In the familiar passages of II Chronicles 7, God states “But if ye….”  The Father’s promises are conditional, either we obey and love Him or we turn away from the truth.  The possibility of forfeiture is fully stated in II Chronicles 7:19-20.  The penalty is issued to Israel and also to America.  God stipulates promises and warnings to His nations, families and individuals.

Americans, and especially Christian Americans, need to regain a Godly conscience.  We need to cultivate again an awareness or perception of the events that are taking place in our great nation.  It is time that “judgment begins at the House of God:” I Peter 4:17.  God’s churches will lose her light and salt.  Her light will get dimmer with the possibility of totally being extinguished.

There are strong adjectives used to describe the depravity of our culture.  Some examples are appalling, shocking, seared consciousness and apathetic.  Our American society is deemed as being unscrupulous, beyond reason and not governed by a Godly clear conscience.

It is unconscionable and appalling at the number of professed Christians who cast their votes along party lines.   The term “value voting” needs to be established as a guideline for Christians when voting for candidates.  Take a long, hard look at the core values and the platforms of political candidates.

It is unconscionable that the Ten Commandments and other religious scriptures are being removed from public buildings and government/school offices.  One does not have to go far to hear lewd language, see sexual images and other ungodly promotions advertised, yet God’s word is being removed at a rapid pace.  We need to regain a conscience.

Appalling and unconscionable are befitting words to describe the deeds to have “under God” removed from the Pledge of Allegiance.  Our nation has been and will always be under the mighty hand of God.  Peter declares in I Peter 5:6…”humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”  Perhaps, America is losing its prominence in the world due to the fact that we are too proud and arrogant and have not humbled ourselves “under God.”

It is unconscionable that our nation is reconsidering its relationship with the nation of Israel and its Prime Minister in recent months.  Joel warned us in Joel 3:2-3  “I will also gather all nations…and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel…”  There is a supernatural curse attached to Israel and its land.  Cursed is the nation that harms Israel.

How did these “unconscionable” attitudes develop?  The “anything goes” philosophy has seen growth in recent years.  Born-again Christians appear to have lost their back-bone.  Some churches have forgotten their responsibility to rebuke sin and transgression.  Teaching, preaching, and living God’s Word helps Christians to develop a strong, healthy, Godly conscience.

We need to regain our conscience.  One might ask?

Where are the Babylonians?
Where are the Greeks?
Where are the Romans?

Will they one day, ask…………..Where are the Americans?

Recommended Readings to enhance this article:

“Can America Survive?”    John Hagee
“Politics”  Wayne Grudem
“I Never Thought I’d See the Day ”  David Jeremiah
“The American Patriot Bible”  Richard G Lee 

Romans 13:1 “let every soul (you) be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”  God declared that there should be human government and human laws.  There
could be no order, no security, or even progress without these two valuable decrees.

My point is this: YOUR VOTE CAN MAKE A TREMENDOUS DIFFERENCE.  God established three (3) institutions: the family, the church, and civil government.  WE, as Christians and Americans are responsible to uphold
these divine institutions.   Christians have an obligation and right to vote and submit to the governing authorities.  An exception to this rule applies when the government and its leaders are in direct conflict with the Bible and God’s laws.  Dr. Adrian Rogers, Pastor and Author, stated the following,  “when the government condones what God condemns, we must obey God rather than man.”   

I.  Christians are obliged to be informed and to vote.
We, as Christians and Americans, must be studious when we vote.  It is your obligation to study and learn what the issues are.  How does the issues relate to your Christian faith, your family, and your nation?   You must vote with Christian convictions and moral stamina.  You must vote intelligently. There are often radical differences in party candidates.  Important issues to consider are life, family and freedom rights.  The following are just a few of the critical areas that are facing our nation at this time:

     1)  There is an ongoing battle to remove the Ten Commandment displays, nativity scenes, voluntary prayer and religious classes from public areas.
   
     2)  Our nation is being bombarded with “Gay rights, same-sex marriages, same sex adoption rights, and  the push to make homosexuality/lesbianism “normal.”

