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WHAT WORRY DOES FOR YOU
Do you ever worry? Have you ever thought about what worry is? It is a thought, a negative thought, nothing more. To win over worry before leaving thinking about the troubling item, project a positive thought on the same subject.
Worry is simply pulling tomorrow’s clouds over today’s sunshine.
Change is a catalyst to worry and there [...]
THE HIGH PRICE OF CHANGE
Change is vogue. No generation has seen more change faster than ours. It is said human knowledge doubles every 17 days. In that environment don’t plan on maintaining the status quo. Especially when the status is nothing to “quo” about.
Soviet cosmonaut Sergei Krikalyev was launched into space in April 1991. His was to be a [...]
WEALTH REDISTRIBUTION
Who do you think knows the most about the intent of the Constitution and Federalists Papers, Samuel Adams or Barack Obama?
In these two statements they face off.
Adams: “The utopian schemes of leveling (wealth redistribution) and a community of goods, are as visionary and impractical as those which vest all property in the crown. These ideas [...]
CONCEPTS OF TAXATION
Figure this.
Fifty percent of the American population pays no income taxes.
Forty percent of the American population receives money from the government.
Fifty percent of the American population pays income taxes in order for the government to give the forty percent money. Some of these pay fifty percent of their income in taxes.
Ten percent of the population [...]
GAMALIEL WAS PAUL’S TEACHER WE HE AMONG THE FIRST CONVERTS?
Israel is a fascinating place. Layers of history overlay one another. Multi cultures coexist. Social, ethnic, and language differences make for complexity. Each of our 40 visits has been different and delightful. Go if you can.
There are always unfathomable facts just beyond one’s understanding. Those serendipitous moments tailor every trip.
One of the times my wife [...]
TO SURVIVE WE MUST LEARN FROM OUR PAST
A person can look like a prophet by applying abiding historical principles to a current situation and making a prediction. The year was 1786 and the 13 original states were busy approving their new constitution. Scottish history professor, Alexander Taylor, at the University of Edinborough wrote the following about “The Fall of the Athenian Republic.”
“A [...]
DYING: THINK ABOUT IT
Do you ever think about dying?
If you are the average American, studies show it is one of your three most thought about subjects. Yet, seldom do people talk about it.
Jonathan Edwards, considered America’s most important philosophical, theological thinkers, and intellects, had 120 personal resolutions. One was to think often and intently of his own death.
Hearing [...]
IS THERE A GOD?
Everybody has a sense of God consciousness. Oh, yes they do. Some believe in Him and sense a personal relationship with Him.
Others spend their time trying to deny His very existence. They can’t according to a basic law of logic which states you can’t prove a negative. To prove God doesn’t exist you would have [...]
What Is The Basis For Islam’s Global Ambition
As always this subject deserves a caveat disclaimer. Not all Muslims are radical militant extremists. We are fighting a theo-political belief system, not a religion. It is not a perversion. These radical Muslims are doing what their ancestors started doing in 622 A.D. They have a 1380 year track record of consistency.
Charles Martel fought them [...]
The Jewish Celebration Of
Jews and Christians have a distinct point of divergence in faith. Even this significant difference for most in both communities isn’t personally alienating. Friendships are built around the many things they have in common.
An admirable aspect of the Jewish faith is the way they perpetuate their heritage. Use of ancient symbols and customs are used [...]
A War No One Can Stop And No One Wins
Across America the new day brings amazement. Persons flip light switches but the lights don’t come on. There is no TV or radio news — neither will work. Coffee makers and microwaves are unresponsive. Computers remain dark. Elevators aren’t operated. Flight control centers are dark and all flights canceled. Commerce stops. Gas stations can’t pump [...]
Suffering Saints
The earthquakes in Haiti and Chile caused great suffering. The work being done in Haiti is rather to be observed not in destroyed buildings and human suffering. It is distinct in the many acts of mercy and kindness being shown by faith based groups, secular organizations, and our government.
The mercy of God is demonstrated in [...]
Overcoming Bitterness
Many people suffer from bitterness without considering its significant affect on life.
I don’t have time for bitterness. When we drove away from our retirement celebration my wife said, “Isn’t it great to have no bitterness toward anybody or about anything.” She repeated that recently.
Our English word for bitterness comes from the Greek word PIKRIA which [...]
Thomas Jefferson Plus God
Thomas Jefferson, the “Sage of Monticello,” was a complex and sagacious man; wise and farsighted. He was a Deist very familiar with the Bible. He believed in the morals and ethics of Christianity but not in Christ as divine. Much of what he and others of his ilk espoused has been written out of textbooks. [...]
George Washington Plus God
Each year in America we celebrate our independence which but for a change in the wind and an eerie fog we might still be a colony.
In the summer of 1776, the Continental Congress commissioned General George Washington to serve as commander-in-chief of the greatly out manned and out gunned American forces. Washington’s 9,000 men were [...]
Our Constitution Today
Thinking of the future of America we tend to conceive of it in light of the past. Today that is impossible to do in that fundamentals are missing. In our past our nation was guided and governed according to our Constitution. Today that vital document is being ignored or circumvented. Our Federal government is engaging [...]
Moral Law: Part II
Something systemically is wrong in our society. We have become a lawless society. That is not simply a reference to civil and criminal law. However, considering our prison population and court documents they provide evidence of lawlessness. Rampant immorality is destroying home life in America.
The problem is a vast majority of the population doesn’t even [...]
The Moral Law: Part I
Michael Moore asked Sean Hannity if he loved his enemies like Jesus said His followers are to do the same. When Hannity said yes Moore said, “Well then you love Al-Qaeda!”
This “gotcha” question is supposed to put a person in a no win position regardless of the answer.
The proper answer is yes according to the [...]
Creation: Part IV
Honesty on the lips of an evangelical Christian, agnostic, atheist, deist, or theist is to be all alike admired. A diamond is a diamond even if found in a rock pile. So truth is truth regardless of the source. Often if a person speaks a truth on one subject a critic will try to find [...]
Creation: Part III
Do you believe in evolution? When asked that question a reasonable response is to ask what is meant by evolution.
Microevolution is change within a species.
Macroevolution is change of one species to another.
Micro is observable. Macro is not.
Naturalists try to use micro to prove macro.
Bacteria and viruses have been observed to change. The swine flue virus [...]
Creation: Part II
Albert Einstein was not only brilliant but honest. In 1961, he devised what is known as the theory of General Relativity. It proved what he did not believe but as a result of his calculations accepted. It revealed time, matter, and space all had a beginning. The universe had not simply always been.
That fact is [...]
Creation: Part I
Having a minor in biology I have maintained an interest in earth sciences. Following are insights from keen scientific minds on the subject.
There are several scientific societies made up of members with advanced degrees from prestigious institutions. “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” by Norman Geisler and Frank Turek quotes some of [...]
Nahum Speaks On The Believer’s Assurance
For a culture to change and a new culture emerge an old one has to die. Most often it is killed.
For generations Israel was basically a stable culture. Then a leader emerged who changed it dramatically. Historian Josephus gave this description of the change.
“Herod went still farther departing from the native customs, and through foreign [...]
Obama And Herod On Change
For a culture to change and a new culture emerge an old one has to die. Most often it is killed.
For generations Israel was basically a stable culture. Then a leader emerged who changed it dramatically. Historian Josephus gave this description of the change.
“Herod went still farther departing from the native customs, and through foreign [...]
Red Letter Religion And The Emerging Church
The church in America is constantly under attack often without and frequently within.
New ideologies and some so old the present generation thinks they are new constantly emerge causing rifts in churches.
One current issue relates to the inspiration of Scripture. Some persons believe the Bible is inspired in spots and they are inspired to pick the [...]
Islam In Iran
When I write about Islam I have some misgivings. I know there are some peace loving ones who are not given to conflict. Then there are the legions who are true Jihadist like President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran.
President Barack Obama proposes to meet with President Ahmadinejad to talk about peace in the Middle [...]
