More on Proposition 8

I was watching a news channel yesterday that had call-ins for those either for or against Proposition 8 here in California. By the time I was irked enough to call they were done but it did lead me to put in one place some of the arguments we should be using as all too often those for 8 do not truly express the issues very clearly just as those on the “No” side often express their side using terms that are not applicable. So here are some of the usual “No on 8” objections and the at least some possible answers, I have touched on this some here, here and here:

1) Objection: This is a civil rights issue:
Answer: As much as people want to make this a civil rights issue it is not. Homosexuals have the same rights as heterosexuals and that is to marry someone of the opposite sex within the parameters of the law; age limits, number of spouses and one cannot marry a relative. Also see number 9 below.

2) Objection: Why can a law stop one from marrying someone they love
Answer: The law does not deal with love so that becomes a non-issue. If this is pushed then simply, and most homosexuals do not like to go here, use the extreme examples of those that have behavior that even many homosexuals find offensive such as men and young boys, someone marrying their relatives, multiple wives or any number of other examples of what happens when love becomes the arbiter of marriage. What needs to be stressed is this is not about love but about what is defined as marriage, hence the reason for Proposition 8. Marriage has been defined as the union of one man and one woman from the beginning of time and that is also why the specifics would not be in the constitution, because it was assumed.

3) Objection: The vote was close enough to not be a mandate
Answer: If this is so then we should protest the election of Barak Obama because the popular vote, percentage wise, for Obama was virtually the same as it was for Proposition 8.

4) Objection: Homosexuals just want the same rights as others and that is the only agenda
Answer: While an individual homosexual may believe this if one is to look at the national scene the agenda is much bigger. Go to any parade that is used to promote the homosexual agenda and you will see all sorts of debauchery. If you were to look at any of the literature put out you would also see there is a much bigger agenda than simply to “be married.” The destruction of the family, by redefining it, is very important to the leaders of this movement

5) Objection: God is a god of love so he (small letters used here on purpose because they are not speaking of the God of the Bible) would want them to be married
Answer: If they are going to use the bible or use the word “god” hey need to define what they are speaking of. If they desire to use the bible they need to use all of it. So you can simply turn to Genesis 1 and 2 and see God’s design for marriage. You can also turn to many other places to see God’s views on homosexuality (Gen 18:20; Lev 18:22 & 20:13; 1 cor 6:9; 1 Tim 1:10 to name some of the places this is referenced) . It is also good to stress that while God is love this does not detract from his other attributes such as those of justice, righteousness, wrath are all active at the same time He is the God of wrath.

6) Objection: Homosexual relationships are more loving that heterosexual ones just look at the divorce rate among heterosexuals
Answer: Touche, we as a people of God do need to repent, that the church has a divorce rate that is parallel to the world is an abomination. We need to realize that God hates homosexuality but He also hates divorce (Mal 2:16) so we do need to repent. We also need to repent of other sexual sins such as pornography that pervades the professing church. This said the sin of others does not make sin right. Simply because many who profess, I say profess because I do not know, to be believers sin does not make the sin of others acceptable to God. Key here is to accept the responsibility we have to repent and not avoid the issue but at the same time make it clear that the churches culpability does not make homosexuality acceptable.

7) Objection: Who has the right to legislate morality
Answer: This is one of the big objections when a law is passed that deals with moral issues. But the truth is that any law or even not having a law speaks on morality. To say that homosexual union, I cannot use the word marriage as I see it as defined by God, is OK is a moral declaration just as much as saying is not acceptable is a moral declaration. All too often the claims to “legislating morality” are leveled when ones own moral convictions, or lack of convictions, are put into questions. Always remember that any law or lack of a law speaks to morality in some manner.

(Points #8 and #9 added 11/12/08)

8) Objection: California law does not call for teachers to teach on marriage
Answer: A close reading of the Education Code Section 51933 will show that this is playing with semantics. What the Education code says is the following:

"51933. (a) School districts may provide comprehensive sexual health
education, consisting of age-appropriate instruction, in any
kindergarten to grade 12, inclusive, using instructors trained in the
appropriate courses.
(b) A school district that elects to offer comprehensive sexual
health education pursuant to subdivision (a), whether taught by
school district personnel or outside consultants, shall satisfy all
of the following criteria:

(7) Instruction and materials shall teach respect for marriage and
committed relationships. "

So if a school is to teach on sex education, interesting that they put teaching on marriage under the heading, they have, “shall satisfy all of the following criteria”, to teach all of the other sections such as section 7. Thus is marriage is redefined they will be teaching marriage between homosexuals is fine. (you can read this for yourself here). Also interesting if you read the News10 article of a month ago that the teachers union has given $1 million diretily to “no on 8” and another $250,000 indirectly:

"SACRAMENTO, CA - Teachers are responding to news that California's largest teacher's union has given another $1 million to defeat a ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage.
The contribution recorded Tuesday makes the California Teachers Association the largest institutional donor to the No on 8 campaign. CTA also gave $250,000 in August to Equality for All, a coalition of gay advocacy and civil rights groups opposing Proposition 8. "


9) Objection: This is about equal access to the same rights as married couples (this is very much like #1 and I probaly should have combined them but I have heard this claim both ways)
Answer: While I may disagree with this as I see it as the having been the opening of the flood gates homosexual domestic partnerships do have equal rights in California. You can read Family Code Sections 297 - 297.5 for yourself but section 297.5 reads:

"297.5. (a) Registered domestic partners shall have the same rights,
protections, and benefits, and shall be subject to the same
responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law, whether they
derive from statutes, administrative regulations, court rules,
government policies, common law, or any other provisions or sources
of law, as are granted to and imposed upon spouses. "

And there is much more than just point "a" so you need to read this for yourself.

