Judah Going Down

 As an older American, I often reflect upon my youth, and I have concluded that growing up in America during the 1950s was wonderful! Our country was the greatest in the world proven by our victory in World War II! No one could beat us though we had those school A-bomb drills!

No, there was no social media, no laptops, no wireless communications. Personal computers, laptops, or cell phones occupied no room in our brains. Our television was small but quite heavy. Every scene on its screen was in black and white. We had five channels that I can recall (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and a St. Louis local station). Believe it or not, there was no TV remote control either.

Telephones were connected to the wall by a cord that always seemed too short. Some phones were on “party lines” meaning multiple homes used the same line for communicating (yes, you could listen in to your neighbor’s calls). Furthermore, the only dishwasher available was human, some individual (usually your mother) standing at the sink scrubbing the dishes by hand.

But childhood in the 1950s was a blast. Most of us attended public school in which we always began our day by saying the Pledge of Allegiance as we stood and saluted the flag. We studied arithmetic/math, science, English, writing, reading, spelling, music, and took physical recreation (i.e., “gym” or “P.E.”). There were kids who bullied others (I know I was verbally bullied throughout public school) but not to the extreme as some do today. I never felt physically threatened at school and I don’t believe my parents were ever concerned about my safety while I was there.

Over the summer, my younger brother and I were rarely inside the house and often not even at home. We would go outside and play Wiffle Ball, cowboys and Indians, and war. When we grew older, we would leave the house in the morning, ride our bikes to a pre-selected ball field (often just an empty lot), play ball, eat lunch (sometimes that required a return trip home; other times we took a sandwich), play more ball, get home for supper, then play outside until dark. Our parents never seemed worried about our absence (they may have been relieved we weren’t home!).

For the eighteen years I lived at home, our house doors were not locked. No one ever stole anything from our house. We had no outside security system. I don’t believe my father owned a gun since I never saw one. Yet everyone went to bed at night with little concern for their well-being.

Girls who were pregnant out of wedlock were frowned upon but not “thrown away” like trash or told to abort their child. The boys involved in such cases were also frowned upon. The message was clear: you don’t have sex until after you are married. That is the standard. That is what society has deemed to be proper.

Furthermore, there was no talk of same sex marriage. Any such relationships were condemned. Multiple genders were not even mentioned when I was a child. Oh, you might have a girl who behaved somewhat like a boy occasionally. We called them “tomboys.” Tomboys were often revealed in our town by their love for baseball and how they played the game. But a tomboy was still a girl. Any form I filled out would require me to check either the “M” box or the “F” box for my sex/gender. Two genders were all that had ever existed from the beginning of history.

They were divorces but they were not common. A single parent home in those days was usually because of a death of the other parent. Divorce was also frowned upon.

But we played with our neighbors and with our school friends. Sometimes we would celebrate July 4^th with one another by setting off fireworks in our own yards. And it was always a thrill to follow the mosquito truck down the street and run in its glorious spray (likely DDT!).

What a great country and a fun time to grow up!

After seven decades I see the America that has been left to my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I want to weep and weep and weep. What a disaster it has become. It seems every social standard from the beginning of time has been discarded. Pregnant out of wedlock? No big deal. Living with the opposite sex prior to marriage? No big deal. You’re a male and want to become a female? No big deal. In fact, you have at least two options of accomplishing this feat. First, simply tell everyone you are a woman and then freely use the ladies’ bathroom. Second, undergo operations and devour medicines to take on the appearance of a woman. How ridiculous.

We had immigrants back in the fifties. However, such immigrants came to our country legally, sought citizenship, and work to make a living. Today, invade our country by coming here illegally and receive benefits from the taxpayers without ever becoming a citizen. Why that’s not a big deal either. One entire political party supports that position even if it means permitting terrorists to come into our midst.

As I write, our nation is cursed with inflation, sexual degradation on all fronts, illegal “immigration”, district attorneys more interested in prosecuting victims rather than criminals, increasing taxes, lower and unstable stock market, a Justice system against parents at school board meetings, transportation systems in chaos, crime way up especially in major cities run by Democrats, attempts to eliminate guns, ongoing killing of the unborn and there’s much more. I feel ill merely typing the words.

Our children were mostly watched over by us. Rarely did they leave our neighborhood without permission. Our car doors and house doors are always locked. Most of us (including myself) converse mainly with our devices. The later generations seem to live their life with the sole goal of being happy all the time. If, for ANY reason, they do not feel happy, they find themselves depressed or bored. I can honestly say I was not happy as a child all the time; no child is. But I had a happy childhood. Was I ever depressed when unhappy? Not that I can recall. Was I ever truly bored in life? Again, not that I can recall. We always found something to do. Make something, read something, play a game, sit around and talk, pester my siblings. There was always something to do and it didn’t necessarily require parental supervision or assistance. If you were sitting around and doing nothing (which was fine too), you would get up and find something to do. Period. Why there might even be a show to watch that did not contain sex, nudity, extreme violence, profanity, etc., yet taught a good lesson for life, especially for children.

I regret what America is becoming, not so much for me but for my descendants.

The prophet Jeremiah knows of what I write. Israel had been a great nation under David and then Solomon. But, upon Solomon’s death, the kingdom split into two kingdoms. The Northern Kingdom remained the Kingdom of Israel. The Bible tells us each of its kings was evil. They failed to follow the teachings of God. They even followed false gods. They worshipped idols. After two hundred years, the Assyrians invaded, defeated them, and scattered them throughout their empire.

The other Kingdom, the Southern Kingdom, was known as the Kingdom of Judah. It was also governed by evil kings but there were also several kings who were obedient to the Lord. Over the centuries, though, evil began to triumph in Judah. Around 620 B.C., God called Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah (a priest) to be a prophet to Judah in its waning days. This great prophet is referred to as the “weeping prophet” for throughout his book he weeps for his people and what the future held for them. God gave the Kingdom of Judah to their enemies, the Babylonians, just as He had foretold to and through Jeremiah.

So, Judah, once a great kingdom founded upon and, under some godly leaders, is virtually destroyed and taken captive. Many of God’s people were driven out of their homeland to other locations. Oh, the mighty have fallen.

I see many similarities in America that compare to those in Jeremiah’s book. We were never a perfect nation nor was Judah. Judah and the USA have experienced good (perhaps godly) leaders, good times, strong military, a worship and obedience of the true God, and freedom. But American is on decline in similar ways that Judah declined. Is our captivity around the corner? I do not know. As a prophet, my prophesies are limited to the Word of God as was Jeremiah’s. He received his directly from the Lord. I receive mine from the Lord through His Word, the Bible, and the Bible does not mention America.

Recently, my Bible reading brought me to Jeremiah chapter nine. I would encourage the reader to read the entire chapter. I will quote only a portion of that entry and will do so in three parts.

(1) Jeremiah 9:10-11

“I will take up weeping and wailing for the mountains, and a lamentation for pastures of the wilderness, because they are laid waste so that no one passes through, and the lowing of the cattle is not heard; both the birds of the air and the beasts have fled and are gone. I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a lair of jackals, and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.”

