|
RECAP NEWSLETTER - 6/24/6 Issue 49 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." There have been many times that someone tried to explain or illustrate why they have a certain twist or distortion of doctrine. Many times the argument sounds and appears logical, but the conclusion, inference, and application is completely off-base. However, it is the appearance of truth that convinces them and others. Oftentimes they will hold to their petty illustration as justification even if it goes against clear principles outlined in God's Word. This practice of false logic is what Paul was warning the Colossians about. Sophistry is a centuries-old term for a plausible but misleading or fallacious argument. That word 'sophistry' is the Greek word used in this verse by 'philosophy'. Paul was warning them that people will come about who will smooth-talk them into erring from the faith. They may sound good, their arguments may seem to make sense - but they were to beware - be on the lookout - for that which went against Scripture. In our modern times today we have a plethora of 'christian' sophists who wrangle and distort Scriptures to say what they want. By selectively reading (and not reading) Scripture, or by taking snippets from a diverse range of Bible-perversions they concoct a deceit to foist on their followers. Paul warns that some of the earmarks of such dangerous folly is the use of sophistry (false logic), argumentation through philosophy and logic, religious traditions of men, the use of psychology (rudiments of the world), and general things that are not of Christ and His Word. A modern example of this practice is the Purpose-Driven drivel. It sounds plausible. It seems logical. It seems Biblical. Yet, it does not hold up to scrutiny by God's Word. I will not go into a long discourse, but I will cite three examples of twisted logic in Rick Warren's spoiler. One of the very first sophisms that he presents in his book is on the jacket-cover - the very title: "Purpose Driven". It sounds good, but is that what Scripture says? No! It says we are not to be driven by our self, but led by the Spirit! Rom 8:13-14 makes this clear: "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Galatians 5:16-18 says, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." Rick Warren should have aptly entitled his book "Lust-Driven". Scripture says that I should have nothing to do with what I want, or what I desire, or anything that my flesh wants to do." My following God should be entirely by His Word and His direction. I have no input in the matter! Secondly, I am not purpose-driven. That is not what makes me get up in the morning and strive to do a work for God. A 'purpose' can change or fade. Ecclesiastes 12:13 is the simplest description of our life and 'purpose' here on earth: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." The whole duty of man! I should serve God not out of a sense of duty to a mission in life or a vague purpose that I contrive - no! I should strive to serve God out of a proper fear and respect for the one who died to redeem my sorry soul! I am but a wretched worm - a maggot (Job 25:6, Psalm 2:6, Isaiah 41:14). My righteousness' are as filthy rags (literally rags used during a menstrual cycle). Don't you see?! There is no work, purpose, or mission that this little maggot could do to garner God's attention! Paul correctly explains in Rom 7:24, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death"? My whole duty to God is to reverently fear and obey Him. My service, in whatever capacity, is merely an outcome from my devotion to Him. Rick Warren tries to get people to think in reverse - that your service and deeds is your fear and obedience to God. Hence you have thousands of Christians who are busy for God - without truly knowing God. You also have unsaved souls that confuse their goodwill service toward mankind and humanity as a relationship with God. Thirdly, a classic example of sophistry is his use of the forty days mantra. In order for you to buy his forty-day prescription, courses, and refills, he has to convince people that there is a patterned period of time to finding what God supposedly wants you to do. However, in virtually all of the Scriptural examples that he cites, all of them already knew what God wanted them to do, and were mostly already doing it! His argument seems to make sense until you think about them. The new testament church did not have forty-day conferences for those saved at Pentecost, Jesus did not tell his disciples to fast and pray for forty days, and how come Rick Warrens fails to mention the fact that Joseph was mourned for forty days when he died? Why? - because it would expose his sophistry (false logic). In 2 Peter 2:1-3, he describes how this same trickery was used to corrupt churches: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you..." Through covetousness - they wanted recognition, accolades, book signings, etc. To get it they will employ sophistry to twist and wrought false arguments. The end result of blind acceptance is that the people were made merchandise - they bought it - hook, line, and sinker. Fishermen use trickery to catch a fish. If a fish had any brains, he would carefully check out that fancy-looking lure before opening his mouth wide to swallow it. Yet, sadly, there are many people who have book after book by various sophists sitting on their bookshelf and coffee table. Even if it is sitting next to God's Word, they will swallow the crooked arguments over God's Word. Paul warned in 2 Corinthians 11:3 about how "the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted..." Subtilty. Too many Christians are on guard about New Age teachings, occult teachings, Satanism, etc. - but they do not scrutinize their own doctrine.