(Update 11/18/08) It would seem that Elton John would agree that this is not a civil rights issue. He says:

"You get the same equal rights that we do when we have a civil partnership. Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships."


Those are some of the things I hear and answers I see as valid and acceptable responses. If I think of others I may add them later. We need to make sure that we combat the claims of hate with the understanding that true hate would allow others to wallow in their sin. True love is to be used by God to open others eyes to the sin they are in so they can repent from it. This is true of any sin not just homosexuality so we do show love by seeking to make sure mankind understands God’s definitions of such things as marriage.

Review of The Second Mayflower

I have just finished reading Kevin Swanson’s new book, The Second Mayflower. This is a book that every Christians should read. It will probably anger some, encourage others and inspire even more but it needs to be read. In light of all that has transpired in the last year this book was truly prophetic.

As a nation, from the perspective of believers, things may appear bleak but this is not new for believers. The first travelers on the Mayflower faced persecution and tyranny and sought freedom to worship as God desired them to worship. As the name of the book reflects it is now time to prepare for a Second Mayflower. This will not happen overnight and may take generations but people need to begin preparing for the journey now, not later.

The book basically starts by letting us see the future that is before us. Then the book looks at the first Mayflower and what drove the people that started this nation to desire to leave the place they were in. This is important as while history may not repeat itself exactly it is important to look at so we learn lessons and see how others have responded to the situations they are placed in. Not to mention that the Puritans are one of those groups from history that are well know for their reliance on scripture for their decisions and actions. Next, the book looks at the state of our country because all to often those in a country such as ours need to have their eyes opened because we get so comfortable that we do not even realize the tyranny we are under. Mr. Swanson then moves on to describe the birth of the Second Mayflower and then deals with the preparations its participants need to make. Lastly, the book looks at the vision and course those that seek to change the world will need to take.

The following are some short insights from each chapter in the book:

Chapter 1: The Future of a Civilization
Civilization has moved from faith to humanism and while there was a small “stream of God-centered theology” in the 16th century the general move has been towards humanism and I think any honest assessment of America today would say that that is where we are now. Swanson asks the following question of churches today: “Do we have the commitment of the Puritans and Pilgrims in our churches today?” On first blush I would have to say no and the large number of professing believers who voted for the president elect would say as much.

Chapter 2: The First Mayflower
This chapter looks at the foundations of this nation 400 years ago that came with those on the first Mayflower. What we need to ask ourselves and future generations is can we reclaim the biblical ideals that drove them. They had a desire to be a city on a hill can we too seek to be that city. Also pointed out is how the Puritans and Pilgrims had a healthy acceptance of God’s law as the standard for human ethics so that they were well grounded and not reliant on the humanistic relativism we are reliant on as a nation today. Also shown in the Interlude between chapters was the move towards antinomianism, a replacement of revealed law by natural law, a misuse of the God’s law that helped drive people from it and lastly a move from faith and works as coexisting.

Chapter 3: The Rising Tyranny
In this the longest chapter Kevin Swanson sets out to show that we do live in a nation of tyranny. I would have never seen this myself until Kevin opened my eyes to the state of things. At issue is that the tyranny we presently experience is not of the uncomfortable nature that many experience but it is never the less tyranny. This chapter begins with two quotes that say much and need to be heeded:

“Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants” – William Penn
“Either you will be ruled by God, or by God you will be ruled” – Benjamin Franklin

One of the points made in this chapter is that tyranny is inevitable with an immoral people and as a nation we are just that. This chapter is full of eye opening examples that if you are like me may have not realized existed or simply may have not equated with the tyranny they represent.

Chapter 4: Casting a Vision for the Second Mayflower
To move forward with a Second Mayflower there needs to be an adequate vision to sustain the move in the midst of the trials and persecution that it will undergo. The book reveals that the vision needs to, among other things, aim for a reverence for the lawgiver, sound the cry for reformation, recognize God as the standard for all good but most importantly the vision needs to see the real need as a changed heart.

Chapter 5: The Birth of the Second Mayflower
In this chapter the subject is how this Second Mayflower was birthed. This birth is a result of some seeking to return to God’s word as the source of all that we understand. Kevin even puts Henry Morris’ Genesis Flood as instrumental as it sought to interpret the world around us by God’s word. This was instrumental as it began to create a move back to a distinctly Christian worldview. So the birth of the Mayflower has started but has much distance to go and it will have to start with families and the church. It will take work and that is the point of chapter 6.