Here we have the promise of the Lord God concerning the impending doom of the Kingdom. God will do it, and nothing will stay His hand. One part of this section did strike me, though. God will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins (remember, Jerusalem is the capital city), a lair of jackals (no one likes jackals; does our capital city already have a lair of jackals? I’d prefer to use another “jack” word to describe them but will hold my tongue!). Now onto part two.

(2) Jeremiah 9:12

 “Who is the man so wise that he can understand this? To whom has the mouth of the LORD spoken, that he may declare it? Why is the land ruined and laid waste like a wilderness, so that no one passes through?

God is speaking directly to Jeremiah in this verse. Who can understand what He is about to do? Who is the man who will declare the forthcoming doom to others? Obviously, Jeremiah and others called to be prophets are the ones God expects to understand the forthcoming judgment and proclaim it to the inhabitants.

Then comes a key question from the Lord.

“WHY is the land ruined and laid waste like a wilderness, so that no one passes through?” Does Jeremiah understand why punishment is coming from God upon Judah? What has Judah done (or not done) that has led to this moment? Before we read God’s answer to His own question, isn’t this the question we should ask ourselves?

Anyone having lived the past seven or more decades clearly sees an America on a decline. Will we decline into oblivion much like Judah? I do not know. But the question on our hearts should be the same question posed by God. What has caused this great decline in our great nation in such a brief time. WHY, O God, is this happening? Part three provides the answer.

(3) Jeremiah 9:13-14

“And the LORD says: ‘Because they have forsaken my law that I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice or walked in accord with it, but have stubbornly followed their own hearts and have gone after the Baals, as their fathers taught them.’”

Judah’s demise was for the following actions.

1. They forsook (abandoned) God’s Law that He gave them. They did not obey His voice or obey His Law.

I recall the Ten Commandments posted on the walls of some of my elementary school classrooms. Try to do that today! People do not follow or even know the law of God. No murder (including the unborn child), no sexual perversion (LGBTQ+...), no sex outside of marriage (perversion and adultery), ignorance of what marriage is (one man, one woman, lifetime commitment to one another) and so forth.

2. Instead they “stubbornly followed their own hearts”.

They did whatever they wanted to do, whatever would bring “meaning” to their lives, whatever would make them happy. They have put their desires above the very will of the Almighty. They must live their own life as they “best see fit.” They do so “stubbornly” for it is their depraved heart which rejects God that has caused this stubborn rebellion against their Creator.

3. Furthermore, they have followed the Baals, i.e., the false gods.

Their worship and their lives were not committed to the Lord Yahweh. Instead, they devoted themselves to their personal gods. Many Americans are behaving in the same way. Their god might be the LGBTQ+ camp. Their god might be work or money. Their god might be the environment (“Mother Nature,” i.e., climate change). Perhaps their god is politics or some union. Far too many Americans worship the god known as “self.”

Furthermore, if you attack one of these idols, the idol worshipper will not listen to you and, most likely, outright reject not only what you say, but also you personally. The more you attempt to explain the Lord’s Word concerning their idol, the more hateful (“stubborn”) is their response.

Despite the doom and gloom of this Biblical chapter, the Lord has good news for the people. I quote from chapter nine, verses twenty-three through twenty-six:

“Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.’”

What are you boasting in? Do you understand who God is and what He demands? Do you know God personally? Have you experienced His steadfast love, His justice, His righteousness? If not your boast is in the wrong god and that god will do you no good in the future.

God calls upon you to repent of your sins. By repent, I mean not merely tell God you are sorry for them and desire forgiveness, but also that you intend to no longer pursue them with God’s help. Then God calls on you to believe in the person and work of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. This belief, this faith, is not merely a belief of facts or knowledge (head faith). It is also a belief in your soul (heart faith). To believe on Jesus is to put the trust and care of your entire being in His hands and to follow Him.

If you are not a believer, repent and believe today for now is the day of salvation.

America is on that downward path. As Christians, we have the responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to all, even those who stubbornly reject us and to pray for the Lord’s intervention in their lives.

May God work a mighty work of revival in our land and turn our people back to Him so that, once more, our descendants may find their America to be wonderful!

Wisdom from a Ghost

 In general, I am not a fan of Charles Dickens. Most of his works have bored me and, therefore, I did not finish them. However, this is not the case with the Dickens stories written for the Christmas season. “The Cricket on the Hearth: A Fairy Tale of Home” is a fun little Christmas work. But the Dickens’ account which caught my soul early on is “A Christmas Carol.”

 The short story has been turned into film and television renditions. I’ve watched most of them, enjoyed a few, but each one deviates from the novel in some way. So, each year as December 25^th closes in, I pick up one of my copies of the novel and read it. There are only five chapters (or staves), and the overall story is very brief. Normally, I read one stave a day. Apart from some of the English vocabulary and terms used by Dickens, it is an easy story to read.

 SPOILERS AHEAD. If you have NOT read the story, I suggest you do so first.

 Yesterday I finished the opening stave. That chapter ends with the visit of Marley’s Ghost appearing to Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge reminds the ghost that he was a good man of business. The ghost then replies with one of the many classic lines from Dickens.

 “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

 When I read that brief paragraph, it fits well to describe every human walking this earth but especially on believers. Mankind is our business. They need the Gospel and, apart from us sharing it with them, they will remain lost. Yes, mankind is our business. We, as Christians, are to be about charity and mercy and longsuffering and benevolence towards others. What we do for a living, whatever our trade may be, we should perform that task spirit of the goal: rescuing humanity. Opportunities to share the Gospel arise in every workplace. Grab those opportunities and share Christ. Use some of your financial gain to support your church and other ministry organizations for the glory of Christ. Use the skills you developed in your trade to help others and, in so doing, minister to them with charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence. In this way, you may proclaim Christ to a lost soul.

 From what I know of Dickens, he was likely not a true believer. Also, there is no indication he wrote “A Christmas Carol” to glorify Christ. However, quotes like the one above certainly have value for the reborn Christian. Marley’s ghost is right. Mankind is our business.

 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...”

 

The Kingdom of God

Being Sunday, I have a brief article today. My thoughts were spurred by a post I saw on Facebook. The entry contained a quote from R. C. Sproul.

“The kingdom of God is not of the people, by the people, or for the people. It is a kingdom ruled by a King, and God does not rule by the consent of His subjects but by His sovereign authority. His reign extends over me whether I vote for Him or not.”

What a tremendous statement teaching the sovereign rule of our great God! With humility I would add just a few more words to Dr. Sproul’s final sentence.

“His reign extends over me whether I vote for Him or not or whether I believe in Him or not.”

I know some people who were raised in the church, professed Christ, were baptized, then strayed and now confess they do not believe God’s Word, nor do they believe there is a God. Obviously, they were never born again. These are true apostates, always separated from God and will be forever separated from Him unless they repent and trust Christ.

Learning of such a betrayal causes me to ponder why. What could have led to this complete denial? Well, it’s their sinful nature. Though they knew God’s truth, they never surrendered to Him or His Word. But why do they remain so firmly against God now? They are comfortable living in their sin, know, from their earlier teaching, it is sin, but enjoy that sin so much, the only way they can continue to live is to deny it is sin. And, to accomplish that trick, they must deny the Word and even deny God’s existence.