     3)  Ongoing arguments continue over Bio-medical facts, stem cell harvesting, cloning, and human embryos.

     4)  The war still rages over Abortion/Pro-life and  pro-choice since the Supreme Court ruling in  Roe vs Wade.

     5)  States battle over the issues of Gambling, lotteries and casinos for funding.

     6)  Physician assisted suicide is making strides in the United States.

 Moral Action is dedicated to keeping you informed.   This is our obligation.   You  have an obligation to be “value” informed and to cast your votes for candidates that are aligned with platforms that are in agreement with God’s Word.  Our nation depends on you.  Be vigilant in studying the candidates.  Learn where they stand on political and religious issues.  

Abraham Lincoln states “Elections belong to the people.  It is their decision.  If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, they will just have to sit on their blisters.”  You may find this quotation also on www.ivotevalues.org  

II.  Christians are obliged to do more than just vote.

Author Wayne Grudem offers some insights into the Declaration of Independence and it signees.  The signers knew the signing of the Declaration of Independence was more than a pen or paper issue.  The last line in the
Declaration states: 

“And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the
protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our
fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

So what can you do?  Many things!    Here are a few suggestions:
     1)  Email candidates about the issues
     2)  Write letters to candidates regarding critical decisions
     3)  Support financially to just causes
     4)  Carry banners and  signs in support of Biblical causes
     5)  Serve in political offices on the local and state levels  
 
Moral Action encourages  you and your family to VALUE VOTE.   Dr. Richard Land, President of Faith and Family declares, “Don’t get stuck on a politicians label.  Look for candidates who promote decency, accountability, and responsibility framed within Biblical standards.”  
 
YES, YOUR VOTE CAN MAKE A TREMENDOUS DIFFERENCE. 
Don’t decry if you fail to research or to vote.
 
Recommended Readings:
 1.  Pastors and Pulpits and Politics - Western Center for Law and Policy
 2.  Heritage Guide to the Constitution - Edward Meese

Update on Freedom Offerings for the Moral Action:



First, Magnolia, AR    HONOR: Selwyn      890.00
Caney Valley, Plumerville,  AR                   150.00
Macedonia, Magnolia,  AR                           50.00
First, Waldo, AR                                           20.00
Oak Park, Little Rock,  AR                             5.00
First, Galena, KS                                        200.00    
Scottsville Road, Bowling Green, KY         151.00
First, Springhill, LA                                   1085.00
New Home, Lansing, MI                             138.00
Forked Oak, Booneville, MS                       125.00
Zion, Anguilla   
HONOR: Edward Raymond,
Vernon Phillips,             
Michael Bradley              
MEMORY: Merle D Bradley                        100.00
Mt Carmel, Carriere, MS                              200.00
Emmanuel, Saltillo, MS                                200.00
Kewanee, Kewanee, MO                             100.00
College Heights, Ada, OK                            134.70
Sand Flat, Grand Saline, TX                        165.00
Beacon Hill, Waco, TX                                 100.00
First, Judson, Judson, TX                            500.00
Sardis, Henderson, TX                                231.00
Crossroads, Rowlett, TX                             150.00
First, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, TX                          5.00
Friendship, Mesquite, TX                               85.00
Shady Grove, Purdon, TX                            100.00  

Christians in today’s America  are convinced that the mainstream news groups are utterly biased against God, His Word, His Church and especially against Christians and the causes that they support.  There is much dismay and irrate feelings when believers find newspapers, television news, and media outlets imploring liberal, atheistic, and one-sided coverage.  Most of these biased-coverages are related  to the issues of abortion, homosexuality, the family, and marriage. 

Isaiah 56:10 states, “His watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.”   The Hebrew prophet, Isaiah knew that the truth was not being told in the nation of Israel and regarding Jehovah God.  Pulpit Commentary shares that these watchmen were utterly unable to comprehend or to meet the spiritual wants of the nation, like dumb dogs. 