Chapter 6: Making Preparations for the Voyage
This chapter helps us to see that this movement will not just happen but needs to start not at the level of the church but at home. Kevin says, “In a biblical framework, the family and the church are the key social units. The humanist, on the other hand, see both as irrelevant and works for their minimization or total elimination.” This should be eye opening in light of the socialist/humanistic nature this country has taken as their mantra. Also part of this preparation is the training of our children that it is not the masses that change things but a few that stand uncompromisingly for what is right. We need to not only prepare ourselves but also our children and the generations to follow.

Chapter 7: Charting the Course
In this chapter Swanson sets out the course before us. This course may include all or some of the following: Verbal Resistance, Civil Disobedience, Flight or even Civil Conflict. The course will depend on the reactions by the world around those on the Second Mayflower. These options are described biblically and not just as ideas so that our course is not by man’s invention but by God’s guidance.

Chapter 8: The New World
In setting course some may ask where the Second Mayflower would go and it would seem that the options are few as the US is still one of the most free in the world today, this may change. The point, I think, is not where we are to go if that is necessary but that we are prepared, or have prepared generations to come, to go or stay as God leads. That no matter where one is the principles of the Second Mayflower would be evident.

Chapter 9: Setting Sail
It is not so much about a destination but as related in the book an ideology. In this last chapter Kevin gives five elements of the “city on a hill” we should desire to be:
1) The reunification of the family and the decentralization of business.
2) The reempowerment of the family in discipleship (education), care for elderly parents, and inheritance
3) The reviving of church relationships, god-centered worship, and a healthy diaconate
4) The decentralization of civil government
5) The application of God’s law to family, civil government, economics, education and culture.

As I said before this is a book that every Christian should read and I pray you will do so.

Proposition 8 Protests

I was thinking this morning about the No on Proposition 8 protestors, here in California, that are doing so because they did not get their way. It is interesting that we so easily accept these protests but what if those that disliked the fact that Barak Obama was elected went out and protested what would people say. .

Proposition 8 won in California by a margin of a little over 507,000 votes (52.4% - 47.6%) and that in a state that voted 60.9% to 37.3% for Barak Obama, that says a lot. If you compare this to the US vote total in the popular vote Barak Obama, based on numbers I have seen, won 52.3% to 46.3% in the popular vote nationwide. If the No on Proposition 8 voters feel slighted and do not feel the people have spoken what would happen if nationally people protested and said the same about the general election for our new president.

I do understand the feeling the other side has in their loss but that does not necessitate a protest. That is unless their agenda is much more than simply to be married and they have a much bigger agenda. As I said in my last post you need to watch the documentary by the Gunn Brothers, Shaky Town to see that agenda and the passion they have to see it fulfilled. Before Proposition 8 won it was clear that if it did win the fight wasn’t over and it is not.

The Documentary - Shaky Town

I just got done watching the documentary Shaky Town by the Gunn Brothers and it was very good. With all that has transpired and is transpiring regarding Proposition 8 in California it is eye opening to see all that has gone on in California in the last year or so. I live in Southern California and because the press is very one sided I had not know all of the things that have taken place in San Francisco. I would recommend this movie to anyone so that you can see that the homosexual community has an agenda and so should we. Our agenda is to be driven by god as revealed in His word. To defend marriage is not just to defend a word but it is to stand up for what God has ordained form the beginning.

This is not just an issue for California but for the rest of the United States. Even now there are protests in the streets against the passage of Proposition 8 but I would have to say the press, whether purposefully or not, is giving a biased view of things. The protests shown on TV are in areas with; in general, large homosexual communities and the numbers relative to the actual population of California are small. However they are vocal and the picture the press gives is one that would appear not quite what it is. But do not think that homosexual community will sit back, just watch the DVD and you will see this issue will not go away until we stand up for God’s word as diligently as they stand up for their opinions.

You can download Shaky Town from Behemoth.com for only $4.95 and it is well worth it. You can also buy it from the Gunn Brothers for $18 if you want the actual DVD. One note is that this documentary is not for little children and maybe even not for those under 13 as it does deal with issues of a sexual nature that young minds may not be ready for. But parents need to see this documentary.



From the Gunn Brothers:

SAN FRANCISCO IS A SHAKY TOWN IN A SHAKY NATION
The Gunn Brothers take you to Shaky Town to show you a history of Christian persecution including fire bomb attacks, threats, legal assaults, and now, more recently, a mayor who attacks the Christian institution of marriage.


You'll hear testimonies from Christian Heroes involved in a front-line battle against immorality in the so-called “tolerant” city. You'll also see real video footage of Christian churches in San Francisco being attacked by violent groups of homosexuals. So be warned, this movie is not for the faint-hearted!

Around the Web and Blogosphere (11/5/08) – Post Election Edition

Here are some post election comments, in no particular order:

The Brown Family at Ketocton Baptists: Will Christians Learn the Lesson?

