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THE LIBERTY BELL
----- A NATION’S DESTINY -----
“Every great nation in past history has had great success in growth until their leaders [i.e. Kings, Emperors, Dictators, or Presidents] turned to immorality, brutality, injustice, dishonesty, and etc. The status of American political leaders is swiftly following the destructive examples of past great nations and kingdoms thought the same excess that brought down those great regimes of the past. I do not know how long the great God of the universe will tolerate the actions of the American system of government as its leaders show themselves to not only be immoral, and without true religious conviction but surely we are drawing near the end of this nation’s acceptability to God. …glclair@aol.com
The following notes were taken from the conclusion of a much longer article appearing in bibletum@aol.com.
"Blessed Is The Nation", Religious (Bible, spiritual) factors determine the course of a nation's history, health and success. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34). Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah {Psalm 33:12, ASV; See, Exodus 3:14; John 14:6; 8:58, Jackson, Wayne, Bible Words, [Jehovah] p. 91}.
Whatever things were written before (Old Testament) were written for our learning, that we through the patience {perseverance} and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus {Rom. 15:4-5; please read, 1 Corinthians 10:4-15; James 1:12-16}. When a person in any nation of this world reads 1 and 2 Kings, etc., he/she can make a good assessment {judgment, decision} on which direction his nation is headed {Psa. 24:1; 9:17; Matt. 25:32-34; Acts 17:22-31; Rev. 21:24). If you vote, cast 1-vote for God {Matt. 12:30; 6:24; Col. 3:17}.
Regardless of whether [y]our nation follows the Son of God, Christ Jesus {Matt. 17:5; John 14:6}, or another god of their choosing {Josh. 24:15; Psa. 1 - 2; Ex. 20:3-7; 1 Cor. 10:21-23}; as an individual you can be saved from this perverted generation {Acts 2:36-41,47; 10:34-36, 47a,48} by following the instructions of the Scriptures {2 Tim. 3:16; James 1:22}.
TO GOD AND COUNTRY by Maxie B. Boren
God-fearing, and patriotic citizens have often pledged themselves "to God and to country." In fact, our nation was pretty much founded by people of such purpose. It is a good and honorable outlook, and I believe a Biblical one. Jesus taught His disciples to "render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matt. 22:21). Certainly, with the Christian, GOD MUST ALWAYS BE FIRST in the matter of loyalty and allegiance. In the same chapter, the first and great commandment given by the Lord is plain---to "love God" with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Vs. 37). Whenever there arises a clear-cut conflict between what God has taught and what men would impose upon us, the Christian is to "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:28-29; Gal. 1:10). But in circumstances where the Christian can serve God first and foremost and still be loyal and supportive of country too, that is the ideal situation.
The New Testament teaches us to be good citizens of our country, pointing out that government is ordained of God (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17). Since this is true, it seems only logical that Christians should be interested in good government, and influence matters to that end as best they can. Therefore, is it not reasonable to conclude that all Christians should inform themselves with as much reliable information as possible, and wield an influence for decency and moral uprightness in the land, based on that information? I believe so. The Bible declares, "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked bear rule, the people mourn" (Prov. 29:2). Brethren, we should want to know the "moral values" of those seeking public office, and exercise our right to vote by casting our ballots for the candidates who oppose abortion, the homosexual agenda, pornography on the internet, and such like. We should surely NOT vote for those who are pro-abortion, pro-homosexual agenda, and pro-pornography! That seems a rather elementary conclusion to my mind.
We must realize there are sinister forces at work in our land, "chipping away" at the moral foundation of our society and trying to remove any vestige of national recognition of God. This is largely being done through our court system, where the ACLU and similar groups are incessantly working to keep prayer out of our schools, to do away with any posting of the ten commandments, to eliminate "under God" from the pledge of allegiance, and "in God we trust" from our money, etc. Don't forget what happened just this past week when a court in California ruled "under God" in the pledge was unconstitutional. How outrageous! Thankfully, there was such an outcry in response that it is most likely to be overruled. But evil forces won't stop trying to do things like this, believe me! Let us pray for those in high office of leadership, and for those occupying important posts as judges in the land, that their hearts will be right before God, and lead our beloved country back to moral integrity and undergird this nation's trust in God (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
OUR REPUBLIC DEPENDS ON CHRISTIANITY? By Dave Miller
Much disagreement exists regarding the foundations of civil government and the perpetuation of civilization and society. The current "politically correct" viewpoint insists that the strength of America lies in its pluralism --- the acceptance and celebration of differing religions, ideologies, and philosophies. The widespread attempt to sanitize American schools, courts, and government by eradicating all references to God, Christ, and the Bible are a manifestation of this belief. The thought is that the stability and continuance of the nation lies in its willingness to embrace diversity, toleration, and acceptance. In stark contrast, the architects of American civilization stated just the opposite.