Our Emerging Muslim World
Starting with the Muslim — Arab Wars in 634 AD and continuing into the late 1800s Muslim armies engaged in an unimaginable conquest. They swept across north Africa, crossed the Straits of Gibraltar into Spain. Their armies advanced into eastern Europe as far as Austria. Islam exploded from the Arabian Peninsular as far east as [...]
Economics And Taxes
Any person who as a child had a little red wagon knows the thrill of riding in it compared to the burden of pulling it fully loaded. Things get complicated when there are more people riding in the wagon than there are pulling it.
The same is true in economics. When there are more people dependent [...]
History Lesson On Economics
One of my most stimulating times in school was when I took four history courses the same term. It is not to be commended. Fitting the right characters with their contemporaries in the right era can get confusing. The study of history is to be commended.
Noah Webster, known as the “Father of American Scholarship and [...]
The Result Of Socialism
The following came to me from Iryna a native of Russia who now lives in Anchorage, Alaska. She says the following illustrates how conditions were in Russia under socialism.
An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before but he once failed an entire class.
That class [...]
What Is Socialism?
Increasingly it is being said our nation is becoming more socialistic. There is a vast mass of adults who have little or no idea what that means.
Karl Marx gave us a good working definition: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.”
The government determines your ability and sets your production goals. [...]
An Entitlement Culture
Organizational planning usually involves reviewing past growth, performance, and policies. The future is planned for in light of the past. Evaluating those elements is expedient. However plotting the future only in light of what has been isn’t planning it is projecting.
Planning takes into consideration changes in clientele, new media for communicating, market need, and the [...]
Will Our Stimulus Plan Work?
There has never been a more truthful candidate for President than our current President. He promised change and the winds of change are blowing — gale force. We are getting what he promised and by our collective vote it was indicated what was wanted — by most but not all.
1980 the Carter administration was going [...]
The Cause of Our Welfare Overload
I am proud to be an American! I am delighted to pay taxes and receive such benefits as protection by our military and local law enforcement personnel, fire protection, the best roadway system in the world, schools, and many other advantages. America isn’t perfect but it doesn’t come in second to any other nation.
However, there [...]
Causes Of Economic Depression
Our current cultural and economic condition is the fog clouding our vision rising from an era with no well defined ideology. It is perhaps best classified as a period of materialism.
Spiritual, moral, and ethical values have been devalued and the vacuum filled by materialism.
An example is our proclivity for brand name shopping. There was a [...]
Our Economic Crisis
Heroic stories abound of our predecessors’ thrift, industriousness, austerity, assiduousness, and self-sacrificing in order to live prudently and provide for the future generation. This was the norm for many generations. It is difficult to state an arbitrary date as to when this life-style changed but the older a living generation is the more pronounced it [...]
Time A Prelude To Eternity
Time flies. Or does it?
At dinner with an astronaut recently who is scheduled for her third ride into space she described launch as a “sensory overload.” That surely is a succinct description.
A second talking point I raised related to time. I commented when it is noon here it is 6:00 PM in Israel and 6:00 [...]
Laughter Is A Good Medicine
As Chairman of the National Board of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for six years I met many of the nations best athletes. Many are superb wits and kidders while others just aren’t articulate and it shows. Comments by some of both kinds follow.
Oh, these are shared because, “A merry heart does good like a [...]
The Philistine People Of Gaza
About the same time (1180-1150 B. C.) Moses led the Jews to the eastern border of “the promised land” from where Joshua led them into it another group was entering from the coast on the west. Their journey began from their homeland in Crete and the Aegean islands. These lands in the Bible are called [...]
The High Price Of Greed
The economy is of great interest. The uncertainty of the times makes it all the more of a concern.
Our dismal national financial posture has been the topic of Internet communication recently. The Stock Market has been described this way.
“It’s been a rocky week for the Stock Market. Helium was up, feathers were down. Paper was [...]
We Are Endowed By God
Our nation looks to new leadership in Washington with outstretched open hands. Give me is the mandate of the hour.
“Endow” is an interesting word. It is defined as to “provide or supply or equip.” Basically it means to be give something. To be given something there must be a someone by whom it is given.
Our [...]
God Is Missing
Billy and Tommy were two little mischievous brothers who lived in a small town who were blamed for virtually every misdeed in town. For much of it they were rightly accused.
Their concerned mom made an appointment for the pastor to talk with them. She took them to the church office for the visit. The pastor [...]
Wine In The Bible And The Consumption Of Alcohol Today
Did Jesus and His disciples consume intoxicating wine in observing the Passover?
Does the Bible admonition to “take a little wine for the stomach’s sake” legitimize consumption of intoxicants?
Was it possible to preserve wine in a non-fermented state in the time of Christ?
These and related questions deserve an answer based on historical facts.
Consider the last of [...]
Sex In America
John Edwards, former candidate for President, has acknowledged having an illicit sexual relation. His marriage has been betrayed. The public has verbally pummeled him. His mendacious actions are reprehensible. When his concupiscence was exposed his deception was finally admitted. His actions were repudiated by most American as unacceptable. They didn’t meet our broadly accepted moral [...]
God’s Judgement on America
Have you ever noticed that when an individual says a certain thing is a judgement of God there is an immediately dog pile-and the dog being piled on is the person making the statement. If the judgement is spoken of as being by God against America the implied response is that America has done nothing [...]
What is Norming?
Two words to add to your lexicon of societal philosophies are “norming” and “synthetism.”
They go beyond tolerance.
Norming is a word Europeans often use in reference to what America needs to do. It is the concept that our national decisions should be based on international consensus rather than our long standing commitment to constitutional democracy. This [...]
How To Edify Others
Do you ever get discouraged, depressed, defeated or depleted? Most folks do. What then?
In the movie “Lord of the Rings” trilogy Frodo reached the slopes of Mount Doom only to collapse. His journey was so nearly complete, his goal was in sight, but he just could not go on. In his seeming victory of good [...]
The Curse For Cain
The “Curse,” and the “Mark” Given “to” Cain.
the King James Reads: “the Lord Set a Mark on Cain”
(Gen. 4:15B). the Hebrew, “Wayyasem Lqayin Ot,” Literally Means “the Lord Prescribed a Mark for Cain.” “the Mark” Was Given to Cain As a Sign to Protect Him (Vs. 15).
if the “Mark” Had Been “on” Cain the Hebrew [...]
An Eye For An Eye
Matthew 5: 38, “You have heard that it was said, “An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth.’”
This is found in the oldest known law, the law of Hammurabi, which originated between 2285 and 2242 B.C. This was a law of vengeance. It allowed for paying back an injustice with an equal [...]
Relativism
“There are no absolutes!” The concept that there are no absolute rights or wrongs, everything is relative, is broadly advocated. This opens the door to relativism. The thesis of relativism is that whether a thing or thought is right or wrong is relative to who, what, when, where, and why a thing is done.
Ask persons [...]
Was Jesus Married?
Following is an oversimplified brief history of the emerging church in Rome. A Catholic historian could do a much better job and doubtless would prefer a fuller accounting. Having studied the early church it is not my primary purpose to recount it but to share enough evidence to prove another point entirely which is actually [...]
Liberation Theology
Liberation Theology is a new term for many. Reverend Jeremiah Wright, an advocate of this school of thought, has reintroduced it and acquainted many with it for the first time.
To concisely write on a subject as broad as this is to leave room for criticism for not fully representing the subject. To introduce it concession [...]
Train Up A Child
Street gangs are proliferating at such a rate that some social scientists are suggesting the streets of America will be controlled by them within ten years. Two legitimate questions are “from where are they coming?” and “what are the contributing factors?”.
There are ethnic gangs such as Hispanic and Asian but native born Americans are comprising [...]
Mirror Neurons
Have you polished your “mirror neurons” lately?
Don’t be discouraged if you didn’t know you had mirror neurons. Neurologists have just discovered our brains contain them. They serve to activate our responses to emotions we sense around us. It is a subtle but definite response that occurs without us realizing what is happening.
Not only does this [...]
Global Warming
“Waste not want not.”
