Abortion Provider Murdered at Church

WICHITA, Kansas — Dr. George Tiller, a Kansas doctor whose clinic received national attention for performing late-term abortions, was shot to death at  his Wichita church on Sunday.

“Members of the congregation who were inside the sanctuary at the time of the shooting were being kept inside the church by police,” the Wichita Eagle reported, “and those arriving were being ushered into the parking lot.”

Media reports said the suspected killer fled the scene in a blue Taurus. Police described him as a white male in his 50s or 60s.

Tiller has been among the few U.S. physicians performing late-term abortion, making him a favored target of anti-abortion protesters. He testified that he and his family have suffered years of harassment and threats. His clinic was the site of the 1991 “Summer of Mercy” protests marked by mass demonstrations and arrests. His clinic was bombed in 1985, and an abortion opponent shot him in both arms in 1993.

See:

George Tiller Killed: Abortion Doctor Shot At Church

Prominent Abortion Provider Murdered at Church

Suspect arrested in connection with slaying of abortion provider George Tiller

Two decades of arson, bombs and murder

The Ascension: Taken up in Glory

Message by Kevin Daly from Messianic Good News

‘Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory’ (1 Timothy 3:16)

Forty days after Jesus suffered and died as the prophets foretold, and was raised again bodily, he gave parting instructions to his disciples and was taken up before their eyes into heaven:

‘After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight’ (Acts 1:9)

At this time two messengers appeared in white and brought them the well-known consolation:

‘”Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”‘ (Acts 1:11)

This text is often presented as proof that Jesus will return in human likeness, to dwell once more among mortal men and to commence at that time a millennial reign from an earthly throne.

In contrast with this idea, we learn from Scripture that the same Jesus who once ‘appeared in a body’ was ‘taken up in glory’ (1 Tim 3:16) and is now ‘exalted to the highest place’ so that every knee, whether in heaven, on earth or under the earth, should bow, and every tongue confess Him as Lord (Phil. 2: 9-11).

When Christian Love Grows Cold, Evil Flourishes

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1 John 4:20

Someone asked the question on a Christian board I use to frequent some years back: What is the biggest sign to you, we are living in the last days?

My answer then is the same as it is today–cold love.

Someone asked me then, ‘do you mean love growing cold?, and I replied yes and no…to me there is a difference, a slight one, but still a difference. Cold love is a type of love which masquerades as the Real McCoy but it is not. The comparison which comes to mind would be the type of love many of the Pharisees possessed: on the surface they loved the law but underneath they had little or no love for the people: as a result they had no real love for God.

Its predominantly found only in religious circles, and today its an epidemic within the Church of Jesus Christ. Its part of the last day apostasy.

Paul Proctor touches on the correlation between love grown cold and evil in his newest commentary today:

When Christian Love Grows Cold, Evil Flourishes

One of the biggest challenges for Christians today in our cruel and sadistic world is resisting the urge to abandon love for justice. But, love for God and one’s neighbor, being the greatest of the commandments, underscores our call and duty as followers of Jesus Christ to not take vengeance for an injury or injustice inflicted upon us or return evil for evil regardless of the opportunity or circumstance.

It’s one thing to defend – it’s quite another to attack.

Count the Cost

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?” Luke 14:28

Ponder, my soul, over this very striking image of your Lord’s, concerning the divine life. The picture of a builder is most aptly chosen; for the Christian builder is building for eternity. And the figure of a warrior, which our Lord also joins to it, is no less so, for the battle is for life, and that life is eternal.

Have you counted the cost? Is the foundation-stone, which God hath laid in Zion, the rock on which you are building?

Pause and examine. Be the cost what it may; the loss of earthly friends; the parting with every worldly pursuit; the scorn, contempt, and derision of all mankind; indeed, the loss of life itself: if these come in the way of competition, are you ready to give them all up?-When you has answered these inquiries, go on, and see that your foundation be really fixed on Christ.

If so, it must have been previously sought for, by digging deep into the natural state in which you were born. Jesus must have been first determined to be most essentially necessary, and most essentially precious, before the spiritual building of the soul was made to rest upon him. And, when found, unless the whole of the building rest entirely upon him, it will, as a column out of its centre, still totter.

Oh! it is blessed to make Christ the all in all of the spiritual temple; blessed to make him the first in point of order; blessed to make him the first in point of strength, to support and bear the weight of the whole building; blessed to make him the grand cement, to unite and keep together, in one harmonious proportion and regularity, every part of the building; and blessed to bring forth the top-stone of the building, by his strength and glory, crying, “Grace, grace unto it.”