Jedidiah Morse was born in Woodstock, Connecticut on August 23, 1761, the son of a Congregationalist minister. After being home-schooled, he graduated from Yale in 1783--the year the Revolutionary War ended. Morse published the first American textbook on geography, Geography Made Easy, in 1784. His work in that field earned for him the title "Father of American Geography." His works were adopted widely in schools, colleges, and libraries and were used in thousands of homes. His eldest son, Samuel F.B. Morse, became a famous inventor, even developing the Morse Code ("Morse, Jedidiah," 2007). In an election sermon given at Charlestown, Massachusetts on April 25, 1799, this American patriot offered the following chilling warning--an observation not unlike many of the Founders: --- “To the kindly influence of Christianity we owe that degree of civil freedom, and political and social happiness which mankind now enjoys. In proportion as the genuine effects of Christianity are diminished in any nation, either through unbelief, or the corruption of its doctrines, or the neglect of its institutions, in the same proportion will the people of that nation recede from the blessings of genuine freedom, and approximate the miseries of complete despotism. All efforts to destroy the foundations of our holy religion, ultimately tend to the subversion also of our political freedom and happiness.
Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government, and all the blessings which flow from them, must fall with them (1799, p.9, emp. added). If Morse was correct, America is in a dire predicament--literally teetering on the brink of national disaster and destruction. "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34). "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Psalm 33:12).”
REFERENCES Morse, Jedidiah (1799), A Sermon, Exhibiting the Present Dangers and Consequent Duties of the Citizens of the United States of America (Hartford, CT: Hudson and Goodwin), [On-line]: URL:http://www.archive.org/details/sermonexhibiting00morsrich. *Morse, Jedidiah" (2007), Encyclopedia Britannica, [On-line]: URL:http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9053833. -Reason & Revelation, Vol. 27, No. 7, p. 27(7):52, Montgomery - www.apologeticspress.org * www.apologeticspress.org/Espanol - www.gbntv.org * www.discoverymagazine.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Edsel's {note(s): In your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame {1 Pet. 3:15-16}. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, {emp. mine, Edsel} through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence...{2 Pet. 1:3}.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places {Eph. 6:11-12}. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm {v.13, see verses 14-18}. Now Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word {Acts 4:29}. Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
Look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith {Heb. 12:2}, and take the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God {Eph. 6:17 Heb. 4:12}, and use it with maturity {Heb. 5:14}; so that you let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven {Matt. 5:16; See 2 Tim. 4:1-2; 2:3-4}. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear." {Heb. 13:5b; 6; 1 John 4:16-19}. Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith; and the righteous Judge will give you a crown of righteousness on that Day, and also to all who will love His appearing {2 Tim. 4:8; James 1:12}. SELECTOR Contact: glclair@aol.com
NEWS FLASH "33 Die on Virginia Tech Campus"
Insanity - INTRODUCTION - Insanity {Dictionary Definition of Insanity} [Note underlined sections]
1560, from L. insanus "mad, insane, outrageous, excessive, extravagant," from in- "not" + sanus (see sane). Originally only of persons; of actions, from 1842. Cf. lunatic; and It. pazzo "insane," originally a euphemism, from L. patiens "suffering." Ger. verrückt, lit. pp. of verrücken "to displace," "applied to the brain as to a clock that is 'out of order' " [Buck].
O.E. gemædde (pl.) "out of one's mind" (usually implying also violent excitement), also "foolish," earlier gemæded "rendered insane," pp. of a lost verb *gemædan "to make insane or foolish" (related to gemad "mad"), from P.Gmc. *ga-maid-jan, demonstrative form of *ga-maid-az "changed (for the worse), abnormal" (cf. O.S. gimed "foolish," O.H.G. gimeit "foolish, vain, boastful," Goth. gamaiþs "crippled, wounded," O.N. meiða "to hurt, maim"), from intensive prefix *ga- + PIE *moito-, pp. of base *mei- "to change" (cf. L. mutare "to change," mutuus "done in exchange," migrare "to change one's place of residence;" see mutable). Emerged in M.E. to replace the more usual O.E. word, wod. Sense of "beside oneself with excitement or enthusiasm" is from c.1330. Meaning "beside oneself with anger" is attested from c.1300, but deplored by Rev. John Witherspoon (1781) as an Americanism, and now competes in Amer.Eng. with angry for this sense. Of dogs, "affected with rabies," from 1800. Madcap (n. and adj.) is from 1588; madhouse is from 1687. Phrase mad as a March hare is attested from 1529, via notion of breeding season; mad as a hatter (1857) is said to be from erratic behavior caused by prolonged exposure to poison mercuric nitrate, used in making felt hats. Mad as a wet hen is from 1823. Mad money is attested from 1922; mad scientist is from 1940.
1853, Amer.Eng., short for lunatic, but also infl. by loon (2), which is noted for its wild cry and method of escaping from danger. Slang loony bin "insane asylum" is from 1919. Looney left in ref. to holders of political views felt to be extreme is from 1977.
