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)].

Hypocrisy of the First Magnitude in Afghanistan!

A man Afghan officials say is a member of the Taliban shot dead a woman accused of adultery in front of a crowd near Kabul, a video obtained by Reuters showed, a sign that the austere Islamist group dictates law even near the Afghan capital.In the three-minute video, a turban-clad man approaches a woman kneeling in the dirt and shoots her five times at close range with an automatic rifle, to cheers of jubilation from the 150 or so men watching in a village in Parwan province."Allah warns us not to get close to adultery because it's the wrong way," another man says as the shooter gets closer to the woman. "It is the order of Allah that she be executed"...... --- Just one of a number of "news"  releases reporting the "execution" of a married woman accused of adultery.

The married woman allegedly committed adultery, found guilty and then was sentenced to be executed in an area north of Afghanistan's capital city. One of numerous reports claimed that she was involved with two Taliban commanders.

So in order to be "faithful" to Muslim standards on such an issue as this, it was determined that this unfaithful wife should be executed publicly. Presumably the message would be, "See what happens when you commit adultery!" The graphic lesson to all females is explicitly clear -- now to the men, that's a kitty of another color!

This execution would be a bit different -- no wall before which the guilty party would stand with a blindfold over the eyes. The woman was kneeling on the ground with her back toward her husband who was just a few yards away. He was given an AK-47 rifle and promptly fired three shots into her back (according to one report) -- then for good measure he fired more rounds into her body (another report said there were bullet holes in her head and in her torso). The assembly of men, estimated to be about 150, present erupted in loud cheers as this drama unfolded!

Correct me if I"m wrong, but doesn't the act of adultery involve a man and a woman -- and at least one of the persons involved in such an escapade is married to another person, other than the one with whom he/she is being intimate? Where then was the man, or in this particular case, the two Taliban commanders who were involved with another man's wife?

And why were these adulterers not on the receiving end of the projectiles that came gushing forth from the barrel of that AK-47 fired by a husband who was teaching his wife a permanent lesson that it is a naughty no-no to engage in sexual intimacy with men other than her husband?

Jesus in the 1st Century was confronted by a group of very indignant individuals who claimed they had caught a woman in the very act of adultery. They indicated that according to the law of Moses the woman should be stoned to death. But they wanted to know what He had to say about the issue. For a moment He did not reply but wrote something in the sand. Finally He spoke: "Whoever is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone."

Oooops! No one counted on this and suddenly very disturbing thoughts began to hammer them where it really hurts -- right in the heart of the conscience! One by one they made a hasty exit. Could this exodus have resembled a bunch of serpents slithering away looking for some hole into which they might crawl?

Jesus then had some parting words for the woman -- "Where are your accusers?" She replied there was no one left to accuse her. He replied, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more!" Obviously the woman was of a repentant spirit and was granted mercy and forgiveness on the condition that she not continue in her former lifestyle! (For details of this incident, see John 8 in the New Testament).

I have often wondered, as have many others -- just what was it that Jesus wrote in the sand that day a long, long time ago? Could it have been something like this: "Where is the man? He is an adulterer too, you know!"

As the old saying goes: "It takes two to tango!"

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. --- 1 John 1:7-9

Looking at the Big Picture in the Limbaugh/Fluke Uproar!

A woman testifies in support of government funding of birth control items so that females can get this stuff free -- Rush Limbaugh responds by calling her certain very uncomplimentary names -- an avalanche of criticism is launched against Limbaugh -- some advertisers withdraw support -- many of the media again demonstrate that they most resemble sharks in bloody water where Limbaugh is the focus of attention, and so it goes! --- A variety of news sources on this "earth shaking" happening in the U.S.A!

It seems that nobody wants to or is willing to honestly face the big picture in the recent Limbaugh/Fluke controversy. Sandra Fluke in a sense was "campaigning" for government funding of birth control items -- that is, females wanting access to birth control items should be able to obtain the same under Obamacare at no cost to them, as the health plan seems to be commonly known.

As this became public, Rush Limbaugh reacted by calling Sandra a couple of rather derogatory names! A lot of public hostility was directed toward Rush because of his comments. Even President Obama called Sandra to console her -- one wonders just what all he may have said -- you know, something like, "Poor, poor Sandy -- did that mean old Rush say nasty things about you? You're a good girl -- just don't pay any attention to that hateful man -- he has said a lot of bad things about me too!"

The tragic fact in this is a neglect at looking far enough into the issue that the big picture of reality is very clearly revealed!

Our culture has lost its moral compass and no longer considers what our Creator says about life and responsibility.

One issue has to do with human sexuality and the proper way to express and experience it. God has drawn the boundaries explicitly and has shown what is acceptable sexual conduct and what is not.

