911 09/01/2010
I, perhaps like you, have been concerned about our nation: the immoral actions, the irreverence of people, the lack of manners, the unappreciative attitude, the downward spiral of economics, and the lack of spiritual devotion in the life of believers. I was reflecting on September 11, 2001. We as a nation watched the horrible day unfold before our eyes in New York City, Washington, DC, and a field in Pennsylvania. What was to be a plot of sinister terrorism to destroy our nation, became a world stage on which American and Christian workers came to be courageous and patriotic. Right before our own eyes, we saw II Chronicles 7:14 come to life: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” The September 11, 2001 attacks were a series of coordinated suicide attacks by Al-Quaeda against the United States. Two thousand nine hundred and ninety five (2,995) people lost their lives. The drama unfolded across the world. Expressions of care and attempts to help with any needs were absolutely wonderful. Americans came together for the good of others. When so many things went down, we say some things went up: 1. Our Christian sensitivity to what is truly important went up. We realized that our family and lives are more important than the “games we play everyday.” Who could forget the twin towers in New York City crashing down and people jumping out the windows? Sensitivity was definitely up! 2. People were praying “God bless America” and flag sales skyrocketed to an all time high. The so-called “drought of patriotism” had ended and people were flying the red, white, and blue in all fifty states. Flags were definitely up! 3. Americans were not so cynical and curt to each other after the dark day of distress. Respect, care, courage, and compassion was the order of the day. Appreciation for our President, our congressional leaders, our Judges and elected officials was at an unprecedented level. Appreciation was up! 4. The national poll groups report showed that church attendance swelled during those weeks after 911. People saw the real need to read their Bibles and attend worship in the House of God. Church attendance was up! 5. Matthew 11:28 states, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Americans needed God for peace and rest. Prayer was on the agenda daily because of fears, concern for safety with uncertainty. Prayer was up! In human tragedy and upheavals, America has turned to God. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR US! So, in my reflection, I ask the question, "Wouldn’t it be wonderful if it wouldn’t take another trajedy or upheaval for people to turn to God?" A statement by Billy Graham shouts out a truth “If God does not judge America, He may have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.” Sons of Israel, Sons of America 07/29/2010
I Chronicles 12:32, “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do...” They, the sons of Issachar, were the sons of Israel. A modern - day paraphrase “And of the children of the United States of America, which were people that had understanding of the times, to know what America ought to do....” America needs to face the issues of the day with a Bible in her hands. This great nation needs a generation of the sons of Issachar who knows what to do for the spiritual benefit of the nation. The only way born again believers are going to influence the realm of government is to be informed enough to take action. I Chronicles 12 is actually retrospective. It is occupied with the names of men and women who had come to the aid of David and Israel in periods of great crisis. Those people loved Israel and God’s servant, David. They were willing to work, to fight, and to rebuild if needed. Some were described as “mighty men of valor.” Genesis 49:14 describes Jacob gathering his family together. Next Jacob gives each of his children worthy names and a description of the meaning of the name. In 49:14, “Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens.” He became a servant unto tribute. A strong donkey bowing his shoulders to bear the burdens of a nation. How can the sons of Issachar instruct we Americans in our twenty-first (21st) century? What did they know that we need to learn from? 1. They knew the history period in which they lived. There were threats upon the nation of Israel and upon God’s people. David, God’s shepherd, was being dogged. They were aware of the national conditions. They realized the geopolitical facts, the need for better economy, and the evil that was attacking God’s people. American Christians and churches must realize the threats and opportunities available to them. We recognize in our time slot of America that our nation is on a slippery slope of decline in morals and in spiritual awareness. Christians can no longer go “along with the crowd.” We must be courageous and take a Godly stand against an evil culture. There is no time for timidity! American Christians must be bold! 2. They knew the Scriptures. Issachar’s sons knew the passage from Deuteronomy 6:4-7: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart.” They took this admonition in a serious manner. Because of God’s scriptures they were able to know and evaluate the fads, trends, facts and politics of their day. They found their directions and instructions in God’s Word, In America, we must do the same. Our lecterns and pulpits must flame with righteousness always. We must turn again to the true paths of morality and dignity of life. The old adage still holds today, “hate the sin, but love the sinner.” We hate the sins of abortion, gambling, adultery, divorce, homosexuality, stealing, lying, cheating, gossip, etc. Christians must abhor the sins that God hates as in Proverbs 6:16-19, and love the things that God loves. 