Oh, my prayer is that Christ have mercy on them over this Christmas season. May the Spirit draw them back towards the Lord and may they finally and completely repent of their sin and turn to Christ in true saving faith.

 May the Lord Jesus be exalted for His life, His death, His resurrection, His ascension, His forever reign as a merciful, gracious, and just King!

 

How Many Does It Take?!

Moving on to Matthew 14:33, I find this verse humorous, interesting, yet also quite profound. Using the English Standard Version translation, we read:

“And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’”

 “Those in the boat” are his disciples of course. I haven’t done any in-depth research on which of the disciples were present, but my assumption is that all twelve were there. These closest followers of Jesus perform two actions: (1) they worship him and (2) they pronounce him to be the Son of God. Why do I find this to be humorous?

Several events have occurred in Matthew 14 before this verse. Briefly recapping them, his disciples had seen Jesus take five loaves of bread and two fish and feed five thousand. When they picked up the scraps, they filled twelve baskets. The only words recorded in the Gospels concerning this event are spoken by the crowd. “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world” (John 6:14). If the disciples had any response, it was not recorded.

Next, the disciples take the boat and begin their journey across the Sea of Galilee, battling the wind for several hours. Jesus suddenly appears walking on the water. Scripture records the disciples’ response to this sight. They are terrified and they believe Jesus is a ghost.

Peter requests to walk on the water with the Lord and the request is granted. So, not only could Christ walk on water, but he could enable others to do likewise. The eleven in the boat would have witness this, but, once again, no response from them. Peter does cry out to the Lord to save him once he begins to sink.

Jesus and Peter finally enter the boat and the winds immediately cease. Even more miraculous, recall the disciples were about two-thirds across the lake when Jesus arrived. John 6:21 adds to the ceasing of the wind. “... and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.” IMMEDIATELY!

A chapter like this one causes me to briefly chuckle. Miracle after miracle and no response. These men must be blind and stupid! “Why, if I had been one of the twelve, I would have fallen at Christ’s feet after He fed the five thousand!” Sure, I would! I am just as blind and stupid as they were. Why? Because of sin.

How many miracles must Jesus perform before the disciples respond to Him? Oh, as sinful beings, our hearts and minds are hardened by sin. These disciples have been eyewitnesses to these events and only now do they finally acknowledge Christ’s uniqueness.

Many throughout history have witnessed miracles in their own lives, attesting to the existence of God and His Divine Son. But sin has them in bondage. Perhaps they narrowly escaped a vehicle accident or survived one. Maybe they were overcome by some illness, weren’t responding to treatment, yet survived. Or they were persecuted by some entity and almost gave in. But strength came from somewhere to enable them to endure. There was a time when they had little money with bills overdue and suddenly they received an anonymous gift of cash. How many of us have experienced similar incidents and failed to recognize the God who was performing them? Well, the disciples appear to have missed them as well.

Here in verse thirty-three, the story changes. NOW they worship Him. NOW they call Him “the Son of God.”

We can’t know another man’s heart. Certainly, the worship offered by these twelve men was not pure worship for at least some of them (maybe all). Judas Iscariot is among them. Maybe he sincerely dropped to his knees and admired this amazing man before Him. But, apart from the indwelling Spirit of God, there is no true worship (John 4:24). I doubt if any of the twelve Scripturally worshipped Christ that day.

Again, how many of us do the same? Our churches are filled with followers of Christ who are not born again and do not possess the Spirit. They come to church and offer “worship,” but their worship is not received by the Lord. Furthermore, I fear there are times when true believers also perform worship out of habit but separated from their heart. Sin and Satan continue to work against even the believer.

And, as noted, these twelve also call Jesus “the Son of God.” Perhaps they sincerely meant what they said. The things they had witnessed that day convinced them Jesus was unique among men. The only explanation was He must be God’s Son. But, as with worship, you might genuinely believe Christ is “the Son of God,” but remain a lost soul. Your head has accepted that truth. But your heart has not yield, you have not repented, and you have not turned to Christ with saving faith, trusting Him with your eternal soul. You are just like the demons. They believe in doctrine, but shudder before God (James 2:19).

My call to those who read this post is to make certain you are a true believer in Christ. Do you truly worship Him? Is He truly the Lord of your life? To believe in Christ is to trust in Christ and to trust in Christ is to follow and depend upon Him. Is that you?

Do you truly believe He is the Son of God, God in the flesh? The Creator, the Redeemer, the Intercessor, the Judge; do you truly believe these things? Have you bowed your knee and put all your trust in Him? If not, please do so today. Confess your sins to Him. Ask Him to forgive you. Turn from your sinful ways and trust Him to do so now and for the rest of your life.

Praise the Almighty, Jesus the Messiah IS the Son of God!

 

The Wind Ceased

 Yesterday, my daily translation exercise brought me to Matthew 14:32, a brief verse which reads:

 “And when they got into the boat the wind ceased.”

 Working out the translation was simple and straightforward so that was not what grabbed me. I’ve read this verse many times over the years, but never felt the impact of those words until yesterday.

 The flow of the chapter includes Jesus feeding the five thousand. After that pericope concludes, Jesus immediately sends his disciples via a boat across the Sea of Galilee. Once they have departed, he goes up on a mountain and prays.

Bringing the various Gospel accounts together, we find the disciples are making little headway because of the strong, stormy winds flowing over the sea. These men are professional fishermen, familiar with boats and intense winds. According to John’s account and the geography of the sea, we can estimate the disciples had only gone about two-thirds of the distance despite rowing for several hours.

 Suddenly, they see a figure walking on the water. They are terrified. Jesus calms His followers by calling out to them. Peter, in a moment of faith and courage, requests Jesus to let him walk on the water. We know the story, of course. Jesus does so, Peter steps out and briefly walks on the water, notices the wind and the waves, and begins to sink. He cries out to Jesus to save him, and the Lord graciously does. The next scene brings us to Matthew 14:32.

 “And when they (i.e., Jesus and Peter) got into the boat THE WIND CEASED.”

 Amazing! After battling the wind for hours, it suddenly ceases when Jesus and Peter are in the boat. I’m convinced it is a miracle performed by Christ. Whether or not, though, that is not what struck me. Let me explain.

 The Christian walking in this world is constantly battling the winds. These may be financial winds, employment winds, relationship winds, or a combination of various winds. Life, even for the believer, is difficult while he lives in this sinful society. He has the indwelling Spirit. He has the forgiveness procured by Christ. He has the love of God revealed by our regeneration. Nevertheless, he must battle those winds every day. There are days when the winds are stronger than other days. He is one of those disciples in the boat struggling against the winds. Then Jesus comes. He comes through our meditation of Scripture. He comes as we call out to God in prayer. He comes as we hear the Word of God proclaimed. The believer remembers all Christ has done on his behalf. He came to save sinners and the believer is one. That salvation required Christ’s death on the cross. The Lord’s death guarantees the believer’s forgiveness of all sin, payment for all sin, and assurance of a future home in glory where there will be no more sin.