“A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Our predecessors beat us to those practical insights. They are indeed words of wisdom. I believe in conservation. The first paying job I had was with the conservation department in our state. I believe in thrift. I am not as thrifty as the woman who puts [...]
Pride In America
Do you find it hard to be proud of America? Like all other nations it isn’t a perfect country. As a stimulus to your pride, consider the Iwo Jima statue. A friend shared some of these insights.
How could any American stand before the memorial in Washington depicting the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima [...]
A New America
When President Truman’s Secretary of State Dean Acheson wrote his memoirs of the crucial years following the Second World War, he entitled them, “Present at the Creation.” Little did he know how true that was. So much of our political world of today was brought into being during the days of the Roosevelt administration. A [...]
Democracy In America
Alexis de Tocqueville was an eminent French representative of the liberal tradition of the mid-1800s. As such he was very active in French politics. He came to America to study the penal system but stayed for some time to study the nation from the perspective of a detached social scientist. His book released in 1835 [...]
Whatever Became of Sin?
“Whatever Became of Sin?” is an intriguing title of a book worth noting. The author is not a right wing evangelical. Rather it is Karl Menninger, M.D., founder of the prestigious Menninger Clinic (psychiatric) and the Menninger Foundation.
Menninger is a prophet and a good one. He warns us of a social sickness in our midst [...]
Capital Punishment
Biblical basis for believing in capital punishment is based on the following.
It is first spoken of in Scripture in Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man, (murder) by man shall his blood be shed (the state exercising capital punishment.) [Parentheses added as an interpretation.].
Thereafter in the Mosaic Code of 613 laws found in the [...]
Shorter College: A Synergy of Scholarship and Faith
Crowning one of the seven hills of Rome (Georgia) is a small college committed to excellence in education. Confirming this is being listed in the “Princeton Review” among “America’s Best Value Colleges,” in “U.S. News” among “America’s Best Colleges,” and is listed in the “2007 Colleges of Distinction Guidebook.”
It’s academic excellence is further attested to by [...]
World War II Heroes
A generation of giants is dwindling. Most of them are in their late 70s to early 90s. They are the living legends of World War II. Look around, there may be one near you. If so, get to know that person, observe his or her lifestyle, become aware of their values, get to know [...]
The Foundation of Our Constitution
Democracy alone is not enough. Democracy is not the soil out of which morality grows. Morality is the essential soil in which democracy thrives. A certain ethos, a characteristic spirit of a culture or community, is required.
That is an elementary principle precipitating the complexity of trying to establish democracy in Middle Eastern tribal [...]
One Nation?
That E PLURIBUS UNUM on our coins, what does it mean? It has gotten to where it means practically nothing. Some say it mean “one of many,” indicating this is just one coin out of many.
In reality, it means “out of many one.” Initially it spoke of two things. First, it referred to [...]
Creation and Science
You don’t know what you don’t know, you know!
I marvel at the genius of mankind. Chemistry, physics, technology, and a variety of sciences have pushed back the frontiers of knowledge and opened the doors of creativity in mind stretching ways. I applaud those who mentally go where I can’t even conceive of adventuring [...]
Ministers Salaries
Randy and Paula White, Benny Hinn, David and Joyce Meyer, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Bishop Eddie Long, Creflo and Taffi Dollar vs. Billy Graham.
What a contrast! The first lineup is under investigation by Congress. The suspicion is financial mismanagement. Billy Graham, a man of integrity, lived a modest life in his mountain home with [...]
Time to Understand Time
The number one most successful word in sales is “new.” Products that are new attract.
Likewise, a new year excites interest. The dawning of a new year makes us conscious of time. If you love life, don’t waste time. Time is what constitutes life.
Here comes a new year offering us 8,760 new unspent hours. On average [...]
Peace on Earth
“Peace on earth and good will toward men” are worthy objectives to be sought in the new year. Yet, the angels’ message is mocked by skeptics who say such a prophecy has not been fulfilled. In the last three centuries there have been more than 275 wars in Europe alone.
The classic poet Henry Wordsworth Longfellow [...]
The Bones Of Jesus
In over fifty years of ministry as a pastor I have seen too many evidences there is a spiritual world not to believe in the supernatural. In reading the most reliable documents of the era-the New Testament, I am confident they are historically accurate. I have studied form criticism, textual criticism and higher criticism and remain [...]
The Carter/Clinton Denomination
Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton are undertaking the establishment of a new religious denomination.
I am a member of the imperfect denomination they are leaving in order to establish a more perfect world order. They say their “all inclusive” denomination will fight poverty, work on health care, environmental issues, and eliminate religious and racial conflict.
Both [...]
Amazing Grace
It is impossible to imagine 10 million Africans being crowded aboard slave ships on a journey into injustice, cruelty, and unimaginable human suffering. An estimated 20% of them died at sea.
In England, William Wilberforce, a quiet 21 year old, was elected to the British Parliament. He admitted he was lazy and rarely spoke.
Slavery was so [...]
A Spirit Controlled Temperament
Temperament Is a Combination of Inborn Traits That Subconsciously Affects Our Behavior. These Traits Are Arranged Genetically on the Basis of Race, Sex, Nationality, and Other Heredity Factors. They Are Passed on in Our Genes. It Is Believed We Inherit More from Our Grandparents Than Our Parents.
Character Is the Real You. in Scripture It Is [...]
John Calvin
JOHN CALVIN = JEAN CHAVIN
1509 – 1564
John Calvin was born in Noyon, 1509. He was trained as a lawyer in the humanistic school of Scripture interpretation.
The house of Savoy had ruled over Geneva for years. When the local populace overthrew that government locals invited John Calvin, a lawyer, in to help reform the local church [...]
Grace
“Election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which He regenerates, sanctifies, and glorifies sinners. It is consistent with the free agency of man, and comprehends all the means in connection with the end. It is a glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, and is infinitely wise, holy, and unchangeable. It excludes boasting and [...]
A Journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem
Have you ever wondered what the few days before the historical event that initiated Christmas would have been like for Mary and Joseph? Walk through them with me.
From Nazareth they would have crossed over the mountains through Cana to the southern shores of the Sea of Galilee. There they would have [...]
Hail Mary
One of my all time favorite teens was a little country girl from a town with a population of less than 150 residents. Even more intriguing she was a cave dweller in a primitive area. Her home town was so insignificant that in a listing of 250 towns and settlements in the [...]
A Review of Calvinism and Southern Baptists
The Way We Were is a well researched work by Dr. Fisher Humphreys on trends in Southern Baptist theology through the years. This is a review of the portion of the book dealing with “Calvinistic Belief,” a current hot topic among Southern Baptists.
He dates the initial encounter between the emerging Baptists [...]
Covert Calvinists
There is more growing in the garden than a TULIP.
This is not about the doctrine of Calvinism it is about the tactics of many Baptists who are Calvinists. I don’t want to paint with a brush too broad. Not all Calvinists act alike and virtually everything said about them is denied [...]
Is Baptism Essential for Salvation?
To establish where we are going the answer in a word is: NO.
Some who believe in works salvation assert it is an essential act of obedience in order to receive salvation.
Scripture declares salvation is by the grace of God not of works (Ephesians 2:8,9). We are not saved by works but to work (Ephesians 2:10). [...]
Church Discipline
MATTHEW 18: 15-17
The church community needs to know how to deal with failure and sin. This necessitates a pattern for reconciliation. If action is taken the person “sinned against” is to initiate the action of restoration. The goal is to win and restore relationships.
A surface reading of the passage is much more legalistic than anything [...]
Calvinism and Non-Calvinism
The Acrostic “Tulip” Has Long Been Used to Identify the Five Points of Calvinism. Following Is a Response of a Position on These Same Five Points Based on an Acrostic of “Roses.” Belatedly I Have Come to Understand Dr. Timothy George Previously Used “Roses” As an Acrostic Giving Meaning Other Than Is Applied Here. With [...]
Foreknowledge and Predestination
ROMANS 8: 29, 30
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
In the beginning God said, [...]