Doug Phillips: Message to America: Christians Can Make a Difference When They Unite in a Principled Cause That Upholds the Law of God

Voddie Baucham: Is it Over?

Albert Mohler: America Has Chosen a President

Scott Brown: Life Under Barack - Build Holy Families and Holy Churches

Jasmine Baucham at Joyfully Home: A ”Change We Can be Thrilled About

C.S. Hayden's Blog: Words of wisdom for Barack Obama, a day after his electoral victory

America You Have Your Savior – Now What?

America has spoken, as a whole, and they have said their savior is Barak Obama and the Government. As I watched the election results come in it was obvious that America can be bought. All a politician has to do is to whisper sweet nothings in the ears of the American people and offer them free stuff and they will clamber to the voting booth to sell their soul. It was simply that Obama offered more free things to the voters than McCain and the result was a victory for government subsidized (translated redistribution of wealth) handouts.

What do believers do now? Well first we need to pray for the new leaders, all of them no matter their party, as the word of God calls us to in 1 Tim 2:1-4. We need to pray for the salvation of Barak Obama and that he will be the new person (2 Cor 5:17) that only God can make. Paul was a leader that persecuted Christians and he was radically changed, God can do the same for Barak Obama and those that are leading with him.

Next we need to regain a grounding in the word of God rather than everything but the word of God. We need to see His word as not only true but sufficient. I would pray that when the next election comes around we are not arguing over what parts of scripture we can ignore, or reinterpret, so as to get “our guy” in but are so grounded in scripture that when a candidate whispers sweet nothings in our ears (2 Tim 4:3-4), and it is in large part nothing, we do not fall all over ourselves to jump on their band wagon. But that we would instead weigh all things by the never changing, and I mean never changing, word of God and leave that as the final arbiter of what we believe and do.

This needs to start now and it requires a return to God’s law and not man’s. It requires a determination to stand firm in the word of God no matter the consequences. It will be difficult but nothing of great value is gained by taking the easy road. The Puritans faced a stiff challenge and suffered greatly but they were so firmly grounded in God’s word that they knew they could do not other.

I have mentioned this before, but I have been reading Kevin Swanson’s new book The Second Mayflower and it speaks to times such as this. I am hoping to get a review of the book done by next week but if you want to read a truly prophetic book with all that has happened in the last few months pick this book up. It will be uncomfortable for many but that is what we need, to be uncomfortable. For me and far too many others we have become comfortable and as the pilgrims we are called to be in this world comfort is not our calling. Let us seek to follow the only true savior and to do so by His revealed word.

Around the Web and Blogosphere (11/04/08) - Election Day Edition

Doug Phillips in his blog post: Maxims of Christ's Servant Standing Before the Political Parties of America give good insight on this election day, gives a great overview on how we should vote as believers. Here is part of what he says:

When I step into the ballot box I am there representing the Lord Jesus. This means that I am bound by the standards He has established in His Word for the selection of leaders, and am not to be motivated and directed by my own private opinions or fears. I stand alone before God and am personally responsible to Him for the choices I make. I am not responsible for the sinful choices of those who may not be committed to representing the Lord in the ballot box, or who will not be governed by His transcendent standards. I would rather honor the Lord than win an election. I recognize that my obedience will have more to do with God’s blessing on this nation, regardless of an election outcome, than my man-centered efforts at political victory. Ultimately, however, I believe in victory. I do so because I serve the God who not only owns the cattle on a thousand hills, but who will vanquish his opponents in His time and in His way. As Christ’s servant standing before the political parties of America, I am content to know this, to trust Him and to be faithful.


Also from Mr. Philips: Five Things Which Are No Different About This Election from All Other Presidential Elections in Our History
1. God is still on the throne.
2. The Scriptures are still the only rule of action for Christians.
3. The duty of believers at the ballot box is the same today as it has always been. We may only select leaders who meet the Scriptural requirements for civil magistrate. Leaders need not be perfect, but they must be qualified.
4. The obedient response of the elect of God to the Lord Jesus Christ and His law-word, not partisan politics or the results of presidential elections, is the key to national blessing.
5. The results of the presidential election, regardless of who wins, will work together for the good of the elect of God.



Voddie Baucham speaks to our call to vote in his post: Now Go Vote. With regards to all he has written he says: I want to help Christians THINK BIBLICALLY when it comes to politics.
I cannot agree more as that is exactly what we need to do, THINK BIBLICALLY



Albert Mohler asks for us to pray this election day in his post: A Prayer for America on Election Day, and pray we should.



Here is some good insight from Steve Camp on the times we are in: Facing Perilous times: ….reacting biblically to the disintegration of our culture. No matter the results today God is still God and He is still sovereign. Lets us live as such.



Listen to Kevin Swanson’s radio show Generations Radio: Who You Gonna Vote for?