 As he reflects upon these truths and Christ’s promises, the winds cease. He becomes more calm and more confident. Considering Christ even for a moment during such troubles will bring joy and peace to one’s soul.

 Yes, the winds will return. They may take a different form (e.g., car breakdown, unexpected illness) but they will be back possibly with even more fury. When they come, let us consider our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and experience a respite from the storm.

 “And when they got into the boat the wind ceased.”

Mary, Mary, How Many Genders are There?

Mary, Mary, quite contrary

Now what gender are you doing?

Female, male to gender-fluid

Today gender non-conforming.

The question I ask today is, "How many genders are there?" In case you were wondering, allow me to provide the answer: 2.

Surprised? If you do an internet search you will find some sites claiming there are 64 genders, others say 72. I found one which claimed 12 (including those listed in the little poem above). And, of course, there are folks who claim an infinite number of genders are available. Which one are you choosing today?

Perhaps you are confused. You are like me. When asked on a form to define my gender, I always check the "male" box. Until recently, I never saw any form with more than 2 boxes for answering that question. A form I completed a few days ago gave me three options: male, female, other. I guess the "other" refers to the fictional genders.

Yes, there are only two genders. Yes, all other "genders" mentioned and described in this generation are fictional. They have developed in a person's mind in the place of reason and logic.. The gender identity question of the day is foolishness run amok. Invent as many "genders" as you want, there are only two and you belong to one of those groups: male or female.

Those who believe in multiple genders > 2 will dispute this fact. "Why, I am gender-fluid. Today I'm a male; tomorrow a female; on Wednesday a female giraffe." It's a joke and yet I feel very sorry for those who truly believe such unreasonable nonsense. I may "feel" more like a woman today and a cat tomorrow, nevertheless my gender always has been and always will be male. 

God has ordained humanity this way. Genesis informs us He created humans as male and female. Jesus confirmed this. The Scripture NEVER speaks of other gender possibilities. God says 2 genders. That settles it even if you don't believe it.

Biology confirms this fact. We know about the chromosomes. "XX" sex chromosome is female while "XY" is male. The multiple gender supporters claim gender is more than biology and chromosomes. No, its not. You simply want it to be that way. Some things in life we cannot change and our gender is one of those things (discussion of transgender will follow in another post). I can change my weight but not my height (unless I use stilts or high heels). My eyes will always be blue unless I choose either colored contacts or an eye transplant! 

God has not given us the option to change our gender no matter how we might feel on any given day. He determines your gender at the moment of conception. Your cells will carry that chromosome for the rest of your life. And that chromosome provides internal proof of your gender while your genitals provide external proof.

Add to this attempt to find your "true" gender, we now have the pronoun discussion. Do you go by "he/him", "she/her", "he/her", "ze/zim" or any other combination. Again, your pronouns are easily defined. You are either "he/him" or "she/her". In most cases, I can tell by a quick observation what to call you. If I use pronouns you don't like, too bad. You see, "he/her" or "she/him" or "ze/zim" do not exist. Use your head and some simple reasoning and you'll figure it out.

The question of gender identity is settled at conception, revealed at birth, and remains unchanged to death and beyond. I pity those who are confused and those who desperately want to change genders. Some of you have been deceived by false teachers. Some of you are affected by a mental disability and need help from a good doctor. Nothing good will come from this for the person suffering from gender confusion or for society. 

If you are confused, your best help will be found in God's Word and from the Great Physician. You need to return to the real world, recognize the sinfulness of your gender searching (i.e., you are telling God you and not He decides gender), and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation.

Now, as I close, let us review all the genders: (1) male (2) female. That will do!

 

 

A Brief Look at Deaconess

 Our church recently adopted a constitutional change permitting women to serve as deacons (and that is what they will be called). For centuries, Christian writers have studied this topic. Good men have come to different understandings. This author falls far short of the abilities of those who have already addressed the subject. All I want to do in this brief article is to present a part of my argument as to why women should NOT serve as deacons. I will not go into great depths but focus only on the 1 Timothy 3 passage. When I conclude that discussion, I have some thoughts on what should be done if a church decides to have women deacons.

1 Timothy 3:8-13

First, the Romans 16:1 verse referring to Phoebe as a "deacon" (or "servant") of the church at Cenchreae is far too ambiguous. In light of 1 Timothy 2, I find it difficult to believe Paul saw Phoebe as an official of a local church. There is a brief study claiming that when the phrase "of the church" follows a title (e.g., deacon) that the office referred to is an official office in the church. My personal examination of these verses in the New Testament (and there aren't many) doesn't prove anything conclusive to me. 

Therefore, the only other text in the New Testament which may support women deacons is in 1 Timothy 3. Here is the verses as translated in the English Standard Version:

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.
9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.
11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.
12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 
13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

 Those who support women deacons argue that verses 8-10 present the qualifications for male deacons, verse 11 are the qualifications for female deacons, and verses 12-13 combine male and female deacons. Let's discuss the original Greek behind some of the words in this text.

"Deacons" (vv. 8, 10, 12, 13) - the noun used in 8 and 12 is diakonos, meaning servant or deacon, context must decide. Verses 10 and 13 use the verb diakoneo meaning to wait upon or to serve. The words are from the same root. The ESV has translated the verb as "serve as deacons". So, same word. In form, the word is masculine. However, there is no feminine form so the same word is used when referring to the service of a female.

"wife, wives" (vv. 11, 12) - In both cases, the word is gune, a feminine word meaning woman or wife, context must decide. This is the most common word for woman or wife in the New Testament.

Based on this analysis, contextually "wives" in verse 11 could be "women" and, therefore, describing the qualifications of a female deacon. However, assuming that to be true, then verse 12 which is claimed to be referring to all deacons (male and female) presents a problem. 

"Let deacons each be the husband of one wife."

Literally, the final clause can be rendered "one woman man". Per Scripture, there is no way a woman deacon can be the "husband" of one wife. Such behavior would be homosexual and, therefore, condemned by God. 

Hence, I do not believe verse 11 is referring to women deacons but to the wives of deacons. If Paul was really introducing a new/different office in verse 11, why not begin it with the female rendering of deacon? Of course, the masculine and feminine forms are the same. But all Paul needed to do was write "tas diakonous" and the verse becomes "The female deacons likewise". That would have made the passage quite clear.

Based on these two straightforward look at the text and the addition of a little reasoning, verse 11 does not introduce women deacons but merely tells the church to make certain the wife of the deacon is a good woman. I believe this understanding makes more sense in the context: vv. 8-10 are deacon qualifications, v. 11 are their wives qualifications, vv. 12-13 conclude the section on deacons.

Some have argued back at me that, if this is the case, why didn't Paul say something about the wives of the elders. I do not know and will not speculate. God has His reasons.

With certainty I can conclude that Phoebe was a wonderful servant of her local church but was not serving as a deaconess.

"Deaconess"

As I noted at the beginning, my church has already adopted women deacons. While I oppose the direction and pray we may, one day, discard that change, I want to share a few thoughts about having female deacons.

