New Element Found - Governmentium

This just in for election time, enjoy:

New research has led to the discovery of the heaviest element yet known to science. The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons. Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A minute amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second to take from four days to four years to complete. Governmentium has a normal half-life of 5 years; It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.

This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical level of concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass. When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.

Thanks to Wade Myers at New Venture Lab for leading me to this.

Open Letter to Apple ( and for that matter Google)

The letter below is one I recently sent to Apple with regards to their recent $100,000 donation to the “No on Proposition 8” campaign in Califonia. As they simply have a contact form I don’t know if this reached the people it needed to reach. I tired to do the same with Google who also donated a large sum of money for many of the same reasons but could not find an e-mail address. As I say below people have a right to support the cause they desire to support but truthfulness as to the reason should not be abandoned and in my opinion it has by these two companies.

Here is the letter:

I recently read about your donation to the “No on Prop 8” campaign. While you have every right to donate to whom you like I would like to bring up a few points with regards to your reasons. First and foremost this is not a civil rights issue it is instead a definitional issue. The reason it is not a civil rights issue is that homosexuals are allowed to marry the same as heterosexuals, each can marry the opposite sex. Simply because that is not ones desire doesn’t make it a civil rights issue. You cannot compare this to the issues of say blacks and their civil rights. The issue with the civil rights movement was that, minorities were not allowed to do the same things as whites and thus it was a civil rights issue, this is not the same with same-sex marriage as they can do exactly as heterosexuals.

You can not claim that simply because you can not do as you would personally like that your civil rights are being violated. In marriage even heterosexuals are limited as we cannot marry the opposite sex under a certain age no matter how we feel about them. We cannot have more than one wife and we can not marry our relatives such as sons and daughters either as there are certain restrictions in marriage but these restrictions are not civil rights violations. What those opposed to Proposition 8 are actually demanding if they, you, are truthful is a redefinition of marriage. Marriage has been defined as that between a man and women since the beginning of time and simply because one has a differing view does not necessitate a change in definition and because the definition does not change it is not a civil rights issue.

One other issue that I think has been hidden by those who oppose Proposition 8 is that same-sex couples already have rights to domestic partnerships and thus the same access to things such as insurance and such but that should not be the issue as the issue is about marriage. If the homosexual community feels it wants more benefits it needs to seek to do so through the domestic partnership route and not via the redefinition of marriage. I would guess this is not being promoted as this would then open the gates for people to see the agenda of those in opposition to 8 and that is to have their definition of marriage adopted.

So as I opened with, you have the right to oppose Proposition 8 but I would ask that you be truthful and if you truly do believe it is a civil rights issue that you would check your logic as it is faulty. Please do not portray yourselves as if you are fighting for something as noble as civil rights but instead that you desire to change definitions to meet the desires of a relatively small group with obvious power. Also please do not label those of us that desire to keep the definition of marriage as it has always been as being hateful but instead realize that we are simply fighting to not allow that which is defined not only by society as a whole but by God just as it is.

Sincerely,

Tony

Around the Web and Blogosphere (10/28/08)

Wesley Strackbein and Bob Renaud, of the Vision Forum Staff write in their article: Sen. John McCain's Position on Abortion: Setting the Record Straight about aspects of McCain’s views on abortion that haven’t really been talked about with all the focus on Obama and the economy. The conclusion is that while McCain is not at the same place as Obama on this issue he is not quite the champion of life many want him to be.


I may have linked to this before but it is worth another link. As we approach the election I encourage you to read Paul’s blog post at Vaughnshire Farm: Christianity Verses Marxism. If the points revealed do not sound like the direction we are heading listen more closely to both major candidates. One party may take us in the direction of Marxism faster than the other but make no mistake both parties are heading in the same direction.


I am in the process of reading a very timely book by Kevin Swanson: The Second Mayflower. I will be doing a review in the near future when I am completely done. But even only being half done I can tell you this is a very prophetic book when one looks at the state of the nation today.