Calvinism
John Calvin (1509-1564) was a prominent theological figure of the 16th Century in Europe.
He is best known for his “Institutes of the Christian Religion” in which he advocated a church state, imprisonment of heretics, infant baptism, and that the lost were created to go to hell. Not all Calvinists believe all these tenets. Many don’t [...]
Islam’s Claim To The Land Of Israel
Have you ever wondered how the Jews and Muslims both justify their claim to the same land?
Christians and Jews understand the Bible clearly identifies the land to have been given to Abraham and his descendants.
A lecture was delivered in early August in Jerusalem by an instructor in Islam explaining the “Claims [...]
Our Right To Know
In 1450 BC a colony was established on the lovely Island of Rhodes in the Aegean Sea. It flourished and developed into a major trade and cultural center. Over the years its industrious inhabitants and natural terrain made it a viable military fortification. Its massive walls made it at times virtually [...]
Hezbollah In Our Midst
Let’s start with a disclaimer. Not all Baptists are alike. There is the understatement of the year. Against the reality of that background it is time we acknowledge not all Muslims are alike. Some want to live peacefully with non-Muslims.
There are over one billion Muslims. A significantly large number of them are [...]
America’s War Dead
We are each diminished by the death of any of our military personnel. Abhorrence for war, which we all share, has led some to become critical of what many feel is an essential military struggle against terrorism. We don’t want it but it won’t go away by itself.
Our grievous casualties were put [...]
How Little Can A Person Be
Who is the smallest person you have ever known? I don’t mean small like the littlest man in the Bible. It wasn’t Nehemiah (Knee-high-miah) or the Bildad the Shuhite (Shoe-height). It was the Roman soldier who slept on his watch. Now that is small.
Not that kind of small. The reference is to [...]
Thomas Jefferson & Religion
In Philadelphia on a hot summer day in 1776 five men met in a stuffy room over a stable plagued by horseflies. What they wrote was published July 2, but dated July 4. Fifty-six signatures were affixed later. That document is revered as our Declaration of Independence. With those signatures the channel [...]
Quotes Worth Remembering
The wisdom of others condensed in succinct thought is worth incorporating in our memory bank. There are many compact concepts worth putting on the marque of our mind. Some I like I don’t know the source but respect their laconic insights. Here are a few.
“Your lack of proper prior planning does not [...]
What Is Jihad?
There is no war on terror. There can’t be. Terror is an abstract. During World War II, or as my Cajun friends call it World War Two Eye, no one made reference to a war on blitzkrieg.
Blitzkrieg was a form of combat used by the Nazis. The allies were up front [...]
The Gospel Of Thomas
The apocryphon Gospel of Thomas is believed to have been written around 350 AD. Some date it earlier but content and style suggest this later date. Irenaeus, Origin, and Hippolytus writing around that time make reference to such non-canonical writing. Since the work does not contain historical data, that is, narrative [...]
The Resurrection — Easter
As Christianity moved out of its base region it entered a pagan culture which included worship of the sun goddess Estera. The sun rose on the same horizon each day so the direction from which it emerged was called East in her honor. Each spring a grand festival involving celebrating the [...]
Bible Ignorance
For some time an effort has been under way to marginalize Christianity and minimize Bible knowledge. An unexpected accomplice in this have been churches.
Consider some realities in evaluating how successful this effort has been.
The Baran Research Group along with researchers George Gallup and Jim Castilleia have engaged in surveys that give concern.
One survey [...]
The Gospel Of Judas: Part II
“The Gospel of Judas” was given major national exposure by the “National Geographical Society” the week before Easter. It was given major national exposure in a TV special, two books, features in major magazines, an exhibit, and a special web site. The Society paid $1,000,000 for the right to publish it [...]
New Orleans Katrina Response Part II
We just returned from our first post-Katrina visit to New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. What we saw proves there is no such thing as real estate. In that area it is in an unreal state.
We visited the three breaches in levies. When they burst a mountain of water rushed across [...]
New Orleans Katrina Response Part I
Two people can say the same thing one as a friend of the object and the other a critic. Bill Cosby speaking on the need of better parenting in the black community and a skinhead speaking in essence saying the same thing comes across differently. Likewise, Dennis Prager, a Jew who is [...]
Church: The Change Within Part II
Imitation often makes things dull.
Modern churches have a challenge previous generations did not have. It regards how to deal with diversity. Racial diversity has come a long way. Many churches have several races represented and involved. Educational, economic, social, and cultural diversity have been dealt with constructively. A primary distinction that [...]
Church: The Change Within Part I
As a minister for 55 years and a pastor for 53 years I love churches and those who comprise memberships. To be a critic of something I love so much is an impossibility. To pretend today’s churches don’t have a major challenge would be to evidence a lack of observation, however. The [...]
Creation: Intelligent Design Part II
Dr. Anthony Flew has taught at Oxford and other leading universities. For half a century he has been considered the world’s foremost atheist. The man revered as the world’s smartest atheist has written numerous articles and books arguing against the existence of God. He has long been the darling of atheistic [...]
Creation: Intelligent Design Part I
There is a concept from which youth must be protected. Persons who try to share it are trashed in an effort to expunge this dangerous concept from young minds. Courts, certain editorial boards, and various special interest groups are aligned in shielding young minds from this ideology.
A growing number of scientists [...]
Israel/Egypt Travel 2006
Time machines do exist. Sunday morning I had breakfast in Cairo and dinner that night in Marietta.
Saturday night we dined and watched a stunning sound and light show recount the history of ancient Egypt at the Great Pyramids in Giza. Thus concluded a fifteen day visit to Israel and Egypt. We traveled [...]
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
In recent correspondence a friend told of how two usually civil friends erupted in a “cat fight” at their bridge club.
Later came the story of two persons who verbally engaged in egregious behavior at a meeting of their civic club.
Then came the question, “What is going on? Is there an epidemic of some [...]
The DaVinci Code – Part 5
The DaVinci Code is for you if you like a good murder mystery full of conspiracy theories and intrigue. It comes replete with hidden treasures, secret societies, and covert love. If you are spiritually inclined the fact all of this has Scripture as its backdrop may appeal.
The book having been on the [...]
The Gospel Of Judas: Part I
In the mid to late 1970’s peasants hunting for treasure in caves along the Nile found a document hidden for nearly fifteen hundred years. Contained in a crumbling limestone box was a mysterious leather bound book, a codex, “The Gospel of Judas.” Written long after the death of Judas it is reputed [...]
Dressing For Church
Read this slowly and patiently. Stop and make your choice after each phase. Now, open your clothes closet and make your selection for each of these occasions.
You have just been invited to visit the President in the Oval Office. What will you select to wear? Think it though and select your attire. Got [...]
Why Katrina And Other Natural Disasters
Why God, why Katrina? Having excluded God from the public arena some now want to summons Him to the court of pubic opinion and demand from Him an explanation of why such things as Katrina happen. A sparrow can’t fall to the ground without these persons blaming God.
Like Paul, “I count [...]
Shorter College
After nearly three years of court proceeding the Georgia Supreme Court returned Shorter College to its long standing relationship with Georgia Baptists. In the first meeting of the Board of Trustees I was elected Chairman of the Shorter Board.
Many falsehoods were cleverly shared during this time which frightened some persons at [...]
Alcohol In America
Often something that needs to be said is better said by someone other than ourselves. The following statement by my friend, the former Nebraska Football Coach and now Congressman, Tom Osborne. He spoke the following on the floor of the House of Representatives on September 13, 2005.
“Alcohol abuse involving underage drinkers has [...]
Muslim Violence In Europe
By now many people have got it figured out. There are at least two major schools of Islamic thought. One is non-violent and one violent. Each finds justifiable reason for their conduct in the Koran.
There are American Muslims who are Americans who practice the Muslim faith. The vast majority of these are [...]
How We Got Our Bible
From where did our Bible come? How did the specific 66 books become known as “the Bible?” Were other books considered and excluded? If so, why?