1. In my analysis above, the only way to have a female deacon who does hot have a "wife" would be for that woman to be single or widowed. This would align better with Titus 2.

2. Even in a church "ruled" by elders, deacons are in a position of authority. They hold an office in the local church. They engage in specific tasks not given to every member (e.g., serving the supper). Many churches have deacons teaching classes and, as a teacher, they have authority. To avoid conflicts with Paul in 1 Timothy 2, the responsibilities for a woman deacon need to be defined long before one is chosen. Those responsibilities can not be the same as they are for male deacons because a woman executing such responsibilities would be exercising authority over men (another argument for not having women deacons).

3. Deacons have their own meetings as well as meetings with the elders. A woman in such meetings may feel "out of place" with all the men around. I'm not arguing this from Scripture, merely from personal experience. Again, if you want women deacons, decide how you will handle such meetings before you choose one.

May our Lord Jesus Christ receive all the glory!

Why I Haven't Received the COVID-19 Vaccine

 Over the past several months, I have been repeatedly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine by some family members, friends, organizations, and even the Federal government. I am over 65 and have several co-morbidities. As of this post, I have refused to do so. Some want to know why, therefore, I will give you a few of my reasons. 

I have listened to the information concerning the vaccine from a variety of news organizations (not simply Fox News which I rarely listen to any more). I have read the CDC's own data bases. I have listened to scientists and medical folks ON BOTH SIDES of the issue. Finally, I have weighed this information and used my conscience to arrive at the conclusion that I will not receive the vaccine now or in the near future no matter what threats the government might use against me. 

So, in no particular order, here are some of my reasons for refusing.

1. The Federal government is seriously pushing the vaccine. Now, in my many years on this planet, I have never seen such an effort on behalf of the government to get people to do something. No matter where you turn, there is an effort to shove you into the vaccination line. Anytime government gets this demanding (even threating the use of "vaccine passports" for travel, etc.), I fear something is afoot. I have studied history and I know what they did in Germany in the 1930s. 

2. The vaccines are not approved but are in emergency use. Yes, I know the Pfizer vaccine has recently been approved but I have other reasons for not getting it. First of all, approval of these vaccines is much too rapid. While I am grateful Operation Warp Speed expedited their manufacture, we have absolutely no idea what they will do to their recipients in 20 years, 10 years, even in 1 year. From my studies, I do not believe ANY vaccine has been approved for human use in such a short time frame from its creation. I received a smallpox vaccination, polio vaccination, pneumonia vaccination, flu vaccinations, shingles vaccination, etc., but these vaccines took years of trials before being approved. I might get the COVID-19 vaccine next year or the year after, but not this soon. I want more testing.

3. Furthermore, the Nuremburg Code does not permit the forced/required use of experimental drugs on human subjects. If our government attempts to mandate every citizen receive the vaccine while it is still experimental, that would be a violation of this code. I sure have heard the word "mandate" quite often over the past few weeks. 

4. There are cures, apart from the vaccine, for COVID-19. Several doctors have used Hydroxychloroquine and Zinc successfully as well as other long-approved drugs to cure COVID-19 patients. These drugs have been downplayed in the media simply because President Trump mentioned them early in 2020 (and I'm certain he received his information from medical folks). 

5. Even if one catches COVID-19, the mortality rate is extremely low (less than 1% of those who have it). If I ever reach the decision to receive the vaccine, I would want to first be tested for COVID-19 antibodies since I may have had a mild dose of the illness in early 2020.

6. The vaccines are less effective than true antibodies.

7. Receiving the vaccine does NOT guarantee that you will not get COVID-19. Yes, in most cases, the vaccinated individual receives a milder form of COVID and avoids the hospital. But that is not true in all cases. So, even with the vaccine, there are no guarantees.

8. If I recall correctly, the three leading vaccines in the United States (Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J) are not actually vaccines like other vaccines we receive. In the other vaccines, we are given a small dose of the disease so our own immune system can develop the antibodies in preparation of battling a full onslaught of the illness. The COVID-19 vaccines manipulate the human RNA. Can anyone be certain as to the impacts on the human body by such a procedure? What about in a year? Maybe 10 years? See item 2 above.

9. The only approved COV ID-19 vaccine at this time is Pfizer. In its development and testing, this vaccine utilized cells from partially aborted babies. I am completely opposed to abortion and such usage to me if reprehensible. Some might argue that is true for other vaccines as well. If it is, I was unaware of that fact at the time I received those vaccines. In this case, though, I found this out BEFORE I received a vaccine and I will never knowingly support abortion in any form, even in this case.

10. Referring back to #1, the government and the media appear to doing all they can to keep COVID before the public eyes. They continually push fear. They tell us to wear one, two, or even three masks when the cloth masks used by most folks do NOT prevent the transmission of the bug. They tell us to keep 6 feet apart when more recent studies indicate that distance should be at least 20 feet. They constantly predict super spreader events and have been proven wrong (e.g., Sturgis). Our officials do not practice what they preach (parties without masks or distancing; President Obama's huge party; the Speaker frequently not wearing a mask while demanding members of the House do). Something is wrong with this scenario. The pandemic is never ending because political leaders have found they can use it to their advantage to gain more power. Now they wish to divide the populace into the "I have received the vaccine" and, supposedly, "antivaxxers". Well, I am not an antivaxxer. But my conscience tells me something is amiss with all of this and, for now, I will not cooperate.

It has been pointed out that I am awaiting a kidney transplant and one of my daughters, who has been vaccinated, has graciously volunteered to be my donor. From this comes two questions: first, since she has the vaccine, won't I be receiving it indirectly via the transplant? Second, how can I take her kidney but not the vaccine and possibly die soon from COVID-19? Wouldn't that be a shame for her to lose a kidney because I refused to get vaccinated?

The answer to the first question is fairly simply. She, guided by her conscience, chose to receive the vaccine. I had, and shouldn't have, any say in that matter. I have no issues with folks who get the COVID-19 vaccine. Each person must act on his own conscience. Does that mean I will be affected by the changes to her RNA in the transplant? I have no idea (nor does anyone else due to the lack of testing) but I trust the transplant team to make these decisions.

The second question is a bit more difficult. COVID-19 aside, I have asked my daughter on numerous occasions if she is certain she wishes to be a donor. I fear her giving up a kidney at such a young age. Each time I mention it, she says yes. Again, this is her decision. She knows I will not be upset if she backs out at any time. 

And, yes, even with the transplant, I might die in a year from COVID-19. Of course, I might also die the day I leave the hospital from a car accident or from a heart attack (more likely) or some other ailment. No one, but God, knows what the next day will bring to your life. I will not live in fear of death for I have a Savior no matter what happens to me. 

Again, each person must follow his conscience. My conscience tells me now is not the time for the vaccine.

The Sins of America: #3 Gender Identity

 Having lived seventy years, I have been required to fill out numerous forms: medical, employment, student, government, etc. For most of my life, these forms all contained one very easy question to answer. In fact, all you had to do was choose a box and check it. The question (in question) was: "Gender". Of all the information those asking for the completion of the form wanted, that was surely one of the simplest to answer. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case.