Here are two more articles from Albert Mohler to go with two others I linked to previously
What's Really at Stake in the Gay Marriage Debate? Part Three
What's Really at Stake in the Gay Marriage Debate? Part Four


Voddie Baucham writes on the Homosexual Marriage issue in his blog post: The Homosexual marriage Debate. It so frustrating to hear the claims of those opposing Proposition 8 here in California as they are often not only false but they are, as Voddie points out, seriously flawed logically. You also need to follow the link he has to the Human Rights Campaign Equality Index if you are thinking of boycotting Apple or Google. You will quickly find if you go to the Corporate Equality Index report that it is virtually impossible to avoid a company that seeks to be friendly to the homosexual agenda.

Oct 23rd Baldwin - Nader Debate

As I do not get C-Span I could not watch it last night so I found links to videos on You Tube that someone put online so I have put them below. There are 9 of them and they are about 10 minutes each. I have watched the first two videos and there sure seems like much more was said we heard in the Obama-McCain debates.  (Update: Here is a link to the C-Span Video which is a little better quality)

Video #1


Video #2



Video #3



Video #4



Video #5



Video #6


Video #7


Video #8


Video #9

Obama and Life

Voddie Baucham writes in his article; The Culture of Death... and its Candidate:

As I have noted a number of times, I simply cannot comprehend why Christians (of any color) can support Barack Obama. As Robert George of Princeton University noted recently, “Barack Obama is the most extreme pro-abortion candidate ever to seek the office of President of the United States.” In fact, George didn’t stop there. He went on to say: “[Obama] is the most extreme pro-abortion member of the United States Senate. Indeed, he is the most extreme pro-abortion legislator ever to serve in either house of the United States Congress.”

I encourage you to read the rest of what Voddie has to say in his blog post. Also, check out these video below that Voddie has on his blog as they should make anyone, especially those of color, question why they would ever vote for such a man as Obama.

For those that say this is the reason we need to vote for John McCain that is not the purpose of this post. The point is; Why would Christians vote for Obama, which many seem to be planning on doing.

Around the Web and Blogosphere (10/19/08)

Check out the new website from Vision Forum, Behemoth.com, where you can download great media and there is also a free download everyday. So, check out the site and if you are like me make your daily drive more productive.

Albert Mohler writes: So, What's Really at Stake in the Gay Marriage Debate? Part One. He writes on a situation we here in California are very aware of and the country should also be aware of as it will effect them. (Updated 10/20) Here is the second article from Mohler: So, What's Really at Stake in the Gay Marriage Debate? Part Two

As I write this and listen to the news it is announced that Obama collected $150 Million in September, yes the one month of September, which was a record. He has raised $605 Million since the beginning of his bid for the Whitehouse. We are in a country that is supposed to be in dire economic straights and yet here is a campaign that raised funds that are extraordinary. Where is the outcry for spending such money? McCain’s fund raising is much less as he accepted Public Funds thus limiting what he can raise, a route he had asked Obama to take but he did not.

Answers in Genesis has a great video you should see with regards to Stem Cell Research as well as cloning: Cloning, Stem Cells, and the Value of Life. It is 53 minutes long but worth the viewing. It is not enough just to be against something we to know why and for believers we need to know why from a biblical perspective.

Pray for the Passage of Prop 8 In California

Coming soon to a state near you is the redefining of marriage, that is if many of those in power have their way. It is often easy to see things that happen in notoriously liberal states such as Massachusetts, California and now Connecticut but this is just the start to the agenda of those that want to redefine morals in this country.

In the last election California voted to define marriage as only between a male and female. Surprisingly California garnered 61% of the vote which for California my be considered a landslide. But the judges decide they knew better, sound familiar, and overturned this vote as unconstitutional and made homosexual marriage legal. Due to this, Prop. 8 gathered enough signatures to be placed on the ballot for this election to make a state constitutional amendment to define marriage. In an effort to at least thwart voters Jerry Brown used his state given power to reword the ballot measure, Jerry Brown Tries to Sink California Marriage Amendment, to try and reduce the votes on this proposition thus abusing his power, but what is new.

