Hypocrisy Par Excellence in Recent Protests!

Widespread protests took place all over the country in wake of grand jury decisions not to indict police officers in deaths of two black men, Michael Brown and Eric Garner! And as could be expected the mass media did everything but sponsor dances in the streets on these occasions.

There were protests that involved looting and burning on a large scale in Ferguson MO, and disruptions in many other places all over the country because of intense disagreement with decisions of grand juries in regard to the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner involving police officers. In both cases no indictments were handed down.

Penn State University which is located not so many miles from where I live was one location where such protests took place as students at one point were laying all over the steps in front of Old Main on campus. One has to wonder whether they have equal concern for other very heavy baggage that the university is dealing with plus the chaotic state of the board of trustees at the present time!

Why the par excellence application regarding hypocrisy in the massive protests across the country? Because there is a far greater injustice being done during each week of the year that involves hundreds of individuals on a daily basis! Did you know that a large number unborn black children are victims of intentional homicide each week day? Even if they have their hands up, they are still deliberately murdered and the murder involves dismembering them in the process of killing them? Same thing happens to a number of Hispanic unborn children as well! And yes, unborn white children are victims also, but then these will likely be racist which is an alleged characteristic of the whites and so aborted unborn whites means less white racist persons around later on, right? After all, they are the only ones who display racist attitudes – never happens among the black or Hispanic communities, so it has been claimed!

Abortion numbers are not easy to come by. One source is the Guttmacher Institute which stated that there were 1.05 million abortions in the United States in 2011 as opposed to the peak of 1.6 million which took place in 1990. There is much ado about the rate of abortions decreasing a bit but part of the problem is that there is a growing use of drugs which will cause an abortion as opposed to surgical abortions and figures on this aspect are very unreliable due to failure to be exact in reporting. There is also the “do it yourself” kind apart from supervision of medical personnel and numbers here are simply unknown. Who knows? Only the Shadow and he’s not talking!

So, for those who vehemently protest the alleged injustice involving such persons as Brown and Garner, how much protesting have you done about the injustice involving the intentional homicides of unborn children last week? Again, remember many are black and Hispanic – and yes, quite a number are white also, if you dare to raise a bit of concern about them as well!

And no, there will not be a grand jury that will bring about any indictments concerning these atrocities! The killers wear white coats with their names and the initials, M.D., mistakenly following the stitched name on the left side of the coat near the heart, although it is questionable whether there is a real heart there to begin with!

And after the killing has taken place, they slither back into their luxury automobiles and return to their elaborate mansions or condos – party and play a bit – maybe sleep a bit – and then return to kill again the next day and make big bucks while doing so with no legal charges ever brought against them! An aside on this -- recently a female abortionist who is a few months pregnant felt her unborn kick her just at the moment she was tearing off the leg of the unborn she was in the process of aborting -- she was struck by the timing of the incident, but continued to complete the mutilation process, spreading the pieces of the murdered victim out on a table, making sure she had gotten "everything!" See what I mean when I said about a lack of a real heart earlier?

To you who are so loud and boisterous in your protest against two grand jury decisions because you say justice was not done, will you start your protest against injustice of a degree that your little minds and mine cannot begin to comprehend its full extent nor its ultimate consequences? Or will you continue to play the hypocrite par excellence?

Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. [2 Kings 21:16 (KJV)].

Benjamin Netanyahu a “chicken****” Prime Minister?

Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. [Genesis 12:1-3 (KJV)].

A few days ago it was reported that a top official (no identification) in the Obama administration referred to Benjamin Netanyahu as a “chicken**** prime minister!” NOTE: the “****” are used in place of the vulgar term that was actually used!

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu became aware of this and did respond. However at this point in time there has been nothing to indicate any kind of an attempt to apologize and this character’s boss who happens to be the present resident of the White House in Washington DC has not done anything by way of dismissal, suspension, or even so much as a mild reprimand!

For the present administration as it moves further and further towards a hostile anti-Israeli position and a very cozy relationship with many Arab nations, it is going to be “Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!” one of these days as Almighty God steps in and interrupts human history by the implementation and completion of His plan for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob!

Consider just a few of the dramatic changes which will take place concerning Israel and its world famous city, Jerusalem:

1. God’s intervention – conflict and then His rule established over all the earth --- Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light. And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth. And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour. And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague. The remnant shall turn to the Lord. And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. [Zechariah 14:1-17 (KJV)].

2. God’s personal return and establishing Jerusalem as a “city of truth” --- Again the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain. [Zechariah 8:1-3 (KJV)].

3. Peace, because now the Lord Jesus Christ is in charge and implements of war are recycled into implements for peaceful purposes --- The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [Isaiah 2:1-4 (KJV)].

4. Radical change in attitude toward the Israelite people! --- Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee. And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee: for in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious. The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the Lord am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness. Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise. The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended. Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time. [Isaiah 60:1-22 (KJV)].

At the present time hatred against Israel is increasing with very negative remarks made about the country, its people and its leaders. Ignorant people in the federal government of the United States have demonstrated this most recently!

The covenant which God established with Abraham is still in place though even within the ranks of professing Christianity one can find persons who deny this. I would rather be in the group that is blessed because I take the position of being in agreement with our Creator and His special plan for a people identified as Israelites than to be in disagreement and in that group which will be cursed – read again what God said and promised to Abraham!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good. [Psalms 122:6-9 (KJV)].