Instead of being male or female, forms now let you choose "Other". In some cases there are even more possible selections. "Transwoman", "Transman", and so on and so forth. In my humble opinion, having more than two choices for this category is ludicrous. It doesn't align with biology and certainly does not align with Scripture. And, yet, here we are in our American society. Not only are we permitting such labeling, we are also promoting it. Somehow, after six to eight thousand years of existence, humanity has "evolved" into more than two genders. Wow! How and when did this happen?

I do not profess to be the most holy man who ever lived. I sin. I make mistakes. However, I do my best to sync my conscience on various issues with what GOD has said rather than what MAN might think. It is no different on this issue. God has created two genders of humans, PERIOD. He tells us this first in Genesis 1 when He creates male and female. He elaborates on that very creation in Genesis 2 again with male and female. Every human born since Adam and Eve has been and will be either male or female. That is God's plan, His decree. He will not alter it. He will not create a third, fourth, or fifth choice. When conception occurs, God has ordained you either to be male or female.

Our society hates being told there are things in their life they cannot change. TOUGH. Time to grow up! I can't really change my eye color. I can't tell everyone I have dark brown eyes when they are clearly blue. I can't claim to be a basketball star 6' 10" tall because (1) I'm not that tall and (2) I stink at basketball! Like other young boys, I wanted to be a major league ballplayer. I can CLAIM to be one, but I am not. I never could hit the fastball. That is a skill God did not grant to me any more than he made me very tall or gave me brown eyes. 

Yes, He has permitted some freedom with our being. He enables us to gain or lose weight, firm up our body via exercise or not, and care for our teeth or let them rot. But we can't change when we were born, where we were born, to whom we were born, or what we were at birth. You are either a male or female.

Biology confirms this. Your sex is determined at conception. If the resulting union of the male and female reproductive seeds contain the "XX" chromosome you WILL be a female. If it is the "XY" chromosome, you are a male. You can have as many surgeries as you desire and take as many drugs as you wish in an effort to be another gender, but you CANNOT change those God-given chromosomes which identify you as male or female. Of course, most of us identify another person's gender by their physical appearance. This is also God-given. To be blunt, if God gives you breasts that develop and a vagina, then your chromosomes contain the "XX" chromosome and you are female. You might remove your breasts in an effort to look like a man, but you are still what God intended you to be: a woman. If, instead, God has given you a penis, then you have the "XY" chromosome and you are male. You might have your penis removed and breasts enlarged to appear to be a woman, but you are still what God intended you to be: a man.

From the beginning of your existence, God has settled the issue of which gender you are to be in life. That is HIS plan for YOU and it is a wonderful plan! To make any effort to change your gender is to curse God for what He has done, accuse Him of treating you wrong, and attempting to live your life as YOU want to live it, not as He wants you to live it.

Today in America, we have many attempting to change their gender by various means. Many have been deceived by Satan and others who have undergone such "transformations". Some simply dress like the other sex. Some undergo surgery and hormone treatments, spending tons of money. There are several testimonies of individuals who have tried the latter approach and, in a few years, regretted their actions. Anyone who believes they can live their life by rebelling against the plan of the Almighty will, at some point, realize the poor choice they have made. I pray those individuals come to this realization prior to judgment day.

The root cause of this problem is very much the same root cause for abortion: men desire to live their lives without God in whatever way they so choose. They don't like their gender so they reject what God has created and attempt to fashion their own creation. They worship themselves, the creature, rather than the one true God.

I know this article will upset some and folks will say I am "transphobic". No, people who are going through such "transitions" do not scare me. They should be heard and treated with respect. I do not hate those struggling with their gender, rather, I grieve for them. But, as I said earlier, my conscience is captive to the Word of God and that Word is clear on this subject. Denying there are only two genders or claiming God made you the wrong gender is denying the very will of God. Those individuals are in rebellion against Him and, as a minister of the Gospel, I am to call them to repentance for their actions.

And so, I close with such a call. Will you confess that you have sinned against the Almighty by deciding to live your life as YOU want it to be rather than as God has designed you? Will you, then, call upon the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Savior of any sin, and asked Him to save you? That is my plea.

The Sins of America: #2 Homosexuality

 I am certain this will be a poorly received post and that name calling will commence soon after its publication. Permit me to say at the outset, I am not a homophobe. I do not fear homosexuals. I'm not afraid of catching some disease from them or being forced into their lifestyle. What they do with their private lives is their business. Our government has even given them legal authority to marry. Nevertheless, I believe each of us should strive to live within the boundaries our God has given us. Because of that, I pray for those caught up in this sin. Failure to repent from this offense will bring His judgment. Have no doubt; when it comes to homosexuality, His Word is very clear. I will attempt to be as brief as possible.

Both Testaments of God's Word condemn the behavior. Probably the most recognizable portion of Scripture on this subject is found in Romans 1:26-27.

"For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error."

God made us either male or female. He did not join together two men or two women. No, He brought together into marriage one man and one woman. They are to become one flesh. Pursuing sexual relations is to unite the pair, bring pleasure to each partner, and provide for the procreation of the species. 

As God has noted in multiple places in his Word, anything apart from this structure is a deviation from His design. Just observe from the above passage how God describes homosexuality.

"dishonorable passions"
"exchanging natural relations for those that are contrary to nature"
"gave up natural relations"
"were consumed with passion for one another"
"men committing shameless acts with men"

Unfortunately, some do have such passions for the same sex. Others are tempted into such a lifestyle by the desires of others. Nevertheless, this is NOT God's design but man's desire. Such desires are the result of being sinful creatures living in a sinful world. However, having such a passion does not DEMAND/REQUIRE you to submit to it. Those who find they have an attraction for the same sex need to flee to the Lord and ask for deliverance from this mindset. 

Needless to say, marriage is ALWAYS between a man and a woman. That, too, is God's desire and I may say more on this in a subsequent post. Be assured, however, even though our government may call homosexual marriages legal, God calls them immoral. You must choose whether to follow your own sinful desires or God's sovereign design.

Homosexuality is NOT normal; it is sinful. It is an act of rebellion against God for it exalts the desires of man over the designs of God. It is men (and women) saying THEY know what is best for their life and pursuing it no matter what God has commanded. Such sinful acts against the Almighty will not escape the judgment. If you are caught up in homosexuality, I plead with you to examine God's Word, repent of your sinful behavior, and turn for forgiveness to Jesus Christ. He will NOT ignore unforgiven homosexual behavior when the books are open on the last day.  

The Sins of America: #1 Abortion

Now is a horrible time in our nation. We are very divided and, I fear, we may be on a downward spiral that will only end with our country's demise. I hate to think of what America may be for my grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I fear God's hand is about to bring judgment upon us for our many sins. We call evil good and good evil. For years, we have put our fists in God's face, essentially telling Him we will live any way we so choose. Such rebellion begs the wrath of the Almighty. To this point, He has been merciful and His hand has been stayed. How much longer before He brings down His judgment?

