Presidential Selectivity When It Comes to Speaking of Horror!

WEIMAR, Germany - President Barack Obama witnessed the Nazi ovens of the Buchenwald concentration camp Friday, its clock tower frozen at the time of liberation, and said the leaders of today must not rest against the spread of evil.

The president called the camp where an estimated 56,000 people died the "ultimate rebuke" to Holocaust deniers and skeptics. And he bluntly challenged one of them, Iranian President Ahmadinejad, to visit Buchenwald. --- from news release on President Obama’s visit to a former Nazi concentration camp

President Obama has graphically demonstrated that he is very selective when it comes to the subject of what is horror. The word was employed during his recent visit to the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. The camp, along with many others, gained notoriety when it was learned of the masses of people put to death during WW II by the Nazis.

The estimated number of people who died at Buchenwald is said to be at least 56,000. This is just a tad more than the number of unborn children who are exterminated in a two week period in the United States. The average rate in the “land of the free and the home of the brave” is about 25,000 every week!

The president commented, “These sites have not lost their horror with the passage of time…More than half a century later, our grief and our outrage over what happened have not diminished…Buchenwald teaches us that we must be ever-vigilant about the spread of evil in our time, that we must reject the false comfort that others' suffering is not our problem, and commit ourselves to resisting those who would subjugate others to serve their own interests.”

Well now, would you take a look at this – maybe you ought to review it two or three times just in case you didn’t read it correctly.

Let’s “adjust” the president’s statements a bit and place them in a different “setting” – are you game? Come on, let’s do it!

It is reported that he “bluntly” challenged Iranian President Ahmadinejad to visit Buchenwald because Ahmadinejad is one who has denied the horrors of the Holocaust. OK, how about our president in all his righteous indignation visiting an abortion clinic and personally witness the destruction of human lives before those children are born? Sound fair enough, if we are going to challenge world leaders to view something?

Is President Obama willing to be “ever-vigilant about the evil in our time” here in the United States when it comes to the evil of the mass murders of innocent unborn children? How would you answer a poll that asked you, “Is the intentional destruction of 25,000 unborn children every week an evil in our time?” How would the president answer such a question?

And in viewing the destruction of an unborn child, would our president apply the word “horror” as an appropriate way to describe what was done to that child as its life was brutally taken in a deliberate act as a result of a deliberate “decision” and big bucks were paid to the person who did the act, but that same person was not charged with an act of murder?

Remember, this is the man who shortly after taking office signed documents which has now made possible the use of U. S. taxpayer dollars going into foreign nations and supporting organizations which do abortions.

And this is the man who has declared his intention of signing the FOCA which will further remove what few restrictions against abortion that have been set in place by states, including parental notification in those cases involving underage females seeking an abortion.

Don’t hold your breath on this one as the president once again demonstrates how easy it is to be consistent in his most glaring inconsistency while he points to what a “horror” it was that happened in a place called Buchenwald decades ago! It is highly unlikely that he will ever honestly face the horrors of the United States’ version of “holocaust!”

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time I punish them, they shall be cast down," says the LORD. Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, 'listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen.'" --- Jeremiah 6:15-17

A World in Convulsion!

Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty and makes it waste, distorts its surface and scatters abroad its inhabitants...... The earth mourns and fades away, the world languishes and fades away; the haughty people of the earth languish. The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, Broken the everlasting covenant....... The earth is violently broken, the earth is split open, the earth is shaken exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall totter like a hut; its transgression shall be heavy upon it, and it will fall, and not rise again. It shall come to pass in that day that the LORD will punish on high the host of exalted ones, and on the earth the kings of the earth. --- Isaiah 24:1,4,5,19-21

Not a pleasant subject to approach under any circumstance for a number of reasons -- this thing of calamities and what are termed "natural disasters" taking place just about everywhere throughout the world.

While it is quite acceptable for the news media people to report the events and provide details as to physical damage, property loss, human injuries and number of lives lost, it is a general rule of thumb that you do not bring God into the picture!

After all, in the United States has it not been the practice in the past number of decades that certain boundary lines have been drawn by court edict with much of the population nodding empty heads in agreement that it should be so -- God is not allowed to enter into many areas of human activity -- certain properties are off limits! His Name is not so much as to be mentioned -- check out a number of graduation exercises at this time of year and note how "rules" have been spelled out in regard to high school graduates making any reference to God in their speeches!