"INSANITY"
While I do not know the technical terms to describe insanity, I do know that there are many people in the world today who show signs of it. There is no question about the matter of our society spawning more and more insanity by the way we view the events taking place in our own country. Indeed, every day someone will commit some awful action [i.e. crime against man and God] that shocks even the news commentators. Yes, mankind is undergoing an increase of lawless activities that in the past were seldom committed. Today we see so much evil by so many people on the electronic media that we seriously wonder if there may be some insane-bacteria that is invading the minds of normal people. I say wonder because I cannot understand what is happening to people in America, both men and women who show continued signs of absolute insanity [See Introduction].
There have been numerous events that we have seen in the printed news services and electronic media that calls us from our hopes of better times and alerts us to the increasing insecurity that grips us daily. We wonder if our hopes of safe and secure cities, homes, churches, etc. are slipping away from us.
The only security that we really have is that which is found in becoming a Christian and living out our lives as faithful followers of the Bible’s teachings for human existence – cf. Jeremiah 10:23, “O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (ASV) As Jeremiah says, “… the way of a man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh [glc - survives daily] to direct his own steps [glc - live life successfully].” How insecure, then is mankind without allowing God’s Written Word guide his life, his relationship to his wife, and his and his wife’s care of their family? No wonder them there is so much insanity in the life of so man, statistics show that true religion has been declining in America since WWII and morality and ethics have also took a beating in the past 60 + years. Indeed, it is time for every serious minded person to reexamine the foundation of their hopes, dreams and family plans; we need to get back to the value system that is based upon God’s Holy Book [i.e. the Bible] and return to the religion, morals, and ethics that made our nation and our community’s safe places to live. I remember as a child, we lived in houses that did not have locks on the doors and we were not afraid of some crazy, [i.e. insane] person invading our home during the day or night. This is not the case today, we are unsafe everywhere and must sleep with one eye open it seems. Surely we must know that we need to get back to basic Bible morality and stop whatever we are doing that is contribution to the decline of goodness, righteousness, honesty, love, and kindness that most Americans possessed in olden times.
Garreth L. Clair POSTED - April 16, 2007
VT - "WHY" INSANITY – Article 2 [How we can save our nation]
The first article in this series dealt with the tragedy at Virginia Tech University on April 16, 2007. That article pointed to the tragic and senseless destruction of human life and destruction of society in general that has seen a steady decline in the past 65 years in America. The great and sad picture that surfaces too often that destroys our security and peace of mind will not improve unless we return our institutions to be a nation under God’s influence. Indeed, the changes of law and the alteration of the availability of God and His influence in the pubic school system of our country and these same evil men and women seek to eliminate God from the human experience; they have done their work well. These mindless and uncaring people know only their own evil ways and have no joy in consideration of God’s way or God’s book, these people that hate God and love evil are discussed in Romans 1:18-2:6, “18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. Romans 2: 1 Therefore you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. 3 And do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment upon those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to every man according to his deeds: “ NASB
The sad and destructive actions of these preachers of evil, smut, dishonesty, cheating, lying, drug pushing and use, as well as many other evil things are the greatest contributors to the down fall of families, homes, churches, and nations - Daniel 1:1-2 “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure-house of his god.” ASV --- This is proven so by past history, [i.e. Greece, Rome, etc.], many great nations have arisen only to corrupt themselves over a period of time until some other nation enslaved them. This is also a fact about all nations that turn away from God, attempting to proceed as a people without any guidance from HIM [i.e. Daniel 1:1-2 above]. Here in Daniel we see that ancient Israel was carried away into captivity in a foreign, ungodly nation for 70 years as punishment for their departing from God’s instruction, are we headed for this same fate? In the first article in this series I pointed out that no nation, no people, no family, no! --- no human institution will succeed without God’s guidance – cf. Jeremiah 10:23; John 8:32; John 17:17; John 12:46.
Why do so many turn away from God and God’s Ways? One of the greatest questions of all history must surely be this question. Perhaps man’s free will continues to determine his fate because he is unwilling to make the right choices. Indeed, the right choices ought to be made in everything of life, man should choose to follow God’s instructions via the Written Word [i.e. the Bible]. God says in His Written Word that “… everything that pertains to life and godliness …” (2 Peter 1:2-4, “2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.” ASV)
Dear reader, please consider the truth that is revealed to you through the Written Word, change your views about evil and things of this world, remember this fact: God wants you to go to heaven after you die, cf. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.” ASV 2 of 5 Garreth L. Clair April 17, 2007 VT - "WHY" INSANITY – Article 3 [Possible solutions]
In the past few years there have been 113 deaths in institutions of learning, these deaths were the result of some form of insanity. How do we define insanity? Insanity is a departure from established normal behavior that results in tragedy, loss of direction, or total disconnection with life and the real world. One could adequately describe insanity as irrational behavior resulting in disaster for the individual or others around him/her [I.E. SEE THE INTRODUCTION].