Act 17:11 "These [the Bereans] were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched
the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
QUOTES & THOUGHTS "The greatest danger to the family is not the high cost of living, it is the high cost of low living: drugs, alcohol, tobacco, lottery, immorality, television." PATRIOTISM n.. Love of one's country; the passion which aims to serve one's country, either in defending it from invasion, or protecting its rights and maintaining its laws and institutions in vigor and purity. Patriotism is the characteristic of a good citizen, the noblest passion that animates a man in the character of a citizen.---Webster's 1828 Dictionary. Notice that it does not say or imply that Patriotism is love of one's government - that is called nationalism. Our current 'government' is not real keen on maintaining its own Constitutional laws, but rather sees them as an hindrance. It is our love of country and wary skepticism of our government that best protects true freedom. "That we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." Theodore Roosevlt "Any unjustified war is mass murder." "Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth." Albert Einstein
Ten commandments for wives (bible.ca)
CURRENT EVENT RECAP The topics we are going to cover in this newsletter are: The Middle East, Sodomites, Abortion/Stem Cell, Economy, Disasters, Illegal Immigration, Counterfeit Government, Globalism, and Christianity. Luke 16:2 says, "And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward." So many times it is easy to fall in the trap of thinking that we will only have to answer to God when we get to Heaven. Not so. The decisions we make on a daily basis are often called onto the carpet for examination by God. The talents, time, and opportunities that He gives us will likely never come again. We may become so confident of our talents and abilities, only for God to allow ill health or other situations. The free gift of salvation that Christ offers was bought at a great price. Our reasonable service is to give our life, career, pursuits, mindset - our all to Christ. The Master holds His stewards accountable every day. One day soon, He will return and judge all of our works with fire. Only what's done for Christ will last. Are you ready for inspection?
Psa 33:13-15 reminds us, "The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all
the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon
all the inhabitants of the earth. THE MIDDLE EAST: God is not surprised by world events. He does not fret or wring His hands in anxiety over what we human worms are doing down here on earth. He sees each and every person and their actions. In fact, many of the 'current' events which we will examine were already foretold in Scripture that they were going to occur and multiply! Zechariah 12:2-3 foretold, "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it." Remember that this prophecy was fulfilled even though Jerusalem has been destroyed in past history. Anything that takes place in Jerusalem gets the world's attention. If it is military related, then the world trembles. The entire Middle East revolves around the tiny nation of Israel and Jerusalem. The whole world knows that Israel is the fuse for the Middle East powder keg. It is interesting to note that the Bible says those that mess with it will be "cut in pieces". Egypt and her friends found that our during the Six-Day war - Hamas, Lebanon, and Hezbollah are finding that out now. Even if events escalate to include Iran and Syria, they will not overcome Israel. One article that caught my attention the other day mentioned that Israeli Prime Minister Olmert said that he "hoped an 'eternal covenant' could soon be signed between Israel and its neighbors." If you are familiar with Bible prophecy, you know that they are looking for a singular covenant to bring peace. Daniel 9:27 foretells how the man of sin will make a covenant of peace for seven years. It is ironic that Israel is looking for a lasting, eternal covenant, but they will settle for a seven year contract. In Ezekiel 37:26, God told them that he wants to take away their sin and to make an "everlasting covenant with them". What humans will settle for when we reject God.
While time will tell how the current Middle East conflict between Israel
and Lebanon will escalate, things have passed a certain point of no
return. For many of the Israelis, the pent-up angst against
terrorists is finally giving way to an all-out attack against governments and
infrastructure that supports them. It will be hard for it to be
reigned in. It appears, too, if events continue as they are,
eventually Syria and Iran will get involved. Off course, if either
Syria or Iran get involved, Russia will get involved. Russia has
warned about the US meddling with her allies and trade partners. It
is also cautious to note that Russia is also mentioned as attacking Israel
in the last days (Ezekial 38:15). Add to
that Russia appears to be building naval ports in Tartus and Latakia,
Syria, for Russia's Black Sea Fleet when it is away from the Ukrainian
port of Sevastopol. It would also involve the installation of an air
defense system with S-300PMU-2 Favorit ballistic missiles.
Such a missile system could also defend most of Syria. Russia is very
concerned that Syria will get involved with this current conflict.
