female couples, I would just like to ask “where will it end?” This is where the “slippery slope” argument comes into play.

In the above article, Ms. Tipton said, “Families come in a wide range of definitions these days and we were with our family.” OK, so fine, that was YOUR family, Ms. Tipton; but what about other definitions? Should we just stop with gay, lesbian, and transgender families? If we are going to redefine marriage and family, as so many want to do, would it not be equally unfair to exclude every other form of perversion? In other words, if not traditional marriage, then does anything go?

Not long ago I saw a special documentary about people who were in love with inanimate objects such as – no kidding – amusement park rides (click here for more info – caution, though).  As a matter of fact, a woman married a particular ride after “courting” it for ten years and 3,000 rides. Sadly, this woman has been called “sick.” She has been diagnosed with objectophilia. But why is she sick? What is so wrong with her? She should be allowed to wear a t-shirt. “Families come in a wide range of definitions these days…”

Oh, some of you are reading this and calling me ridiculous; but seriously, where do you draw the line when you say that perversion of the norm is acceptable? Without objective standards, such as is the Bible (the document on which most moral standards in Western culture are founded), where do you go but down a slippery slope? How can you justify allowing one perversion, and not another?

My Prediction

I know, it is dangerous to make predictions, because if they never come true it make’s one a false prophet (but tell that to the ones in Hollywood). On the other hand, let me make a prediction about the future of this country. If people don’t wise up and see the fallacy of their anti-slippery slope argument, the following things will almost certainly become acceptable, if not promoted as the new norm- polygamy, polyandry, pedophilia, exhibitionism, bestiality, etc. If not, then t-shirt-wearing activists everywhere should be ashamed for their hypocrisy.

 

Romans 1:24-25 NLT – “So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.”

 

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by | July 5, 2011 · 2:07 pm

I Ain’t Sinnin’; It’s Made of Veggies

Veggies and Fireworks

On Sunday night, July 3rd, after a wonderful evening service in which I preached on the love of God (for everyone), my family and I went to Collegedale, TN, to watch fireworks. We had a wonderful, patriotic evening, complete with fresh cotton candy, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Oh, my bad…cotton candy and veggies on bread.

There are few things more “American” than a Fourth of July celebration with hamburgers and hot dogs. On the other hand, if you plan to attend an event like this in a Seventh-Day Adventist utopia (such as Collegedale), don’t plan on eating the real thing (at least not at an outdoor event where most of the vendors are church-related). Many Adventists do not eat meat (at least the ones I’ve known), nor do they typically consume any beverages containing caffeine. So, while watching fireworks this year, I ate veggies on a bun, while drinking a Dr. Pepper with no ability to keep me awake while driving home. I could have died, you know.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I thought the burgers were very tasty, and the hot dog I had wasn’t bad. As a matter of fact, the burger was excellent, especially when I added a generous sprinkling of some spices they had sitting on the table. However, the whole idea of “veggie burgers” and “veggie dogs” got me to thinking. Unfortunately, that’s what gets me into trouble.

Why Not the Real Thing?

Why don’t vegetarians eat meat? Well, according to who you ask, the reason could be anything from wanting to be healthier, to not wanting to make a cow cry. Some feel that it is their religious obligation to not eat meat, while others are just animal lovers that would rather pet a critter than chew on its leg.

Are there any health benefits from not eating beef or pork? Sure, there are some. Are there any Biblical commands regarding meat that apply to us today? I don’t think so, but others have the right to their misinterpretation (said with a wink). Regardless, many choose not to eat meat because they think it is just plain wrong. A sin. An abomination. Well….

Then Why Fake It?

Surely I am not the only one who thinks that it is a little hypocritical to condemn eating meat, only to eat things that look and taste exactly like it. It seems like an attempt to have your righteousness, while eating your sin, too. Now, I’m not talking about the strictly health-conscious folk, but the ones that think eating ol’ Bessie is akin to eating Aunt Bessie.

I don’t understand. I don’t see the point. Isn’t eating something that looks and tastes as close to the real thing sorta like saying, “I know what sin tastes like, and this tastes like sin, but it’s OK, cause it’s fake.” Is it all about flavor? Or, is it that you want your sin, but can only stomach the appearance of it? If you were only concerned with the nutritional value of a veggie burger, then why make the taste, texture, and appearance identical to the real thing? Probably because a veggie burger that looked like an ear of corn or a turnip would not have the same appeal.

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:22

It only makes sense to me that if you are going call something evil, then you should not promote its pleasures. For instance, why would a Jew, someone who is fanatically opposed to eating pork, order several slices of imitation bacon for his bagel? Why would a Vegan, who was opposed to eating beef, order something that looks, smells, tastes, and feel exactly like a hamburger? It implies that their love for the look and taste of these foods is greater than their concern for what others may think.

“Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.” – 1 Corinthians 8:13

It seems to me that at the heart of the matter is a desire to try to satisfy the demands of the Law, while at the same time the desires of the flesh. The problem is that when we lust after what we can’t have, then we are guilty of the sin itself (Matt. 5:28).

This is an example of legalism at work. The legalist justifies his actions by boasting he is keeping the Law, but in his heart continues to desire the pleasures of unrighteousness; all the while, seeing himself as more right with God than his neighbor.

Deeper Application

As a believer, do you oppose adultery, fornication, idolatry, perversion, etc.? Do you oppose demonism and witchcraft? Do you oppose abuse, rape, murder, and lawlessness of all kinds? Or do you secretly desire these things, fulfilling your fantasies through illicit music, books, and movies? No, you wouldn’t do those things, would you? But do you get as close to the experience as you can without actually consuming the meat?

Just something to think about.

Note: The above article is meant to illustrate truth through honest questions and humor. In no way do I mean to presume that every Adventist is a legalist, or that every vegetarian is off his rocker. Please forgive me if you are offended by any over-simplification of one’s food preferences. However, if you are a legalist, well, what can I say?

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by | July 2, 2011 · 2:27 am

Holidays Can Be Eightch E Double Hockey Sticks

Now wasn’t that a clever title? Took me a while to figure out “H.” Now, about those holidays…

There are plenty of them, you know. Everything from Christmas to the anniversary of President Obama’s fourteenth vacation. Everybody celebrates a special day once in a while, so…

Happy Independence Day!

But whatever the holiday, there are some inevitable horrors which we all must endure. Can you think of any? Here are a few that always seem to mess up my celebrations of famous dead people, religiously significant births, and historically important document signings.

  • Food– Have you ever noticed that the people who work the longest hours are the ones that make the most food at 2 a.m.? Why is it that every time we go somewhere to celebrate anything, my wife is always supposed to make something? Oh, I guess that wouldn’t be such a big deal, but why at midnight, or 2 in the morning? That’s just for small stuff like birthdays, or July 4th. Thanksgiving is murder on everybody, not just the turkey.
  • Long Drives – Why is it that the one place everybody wants to have a get-together is in the one place that no one can get to without a GPS? Then, when you do get there, where do you park? Why does this family member have to be the one with the least parking places and the most manicured lawn?
  • Packing – It never fails that whenever we have to go somewhere, even if it is just across town, the bigger the vehicle, the more stuff has to go. I have often wondered how much stuff my wife and daughters would think necessary if we all had to fit in a Mazda Miata? It probably wouldn’t matter. My wife is the queen of packing. One year our Ford Crown Victoria broke down 2 miles from our house. It was full, but she managed to swap everything over to a ’94 Honda Accord! I still don’t know how she did it.
  • Relatives – You know what I’m talking about. I bet you have relatives that you see every year, but can’t even remember their names. Sadly, they’re pretty much expendable. In reality, if you wait long enough, another waitress or bartender will come along and they’ll be part of somebody else’s family tree. Then, you won’t have to worry about going to the Dollar Tree for Christmas.
  • Fruit Cake – I hate it. I really, really, hate it. The worst part is that the same loaf gets re-gifted each year. There is no way to really calculate it’s age. Since it never decays, it may have been exposed to something weird back in the ’60’s, like chlordane, Dick Clark, or alien radiation.
  • Friends of Family – Who are these people? They are the lowly, orphaned, untouchables of society that can’t find their own party, so they stalk yours. They’re almost as creepy and unwanted as some that belong there. “Hey, who’s your friend?” “Oh, this is Bob, a co-worker of mine…He didn’t have anywhere else to go for the holiday.” ……..Can I just ask, “WHY?!” No, because if I upset him he might shoot me during the fireworks display.

Well, I hope that your holiday weekend is not hampered by silly stuff, but full of fun and hearty celebration. Even though the world is not what it used to be, America is still the Land of the Free. You can always leave the party if it gets a little too weird.

Dear God, may your blessings continue upon this nation, even though it is undeserving. Thank you for your mercy and grace that has made America the shining city on a hill for so long. Bring us back to the heart of our forefathers. Turn our hearts back to you.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD…” – Psalm 33:12a

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

(Last verse of The Star Spangled Banner)

-Francis Scott Key, 1814

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by | June 12, 2011 · 5:06 pm

Faith? Just Go to the Store.

Have you ever gone to the refrigerator and said to yourself, “There’s nothing to eat?”