In the early years after the resurrection of Christ there was no need for written records. Those who evangelized and taught were eye witnesses. They had [...]
Why God Created Children
(And In The Process Grandchildren)
[The following came in an email and the source is unknown.]
To those of us who have children in our lives, whether they are our own, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or [...]
Where Did God Come From?
Every parent has shuddered when asked by a child, “Where did God come from?”
Based on experience I am convinced most parents have a ready answer: “Let’s wait and ask the pastor.”
Children ask childish [...]
Where Did Cain Get His Wife?
Adam was the “first man” (I Cor. 15:45). Eve was “the mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). There was no pre-Adamic race. Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve (Genesis 4:1). [...]
What Difference Would It Have Made If Christ Had Not Been Born?
Every Christmas we are reminded by the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life, how George Bailey discovered what life would be like if he had not been born. Now there is a thought [...]
Values To Be Taught Children
And By Which You Should Live
Teach your children some basics. Such as:
* All of life isn’t fun. Fun isn’t the criteria by which you judge what you should do. Sometime it isn’t fun to do right. If having [...]
The Twelve Tribes
The tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe, is sometimes not numbered according to the instruction given by the Lord to Moses (Numbers 1: 47-50). When they are omitted the two sons of Joseph are included. They were Manasseh and Ephraim (Numbers 1: 20-47).
When Levi is included along with Manasseh and Ephraim there are thirteen (Gen. [...]
The Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most challenging and complex Christian doctrines. The Christian “godhead” is a moral and mental unity, fused together by mutual love and common purpose. It is the essence of Deity abiding in each that makes them one.
The small unit of matter, an atom, [...]
Tree of Life
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Rev 2:7).
The tree of life is first spoken of in Gen. 2:9. Following the fall [...]
Time Helps Us Understand Eternity
It’s about time!
That is, this column is about “time.” Have you ever taken time to think about time? It was Benjamin Franklin who said, “If you love life don’t waste time for that [...]
The Submitted Wife —- The Committed Husband
EPHESIANS 5: 22 – 31
JESUS CHRIST loved His church and gave Himself for it. That means He loved you and gave Himself for you. In doing so He made possible your salvation. He [...]
Spousal Relations
Dr. David Mace: “There are no unhappy marriages, only marriage partners who are immature. The problem isn’t with the institution of marriage — it is with people.”
Some practical ways of making a marriage [...]
Sons of God – Daughters of Men
GENESIS 6: 1 – 4
Three primary views of this passage prevail:
1. The “sons of God” are angels.
2. The “’sons of God” are royalty.
3. The “sons of God” are pious men from the “line of Seth.”
The first view appears to conflict with other Scripture, such as, “For [...]
The Son Of God
In Scripture Jesus Christ is repetitiously called “the Son of God.” (John 3:16)
Jesus Himself declared, “…I said, “I am the Son of God’” (John 10:36).
He clarified this further by saying, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:36).
Gabriel told Mary her child world be called “the Son of God” (Luke 1: [...]
Sodom and Gomorra
As a sidebar there is a feasible explanation of how God timed and achieved the act of raining fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorra. Large deposits of sulfur encapsulated in gypsum are [...]
Sanctity Of Life
Growing numbers of major cities now have designated lanes for commuter traffic in which no cars can drive with a single passenger. In two different states recently pregnant women were arrested while in a vehicle alone. Their defense has been that since they were pregnant there were two persons in the car. In both instances [...]
Salvation: How To Be Saved
Salvation comes only by faith in Jesus Christ.
“For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” [...]
The Role Of Women In The Church
In churches where the Word of God is the final authority for faith and practice, the answer to this issue needs to be sought in Scripture.
Today, as in the O.T. and N.T. era, the work of God on earth is highly dependent upon women. Miriam (Ex. 15;20, 21), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Hannah (I Sam. 1; [...]
Rape And Incest And Abortion
98+% of abortions in America are performed for social reasons. 98+% are done for nonmedical reasons.
Sound studies from incest treatment programs suggest pregnancy is infrequent. Our pregnancy center has seen over 20,000 young [...]
Predestination
In Ephesians 1:5 the Greek word translated “predestined” is PROORISAS. It means “designated,” “foreordained,” or literally “horizoned us off beforehand.”
It is in the Greek aorist tense and refers to an act in the past once and for all. It happened “before the foundation of the world.” What is referred to here happened in a pre-creation [...]
Prayer Restraints
Persons sometimes say, “It seems my prayers go no further that the ceiling.” That may be true. If it is the reason is on this end of the line. Make certain none of [...]
Pornography
Many people have a deep dark secret which if known publicly would be embarrassing. Only one other know of it but what a memory that source has!
The secret is a fascination with pornography. [...]
Pork: Is It Ok For Christians To Eat?
Certain Old Testament dietary restriction prohibit the eating of pork. It is understood by many modern persons to mean it is improper to eat pork today.
The Old Testament consists of three sets of [...]
The Place And Meaning Of Christ’s Birth
Mary and Joseph were late arrivals in Bethlehem. The inn being full was a blessing. In that era an inn, known as a caravansary, consisted of a plot of ground cleared of [...]
The Passion of the Christ
“The Passion of the Christ” has aroused interest in the historical event on which it is based.
The act of crucifixion was common in the era. The Roman Varus crucified approximately 2,000 Jews during [...]
The Origin Of The Bible
From where did our Bible come? How did the specific 66 books become known as “the Bible?” Were other books considered and excluded? If so, why?
In the early years after the resurrection of Christ there was no need for written records. Those who evangelized and taught were eye witnesses. They had [...]
Left Behind
The popular selling books in the “Left Behind” series have focused attention on the end times. Over 58,000,000 Americans, one out of seven, have read at least one of the books. That [...]
The Last Supper: Who is That Woman in the Painting?
Bottom line —— that is not Mary Magdalene.
That idea never occurred to DaVinci. I have been there, seen the painting, and heard the lecture by the historical guides three times and they laugh at the idea of it being a woman. It is John who leaned on Christ chest according to [...]
Jesus On The Issue Of Swords
Jesus spoke on several occasions regarding swords. It seems strange He would encourage His disciples to sell their cloak and if they didn’t have a sword buy one.
“…he who has no sword, let [...]
Jesus: Did He Descent Into Hell?
One frequently asked questions is: “Where was Jesus those three days His body was in the tomb?” Before relating to that, let’s establish one basic fact. Some interpretations of the [...]
The Islamic Faith Compared With The Christian Faith
JESUS CHRIST said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; NO man cometh to the Father but by me” (John 14: 6).
Today there is a great tide sweeping the world of a religious movement needing Christianity’s attention. It is the Islamic faith. Islam is the faith. Muslims are the people who practice [...]
Is There A God
One of my majors in a state university was biology. Yet, when I was asked two questions recently I had no proof to support my beliefs. One question was, “Can you prove there [...]
Humanism And Creation
A theory is a conjecture regarding a possible explanation of some phenomena. It serves as a basis of contention to support a supposition.
Conversely, a fact is a truth known to be proven by [...]
How To Interpret Political Language
Do you ever marvel at people who are adept at never giving a direct answer to a question when being interviewed? Some public figures are masters of the craft.
Consider this model interview. Katie [...]
Homosexual Marriage
Many people form their beliefs on the basis of sociology rather than theology. Thus saith the majority,” rather than, “Thus saith the Lord.” As an increasingly secular society these two [...]
The Holy Spirit
Jesus Christ said, “I will pray the Father, and He will give
you another Helper (Comforter), and He may abide with you forever” (John 14:16).
Also read John 16:13, 14.
When then do I get this wonderful gift?
When Christ’s righteousness is imputed to the believer, the Holy Spirit is imparted.
The Holy Spirit is not given because of our [...]
Heaping Coals of Fire
“If your enemy hungers, feed him, If he thirsts, give him drink; For in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20).
In conversation with a wife who was [...]
Health And Healing
Mark the following true (T) or false (F).