Solving this problem in American society is no different than that prescribed by God from the beginning of man's existence. From the beginning man has acted irrationally on occasions, some examples follow.
Adam and Eve – The first two people on earth were given a paradise by God and were given only one probations, that probations was; “do not eat of the tree in the midst of the Garden of Eden…” (Genesis 2:9-17).
Cain and Abel – Cain killed his brother because he received approval where Cain did not receive approval. The problem with Cain was simple, he was required to offer a blood sacrifice but he decided the he had a better idea, “, offer a sacrifice from the fruits of the ground” (Genesis 4:2-10). Abel’s sacrifice was by faith but Cain’s was through arrogance [i.e. rebellion may be a sign of some form of insanity when one knows that it is unacceptable – Cain was told by God; AFTER HE HAD DISOBEYED – TO DO WELL AND HE WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE (cf. Genesis 4:6-7, “6 And Jehovah said unto Cain , Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be its desire, but do thou rule over it.” ASV), Cain then went out and killed his brother – the first killing took place here in the Garden of Eden and mankind has been doing similar things ever since. What an awful tragedy, that man cannot abode within sane limits and deal with disappointments and personal failures caused by wrong choices (Hebrews 11:4, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh.” ASV)
Today we are shocked and overcome by grief and sympathy whenever these things occur, simply because we refuse to look at the root cause of such wicked conduct. These individuals that carry out these wicked killings and bombings are either insane or grossly mislead, either of which will surely rack havoc on a society {i.e. a people} unaccustomed to such horror. Yes, it is this scribes opinion that there is something wicked and sinister at the root of all evil, that is Satan, the Devil and his influences through a variety of means throughout the world’s population. Remember there is only one being greater that Satan, that being is Almighty God. For these reasons every soul ought to examine or reexamine them selves to see if they are being led by the Devil or are being led by God via His Holy Written Word [i.e. the Bible].
Will society get any better? Probably not, simple because man will not believe that there is a God and since there is no God in his mind, his ability to rationally deal with such evil actions of others is impossible. This impossibility of man to understand these events will ultimately be solved only when he turns to God and accepts the fact that there are evil and good choices to be made in life. Those choices will determine the actions of individuals and the actions of nations. It is time for every one to come to the realization that God is good and that the Devil is the author of all wickedness.
John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.” ASV John 8:32, “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ASV John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.” ASV 1 John 4:8-19, “8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 Herein was the love of God manifested in us, that God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son (to be) the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us: 13 hereby we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son (to be) the Saviour of the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God. 16 And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him. 17 Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love, because he first loved us.” ASV
3 of 5 Garreth L. Clair April 19, 2007
VT - "WHY" INSANITY – Article 4 [Am I my brother’s keeper?]
The events that are shaping the news today are those events that deal with murder, in one form or another. The events in Oklahoma City, Jim Jones massacre, the fires of Waco, Texas, the shootings in school buildings, the suicide bombers in Afghanistan and Iraq, and other heinous actions perpetrated by other people are causing great wonderment in America and around the world. Why is this great wonderment or lack of understanding present in mankind? One must be living under a rock or in a cave not to know that the Bible, God’s Written Word tells us why these things are happening and who is responsible for them. The root of all evil is the Devil [cf. John 8:43-45, “43 Why do ye not understand my speech? (Even) because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of (your) father the devil , and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof. 45 But because I say the truth, ye believe me not.” ASV
The great fact of humanity that is so ignored in all world societies today is that which Cain [i.e. the first murderer] uttered early in mankind’s existence, “… am I my brothers keeper?” (Genesis 4:9, “9 And Jehovah said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother's keeper?” ASV) YES, everyone is their brother’s keeper! Ours is a family that has for our first parents, Adam and Eve. We all are related in that we all have the same first parents. Since that is true we are obligated to consider what is best for all of those people that inhabit this earth, excluding none. This concept is or a lack of understanding this concept is surely part of the problem that has caused much evil, wickedness, and killing among earth’s inhabitants.
Fact number 2 is the fact that mankind has not since the Tower of Babel come together and understood the significance of their relationship one to another – FAMILY, Cf. Genesis 11:5-9, “5 And Jehovah came down to see the city and the tower , which the children of men builded. 6 And Jehovah said, Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language. And this is what they begin to do. And now nothing will be withholden from them, which they purpose to do. 7 Come, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So Jehovah scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth. And they left off building the city. 9 Therefore was the name of it called Babel. Because Jehovah did there confound the language of all the earth. And from thence did Jehovah scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.” ASV
GOD SPEAKS TO MANKIND THUSLY:
Matthew 22:36-40, “36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second like (unto it) is this, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.” ASV --- What is involved in the Divine concept of “love thy neighbor”? This is very important to man’s acceptability to God, that we love one another, but what does that involve? Please notice the following series of Biblical references that tell us what this involves:
Romans 13:8-10, “8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not kill, Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.” ASV
Romans 15:2, “Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying.”