Syria is the only country outside the post-Soviet space, where Moscow
keeps its military presence. If Syria or Iran got involved, it would
be completely different than dealing with just Lebanon. Both Syria
and Iran have weaponry far more advanced than Lebanon. It would not
be a stretch to say that if Syria or Iran got involved the conflict could
easily go nuclear. That concept is
interesting to also note that Scriptures do mention that the house of Esau
will one day be made as "stubble" and "there shall not be any remaining of
the house of Esau" (Obadiah 16-18). It also mentions that this will
be done by fire. SODOMITES: Speaking of fire and the Middle East, it is interesting that the Sodomite 'WorldPride' Parade will be held in neither Jerusalem or Tel Aviv due to the current conflict. Unfortunately, many of the smaller events will be taking place. All around the world, sodomy is gaining footholds in society, education, and morality. Every month, they are embraced and encouraged by more and more communities. Unfortunately, the blame lies mostly with America. This year thousands of sodomites in California celebrated their 36th annual Pride Parade. The very first Gay Games was in San Francisco in 1982. This year it was in Chicago and a similar Outgames in Montreal. Even though they are international events, about seventy percent of the athletes were American. San Francisco is now de facto gayest city in the world. It also has a rate of one out of every four gay males has HIV. For all of the hoopla about Canada being a secular nation, they are way behind America. They have only been issuing same-sex marriage certificates for three years. This year, 4,000 American schools (estimated 500,000 students) participated in GLSEN's 10th annual Day of Silence . California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, as well as D.C. all allow for openly gay and lesbian couples to adopt jointly. Only one state in our whole country (Florida) totally bans gay adoption! Right now Missouri and Arkansas are also moving to support gay foster parents. If we compare America's states which expressly permit gay adoption with the four European countries that expressly permit gay adoption, we find that we have many more states expressly permitting gay adoptions. This is not including the states that allow various work-arounds for sodomites. Plus, if you tally up the representative populations of those states, the figures are much higher than the four countries. I despise polls and surveys. When people tell you that homosexuals are a small minority in our country, I would have to disagree. It is growing immensely every day. In any major bookstore, library, and public school you can find materials promoting this sin. It might have been a small minority 36 years ago in California, but it has grown. We as Christians are naive if we think that God is or can bless our country in our current state. If you have a "God Bless America" bumper sticker on your car, tear it off, and replace it with "God Forgive America". What a mockery we make of God's holiness whenever we ask Him to bless our sinful country. If you are a parent, you need to go the extra mile to guard your children from material found in libraries, stores, bookstores, and television. With the television, just throwing it away or unhooking the antenna will solve a host of temptations and channels into your child's heart. It is not just enough to keep the enemy away. Get your children grounded in God's Word and what He has to say about this abomination. Some of the best places to start are Leviticus 20:13 and Romans 1:24-28. Too many Christian and Christian leaders are falling for Satan's lie that since Jesus never mentioned the subject of sodomy He must not have been against it. That is a lie from Satan that plays on simple minds that do not care to exercise discernment. God recorded in His Word that homosexuality was abomination (abhorrence, absolute disgust). In John 10:30 (and throughout Scripture) Jesus plainly says "I and my Father are one." Jesus, himself, did not mention it because He had already mentioned it. If He was going to change what He already said, He would have - but didn't. ABORTION/STEM CELL: Besides the abomination of sodomy, there is the abomination of abortion and killing of the innocent. Again, America is one of the front runners in this area as well. When you consider the populations of the countries that have little restraint on abortion, you will find that America murders a greater percentage of it's own population than others. China's population is 1,306,313,812. Demographers gestimate that China has 1 termination for each 12.5 live births. America has a population of 298,444,215 (July 2006 est.). We have butchered over 43 million people in our own country. Almost every third baby conceived in America is killed by abortion. It's bad enough that more than forty states have state laws legalizing abortion. Now they are working at making it easier, quicker, and cheaper - with tax dollars, of course. Even though Planned Parenthood makes over $63 million in PROFIT, our government still supports and underwrites this satanic business. Not only do they perform abortions, but they promote sex education. Of course, having sexually active youths means more money for them. Gynecologists are now 'advising' women that they should stock up in a sense on emergency contraception so they will always be ready. Satan is using organizations of this ilk to not only shed innocent blood, but to increase licentiousness and hedonism in our land. More and more states and countries are starting to support the unproven embryonic stem cell research instead of the proven adult and umbilical cord stem cell research. California and Illinois seem to be the two states that want the most recognition for funding of such destruction and useless research. Brother and sister in Christ, it is my sincere prayer that by this point you realize that change in our country (no matter how small) will need your direct involvement and voice. As a watchman and steward, you are obligated by God to act on what you know. ECONOMY: Most Americans will say the motto, "In God We Trust". However, for many people, including Christians, that god is money and the economy. America boasts itself on its supposed resources, industry, and wealth. In Deuteronomy 8:17-20, God warns Israel to guard their heart in regards to wealth. "And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth ...And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God." America at one time was blessed by God. For the past few decades we have been weaned off of God and are now living off of the remaining fruits of the prior blessing. While we still have great resources, we have been cursed with a bureaucracy to keep us from them. Our land, water, and mineral rights are all tightly regulated. Our major industries are outsourcing greater amounts each year, building factories and infrastructure in other