A Call to Prayer out of Washington DC, Perhaps?

And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah, the priest, to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “Pray now unto Jehovah our God for us.” [Jeremiah 37:3 (American Standard Version)].

Things were not going well in the ancient Israelite kingdom of Judah around 600 BC. The Babylonian Empire was threatening to invade and conquer the kingdom just as it had been victorious over many other kingdoms in previous times. God over time had raised up prophets to call the nation and its leaders to repent of their many transgressions against Him, and in so doing avoid military defeat and destruction. But due to corrupt leadership, deceptive religious teaching, and a desire to do things “our way” the nation, its holy city, Jerusalem, and its magnificent temple were totally destroyed in 586 BC. Just prior to this disaster King Zedekiah asked for prayer, but it was too late!

Which brings us to a speculative question – is the day not far off when an appeal to pray will be issued from Washington DC? That appeal may come from the present resident of the White House, or leaders in the U.S. Congress or perhaps a blended combination of both!

Just about everyone in our republic has become aware that things are not going well for us at the present time.

The word “crisis” is being employed more and more in news releases and applied to certain happenings. We have the Ebola issue with persons infected within the borders of our nation. We have the ISIS issue and the question as to what extent these highly dedicated Muslims are within our boundaries and planning a series of attacks!

But for some time highly critical issues have been taking place with no real serious action taken to correct such abominable practices.

First, the ongoing practice of mutilating and murdering unborn children since January of 1973. Thousands are victims of intentional homicide each week – never forget, when you deliberately kill a person, it is a homicide! We are moving toward the number of 58 million victims since the Supreme Court made the very unwise and deadly decision that it is a “constitutional right” for a female to have her unborn child murdered!

Second, we have a pandemic condition of sexual immorality taking place which is encouraged by a lucrative pornography industry and the Hollywood and TV productions also giving assistance. Persons of all ages are pressured to adopt the philosophy that “Sex is fun with anyone (or more than one at same time) anywhere and at any time, day or night!” Sexually transmitted diseases are flourishing in spite of the campaigns stressing the need to have “safe sex!”

Third, we have accepted in growing numbers the abomination of same-sex marriage – sodomites can now legally marry each other in a large number of states and likewise lesbians can marry each other. Even churches, church leaders, and pastors are going along with this declaring it to be a good thing!

Fourth, we have become an idolatrous nation, setting up numerous idols, although it would be denied. But when less than half of our population can make it to a place of worship on a Sunday morning, it is a sign that we are in serious trouble, although from time to time the misleading erroneous statement is made that the United States is a Christian nation!

Fifth, the church (general term applied to all groups professing Christian faith) has become an institution of great confusion due to infiltration by those who deny the integrity and sole authority of the holy Scriptures. It is not that unusual to find pastors denying the miracles of the Bible, the Person and work of Jesus Christ – that is, His atonement for the sins of the entire human race, His victorious resurrection following crucifixion, and His promised return to this world for the purpose of controlling and ruling it! Further, as mentioned earlier, churches with pastors and people are capitulating to the demands of the sodomite/lesbian cartel. To resist is to guarantee that you will be labeled in the most negative terms possible – in fact, it is practically regarded to be criminal in not accepting sodomy and lesbianism as normal and that it is normal for such persons to marry!

Our nation has been experiencing increased calamities of various kinds. There has been an increase in violence erupting in many different places, from privacy of a home, to public places, and in schools and colleges. An unstable weather system is such that we never can be quite sure what a day will hold – many lives have been lost due to violent weather in some places.

With a national debt increasing like a cancer out of control it is guaranteed as well that we are going to experience trouble that is beyond the ability of the human mind to comprehend. Government leaders at the federal level have not done a single thing to address this problem much less to take steps to pay off the debt!

Now, having said all the foregoing, again the question – in light of the increased pace of calamities taking place throughout our republic, will the appeal soon be issued for citizens to pray and call on God? And when it is issued, one thing for certain – no mention will be made about seeking mercy in a spirit of repentance – no desire to forsake our sins and abominations and set things right in relation to God – and this being done through His Son, Jesus Christ. In fact it is more than an outside possibility that the name of Jesus Christ will be intentionally avoided when such an appeal is made!

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. [2 Chronicles 7:14 (King James Version)].

How to Be Effectively Involved in Middle East Affairs!

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give him no rest, till he establishes, and till he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. [Isaiah 62:6-7 (KJV)].

We hear something every day about things happening in that part of the world known as the Middle East. The present resident of the White House in Washington DC makes his comments on a regular basis about what our republic is doing and how it will be involved as conflicts seem to be ever expanding in different locations. Other nations are getting involved also in one way or another now that ISIS has moved to the forefront and is considered to be a threat to world stability!

As noted in comments in another place, world leaders have yet to realize they are dealing with the most dedicated Muslims you will find anywhere in the entire world! The United States and Israel are certainly priority targets as ISIS seeks to purge the world of infidels and usher in a “purified” world where Islam is in full control of all nations. That means complete eradication of all infidels—all who are not Muslim by way of a practicing religious faith or who refuse to convert and become Muslim when given the choice! The holy book of Islam, the Quran, specifically directs that Muslims not take Christians and Jews for friends. The reason is simple – Christians and Jews along with all other non-Muslims are identified to be infidels and pose a corrupting influence to the Muslim who wants to be faithful to Allah!