The media fails to call its leaders into account for their plans, deeds, and actions.  They presume that Christian Americans cannot make good decisions regarding the President, the Congress, or the Courts of America..  Their own biases have prevented them from sharing the truth. 

The media should be accountable to the public, whether it be the spoken or written word.  God’s word is true when it proclaims that “watchmen are blind and ignorant,” if they slant the news.

Free Press. 
The guarantee of a free press allows individuals many privileges.  Among those are the right to criticize national, state and local governments.  But with it’s freedom comes a responsibility to be accountable and to perform jobs fairly and  truthfully.  The press, therefore, should demonstrate equality with it’s reporting and not a biased liberal message or even a biased conservative message. 

So, the question arises.  What happens if the press is silent?
Their silence, is hurtful to the fruition of an open government.  Wayne Grudem writes in his book,  “Politics, ” “it is like having a country protected by watchdogs that cannot bark.”

American Christians need to take a stand for Christian and conservative policies.  Do not buy the literature, magazines, or materials that the biased news programs are promoting.  The biased media is quick to mention the word “anger” at conservative or Christian rallies but they fail to mention “anger” at liberal rallies.   The media is eager to attack “born again believers” that are seeking political offices.  Praise God for these Christian leaders.  We need more of them with Christian character.  They prompt us to turn our nation and hearts back to God.

Bible believing Christians must take a stand.  Note the reporting on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN , FOX, and MSNBC.  Complain to the stations if you see or hear biased reporting.  Likewise, the most influential newspapers, New York Times, Washington Post, L.A. Times, or your local newspapers must be rebuked via “letters to the Editors.”  

We stand for Jesus Christ and His Word.  We stand for the truth.  We stand for Biblical principles. 

Reading Recommendations by Dr Adams:

1.  Politics According To The Bible
     Wayne Grudem, Zondervan.

2.  Personal Faith Public Policy
     Harry Jackson, Tony Perkins, Front Line

3.  Is God On America’s Side?
     Erwin Lutzer, Moody Press

Mrs. Adams and I represented the BMA family at the Family Research Council’s “Watchmen on the Wall” Conference in Washington, D.C., May 23-27, 2011.  The conference hosted six hundred (600) attendees who were part of the “Bring Back America” agenda.  Included in the conference were elected officials, pastors, lay leaders, and moralist of our day. 

Ms Adams and I participated in several of the sessions which included a Prayer Walk for the United States Senate and House offices.  We had the opportunity to meet Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina.  Senator DeMint, 60, is a Christian conservative and has an outstanding Christian testimony.   ( Www.JimDemint.senate.gov  )

We also had the pleasure to meet and share with Presidential candidate and United States Congresswoman, Michele Bachmann of Minnesota . ( Www.michelebachmann.house.gov )
Congresswoman Bachmann was a principal speaker at the conference.  She gave her Christian testimony and presented  her agenda for this nation.  Priority one is to turn our great nation back to God and a true democracy.  Her speech included thoughts of our nation assuming spiritual and financial responsibilities.  Ms. Bachmann’s husband is the owner of a Christian Counseling Center. 

We thank our BMA churches for allowing us to share with so many of our national leaders.  Continue to pray for the USA.

Freedom Offering as of August 3, 2011

Thanks to each church, individual and organization that gave so willingly to Moral Action: The memorials and honorariums for 2011 as well as the memorials and honorariums for 2010 are published in the BMA Annual Reports and Recommendations Handbook.

Freedom Offering July 3, 2011
Our annual Moral Action Freedom Offering is upon us.  We are excited as we encourage our BMA family to share in this ministry.  We ask each church and their classes/auxiliaries to take a special offering for Moral Action
Ministries on July 3rd.
 
Soldiers are our Concern
Our  soldiers are on the front fighting everyday for the freedom that we cherish in the United States.   Your church/auxiliaries or individuals may wish to send an offering in honor or memory of a  Soldier.  Be
sure and include their name when you send in the offering.  Moral Action will list these individuals in a future report.  Remember to pray daily for the safety of our men and women.  They are certainly deserving of this
honor. 