Precious Jesus! May it be found that I have so sat down, counted the cost, and formed my whole plan, in your strength, and to your praise; that whatever oppositions, like the Tobiahs and Sanballats of old, I may meet with in the work, I may feel the sweetness and encouragement of that blessed Scripture, and exult with the prophet: “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!” Zech 4:7

• From “The Poor Man’s Portions” by Robert Hawker (1753-1827)

Home Bible Study Story: Real Persecution Or….?

Since hearing about this news item over the last couple days (Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit) and following the internet firestorm its ignited on Christian blogs and news sites, I didn’t feel any urge to comment on it because there were so few facts.

To be honest I still don’t know what to think. Something just didn’t  ‘set’ right for me to call it Christian persecution with so little known, and I still don’t feel comfortable calling it persecution now. Perhaps as more facts come out publicly, if indeed they do, it will be seen in that light: I don’t know.

Tonight I see a few Christian bloggers have some extended thoughts on this, so wanted to post the links.

• From IMonk: What’s Really Going On In San Diego?

A few years ago, I posted a story here at IM about a church that refused to do a funeral for a guy, and it was pitched in the media as a mean church refusing to do the funeral of a homosexual. I posted, ranted…..and then found out a few more facts.

The story was quite different than my first impression. Of course, the beauty of the internet is you don’t have to know anything to post in the blogosphere. Just how to type. Not how to check sources, get perspective, etc.

So I’ve been waiting to hear the other side of the San Diego Bible Study story. If you haven’t heard this one, you can find the story here at San Diego Channel 10. Check the videos.

Let me suggest that you google the phrase “San Diego Bible Study” and note the pages and pages of Christians and conservatives turning this story into one of the biggest viral news stories of the year. (rest here)

• Also at, The Church of Jesus Christ: Can you really believe everything you read? The San Diego House Church

The Good Dr. West reported this story earlier this week (Here). Unfortunately, not everyone was as skeptical as Dr. West seemingly was. The Blogosphere is aflame with the report now, but shouldn’t we be worried about a few things? (more here)

A recent news item from the San Diego News had this to say:

County Official Defends Home Bible Study Citation: County Official Claims Home Bible Study Citation Was Not An Attack On Religious Activity

SAN DIEGO — A local pastor is outraged because he says the county wants to shut down his Bible study group, but the county says he has it all wrong.

Jones said he has been hosting weekly Bible studies in his Bonita home for the past five years, but it wasn’t until last month that someone complained about the sessions and county code enforcement went out to investigate.

Every Tuesday night about 15 people drive to Jones’ Bonita home to eat dinner and discuss the Bible. They usually park on Jones’ property, he said, but sometimes that parking spills out into the cul-de-sac. Last month, someone filed a complaint about the number of cars. (more here)

My only reason for posting about this now is I think we need to be careful and know our facts before yelling ‘persecution!”… This story had very few facts known or investigated by Fox News before they began airing it as “Christian Persecution in San Diego!“.

When we immediately go off the deep end, as can be seen by a few of the comments posted related to this story:

Christians are being persecuted.
Home Bible studies are being fined or stopped.
Of course, this is Obama’s America.
The end is near.

It serves no purpose. (by the way, those came from IMonks post). I also wonder what we’ll do when real life or death persecution arrives.

In the end if this is revealed as being a clear cut case of illegal persecution, I hope the news of it gets spread far and wide, and the pastor is totally vindicated; but if it turns out its not, but only a case of neighbors complaining about ‘parking’ or some local violation being broken, … well….

just musing…

Adviser Wants to Replace All Legal ‘Marriages’ with ‘Civil Licenses’

This caught my attention because of a discussion a few friends and I had on the topic of marriage some time ago. One of my friends possesses a lot of knowledge on the history of marriage before government became involved, and shared some of it with us;  It was quite interesting. For instance, that marriage many times was just a private agreement or contract (sometimes, but not always, with one or both families involved) between the man and woman; but no license was needed so government wasn’t involved at all.

The 2 parties, if Christians, believed the only requirement was this agreement was to be avowed to in the sight of God. (These were recognized by Churches back then, as binding–as binding as a “legal” marriage today)

Of course we don’t do that anymore–now it must be ‘legal’ with a State issued license, etc.

What do you think of the professors idea? I’m not sure…

quote..

A top constitutional law professor told CNSNews.com that he would like to see “marriage” replaced in the legal sense with a neutral “civil license.”

“As awkward as it may be, I think the way to untie the state from this problem is to create a new terminology that they would apply to everyone–straight or gay-call it a ‘civil license,’ said Douglas Kmiec, a law professor at Pepperdine University..