However, in spite of what ISIS and other groups of dedicated Muslims are doing, a dedicated Christian can exert influence on Middle East events that will have greater and longer lasting results than all the Muslims together will be able to accomplish!

God has revealed a lot of things about the future of Israel. The nation and its prominent city, Jerusalem, are in for dramatic changes. The original covenant God made with Abraham was far reaching in its scope and the end is not yet. The Old Testament prophets gave explicit details as to miraculous changes that would take place according to God’s time table for the Israelite people. Here are just a couple or so to show what a different world it will be at some point in the future:

The word which Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw about Judah and Jerusalem. And it will come about in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord will be placed on the top of the mountains, and be lifted up over the hills; and all nations will come to it. And the peoples will say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob: and he will give us knowledge of his ways, and we will be guided by his word; for out of Zion the law will go out, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He will be the judge between the nations, and the peoples will be ruled by His decisions: and their swords will be turned into plough-blades, and their spears into vine-knives: no longer will the nations be turning their swords against one another, and the knowledge of war will be gone forever. [Isaiah 2:1-4 (Bible in Basic English)].

Again the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain. [Zechariah 8:1-3 (KJV)].

And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one. All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses. And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. Zech 14:8-11 (KJV)

These are but a few statements of the great changes in store for the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem. They are more than enough to stir the emotions of those who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and who believe that God will fulfill all His promises regarding the Israelite people.

But there is a way by which we can be directly involved in the affairs taking place in the Middle East rather than sort of sit on the side lines, witness what takes place from day to day and shake our heads in dismay and say, “Something ought to be done about that situation!”

Consider this:

We are clearly instructed to pray for the peace of Jerusalem – how else can you interpret such a command as found in Psalm 122:6-9: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.” [Psalms 122:6-9 (KJV)].

Second, we are to be persistent in “bothering” God about this matter until He takes the action necessary: “I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. They will never be silent day or night. Whoever calls on the Lord, do not give yourselves any rest, and do not give him any rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it an object of praise throughout the earth.” [Isaiah 62:6-7 (God’s Word)].

What is your response to God’s challenge to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and to keep insisting that He will make Jerusalem to be an object of praise all over the world? Yes, it is your golden opportunity to be directly involved in the affairs of the Middle East and not simply a frustrated observer!

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. [1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)].

Playing the Devil’s Advocate for a Moment!

{Jesus continued,} “I have said these things to you so that you won't lose your faith. You will be thrown out of synagogues. Certainly, the time is coming when people who murder you will think that they are serving God.” [John 16:1-2 (God’s Word)]

They are referred to as “extremists” and “terrorists” with the references intended to separate them from the main body of those who practice the religion of Islam. In recent times the group known as ISIS has been labeled in such terms. They have killed quite a large number of non-Muslims and this includes Christians. They have beheaded individuals, and recorded these “executions” on video. Outrage has been continually expressed and world leaders scramble to put together a plan and muster military groups to combat what is perceived to be a threat to the peace and well-being of people in many different places in this troubled world.

But stop and think this through as well as doing some reading in the holy book of Islam known as the Quran. These persons so vilified and threatened by leaders such as the present resident of the White House in Washington DC are actually among the most dedicated Muslims you will find anywhere in the world! They are simply attempting to purge the world of infidels (a term used frequently in the Quran) and to usher in an age in which Islam dominates and controls the entire world! The laws as outlined in the Quran which are regarded as extremely harsh by non-Muslims will be the standard for all living persons. And of course, all living persons will either have converted and become Muslim or will be put to death as infidels. Infidels have no legitimate right to existence in a purified Muslim world! One command given in the Quran is that Muslims are not to take Christians or Jews for friends. The reason is simple – Christians and Jews are among the infidel crowd and they are a corrupting influence.

But there is a problem among Muslims just as there is a problem among Christians. There are Muslims who are willing to compromise their faith and do not have the degree of dedication that the ISIS bunch has. A Muslim “scholar” presented his interpretation of the statement about taking Christians and Jews for friends – he would be regarded as a “liberal” – actually a traitor to the faith! Just as in Christianity we are plagued with “scholars,” teachers, church leaders, and pastors who do not believe the Bible is actually truthful in what it says! This is seen especially in denials that Jesus Christ is God revealed in human form, and performed many miracles during His ministry here on earth. The worst is the denial that He is exclusively the only way of salvation and reconciliation to God! Further that He did not really come back from the dead 3 days later following His crucifixion!

A Christian truly dedicated to his/her Lord takes the position that Jesus is indeed the only way of forgiveness and salvation. Such a Christian becomes involved in efforts to see the world converted to Jesus Christ and envisions a world in the future as being ruled by Jesus Christ and His resurrected saints.

So also the dedicated Muslim sees a future world in which Islam is in control and all infidels have been eliminated or have been converted and are devoted now to serving Allah!