Galatians 5:14-15, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, (even) in this: Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” ASV
Ephesians 4:25, “Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.” ASV
James 2:8-9, “8 Howbeit if ye fulfill the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: 9 but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.” ASV
Proverbs 3:29, “Devise not evil against thy neighbor, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.”
Proverbs 11:9-12, “9 with his mouth the godless man destroyeth his neighbor; but through knowledge shall the righteous be delivered. 10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth; and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted; but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He that despiseth his neighbor is void of wisdom; but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.” ASV
These thoughts that I have pit into this article are brief but I hope that they will cause everyone to consider God’s instruction about our role in this world with other people. Indeed, let us present ourselves as neighbors [i.e. Biblical description], and encourage brotherly love.
4 of 5 Garreth L. Clair April 21, 2007
VT - "WHY" INSANITY – Article 5 [Sanity a Personal Choice, EXCEPT HERIDITARY]
As one seeks answers to man’s erratic behavior one is often left in a state of confusion. One of the problems confronted whenever answers to man’s evil behavior is sought resides in the unpredictable actions of everyone. Many times sane people make INSANE CHOICES [i.e. mass murder, illegal drug use, rape, pursuit of porn, robbery, burglary, unprotected sex, and such things]. The concept of sane people making bad choices is probably the number one cause for most of the wicked and ungodly actions of human beings. This concept of man is vividly displayed through a few examples in the Divine Record, cf. Cain (Genesis 4:5-10), Man in general before the Genesis flood, cf. (Genesis 6:5-8), The people who possessed the Holy Land before God gave it to the sons of Jacob [i.e. Israel] (Deuteronomy 9:1-6), Solomon says in (Proverbs 10:2, “Treasures of wickedness profit nothing; But righteousness delivereth from death. ASV), Solomon also says, “11 A just balance and scales are Jehovah's; all the weights of the bag are his work. 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.” ASV (Proverbs 16:11-13), the choices that were made long ago were no different than the unwise choices that men and women are making since that time. Today as always, men and women are making choices that seem too many people INSANE DECISIONS, decisions that seem irrational, yet those of us that observe this behavior say why did they do this wickedness? It is surely an open book whenever we examine the results of those actions perpetrated by evil and wicked men and women in our society.
The God of heaven has declared over and over again a method that is profitable and right. A method for formulating a lifestyle and making choices that will benefit self and others in our space. Yet every time a sad and sorry event occurred such as a mass murder, rape, terrorist bombing, etc., most people cry how can we understand this thing? Open your understanding, turn to God’s Book and examine the remedies that God has instructed for stable marriages, homes, and nations. You will find that God knows best about how to live the good life and accomplish good things in you life. Many people who seek, examine, and deliver news via the printed and electronic media have never opened a Bible to seek any information, no! They go to a doctor [i.e. a product of evolutionary thinking] for a sound reason and they present to a foolish and unwise audience their silly and unsound theories about why this has happened.
All the evil in this world that men involve themselves in may be attributed to willful decisions as a result of bad choices or to heriditery cuses [i.e. brain damage, parental deficiency, etc], other than these two causes one is involved in foolish speculation for answers when other reasons and solutions are advocated, cf. Proverbs 1:24-31, “24 Because I have called, and ye have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man hath regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, And would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh in (the day of) your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27 When your fear cometh as a storm, And your calamity cometh on as a whirlwind; When distress and anguish come upon you. 28 Then will they call upon me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they shall not find me: 29 For that they hated knowledge, And did not choose the fear of Jehovah: 30 They would none of my counsel; They despised all my reproof. 31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own devices.” ASV
Proverbs 3:31-35, “31 Envy thou not the man of violence, And choose none of his ways. 32 For the perverse is an abomination to Jehovah; But his friendship is with the upright. 33 The curse of Jehovah is in the house of the wicked; But he blesseth the habitation of the righteous. 34 Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory; But shame shall be the promotion of fools.” ASV
1 Corinthians 1:23-28, “23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumbling-block, and unto Gentiles foolishness; 24 but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, (are called): 27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; 28 and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose , (yea) and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are:” ASV
Indeed, will you dear reader seek God’s instruction for your marriage, your children, your home and family life, your community life, your church relationship? Only when we are right with God when we have our mind and affections influenced by God can we make good and useful decisions in our everyday life. Look always to God for He will never fail you, cf. Psalms 27:10, “10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then Jehovah will take me up.” ASV
Hebrews 13:4-6, “4(Let) marriage (be) had in honor among all, and (let) the bed (be) undefiled: for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. 5 Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee. 6 So that with good courage we say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me?” ASV
5 of 5 Garreth L. Clair April 22, 2007
THE TRUTH ABOUT OUR NATION'S FOUNDERS AND OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM
In recent years we have heard a great deal about the deeds of our for-fathers, it seems that there a some folks that want to prove that our founders were all a bunch of scoundrels. The truth of the matter is, those men that were involved in the founding and firmly establishing of this nation as a republic were men like evryone else. Indeed these men all had their likes and dislikes, they all had bad days and good days, they all had the emotions and desires that every person is blessed with at birth but they also were men who trusted in God and revered the Bible as a book that came from God. I live in the great state of Ohio and have found that the drafters of the Ohio Constitution were believers in God and the Bible, Note the following:
"We the people of the State of Ohio, grateful to almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare, do establish this constitution." ... Premble to the Ohio Constitution of 1851 ...