countries instead of ours. Just between 1998 and 2001, 40 American steel companies filed for bankruptcy, many of them closing permanently. According to Frosty Wooldridge, "Since 2000, the U.S. economy lost 2.9 million manufacturing jobs which is 17 percent of the workforce in that arena. Not a single manufacturing payroll created a new job. More than 40,000 manufacturing establishments closed with declines at 48 percent in textiles, 30 percent in electronics and 23 percent in machinery." Our states are now to the point where they are selling ownership and management on key infrastructure such as highways and ports. The fact is that America is broke. The average American has no savings plan, and it is extremely rare to find an individual or family that is debt-free. Our government is in almost inescapable amounts of debt. Besides giving billions and billions of dollars to oversees projects that are the results of foreign entanglements, not to mention illegal and unjust war expenses, we have hundreds of government programs siphoning money from our country - most of them bread and circuses. We have a government whose operation has become one to make its citizens dependent on it - even if it means going for broke. Hag 1:6-7 says, "Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways." God told His people that one of the clearest signs that they needed to check their relationship with God was when their economy, work, and effort was going down the drain. Already this year, home foreclosures have jumped 72% from last year - which means more people with greater debt, fewer land owners, and more empty houses on the market. The disappearing industry means more and more Americans are in service-oriented employment (think Walmart). Many of what would be well-paying labor jobs are given to illegal immigrants (more on this later). Our country's lacking infrastructure/industry in the realm of gasoline refineries is hammering our economy as increased shipping/freight costs get passed on to the consumers. The increased costs of just gasoline and collateral costs means much less spending/savings money for the average American. It is nothing to say of what will happen if Iran gets involved in some Middle East conflict. If that happens, the price of oil will definitely spike - especially if it expands to a regional conflict. Already gold and other precious metal commodities are over a 25-year high. Speculation is that if there is just a strike alone on Iran's nuclear facilities, gold could jump to $800 to $1000 an ounce. Another fell for the dollar is that since 2002, Iran, Iraq and Venezuela have been wanting to create an oil bourse that trades in euros, not the dollar. Iraq is obliviously out of the picture now, but the other two are still major players. However, a month ago Russia made the ruble convertible. This will work toward a ruble-denominated commodity exchange and it won’t be long before oil and gas are traded for euros not dollars. If that happens, other countries will switch to holding larger amounts of euros in their reserves instead of the dollar. So in a sense, it is a more significant event than Iran trading oil in euros, especially when we consider that Russia provides 40% of oil and gas demand for all of Europe. Putin is actively trying to increase Russia's power in the economic realm, and recently announced that Russians should start using rubles instead of the dollar, since the ruble was stronger than the dollar. Additionally, the debt of the former Soviet Union will be virtually paid off by this August as Putin announced debt payment to the Paris Club members. Even though Russia's economy took a fall in 1998, they have rebounded incredibly due to energy investments in oil and natural gas, combined with the rising global energy costs because of the Middle East conflict. If only America had continued to invest in energy and infrastructure instead of outsourcing and importing. More and more nations are starting to wean themselves off of the American dollar in their reserves. In April, Sweden cut its proportion of dollar reserves to 20 percent, down from 37, while pushing the euro reserves up to 50 percent. The days for our dollar are dwindling. At a certain point, the dollar will not be sought after in enough quantity to stem off debt. Countries are already hesitant to buy Treasury bonds. Once the euro becomes the world's reserve currency, the price of imports here in America will drastically increase (among other things). What about us as Christians, parents, and individuals? How is your personal 'economy'? Perhaps we need to also "consider our ways". Is there something in our life that is preventing or hindering the Lord's blessing in the area of finances? Granted, I am not at all a believer in the health/wealth/prosperity 'gospel'. However, there is a difference between being a victim of circumstances and being the problem to start with. Proverbs 24:27 encourages, "Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house." What are your priorities. Proverbs tells us that we should be most concerned with what puts food on the table, assets, etc. For the people back then, he was basically telling them that they should make sure their fields and vineyards are planted first before they worry about building a fancy house. Too many people want the fancy house first before they have the assets to pay for it. Freebie Financial Advice: Your house is not an asset. If your outgo is more than the inflow, your uprise will be your downfall. As Christians, in regard to the economic situation, we should act prudently. Anticipate that everyday living expense costs will rise as gas rises. Start saving money now. Better yet, stock up on many of those goods now while they are affordable. Especially consider what you normally buy that requires shipping of some sort - its price will go up. One of the top things that you can stock up on to save money is food, especially canned/bulk food. Just during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina we saw how prices coincide with gas prices. Also, it would be wise to invest in *tangible* commodities such as gold and silver. At the rate that Uncle Sugar keeps doling out the money and printing more, our dollar value drops. It would be wise to have something that has intrinsic value. Also, get out of debt! If you are in debt, you are a servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7). That means that you will be using your time, energy, resources, health, etc. to work to line someone else's pocket with money. The more you stay out of debt, the more time you will have to work for God. If you need to, sell your large house and move into something more reasonable. We are all just here temporarily, anyway. Ask yourself why you are buying things. James 4:3 says, "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." If you pray for a big-screen TV, and God does not give it to you, that is not blanket permission to put it on plastic.