The revelation given to us from God spells out what unacceptable sexual behavior is in all human relationships:

1. Sexual intimacy between two unmarried persons is an act of fornication and condemned by God. Nowhere is there ever a reference in the holy Scriptures that this is acceptable conduct in the sight of God.

2. Sexual intimacy between two persons, with at least one being married to a person other than the one with whom the act of sexual intimacy is taking place is considered to be adultery and condemned by God. In fact God used this immoral example as an illustration as to the unfaithfulness of His people, the ancient Israelites, engaging in the practices of worshipping false gods and goddesses. Some of these worship "rituals" involved such things as immoral sexual activity and sacrificing little children by throwing them alive into a fire!

3. Same gender sexual intimacy is not labeled as simply "sin" but as an abomination. What is the difference? As best the human mind can grasp the difference, we must conclude that an abomination is sin intensified many, many times over! The shedding of innocent blood is labeled by God as not a sin, but an abomination! The preceding example of sacrificing small children by throwing them into a raging fire as an act of worship to the ancient Canaanite god, Molech, would be an abomination. And so same gender sexual intimacy is not in the same class of sinful offenses such as fornication or adultery but something many times worse than these!

4. The Scriptures also mention the subject of sexual activity with animals. Common sense should tell every human being that this is stricly off limits, but obviously there are those who feel this can be very acceptable to those who desire to be involved in such activity. God labels it a "perversion" and soundly condemns it.

4. There are other sexual related offenses that take place within the human race in different ways such as sexual abuse of children and youth, rape, and a pornography industry that thrives on visual display of all manner sexual activity ranging from male/female intercourse to a wide variety of bizarre perversions!

God has set the boundary line of acceptable sexual expression and experience around a special couple -- a male and a female whom He has joined together in a significant covenant known as marriage. One can closely examine the holy Scriptures word by word and never find God approving conduct such as that described earlier. Only within the covenant of marriage does God grant His blessing when it comes to a man and a woman sharing the joy of their marriage within the context of sexual intimacy!

The very clear implication in the health care debate over government funding of birth control items so that females can obtain these without cost is that you can freely engage in your choice of sexual activity -- there are no moral restrictions -- do your own thing as your lusts dictate -- it's all OK since we make our own rules -- further, we must listen to the voice of the "Instant Gratification" god/goddess at all times, committing spiritual suicide in the process!

Any hope that the citizens of a republic known as the United States of America will seriously look at the BIG picture and consider the boundary lines as established by the Creator of the heavens and this lowly earth when it comes to human sexuality? Not likely -- the evidence is mounting day by day that we will experience what numerous cultures of the past learned the hard way -- when a defiant spirit dominates through time, then something called judgment at the hands of an angry God takes place! Ruins of nations which existed in the past testify that you cannot ignore the moral laws of God and get away with it -- it remains as written in Scripture, "God is not mocked..."

"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination. Nor shall you mate with any beast, to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before a beast to mate with it. It is perversion. Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you." --- Leviticus 18:22-24

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. --- 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. --- Revelation 22:14, 15

Hypocrisy Rears Its Ugly Head in the Muslim World!

Sanam Gul, a 47-year-old widow, was executed on Saturday, August 7, 2010, as a result of alleged charges involving adultery which resulted in her becoming pregnant. --- from various news sources on the internet

The Taliban waved the flag of hypocrisy very high in a recent episode and demonstrated that Muslims can be anything but consistent in their professed "faith!" On August 7 Sanam Gul was executed after a 200 lash whipping. Mohammad Yousuf, a Taliban commander, shot her 3 times in the head after the whipping.

Sanam was a 47-year-old widow who had been accused of adultery which resulted in her becoming pregnant. So the "righteous" authorities with intense indignation determined that she should be put to death for this crime.

Now correct me if I am wrong -- or possibly things have so changed that I haven't been properly informed -- but my understanding is that adultery requires the participation of two persons -- a male and a female, at least one of which is married to someone else! In Sanam's case, she was a widow - her husband was dead -- so that means the male with whom she became intimate is married. Strange, is it not, that no mention is made of the man in this matter, much less bring charges against him, find him guilty of fathering a child to another female other than his wife, and then execute him for this offense?

Ah, I forgot - in the world of Islam, females have about as much status as a guy's bicycle -- or maybe less, so that the bicycle has more respect than the female does!

It is interesting that Jesus ran into this glaring type of inconsistency when He was here on earth. A bunch of indignant self-righteous individuals (all males) brought a woman before Him and accused her of adultery, having been caught in the very act. That means that there were two people there at the moment - the woman and the man who was intimately involved with her.

After the accusation and the reminder that the woman should be stoned according to the Law of Moses, Jesus was asked what He thought about the situation. He made no reply immediately but was writing something on the ground with the tip of His finger. The accusers were becoming impatient -- they wanted an answer right now from this One Whom they were beginning to hate with a bitter passion. Finally He made His response --"He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." Oooops! They were totally unprepared for that -- suddenly something began to happen within the heart and soul of each of the accusers -- a very disturbing feeling of guilt began to settle in -- quickly, they made their exit -- somehow they had to distance themselves from the woman they wanted so badly to stone to death. But even more so, from that One Who had made the suggestion as to the individual who should begin the execution procedure and throw the first rock!