3. They knew what Israel should do. These sons and grandsons of Jacob knew the practical. They had attained practical wisdom. In their battles of the day, they formulated good plans of action. The scriptures were their guide on how to live, how to react, and how to plan. As a result, they knew “what Israel should do.” In the twenty-first (21st) century, America should see no separation between the spiritual and the secular. Our everyday life should be a reflection of our spiritual life. They should be synonymous. When you see one, you see the other. The second President of the United States, John Adams, stated, “Christians are to be informed enough to take action for God.” What perils are threatening our nation? Are we spiritually lazy? What Bible truths need to be insisted on? What are the best measures for Godly elevation? Christians believe that the giver of wisdom is God. The readings of wisdom are found in the Bible. We must pray for Godly Christian leaders in our government. We need to ask of the God of Providence to give us leaders in our churches to rule strongly, justly, and Godly. To recap I Chronicles 12:32: - The nation was on their mind. - They were aware of the conditions. - They were able to evaluate the facts. - They acquired a Divine perspective. - They had a practical knowledge. - They knew that there was not a separation between their secular and spiritual life. How to Respect our American Flag 07/13/2010
Francis Bellamy, a clergyman and editor of “Youth Companion” is believed to have written the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag in September, 1892: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” In 1892, the magazine printed it to celebrate the four hundreth (400th) anniversary of Columbus discovering America. School age children recited the pledge on October 12, 1892, Columbus Day. The original words read, “I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” In researching this information for you readers, it was discovered that the words were altered in the 1920's when “my flag” was changed to “the flag of the United States of America.” In 1942, the Pledge was granted recognition by the United States Congress when it was included in the Flag Code. Congress then added the phrase “under God” in 1954. When an American citizen cites the Pledge, the following rules of respect should be recognized: 1. All should stand at attention and face the flag. 2. The United States Flag Code requests that those not in military uniform should place the right hand over the heart. 3. That those not in military uniform who are wearing a hat, should remove it with the right hand and hold at the left shoulder, so that the hand is over the heart. 4. Soldiers and others in uniform, etc, scouts, should remain silent, face the flag, and give the appropriate salute. I encourage each of your to respect the American flag. Many brave individuals have made the ultimate sacrifice of death for our flag and nation. Remember always that we are “one nation under God.” Teach your children and grandchildren the importance of God and the American flag. The Homosexual Theme - Legality Not Morality 03/15/2010
Romans 1:24-32 Across the nation, pressure is increasing to grant and recognize homosexual privileges and rights. They desire access to jobs of every domain (including the ministry), the right to be accepted as foster parents, and the right to marry in church ceremonies. Should they have the right to do something that the Bible declares is morally and spiritually wrong? All this is the crux of what is called the “gay-rights” issue. Their theme is, legality not morality. I. The Conflict of Homosexuality - Leviticus 18:22 What should be our attitude toward persons who practice homosexuality? Thirty years ago a discussion on the topic of homosexual rights in our society was unthinkable. Today, many Christians accept homosexuality and lesbianism as a legitimate alternate life-style. Sometime ago, Time Magazine in an essay “The Homosexual in America” made this discerning comment: “Beset by inner conflicts, the homosexual is unsure of his own position in society...A vast majority of people retain a deep loathing toward them, but there is a growing mixture of tolerance, empathy or apathy.” No doubt, our society is torn between condemnation and compassion for the homosexual. The deviates’ plea is that they be treated like everyone else, yet it is known that they are different and practice a different lifestyle. In simple terms, a homosexual is in the grips of Satan’s power. Trace God’s Word for clarification