“The net effect of that, would be to turn over–quite appropriately, it seems to me, the concept of marriage to churches and a church understanding,” Kmiec said.

Around the world, Churches seek to bring peace in Palestine, Israel

Around the world next week, churches will take part in a wide range of activities to help end the 60-year conflict between Palestinians and Israel.

Seminary students in Brazil will debate the conflict over the holy land, while Canadian, Australian, Scottish, Norwegian, British and French citizens contact their lawmakers as part of an effort led by World Council of Churches to pray, educate and advocate for peace between the two long-time foes.

This year’s events for World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, June 4-10, will focus particularly on Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory, which is illegal under international law.

In Scotland, parishioners, parliamentarians and a Palestinian legislator plan to meet for an advocacy event in Edinburgh where they will have to walk around a full-sized image of the Wall, a barrier that divides the West Bank from Israel, before entering the church.

During that week, peace prayers will be read aloud near settlements, at demolished homes, at checkpoints, in refugee camps, and in parishes and schools in the West Bank and Gaza. WCC invites individuals and congregations to send personal prayers for peace to Bethlehem via email.

Other countries that will be holding events for World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel include the Philippines, South Africa, Ireland and the United States. (full story at CPost)

Is Mary the ‘Coredemptrix’ of humanity?

Of course not, but one group seems to believe a recent statement by the Pope was a sign that the Pope has gotten closer to;

“granting their wish for a new dogma on Mary’s contribution to human salvation”

When reading stuff like this I always think ‘poor Mary’… who no doubt would be appalled to know that so many see her in this role today.

Pew Forum:

VATICAN CITY — When Pope Benedict XVI told a crowd in St. Peter’s Square in April that the Virgin Mary “silently followed her son Jesus to Calvary, taking part with great suffering in his sacrifice, thus cooperating in the mystery of redemption and becoming mother of all believers,” most listeners probably heard nothing remarkable in the statement.

After all, devotion to Mary is a pervasive element of the Catholic faith, and one of the features that most clearly distinguishes it from Protestantism.

Yet for one group of devotees, Benedict’s statement was a milestone — a sign that he had moved one step closer to granting their wish for a new dogma on Mary’s contribution to human salvation.

At least 7 million Catholics from more than 170 countries, including hundreds of bishops and cardinals, have reportedly signed petitions urging the pope to proclaim Mary “the Spiritual Mother of All Humanity, the coredemptrix with Jesus the redeemer, mediatrix of all graces with Jesus the one mediator, and advocate with Jesus Christ on behalf of the human race.”

In other words, the Virgin Mary — though always subordinate to and dependent on the will of Christ — plays an active, unique and irreplaceable role in helping her son deliver mankind from sin and death.

Proponents say that such a statement would represent the culmination of the church’s traditional teaching on Jesus’ mother, and bring the world untold spiritual and material benefits. (more here)

With a Heavy Heart…

Last week I was contacted concerning this matter, but prayerfully waited before saying anything. Today Steve Lumbley at Apostasy Watch has posted on this disturbing, and what has been a confusing matter, so I decided to share the link.

It’s with a heavy heart I do this..

Apostasy Watch: Massive deception perpetrated by Dave Norris and Spiritual Pathways Ministry

Pray for all involved..

Be Prepared for What We’ll Harvest

I don’t want to get into another debate on the subject of torture, but this article echos some of the very thoughts I’ve had in recent weeks, concerning the many Christians in America who approve it’s practice. Harvest wasn’t the exact term which has come to mind during this time of personal pondering, but sowing and reaping, similar terms, have been on my mind. Christian or non Christian, the sun shines and it rains on both, and we do reap what we sow.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7

You may think that can never apply to Christians, but can’t it?

If Christians resist and ignore God’s word and the teachings of Jesus found through out the 4 Gospels, (concerning any issue) won’t our infinite, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent Holy God see this as mocking Him and his Son? Its something I’ve pondered.

When God spoke to Israel through the Prophet Ezekiel, he said:

“According to their way I will do to them, and according to their own judgments I will judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD.” – Ezekiel 7:27b

That is God’s justice and his judgment upon those who refuse to hear or obey: they will reap what they sow.

Jesus also taught in Matthew 7:12:

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

That’s not directed to just the lost folks, Jesus directed that truth to everyone.

When we sow good seed we reap ‘good’ things–but we shouldn’t deceive ourselves, for when we, the Church in America, sow bad seed which produces a crop of rebellion against the teachings of Christ, we will reap the results.