DISASTERS: Besides the economic disaster unfolding in America, major natural disasters are occurring practically on a weekly basis. Just in the past three months, thousands have died in an earthquake in Indonesia, a tsunami killed over 600, mudslides killed hundreds in North Korea, earthquakes in China destroyed many homes, volcanic activity displaced thousands, record heat waves have killed people all over the world, etc., etc. One clear trend that we are clearly seeing in a lot of these cases is the increased international cooperation and aid. Now that the 'bird flu' threatens our world, nations and international organizations are working together like never before. What should raise concern among Americans is the American response that is planned to any outbreak here. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we saw the first bold-faced use of military as a policing force. My greatest concern, based on what I've seen of the Model Emergency Health Powers Act is that if there were such an outbreak (or even a perceived outbreak), our Constitutional form of government will bite the dust. With the fear-mongering in the media about the bird flu, most of it is not to inform the public of what they can do, but to drum up fear so that they will do what government wants them to do. For the most part, however, your average sheep does not care too much about the bird flu, let alone even know what it is. Even just a perceived local outbreak in America could cripple our delivery and transportation system. Our nation is vitally dependent on just-in-time delivery systems for food, medicine, etc. Not to mention over half of the work force in any given area would be off the job, probably quarantined in their local community. Get ready to see more military responding to natural disasters. Just this week there was an article about Marines training for such a situation. They have been training for urban missions on American streets for over a decade now. There are many ideas being implemented in 'disaster response' that should cause concern to those alarmed at the emerging policing state. Testing of new identification wristbands for evacuees seems to be implementing well. Perhaps such technology will come in handy when areas are quarantined, or people are forcibly moved to camps. If you think that this is implausible, read the Model Emergency Health Powers Act. It calls for giving state public health officials expansive, new police powers - all under the guise of controlling epidemics of infectious diseases during public health emergencies. Many states are implementing laws based on this model. As Christians, we may not always have control over the outcome of circumstances, but we know who does. However, to not act when we should have, and in a prudent manner, is negligent of a steward or a watchman. For additional reading on this topic, check out our Prudent Living section of our website. Also, read my article, "Tempting God: The Error of Presumed Protection". It can be found on the 'Resource' page under 'Letters from the Editor'.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: Another man-made disaster that our country was cursed with was the turning of a blind eye to the illegal immigration issue, and not properly protecting our borders. As a result, our banks, hospitals, jobs, and industries have been compromised. I am all for legal immigration. Both of my grandfathers were legal immigrants. However, illegal immigration is not immigration, it is stealth robbery. Immigration, as Defined by Webster's Dictionary is "n. The passing or removing into a country for the purpose of permanent residence." Most illegals do desire to come live here, however, they also want to leave their foot in the door (so to speak) back to their native land. They want to be here just enough to siphon money without adjoining themselves to the responsibilities of the citizenry. Many of their loyalties lie back in the land where they came from. Most of their earnings are sent back to there as well. For our examination today, however, the problem lies not necessarily with the illegal immigrants. The problem is the deliberate campaign to encourage and allow them. The government makes shows of attempting to address the problem, but just enough to placate the average American into not worrying about it to the point of action. Sure, Congress will vote to send more men to the border over a period of time, then drastically scale it back because they do not want to commit to the budget (but they will spend hundreds of millions building the world's largest embassy in Iraq). They will vote on border fencing and bolstered security, yet skip out when it comes to the budget. The first part makes the headlines, the second gets buried or not covered at all. The National Guard gets sent to the border. Again, it sounds great until we find out that they will not be policing the border at all. So many states have become frustrated with the Feds not acting, that they are starting to enact state legislation to help alleviate the huge financial burdens illegals draw on the state. Already Georgia is implementing laws to crack down on companies which hire illegals. Colorado is also working on legislation to weed out illegal immigrants, and cut down on the drain on their social services. Hazleton, Pennsylvania is one town that is receiving a lot of flack for their courageous laws regarding illegals. Not only does it target businesses and employers, but it also targets landlords. The flak they are receiving is that their efforts should not be taken on by themselves, since doing so apparently erodes the power of the federal government's power in this matter. However, when we examine what the government's power over this matter is, we start to clearly see why the Federal government does not want states to exercise their power. COUNTERFEIT GOVERNMENT: One concept of Constitutional