“If you were right with God you would not have high blood pressure (thyroid problems, arthritis, a cold, backache, etc.). T____ F____
“There must be sin in your life or you would not be sick” T____ F____
“God wants [...]
What About Halloween
QUESTION – IN DEALING WITH THE OCCULT WERE YOU ABLE TO DISCERN BETWEEN SATANISM AND WITCHCRAFT?
Answer – Yes. There is a difference within the various orders of Satanists there are white and black witches. These titles do not refer to race but rank. There are however witches who profess not to be associated with Satanism. [...]
Guilt
Have you ever known a person who was talented, worked hard, acted wisely, made prudent judgments, and exercised insightful acumen to suddenly reverse him or her self and start making [...]
Graceful People
How many graceful people do you know? How many people who know you know at least one graceful person?
Most often when the word is used it describes the physical movements of a person. [...]
Good Works And Rewards
Ephesians 2: 8,9 “For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
These verses make it obvious [...]
Gay Priest: What The Bible Teaches On The Subject
Homosexuality is a hot button topic. It isn’t PC to say anything critical related to it.
With a religious denomination recently appointing a homosexual priest as Bishop persons are asking what does the Bible [...]
Foot Washing
JOHN 13: 1 – 17
Why not engage in foot-washing?
It was the custom in the time of Christ for a host to have a servant who would wash the feet of all guests. Before going to a special event persons would bathe. Street sanitation in that period wasn’t what it is today. Persons also wore sandals. [...]
Fear Of Death
Are scared to death of death? Philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, “Since men could not do away with death, they decided not to think about it.” The fact is we do think about it.
It [...]
Fasting
MATTHEWS 6: 16-18
Jesus Christ was asked by the disciples of John, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?”
He answered: “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away form them, [...]
Falling From Grace
The words “Christ is become of no effect unto you,” must be understood in their context to refer, not to their justification but to their spiritual lives as Christians. The apostle is not here speaking of their standing but of their experience. The words “become of not effect,” are from KATERGEO which means “to make [...]
The Evolution Of Evolution
Suppose, just suppose human life as we know it were to end on planet earth today. While your imagination is working imagine creatures with superior intelligence to us do exist in deep [...]
Eternal Security Of Believers
Approximately 100 Scripture verses affirm the fact that once a person is saved they are saved for all eternity.
There are a few “gray area” passages that persons tend to relate to as proof [...]
Eternity Illustrated
Do you ever think much about eternity? It is said death is one of the three most thought about topics in America. My source didn’t indicate what the other two are. However, if [...]
Early Secular Writings Regarding Christ
TACITUS: (55-117) A.D.)
Cornelius Tactitus is regarded as the greatest historian of ancient Rome. Writing on the reign of Nero, Tacitus alludes to the death of Christ and to the existence of Christians in Rome.
“Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a [...]
Divorce And Remarriage
There is no more challenging topic on which to write than divorce. Theology and sociology often clash on this. It is a sensitive emotional issue.
Very, very few people believe in divorce. Those who [...]
The Deity Of Jesus Christ
There are cults that profess to believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If asked and they respond truthfully they will admit they do not believe He is God the Son. They [...]
Death and Grief
Nothing impacts us like the death of a loved one. It is so final and strips our emotions raw. When our beloved is a Christian there are great consolations. To these we must [...]
Deacon Ministry
The ministry role of the deacon has changed dramatically over the years. Churches would do well to study the role model found in the New Testament to best utilize its human resources. [...]
Crucify Him!: Who Said It?
Jesus was from Galilee. Each tribe had an area where they camped near Jerusalem for feasts. The Galileans always camped on the southern end of the Mount of Olives. The Bible does not say this but historical records attest to it. These were rural people who detested the Romans and had [...]
Crowns Awaiting Believers As Their Reward
THE INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN [I COR. 9: 25-27].
This is given as a reward for mastering the old sin nature.
THE CROWN OF REJOICING [I THESS. 2: 19, 20].
This is given to soul winners.
THE CROWN OF LIFE [JAMES 1:12]
This is given to those who successfully endure temptation.
THE [...]
Cremation
Cremation is a subject on which the Bible is not specific.
A study of the history of cremation reveals it was begun as a pagan practice. By destroying the body pagans thought they could avoid the ultimate final judgment of God.
When reference is made to burning bodies in the Bible it is in connection with the [...]
Church Reconstruction
Like all movements there are various persuasions within this school of thought. Somewhat centrist among the movement, the concept could be said to be a reorganization of government to conform to the Old Testament code of law.
I do not agree with the movement. One reason is a failure by proponents to differentiate between the types [...]
Church Music
The variety in church music is unimaginable. Formerly there were denominations from which to choose. Now these segments of the Christian community are further divided by styles of [...]
A Biblical Standard For Pastor And People
I PETER 5: 1 – 4
JESUS CHRIST pledged Himself to build His church. He always does things orderly. Therefore, He has organized His church. The text lists three primary group exhortations. This shows [...]
Bible Code: Exposed
“Newsweek,” “Time,” Oprah and numerous other media outlets were abuzz in 1997 over The Bible Code, authored by Michael Drosnin. The thesis is that using a formula of equidistant [...]
Being Baptized For The Dead
“What will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?” (I Corinthians 15: 29)
A misunderstanding of this [...]
Baptism and Filling of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit was Christ’s birthday gift to the Church. He is still the spiritual birthday gift to every believer at the moment of salvation.
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into [...]
Baptism As Essential To Salvation
There are entire denominations based on the fact that baptism is essential to salvation. Does the Bible teach that it is? Passages used to support the belief baptism is essential to [...]
Youth: Beliefs vs. Core Values
Right is right though all men be against it and wrong is wrong though all be for it. William Penn congealed truth in that statement.
There are moral absolutes. Situational [...]
Your Own Personal Bodyguard – FREE
Seldom has our society been faced with more uncertainty in public life. Public safety in general and bodyguards in specific are employed to protect people. The president, prominent athletes, [...]
Why Are We There? Is It Worth The Price?
Graphic insights and puzzling questions punctuate our news as the nation evidences more and more concern about a complex situation of which our predecessors could not have conceived.
Every day [...]
Who Crucified Christ?
A new movie by Mel Gibson has opened some old wounds and stirred passions. The issue, who killed Jesus Christ?
Individuals, not a race of people, did it. The disciples who [...]
Tsunamis And End Times: Part 2
The tragic tsunami that hit Asia has been described as being of Biblical proportions. Persons have tried to read spiritual meaning into it. Some members of the Islamic press have said it was Ala’s way of punishing the Muslims of that part of the world for their cooperation with the infidel [...]
Tsunamis And End Times: Part 1
There is a new fear fomenting in minds. The operative word is tsunami. Is America in danger? Yes, as is just about every country with a coast line. The timing of a cataclysmic tsunami isn’t possible but the potentials are in place.
Tsunamis are an explanation of a normally over looked prophecy. Much [...]
Thanksgiving In Our Heritage
Giving thanks is a long standing practice in America and Canada. It was preceded by the harvest-home celebration in England. Even that was preceded by the ancient Jewish Feast of Tabernacles.
The first Thanksgiving in America was religious in nature and didn’t involve feasting. December 4, 1619, a group of 38 British settlers [...]
Taxing The Wealthy
Economics 101 includes a basic principle many never learned. It relates to one of the only two certain things in life: taxes. In every society those in authority want them and no one else does. In Ireland recently I learned why old castles had so few windows. There was a tax [...]
Super Granny – Defender Of Justice
true story reported on the news in the USA
An elderly Florida lady did her shopping, and upon returning to her car, she found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. [...]
Stem Cell Research: The Ethical Dilemma
There is a perilous vast uncharted sea that might be crossed. Beyond the horizon it is believed there might be the land of Utopia. Several vessels are poised to [...]
Stem Cell Experiments
STEM CELL EXPERIMENTS
A short time ago President Bush was faced with a difficult decision. The issue evolved around embryonic stem cell experiments. What ever his decision it was certain [...]
Sin: Its Cause And Effect
SIN: ITS CAUSE AND EFFECT
Disconnect! That is a major problem in America today.