I’m  no prophet, just a simple Christian, but I have a strong hunch we (the Church in America) are going to reap some very bad things in the future for the unbiblical vocal stand so many believers and Churches have taken on this one issue. While I may not be here to see it, judgment is coming to this Nation, and we know God’s judgment will begin in “the house of the Lord”…that’s us, for we are His temple.

“Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.” Job 4:8

From Ethics Daily:

What did you learn about torture growing up in the church? Thinking back, I recall that going to church involved a lot of sitting still and being quiet. I did not like to sit still nor did I like being quiet. I cannot remember if I described the sitting still and being quiet as torture, but I might have.

When it was time to sing a hymn, you got to stand up, but you still could not move around. All you could do was sing the hymn. I am pretty sure that whoever was standing next to me while I was singing would have described that as torture.

Pentecost: Wind and Fire

Only yesterday did I jot down a reminder that this Sunday (the 31st) is Pentecost.

Lee Grady posted somewhat of an interesting commentary on the topic: Wind and Fire: The Double Portion of Pentecost.

The genuine power of the Holy Spirit is not just about miracles—we must also embrace holiness.

Very few evangelical Christians today observe the traditional church calendar. Sure, we know when to celebrate Christmas and Easter, but more obscure holidays like Epiphany or All Saints Day have long been forgotten—usually because we consider them “too Catholic.”

But we have a strange way of treating Pentecost, which happens to fall this year on May 31. Even those of us who wear the Pentecostal label rarely commemorate it, either because we forget to count the weeks after Easter or because we don’t place any importance on a date that gets lost…

That’s odd when you consider that the Apostle Paul and the early disciples attached great significance to Pentecost.

Clement: (God) will begin appearing as He did to Abraham, plus…

O’ brother…

Kim Clement: May 22, 2009 – San Jose, CA

I am telling you as a prophet this is a time in the history of mankind, of the church, that men shall look back and say “do you remember that day in the month of May of 2009?”  No, I’m not being over dramatic.

God said, as in the days of Eli, the heavens were closed.  But because of the presence of Samuel, a prophetic revival, the windows opened wide.  For there is a revelation coming to the church and people shall walk in revelation knowledge and they will no longer walk in historical knowledge only but in revelation knowledge.  In other words, I the Lord will reveal myself. I will appear myself as I appeared to Abraham, as I appeared to Jacob.  There will be appearances that shall be tangible in your homes, in your churches.

God said, I’m about to reveal myself and revelation knowledge shall change the status of sin… The revelation of God shall change the status of sin, for God says, in the presence of revelation sin does not have the same status as it does in the absence of revelation….God is about to reveal Himself in strange ways, they shall call it absurd, but his revelation, his appearances, him revealing himself shall change the status of sin in the church. (more here)

George Barna, “Twinkle twinkle little bat”

Last month I posted on George Barna, (of the Barna Group/Institute) and his latest book, The Seven Faith Tribes, titling it Down the Rabbit Hole: Barna, America’s “Faith Tribes” Can Restore Nation.

I still believe the Rabbit Hole expression fits what he is attempting to promote in his book: many religious (and non religion groups) coming together to ‘restore’ America.

Would I believe its ‘out there’ for secular org.’s or non-Christians to promote this type of unity? No. But coming from one who claims to be an Evangelical, leads Church  seminars,  speaks at ministry conferences, has taught at seminaries, and has been a pastor, (see here) I see it as promoting ecumenism which is apostasy.

“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?” 2 Cor. 6:14-15

The title of this post, which includes words from the nonsensical ode or poem uttered by The Mad Hatter, “Twinkle Twinkle little bat” exemplifies the insane premise behind the ideas he promotes in his 7 Faith Tribes book. His ideas are ‘Mad utterings’ coming from one who claims to be a Christian. I felt this more so after reading his latest article today.

Barna: Casual Christians and the Future of America

quote..

In a wide-ranging discussion about the state of faith in America, veteran researcher George Barna recently addressed questions raised by his new book, The Seven Faith Tribes: Who They Are, What They Believe, and Why They Matter. In that book, Barna outlines seven diverse faith segments, profiling their lifestyles, religious beliefs and practices, values and life goals. The seven tribes include Casual Christians, Captive Christians, Mormons, Jews, Pantheists, Muslims and Skeptics.

“American Patriot’s Bible” Draws Strong Criticism

The newest American Bible appears to have its critics. What say you?