law that does not get enough attention is that the Federal government is extremely limited in its jurisdiction. Art. I, Sec. 8, Cl. 17 of the U.S. Constitution, reads as follows: "To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings." The District of Columbia was purposely set aside so that the expense of building a seat where the Congress could gather would not singularly burden one state, or prohibit such a state from seceding from that government once it was built. Essay No. 43 of The Federalist best explains it: "This consideration has the more weight as the gradual accumulation of public improvements at the stationary residence of the government would be both too great a public pledge to be left in the hands of a single State, and would create so many obstacles to a removal of the government, as still further to abridge its necessary independence. ...The necessity of a like authority over forts, magazines, etc., established by the general government, is not less evident. The public money expended on such places, and the public property deposited in them, require that they should be exempt from the authority of the particular State. Nor would it be proper for the places on which the security of the entire Union may depend to be in any degree dependent on a particular member of it. All objections and scruples are here also obviated by requiring the concurrence of the States concerned in every such establishment." Congress, as originally created, was merely a body which represented and acted as agents of the separate States for external affairs, and had no jurisdiction within the States. One point the federal government does not want its people to remember is that it's power is only limited to the land ceded to it by states. The federal government, and its laws, applies to the lands owned by the federal government. Military bases, navy bases, post offices, federal court houses, federal government buildings, and other land that was deliberately given to the District of Columbia by the state wherein the land is located. That is why if a person goes into a post office and shoots a postal worker, they are charged with a federal crime, and tried in a federal court. If that same person shot someone on the sidewalk across the street from that post office, they are in that current state, and are then tried by that state. The concept of jurisdiction is vital to comprehend. Once you realize the deliberate inefficiency that was placed into our Constitution, you see that they are there deliberately as checks to prevent free and unbridled reign by the majority. Some early cases which properly acted under the Constitution were United States v. Bevans, 16 U.S. (3 Wheat.) 336 (1818); Commonwealth v. Young, Brightly, N.P. 302, 309 (Pa. 1818); People v. Godfrey, 17 Johns. 225, 233 (N.Y. 1819). In New Orleans v. United States, 35 U.S. (10 Pet.) 662, 737 (1836), the Supreme Court ruled: "Special provision is made in the Constitution for the cession of jurisdiction from the States over places where the federal government shall establish forts or other military works. And it is only in these places, or in the territories of the United States, where it can exercise a general jurisdiction." The title "United States" is the entity at the District of Columbia. The "United States" never owned any portion of any state prior to that state ceding it to it. Federal territorial jurisdiction exists only in Washington, D.C., the federal enclaves within the States, and the territories and possessions of the United States. In Caha v. United States, 152 U.S. 211, 215, 14 S.Ct. 513 (1894), the Supreme Court again stated: "The laws of Congress in respect to those matters do not extend into the territorial limits of the states, but have force only in the District of Columbia, and other places that are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the national government." I am not going to go in much depth, as there are great resources out there (constitution.org) already. For our purposes, the matter of illegal immigration is not just a state issue or just a federal issue. It is both. The federal government has the broad responsibility to use the forts, bases, military power, etc. to enforce the border and protect the states at large. What is done within those states legally is up to the states, and not the federal government. When the federal government tries to browbeat a state that acts within its jurisdiction and for its own policing, the federal government is usurping power outside of its jurisdiction. It also goes for when government "takes two steps forward and one step backwards". For instance, the wiretapping travesty. It comes out on the news (purposeful leak) that they are listening to the phones (already know that - Echelon, started early 60s has the capacity to monitor EVERY data transmission in the country in real time). So Congress has "hearings" and they back off a bit. Mission accomplished - the public now accepts that the government monitors their data transmissions. Another area which begs the question of jurisdiction (or reason) is a federal marriage amendment. Since when does the federal government have the jurisdiction to decide what was already decided in the first book of the Bible? Secondly, allowing them to argue over it implies that the federal government has or can make decisions about life. None of that is in the realm of the authority delegated to the "United States". States should be the one - not to enact some marriage amendment, but to go back to making sodomy illegal. See my article, "Thoughts on the Marriage Amendment". Anytime Congress assumes power, it usurps state's rights and jurisdiction. Even "laws" whereby Congress allows or protects by steals power. Recently the US Senate voted to bar emergency gun confiscation during an emergency (such as Hurricane Katrina). This 'assumes' that Congress has power