and directions. Please take time to read the following: Leviticus 18:22 Ezekiel 16:49-50 Romans 1:26-28 I Corinthians 6:9-11 The very fact that Leviticus 18:22 is followed by a commandment in Leviticus 18:23 against sexual acts with animals suggest the unthinkable nature of the homosexual-lesbian relations. II. The Confusion of Homosexuality In all of this, the Bible inevitably has come under sharp attack. Some seek to show by the Scripture that the Bible itself justifies the homosexual life-style. Christians should not be deceived, for the Bible clearly enunciates that this perverted lifestyle is without defense. Genesis 19 describes how the lust of men for men led to the destruction of the city os Sodom. Ultimate confusion and destruction prevailed. From his writings, “Homosexuality: How Should Christians Respond,” Dr. Richard F. Lovelace states that the confusion of sex can be cleared up from Genesis 1 and 2. Genesis 1:27 deliberately notes that the man made in God’s image was created male and female, connecting this with the command to reproduce in Genesis 1:28. In Genesis 2, sexuality is also related to companionship; the loneliness of man is remedied not by the creation of another man, but the addition of woman. The woman became a helpmate suitable for the man. The bond of companionship between man and woman is cemented by sexual union and their togetherness as a family unit. The sexual relationship between male and female married partners continues to be celebrated with unembarrassed candor as a gift of God...such as written in Song of Solomon and Proverbs 5:15-19. III. The Crudeness of Homosexuality A “Gay Pride” rally in Boston had one of its speakers standing under a banner that read, “Christianity Is Our Enemy.” One gay leader read from Leviticus and then burned the Word of God in open demonstration. True Christianity and gay rights cannot mix, they are like oil and water. The Marquis de Sade, a sex pervert of yesteryear, set the stage for today’s sex perverts in declaring “my greatest pleasure is to swear in God’s name.” Dr. David Noebel, of Colorado and Summit Ministries, wrote in his book, “The Homosexual Revolution: A Look at the Preachers and Politicians Behind It” (Summit Press) regarding homosexual activity: “Homosexual and lesbian activity and seduction techniques vary among homosexuals and lesbians. Some visit gay bars and ponder with others of their same age. Others prey on younger boys and girls - finding them on the streets, in youth organizations, or in colleges, schools, or churches.” The society of Homosexuals and Lesbians detest the word “queer” which berates them. The word “queer” is defined as “very unusual, odd or unconventional.” The title speaks for itself. It is without doubt, odd to see a man with a man or woman with a woman in a lover’s repose. This act defies social, moral and religious norms. IV. The Cure for Homosexuality God’s Word has proclaimed salvation and healing for every man and woman. The Word of God declares in I Corinthians 6:11-20 that although no one can continually practice this type of sin and be right with God, some former homosexuals and sexual deviants at the church at Corinth had found deliverance. They began a new life by faith in Jesus. William Barclay writes, “The proof of Christianity lay in its power. It could take the dregs of humanity and make real men out of them. No man can change himself, but Christ Jesus can change him.” Leviticus 24:17 According to Scripture, the Bible favors the death penalty. Capital punishment not only deters crime; it is the ultimate and greatest deterrent because the murdering criminal realizes that the imposition of sentencing will mean no probation and no parole. Society, according to God’s law, has a right to defend itself and take the life of those who commit murder with premeditation. I. Capital Punishment is taught in the Scriptures. Genesis 9:4-6 teaches that life is preciously made in God’s divine image. Murder is a strike at God, who created man. God requires, according to Genesis 9:6, the life of the murderer. The laws and ordinances of Exodus again remind us in Exodus 21:12-15, of the sacredness of life. James 1:14-15 describes the corruptibleness of sin that bringeth forth eventual death. It is the right of the people to impose capital punishment for murder offenses. Other scripture references declare God’s intentions toward life. These Scriptures are: Exodus 20:13, Exodus 21:23-25, Romans 13:3-5, and Acts 25:10-12. II. Many Governmental Laws Seek To Banish Capital Punishment. In 1972, in the case of Furman verses Georgia, the US Supreme Court ruled 5 -4 that capital punishment was unconstitutional. This nullified the existing death penalty statues in forty states and the sentences of six hundred and twenty nine death-row inmates. On July 2, 1976, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in the Gregg verses Georgia case that the death penalty, at least for the crime of murder, is not a cruel or unusual punishment. Presently, state legislatures have passed death penalty statues, yet there is not a federal death penalty legislation on the books. After World War II, the death penalty became