After new ads by those seeking passage of Prop. 8 came out that stressed that if this proposition is not passed schools will then be able to promote and teach on gay marriage the other side said these claims were lies. Well are they? I put a link to a clip, Vote Yes on Proposition 8, that shows the extent schools went in Massachusetts because the state claimed same sex marriage was legal and moral. But already in California we are seeing the effects of the legalization of same sex marriage. Just recently a teacher in San Francisco took her first graders to observe her marriage to her same sex partner on school time, First Graders Taken to San Francisco City Hall For Gay Wedding. This should be seen as obvious indoctrination as I am sure this class has not been taken to a traditional marriage ceremony or for that matter ceremonies of Hindu, Buddhist or any other religions marriage ceremonies. I am sure that if the class was taken out to a traditional marriage ceremony in a Christian Church the City of San Francisco and those that are promoting the immoral behavior of same sex marriage would be in an uproar. So lets not believe this is about tolerance it is about the modification of morality.

So if you live in California whatever you do get out and vote yes on Proposition 8. If you live in another state make sure you pray for passage of this proposition because if it does not pass expect the same in your state soon. Once precedent is set it begins to move quickly.

VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 8

Dr. Voddie Baucham on the Adam McManus Show

Check out: Dr. Voddie Baucham Recorded Interview about Sarah Palin on the Adam McManus Show over at Persevero.

Once again Voddie takes a stand for biblical truth over “pragmatics” and “political expediency.” I encourage you to listen to the whole interview, it is about 36 minutes long, so that you can hear all he has to say.

Christians and the Economy

Have you ever thought about how if Christians actually took scripture seriously we would probably do some harm to the way our economy presently runs. If we did not take on unneeded debt what would happen to all of the dollars, which are not really there, being spent on things that we don’t really need? What would happen to all of the businesses that rely on cash, or should I say credit, for items that really serve no eternal purpose and in reality no earthly purposes other than to fulfill some desire that should be met by God and not by stuff? Basically if we lived by the provisions of God we would live by a standard different than the world’s and that should make us look different

Our economy runs on the premise of buy now figure out how to pay later. So while there may be times one needs to enter into debt, such as for medical bills and the like, in large, most debt is not in that category. Even in buying a home, as we have seen recently, people go past their means and in reality take on more than they should. While I don’t expect any more than this from the world should we as believers not be different? Should we not seek to be actual stewards of God’s provisions instead of simply spenders of what God provides? Actually, in many instances we are presuming on God to provide in a particular manner when we go into debt. When we take on debt often we are not simply using God’s current provisions we are expecting the same or often more for the future. This mentality seems to be more about telling God what to do than relying on what He is doing.

When I watched the VP debate it was interesting to see that when asked about the “financial crisis” and its causes neither candidate could say that we the people were also to blame. Yes, Mrs. Palin said we need to, as we go forward, use our money more wisely but she as did Mr. Biden blamed everyone but the ones taking on the ridiculous loans. We are a people that feel entitled to much but as believers should we not see grace as extended to all of life and realize we are owed nothing. Should we not see what we have as a gift and use it to God’s glory and not primarily for our benefit. This is not saying one should not prosper and benefit from God’s blessings but I think that all too often our motives are prosper first give God glory later. We need to learn to be content in whatever our position as Paul was able to do in Phil 4:10-12.

I am not calling for Christians to seek to harm the economy but instead to seek to live biblically and not let the current manner of how our economy functions drive our actions. To simply say things like “debt is a way of life” or “that is just the way things are” is to accept the world’s ways instead of God’s. Let us be the pilgrim’s in this world we are called to be. I wonder if people such as the Amish are affected by the current financial situation as the average American is. If we lived within our means we would feel the crunch as the economy fluctuates but I would guess we would not feel it in the same manner others do. That is until the government and others decide that the indiscretion of some need to be shared by all.

Let us live in a manner that truly reveals contentment in God and not in “stuff.” Let us live as if we truly see scripture as not only inerrant and infallible but also sufficient for all of life. Lets us not be worried if we look different than the culture around us but instead be that which influences the culture for God’s glory.

