Good News! An Abortionist Missed Out on One!

For You have formed my inward parts; You have covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. --- Psalm 139:13-16

I received an email (quoted below the third paragraph) and the exciting thing about what it reveals was the fact that an abortionist missed out on making a few hundred bucks in a situation which is detailed! Our newly elected president, B. Hussein Obama, is solidly behind the grisly practice of destroying unborn children for about any excuse imaginable. In a speech to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund on July 17, 2007 he said, “The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing that I’d do.” By the way, you should not be surprised to learn that he became a co-sponsor of that deadly legislation (S. 1173 – House version is H.R. 1964) on May 11, 2007. As an aside – my mother’s birthday was May 11th – I’m sure glad she didn’t practice what our newly elected president preaches!

And B. Hussein Obama’s selected Chief of Staff, Congressman Rahm Emanuel, along with a number of others introduced the FOCA in the House of Representatives on April 19, 2007. What would be an appropriate term for this – co-conspirators? After all, doesn’t it qualify as a plot to take the lives of a number of innocent persons?

Some church groups have statements about abortion, do a fancy dance about the ins and outs of the practice, and then end up giving approval to abortion because a pregnancy might bring about distressing “hardship” to a female – if you want to see how they “justify” destroying unborn children, read the United Methodist Church’s statement on abortion in its Social Principles section in the Book of Discipline! There are very few United Methodists who vehemently protest the “shedding of innocent blood” in this country – and that includes the leadership which chooses to be very silent on this issue! One has to wonder how United Methodists or those in other “mainlines” would have counseled the young lady mentioned below in the early months of her pregnancy

Email from X:
Hello,

I don't know you, but I see you are from Mav. Thank you for sending me this, and for the stand you are making. When I was very young, and VERY unsure about life, much less my own life I was pregnant and was afraid of the baby's father. My own family, as wealthy as they are, didn't want anything to do with me, and to this day I still don't know why they don't, but nevertheless I had no help with this life. I was told over and over to have an abortion. I had no one. I feared my baby's dad, and I had no money, no work, and no one, but I still could not kill my baby. Fast forward to today. I just talked to that baby who is now (age withheld) years old and is heading for work in the (name withheld) field and (name withheld) field. He is VERY smart, and extremely loving person. So I buck the system that tells you that it's TOO HARD to go this by yourself. You need to just get rid of your problem. He was not a problem, and never has been. The milli-second he was conceived he was my son, and that's it, and that's all. No if, ands, or buts about it.

It's not popular to speak about these things, but I don't care. Doesn't matter to me. If you don't like it then go the other way is my feeling about it. No one pays my bills and have nothing to do with keeping me out of Heaven so I don't care about mouthing off to people, who don't have a clue about other people’s lives or what put them there. Of course, if you have faith then you CAN believe, but that's not always the lot that each and every person has. It's hard to believe when your FATHER figure hurt you all your life.

So, again, I thank you for the stand you make, and respect a person that is PRO for the living.

Sincerely,
(Name withheld)

Upon receiving the above email I immediately responded and requested the lady’s permission to publish her message on the condition that her name and some other information would not be revealed. Her reply is given below.

Sure you can. If what I went thru can save even one life it was worth it all. I would be honored. My son is one of my joys in this life, and never for one moment did I EVER give it a thought to end his life. It was never so much as a fleeting thought even. It has proven out to be the good thing I knew it would be to save my baby's life from all the naysayers!!!!

He is a joy, and a confirmation that God is not one to make a mistake. He is perfection in EVERY situation. If the mother's health will be in dire straits then I believe it is warranted to end that pregnancy, because God has her here for a reason, and has that child’s life in His hands in the Heavenlies, but other than that I don't believe a child should be aborted; even if it involves rape.

I do not believe in ending a life. It is murder.

Sincerely,
(name withheld)

A few small corrections were made and as promised, certain information has been withheld so that the lady’s identity and that of her son has been kept confidential.

Isn’t it wonderful that a profiteering abortionist lost out in this case, which in the unbelieving world’s view, a son who is now making a positive contribution in our republic should have been mutilated and murdered while still in his mother’s womb?