"With God all things are possible" ... Motto of the Ohio State University ...
Not only did the framers of our national constutution believe in God and the Bible but they stated their conviction about this matter in a public way, note the following statements:
"It is impossible to govern the world without the Bible" ... George Washington ...
"I hold the preceipts of Jesus as delivered by himself, to be the most oure, benevolent, and sublime which have ever been preached to man. I adhere to the principaal of the age." ... Thomas Jefferson ...
"Almost every man who has by his life-work added to the sum of achievement which the race is proud, almost every such man has based his work largely upon the teaching of the Bible." ... Theodore Rosevelt ...
May we stand up and defend the right of all men to speak of God and to always defend the right of all men everywhere to read the Book of God and to live by its precepts.
May God always bless us in our endevours as we choose to serve Him in our life and in our work.
Psalms 33:11-14, "11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. 13 The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. 14 From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth" (KJV),
THE GOALS OF RADICAL FEMINISM by Winford Claiborne
The current women's movement began early in the 1960s with the publication of Betty Friedan's book, The Feminine Mystique. Most Americans apparently paid little or no attention to Friedan's book and to the budding women's movement. But when both houses of the United States Congress overwhelmingly endorsed the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and sent it to the states for ratification, millions of Americans awakened to what was occurring. Grass roots organizations across this nation began to investigate what the ERA would do and to inform Americans of the radical aims of the women's movement. It was in the mid-1970s when Molly and I began to speak out against feminism. Since then we have warned our communities and the churches where we have served about the dangers of radical feminism and about all other kinds of feminism, including so-called "biblical feminism"--a contradictory term equivalent to speaking of "biblical racism."
A Radical Feminist Translation
All of us know the power of language for good or for evil. The radical feminists have conspired to change our language regarding God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, women and men. Naomi Goldenberg insists that "Jesus Christ cannot symbolize the liberation of women.... Feminists have to leave Christ and the Bible behind." How can a male Savior be meaningful to women? Keith Watkins, professor of worship at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, make these observations on so-called "sexist language" in worship: "The language of worship, until now heavy with metaphors of masculinity, is changing. Even if we want to stop changes from coming to pass, this movement at the very center of the church's life is impelled by energies that are gaining strength--energies generated by renewed Bible study, reassessment of human experience, the reconstruction of theology and the reordering of the church's structures." Has it ever dawned on these feminist theologians that Christ alone determines what belongs in his church? We are to do all in word and in deed in the name of Jesus Christ (Col. 3:17). Virginia Mollenkott, a professed evangelical, expends great effort and imagination in seeking to remove all masculine language from the Bible and from worship in all churches. "Exclusively male images of God are killing our spirit by distorting our understanding of masculinity, femininity and mutuality." I wonder why Jesus Christ and his apostles never discovered the stifling effect of masculine language. Does Virginia Mollenkott have some insights which the Holy Spirit did not possess? Donald Bloesch makes too many concessions to feminism, but his book, Is the Bible Sexist?, still has much valuable information about feminism's assault on the Bible. "I believe with the Reformers that the scriptural language is not just an accidental garb for the message of faith, but a divinely prepared and divinely inspired medium; and apart from this medium there is no message." Bloesch further observes: "The prophets and apostles did not impose upon God a conception drawn from their patriarchal society, but they received from God through his revelation the true and original meaning of fatherhood." Oxford University Press apparently agrees completely with the goals of radical feminism. It has recently published The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version. The "General Introduction" to the new (mis)translation argues that any translation "inevitably involves some interpretation." The members of the editorial board decided in the fall of 1990 to "undertake a rendition of the whole New Testament and the Psalms that was inclusive with regard to gender, race, religion, or physical condition, yet that did not violate the meaning of the gospel.... The result is another step in the continuing process of rendering Scripture in language that reflects our best understanding of the nature of God, of the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, and of the wholeness of human beings." The Bible's use of the word "father" (pater) disappears completely in the new version. The Father always appears as "Father-Mother." For example, "Our Father-Mother in heaven" (Matt. 6:6) God is never referred to by a masculine pronoun, or by any other pronoun. The new version also rejects masculine pronouns of either the "pre-existent or the post-crucifixion Jesus." In the gospel of John, "Father" is rendered "God." The word "lord" has a male connotation and has been translated in some cased by "God." "Child" has been substituted for "Son of God" or "Son of the blessed." "Gender-specific pronouns referring to the 'child' are avoided." Since Abraham and Sarah were the progenitors of the Hebrew people, Sarah's name has been added to Abraham's. "My friends, you descendents of the family of Abraham and Sarah, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent" (Acts 13:26). In Matthew's account of the genealogy of Christ, women's names have been supplied. Matthew 1:6 says that David the king Begat Solomon of her who had been the wife of Uriah. The new translation reads: "David and Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, were the parents of Solomon." The translators claim they are attempting in these renderings to put "the woman on a par with the man." The Old Testament forbad adding to God's word (Deut. 4:2) and so does the New (Rev. 22:18-19). A herald (kerux) must speak God's message in God's words. The new translation has violated that principle. One member of the editorial board--Sharon Ringe--joined with a group of radical feminists in producing The Liberating Word: A Guide to Non-Sexist Interpretation of the Bible. Another member of the board, Burton Throckmorton, Jr., affirms that the "scripture is the church's book. I think the church can do with its scripture what it wants to do with its scripture." I wonder why inspired writers never refer to the Bible as the "church's book," but always as God's book--the word of God. Statements like these from the new translation's introduction and from the two board members tell us as plainly as words can how little respect the editorial board and the publishers have for the word of God. The anathema of God rests on anyone who so abuses and misuses the scriptures (Gal. 1:8-9).