Who Shall We Serve

I heard it said that it was not all too long ago that in our nation it was common place for a pastor to speak to an upcoming election the Sunday before the election. In checking the internet I found that from the early 1600’s to the 1800’s it was common place for a sermon to be given that had as a focus that of giving biblical perspective on the voting process and God’s part in it. So this past Lord’s Day I preached such a sermon: Who Shall We Serve. I used Joshua 24:14-18 as sort of a base for the sermon because we are not only to claim we serve God but to do so in action and that starts by relying on His all sufficient word. All too many Christians at this time of year seem to be relying on pragmatics rather then scripture in their voting decisions. To add to this there is fear that Christians should not have since we above all should realize that the God we serve is sovereign over the outcome of any election and thus while we are to be diligent in voting as God leads, by His word, we at the same time need to know that God’s will will be done.

My prayer is that we realize that scripture is sufficient to guide our decisions and that we would display that we do serve God by relying on Him and His revealed word for the actions we take. At the end of the day on Tuesday night, Wednesday morning or whenever the winner is announced God will still be on His throne and we will still be citizens of His kingdom.

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.

Demographic Winter

Charley at HomeDisciplingDad has a link to a new documentary called Demographic Winter:the decline of the human family. As far as I can tell this is not a movie produced by Christians but is one that simply looks at the data and sees that the decline of the family is the decline of western society.

What is sad, if you watch the videos trailer, is that it is not just the mindset of secular society, that denigrates family, it is also that of professing believers. While many may profess a care for family, lifestyle often says more about ones beliefs than words.

I encourage you to watch the trailer as even one of the speakers relates how the trends that are being observed are hard to absorb by those, such as him, that have been brought up with the teachings of Thomas Malthus and Charles Darwin. Again this revels that mans wisdom is not wisdom at all but folly. As Charley related: “And don't you hate it when we as a society will suffer for having ignored Him and His laws....”

Semper Reformanda Conference – Family Integrated Church Conference 2008

Just a reminder about the conference being hosted by Grace Family Baptist Church in Houston Texas next month. My family and I went last year and it was well worth the trip. If you need more information about the 2nd Annual Family Integrated Church Conference October 10-12, 2008 in Houston, Texas you can go to the church website here.



"This is a great conference for church leaders and people of influence in the church if they desire to move their church toward family-integration!

This is a great conference for those desiring to plant a new family-integrated church! Gather all the families you can to give them the vision for what they are about to undertake.

If you are part of a family integrated church, come for some encouragement and equipping!

If you desire to see your family transformed, come join us!

If you have a passion to see families transformed, we will see you here!

Spread the word. Reformation will happen one person at a time, one family at a time, one church at a time."

Family Integrated Church – 1 Year Later

It has been a little over a year since we, by the grace of God, started Sovereign Grace Christian Fellowship. We have seen God temporarily bring one family from Tennessee as they cared for the husband’s mother and they will soon return home but it has been a blessing to fellowship with them in the time God has had them here. Another family started coming and has recently left to move to Alabama. One of the families that had been at SGCF since the beginning left two months ago due to God’s leading them to move back east. We have recently had a new family begin to come regularly as well as a few visitors which has all been a joy. God has been working in our midst and that is all that we can ask.

In the midst of this it has led me to review a few things. First of those was to rid myself of one of the less than ideal things that seminary had left me with, even though I would not have thought it did. That issue is the idea that numbers reflects success and God’s blessing. I have never believed this and I do not know if those teaching in seminary intentionally spoke this way but the sentiment still was underlying much of what was taught. So in starting a church I have had to fight back the thoughts of whether this is what God desired after a year and not being larger than we were a year ago. I have had to repent of this way of thinking. As we went through Hebrews and I preached on contentment and also read Jeremiah Burroughs’ The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment God revealed that to truly be content is not to seek out more but to seek out God and His will and design. So, while my desire is for more families to come and worship with us I am content where God has me at this time. This does not diminish my zeal and desire to help others realize the great joy in worshiping God multigenerationaly but allows me not to look at things from a faulty man centered perspective but to look at things from God’s perspective.

I have noticed some other things that do not directly relate to our church start but invlove the model of worshiping multigenerationaly. I may write more on these at a later date but for now here are some things I have noticed:

- While I understand that the term Family Integrated Church is not owned by anyone so people may, and do, define it as they see fit it is a wonder to me why people use this term when they are not what I would consider family integrated. I don’t know the reason one would use the term at all as it is not the draw, at least in our area, that would make it seem a desirable term if one was not truly family integrated.

- I have talked to a number of people who seem to see the biblical aspect of worshiping multigenerationaly but struggle with actually doing it. More often than not the struggle these families have revolves around children sitting still during a service. My encouragement to those parents is that we all have to start somewhere and sometime if we are going to raise children to worship with everyone else. The truth is that, at least in our church, the children will initially bother the parents more than the others that attend. The mindset that worship needs to be controlled so as to be of worth to the adults, thus the removal of children, is hard to change. It is once we realize our coming together is first and foremost for Him, and not us, that minds will be changed to see what I think is true worship, multigenerational worship.