Before leaving are you willing to read slowly and very prayerfully the statement made by God to one man a long time ago? Obviously, this man’s mother didn’t believe in terminating the life of her unborn child either!

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." --- Jeremiah 1:4, 5

The United Methodist Caste System Is Yet Alive and Well!

As noted in comments a few years back we have in the republic of the United States a unique caste system that most refuse to recognize. If attention is drawn to it there are vehement protests of denial!

This caste system has existed within the clergy structure of the United Methodist Church for quite a long time.

I started out as a supply pastor in the former Methodist Church nearly half a century ago. Supply pastors were persons who felt called of God to pastoral ministry but in most cases had rather limited education. They did not hold the “status” of ordained seminary trained clergy. They were limited in the appointment process with the seminary trained people given preference to the higher salaried “prestige” appointments – sort of an unwritten “law” in how things were done – you know, we pray about the appointment procedure and if God is going to work in this thing, He better make sure that the dignified ordained elders are placed in the preferred appointments, while those who rank lower on the totem pole get the leftovers.

Over time if anything the “caste system” is more entrenched and complex that it has ever been in Methodist history with new categories being invented into which preachers are sorted out and positioned!

A couple of critical issues that further underscore the sheer stupidity of categorizing pastors involve voting rights and serving the Lord’s Supper.

Depending on what slot you fit into, you may not be able to vote on ministerial issues. General Conference 2008 has attempted to expand that a bit, but rest assured that it is a sure thing that there will always be some pastors who can stand in a pulpit of a United Methodist Church and preach a sermon but who will be restricted somehow when it comes to voting at annual conference sessions!

And then there is that matter of the Lord’s Supper – who can serve it and who cannot.

Again, depending on your ranking in the United Methodist clergy caste system, you may be “authorized” to serve the Lord’s Supper or you may be told by a member of the hierarchy or a member of that illustrious group known as the Board of Ordained Ministry that you cannot serve the Lord’s Supper.

Now here’s a stimulant for a few brain cells – how is it God calls a person to preach and teach His Word but because of a caste system set in place over time due to the trappings of human tradition, that person is not permitted to serve the Lord’s Supper to the persons with whom he or she shares God’s Word on a weekly basis?

Now then, how about this -- where do you find in the New Testament church such a caste system for clergy established? And where do you find that an ordained elder must “consecrate” the elements for those who are at a lower level on the United Methodist clergy totem pole?

Yes, I already know – objections will quickly be hurled in my direction preceded by the word, “But…”

Just remember, the way to Hell is paved with cobblestones – on top of each one is engraved the word, “But!”

Will anything of substance be done to dismantle the UMC’s infamous caste system which members of the hierarchy refuse to acknowledge?

Hardly – ordained elders will adamantly refuse to give up even one square inch of their coveted domain!

Clayton D. Harriger
Retired elder in full connection
W. PA Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church

PS: Those “comments” referred to at the beginning are found at The Caste System Nobody Dares to Mention! Use return feature on your browser to come back here.

PPS: Even as this was written notice has already been sent out to all pastors in the W. PA Annual Conference, no matter what their position on the totem pole might be, of a gathering later in August. The Order of Elders is to be organized. It is noted that it is not necessary to organize the Association of Local Pastors and Associate Members according to the Discipline. However, Bishop Bickerton desires that all three groups should be organized at the same time. See what we mean in saying that the “caste system” is alive and well when it comes to United Methodist clergy?

Caste: any exclusive social or occupational class or group; rigid class distinction based on birth, wealth, etc., operating as a social system or principle. --- as defined in Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

--- James 3:13-17

A Tumor May Be a Part of the Body, But....!

But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own habitation, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving only themselves; they are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. --- Jude 1:5-13

There was a great multitude of comments following a "witness" at the United Methodist General Conference on May 1 by those who practice sodomy and lesbianism along with their supporters. Certain votes related to the issue of human sexuality did not sit well with those who want the UMC to place its "blessing" on the practice of sodomy and lesbianism, accept such persons into the ordained ministry of the UMC, accept "unions" of such persons until such time as legal marriage for them is established, acknowledge the legitimacy of such "couples" raising children and their being identified as "family" in the same sense as a heterosexual couple which is married and raising children whom they have conceived in their marriage.