But, alas, again I digress a bit -- a few of us believe on the basis of a totally reliable volume of information which Almighty God has made available that He does interact with His creation and with humans whether they like it or not and whether they are willing to accept it or not!

That revelation coming forth from the Creator and Sustainer of this mighty universe of which we are a very small part indicates that there is a climax to human history as we are presently experiencing it.

The basic progression is this:

1. Increased population accompanied by increased evil activity -- simple logic - the more sinners you have rebelling against God, the more evil you will have demonstrated!

2. Increased chaos and calamities among the nations of the world -- since about all the governing powers of the nations of the earth are in an unregenerate state, it follows that there will be tensions and conflicts constantly -- treaties and agreements will often be broken without a second thought.

3. Since the majority of the human population does not know God and is not the least bit interested in becoming acquainted with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ, then selfishness and greed will kick in and dominate -- it makes for a bad scene everywhere you go!

4. And since God in a sense gives humans all the rope they want for a while, it is simply a matter of time until the human race "hangs itself!" The law of sowing and reaping is always in effect, whether recognized or not. And it applies to individuals and to nations at the collective level!

5. It is a fact that God does chastise people and nations -- if chastisement does not produce the desired results, then He brings forth judgment! And He does bring forth various calamities and takes responsibility for it. But it seems where such information is revealed in His Word, then we respond by taking our censor's scissors and cutting out such statements with the attitude, "That has absolutely nothing to do with us today and does not apply!"

The foremost Authority on human activity and the destiny of all humans has spoken in regard to the home stretch of human history. Jesus indicated that increased chaos will be prominent as we enter into what are referred to as the "latter days" or the "end times." If you want the details just go to Matthew 24, Luke 21 and Mark 13. There is also a statement made by Jesus in Luke 17 in which He tells us that humanity will regress to conditions as they existed in the days of Noah before the judgment of the flood and the times of Lot when he lived in the city of Sodom!

Now here's the real shocker -- one would think that within the circle of those professing to be Christian there would be quite a bit of agreement on this subject, but if there is anything that causes high intensity conflict it is the subject of Jesus' return to earth and what events will precede His return to earth! Perhaps a comparable conflict would be the one over the issue of sodomy and lesbianism and the acceptance of these lifestyles within the ranks of those professing to be Christian.

Is Jesus going to return to earth? You will receive a wide variety of answers on that, ranging from yes, to maybe, to absolutely not! Do these chaotic events have any meaning to us? See the preceding list of possible responses.

But for a few -- what is happening throughout the world does have meaning in light of God's special revelation and reminds the remnant that we have to live in these days as short range pessimists with a long range optimism!

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. --- 1 John 3:1-3

The Evolution of the Simple Baby Doll!

"For My people are foolish, they have not known Me. They are silly children, and they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge." --- Jeremiah 4:22

There was a time when a doll was a doll. A miniaturized form of a human being -- man, woman, boy or girl which was a favorite toy of children in their very young years.

At points along the way in time dolls became a bit more sophisticated. Some dolls were produced which became collectors' items. Female dolls were adorned with expensive gowns, etc.

War times resulted in production of what was known as G. I. Joe figures with a lot of accessories enabling boys to engage in combat situations with G. I. Joe, his jeep and weapons.

Even professional sports got into the act with dolls produced in the likenesses of big name players. Certain names now bring a hefty price on the eBay market!

With the "sexual revolution" (the adoption of a philosophy which says, "Sex is fun with anyone or more than one anyone at the same time, anywhere and at any time!") which began in the 60's came a new kind of "doll" on the scene -- the sex doll. First models were somewhat crude -- the inflatable models made of plastic such as a blow up Easter bunny and were often given as gag gifts.

Due to demand and developing technology the sex doll has made great strides forward -- sort of like the progress made from the Wright brothers' cumbersome flying machine to our modern space shuttle!

A recent program by BBC was titled, "Love Me, Love My Doll." It featured some men who have the latest in sex dolls. One of these guys actually had a number of these lifeless females around his house!

These dolls are made of silicone which very closely resembles human flesh in texture and color. There are models which have PVC skeletons and metal joints. The great feature is that they are "anatomically correct" which means they become a sexual partner because the man is unable to have a live human female partner!