Washington, D.C., 2011
Mrs Adams and I have just returned from DC.  We were in Washington, May 23-28 for the annual “Watchmen On The Wall Conference” with the Family Research Council and Dr Tony Perkins.  Approximately six hundred (600) attendees listened to congressmen, congresswomen, Senators and God’s ministers as they shared their vision for America.  

We were privileged to represent our BMA churches in this awesome event.  One of the highlights was the Prayer Walk around the Capitol Building and the United States Senate/House offices.

Darla and I had an opportunity to meet and talk with Presidential candidate and United States Congresswoman, Michele Bachmann from Minnesota.  She gave an excellent speech regarding the moral needs and financial responsibility of our nation.   

We also had opportunity to share with United States Senator, Jim Demint, of  South Carolina.  I wish to recommend his book “Saving Freedom.”  It is excellent reading.  
 
Please pray for those who lead us in our Nation’s capitol.  There is a
glimmer of hope as many of our leaders are stepping up to the challenge of
leading our nation back to a God-centered responsible  people.   I have witnessed first hand the faith and
passion that some of our leaders display.  We still believe in II Chronicles 7:14.

God bless each of you and God bless America!!

Is the modern day church “behind the times in its attitude toward women?”  A growing number answer, “Yes.”  They say that women are restricted.  What should the Bible- believing Christian’s response be regarding equal rights for women?  How should church leaders respond, and what should be the attitude of Christian women?

I.  The World and Women’s Rights - A controversial  issue

The battle and victory for women’s rights has influenced every aspect of our national life, including our churches.  This brings up a difficult question - are women treated fairly in the New Testament Church?

The role of women in the church has caused conflicts in some denominations and churches.  Barriers have been removed to once-forbidden secular occupations in the ministry.   Some liberal leaders are upset because they believe the church is lagging far behind on these issues.

Critics argue that conservative churches are steeped in prejudice and need to be enlightened.  On the surface, their arguments may sound convincing.   Arguments are made that many women outstrip men in spiritual gifts and abilities.  By not allowing women to use these talents, the church is missing out.

Some theologians argue that the requirements for pastors outlined in I Timothy 3:1-7 have been grossly misinterpreted - that they merely reflect cultural prejudices of Paul’s day.  How should the present day Church respond to such pressure?  What should the church say to sincere dedicated women who truly want to serve the Lord?

II.  God’s Word and Women’s Rights  - Clear Answers from the Bible

The Bible answers several basic misunderstandings:

There is a basic error in understanding the scope and nature of the differences between the sexes.  The Bible does not teach that men are superior to women, but that they are different.  In creating woman, God did not make a carbon copy of what He had already made.  He fashioned a personality and spirit that would complement man and supply the qualities that man lacked.

The tendency today is to assume that except for physical differences, men and women are of the same mold.  Therefore, they are to be competitive.  That is not God’s intent.  God created male and female to work together, not to compete.

We commit a basic error when we try to sweep differences under the rug.  It may appear to be successful for a time, but in the end we violate something elemental to our inner structure.  Let’s evaluate the Word of God on the subject  - I Timothy 2:12.  The New Testament makes it clear that administration is a man’s calling.  Early church leaders were called elders and deacons.  Qualifications required these offices to be held by men.

I Timothy 2:13-15, Paul gives two reasons why the woman cannot scripturally usurp authority over the man.  First, woman was not created to be independent; second, the woman had been the first to give place to sin.

The man’s role at the church and home is not just a badge of honor; it is a mantle of responsibility.  Men make a mistake when they think that their headship makes them far superior to women.  God has set the guidelines for men and women.  God loves men and women equally.   Each are called to different tasks..

In a “His” magazine interview, Elizabeth Elliott made an interesting point.  “Positions of leadership in the church are not rewards of competence alone.  They are not earned or assigned purely on the basis of ability.  They are assigned sovereignly by God.  Those who take positions of authority in the church must be ordained of God.”  Do not be misled by secular arguments that the Scriptures are influenced by cultural bias—God’s Word is inspired and adaptable to all ages and both sexes. 