Muslims, Christians, or whatever religious stripe with which one may identify -- the day is coming when each one of us will appear before Jesus Christ to be judged by Him -- He is the One Who will determine what our eternal destiny will be and the environment in which eternity will be experienced. Yes, even Mohammad Yousuf, executioner of adultresses, will make his appearance before Jesus -- minus pistol of course and the guy who did the whipping of Sanam Gul -- without his whip!

One of two possibilities exist when Jesus utters the final word in judgment - it will be either the incomprehensible bliss of a trouble-free Heaven or the indescribable agony in a place known as Hell! The determining factor as to which it will be is the choice one has made in this earthly life to repent of all sin and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord into one's life, or do as the vast majority of the world's population and its leaders are doing -- that is to defiantly reject Him and His sacrifice for the sins of the entire human race! What has your choice been regarding the most critical decision you will ever make in a lifetime?

By the way, here is an interesting little exercise on that confrontation with Jesus and the controversy that swirled around a certain female caught in the act of adultery -- what do you suppose He was writing in the sand with the tip of His finger? Could it have been a simple question -- "Where is the man?"

Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?" This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. --- John 8:3-6

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"--- Matthew 7:21-23

"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' --- Matthew 25:23

So, Edwards Had An Affair – Why All the Fuss, Anyhow?

Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be only your own, and not for strangers with you. Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress? --- Proverbs 5:15-20

John Edwards finally “fessed up” – he did disregard his marital vows for a time as he was in the midst of seeking to become the Democratic nominee for president of the United States.

So, what’s all the excitement about – other than the fact that the mass media people enjoy chomping on this subject more than about anything else they bite into! As always, it is the repeat of sharks reacting to a big batch of blood in the water.

Some things to keep in mind while salivating on this matter of John getting more than hand-shake friendly with a female other than his wife:

1. He’s not the first to do a thing like this – the list is by no means short when it comes to politicians playing bedroom games with women other than their mates over years past – unfortunately, a number of them are still living today!

2. There is a strong resistance to making an issue of such a happening when it involves a politician – after all, what he does in private is none of our business, is it? Hey, I’m just quoting what appears to be a rather common held belief in our culture!

3. The standards of morality have changed drastically over the past few decades – what God has to say about human sexuality is not at all significant in this country any longer. One of the main reasons for this being that we humans have come to the point of determining for ourselves what is right and wrong, and that includes our sexual activity.

4. Big names in the entertainment industry have set a powerful example in human relationships and have long since lost the ability to even blush a bit when it comes to the practicing of sexual immorality in brazen fashion, and at times conceiving children while doing so. The publicity they receive in all this is worth a fortune and the influence on our young folk is impossible to measure. We do have an interesting statistic in connection with all this which was released not so long ago – one out of every four teen-aged girls has at least one STD (sexually transmitted disease) and some have more than one! Sleep on that one tonight!

5. Churches have begun to capitulate to the pressure to back off from hard line positions on the issue of human sexuality. The battle is especially intense in the area of sodomy and lesbianism. So if we soften up regarding that area, why not include adultery, incest, fornication, child molestation and sex with animals as well?

Getting all caught up in a frenzy over an aspiring politician and his sex life? Forget it – this is the United States in the 21st Century – sex is fun with anyone (or more than one anyone at the same time), anywhere and at any time, aren’t you aware?

Or do you happen to be one of that few who are labeled religious fanatics and who are best described as having very low angle foreheads with little beady eyes located too close together and fire is spewing forth from the mouth – you know, that small minority which still insists that God has established clear boundaries on human sexuality and these apply to all persons, including politicians!

Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. --- Hebrews 13:4

Where to from here, Madam Shepherd?

All day, all night, Marianne
Down by the seaside siftin' sand
Even little children love Marianne
Down by the seaside siftin' sand. --- refrain from song, "Marianne," by Brothers Four

Although there is a difference in name spelling, the above lyrics came to mind when I read a petition submitted by Bishop Mary Ann Swenson on behalf of the Western Jurisdiction College of Bishops.

Bishops in the United Methodist Church when fully adorned in formal apparel for distinguished functions such as ordination services at annual conferences are usually seen holding a staff. They are at times referred to as the "shepherds" of the church. This suggests that they are leaders and have oversight regarding clergy and laity who are the "sheep" in the UMC.

Mary Ann (or as I prefer, Marianne in the refrain above) submitted a petition which was similar to a number of others to the General Conference that calls for a major change in the Book of Discipline statement concerning homosexuality.