less popular. Newsweek stated, “there were 82 executions in 1950; 49 in 1959; and finally two executions in 1967.” Much of the decline resulted as a result of legal battles that were waged by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). III. Our American Society is Concerned According to a recent Gallup poll, sixty-five percent of Americans now favor capital punishment. This percentage is up from forty-two percent in 1986. Most people believe that capital punishment is an effective public deterrent to murder and a permanent deterrent in preventing the murderer from committing additional crimes inside or outside of prison. At least one study by Dr. David Phillips, a sociologist at the University of California at San Diego, confirms that capital punishment acts as a “deterrent to murder for at least two weeks after a highly publicized execution. On the average, homicides decrease by 35.7%,” explained Dr. Phillips. Death penalty executions are such a slow process now due to the ability of criminals to appeal and appeal. Many people are beginning to complain. “I feel the same way the majority of people in the United States feel about the death penalty,” stated former Texas Judge Michael McSpadden. “Enough is enough of these appeals. It’s time to enforce the laws.” Former Governor, George Deukmejian, probably brought the “delay” issue more into focus when he complain ed that of all the men on the California Death Row, the state Supreme Court had reviewed the cases of twenty three and of that number only thirteen convictions had been upheld. Senator Dennis DeConcini (D. Arizona) writing in the American Legion magazine, presented the use of capital punishment into correct perspective: “If we in this country are to administer a successful criminal justice system, we must first consider what qualifies as justice. Obviously, the most simple and direct form of justice is restitution-compensative to one who has been wronged. But in reality, restitution often is not possible. When an innocent human life has been lost, restitution is not among the options from which blind justice can choose. Punishment becomes the alternative. It logically follows that the more severe the crime, the more severe the punishment applied. We have, in this nation, admirably adhered to the protection of individual rights; yet we should not in that process forsake our responsibility to protect the rights of society as a whole. And, in these cases (murder cases where the murderer was sane and represented a threat to society)...capital punishment emerges as the only vehicle for ensuring those rights.” WANTED 11/04/2009
WANTED: BOLD LEADERS Recently I was reading the November edition of Focus on the Family “Citizen” Magazine. An article by Tom Minnery jumped off the page. He states “I’ve been to many conservative conferences over the years, and I’ve heard many politicians speak at those meetings, but not long ago, there was a first.” Tim Pawlenty, the governor of Minnesota, was addressing the annual Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C., and near the conclusion of his speech, he recited a very familiar portion of Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14. It says, “...if My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” I don’t think Gov Pawlenty realized it, but as he recited that verse, the audience of nearly 2,000 began to quote with him, until, by the end, a full chorus was under way. It was so spontaneous that I believe the people themselves were surprised. That moment was a metaphor for the state of mind among conservatives at this point in time. They are hungry for leadership, so edge-of-the chair eager to join the campaign to restore righteous leadership to our nation that, given a chance, they’ll even help a speaker with his speech.” WANTED: BOLD CONFRONTATIONS Paul states in I Thessalonians 2:2...”we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” We, as moral agents of God, must boldly share God’s Word with our nation. There is not a place for timidity in our twenty-first century. In 1828, Noah Webster ( the Father of American Christian educators and the writer of the first American dictionary) wrote: “the moral principles contained in the scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws. All the miseries and evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery, and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible.” Our bold confrontations, against the evils of our day, come from God’s Word, the Bible. The Moral Action stands against homosexuality, gambling, illicit drug abuse, pornography, abortion, euthanasia, stealing, lying, cheating and so on and so on. God’s Word proclaims these acts as sin. God hates the sin but loves the sinner. Reading Suggestions The Gay Agenda, by Dr. Ronnie Floyd, New Leaf Press, approximately $16 Let Freedom Ring, Sean Hannity, Harper Collins, approximately $25 The ACLU vs America, by Alan Sears, B & H Publishing, approximately $15 The New Tolerance, by Josh McDowell, Tyndale Publishing, approximately $13 Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Questions, by Randy Alcorn, Multnomah, approximately $15 Culture