III.  Christian Women and Women’s Rights  - A consecrated Attitude

Satisfaction in God’s Work comes not from title or position but from faithfulness in service.  Since apostolic times, women have found fulfillment in the church.  Examples such as, “ Phebe” of Romans 16:1; Mary, Martha and the certain women of Luke 8.  These women found honor in faithfulness and effective service.  Paul mentions Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persia, Eudias, and Syntyche as “fellow workers in the Lord.” 

The gifts and insights of women can help and encourage the Christian men in leadership roles.  Women are powerful in witnessing and in prayer partnership.  They are excellent teachers.

The world has it ideas of who should lead the church.  Those who do not understand the Bible will wave banners of “new equality.”  They minimize and rationalize.  The true Christian understands that God’s teachings are correct and unbiased.    

In spite of all our relief and national and international relief programs, the poor are still among us.  The battle of poverty goes on and on.  Most of us, however, are among the prosperous.  What should Christians do regarding the poverty of so many others?

The latest Census Bureau data indicates that one in every ten Americans are considered poor.  Overseas, the conditions are even worse.  “The World Food Council tells us that a third of the children in the world die of malnutrition and disease before they have five birthdays.”   Time Magazine     The Chicago Tribune report states, “each year 100,000 children go blind because of lack of vitamin A in their diets.” 

I.  Why do we have the poor?

The Bible seems to say that God allows the poor among us to test our compassion for our fellow men.    Our response to the suffering and inhumanity of others reveals our true Christian spirit.

Some have wrongly assumed that to be poor is a sign of God’s disfavor.  This is not true for God loves the poor and hears their cries.  He sees and judges those who wrong them.  Psalms 14:6.

The Word teaches us that God will bless those who reach out to help the poor.  Psalms 41:1.  On the other hand, we invite God’s judgment if we ignore the needs of the poor.  Proverbs 21:13.  We, as Christians, have a duty and obligation to help those in poverty.

II.  How can we help the poor?  

There are many different views of helping the poor.  The Government contends that we should find a way to redistribute wealth and thus wipe out ALL poverty.  The Christian principle suggests that we share.   The Scripture does not indicate that we can or should change the world’s economic structure.  Jesus clearly taught that poverty exists in this present evil world....”ye have the poor with you always,” Mark 14.

Christ’s ministry to the poor was one of genuine compassion.  He would say (on the Sermon on the Mount), “when, not if.”  Christian compassion should be exemplified without glory or fanfare.  Sharing of self demands a realization of the needs to others. 

Anyone willing to work was assured of food to feed their family.  The Old Testament story of Ruth and Naomi portrays both women working in the fields to gather gleanings, which was deliberately left for them.  In the New Testament, the duty of giving alms was acknowledged and encouraged.  Jesus often spoke of giving to the poor.

Widows without family support were cared for by the church, as read in Acts 6:1 and I Timothy 5:9, 16.  Paul mentions the poor in Galatians 2:10...”that we should remember the poor.”  Christian congregations have always been God’s channel of mercy to the poor.

III.  Why should we help the poor?

First, the presence of the poor prompts us to exercise compassion.  We are truly selfish and self-centered when we think only of our needs.  I John 3:17

Second, the presence of the poor gives us opportunity to prove that Christ has touched our hearts and made it new.  Old sin nature prompts us to look the other way and ignore the pleads of others.  Compassion is an evidence of an inner work of grace.  James spoke of faith and works.  Our acts are proof of faith.

Third,   the poor give Christians an opportunity to lay up heavenly treasures...Proverbs 19:17 and James 2:15-16.

Fourth,   there is a practical side to helping the poor.  The church is to be a haven for those in its congregation who lack food and housing, who are suffering sickness, financial hardship, lack of clothing and medical care for their children. 

Expect a blessing when you help the poor.  Jesus said, “Freely ye have received, freely give.”  Our first obligation is to share the Bread of Life - salvation.  We cannot withhold the Bread of
Sustenance to those with genuine need. 

We are commanded to be Good Samaritans.