Until He does, we have time to repent. We have the opportunity to turn from our evil ways and call upon Him, asking Him to rescue our country. We need to God-sent revival. We need to Christians to take a firm stand against anything our nation supports which God does not.

To say something is LEGAL is not the same as to say it is MORAL. Yet that is what we have done for many years. I'm convicted to jot a few posts in this BLOG on this matter. I'm calling them "The Sins of America". I intend for each one to be straightforward, easy to read, and my opinion based upon my understanding of the Word of God. I'll do my best to limit my Scripture references as well as theological terminology.

So I begin with what I believe to be the greatest sin of our land: ABORTION.

It is time the debate on this subject ends. Even before 1973, it was a hot topic and has remained so for almost 50 years. But, modern technology should squash the differences in the argument. Abortion at any point of pregnancy is destroying human life. PERIOD.

If you don't believe this, just think rationally about it for a moment.

1. What is that thing in the woman? Is it a monkey? Perhaps a shark? Maybe a bird? I know, its a Martian. Someone will blurt out "it's a fetus". The only reason they use the term "fetus" is to disguise what every expecting mom calls it: "my baby". It is human life at its earliest development. It isn't long before the brain has brain waves and the heart has heartbeats. It is truly a human at its very beginning. 

2. Modern microscopic pictures in the womb affirm this truth. What makes this newly conceived human different from a one-year old is only its growth. If nurtured, it, too, will be a year old soon. Quit trying to make it something it isn't (e.g., "clump of cells"; while that's true, the phrase is used to remove the "human" from the listener's ears. It is a clump of HUMAN cells, hence, it is human.).

Unfortunately, we have politicians in 2021 who are promoting not only abortion but also the killing of the newly born (infanticide). How ridiculous are the arguments in support of such practices. Every true follower of Jesus Christ should be outraged that we continue to permit and even support these horrific acts. 

Immediately, I can sense the incoming arguments.

1. What about the life of the mother? Per studies, a very rare occurrence if ever.

2. What about rape or incest? Horrible crimes but the child is not at fault; the attacker is. Terminating the life of the unborn solves nothing. If the mother does not wish to raise such a child, then put them up for adoption. Abortions of babies who are the result of rape or incest are also very rare (I've never heard a number higher than 3%).

3. It is a woman's right to choose what she does with her own body. Yes, until that body is no longer JUST her own. Apart from rape or incest, the woman has means of not becoming pregnant. She can say "no" or use some form of protection. That's her right to choose. But, once the choice is made, she must accept the responsibilities associated with that choice. (You shall reap what you sow).

Abortion on demand is done for whatever reason a female wants it down. Abortion is sacrificing your child to your god. Who is your Molech? (In Israel, if a person sacrificed their child to this false deity, the person was to be put to death; Leviticus 20:1-3). Perhaps your Molech is a god of finances (you don't want to spend any money on a child). Perhaps he is a god of pleasure (you just want the sexual experience without the child). Maybe he is a god of enjoyment (how will you enjoy yourself if there is a child in the mix?). If you don't want the responsibilities of parenting, don't get pregnant. 

Yes, raising a child is an impact to your financials, to your time, to you ability to be alone and enjoy certain activities, so on and so forth. Consider the cost before you act. Don't kill your child later.

I've often wondered how anyone could believe abortion is somehow a justifiable act. Pretend you are standing pregnant in the very presence of Jesus Christ. Do you honestly believe He would give you permission to slaughter that child before it is born? If so, you need to read the Gospels. And therein, I believe, is the true root of the problem. WE WANT TO BE OUR OWN GOD. We want to do whatever we want to do whenever we want to do it and not be held accountable. The one true God has no place in a life governed by such principles.

Let's repent of this sin. Christians. I call on each of us to pray for the termination of this heinous act. Let us find ways to peaceably call our nation back to God and end this practice. 

I begin by calling on President Biden who claims to be devout Catholic. Your church opposes abortion. Prove your faith, sir, by your works. Do everything in your power to have abortion outlawed in our country. 

Regrettably, I will not hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

The Democrats Win on November 3!

 For a brief time, I wrote some blog entries based on statements from the 2020 Democrat National Platform. The more I read, the more ill I became. So, my blog entries on that document ended. However, over the past several weeks, my concern for our nation has only grown.  The recent revelation of the Biden's illegal activities have added to that concern. Therefore, I am writing one final blog on the topic.

Pretend it is November 4th and Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris have been elected President and Vice President. Furthermore, the Democrats have increased their majority in the House and have taken the majority in the Senate. What might we expect for our nation once they take office?

Well, here is a sample of what is coming (based on what they have said or written and on the Democrat National Platform and the manifesto agreed to by the Biden and Sanders camps). Some of these are being denied by the candidates right now but they have clearly claimed their true intentions several times in the past. If they win, here is what may happen. May it NEVER BE!

1. Mr. Biden will not be our President. I want to be kind on this. Anyone who watches or listens to the Vice President speak must recognize his mental capacity is failing. Either he will sit in the Oval Office with those around him making the decisions or the 25th Amendment will be applied and Senator Harris will become President. She is the most radical Senator in the Senate. You must translate Mr. Biden's statements far left for that's where Senator Harris lives.

2. Your taxes will increase. Mr. Biden claims his tax hikes will affect only those making more than $400,000. That is NOT true. First of all, further study of his proposal implies hikes will impact those over $100,000. Also, Mr. Biden has pledged to eliminate the Trump tax cuts which have provided roughly $4000 more money to each American in their paycheck each year. If those tax cuts go, your taxes will rise. Then, Mr. Biden will add his tax increases to that amount.

3. Businesses will relocate overseas. The increased taxes and regulations proposed by Mr. Biden will, once again, drive businesses out of the country. This happened during the Obama-Biden administration and will resume with Mr. Biden. The former VP is a great friend of China!

4. Hide your guns. Both Democrat candidates have vowed to take your guns and they mean it.

5. Poorly managed Democrat states will receive bailout money from you, the taxpayer. This is what is holding up the COVID relief package. Speaker Pelosi wants that money included. If necessary, she will wait until after the election and, if Biden wins, will, some day, push it through.

6. Illegals to our country will receive free benefits. That is also on record.

7. The wall will come down and outsiders welcomed. This will force us to pay more in taxes (someone has to pay for their freebies) and loss in jobs (they will work cheaper than our citizens). Furthermore, it will increase crime in our nation.

8. Recent developments indicate the Bidens have made their millions through illegal influences, even using the office of Vice President for that purpose. What will the Bidens do if Mr. Biden is President?

9. The former VP professes to be a Catholic and Senator Harris claims to be religious. Yet, both of them deny the right to life of those who are still in the womb (or just born). The VP also claims he was raised with middle class values. I guess those include homicide, infanticide, lying, and theft.

10. 401ks and other savings plans will be hammered by the increased taxes, increased regulations, and loss of small businesses in our country.

11. Don't be surprised if the new President doesn't lock us all in our homes for another several months due to COVID, destroying our economy, destroying the lives of many, over a virus which has an extremely low mortality rate. Masks will become the newest apparel. 