As a child, especially as a teenager, I remember being told to shut the door of the fridge. For five minutes I would just stand there staring. Who needs an air conditioner when you have a picky, hungry, spoiled teenager?

Adults do the same thing.

With my mother-in-law coming over for dinner (that’s a whole ‘nother story), I went to the fridge to see what to make. Upon opening the door, this is what I saw: milk, soft drinks, cheese, sweet pickles, and sour cream. There was literally nothing in there, or in the cabinets, with which to make an evening meal. So, I stared….and whined….didn’t want eggs….or carrots….or yogurt….especially with biscuits….until my wife said…

“Just go to the store!“

Wow! What a blessing we take for granted! “Just go to the store,” she says. No food? No problem – JUST go to the store. Somewhere a cow had given its life and was waiting for me to come pick out its remains from a cooler.

I go to the store, just like my wife suggested, and found everything we needed to grill some wonderful, 20% fat-filled, high-cholesterol comfort burgers on our Weber grill (cheap little one). On top of that, I picked up an onion, some buns, and a fresh, ripe tomato. Problem solved. No faith required.

“Give us this day our daily bread. … Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink…” – Matthew 6:11, 25a 

“God will provide.” Easy to say – hard to live.

In the early 90’s, when Romania was just beginning its walk with freedom, food was still a scarce commodity. Yet, whenever a guest like me would enter a home, the hosts would bring out the very best they had – ALL of it – and prepare a meal fit for, well, an American.  They really couldn’t afford it. In many cases, there was literally nothing left for the next day. So, in an effort to stop the madness, I tried to talk some sense into these over-hospitable people.

“Look,” I said, “you don’t need to do this…we’re fine…save this food for yourself…we won’t eat it all, so it would be a waste.”

“No problem,” was the reply – from a teenage girl, no less – “God will provide.”

In my smug, self-righteous, experienced-in-the-terminology-of-the-faith kind of way I responded, “But you don’t understand…”

“No, YOU don’t understand” the young girl said with almost a sad look on her face. “Don’t worry about us, because when this food is gone, there will be more.”

She said, “You see, the food you are eating now was not here yesterday, and we didn’t even know where it was coming from. We ate all we had yesterday, but God provided us with food for today. So, there may be nothing left after today for tomorrow, but that is no problem. He brought us food for yesterday and today, and He will take care of tomorrow.”

That’s what I call faith! We just go to the store.

“O [we] of little faith…” – Matt. 6:30

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by | May 31, 2011 · 8:15 am

Where, Oh Where Could He Be?

A Disturbing Poll

Recently, I came across a poll that was disturbing, while at the same time humorous. Let me share it with you.

The Public Religion Research Institute published a survey that asked Americans, among other things, whether or not Osama bin Laden went to hell. Believe it or not, only around 62% believed that he is suffering in hades {click here for poll}. Where else could he be?

Now, keep in mind that the majority of Americans believe in heaven (80%), or at least some version of it (mostly unbiblical). And for most Americans, there is a belief that evil people will be punished in the afterlife. The numbers, from what I have seen in the past, are more than 62%. So, if this is the case, where should we expect to see bin Laden? If not in hell, I have some ideas….

Potential bin Laden Abodes…

  • Heaven – yes he could have gotten there by the grace of God. Who knows? Maybe one of Seal Team 6 was an evangelical that convinced Osama he needed a Savior, prayed with him, offered him communion, and then tripped over his rifle? It coulda’ happened, I suppose.
  • Disney World – As part of a special, top-secret interigation technique, the CIA has forced him to shave and put on Mickey Mouse ears, while also being forced to ride the It’s a Small World ride. Eventually, he would break, because what else could be considered “hell on earth,” if not that?
  • Again, Heaven – maybe all of the Christians are wrong and the Muslims are correct? Maybe he is partying with his 72, 71, 70, wait…how many virgins are left? Maybe Muslim heaven really is hell. After the 72 are no more, eternity is going to be a long, long time.
  • Wal-Mart – if Osama is not dead, or even if he is, then spending time at Wal-Mart is not unlikely. Just think, hasn’t Elvis been spotted there plenty of times? And have you seen the type of people that shop there? He wouldn’t look out of place, especially in California.
  • Heaven, yet again – Rob Bell could be right, so bin Laden and Hitler may be sharing a mansion and talking about the good ole’ days.
  • Under da Sea! – “Under da sea/ under da sea/ I can blow bubbles/ don’t need no doubles/ under da sea/ ….under da sea/ under da sea/ can’t get to heaven, cause of 9-11/ under da sea…  See ole’ bin Laden tossin’ the turban/ catchin’ a ride on a suicide blue fin/ tossed from a ship and just taking a dip/ under da sea”

The Truth

Seriously though, where can we find the truth? The Word of God – the Bible. Regardless of what 39% of the population think, if Osama bin Laden never accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and King, then his future does not look good. It doesn’t matter what kind of atrocities he committed or encouraged.