Vote Yes on Proposition 8

If you live in California vote yes on Proposition 8 this November and if you do not please pray for its passage. Be ready to feel the repercussions, wherever you are, if this does not pass in California.

This video not only shows the issues that revolve around legalizing same sex marriage but it also shows the extent government controlled public schools will go to indoctrinate the next generation. If you did not think that it was time to remove your children from public schools you may want to reconsider.

Around the Web and Blogosphere (10/08/08)

For those interested here is a link to the bill that was just passed, HR 1424. It is my understanding that this started as a three page document, I may be wrong, but what it ended up to be was 451 pages. It is also interesting that while there is a table of contents at the beginning the table of contents of all of the extra tax exemptions that were added, to get votes, is hidden later in the document on pages 261-263, not that there were not lots of add ons before this. How is it we let the politicians in Washington get away with this sort of action? The reason for many is that they see the government as their savior and they will allow it to do as it pleases as long as they “think” they gain some benefit. As an aside it was interesting that in last nights debate there was much talk about cutting “pork” but both guys signed this “pork” laden bill.


Here is another article that looks at the bill and puts some numbers to it: Bailout bill loops in green tech, IRS snooping



Paul at Vaugnshire Farm has some good political cartoons that pretty much sum up the problems in Washington: Bailout, Pork, and Treason



Nathaniel Darnell at Persevero writes in his post, Fact or Farce? Faith or Fear? : 1) Although it might appear differently sometimes, the armies of men are never greater than the Army of God; (2) Trusting God is always better than operating out of fear of man.



Albert Mohler writes on prosperity in : Are We Promised Prosperity? At the end of the article he says:

Perhaps we all need a refresher course in Christian economics and Christian theology. Niall Ferguson argues from the record of history in looking to the current crisis. Perhaps we should remember our own history lesson -- that far more believers in Christ have been and are now among the poor, rather than among the wealthy. We should hear Jesus warn against materialism and Paul remind us that we are to be content when we have plenty and when we have little. We should know that the Christian virtue of thrift is incompatible with the lies of those who push consumer credit.

We are not promised prosperity. When we do enjoy prosperity, we should be thankful stewards -- not peddlers of our own prosperity theology

October's Free Audio Book

This month’s free audiobook from ChristianAudio.com is Charles Spurgeon’s: All of Grace (unabridged). All you have to do is sign up for a free account and then when ordering put in the following coupon code: OCT2008

Enjoy

Demographic Winter – Review

I just watched Demographic Winter and it is a very good documentary. IT is amazing that these demographers and other sociologists have seen what so many do not and that is the demise of the family. What they do see however is that it is not just that the family is not as it once was but this demise has adversely and will further adversely affect society and economics. Actually in light of the recent economics issues we face much of what was said was very timely.

There were a number of factors listed as being causes of this decline in fertility abut 5 main ones were listed. They were:

1) Divorce Revolution: The ease and acceptability of divorce has adversely affected the family and fertility rates
2) Inaccurate Assumptions: The great warning about the “population bomb” in the past and even some claims about how birth rates have negative affects on global warning were and are inaccurate but due to many blindly believing the assumptions fertility rates have dropped.
3) Women Working: This has also contributed to the decline in births and as this also tends to contribute to prosperity, it also adds to lowered fertility rates.
4) Prosperity: It is found as prosperity goes up fertility rates go down for a number of reasons but never the less it is a contributing factor to the demographic winter.
5) The Sexual Revolution: This is a great cause of the problems we face, especially in the west.

This is a good film for believers to watch as while the documentary claims that these declines are not as much an issue with people of faith we are still susceptible to them. As the church more and more looks like the world, and I would say with regards to having children this is very true, so to will we contribute to the demise of the family.

The final segment, during the credits, was interesting as the man speaking relates that he is not a man of faith but that what he has seen may lead him to faith. This is not a documentary that has a Christian worldview but their conclusions, not surprisingly, speak to God’s plan for man and His command to multiply and fill the earth.