The means by which the “mission” is carried out stands in sharp contrast – as much difference as there is between the brightest day and the darkest night. Dedicated Muslims are given sanction to use violence to advance the cause. Christians, however, in following the New Testament are motivated by love and are never to resort to violence – if a person rejects the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that is their choice and nothing by way of retaliation is to be done to them. True, the history of Christianity is not without blemish – some horrible things were done in times past in the name of Christianity, but it cannot be supported by an honest and open-minded interpretation of the New Testament which stresses that love is one of the fruits of a loyal Christian!

Here in the United States in recent decades there has been the growing problem of compromise regarding various religious expressions. For a number, when it comes to religion, it is a bit like a popular buffet experience. You simply look at the table and select which “faith” appeals to you and that will be just fine. All religious “faiths” are on a level playing field and all have a legitimate claim to addressing issues such as life, human relationships, responsibility, accountability, final judgment (if such a thing exists), death and life beyond!

When it comes to Christianity and Islam, these two are totally incompatible if you take each of their holy books seriously. But if you take the view which a growing number are taking then you reject the radical parts and adopt the common approach of “in order to get along, then go along!”

If you want to see an example of true dedication then look at Muslims that make up a group known as ISIS! And here and there you may find a Christian also dedicated who says, “There is no way to Heaven except through Jesus Christ and in order to be a Christian with hope, you have to repent of your sins, forsake them, and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of your life! And if a Muslim expects to get to Heaven, he/she will have to do the same thing!”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [Acts 4:8-12 (King JamesVersion)]

Birthday Reflections after Passing Four Score!

Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." [Jeremiah 1:4,5 (KJV)].

It all began on a small farm in Monroe Township, Clarion County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on August 5, 1933. From then on life would never be the same for Russell and Helen (Sedgwick) Harriger since their lives had been invaded by a young one whom they named Clayton Duane Harriger!

As I observed the date in 2014, with a reminder that I am older than I have ever been before, I was blessed with numerous greetings from friends who live in many different places throughout the world. And I was likewise blessed with greetings and gifts from family members as well.

However, I gave some thought to two main things:

First, I have been blessed by a God of love and mercy far, far beyond what I deserve. This love and mercy became very real to me back in the latter months of 1957 when I received Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of my life. Shortly after that I sensed His call to enter pastoral ministry and in June of 1959 was appointed to serve the Greenwood and Simpson Methodist Churches in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

I have been blessed in the ministry for over 55 years in every place where God has led Jean and me to serve. We have made many friends in the faith in those places. I have been blessed with good health, taking a limited amount of medication on a daily basis. I “officially” retired from the United Methodist ministry in June of 1996. In November of 1999 I agreed to work with the congregation of the Gipsy Christian Church in Gipsy PA on a part time basis. So I am still doing some pastoral work and will continue so long as God gives me strength to do so.

Blessings have also come over the years since God put it on my heart to start a web site and then a short time later a blog. The web site is Circuit Rider’s Range and the blog is Musings of a Maverick. Both deal with controversial issues as well as related subjects involving faith and responsibility.

Second, I have thought about changes which have taken place in our nation and world in the four score years I have lived. Lots of wars and conflicts of different kinds, starting with WW II in my time. It was noted in today’s news that the 69th anniversary of the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima in Japan was being observed with thousands in attendance. The United States is now more often than not being painted as a very bad guy for having done this. My response is rather simple – who were the people who started something at a place called Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941? I rest my case on that one!

But the more critical changes that have taken place over those 81 years that I have lived are spiritual and moral with pollution in these realms spreading like a fast growing destructive cancer!

God has made available a special revelation to us commonly known as the Bible. He took a period of about 1,500 years and used 40 or more persons in the process to put it all together. It tells us accurately Who God is, what He has done in the past, what He is doing now, and what He plans to do in the future.

His greatest act of course was the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world for the express purpose of becoming the sacrifice for all the sins committed by the entire human race so that we could be totally forgiven, receive eternal life, and be a citizen of His Kingdom forever!

For over half a century the Christian faith has been viciously attacked and heretics have undermined basic doctrines so that it is no longer unusual to see immoral conduct readily accepted as “normal” in United States culture. When even church leaders conduct “weddings” for same gender “couples” it is obvious we are on the skids racing toward sure and certain judgment!

The two main driving forces in any nation are political and religious in nature. When these become corrupted, then there will be trouble manifested in many different ways. Our own nation is fast approaching its own death throes unless drastic action takes place on part of the leadership followed by the citizens – that drastic action is called repentance – turning from all forms of sin on a personal level as well as collective. However, our political and religious leaders are providing no evidence whatsoever that they are really concerned about getting squared away with Almighty God! And if there is no concern about recognizing the reality of sin and how it is being so readily accepted, nor a serious concern about repenting and seeking God’s mercy, then there is only one thing to which we as a nation can look forward – the undiluted wrath of God poured out in judgment! It is now a question as to how long it will be since God has been increasing the calamities and issuing the call to turn back to Him!

And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our iniquity? or what is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God? Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the Lord, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law; and ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me…. [Jeremiah 16:10-12 (KJV)]

No, Joe! You Don’t Realize That God Is Going to Trump Your Trump!

“Gay rights trumps culture!” – uttered by Vice President Joe Biden in the waning days of June 2014. The VP continued to expand on this by declaring that the Obama administration plans to press for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender) rights all over the world!