- As I look around the internet I am amazed at the number of people that seem to see only one thing when it comes to Family Integrated worship. While there are probably churches that may overly focus on families that is not necessarily the case for all. But that said there is a focus on families and especially fathers leading families for the simple reason the church has neglected this aspect of God’s plan for His people right along with the cultures neglect of this aspect of life. Teaching biblically to those that are obedient to His word, leads to life changes that may be seen in larger families, revised views of education, and corrected understandings of family order. This is not because of an over focus on families but is instead a result of biblical teaching that does not negate families.

These are just a few things I have observed but it has at the same time helped me to see that being a church that truly worships multigenerationaly is a church that pleases God. One can have the correct model of gathering and still be displeasing to God so do not get me wrong worshiping multigenerationaly is much bigger than just who sits in the chairs. It is also about preaching of the word, about equipping people and about believers being able to live in a manner that glorifies God.

Bolton on the Law

I am currently reading Samuel Bolton’s book The True Bounds of Christian Freedom, thanks to the Puritan Reading Challenge. What a great book this is as it deals with the often thorny issue of the law and how we are to interact with it as believers. I am about a third of the way done and it has already been a blessing in that it is helping me refine how to respond to those that do not see the law as applicable to the believer.

He begins with explaining how we are truly free from the law in a number of ways and then moves into how we are to relate to the law in a real and meaningful way that most glorifies God. I have more to read but I will leave you with a great quote that in many ways is how I have always viewed the law but had not thought to word it just as Bolton does. Bolton speaks of keeping the “law subservient to the Gospel” while it is the Gospel that enables us to be obedient to the law. Here is his quote:

“The law sends us to the Gospel for our justification; The Gospel sends us to the law to frame our way of life” (pg 72)

Around the Web and Blogosphere (9/15/08)

Well I am sure glad the Church of England feels a need to apologize to Darwin. In the article: Church of England to apologise to Darwin, it says that “Senior church officials will post the apology in the form of an article written by the Reverend Dr Malcolm Brown on the church's website.” Dr. Brown also said “there was nothing incompatible between Darwin's scientific theories and Christian teaching.” Hmm, I wonder what bible he is reading, probably the one that many in the church read today, the one containing simply ideas, opinions and suggestions from God. When scripture is minimized to the whims of the world statements such Mr. Brown’s are the only direction one can go.


Joel McDurmon at American Vision has a good post on the “Fannie Mae” and “Freddie Mac” issues. Not only is the state going to take over it does so at the expense of the people. Both in the mortgages it acquires and funding through taxes it uses to acquire those mortgages. I understand the crisis that would come if all of the bad loans were foreclosed on but this whole issue reveals that there is little responsibility taken by banks for offering bad loans and people for taking them. In the end it is those that wisely stayed away from the unwise loans who pay the price.


Paul Vaughn comments on Voddie Baucham’s appearance on CNN: Commentary on Voddie’s Segment on CNN


Scott Brown links to an article that reveals a feminists view of the Republican VP candidates type of feminism. It is insightful to read the article. Here is a quote from the Salon article:

“Conservative though she may be, I felt that Palin represented an explosion of a brand new style of muscular American feminism. At her startling debut on that day, she was combining male and female qualities in ways that I have never seen before. And she was somehow able to seem simultaneously reassuringly traditional and gung-ho futurist. In terms of redefining the persona for female authority and leadership, Palin has made the biggest step forward in feminism since Madonna channeled the dominatrix persona of high-glam Marlene Dietrich and rammed pro-sex, pro-beauty feminism down the throats of the prissy, victim-mongering, philistine feminist establishment.”

More Thoughts From Voddie

Below are links to the last few articles by Voddie Baucham as they are as thought provoking as ever. Whether you agree with Voddie or not it is worthwhile to contemplate his thoughts and answer the questions he raises.

What if Palin was a………..

A Spoonful of Sugar

How Evangelicals Could Win An Election And Lose The Culture

Some final thoughts, sort of, on the up coming election

This will be my last observation on the whole issue surrounding Mrs. Palin, well until I write on it again.

First, I find it interesting in that in all the conversation about her being qualified as a woman, from a biblical perspective, Mr. McCain has avoided the serious scrutiny he deserves. Yes, at the Saddleback Forum he gave the answers we as Evangelicals wanted to hear but does he have the convictions to back them up? Does his record show that he will stick by the answers he provided at Saddleback when the times get tough? I think the Mrs. Palin question is a very important one but it should not detract from discerning if Mr. McCain is qualified from a biblical perspective. A running mate whether male or female does not necessarily change the presidential candidate and so we do need to scrutinize Mr. McCain as much as we do Mr. Obama.

Next, in the many articles being written about the biblical stance on women serving as “civil magistrates” I find it interesting that men I look up to and in many ways seek council from have differing opinions and answers to the question. I pray that this discourse would remain civil and that the goal should be to find the biblical answer and not to win a debate. There is an answer so let us not take the postmodern approach which tends to see an impasse as saying we cannot know the answer so lets not deal with it or even take the pragmatic approach. I still look up to the men that may disagree with my personal take on this but it should be remembered that at the end of the day we are to be held responsible, before God, for our vote and our decisions not the men that help us make those decisions. Yes they do have to answer to God for their leading but that does not negate my, our, responsibility.