Paragraph 161.G presently reads:

Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

If Mary Ann and others have their way, the statement about homosexuality being incompatible with Christian teaching would be eliminated entirely and another phrase inserted with the amended paragraph 161.G reading:

Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone sexual relationships outside the bonds of a faithful, loving and committed relationship between two persons; marriage, where legally possible. We affirm that God’s grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

Fortunately the committee dealing with this and many similar petitions voted to reject them. Time will tell whether the entire body of the GC will agree -- debate should be interesting.

Over the years a number of the "shepherds" have been "converted" on the issue of homosexuality -- they used to be opposed or somewhat opposed, but now support efforts to legitimize it at every level of the church, including ordaining those who practice sodomy and lesbianism. Mary Ann and others would say, on basis of submitted petitions, that "committed and loving monogamous relationships" between any two persons whether that involves a relationship between 2 males, 2 females, or a male and female are quite OK.

So then is it acceptable to pose this question -- "Madam Shepherd, where do we go from here? You are attempting to lead us (and pressure us) to accept the practices of sodomy and lesbianism within the context (as you and others put it) of a committed and loving monogamous 'relationship!'"

Does this mean that later on down the road our views may shift so that those who are in "loving and committed" adulterous relationships should be accepted without question, or those who enjoy sexual adventures with animals, or those who get their sexual thrills in sexual activity with children -- the possibilities are virtually unlimited here -- where does one draw the line and by what authority is that line to be drawn? How about it, Madam Shepherd?

For more details on the "shepherds" of the UMC and those who support the sodomite/lesbian "agenda" for the denomination see, "UMC Episcopal Endorsement of Same Gender Coupling!

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." --- Matthew 7:15-20

Yes, Indeed! It's True -- Monkey See, Monkey Do!

About 1 in 4 teenage girls in the United States - and nearly half of black girls - has at least one sexually transmitted disease, according to a study released yesterday, providing the first national snapshot of infection rates among this age group... --- opening statement in news release by The Baltimore Sun, March 12, 2008

Alarming details in the report should give parents of teenaged females from ages 14 to 19 cause to be deeply concerned. Even more alarming is the fact that not all STD's were covered in this study. The girls were tested for human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and herpes. By far, the most common sexually transmitted disease was HPV. Further, of those infected, 15 percent had more than one STD! An infectious diseases specialist at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center referred to these sexually transmitted infections as a "hidden epidemic." About how many adolescent females does this involve? The CDC states that at least 3.2 million in this age group are infected! Consider the fact that this does not take in those under age 14 or those over age 19 who are infected. As the late Barney Fife was sometimes heard to say, "Andy, we have a situation!"

Syphilis, HIV, and gonorrhea were not included in the study nor were teenaged boys included in the study. So it is concluded that actual numbers could be higher since there would be infected persons not covered in the study.

However, there are a few persons who would not be surprised by such statistics. These are the ones who have developed a degree of knowledge and sensitivity to God's special revelation which was completed 2,000 years ago. It's called the Bible. It is a Book which has caused widespread debate down through the centuries among those who profess to be Christian in faith. If we are willing to let the Holy Spirit speak in regard to clear statements on sexual matters, it is easy to see where the boundary lines are drawn when it comes to human sexuality.

God has placed His approval and blessing on sexual intimacy under only one condition -- a male and a female who have entered into the covenant of marriage. All other kinds of sexual activity are prohibited such as fornication (sex between unmarried persons), adultery (sex between two persons, with one or both being married to other partners), same-gender sex intimacy which is labeled an "abomination," sex with animals (bestiality), and incest (sexual intimacy between family members).

But in this age of being "free spirits" and "liberated" our little tykes learn at an early age that adults are teaching by example and a myriad of visual images that "Sex is fun with anyone (or more than one anyone at the same time) anywhere and at any time!"

High profile celebrities in the movie and TV industries conceive children out of wedlock -- sex tapes of their activities are available on the Internet -- the pornography industry is a multi-billion dollar business that has invaded just about every nation on the face of this planet!

So our culture declares that we need to "educate" the little tykes about sex -- we'll teach them graphically how to put a condom on a banana, but it's against the law to tell them that God says wait until you fall in love, get married, and then be blessed in a most heavenly experience!

With the bombardment of a sex-saturated media each day, little wonder that the hormones rage quickly and the "instant gratification" philosophy kicks in! And before our very eyes we see the tragedy of sowing to the lust of the flesh and reaping a harvest which can best be described as being under the sentence of death!

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. --- Galatians 6:6, 7

Will the tide be turned back? Not likely -- the message of total abstainence in regard to sexual activity before marriage is greatly resisted -- so get out the bananas and the condoms -- and do it safely! After all, God is not welcome in our public school educational system is He? As for colleges and universities, far too many students seem to buy into the philosophy that "partying" (this includes alcohol, drugs and sexual activity) is a must on a regular basis. This time of year is "spring break" you know and not many of the older tykes will spend their time in Sunday School!