Aboriginal child birth is an example. In the primitive regions of Australia in which remote Aborigines live they don’t understand the [...]
Sex In School
Across America educators and parents are asking why youth have suddenly become openly promiscuous. As reported in the news sex in the school house isn’t an uncommon thing.
Years ago [...]
September 11
On September 11, 2001, more than the Twin Towers collapsed. A false philosophy fell also. Just as a counterfeit concept was gaining acceptance the tower tragedy exposed [...]
Separation Of Church And State
The courageous founders of our country knew full well the likely result of their bold declaration of independence. Often persons say, “Let’s hang together” to encourage friends to stick [...]
Scouts And Homosexuality
Persons of all faiths empathize with Catholic friends over the incomprehensible, irresponsible, and reprehensible conduct of a few of their priests regarding their pedophiliac actions. Many lives [...]
Saint Patrick’s Day
They called Patrick a saint long before there was any such formal title applied. Legend is so tightly woven with history that at times it is challenging to discern [...]
Ronald Reagan: The Great Communicator
America just celebrated two great acts of liberation.
The 60th Anniversary of D-Day marked the beginning of the final military assault that eventuated in the liberation of western Europe. Over [...]
Religious Freedom
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
James Madison, known as the “Father of our Constitution” met with a Baptist preacher named John Leland under a tree at the corner of what in now Madison [...]
Prostitots: Little Britneys
On my way driving through my home town recently I had occasion to drive by a humble little brick house. It is on a gravel road with the railroad [...]
President Bush And Judicial Appointments
Here come the judges.
There will be a litmus test for judges in America. The question is whose test?
When Nancy Palosi and Teddy Kennedy say there will be no litmus test for appointment of judges they are saying the president can’t have a defined standard for his appointments. One tactic often applied is [...]
President Bush’s Global Peace Initiative
President Bush delivered an Inaugural Address that will go down in history as a monumental one. What he proposes is an idyllic world. History has never known an era when such was a reality. It is a noble concept that bumps its nose against the plate glass reality of man’s inhumanity [...]
Post War Iraq And Afghanistan
Post war Iraq and Afghanistan are seen by many as hopeless regions destined to have continued tribal conflicts. It may be. It does not have to be. There is [...]
The Pledge Of Allegiance
John Leland in appealing to the Father of our Constitution, James Madison, for religious freedom wrote:
“There is no Bill of Rights. Whenever a number of men enter int a [...]
Pete Rose And Forgiveness
Pete Rose, the great ex-Cardinal baseball layer, has confessed to what he denied for 14 years. He bet on baseball weekly.
The title of his new book reveals what a person who is living a lie [...]
Peace On Earth
PEACE ON EARTH
Are these words written by Henry Longfellow appropriate for today?
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet their words repeat of peace on earth good will to [...]
Pacifism vs. War
“War is hell!” General Sherman said it well. War is abhorrent and should be avoided by all means. However, when the means run out war breaks out.
The most hellish [...]
News vs. Our Need To Know
Does the chief of police have to explain what he might have do to prevented it every time there is a murder?
Does a highway patrolman have to tell what action he or she might [...]
Nelson Price Treatment Center
It has been my good fortune to attend many graduation exercises. Never has one failed to inspire me. It marks a noteworthy achievement in the life of a person.
Recently I had the good [...]
Muslim Militance
Not all Baptists are alike. Now that I have stated the mother of all understatements let me spin off that principle.
Not all Muslims are alike. There are some genuinely peaceful ones. I [...]
Mormonism
With the Olympics garnering such public attention it is natural that Mormonism will be highlighted in a very favorable manner. Recently Dr. Joe McKeever of First Baptist Church in Kenner, Louisiana wrote the following on the subject. “The January 21, 2002, issue of “The New Yorker,” carries an article on Mormonism by Lawrence Wright. This [...]
Morals Matter
On September 11, 2001, more than the Twin Towers collapsed. A false philosophy fell also. Just as a counterfeit concept was gaining acceptance the tower tragedy exposed it as fraudulent.
In that moment we were dramatically reminded morality matters. Our society was being fed a diet of relativism. The theory that there are no absolutes was [...]
Mini Morals Matter
A noticeable change in the moral climate of our society has occurred. A variety of factors have contributed to it.
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was a catalyst. When he postulated [...]
Mascots
It is time to rally around your favorite school’s mascot and cheer the team on to “V-I-C-T-O-R-Y.”
I love creative mascots. Lions, Tigers, Gators, Devils, Wildcats, Bulldogs, Yellow Jackets, etc. [...]
Martha Stewart On Lying
Martha Stewart sold 3,928 shares of ImClone stock December 27, 2001. June 4, 2003, she was indited on nine federal counts. It was alleged she lied to the Grand [...]
March Madness
Appropriately this month is called “March Madness.” It must be because there are so many basketball games on TV. The NCAA National Tournament starts with 64 teams and whittles [...]
Laughter Is Good For Your Health
Health is no laughing matter, but it does help if you laugh.
In proverbial wisdom even God is depicted as laughing, “He who sits in the heavens laughs.” If you doubt that look in the mirror. If He laughs so ought we who are created in His image.
The book of “American Averages” notes the [...]
The Koran On Jesus
The topic is what does the Koran teach about Jesus and those who follow Him. It is not what do Muslims believe about the subjects. That is too subjective. This is an objective review of what the Muslim holy book teaches on the topics.
Muslims believe the angel Gabriel revealed the Koran, meaning [...]
The Koran
Mohammed Ali has said there are 3,333 errors in the Bible. I have studied form criticism, textual criticism, and higher criticism and have not found those errors. I have [...]
The Joy Of Giving Without Receiving
The late great coach Bobby Dodd delighted to tell of his playing days at Tennessee. He said he tried for the longest to get his granddad to come to [...]
John Walker Is No Nathan Hale
Nathan Hale made a fateful decision. As a member of the army of General George Washington he responded to the request of the general and volunteered to infiltrate the British lines for recognizance purposes. Upon returning he was captured by the British and ordered to be hanged the next day.
As a youth he was tutored [...]
Jihad: What Is It?
Jihad is a word heard often in the news. Its meaning is complex, its application diverse, and its interpreters give it differing degrees of expression. As persons struggle to [...]
Islamic Violence
Our nation is confronted with a conflict that must be fought whether we want to or not. It is on a battlefield less than ideal yet more to be [...]
Islamic Sects: Peaceful Or Not?
A distilled depiction of America would be a contemporary, progressive, diverse, independent, free enterprise, freedom loving culture.
Around the globe many suppressed and oppressed people being held [...]
Islamic Schools Of Thought
A distilled depiction of America would be a contemporary, progressive, diverse, independent, free enterprise, freedom loving culture.
Around the globe many suppressed and oppressed people being held [...]
Islam The Peaceful Religion
Islam is a peaceful religion we are told. Most of us accept that. However, that being true, there are some confusing facts.
Why is it that in Cairo’s largest mosque Friday prayer time is used [...]
Is It Gambling Or Gaming?
Gambling is disappearing in America. Betting continues at a record pace but it is not called gambling. It is now called gaming. Is it just a game?
The popularity of poker games on TV has caught on in a big way. Youth are especially absorbed in it. In some cities there are [...]
Iraqi War Casualities
Casualties of war are a grief for a nation. Each of us is diminished by the death of any one of us in war. The grief is compounded when [...]
International Intelligence Service
Syria is a country suspected of harboring terrorist training camps and secret bank accounts for Saddam worth billions. What is known of this we may never know. However, based [...]
Integration Of Baseball
In 1946 Branch Rickey signed two outstanding young men to major league contracts. One of them, Carl Erskine, told me this story.
Carl was a 156 pound kid from Indiana with a lightening fastball. In [...]
The Inauguration Of “W”
I could not believe what “W” did at the Presidential Inauguration. He had some audacity to say he couldn’t begin without a prayer. He then got specific and spoke of “…that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations….”
How out of touch can one president be? [...]