Just recently Vice President Joe Biden made one of the most brazen as well as one of the most idiotic statements of his entire career. It is no secret that the Obama administration now supports same-sex marriage and has sought legislation that is favorable to same-sex couples at all levels of our society. Joe summarized it very well in his public declaration, “Gay rights trumps culture!”

By that statement VP Joe is saying that anything within any culture that is opposed to the same-sex lifestyle is wrong. Further, he went on to say that the present administration will be pressing for LGBT rights throughout the entire world in the future.

There is a very significant Person Whom VP Joe has not intelligently considered in this very critical issue. His name is Almighty God Who brought a mind boggling universe (with boundaries still totally unknown to us finite human beings) into existence by simply speaking a few commands! This same God is also One with very high moral standards and He has clearly established boundaries when it comes to human sexuality as it is expressed and experienced.

As God has spelled it out, the only acceptable activity involving sexual intimacy is that taking place between one male and one female within the sacred covenant of marriage! This is revealed early on in the book of Genesis and reaffirmed by the Son of God, Jesus Christ, during His ministry on earth two thousand years ago.

There is no such thing as a “right” when it comes to violating God’s moral laws – only an intentional choice to do so. The term “gay rights” is a fatal deception due to God labeling same-sex intimacy as an abomination, not merely sinful transgression!

Other sexual offenses, in addition to same-sex intimacy, as explicitly revealed in God’s special revelation via holy Scripture are:

1. Fornication – sexual intimacy between two unmarried persons.

2. Adultery – sexual intimacy between two persons, with at least one being married to another person other than the one with whom he/she is being intimate in that moment.

3. Incest – sexual intimacy between immediate family members, such as fathers & daughters, mothers & sons, brothers & sisters, etc.

4. Bestiality – sexual activity with animals.

5. Rape – forcing a person to be sexually intimate against his or her will.

There is one type of sexual offense that is not mentioned specifically in Scripture but is certainly covered in those areas of offense already mentioned. Sexual abuse (and intimacy) with children is not mentioned nor described as are the others, but really that is not necessary since it is certainly covered under the subject area of rape. Even many unregenerate persons, while they may engage in such things as fornication or adultery, are greatly outraged when children become victims of sexual predators!

It is a fact that God has given many sacred gifts to the members of the human race. Of these, one of the least appreciated, most abused and horribly misused has been the gift of human sexuality.

The burned debris and ashes that comprise the ruins of a once prosperous city by the name of Sodom are a mute reminder that just when you think your sexual trump card has won the game in life, then Almighty God trumps your card and the game is now concluded, ending in a catastrophe that our feeble minds cannot begin to comprehend!

If Joe and his boss get their way in this campaign, then they should further announce that fornication, adultery, incest, bestiality, and rape are also quite acceptable – who can object? An appeal to the Scripture? No, it won’t fly – the same Scripture that condemns these aforementioned sexual activities also with equal clarity condemns same-sex activity!

However, as Joe continues in his LGBT rights campaign, there is one thing I actually would pay admission to see – I would like to see Joe lead a public demonstration for LGBT “rights” in one of the major cities of countries such as Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia – you know, with large signs and slogans, which denounce the Islamic position on same-sex relationships and intimacy! Did he not say they were going to push this thing all over the world? Go get ‘em, Joe!

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [Galatians 6:7-8 (KJV)].

And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague. [Numbers 11:32-33 (KJV)].

Another Anti-Gun Rant from a Place on Pennsylvania Avenue in DC!

BHO was “outraged” by latest school shooting and indicated doing something about gun control was one of the greatest frustrations of his administration. In part the attitude throughout the country about additional gun legislation which is hindering change is to blame, according to the present resident of the White House! --- as reported in various news releases on comments made by BHO.

Another school shooting? Yes, it took place in a high school in Oregon – one student dead and a teacher wounded. The perpetrator was also dead in this latest incident that is becoming rather commonplace. The present resident of the White House really geared up for his rant on this one. He is extremely frustrated because he cannot get the legislation he wants passed and blames the “attitude” about new gun laws as to why he cannot get such laws passed!

It is very clear that he does not realize (not do a majority of other political office holders) that the problem was been in the making for a few decades. It takes a while when you sow seed before you see the harvest take place. For some time our young have been “programed” to think violence! Here is a listing of major contributors: video games, computer games, tablet games, TV and Hollywood movies have produced a steady diet of violence which the young as well older persons have digested on a regular basis. With new technology and special effects the splattering of blood, brains and guts are featured continually.

And when we become frustrated about something or because of someone, thoughts easily and readily come into the mind that the issue can be resolved in a violent fashion! And so firearms often become the tool to settle things, but not always. There are other ways to injure and kill people and it has happened as in the case of a student stabbing a number of other people at his school with kitchen knives in the western Pennsylvania area! Yes, yes I already know. There are those who claim this constant exposure to violence in gaming and via film really doesn’t affect people in any way. As the years roll on with this change of “diet” in “entertainment” – a drastic change as to how it used to be, when violence was minimal and no profane language was used in movies and on TV, what is your explanation for the increase in violent outbreaks?