to confiscate guns. What Congress should have done during Hurricane Katrina is told the military to back off, there would be no policing of any sort by military armed forces, the Mexican army to stay on their side of the border, etc. The Federal Government could easily provide logistical and scientific information, monitoring, communication, as well as helicopters and other necessary transportation and rescue vehicles, as well as necessary manpower. The states should then have called up the local militias (which they should have been endorsing rather than demonize them). P.S. The National Guard is NOT the militia. Of course, lest we forget, a good chunk of their NG was overseas. Hmmmm. I wonder who did that. The states should then have made every effort to accommodate and coordinate with the many private groups that were there and trying to help, along with the domestic state troopers and local police. If we play the "What If" game for a bit - "what if" the federal government (FEMA, etc) had not gotten involved, and the state had managed the situation from a state point of view? Assuming a world where the Constitution was abided by, there would be no government welfare or social programs to destroy a state's productivity. The budgets of the involved states would have been easily able to handle the disaster, and would have had more individuals willing to work. Also, there would have been a greater sense of self responsibility remaining in the citizenry, and personal preparation and evacuation would have completely changed the outcome. On top of that, there would not have been exorbitant expenses and waste that was generated by FEMA for their contract friends. As a side note, martial law can only be applied (for a limited duration in a specific area) in situations beyond in which normal courts could not function (ie. riots, invasion, battlefield, etc.). There are also no provisions in the Constitution for "emergency powers". For governors and politicians to assume "emergency powers" is usurpation. Using military tribunals to try suspected "terror" suspects is a deliberate ploy to get the people used to a soon abolishment of habeas corpus. There is no reason why these individuals (if legitimate terror suspects with legitimate documented reasons to hold them) could not be tried in federal courts (again depending on jurisdiction). Even traitors and terrorists should be tried wherein the offense took place, according to jurisdiction laws. Unfortunately, military tribunals, "emergency powers", and other usurpations are prepping the public for the abolishment of the Constitutional form of law. Alberto Gonzales recent stated that the military tribunals was just one means to "provide a useful basis for Congress' consideration of modified procedures." The sad thing is people will be duped into thinking that is the only way. GLOBALISM: Of course the reason for abolishing a Constitutional form of government and icon of freedom and liberty is necessary for globalism. Globalism means greater power over larger numbers of people by fewer, select people. In order to accomplish this, there cannot be a country (especially a superpower) that guarantees individual rights and freedoms. As the antichrist gets ready to appear on the scene, the world powers will be prepped for regionalization - specifically ten regions (NAFTA; EU; APEC; ASEAN; Orient; (Main) South Africa; South (Latin) America; Western Asia/Eastern Europe; Central Asia; Middle East/North Africa). David Rockefeller once said, "All we need is the right major crisis, and the nations will accept the New World Order." Already people are being conditioned by the increase in disasters around our world and the global cooperation to think globally. Already there are proposals for the UN to have a standing army of its own that could take action "to prevent war and dire threats to human security and human rights" within 48 hours of UN authorization. Just like after WWII, there will be promises of economic and social advancement of all, especially if the American dollar collapses. Right now there is an incredible move toward "free trade", especially removing transatlantic barriers between the EU and the US. A leveling of the national playing fields in economics, industry, freedoms, and religion are necessary for the antichrist's playground. CHRISTIANITY: Scripture clearly describes the state of Christianity at the end times. 2Th 2:3-4 warns, "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." The Greek word for "falling away" is 'apostasia'. Apostasy: forsaking the truth. God revealed that Christianity would not just slip into just a condition of lukewarmness or apathy, He said that the vital truths and doctrine of Christianity would be deliberately forsaken. We are at a time never before seen in world history. Even during the Dark Ages, the Catholic Church was responsible for hiding the truth, but many people yearned for the truth and God's Word. Today, we have (mostly in America) so-called Christians who want to do anything but what the Bible says. They are so focused on themselves that they have fashioned an idol - an idea of God that suits them. They are being taught the blasphemy by the Purpose-Driven poison that there are many non-essential doctrines! Unlike people of centuries past, today it is the 'Christians' that are putting up some of the fiercest resistance to serving God wholeheartedly with fear and reverence. (See the article "The Great Commandment: How Do We Love God?") American 'Christians' are so used to living in a fleshly 'liberty' that they do not want to hear about a God that commands us not to be conformed to this world. The churches of today aren't making it any easier, either. Most of them are so caught up in appearances and garnering the praise of men more than the praise of God that they are happy that you just come and sit in the pew. All they want is numbers.