Ethics Daily:

Christian publishing giant Thomas Nelson has released a new Bible with nationalistic facts, quotations and pictures scattered throughout scriptures. Called The American Patriot’s Bible, it was edited by Richard G. Lee, a former president of the Pastors’ Conference of the Southern Baptist Convention.

“Within this special edition of The American Patriot’s Bible, you will find a great volume of both information and inspiration revealing the ‘strong cord’ of the Bible’s influence that runs through the colorful fabric of our nation’s past and present,” Lee wrote in a promotion for the publication.

“Joining with the sacred text are stories of American heroes, quotations from many of America’s greatest thinkers and beautiful illustrations that present the rich heritage and tremendous future of our nation. If you love America and the Scriptures, you will treasure this Bible.”

However, The American Patriot’s Bible is not without its critics, who charge that the publication promotes idolatry…

Drop Kick Me Todd

Youtube’s Local Pastor is back at it. His newest clip had me laughing out loud at the song choice; a tune which unfortunately, was a favorite here on local C&W stations at one time.

“We remember how it started and how it ended. Thanks to Rick Joyner’s Morningstar madness we will soon see Todd and his new, young wife on a platform near you”

Sunday morning in megachurch America: The American Idol minor leagues

AHAHAH, now I KNOW I need to go to bed. I saw this breaking news headline at Israel’s Haaretz news: “Queen considering Jewish `American Idol` runner-up Lambert as front man”, and thought it was referring to “THE” Queen of England.  I spent 15 minutes searching the internet wondering what in the world Queen Elizabeth wanted him to ‘front’, before I realized it was referring to the old rock band ‘Queen’. (I need sleeeeep)

Anyway while doing this crazy nonsensical search I did come across a very interesting article on the uproar this weeks American Idol choice is causing.

From Get Religion: Ghosts in the Idol finale

quote..

I am not an American Idol fan and have not seen a single minute of this year’s pop-machinery-industrial festival. I love music way too much to watch.

However, I am enjoying watching the media meltdown over the surprise winner and part of me wants to shout to the mainstream reporters, as opposed to commentators: JUST REPORT AND WRITE THE RELIGION ANGLE AND GET IT OVER WITH.

Conservative Radio Host “Mancow” Muller Gets Waterboarded

Erich “Mancow” Muller, a Chicago-based conservative radio host, recently decided to silence critics of waterboarding once and for all.

He would undergo the procedure himself, and then he would be able to confidently convince others that it is not, in fact, torture.

It didn’t turn out that way. “Mancow,” in fact, lasted just six or seven seconds before crying foul. “I wanted to prove it wasn’t torture,” Mancow said.

The upshot? “It is way worse than I thought it would be, and that’s no joke,” Mancow told listeners. “It is such an odd feeling to have water poured down your nose with your head back…It was instantaneous…and I don’t want to say this: absolutely torture.” “Absolutely. I mean that’s drowning,” he added later. “It is the feeling of drowning.”

Video HERE and HERE

There is a soul—I saw hers depart

There’s a local internet news source, The Examiner, in my area, and tonight I received an email update on a story concerning Todd Bentley. After checking it out I saw it just contained the same old stuff, so decided not to post it; (I’m actually tired of posting about him). Anyway, while there I browsed around and came upon this interesting short item.

When reading accounts like this, or similar ones pertaining to one passing from this world to the next, other accounts [some from within my own family] come to mind. My Dad”s was probably the most ‘dramatic’.

He had suffered with Alzheimer’s the last yrs of his life, and during his  last few months no longer spoke or recognized anyone. Looking back it was that, not seeing any recognition in his eyes, I know was the hardest on my mother. 

Right before she left here some years later, I saw that same look when sitting in her hospital room as she looked at me one day. Unless its happened to you, its hard to explain how it makes you feel. Its both horrible and frightening.

Anyway, what occurred was an hour or so before Dad passed away [at home] the doctor had been called and was there in the bedroom with Dad, along with a representative from hospice and my Mom. Some short time later, the doctor pronounced that my Dad was gone.

After some minutes had passed (after this pronouncement) my Dad suddenly opened his eyes; and though he didn’t speak his eyes began to search the room, finally coming to stop upon his wife of over 50 years, my Mom: He looked her straight in the eyes and smiled, with what she later said was the most beautiful joy-filled smile she had ever seen. She said she knew at that moment, without a doubt he ‘knew her’–he recognized her. Needless to say the doctor and hospice worker were surprised — they were speechless and frozen to the spot. No one moved. After less then a minute he closed his eyes (again) and was gone.