Another wrinkle in this mix is that for a long time our young have been the victims of a deadly brainwash operation featuring the theory of evolution. In a majority of educational institutions from elementary all the way up to graduate schools we are told that our roots go back to lower life forms. We have evolved from a simple mass of cells through various animal stages to what we are today and the end is not yet! Of course in this deadly heathen approach no God is needed nor any alleged “laws” established by Him – so therefore, you make and break the “rules” at your own convenience! Finally, the number of individuals and families involved and committed in churches that identify with the Christian faith is shrinking. One poll taken some time back indicated that on a given Sunday, with Christmas and Easter being a slight exception, the average attendance at worship is about 46 percent of our nation’s population of over 300 million! So really, we cannot get even half of our country’s population into a worship service on Sunday morning. Even the present residents of the White House demonstrate this pathetic lack of involvement most of the time when it comes to a church that identifies with Christianity!

As a result, the majority of our population has no exposure as to Who God is, what He is like by way of activity and interaction with humans such as we, and what His standards are concerning human behavior and relationships. These have no idea what God has revealed about ethics, morality, and spirituality! So, when it comes to frustration over something that has happened, or something that someone has said, I’ll resolve it in the way I’ve been programmed to do over the years – I’ll either hurt some people real bad, or kill them – the latter choice being the priority. Plus I’ll be center stage on TV and in the newspapers, for a while at least – others have done it, and so can I!

The seed has been sown over the last few decades – now it’s harvest time and part of the tragedy is that as BHO goes through his rants on the gun issue, he is blind as a bat when it comes to realizing why these things are really happening with more to come in the future!

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. [2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV)].

PS: In its lifetime the ancient Roman Empire came to the place where the people wanted more and more violence in their entertainment -- blood was shed to their "amusement" -- and best of all, the time came when they saw the violence which involved Christians being thrown to the lions in the Coliseum -- oh, what fun! :-(

I Just Lost $950,000.00!

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. [Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)].

Poor, poor me! I was told a day ago that I had won $950,000 in a big promotional thing of some kind! The lady (who will be hereafter referred to as Miss X) who broke this news to me was very nice and really bent over backward to be very helpful.

Miss X further proceeded to let me know that it would be very easy to claim the prize – all I had to do was provide some information and forward it to an outfit associated with Facebook. At this point the sparring match began in earnest!

Miss X began to tell me that she would guide me through the process so I could claim my winnings. I was to provide name, address, phone, and some other stuff in order to get the prize I had won. My skepticism gear had kicked in at the very beginning (it has done that often as I have had to deal with certain theologians, church leaders and pastors over the years), so I asked her what she was getting out of all this. Her response was that she was not getting a thing – just being helpful.

I was to send an email to a certain address which used Facebook as part of the address that was tied in to yahoo.com and then I would be sent a code number that I would submit for confirmation. I said I could not provide that information, but rather my public phone number which anyone, including persons on the internet can obtain easily. I also said she could use my email address. She claimed my phone number was forwarded to Mr. Mark Zuckerberg who allegedly was a part of this. Soon my phone rang and there was an obvious Oriental on the other end whose command of English left a lot to be desired. I told him he must have a wrong number, thanked him, and hung up. I then reported to Miss X that Mark sounded an awful lot like an Oriental! No explanation forthcoming on this.

The sparring continued as we got down to brass tacks on the issue – she finally said that I would have to advance $550.00 to pay for fees and processing and then the prize money would be advanced to me. I replied that I would triple the fee money and all they had to do was deduct it from the prize money, and then advance by cashier’s check the winnings to me – then we would all be happy!

Of course that was not acceptable with Miss X insisting that I advance the fee amount and my insisting that they change the process as noted. For some minutes this went on until I did something that brought it all to a dramatic climax. As this “wrestling match” began to come to an end, I mentioned that I was not that much concerned about the 950,000 dollars as I was in line to inherit wealth that would make that look like less than 2 cents in U.S. money! After all, I am destined by God’s grace to inherit a special place being prepared by my Lord which will make even the greatest mansions built by wealthy people here on earth look like shabby unstable shacks by way of comparison. (See John 14). Further, I am a joint-heir with Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. So that position makes me rather well off also! (See Romans 8). On the mansion thing, take a look at “Reminders While Mansion Shopping!”.

On options in Facebook you can click on suspected spam icon. In my case, all the conversation was then revealed to those who work with problems involving spam. I clicked on this icon at least 3 times or more in the conversation process and finally I went to make a reply but got a message that essentially informed me that because of settings the message did not go through. And all that Miss X had said was replaced by an official statement that indicated there was a spam problem. Shortly after that Miss X and her photo disappeared – I did not even have to unfriend her. If you should have someone break in or send you an email telling you that you have won, or someone died and left you a batch of wealth, report them to those who are working with such issues and seeking to stop those who victimize many people each month of the year with an alleged lottery win or an inheritance of some kind.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. [1 Timothy 6:10-12 (KJV)].

The U.S. Constitution DOES NOT Supersede the Moral Laws of Almighty God!

A federal judge, John E. Jones III, recently ruled that the ban against same-sex marriages in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is unconstitutional. In this ruling the judge noted also that by restricting marriage to male/female couples the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment have been violated. Same-sex couples who desire to marry in Pennsylvania now can do so and those couples already “married” will be recognized as being legally married.