So, while the means of coming to their conclusions are by no means biblical their conclusions speak loudly to God’s plan for the family. The world will not end any sooner than God intends and our neglect of God’s desire for the family will not thwart God’s plans but we should be encouraged when those not seeking spiritual answers are still driven to God’s design for the mankind He created.

God in the Whirlwind

Tim Ellsworth’s God in the Whirlwind: Stories of Grace from the Tornado at Union University recounts the stories of those students that experienced the EF-4 tornado with winds exceeding 200mph that ripped through Union University in Jackson Tennessee on February 5, 2008.

The forward by David Dockery, the president of Union University says much about how we should see “hope”. He said “Hope is not escapism but it is the energizing motivation for faithful living in the here and now”(pg xi). As one reads the accounts of those that experienced the devastation, yet no loss of life, of the tornado of February 5th one sees this hope exemplified. This work speaks of the providence of God in the protection of people that by all accounts should not have survived and the stories of the individuals revels this as well. Dr. Dockery in speaking on providence said, “God’s providence transcends experiences of men and women” (pg xi).

In Tim’s introduction he shares that these stories are not to lift up the ones telling them but to “exalt an magnify the God sheltered our students under His wings.” This book gives both short insights as well as longer stories of those that were intimately involved in the events of the day. Events that would indelibly reveal God to them in ways they, I would imagine, would have not contemplated the morning of the tornado. God has a way of waking us up from simply assuming His sovereignty to reveal it to us in ways we cannot imagine. The stories shared should not only effect those that were there in Jackson on February 5th but fellow believers should share in the wonder of God through the lives and stories of those touched personally by the storm. I would pray that as you read this book you do not simply file the accounts away as good illustrations but allow them to touch you in a manner that God would intend. When events such as this happen I do not believe God only wants those personally touched to be changed but that He wants the whole body to be changed. Paul’s continual use of the illustration of the people of God being a body should help us see that the experiences you read in this book should touch you as it touched the member of His kingdom many miles away.

I will for the sake of giving a flavor of the book give some thoughts found in the stories you will find in God in the Whirlwind. There are many more than these below but again these reveals the lives of believers faced with the reality of God’s sovereignty which is so often espoused but it is not truly comprehend in al that that entails.

Kevin Furniss asked the question not usually asked by those facing tragedy, why did God allow this to happen to me? But, instead he asked a question that showed an understanding of God’s sovereignty and providence by asking “Why am I still alive? (pg 13)

Danny Song said “Its not about us, It’s not about Union and especially not about me. Its just about God showing Himself to us, an in His mercy and providence, he saw fit that He would reveal His glory that night by saving us.” (31)

Through the events of the storm God revealed Himself to Chris Lean and used the event to bring Chris to faith. (35-40). God also used the tornado to bring Tori Gill’s father to faith (119-123)

God used the events of the tornado to answer Heather Martin’s questions of the validity of her faith (94)

The stories of David Wilson (49-4) and the separate story of his parents (97-102) give a vivid picture of the events of the night of February 5th, 2008 from two different perspectives. One of the victim and the others from his loved ones.

Union President David Dockery summed up for many how God used that night in February with regards to faith and theology, “It moved from theoretical to reality.” (147)

Through these and many other accounts you can easily see that it was nothing short of a miracle that, at least at Union, there was no death since the first thoughts of many was that there had to be people who died as the destruction was so devastating. But from this destruction and the miraculous saving of the students many gained a sense that God had far more for them to accomplish for His glory.

One thing that may be interesting would be to hear some of these same peoples thoughts and how this event changed their lives one year later. As pastor I love to hear how God has worked through what the world sees as “bad” events but I even more enjoy hearing how that change has impacted more than the moment but has extended much farther.

I would encourage you to read this book. I would pray that you would see God’s hand on the events of that night, not simply as a preserver. This was not an event that God only showed up to save people but it was one that He for His glory had ordained to happen to magnify His name, and in these stories it is greatly magnified.