Gender Confusion
When we were so vigorously opposing the ERA and the women's movement in the 1970s and 1980s, we kept telling our audiences that the radicals within feminism wanted to remove all gender differences. Some of the feminists,especially those who called themselves either "moderate" or "biblical" feminists, denied such dire predictions. They insisted they simply wanted women to have equal educational opportunities, equal access to credit and equal pay for equal work. Some of the feminists may have been honest in their beliefs, but our fears have come to pass. The Reader's Digest, December 1995, includes an article, "Our Politically Correct Bathroom," by Wendy Shalit which proves conclusively that opponents of the ERA and the Women's Movement were correct in the predictions of the blurring of gender roles. Wendy Shalit, a junior at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, complains of having to attend National Coming-Out Week.... Queer Pride Week, Bisexual Visibility Week and similar outrageous events. The dean's office reinforced the atmosphere on campus by sending out memos condemning "bigoted" attitudes. The students in various dorms have referenda to decide whether or not all bathrooms will be single-sex or co-ed. Wendy says the votes always go one way. If any student objects, he or she is made to feel there is something wrong with their bodies. Wendy placed a sign on her bathroom door with words: "Ladies Only, Please. Thank you for Your Cooperation, Gentlemen." Her suitemates called her on the carpet for her exclusivistic attitude. Eventually the sign came down. Oddly enough, the college administration has bathrooms marked "Women" and "Men." Wendy pointedly observes: "Evidently, to those in charge, their privacy still counts." Literally, hundreds of other examples of such moral insensitivity could be given, if space permitted. Christina Hoff Sommers' book, Who Stole Feminism: How Women Have Betrayed Women, should be read by every concerned parent. Dr. Sommers will convince any honest person of the dangers of radical feminism.
The Beijing Conference
If anyone has any doubts about feminism's continuing assault on the home as God ordained it, he needs to examine the Beijing Conference. James Dobson's newsletter from Focus on the Family (October, 1995) called Beijing an "atheistic conference. Every good and perfect gift from the hand of the Creator will be mocked and vilified by many of its delegates." Dobson's newsletter brought a stream of protest from feminists and from the liberal media. Even William Jefferson Clinton got into the act. "So now there's this huge effort in America to try to convince the American people that this conference is somehow anti-family, and that we're sending some sort of radical delegation. Why? Not because it's true, but because it furthers the almost addictive, almost narcotic drive among some elements in our society to take every single issue and use it as a cause for division among our people when we need to be more united." President Clinton promised he would appoint delegates who would be diverse and bipartisan. "They come," he said, "from all walks of life, from different political parties, and religions." But the president was not honest with the American people. Of the forty-six delegates to the conference, not one pro-life leader was among them--not one. Women of the stature of Phyllis Schlafly and Beverly LaHaye--nationally known and highly respected women--were simply ignored. Two women whom the President appointed were Republicans and both were well-known liberals. The official draft document for the conference was prepared by women like Bella Abzug and other radical feminists. Congressman Dan Burton called the conference "crazy" and said the American taxpayer deserved better. Women from the United States, Canada and the European Union were pleased with the women's conference. They focused on "redesigning the family, reordering the way males and females interrelate, promoting 'reproductive rights' (a euphemism for abortion), distributing contraceptives, and safe-sex nonsense to kids, propagating 'homosexual and lesbian rights,' weakening parental authority, undermining 'patriarchal' religious teachings and spreading feminist ideology to every nation on earth." But not all the delegates--even the liberal ones--were happy with the outcomes of the Beijing Conference. Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey expressed her objections in a letter to the chair of the U.S. delegation. Ambassador Madeleine Albright. "Sections of the document as currently drafted would declare new international rights to abortion, to abortion financing by governments, to non-discrimination on account of sexual orientation, and to rights of 'privacy' or 'sexual rights' that would apply even to young adolescents and could easily be construed as giving them the right to contraceptives and abortions without the consent of their parents. There is little support for any of these new rights within the United States Congress or among the American people." Women leaders from some of the Third World countries objected to the agenda of the Beijing Conference. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan was disturbed about the conference because of its weakening role of the traditional family. Dr. Margaret Oogala from Kenya was especially concerned about the United States' contention that the conference agenda was mainstream: "Apparently in the United States, the most powerful country in the world, the family is considered as nothing anymore." Some of the workshops sponsored by the conference were: "Lesbianism for the Curious," "Spirit and Action: Lesbian Activism from an Interfaith Perspective," Lesbian and Mother: Talking about Being Sperm Donors," "Lesbian Flirtation Techniques Workshop," "How Religious Fundamentalism Helps to Spread AIDS," and "Lesbian in the Baltics: New Phenomenon of the '90s." One of the workshops was conducted by Bella Abzug, one of the most belligerent feminists on the face of God's earth. In her workshop she joined hands with other women to pray to "Mother Earth." One of the prayers in the workshop reads: "Give thanks for the fruits of life. Thanks for the water. People from my community decided no more crucifixion. We believe in life. We celebrate life, not the crucifixion. We are power." Many of the women held hands and chanted: "I am power. I am power. I am power." How many of America's churches--including churches of Christ--have spoken out against this abominable evil? Will God hold us accountable for this "idle silence"?