I share that to ask why…

There are instances when at the passing of someone, we will hear of such unusual occurrences. Not always, not even often, but often enough to know these things do happen on occasion. And I’ve always wondered ‘why’. (I will say any instances I’ve been personally involved in or been told about, always pertained to those who were born again-saved).

Angels sensed in the room, sometimes even seen, (or beautiful singing heard), heavenly ‘aromas’ sensed, etc etc. All by those present. And on occasion those leaving this world suddenly shouting for joy or praising God, or describing to those around them what they are seeing: heavenly beings, even heaven itself!

Is it for us, those left behind at their bedsides, that God permits these rare peeks behind the spiritual curtain? Or could it be in some instances, we that are standing around the bedside of a child of God who is leaving, are so in tune [at that moment] with the Spirit of God that our fleshly blinders fall temporarily away, leaving us acutely aware of the Spiritual realm…

I don’t know–perhaps its both or perhaps there is some other reason.

Enough of my musing..

From Cincinnati Examiner, There is a soul—I saw hers depart:

She had suffered with the disease throughout her brief life, though she made the disease suffer her joy in birthday parties, her friends’ Sweet Sixteen galas, and, above all, her adoration of her parents and younger brother.  She even pulled her disease through her makeover of her regular hospital room into a welcoming and colorful social center for pals, clergy, and soulful nurses—who administered IV’s while laughing quietly at her pranks and racy drawings.

Pamela’s under-developed lungs were drowning and she knew, she really knew, that she would never see the age of 21.  Cystic fibrosis is unforgiving, cruel, random, and harrowing.  She was born with it and that was that.

Power & Pride…plus…

This was mailed out today by Andrew Strom, (RevivalSchool.com). Original Source, Biblical Awakening blogspot

POLITICS, POWER & PRIDE: How American Evangelicals Lost the Culture War and the Way Forward From Here.

Evangelicals may finally be realizing that political activism is not the path to preserving the Christian character and culture of America. After 30 years of the Moral Majority, the Christian Coalition and the religious right, America, last November, elected what are probably the most liberal president and congress in its history. Since that time 5 states have legalized homosexual marriage and others are poised to follow suit.

Chuck Schumer, the influential, liberal senator from New York, gleefully declared that, “All this talk about family and traditional values is a thing of the past.” In the midst of all this, Dr. James Dobson, whom many would consider the most prominent voice of the religious right, solemnly announced, “We (evangelical Christians) have lost the culture war.”

Although this turn of events is disturbing for evangelical Christians, this could be the starting point for a national awakening unto God; but only if we admit our failures and turn from the notion that we can change America by our own efforts, political or otherwise.

We (Evangelicals) Have Been Wrong

Please understand that I am not suggesting that we should not be good citizens and participate in the political process; nor am I suggesting that God does not call some to civil service and statesmanship. But I am convinced that evangelical Christians in America crossed the line in trying to change America through political activism. We thought that if we could get enough Christians elected to Congress and elect a Christian president that we would preserve our Christian culture. Instead, politics, power and pride became characteristic of American evangelicalism, rather than prayer, compassion, humility and spiritual power.

God Will Not Ride in, on Either an Elephant or a Donkey

Hopefully, some are beginning to realize that God’s purposes for America will not be realized through a political process or political party. As Dr. Tony Evans once said, “God will not ride into our midst on either an elephant (symbol of the Republican party) or a donkey (symbol of the Democrat party).”

In seeking a political solution to our spiritual problems we, as evangelical Christians, identified ourselves with a particular political party and, thereby, alienated ourselves from over half of the American populace. This is not good! Neither Jesus nor the earliest Christians identified themselves with any of the many political parties that were operative in their day; but, instead, preached a transcendent government or kingdom of God that would transform individuals (and thereby society) from within. We need to take a closer look at the New Testament in this area and adjust our thinking accordingly.

Lost in the Pews: Charo Washer’s Testimony

This is an amazing testimony. I hope you will take the time to listen…

Right away a little book I read many years ago came to mind–’Lost in the Pews’. I don’t recall who wrote it now but what the author said has stayed with me: the fact that as many as half (or more) of regular Church goers are lost.

They attend Church, perhaps from the time they were children, are involved in Church programs, teach bible classes, and live moral up-right lives, but have become anesthetized to the Gospel. They have never met Jesus. They have never been saved.

Charo Washer’s Testimony – Paul Washer’s Wife

After serving for 12 years as a missionary the Lord shed His grace on Charo and saved her soul in 2004. She was listening to her husband, Paul Washer, preach on examining yourself.

Also check out the Face2Face page, where you will find a clip of Paul Washer’s sermon on Examining Yourself, plus a series of excellent messages from Midnight Cry Ministry.