Shift, by Albert Mohler, Multnomah, approximately $15 WANTED: INFORMED READERS Moral Action recommends the following Magazines: Focus on the Family with Dr. James Dobson 1-800-232-6459 www.focusonthefamily.com American Family Association Journal 1-662-844-5036 or order online at http://store.afa.net and click on AFA Publications www.afajournal.org Citizen 1-800-AFAMILY www.Citizenmagazine.com Israel My Glory 1-800-257-7843 www.foi.org Decision 1-877-247-2426 www.billygraham.org/decision WANTED: BOLD MEN The National Brotherhood of the BMAA 2009-2010 Project Theme is “Sound The Warning” from Ezekiel 33:7-8. “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” The project is Moral Action. Your offering will help present the Moral Message of God’s Word. Please send your offerings to: Robert Bynum 43 Bear Pen Creek Road Laurel, MS 39443-2959 Euthanasia - The Right to Die 08/27/2009
Once again in the mind-boggling arena of politics the ugly head of killing old and feeble people is on the agenda. Exodus 23:7 states “Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not; for I will not justify the wicked.” Euthanasia is, of course, morally and Biblically wrong. As believers we should see to safeguard the God-given right to life, to which every individual is entitled. According to the humanistic philosophy, your life is in danger if you are very old, mentally ill, or severely handicapped. These individuals have God-given life and spiritual desires and should be treated with compassion, dignity and encouragement. Proverbs 6:16-19...”The Lord hates...hands that shed innocent blood and a heart that devises wicked plans.” Those who wish to destroy others because they are “no longer profitable” or “costly” are classified as “wicked.” I. Historical Aspects of Euthanasia When Hitler of Germany issued his direct order for euthanasia of the Jews in 1939, all German state institutions were required to report patients who had been ill for at least five years or who were unable to work. The decision of which patients lived or died was based entirely on a brief questionnaire. The Nazi authorities that pronounced their death were professors of psychiatry at major universities in Germany. The never even saw the individuals that they pronounced the death sentence upon. The first to be killed in the 1940's, during the holocaust, and also in the Middle Ages, were the aged, the infirmed, the senile, the mentally retarded, and “defective” children. The German Nazi power even went so far as to exterminate children with badly modeled ears, epileptic, and bed-wetters. According to the News Service Publications, “The mass extermination of Germany’s undesirables started with the acceptance of the attitude basic to the euthanasia philosophy, that “there is such a thing as life not worthy to be lived.” This is the attitude that is being widely debated and accepted today in the abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia movement. II. Present Day Concept of Euthanasia Euthanasia is not a mere fear for the future. It has survived and is now present in the American Medical practice. Even today doctors in the United States are debating whether it is better to starve “undesirables” to death or administer fatal injections. “Voices in our government are looking for ways to reduce health care costs,” states Denyse Handlen in her book, Mercy Killing. Well meaning people are attracted to what might seem to be the beneficial aspects of some form of euthanasia. Americans must not be misled or tranquilized by assurances that this practice is limited to the “terminally ill.” Abortion was once proposed as a last resort to desperate cases, but today is a commonplace procedure. “To say that this subject can be carefully controlled is either naive or deceitful,” The Right To Live, The Right To Die - C. Everett Koop. Former Governor Richard Land of Colorado shocked the nation in March, 1984, when he told a group of health lawyers that “sick people have a duty to die and get out of the way and let the well society build a reasonable life.” III. The Biblical Perspective of the Right To Life I Corinthians 3:16-17 reminds us that our bodies are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us. That makes life very precious to God. As the movement continues to gather momentum, euthanasia is moving into the spotlight as the great moral issue of the twenty-first century. Turning to the Bible for answers is the only possible guideline. The “Dying with Dignity” movement is worldwide, and its membership is swelling. The Hemlock Society is one of thirty seven organizations of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies in twenty three countries. The Word encourages life for all ages: Psalms 8:2 - Babies; Psalms 127:3-5 - Children; Matthew 5:21 - Adults. Attention: Brotherhood 06/23/2009
Attention: Brotherhoods of the Baptist Missionary Association of America Religious Freedom 05/07/2009
Religious Freedom Pornography, A Moral Plague 02/22/2009
This is the third article in a series of four titled “Judeo-Christian Heritage” writings. The topics thus far have been: | John Adams' Review
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