Conclusion
The events discussed in this article demonstrate that the goals of radical feminism have not changed in the past thirty years--except they have become more radical. The goals of radical feminism remain: First, an all-out attack against New Testament Christianity, including altering the meaning of God's eternal truth as revealed in the Bible. Second, foolishly and inexcusably blurring the role of men and women. That involves promoting perverted sexual behavior. Third, assaulting the home as God himself ordained it. We can no longer afford to sit idly by and pretend that radical feminism--and all other forms--are not a threat to our homes, to our moral values, to the church of the living God and to the United States of America. "And who knows whether or not we are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Est. 4:14).
ENDNOTES
1 Betty Friedan, The Feminine Mystique (New York: Norton & Company, Inc., 1963). 2 Naomi Goldenberg, Changing of the Gods: Feminism and the End of Traditional Religions (Boston: Beacon Press, 1979), p. 22. 3 Keith Watkins, Faithful and Fair: Transcending Sexist Language in Worship (Nashville: Abingdon, 1981), p. 11. 4 Virginia Mollenkott, The Divine Feminine: The Biblical Imagery of God as Female (New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 1985), p. 47. 5 Donald Bloesch, Is the Bible Sexist? (Westchester, IL: Crossway Books, 1982), p. 76. 6 Ibid., p. 77. 7 The New Testament and Psalms: An Inclusive Version (New York: Oxford University Press, 1995). 8 Ibid, p. viii. 9 Ibid., p. ix. 10 Ibid., p. xi. 11 Ibid., p. xii. 12 Ibid., p. xiii. 13 Ibid., p. xv. 14 Ibid. 15 Mary Kassian, The Feminist Gospel: The Movement to Unite Feminism and the Church (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 1992), p. 136. 16 Ibid., p. 169. 17 Reader's Digest, 1995, p. 65. 18 Ibid., pp. 66-67. 19 Christina Hoff Sommers, Who Stole Feminism? How Women Have Betrayed Women (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994). 20 James Dobson, Focus on the Family Newsletter (Colorado Springs, October, 1995), pp. 1-2. 21 Ibid., p. 3. 22 Ibid. 23 Ibid. 24 Ibid., p. 4. -The Spiritual Sword, Vol. 27, No. 2, Memphis
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Edsel's note(s): See Romans 15:4. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed {Genesis 18:16-19:29; Luke 17:32; Jude 7; read Leviticus 18:22-23,28a}. Remember the midwives {Exodus 1:15-21}. Remember Pharaoh's criminal murders (abortion) methods {Exodus 1:22. see Proverbs 6:16,17c; read Exodus 2:1-10; Hebrews 11:23}. Remember Herod's criminal murders (abortion) of babies {Matthew 2:16}. Last but not least, on January 22, 2008, those without natural affection for the unborn child, will celebrate 35-years of abortion of over fifty-million (50,000,000) babies. The killing of unborn children was approved by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973. America has killed more babies in the womb than all of our combined war-casualties. Some die by infanticide. Don't be fooled by the fancy language such as "Planned-Parenthood," "Women's Right To Choose," and the like. Help to educate the public on both the terrible news of abortion and the great news of the Pro-life Community. We must continue the battle against this great evil. See Website: www.hh76.com/lit Order your envelope stickers and place on all of your outgoing mail 1-800-767-7258 or 1-800-858-3040.
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair Garreth has over 46 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH. http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/ Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.) Please help us show up on search engines, by putting a link to http://www.considermagazine.com on your website!
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