The one thing, and maybe it's about the only thing, that Christians can do is to pray and witness to God's Truth on this critical issue as the opportunity presents itself. It is legitimate to pray that God will visit the "fruit" of their doings upon those who immorally influence the young! Sometime you are reading the Scriptures, look for that expression -- it's in there more than once! You can start with Jeremiah 17:10!

"How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have forsaken Me and sworn by those that are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, then they committed adultery and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses. They were like well-fed lusty stallions; every one neighed after his neighbor's wife. Shall I not punish them for these things?" says the LORD. "And shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?" --- Jeremiah 5:7-9

Politics and Prostitution -- Now, There's a Marriage Made in the Good Old U.S. of A!

NEW YORK - As Gov. Eliot Spitzer faced mounting calls to resign, Republican legislators indicated they will seek to impeach him if he doesn't quit within 48 hours, a spokesman for a leading New York assemblyman said Tuesday.

"The governor has 48 hours to resign or articles of impeachment would be introduced," Josh Fitzpatrick, spokesman for Assembly Republican Minority Leader James Tedisco, told Reuters.... -- opening statement of MSNBC news release as contributed by AP and Reuters, March 11, 2008

Well now -- what have we here? This "marriage" between politics and prostitution -- why is it that some of us are not surprised? It's not as though things of this kind never happened before -- it's just that now, when it happens, it's a feeding frenzy for the media people -- same thing as throwing a bloody piece of meat into waters swarming with great white sharks!

There was a time when the media knew, but kept quiet -- remember Jack and Bobby? You know, those Kennedy brothers who had an overwhelming tendency to stray from their marital beds! But times have changed a bit since those days of long ago, when politicians who strayed were exempt from the media watch dogs.

But why all the fuss over Eliot's indiscretion, or how ever many times he chose to indulge in playing "house" with females other than his wife? This is simply a symptom of a far greater crisis -- a symbol of the moral and spiritual health of the whole republic!

But you will not hear the media giving headlines to this one -- the United States has played the role of an adulterous wife -- she has forsaken the God Who in mercy raised the her up from the beginning and blessed her abundantly through many decades. The tragedy can be best expressed in the words of a prophet who lived a long time ago and who addressed his generation in such words, as God directed, as the following:

"They say, 'If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man's, may he return to her again?' Would not that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the harlot with many lovers; yet return to Me," says the LORD. Lift up your eyes to the desolate heights and see: where have you not lain with men? By the road you have sat for them like an Arabian in the wilderness; and you have polluted the land with your harlotries and your wickedness. Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain. You have had a harlot's forehead; you refuse to be ashamed." --- Jeremiah 3:1-3

The Spitzer scandal is very minor compared to the national scandal of how we have in a sense given Almighty God that obscene gesture which is very popular with people of all ages, including the very young! What are we going to do when God makes His response -- and be assured, He will definitely make a response and when He does, no one will feel like partying! There is an outside possibility that large numbers will entertain the thought that maybe they ought to check in the neighborhood to see if any churches are open and whether or not there are any pastors around who might give an explanation as to what is going on! It may be that the experience will be a rerun of something that happened a long time ago ------

"And it shall be, when you show this people all these words, and they say to you, 'Why has the LORD pronounced all this great disaster against us? Or what is our iniquity? Or what is our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?' then you shall say to them, 'Because your fathers have forsaken Me,' says the LORD; 'they have walked after other gods and have served them and worshiped them, and have forsaken Me and not kept My law. And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, each one walks according to the imagination of his own evil heart, so that no one listens to Me.'" --- Jeremiah 16:10-12

Lying Does Pay Off!

They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. --- 2 Peter 2:13a,14

Lying thrives in a culture such as ours. It is a practice involving persons of all ages -- from the very young who are just getting started in school to those in the sunset years who already have one foot in the grave and the other one is getting to be very shaky!

Lying happens due to a variety of motives:

• to avoid acceptance of the truth and the accountability that goes along with acceptance of the truth
  
• to avoid taking responsibility for bad decisions made and actions following those decisions
  
• to assassinate a person's character
  
• to seek revenge against a person for some alleged "wrong" done by that person
  
• to increase one's financial holdings
  
• to gain a prominent and powerful position for oneself
  

Lying always does immeasurable damage wherever it takes place.

It is strictly prohibited by God as listed in the code of the 10 commandments. The statement is simple, requiring no further explanation: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." (Exodus 20:16)

One area where the greatest devastation takes place is within that group of persons professing to be Christian in faith and followers of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

We are not as free to be "liberal" in our interpretations of the Scriptures as we would like to think! For instance:

• God has revealed that there was an Adam and there was an Eve -- our first "parents" and through whom the human race had its origin. But there are those (pastors, professors, church leaders, theologians, and laity) who say there never were such persons in existence -- God says He made them. But certain humans lie and say that Adam and Eve never really existed! That's more than a tad of a slap in God's face, wouldn't you say?
  