Jesus was very clear about what awaits those who deny Him and choose their own path. Even though Osama might have been a sincere man of faith, his faith was misplaced. THAT is why, if he died without Christ, he is in hell.

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. – John 3:36

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. – Acts 4:12

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. – Revelation 20:15

Truth is not changed by polling data.

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by | May 7, 2011 · 12:46 pm

What Congress Needs to Hear Before 2012

Cover of "I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be...

Cover via Amazon

I am going to do something unusual. I am going to let you read an extensive quote from I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist (Geisler and Turek). If you don’t have this book, I would highly recommend it.

The following is from chapter 14, “What Did Jesus Teach About the Bible?” The scene is a hypothetical speech made before the House and Senate by a 7th generation descendant of George Washington.

Woe to you, egotistical hypocrites! You are full of greed and self-indulgence. Everything you do is done for appearances:  You make pompous speeches and grandstand before these TV cameras. You demand the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats wherever you go. You love to be greeted in your districts and have everyone call you “Senetor” or “Congressman.” On the outside you appear to people as righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness! You say you want to clean up Washington, but as soon as you get here you become twice as much a son of Hell as the one you replaced!

Woe to you, makers of the law, you hypocites! You do not practice what you preach. You put heavy burdens on the citizens, but then opt out of your own laws!

Woe to you, federal fools! You take an oath to support and defend the Constitution, but then you nullify the Constitution by allowing judges to make up their own laws.

Woe to you, blind hypocrites! You say that if you had lived in the days of the Founding Fathers, you never would have taken part with them in slavery. You say you never would have agreed that slaves were the property of their masters but would have insisted that they were human beings with unalienable rights. But you testify against yourselves because today you say that unborn children are the property of their mothers and have no rights at all! Upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed in this country. You snakes! You brood of vipers! You have left this great chamber desolate! How will you escape being condemned to hell!

Jesus Wouldn’t Say Such Things!

Oh, really? Just consider what he said to the rulers of His day…which, incidentally, were even more ruthless than our government allows.

Matthew 23:13, 23-33 RSV – [13] “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither enter yourselves, nor allow those who would enter to go in. …

[23] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.

[24] You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

[25] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of extortion and rapacity. [26] You blind Pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean. [27] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. [28] So you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

[29] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, [30] saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ [31] Thus you witness against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. [32] Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. [33] You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?

More Like Jesus

Let this be an example to those who serve America. Many of you say you are Christians, but talk like Jesus you do not. If more men of integrity would stand up before the nation’s leaders and call them to stand account, can you imagine what kind of country this could be?

You say it over and over, “No more politics as ususal,” but you lie…it’s always the same. Do something really different for a change: speak the truth and take a stand for right, not career or party.

Be the men and women who deserve to be in Washington.

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by | May 2, 2011 · 7:58 pm

What’s Your Preference?

I’m American

Just sitting here at a ball game, watching my little girl hit a run-scoring double, and thinking, “It’s great to be an American.” Of course, some may disagree, especially those in other countries who don’t let girls play softball, or even show their faces (no offense, Bin Laden…no, wait, you don’t care anymore, do you?). Nevertheless, I feel a great appreciation for the blessing of being born in the United States (I even have a real birth certificate).

I’m Southern

I also have a love for the Old South.  And because I am a true Son of the South, I maintain a particular preference for a drink rarely served in other parts of the world…iced sweet tea.

It’s only a preference, mind you. I can enjoy my tea hot. I quite often, if not regularly, enjoy unsweet tea. I can even drink it out of dainty cups or plastic jugs (must be my moonshine heritage). However, two things have to be present in order to make my tea consumption a magical, patriotic, caramel-colored celebration of leaf-juice perfection…

  1. Ice
  2. A Mason jar.

There is no wrong or wronger way to drink tea. The English have their fancy ways, as do the Chinese. But what makes drinking tea right, at least from a Southern perspective, is not just the temperature: it’s the addition of frozen cubes of water walled ’round by a jar meant to preserve food for future generations. That’s pure Southern cuisine.

Preference Identifies

Again, this is all about preference. If I were not a blood relative of someone who died while wearing gray, it would not be strange for me to prefer tea with cream and cookies. On the other hand, my preference identifies me. My preference hints at where I come from. My preference links me with others who love iced tea. My preference helps  confirm my birthright.

Should it be any different for a Christian? 

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea sweater than honey to my mouth! – Psalm 119:103

Dear believer, can you be identified by YOUR preferences?

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