12. Riots, burnings, looting, and property destruction will continue. The overwhelming majority of these acts today are NOT the result of white supremacy but the actions of organizations such as Black Lives Matter and Antifa, Marxist groups supporting Mr. Biden. They will continue doing what they do until they get everything they want.

13. President Trump supporters will be required to take re-education training perhaps by a new organization known as the Ministry of Truth.

14. Free speech is gone. The media is already preventing any anti-Biden story from reaching the masses. Imagine what they will do if he is in the White House.

15. American foreign policy will be in a shambles. Over his 47-year career, Mr. Biden has made mistake upon mistake when it comes to foreign policy. The Obama administration painted America as the "bad guy" to other nations and we ended up with ISIS. President Trump has changed all of that around, brokered a peace deal in the Middle East, and has been nominated for 4 Nobel Prizes.

16. The Democrats have a message of doom and gloom and view America has a horrible country. Why do we want people with such a view to lead us?

17. The oil and fracking industry will be destroyed and we will, once again, be dependent upon foreign oil. All of the solar panels and wind farms cannot supply the amount of energy we need. Furthermore, fossil fuel is required for manufacturing those "green" methodologies. 

18. The government will take over more and more, requiring the individual to be more dependent upon them than ever before.

19. Mr. Biden will expand the Supreme Court, adding several liberal justices, ensuring the court remains a policy making body from this time forward. The court is a judging body, not legislative body.

20. The Democrats will add Washington, D. C. as a state (which makes no sense) and Puerto Rico as another. It is almost guaranteed both states will elect 2 Democrat Senators. This will give the Democrats a majority on the Senate for years to come.

21. The Democrats will end the filibuster in the Senate and, thereby, taking away the voice of the minority in that body.

22. The Democrats will push through an amendment that will eliminate the electoral college. From then on, a simple majority elects our President. That means all the future candidate has to do to win is to visit the large cities and sway the voters. Given most large cities vote Democrat, the presidential elections will become meaningless. Those of us in "flyover country" have no say in the choice of our leader.

23. The false history of "1619" will be taught throughout the educational system providing propaganda for our "new direction".

24. Evangelicals, in particular, will be under attack. Even today we see this among some Democrats who believe church is "non-essential" while bars and abortion clinics are "essential". The freedom to worship will be under attack.

25. Lastly, COVID response. Mr. Biden claims he would have handles the virus better than the President. He would have listened to the science. The facts are: (1) the President shutdown travel from China and Europe. Mr. Biden called him xenophobic. So much for being earlier to the game. (2) The President mobilized industry to create make-shift hospitals and manufacture respirators, etc. This was underway while Mr. Biden was laying low. (3) The President initiated operation Warp Speed to create a vaccine as quickly as possible. The President did these actions based upon what Dr. Fauci and the CDC was telling him. Truthfully, what else would Mr. Biden have done? Nothing!

These are a few of the changes to come if Mr. Biden and the Democrats win in November. While our nation has many sins in its past, I pray the Lord Jesus will be merciful and gracious by sparing us from the above. May He grant us, at least, another four years of hope!

Why I will NOT vote for ANY Democrat - Part 4

 My last three posts have been reasons from the Democrat National Platform for 2020 why I will not vote for any Democrat in 2020. I was going to add a fourth today (believe me, there are many reasons listed in their document), but the events in Louisville last night made me change my mind. Let's be open and honest about what is going on in our country.

1. The riots were are witnessing are just that, riots. They are not peaceful protests. Oh, they may begin that way but the bottom line is these are riots. Fires, destruction, vandalism, theft, assault, and even killing are their tools.

2. Such riots have been encouraged by the left wing in our nation over the past several months. I could provide many quotes from Democrat leaders who have encouraged such violent behavior.

3. Vice President Biden said nothing against the riots until the polls revealed he was losing ground to President Trump. Then, he spoke against violence but in doing so blamed the violence on the President's "right wing militia" (whatever that is).

4. The rioters are clearly left wing / progressive people. They do not support the President nor has the President caused such behavior. For eight years, I disagreed with virtually everything President Obama said as did many Americans but I never saw any riots. Oh, there were protests but not riots. No, this is the work of the left in an effort to divide our nation, generate hatred on our President, and assist in winning the election for Democrats.

5. The rioters frequently use the pretense of justice as the motivation for their activities ("No justice, no peace"). Such grounds are mere smoke screens. In their eyes, the only justice is for people to do what they demand. They don't study the evidence. They simply pronounce the guilt of the alleged offender and, if for any reason, that is not the returned verdict, then the verdict must be wrong. In other words, they don't want justice, they want power. They want to threaten American cities and citizens to follow their lead or face destruction. So we are led to believe, if we elect anyone but Donald Trump, the violence will end. Don't fool yourselves. The rioters will not stop until they eradicate our system of government. They are bent on a socialistic or Marxist system and, until they achieve their goal or they are stopped, there will be no end to these acts of terror. 

6. People have complained that the President hasn't done enough to stop the violence. Unfortunately, his legal possibilities are limited. He cannot send in the National Guard unless the local officials request them. Kenosha did quickly and the violence ended. Minneapolis eventually did although well after the destruction. Portland, Seattle, Chicago, and New York have refused assistance. When he has sent in the National Guard, he is criticized for bringing federal soldiers into local communities.  

7. These riots are well organized. There is video of bricks being left on street corners in Los Angeles and supplies being dropped off in Louisville. Some group is planning and financially supporting this activity. I pray the federal authorities are investigating this organization and will soon arrest those involved. They should be charged with sedition.

8. Do not be fooled by the media. Antifa and Black Lives Matter are Marxist organizations whose goal is to destroy our system of government. They should both be labeled domestic terrorist organizations and all of their members arrested on charges of terrorism.

The more acts of terror performed by these rioters, the more I will refuse to vote for their supporters: the Democrat National Party. I have family and friends who despise our President and intend to vote for the former VP. To be honest, there are characteristics of President Trump I do not care for and things he has said that has caused me to cringe. I did not support him in the 2016 primary because I really viewed him as a joke. But, when he won the nomination and his opponent was Secretary Clinton, I voted for him and against Hillary. 

Since then I have seen a leader who has kept virtually every campaign promise he made! Never in my wildest dreams did I think a Presidential candidate would actually accomplish in office want he promised on the campaign trail. President Trump has and has won me over as a supporter. This year, I will vote for him NOT simply because Joe Biden is his opponent, NOT simply because the Democrats are far left ideologues, BUT because President Trump has turned our country around by doing what he said he would do. 

When President Obama was in office, I did not recognize our country any more. President Trump has changed all that. He truly loves America, as do I, and wants to restore it to its former greatness. That's what I want as well.

My Democrat friends, vote for your people, put them into office, and kiss our country goodbye for your children and grandchildren. It is your choice. I will not vote for any Democrat because their policies will destroy our nation and their actions/words disgust me.

P.S. I did not add links to documents, pictures, and videos for some of my above claims because I just didn't want to spend the time doing so. But they are there. Oh, you may not find them on mainstream media sights but you can find them on the web. Do some pre-election homework!