  
• God says the world got so wicked at one point that He destroyed all living things, human and animal, except for those on board an ark. The "spot & blemish" bunch (identified previously) scattered among professing Christians lie and say the event reported as a universal flood judgment never really happened!
  
  
• God has revealed that He brought the Israelites out of Egypt and at one point opened up that vast body of water known as the Red Sea, making the crossing possible for them. And then God permitted the waters to return to their natural condition, drowning the Egyptian military in the process as it zealously pursued the Israelites. The "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says it never happened!
  
  
• God has explicitly revealed the boundaries of how we humans are to experience our sexuality. That experience is limited to a male and female who have entered into the covenant of marriage. All other types of sexual activity which are mentioned in God's revelation are forbidden and labeled as sin or in some cases, worse than that, as being abominations! But the "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says that some forms of sexual behavior are good, and even preferable -- and worse, they claim that God gives His approval to such so that even in the church which professes to be Christian, just about any kind of sexual shenanigans are acceptable! God has yet to make His response to this updated standard of morality!
  
  
• God has revealed that with a love which defies human understanding He gave His Son, Jesus, to be a substitutionary sacrifice for all the sins committed by all the members of the human race. Further, that Jesus is the only way of salvation and entrance into God's Heaven. Christianity, unfortunately, is plagued by the "spot & blemish" crowd which says that there are other ways to get to Heaven through the many other faiths which presently exist in today's world, and we who are Christian should not be so dogmatic upon insisting that Jesus is exclusively the way to salvation and ultimately to Heaven!
  
  
• God has said there is a Hell and a lot of people are going to end up in that place. The "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says that there is no Hell! With unregenerate and warped minds they try to reason that God could never be a "God of love" if even one human ended up in Hell!
  
  
• God says there is a Devil on the loose along with a host of demons in league with him. The "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says there is no Devil and there are no demons!
  
  
• God says there will be a series of devastating judgments visited upon this earth in the future. The "spot & blemish" crowd lies and says there will be no such events because -- now by this time you can guess it -- yes, that's what they say -- "God is a God of love and compassion -- why He would never bring those terrible things associated with judgement upon anyone!"
  

So what we have at times is a major conflict -- with God saying one thing and the "spot & blemish" crowd within the ranks of Christianity saying the opposite -- God says He did it and they say He didn't, etc!

It comes down to this -- who is to be believed? Always keep in mind that lying does pay off, and if you go along with the lie/s, the future will not be pleasant. God has the last word on that matter, not the "spot & blemish" crowd -----

And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." --- Revelation 21:6-8

Opening a Can of Worms United Methodist Style!

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. --- Titus 1:15,16

The scramble has been on for quite a while, but intensified in the wake of a Virginia Conference pastor's refusal to receive a man into church membership who was openly practicing sodomy. The man was unwilling to cease his immoral behavior pattern.

The pastor was suspended by a vote of the Executive Session of the Virginia Conference over which Bishop Charlene Kammerer presides. The UMC Judicial Council ruled that he was to be reinstated and reimbursed all lost salary.

The Council of Bishops of the UMC, looking out for one of their own, responded with a "pastoral letter" which basically declared that the man should have been received into the membership of the church as he had requested.

UMC bishops are increasingly capitulating to the demands of the sodomite/lesbian cartel. The rallying cry now is "homosexuality is not a barrier" when it comes to church membership!

A petition to the General Conference of 2008 which seeks to amend the UMC Book of Discipline is making its rounds in the annual conferences, including the W. PA Annual Conference now in session in Grove City PA.

The petition seeks to add this phrase to the BOD -- "No person shall or will be excluded from membership in The United Methodist Church for reasons related to sexual orientation." Each conference to which this is being submitted will act on it, either adopting or rejecting it.

Incidentally, there are those in the W. PA Conference who hold to the position that homosexuality is not a sin. This includes a very high profile leader involved in the well orchestrated "Believe Again!" campaign now underway in the conference. He so stated that position publicly at a seminar a while back.

What if the proposed petition is finally adopted at General Conference in spring of 2008? It will mean a lot of adjusting will have to be done. "How so?" you may ask.

Consider some possibilities (or maybe more appropriately "some fall out!") in this thing of "sexual orientation":

• a couple is "oriented" to a swinging sexual lifestyle -- the husband and wife enjoy sexual escapades with other couples on a regular basis -- they want to join a United Methodist Church, but also state that they fully intend to continue their present lifestyle after joining up! Who is to say that their way of life is a sin if the person practicing sodomy is considered a non-sinner according to a number of United Methodists including members of the episcopacy?
  