How To Deal With A “Whatever” Mentality
“Whatever!” is the mantra of the moment.
It is a synonym for relativism, a byword for “anything goes,” and a revelation that situational ethics have made great advances. It makes [...]
The House Of Islam
The Muslim holy book, the Koran, explains the conflict going on in the world. Few non-Muslims know it divides the world into two divisions. Dar El Islam, “the House of Islam,” and “Dar El Harb, “The House of War.” The first consists of those nations under Muslim control or which have [...]
The Gnostic Gospels
The novel The DaVinci Code and the film “The Last Temptation of Christ” which are based on extra biblical writing have enjoyed great popularity. Most of these modern works discredit the New Testament gospels and claim a love relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene. They advocate a conspiracy theory regarding the [...]
The Foundations of Islam
The western mind is in general unfamiliar with the Islamic faith. Current conditions have created a general curiosity about its origin and some basic precepts. An overview of the [...]
The French Mentality
What’s with the French that they are so anti-America? One of their major problems is their selective memory.
The French head of state, Jenri Phillippe Petan arranged an armistice with [...]
Free Speech And The Chicks
The Dixie Chicks spoke out critically of President Bush on the event of Operation Free Iraq. They followed it with the yo-yo statement regarding opposing the war and supporting the troops. What? That is [...]
Faith In The Face Of Terrorism
“The city was under siege. As when a house is on fire, the inhabitants wanted to flee. The populace seemed eager to save themselves, even if naked and ashamed. [...]
Evolution: Fact Or Theory
Attending a state university and having a major in biology I learned what is required for a matter to be considered a scientific fact. It must pass three tests.
1. Is or was it observable?
2. Is it demonstrable?
3. Is it repeatable?
In light of that three fold test consider whether evolution Is a scientific [...]
The Emergence Of Evil
Evil is a word that has almost been lost from our language. President Reagan called Russia the “Evil Empire” and was criticized.
The word has had a second coming lately. President Bush has referred [...]
Drug Abuse
“Denial” isn’t a river in Egypt.
Up to 25% of this years senior classes across America can’t pass a urinalysis.
In addition to the human tragedy involved drug abuse is expensive. [...]
Don’t Be A Goose
While playing cowboy on a ranch in Montana I observed the behavior of two animals that illustrate human conduct. When I thought of writing on this topic I thought it mirrors teens and it does. However, it also typifies some adult behavior.
One was a goose named “Goose.” The ranch foreman, Lyle, rescued [...]
Do Christians And Muslims Worship The Same God?
You decide, do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?
In answering this question the resources are the Qur’an (Koran), and the Hadith from a Sunni Islam perspective. The Qur’an is considered [...]
The DaVinci Code – Part 4
The DaVinci Code was released by Dan Brown in March 2003. It quickly rose on the “New York Times” bestseller list. It is now in print in over 100 countries.
It is a conspiracy theory based on the premise that there is “scientific evidence that the New Testament is false testimony” (p.341).
On [...]
The DaVinci Code – Part 3
Emperor Constantine called a council to convene in Nicea, Turkey in 325 AD. At that time he conspired to create a divine Christ and infallible Scripture. To do this [...]
The DaVinci Code – Part 2
The DaVinci Code has been number one on the New York Times, Barnes & Noble, and Wal Mart best seller lists and is destined for Hollywood. Prevailing skepticism in [...]
The DaVinci Code – Part 1
“The DaVinci Code” by Dan Brown: fact or fiction?
As a literary work it is fiction.
As a historical work it gross distortion of truth which looks the other way when facts contradict the thesis.
It [...]
The Crusaders: Muslims vs. Christians
Osama bin Laden said of the American response to 911 it is a “new crusade and Jewish campaign led by the big crusader Bush under the flag of the [...]
Creation By Chance
The Raelians have given cause for people to consider origins of life. The idea that aliens came to this planet and created human life is a stretch worthy of [...]
The Confusing Koran
The western mind is in general unfamiliar with the Islamic faith. Current conditions have created a general curiosity about its origin and some basic precepts. An overview of the [...]
Christian Civil Disobedience
What would happen if all the lambs roared at once?
The absurd extent to which the false concept regarding separation of church and state can be taken is now being played out in New York.
First, it should be noted the intended meaning of [...]
Changing Morals
Quietly a noticeable change in the moral climate of our society has occurred. A variety of factors have contributed to it.
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was a catalyst. When he postulated [...]
Baptism
Jesus Christ went to the Jordan River and commanded John the Baptist to baptize Him (Matthew 3: 6 – 16).
As Jesus neared the end of His earthly ministry, He gave the church the “Great Commission” in which He commanded persons to be baptized after being saved (Matthew 28: 19, 20).
From this it is apparent baptism [...]
Atonement Healing
“… by His stripes we are healed” I Peter 2:24
Peter’s quote of Isaiah 53:5 is noted by some as proof that all Christians are to be healed of all illnesses. This is called Atonement Healing.
In context neither Isaiah or Peter is speaking of bodily illness. The context in which the statement appears clearly defines the [...]
Anointing With Oil
A STUDY OF JAMES 5:14-15
All acts of God are based on His love and knowledge. He knows more than we and loves stronger. He is too wise not to know what is best for us in every instance. He is too loving not to do what is best for us.
In light of that, he heals [...]
Angels, Cherubim, And Seraphim
The word angel comes from the Greek word ANGELOS, meaning “messenger.” The corresponding Hebrew word is MALAKH also meaning “messenger.” The terms are sometimes used to designate human messengers (Hag. 1:13, Mal. 2:7), but most often are used to refer to supernatural, celestial beings.
To my limited knowledge the Bible does not describe them as having [...]
Advantages Of Abortion
The most dangerous place to be in America today is in a mother’s womb. Every day over 4000 preborn babies are forcefully removed by a process called abortion.
“Webster’s Encyclopedia of Dictionaries” says abort(ion) means “to fail to bring to fruition.” Fruition as used here means the intended result. As applied to a human being it [...]
Britney Spears And Marriage
Britney Spears, in her “marriage,” has done nothing to promote the sanctity of marriage. She has, however, revealed what is wrong with many marriages in America today. She married one morning and had it annulled that same day. It was a “joke” gone bad they said. There was no sense of commitment or permanence.
She was [...]
The Bible And The Koran
There is little understanding between the Christian and Muslim world. Americans are beginning to get a glimpse of the cultural differences. The spiritual differences are not well defined in the minds of most Easterners.
Mohammad referred to Christians and Jews as “people of the book,” referring to the Bible. He felt bad that the Arabs did [...]
An Astronaut’s Faith
A friend familiar with some details of the crew of the spaceship Columbia shared with me the following.
Astronaut Rick Husband, a quiet and humble man, was a man of great faith. A story circulated from a suit technician on the pad. After the astronauts “suited up” on that final day before the flight, they walked [...]
America: The World’s Only Superpower
More twins are being born today than ever. One child said it is because the world is such a scary place babies are afraid to come in alone.
Global pressures make that sound reasonable. Iraq, North Korea, and Venezuela are only a few of the hot spots. Coupling that with America’s unpopularity in many nations and [...]
Abortion
The most dangerous place in America today is a mother’s womb. Every day in America over 4,000 preborn babies are aborted. Those for and against the procedure call it abortion. The word “abort(ion)” defined by “Webster’s Encyclopedia of Dictionaries” means “to fail to bring to fruition.”
If that which is aborted were allowed to come to [...]
A Church Interim: Things That Happens During an Interim
The interval between a former pastor leaving and the new one coming, known as the interim, is basically the same in every church. There is a distinct pattern.
First, there is an effort to have the Constitution and By-laws amended.
Next, there are persons who have special ministries they have always wanted the church to provide and [...]
Churches That Follow FADS
Change costs more than change. It is often expensive in terms of finances and personnel. The cost in personnel often results from persons feeling uncomfortable with the change and looking for something with which they are comfortable.
Churches in recent years have become big agents of change. Chasing after every new trend causes instability. The cost [...]