Over many decades of time the U.S. Constitution has been cited as a source of authority which grants “rights” to the citizens of our republic. And indeed it does grant many legitimate rights to us – freedoms and privileges which some people in other places throughout this sin ravaged planet do not have. Unfortunately this has been applied in areas that clash with laws and principles as set forth by Almighty God Who brought a vast universe into existence by simple spoken commands a long, long time ago!

It is extremely important to keep a proper perspective and remember that the Constitution does not supersede the moral laws of God nor does it legally shift the boundaries God has set in place regarding human behavior and relationships!

Judges and politicians with less physical vision than that of a bat and with less moral sensitivity than that of an alley cat have declared that the U.S. Constitution grants sodomites the right to marry each other and lesbians the right to marry each other. And there are not a few within churches that profess to be Christian in faith that agree on this!

God has explicitly revealed what the moral standards via the holy Scriptures are and where the boundaries have been established. Same-sex intimacy is absolutely forbidden and is labeled to be an abomination, not merely sin as such. An abomination is sin intensified many times over! Further, marriage is strictly between a male and a female – a “one to one” arrangement as originally revealed in the book of Genesis – a man shall leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife and the two shall become one flesh. Jesus confirmed this in His teachings as revealed in the New Testament. Even the Old Testament personalities violated this by taking more than one wife and also taking unto themselves concubines! And this always led to trouble and conflicts within the family structure.

At no place in the entirety of God’s revelation is there even a tiny hint that same-sex intimacy and marriage are acceptable and given God’s approval and acceptance. But judges, politicians, and church people in sheer ignorance send a message to the mighty Creator of the heavens and the earth, saying, “Your standards are now null and void!”

The other critical area whereby the Constitution has been interpreted as giving “rights” which conflict with God’s standards is in the matter of human life itself. Back in 1973 the most tragic decision ever to take place in U.S. history was handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court – in summary that decision said that it is the constitutional “right” of a female to destroy her unborn child! For over 4 decades we have, as a republic, sanctioned the intentional mutilation and murder of over 56 million unborn children! Killers are paid big dollars to do this with no charges ever filed. Judges, politicians, and even church people give whole hearted approval to this, the United States’ unique version of holocaust!

God claims to be involved in the formation of a human in the womb from the time conception has taken place (Jeremiah 1:4,5; Psalm 139). And if God claims to be involved in the formation of human beings and He has a purpose for each one so conceived, what is going to happen eventually when other born human beings decide that certain unborn human beings should no longer live? And how will God eventually deal with a nation that has made a deadly decision which states that it has a “document” that overrules God’s plan and purpose for human life? Want to try sleeping on that tonight?

The satanic tactic is still quite effective from the time it was first used long ago in a place known as Eden – “Has God really said that?”

The only thing our corrupted society has to look forward to in the future is God’s full response to our deadly choice in making our Constitution the rule rather than His laws – one thing guaranteed – it will be no Sunday School picnic when it happens!

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [Galatians 6:7,8 (KJV)]

I May Get Sued Somewhere Down the Road in the Future!

In New Mexico, a photographer declined to take pictures of a lesbian couple’s commitment ceremony. In Washington State, a florist would not provide flowers for a same-sex wedding. And in Colorado, a baker refused to make a cake for a party celebrating the wedding of two men. --- quote from an article on the issue of refusing service to sodomite and lesbian couples

The sodomite/lesbian juggernaut continues to roll, chalking up victory after victory. Oh, sometimes in a rare instance, there is an event of some kind that sort of goes against them in the quest to have universal acceptance of the sodomite/lesbian ways of life and relationships. But the majority of instances are a clear indication of a growing acceptance in all facets of our culture.

It is a very unpopular position to take when one speaks against same-sex practices and relationships. Obviously it is now a high-risk maneuver to refuse some kind of service to same-sex couples as revealed in the aforementioned quote from a report. Some lawsuits have already been initiated against businesses which have refused to do business with same-sex couples. For instance, a Christian business man refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple because of his conviction that sodomy and lesbianism are morally wrong on basis of God’s revelation to us via the holy Scriptures. A lawsuit resulted from this action on the part of the business owner.

The debate on this is heating up to a white-hot inferno! But the sodomites and the lesbians have the edge due to sympathy they have successfully aroused, high profile celebrity and sports figures “coming out,” entertainment and TV industries giving support and presenting a positive “image” of same-sex relationships in programming, a growing number of churches capitulating and more church leaders giving support to the cause, a growing number of states making same-sex “marriage” legal, and federal government regulations that favor same-sex practices and relationships!

When the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania legalizes same-sex marriage (and it will – it is just a matter of time), there will be a challenge of the first magnitude for pastors. So the day likely will come when a same-sex couple may come to my door requesting that I do their marriage. There is absolutely no way that I will ever be involved in such an abomination. God has clearly drawn the boundaries on human sexuality, marriage, and human relationships. Same-sex relationships and intimacy are explicitly condemned as they go against God’s order and plan for His creation.

The result of my refusal to do such a marriage could result in a lawsuit – if that should happen, so be it. There was a time in our republic when religious freedom was highly emphasized – it was one of the basic foundation stones upon which this great nation was established. Those days have long since disappeared. We are now expected to lay Christian based convictions aside, if not discard them completely, and conform to the demands of the world around us. One of those demands is universal acceptance without any objection to the practices of sodomy and lesbianism. No mercy is shown to those who refuse to comply!