  
• a woman who is "oriented" to practicing adultery. In this case, her husband is aware of her sexual involvements with other men, but he is a compassionate and understanding person and does his best to support her. She wants to join the UMC but also insists that she will continue her sexual adventures with other men. Her justification for this? She was born that way and is "oriented" to intimate affairs with numerous men -- the more the merrier is the way she sees it. How can we object to her becoming a member when she is so "oriented?"
  
  
• a man enjoys sexual experiences with animals. His preferrd "partner" is a young Holstein heifer. He is not hesitant in revealing how he is sexually attracted to young heifers because in his understanding, he is "oriented" that way, even from birth. He is quick to respond to his critics with the ultimate put down -- "Don't knock it until you try it!" He is also among those with varied sexual "orentations" who want to become members of the UMC. On what ground could any bishop, district superintendent, or pastor refuse him? If the man practicing sodomy is not considered a sinner by such behavior, who are we to condemn a guy who is sexually intimate with his heifer?"
  
  
• a young female teacher enjoys having sexual moments with her male students -- she prefers the 15 year olds and gets great delight out of "initiating" the youngsters into world of sexual adventures. Seems as though this is a thing happening more and more in schools across the country. But she and others such as she are "oriented" that way and we ought not to stand in the way if they want to join and become members of the UMC! Don't forget, it's all about "orientation" when it comes to sexual experience and expression -- just don't mention the word "sin" or the word "repent" when considering the subject!
  

The list could be greatly expanded, but you get the picture, do you not? For an exercise in how far this can go, try adding to the list and picture how the UMC of the future will appear if General Conference 2008 adopts a change in the Book of Discipline which reads, "No person shall or will be excluded from membership in The United Methodist Church for reasons related to sexual orientation."

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! --- Isaiah 5:20

Avoid Accusations of Discrimination -- Accept All of Them with the "Right Hand of Fellowship!"

A rumble happened some months back, featuring a mainline denomination -- perhaps more like a volcano eruption in the state of Virginia. A United Methodist pastor refused to receive a practicing homosexual man into church membership -- a complaint was filed -- he was suspended by a vote of his peers at the annual conference Executive Session -- the Judicial Council (sort of like a church supreme court) ruled the pastor was to be reinstated and reimbursed back salary, etc. It was a real slap in the face for the bishop and her Executive Session. Sometimes good things do happen and a person who holds to Biblical convictions is vindicated!

But UMC bishops stick together -- those boys and girls support one another no matter if one their own has fouled up big time! Some of them can teach heresy and it's quite OK because they are part of the "club!" So they drafted a "pastoral letter" which in effect said the guy who was practicing sodomy should have been received into church membership, the Judicial Council was wrong in its ruling, blah blah blah (add as many blahs as you wish).

So then, with all the mounting pressure within the United Methodist Church to accept practicing homosexuals and lesbians as members of the church, and also the political hanky panky going on to accept these people into the ranks of the clergy, why stop with just this group? There are others who will feel they are victims of prejudice and feel rejection if we do not offer the same welcome and be in "ministry to and with" them as is stated about the homosexual crowd in the UMC's Book of Discipline.

Let's get the campaign rolling for resolutions to the General Conference of 2008 which will permit the following to become members of the United Methodist Church without any questioning, criticism or censure regarding lifestyles:

• fornicators, whether they just have a "relationship" with a "significant other" or they like to party with a number of members of the opposite sex at the same time on Saturday night!
  
  
• adulterers, who are committed to "open marriage" and who don't hesitate to let it be known that intimacy with other persons beyond one's marriage partner is a good and healthy thing!
  
  
• incest practitioners who claim that their approach to human sexuality is the best way to teach their children the "facts of life" and they will grow up with a good attitude about sexual issues and have a high sense of self-esteem!
  
  
• rapists who have strong convictions that the persons whom they attack really invite and desire such aggressive behavior, so that in the end, both parties in the rape encounter have been "fulfilled!"
  
  
• child molesters who are misunderstood by clergy especially -- they are just starting the education of children in a different way -- children learn by "doing!" Failure to accept these persons into church membership will definitely open the church and its leadership up to accusations of being self-righteous, judgmental, etc. as happens often in the case of homosexuals and lesbians!
  
  
• bestiality practitioners who feel that having sexual experiences with their dog or pet goat in the back yard is a "normal" thing (don't you often hear that reasoning in the campaign for acceptance of homosexuality and lesbianism -- that it is "normal?") and one ought not to knock it until you've tried it. So if Jane Doe is having a "love" thing going with her German Shepherd we ought not to be judgmental and if she shows up at the local United Methodist church and wants to join with Rex in her company, who are we to object?
  

Objections to these recommendations? If even the bishops are suggesting that homosexuals and lesbians should be admitted to membership in the United Methodist Church, how can you draw a line and say that the above mentioned persons should not be admitted also?