Also, I find it appalling the way some have framed the vote for McCain/Palin or you will be voting for Obama/Biden statement. Some calling those who may not vote or vote third party as cowards or worse. This is not a Christian attitude to take towards ones personal decisions of which the individual has to answer to God not those that try and intimidate someone to their side. At the end of the day when the votes are cast and life goes on, for better or worse, we need to be able to stand before our almighty God and be able to give an answer, a biblical answer, for the way we choose. Some may disagree with that answer and even the vote that is cast but it is not the great number of people that out of, I guess fear, find a need to try and intimidate people to vote as they would like them to vote. Giving a reasoned defense, whether correct or not, is not a problem but when it takes a personal turn is where things seem to fall apart.

So my encouragement is to take all of scripture, I mean all and not those favorite verses we may have, and weigh the candidates by His word. Do not weigh them by the times or by the culture or by who speaks best or any other number of things that seem to be peoples standards but by the inerrant, infallible word of God that in 2 Tim 3:16-17 says all of it is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. Then when it is time to vote do so by your biblical principles that you have diligently studied and prayed about. I again share this great quote:

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." -- John Quincy Adams

(Updated 9/11/08)
I meant to add one other item last night. There has been much talk about having a women to rule over men is a curse (Is 3:12). Many have simply jumped on the fact that we do have a dearth of men to lead as they should. However, that is not entirely true as there are men who can lead but for pragmatic reasons believers do not vote for them. The usual reasoning is that they cannot win in a general election which in reality is a self fulfilling prophesy since if they are not voted for they definitely will not win. For much too long Christians have been happy with less than the best, I am as guilty of this as anyone, to somehow feel we have someone in office that is “better” than the alternative. So yes we do need to see more men lead, everywhere from the home to the nation, but we as Christians need to be willing to support godly men who lead. So back to the idea of the curse of being led by women, it could be not only a result of having so few men to lead as they should but it could also be a result of believers not being willing to support those men that do step forward to lead as God would have them lead.

Now I understand that this issue of not voting for the most qualified, from a biblical standpoint, itself comes back to men as it is often a lack of leadership by men in the home that leads to families that have no true grounding in the word. So after all I have said maybe it does come back to the curse simply being that there is a lack of godly men to lead their homes and thus radically change our nation for God’s glory. Never the less if there are men that are qualified, by God’s standards, let us vote for them when election time roles around.

Government Knows Best, Hmm…..

Thanks to James McDonald for this video from an old BBC show called Yes Minister. This sounds so much like the conversations about education we have today. It would be funny except that this humor reveals the government’s view of the rights of parents to educate their children as they see fit. As usual it is the government that seems to think it knows best, boy have they done a good job:)

Around the Web and Blogosphere (9/10/08)

Here is an around the Web and Blogosphere with a political bent, what else does there seem to be this last week or so.

Albert Mohler comments on the Sarah pain nomination as VP: An Unexpected New Motherhood Debate

David Kotter at CBMW coments on the nomination: Does Sarah Palin Present a Dilemma for Complementarians? Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

A response to the two above articles: Sarah Palin and the Complementarian Compromise: A Response to Our Brothers Al Mohler and David Kotter

C.S. Hayden writes on the issue of Deborah and has other links in his post: Women Magistrates: The Case of Deborah. I think many are over using, and misusing the example, of Deborah in an attempt to find biblical support for a woman being in a position of civil authority.

Log Cabin Endorses Sen. John McCain for President; You will have to decide what this says about McCain’s views.

For those that did not think there was third choice here is the site of Chuck Baldwin. I have more prayer and reading to do so could not say one way or the other right now if I support him but there does at least appear to be a third choice. My opinion, and it is just that, is that if there is a place to put a vote it is much better to do that than not vote at all. At least by voting people see your action while when one does not vote you are simply lumped in with all those that may not vote, and never have, for no particular reason and thus ones voice is muted.

Make sure not to miss seeing Voddie on CNN in may last post

Voddie Baucham on CNN

One thing I have always admired about Voddie, along with his biblical knowledge, is that he stands by his principles and does not let the TV pundits, or supposed "evangelical" speakers, dictate his answers.

There is Fear in the Air

On further listening to people, primarily “professing” Christians, there is a real sense of fear in the up-coming elections. The primary fear is in the possibility of Mr. Obama winning the election and the ramifications both in the continued loss of life due to abortion and to the loss of income with his inevitable higher taxes to pay for all the programs he would institute. These are viable fears and would probably come to pass if he were to win the election. This fear however has seemed to spew over to cause “professing” believers to be less than charitable to those that either are contemplating not voting or voting for a third party. This is even includes being uncharitable to those that have firm biblical convictions as to why they will not vote or vote for other than the two main candidates.