I wonder what the penalty will be in the lawsuit initiated against me for refusing to do a “marriage” of another kind?

Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For in the same manner did their fathers to the false prophets. -- Luke 6:26 (ASV)

United Methodist Bishops Suffer at Times from Lock Jaw!

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis made his toughest remarks to date on abortion when he called the practice "horrific" on Monday. "It is horrific even to think that there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day," the pontiff said during his yearly address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican, a speech known as his "State of the World" address. [Source: Reuters on January 13, 2014].

It depends on the subject but usually on most issues the United Methodist bishops are quick to respond and to expound on just about anything – just about, that is, with one major exception.

Ask a bishop about gambling and he or she will travel on almost endlessly about how evil gambling is and that we should do what we can to end this activity that impacts so many lives and families of victims in a negative way. My conference, Western Pennsylvania, one year concentrated on the issue of gambling with oodles of information provided and strategies as to how to curtail if not eliminate the menace of gambling.

For quite some time within the United Methodist Church there was been a massive campaign to fight the deadly disease of malaria in Africa. My own bishop, Thomas Bickerton, was in on the ground floor when this effort got under way. He gained a lot of very favorable publicity in this campaign and traveled to a lot of places promoting the cause. He and others cited statistics often to buttress the case and reminded us repeatedly of millions of victims dying because of malaria. So we send funds and mosquito nets in great amounts in order to reduce the number of deaths annually that take place in Africa. Do not interpret this to mean that I am against such an effort – it is a great cause and Jean and I have supported it.

There are other areas perhaps that could be mentioned as to the United Methodist bishops and the Council of Bishops speaking up on issues of the day – well, that is, except for one about which many U. S. citizens do agree that it is very major in scope with far reaching consequences.

The one major “exception” which they will not address, either as individuals or as a group identified as the United Methodist Council of Bishops? It is the massive and persistent destruction of unborn children. This January 22nd will be the 41st anniversary of one of the most insane and diabolical decisions ever to come forth from the United States Supreme Court.

Harry Blackmun, a United Methodist church member, wrote the majority opinion which informs us that it is a “constitutional right” for a female to intentionally choose to destroy her unborn child. Wherever Harry is now, the clear evidence in God’s special revelation indicates that Harry most certainly sees things much differently in regard to unborn children. That is one thing about death – everyone passing through its gates will see things God’s way and the wreckage of flawed human reasoning and decision making is thrown by the way side – and if we chose to ignore it before life on earth ends for us, we cannot any longer do so after passing through the gates of death into eternity. The only thing still standing is God’s eternal and unchanging Truth – further, how He views the unborn!

There have been over 56.4 million unborn victims as we approach the 41st anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision which took place in January 1973.

However, in spite of the facts, graphic descriptions and illustrated photos of what happens when a doctor (term used very loosely) takes his tools and tears apart that child whom God is forming in the womb (see Jeremiah 1:4,5 & Psalm 139) – the result sometimes looks like the child was put through a hamburger grinder! And of course, its life has been terminated. That is the moment that United Methodist bishops come down with a severe case of lock jaw on this subject!

There are likely a myriad of excuses they have for not speaking out. Perhaps a very common response is, “It’s a very complex issue!” What is so complex about invading the womb, mutilating and murdering a child, and casually discarding the shredded remains as you would a tissue into which you just blew some runny stuff from your nose?

At the beginning was a quote from the Pope on this issue – this man is head of a church that involves millions upon millions of members. The Roman Catholic Church will be very high profile at the annual March for Life which will be held in Washington DC. Many, many Roman Catholic church leaders will be there participating. How many United Methodist bishops do you believe will be there? Yeah, we already know the answer to that one, do we not?

We who profess Christian faith at times make reference to the fact that God’s grace is sufficient, but do we really believe it? United Methodist bishops likely would also say so.

I read the witness of a young lady a few months back. She was very attractive in appearance and wearing very nice clothing. She had a smile on her face in her photo that was the kind that would make you say to yourself, “I would like to meet her personally and talk with her.” She went into detail about her background. Her mother was raped and became pregnant as a result of the rape. Rather than listen to voices that said she needed to terminate that pregnancy, she chose to get proper care and to continue with the pregnancy. A daughter was born at the proper time. The daughter was loved and cared for – got her education by attending pre-school, elementary, secondary, high school, college, AND graduate school. She is now a successful lawyer!

It is most likely that United Methodist bishops being made aware of the foregoing account that certainly speaks clearly about the sufficiency of the grace of God and the fact that God can take a very bad situation and turn it into something very good, that the first word out of their mouths would be, “BUT….”

We too often fail to realize the way to Hell is paved with cobblestones and on top of each cobblestone is engraved the word, “BUT!”

God is going to make a response to the massive shedding of innocent blood that has been going on for decades throughout our republic. When He does, it will be interesting to hear what statements will dribble forth from the mouths of the bishops of the United Methodist Church!

The Lord spoke his word to me, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart for my holy purpose. I appointed you to be a prophet to the nations.” [Jeremiah 1:4,5 (God’s Word)]

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,………… [Proverbs 6:16-17 (KJV)]