Did I hear someone say those are immoral acts -- violent acts -- acts that degrade and take advantage in some cases of very young persons? Oh, and how do you determine that? You can't appeal to the Bible due to the fact that for some time we have been told that where homosexuality is condemned, it really isn't so due to our tendency to incorrectly "interpret" Scripture etc. So, where there is reference to such activities as those mentioned above, we are likely doing a wrong "interpretation" as in the case of same gender sexual activity! Haven't we been told repeatedly that it is morally acceptable for 2 males or 2 females to be in a "committed and loving relationship?" So, what if individuals in one of the categories above makes a similar claim? Are we going to be prejudiced and say that it's OK for Sylvester and Joe down the street to be a loving "couple" but it's not OK for those others previously mentioned who have their particular sexual "lifestyle?"

So in the denomination that prides itself on being a church of "Open Hearts! Open Minds! Open Doors!" let's make the necessary changes so that along with homosexuals and lesbians we welcome all persons who have their unique ways of practicing human sexuality and never make the mistake of suggesting to them that such behavior is unacceptable!



And now a PS on this matter -- There are still a few who believe God means every word which is recorded in His inspired Word and that through His Holy Spirit we will be able to correctly interpret what is written regarding the sexual boundaries which God has clearly established, including the issue of homosexuality.

It is most unfortunate that a number of United Methodist bishops have yet to be aware of the fact that this is how it really is! But should you encounter one who insists that homosexuality and lesbianism are morally acceptable in our society, then you can respond that if that is really true, then so are the other sexual lifestyles as mentioned above!

Some parting food for thought -- notice the transformation which occurred in the lives of some people who apparently were trapped in sexual immorality of various kinds as mentioned by Paul the apostle:

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. --- 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Keeping Pace with Morality & Apologies!

“I believe that homosexual acts between individuals are immoral and that we should not condone immoral acts.........I do not believe that the armed forces of the United States are well served by a saying through our policies that it’s OK to be immoral in any way.” --- Marine General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, The Pentagon - March 12, 2007

He's a jewel -- one of a kind -- a breath of fresh air in a very stagnant room -- a magnificent keystone in the social arch of our republic -- a bright light shining in a very dark and dismal place -- he's Marine General Peter Pace, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the U. S. of A!

He is also under very intense fire for the statements quoted above in which he stated that homosexual acts are immoral.


Also -- another tragedy -- here is a man in a very high profile position who has chosen to align himself 100 per cent with the moral position as outlined by Almighty God our Creator and he gets shot down for it.

It is added proof as to the fact that this nation is now dominated by a spirit of defiance regarding God's established boundaries for sexual expression and experience!

Voices of protest against General Pace for his remarks are coming from elected officials and other "high profile" persons who have intentionally chosen to exhibit their ignorance on sexual morality by running the mouth without engaging the brain.

Great example -- Senator John Warner who said, "I respectfully but strongly disagree with the chairman's view that homosexuality is immoral." John speaks for a huge number of other people as well, who likely add an "Amen!" to his statement.

General Pace has said he will not apologize for such remarks -- that is good, because he does not have to. The reason? God has never in the past nor ever will in the future apologize for declaring the following to be an abomination or a sin (an abomination is sin intensified many times over):

• homosexuality (sexual activity between 2 persons of the same gender)
  
• fornication (sexual activity between a male and female who are unmarried)
  
• adultery (sexual activity between a male and a female, at least one of which is married to another person)
  
• incest (sexual activity between immediate members of a family)
  
• rape (sexual activity in which a person is forced to engage in such activity against his/her will - victim can be of any age from that of a small child to an adult)
  
• bestiality (sexual activity with animals)
  

By the way at the top of the listing is sexual activity which spawns a very large number of STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) -- some of which are incurable and a few others that are fatal! And if all of the aforementioned "activity" is so good and not immoral as so many claim, why all those ravaging diseases? And why, for instance, is there a push on to vaccinate very young teen-aged girls with a drug that is supposed to prevent a certain virus from bringing on cancer of the uterus in later years due to sexual activity while still in the young stages of life?

Go ahead, search the holy Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation and see for yourself how many of the above mentioned sexual activities are presented in a positive manner and given sanction by Almighty God. What's the matter -- disappointed?

Certainly there are any number of efforts made to declare sexually immoral acts as "good" because we are committed and "love" one another very much -- therefore it just can't be wrong for us, and people such as General Peter Pace are narrow-minded and bigoted -- homophobes who have not seen the "light" in the 21st Century in which we are now a diverse and tolerant culture!

And so, as a culture that is dominated and controlled by that spirit of defiance mentioned earlier, we give God an obscene gesture, jump on our toboggan, and slide toward inevitable disaster! For a few of us, this is no surprise due to a solemn prediction made by Jesus Christ Himself! (see Luke 17:26-30).