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” 2Cor.13:5

Transport in the Spirit, and Supernatural Teeth Whitening

What can I say? Nothing which hasn’t already been said.

The latest from Patricia King and Joshua Mills:

Transport in the Spirit, and Supernatural Teeth Whitening!

This week I want to honor a dear friend of ours, Joshua Mills. Joshua and his wife Janet move in a depth of the supernatural like few ministers, and they make that realm accessible to others! The videos below we are featuring this week are a great place to start.

Two of the 3 videos: 

Joshua Mills – Supernatural Teeth Whitening

Joshua Mills – Transported to China

Kim Clement, “Stand in Awe as I Reveal in the Next Few Months…”

I tell you the truth–I never know what this guy is saying. He speaks in such prophetic riddles that anyone could read ‘any thing’ into his words.

Prophesied on April 24, 2009, in Ashtabula, Ohio

The Spirit of the Lord says, “There are people watching from all over this nation. They have mocked and they have ridiculed the Christ that you serve. I’m about to break forth and prove something. Even as I spoke to Simon Peter and told him to launch out into the deep for a great catch, there is a great catch that is about to take place; it is not in the shallow waters and it is not in the nighttime, but it is in the daytime when it is an inappropriate time for catching fish.

The Intelligence Update “Cover Sheet Fiasco”

I first caught this story over at the church of jesus christ blog yesterday morning; (Biblical Quotes Said to Adorn Pentagon Reports (Re: Religious War) and then watched a number of reports on the topic last night.

Listening to the comments coming from news anchors and the usual talking-heads, left me feeling sorry for George W. Bush.

I understand he was the President and the buck stopped with him concerning the Iraqi war, but I always wondered if  some of those around him used their position[s] and knowledge of his faith, (whether you believe his faith is misguided or not) to promote their own agendas.

I watched a PBS Special some time back on the long-standing close relationship between Cheney and Rumsfeld. It left me disturbed and actually kind of spooked. Watching Cheney making the rounds on Political talk shows recently, reminded me of the PBS program.

Anyway, the story in this case is concerning the cover sheets for daily secret intelligence reports, sometimes delivered to Bush by Rumsfeld during the early days of the Iraqi war. Did you happen to see any of them?

Here is one: (more can be viewed at the link within the article below)

After looking at some of these its easier to understand why this war took on the air of being a ‘holy crusade’ by  many people within the White House, in particular, the President himself. What he didn’t realize, apparently, was by promoting this as a ‘holy war’ or crusade, he was guilty of the same misguided belief held by the terrorists;  that of a holy war or Jihad all in the name of God.

In an article by Robert Draper (AND HE SHALL BE JUDGED) he stated:

The Scripture-adorned cover sheets illustrate one specific complaint I heard again and again: that Rumsfeld’s tactics — such as playing a religious angle with the president — often ran counter to sound decision-making and could, occasionally, compromise the administration’s best interests. In the case of the sheets, publicly flaunting his own religious views was not at all the SecDef’s style — “Rumsfeld was old-fashioned that way,” Shaffer acknowledged when I contacted him about the briefings — but it was decidedly Bush’s style, and Rumsfeld likely saw the Scriptures as a way of making a personal connection with a president who frequently quoted the Bible.

Get Religion has a good post up on this: Better to stick with“Hang in there, baby”

quote…

Have you heard? GQ has the images, people, the proof of just how outrageous the Bush years were, the stuff that’s going to blow the lid on all the pious hypocrisy that was the Global War on Terrorism.

I speak, of course, not about the photos of interrogation (and possible torture) that President Obama has decided against releasing, but about 11 cover sheets to the Worldwide Intelligence Update that feature Bible verses combined with images from the early days of the Iraq war. GQ.com’s exclusive slideshow of the covers runs under the gloating headline “Onward, Christian Soldiers!”

GQ never explains the urgency of publishing these images now — as wars continue in both Afghanistan and Iraq — except perhaps the eternally righteous cause of looking back in anger on the Bush administration.

The cover sheets cannot be defended as good exegesis, or even as creative application of Scripture. Applying Isaiah’s words of “Here am I, send me” to a photo of soldiers armed for combat is an unsettling misappropriation of the prophet. (full article here)

She’s Dying

I want to share a link sent out by Desiring God blog this evening.

She’s Dying

Rachel Barkley is a 37 year-old wife and mother of two who is dying of cancer. She only has weeks to live…On March 4, she addressed 600 women and in 55 minutes delivered one of the most God-centered, honest, moving, and beautiful messages I have heard.