It would seem that for many the fear of Obama is more real than the fear of facing God with ones reason for voting as one does. While I have my opinions on who should and who should not be voted for I think as believers we need to make sure that our votes are based on scripture not fear of man. By the way I would say scripture is much clearer on who to vote for than most give it credit.

We need to realize as believers that we have, me included, gotten ourselves in this jam by not standing on biblical principles for far to long so that politicians seem to think they can simple spout some form of religious verbiage and claim to hold to some moral grounding and we as believers like lemmings simply cast a vote for the most “Christianly” sounding candidate. This is instead of seeking out all of scripture and seeking the candidate that stands for and by His Word. This is not about seeking the perfect candidate as there is none but it is about finding the candidate that will most stand for God’s design for man, and woman, and not man’s design for himself.

As I mentioned in a previous post I am thankful to Jasmine Baucham (Voddie and Bridget’s daughter) for the following quote from John Quincy Adams in her post: O, the Political Process… May we all vote with this in mind:

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." -- John Quincy Adams

I would also recommend reading this thoughtful letter by Rebecca B. Morecraft : A Letter of Encouragement to Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin from a Sister in the Lord and the Wife of a Christian Pastor

(Updated 9/4/08 12:35 PM)
I just came across a new post by James McDonald that I would suggest reading: Voting in Faith.

Free Audiobook of the Month

This months free audiobook from ChristianAudio.com is In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. As always you simply have to sign up for a free account, if you have not already and then order the free book by using the coupon code: SEP2008

Voting and McCain’s VP Choice

With all of the banter on John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin as his VP running mate it is interesting that many have simply chosen to ignore everything and focus solely on the issue of Pro-Life. Yes, abortion is a very, very important issue but as seen in an article that is below by Voddie Baucham we have unfortunately begun to equate family values with a single issue that being abortion. So to question the “family values” of the VP candidate, by the way we are to ask these questions of all of the candidates, is something we should do and those questions and corresponding answers, whether by word or deed, need to be weighed by the Word of God. These questions include but are not limited to such things as: The candidates view of life, the place of men and women in the family, the duties of parents to their children, the candidates view of marriage and others things. The point is we should look at all candidates critically. Many have done this with Mr. Obama but since the conclusion for many is that he is not a viable candidate from a biblical perspective they have chosen to find one single issue by which to choose a candidate, being pro-life.

John Piper wrote a good article on this issue of voting based on one issue entitled: One-Issue Politics, One-Issue Marriage, and the Humane Society. In this article Piper makes a very good point that we should not vote for a particular candidate based on one issue but one issue may exclude a candidate. So it is great that Mrs. Palin supports life and that she did not abort her downs syndrome baby and that her pregnant daughter will have her baby but is this enough to vote for someone if her feminist agenda, I guess in areas other than that of life, are unbiblical? For me it is an issue as it seems to be an issue with God’s word.

This all said, it is going to be a very interesting next few months. I truly pray that we would vote not from the perspective of who we want to stop but from who we would truly desire to be president. That we would vote from a biblical perspective. As believers we should be voting for the candidate God would be most pleased with. Yes, there will be no perfect candidate and I am not proposing that but that should not negate our use of scripture to seek the candidate that meets God’ standards not ours. While I really do not want to see Obama as our next president I am more concerned about standing before God and having to answer to why I voted a certain way contrary to the precepts He has set before me in His word

By the way, do not be swayed by the faulty argument that to not vote or to vote for third party is a vote for such and such a candidate, in this case Obama. I actually saw one person claim to not vote was cowardly. Again that is not the issue as a vote is an affirmation for the one that is voted for. For far too long Christians have been used by politicians and we like lemmings simply go along fearful of the result if we do not get such and such a candidate in office but the truth is we are to trust God whether the candidate is terrible or not. At the end of the day I have to have a clear conscience before God for who I affirmed by my vote and as of now that is not very clear for me.

I also want to thank Jasmine Baucham for a quote she had on her blog, Joyful at Home.

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." -- John Quincy Adams

I would also suggest reading her post titled: Ten reasons why I don’t want to be VP when I grow up.

Below are some articles that should give food fro thought on the issues before us in the upcoming election.

1) Why Men Keep their Mouths Shut? (Scott Brown)

2) Did McCain Make a Pro-Family VP Pick (Voddie Baucham)

3) The Evangelical Two Step (Voddie Baucham)

4) Presidential Candidate Chuck Baldwin on the Pro-Abortion Record of John McCain (Doug Phillips)

5) John McCain Picks Mother of Five and Member of 'Feminists for Life' as VP Candidate (Doug Phillips)

6) Article by Bill Einwechter that Mr. Phillips mentions: Should Christians Support a Woman for the Office of Civil Magistrate?

(9/3/08) As an update I guess I should make it clear that my voting, or not voting, for John McCain is not solely based on his choice of VP running mate. I had concerns about McCain before and while the Saddleback event may have given a glimmer of hope I still have serious concerns. So, again while his choice of VP may have contributed to my final decision it will not be the sole reason for my vote in November.