The dolls average over 5 feet in height and weigh about 100 pounds. They can be custom ordered according to preference of the customer -- hair color, eye color, breast size, skin color, etc.

Prices can range from $1,295 to $6,500 and zooming to $10,000 depending on the sophistication and special "features" of the doll! And business is booming according to manufacturers in the business at the present time.

In one place in the world the prostitution business is being threatened as zealous entrepreneurs have set up shop -- for a fee you can rent a doll in a private room and indulge your sexual fantasies!

Oh yes, women have not been excluded in the doll evolution -- instead of buying an 18 inch doll with a porcelain head and dressed in a Victorian gown to add to your growing collection, you can buy a 6 foot silicone "anatomically correct" male according to your personal preferences and exact specifications!

As we in this world continue to carnally abuse the sacred gift of human sexuality which our Creator has given us, how long do you think it will be before He says, "Enough is enough!", and begins to do some things which will quickly remind the members of the human race that the price for making bad choices and engaging in wicked behavior is extremely high!

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 6:7,8

Pressured to Give Up -- But Don't!

"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." --- Matthew 24:12

For nearly half a century I have been in the work which God called me to do. There are three major things over that period of time concerning which I have never had any doubts whatsoever ----

• That Jesus Christ extended love and mercy to me which I cannot fathom nor did I deserve and saved me from a sinful and destructive way of life.
  
  
• That a few months after transforming my life God called me to a ministry of preaching and teaching His Word.
  
  
• That His inspired Word (the holy Scriptures) is the infallible authority on all matters having to do with the Christian faith and the practicing of that faith in a world ravaged by sin of every possible kind!
  

There were times of trial over the years in which I felt like quitting the United Methodist Church for more “attractive” situations, or just shutting up and saying nothing.

But God never gave His approval to move to the more attractive settings and in regard to quitting or just keeping the mouth shut, He always reminded me of Jeremiah’s experience as noted in Jeremiah 20:

O LORD, You induced me, and I was persuaded; You are stronger than I, and have prevailed. I am in derision daily; everyone mocks me. For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, "Violence and plunder!" Because the word of the LORD was made to me a reproach and a derision daily. Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. For I heard many mocking: "Fear on every side!" "Report," they say, "and we will report it!" All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, "Perhaps he can be induced; then we will prevail against him, and we will take our revenge on him." But the LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome one. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten. But, O LORD of hosts, You who test the righteous, and see the mind and heart, let me see Your vengeance on them; for I have pleaded my cause before You. --- Jeremiah 20:7-12

Here’s how it is – on basis of Jesus’ warnings about the latter times of human history, we know it will be extremely trying times for Christians. Note the following as revealed by Jesus in Matthew 24:

• onslaught of false teaching, which is what He kept emphasizing repeatedly
  
• conflicts and wars constantly
  
• convulsions in the earth’s structure – an increase in frequency of the same
  
• rampant diseases and famines
  
• conditions duplicating those which were prevalent when Noah lived before the judgment of the flood and when Lot and his family lived in Sodom prior to it and Gomorrah being totally destroyed
  
• international hatred for those who identify with and are committed to serving Jesus Christ
  

Perhaps one of the most shocking statements made by Jesus was the fact that due to rampant lawlessness the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12). Equally shocking was a question asked by Jesus when He said, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).

The clear implication is that as human history comes down the homestretch prior to Christ’s return, the pressure on Christians to give up or at least compromise their Bible based convictions will greatly intensify! Compromising one's faith is in reality a tragic "give up" experience!

For many, the beginning stage on the path to giving up will be to doubt that the Bible really means what it so plainly says regarding faith, responsibility and accountability to God.

Next, evil is so widespread and so entrenched we conclude that there is nothing we can do – if you can’t beat ‘em, then you might as well join ‘em! Again, compromise seems to be the convenient way to handle this dilemma!

Consequently the devil throws another dance in the street with the Hell-bound demon hoards screaming with joy and delight – another Christian has yielded to the pressure to give up.

Where do you presently stand in all this? Are you still in the war fighting the good fight of faith?

"He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels....To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne." --- Revelation 3:5, 21

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. --- 2 Timothy 4:7,8

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