Check out Rachel’s website (Death is Not Dying) where you can watch or download the video and audio. You will not regret the 55 minutes.

**

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” – Philippians 1:21

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. (For we walk by faith, not by sight) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him” – 2 Corinthians 5: 1-9

What Was Jesus Like?

I hope Michael Spencer (IMonk) doesn’t become upset with me, but I want to post a big portion of one of his posts from 08, iMonk 101: What Was Jesus Like?. (you can read it all at the link)

His words echo so much of what I have been pondering over in my heart the past 2 years; that being, I don’t see Jesus…the Jesus of the bible, represented by attitude, word and deed, in many things the body of Christ does, says, or represents today.

And just so you know, I’m not exempting myself.

This is where it became personal. For my pondering began (first) with me.

I was first led to examine my own perceptions of who Jesus was and is, and to hold those perceptions up to the mirror of truth, side by side, with the real Jesus and his teachings. I was taken aback at just how much I had “changed” him by my wrong perceptions of what he would do, how he would react, what his attitude would be, etc. concerning people and/or specific issues. It was a shock to realize I had given him characteristics and traits he does not have and NEVER HAD!

He had become, in many ways, a worldly Jesus. 

PS- Its surprising how different we begin to see people, issues, etc, once we begin to see them through the teachings of Christ…

Anyway, enough musing. I pray the small message below will not only bless you–but give you something to ponder on as well…

quote..

Mark 3:20 Then he went home, and the crowd gathered again, so that they could not even eat. And when his family heard it, they went out to seize him, for they were saying, “He is out of his mind.”….

Mark 3:31-35 And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers* are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.”

Most Christians aren’t like Jesus.

Should we even try to be? Isn’t that impossible?

None of us can be like Jesus perfectly, but the Gospel of the Kingdom calls Jesus’ disciples to hear his call and set the goal and direction of their lives to be like him. For a follower of Jesus, Paul’s words of “follow me as I follow Christ,” are translated simply, “follow Christ in every way possible.”

Ghandi said “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.” He’s far from the only one to have made that observation, and those critics aren’t holding anyone to a standard of perfection. They are simply looking for enough congruence that the claim to be a follower of Jesus makes sense.

Christians have gotten very good at explaining why they really shouldn’t be expected to be like Christ. At various points, these explanations are true. At other points, they start sounding like winners in a competition for absurdist doublespeak.

Perhaps many Christians don’t resemble Jesus because they don’t really know what Jesus was like. Or- more likely- they assume Jesus was very much like themselves, only a bit more religious.

Getting our bearings on being like Jesus will start with something very important: discarding our assumption that our personal and collective picture of Jesus is accurate.

The Poor Man’s Portion

“Sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind.”- read Luke 8:26-39

From “The Poor Man’s Portions” by Robert Hawker

“Look at this man, my soul, and see whether you can find any resemblance to yourself. Before he heard the voice of Jesus, he was under the possession of the evil spirit. It is said of him that he wore no clothes. He dwelled in no house, but abode among the tombs. He was cutting himself with stones. No man could tame him, neither fetters nor chains bind him. Poor miserable creature!

And yet, my soul, was not this a true picture of your state, and indeed, of every man’s state by nature? Had not Satan full possession of your heart and affections, my soul, before you became savingly acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ? Did he not lead you in the pursuit and gratification of your lusts and pleasure at his will?

You might truly be said to wear no clothes; for you were so far from having on the garment of Jesus’ righteousness. In those days of your unregenerate life, you were living in the shame of your nakedness and in the filth of your nature. You did not dwell in the house of God, nor even delight to go in. And, just as this poor creature lived among the dead, so you lived with creatures like yourself, dead in trespasses and sins.

And as this miserable man was wounding himself with stones, so were you; for your daily commission of sin was giving wounds to your soul, infinitely more alarming than the wounds he gave his body. And could no chains or fetters be found strong enough to bind him? So neither did all the solemn commands and threatening judgments of God’s holy law act with the least restraint upon your ungoverned passions.

Pause, my soul, over the portrait, and acknowledge how accurate and striking the similarity. Then ask yourself, are you now sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in your right mind? Yes!

Like this poor man, have you heard the voice of Jesus, and felt the power of his grace in your heart? If one like the Son of God has set you free, brought you to his fold, opened your ear to discipline, and your heart to grace, then you are free indeed.

What do you say, my soul, to these things? Is there this change, this blessed change, from dead works to serving the living and true God? Oh then will not the language of your heart be like Jesus, and his church of old?

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isa 61:10)