If you have not read Dave
Daubenmire's article, "Dead Faith" (newswithviews.com), I highly
encourage you, no, you MUST read that article if you need a good
toe-crusher to stir up your heart to serve God. It makes
me sick to meet Christians who are completely clueless about
what the Bible says specifically on any subject, and they make
mistake after mistake in their life and in their family's life
because of it. John Wesley once said, "Some people have
just enough religion to make them uncomfortable." Too many times I've seen people take worldly advice on raising
children, public education, worldly influence, dress standards,
clean speech, and much much more, only to their family's
spiritual detriment. Many times they quote famous pastors
from Wet Noodle Baptist Church who soft peddle the issues, take
Scripture completely out of context, or (worse yet) use a
plethora of Satanic "versions" to find a loophole to justify
their lack of zeal for God. Ezekiel 22:25-26 warns, "There
is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a
roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they
have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her
many widows in the midst thereof. Her priests have
violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have
put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have
they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and
have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among
them." I've seen people repeatedly take the word of a pastor or supposed Christian leader or organization over the clear, obvious teachings of Scripture. It makes me absolutely sick to personally have been told by an administrator (Jim Hicks) and the president of Pensacola Christian College, Dr. Arlin Horton, that I was "serving God too much" and needed to "cool down". When I refused such satanic advice from my then employer, I was "let go". If you have children attending that college, or considering attending that college, let me give you a warning. It is seen as a very conservative and orderly college. They produce unparalleled homeschool and teaching material. I worked there for five years while completing a major in Advertising/Public Relations, and worked on staff for (almost) two years. They have many godly teachers and staff who trully desire to serve God and raise their children in a godly home. However, it has been my observation from working there, experience with them, as well as dialogue with other staff, that the administration desires the praise of men more than the praise of God. They are over-consumed with appearances. It is that subject I wish to warn you about. They advertise for your children to come and "catch the spirit of PCC." In practice, that 'spirit' that they pick up is faking spirituality and equating appearances with spirituality. Their campus 'church' is a fine-tuned, carefully orchestrated, choreographed performance of appearance with close to zero fellowshipping between workers, er, I mean believers. If you want your young adults to learn how to 'turn on spirituality', send them to PCC. Yes, they impart a very high level of education. Yes, there are many good students that come out of there - but they are tainted. Holding up the administration's whited sepulchers as model Christians, many 'learn' not to exercise discernment as the Bereans. Exercising discernment and exhorting others in a fear of God was apparently a threat to their cotton-candy image in my case. Too many other churches and Christian organizations follow the same path: what do they love more? the praise of God or the praise of men? They have forsaken the truth to the point where standing for truth is a perceived vice! The Purpose-driven poison plays upon images of success and 'growth', cool programs, worldly music, and non-offensive lectures. So many churches have also rejected what God has clearly stated on matters such as homosexuality and abortion because they have forsaken God. When a 'church' forsakes key doctrines, they then become a counterfeit church that serves milkshakes. Notice that the more doctrine and truth that a church forsakes, the more exciting programs, clubs, sports activities, special speakers, events, bands, etc. are needed to be brought in. I've seen churches get so consumed with their building programs and facilities, that it is not to hard to see why they do not have time to witness. They are always cleaning this huge worldly mansion. Calling a church building the 'house of God' is baloney. Such misreading of passages such as I Timothy 3:15 to support the idea of a lavish social club complete with gymnasium is tantamount deception. The 'house of God' in the NT sense is no more a building than the house of David (1Sa 20:16), the house of Jacob (Isaiah 2:5), the house of Isaac (Amos 7:16), the house of Esau (Obadiah 1:18), the house of Jonathan (1Sa 20:15). It is a family unit of believers that assembles together (anywhere) in His name (Matt. 18:20). One of the greatest dangers and traps for Christians today is to venerate the 'church' as an institution, much like the Catholic Church does. Blind obedience without discernment is willful ignorance. Currently, truth about God and His Word is under full attack in our world. The Da Vinci Code book and movie has been embraced by a world that is looking for any reason to reject Christ. You are dangerously mistaken if you do not think that this attack by Satan will not affect Christians and the world. Even though it is touted as 'fiction', it is crafted propaganda that (just from the excerpts I've read) could deceive even someone who is a young believer. The consequences then on the unsaved world are enormous. For once, people believe that they are being given valid arguments that Jesus was only a man! Consider that statement! The whole crux of the book and movie is 'explaining' (through deliberate lies and twisting of history) that Jesus was not God, and all of Christianity is just a huge con job! The rank blasphemy of this material begs that Christians "know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21). One ministry that has an excellent examination of the lies presented in the book and movie is http://www.mediaspotlight.org. Their Vol. 29. No 2 newsletter has an excellent article (available in PDF) available for viewing. Berit Kjos (crossroad.to) and Pastor David Meyer (lasttrumpetministries.org) also has useful resources regarding Satan's latest trap. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." II Tim. 4:3. Just like a dog, 'Christians' sidle up to their favorite 'Christian leader' for a good ear scratching that makes them feel all warm and cozy. Just make sure you don't step on the toes, don't point out motes in their eye, and you'll be ok. What about me? What kind of Christian am I? Am I content with a church or group that does not exhort or encourage me to serve God? Do my fellow Christians see "addicted ...to the ministry" (1Co 16:15) as a vice? What about being "zealously affected" (Galatians 4:18)? What do they call a consuming "zeal" about how people have forgotten God's Word (Psa 119:139)? Are your Christian friends marked by a "great zeal", laboring in the Lord (Col. 4:13)? Do you or your friends have a zeal that provokes others to serve God (Col. 9:2), or do they get embarrassed and tell you to cool down? II Timothy 4:2 reminds us, "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." John Willisor said it best: "Shun the company that shuns God, and keep company that God keeps."
"Ye did run well; who did hinder you
that ye should not obey the truth?" Galatians 5:7
Luke 12:43 "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall
find so doing."
REMINDERS & PRAYER REQUESTS
Pray for our President that if he is not saved, he will come to the true
knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray that he will work to the protection
of the American people, and the punishment of the wicked.
Pray for the requests in PrayerList. Tell a friend at church about our website!
May God richly bless,
|