Hence, the protesting which of course disrupted the proceedings of the conference. But it appears to have been quite acceptable due to the "demonstration" having been negotiated with the Council of Bishops. We have long since learned, have we not, that what the bishops do, singly or collectively, is to be considered the "right thing" and if we march in lock step as we are expected to do, then that is the final word on the matter. But as pointed out elsewhere in this blog, there are times when the bishops choose to remain silent on very critical moral issues that impact our culture.

It was stressed that this was a moment of the body "hurting" in this struggle -- and on basis of the Corinthian reference that when one part "hurts" then all the parts "hurt" together, etc.

We have fast progressed (or is it more accurate to say, "regressed") to the point that sexual immorality is no longer considered to be "immorality" -- therefore, one can overstep God's boundary lines on sexual activity and it is no longer considered offensive to God, because we have reestablished those boundary lines by human edict and what formerly was an abomination no longer is so!

We now say simply that we have some disagreement on these matters and efforts have been made to "adjust" the UMC Book of Discipline to reflect this view. But as one reads the many laments on how the votes turned out, we then try to make the best of a bad situation -- the body is hurting!

Medical history shows us that sometimes the body can be afflicted with a tumor that is destructive -- it has cells and is living in the body, but its effect on the body is extremely harmful.

Jesus, as well as authors of New Testament writings, warned of those who would bring false teachings and have a malignant influence within the church that is called by Him to advance His Kingdom and proclaim His eternal truth.

Peter made a statement which clearly identifies the situation we are facing:

We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. --- 2 Peter 1:19 - 2:3

I am fully aware to speak of these things in such a manner I will instantly be labeled as being "homophobic" and "mean-spirited" -- a hater of those who are practicing a same-gender coupling way of life!

I presently am pastor of a small church. Those who live as described above are welcome to my church anytime and the members of the congregation will also welcome those individuals. Never will we ever say, "You are not welcome in this place!"

But, on the other hand, do not expect us to condone your way of life if you engage in sexual activity with a person who is the same sex as you. And when it comes to the serving of the Lord's Supper, the condition is the same for you as it is for all of us, pastor included -- we are to repent of all sins before receiving the symbols which represent the broken body and shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Does not the ritual in the United Methodist Church mention something about persons earnestly repenting of their sins before partaking of the elements? Here is how it is worded in one of the rituals:

Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in His holy ways: draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort, and make your humble confession to Almighty God.

As mentioned in another posting or so, if I had to repent of my sins (including those sexual in nature) why do those who engage in same-sex sin not have to repent? Then again, maybe the above paragraph has been conveniently omitted and is considered no longer relevant when it comes to observance of the Lord's Supper!

What's that? It's not sin when a "couple" is in a committed monogamous "relationship?" Since when did God move that boundary?

Now then -- think on this -- you go to the doctor -- some tests are done -- the results are in, and you have a tumor growing rapidly in your abdomen. It's in your body and in a sense, it's part of your body -- but do you want it to remain there? If the doctor says, "We need to do surgery and remove the tumor." What would your response be?

The church is a spiritual body -- what should be done about the tumors?

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people." Therefore "Come out from among them and be separate," says the Lord. "Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters," says the LORD Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. --- 2 Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1

Aww, They Went and Did It Again!

"...The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching..." --- Statement from Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church recently retained by vote of the General Conference meeting in Fort Worth, Texas on April 30, 2008

The pressure was intensified as never before at the quadrennial gathering of delegates to the General Conference of the United Methodist Church. The "politickin'" process had been going on for a long time prior to the April sessions in Fort Worth, Texas.

Part of the growing problem on this issue is the growing number of sympathizers and supporters from within the ranks of the UMC. These include bishops, pastors and a number of lay persons. So it really boils down to a war on all fronts.

Soulforce is a very high profile organization which is quite aggressive in pushing the agenda for LGBT persons. A picture above shows the attempt to use the present slogan of the UMC to their advantage!

Soulforce is not an organization to be taken lightly -- they have a lot of smart people, strong financial support and have been implementing some very effective stragegies to wear down resistance.

The above mentioned vote on retention of a statement in the Book of Discipline will not make them go away and forget it -- they will be back, stronger than ever in 2012 -- that is, if this country is still standing by then and hasn't in the meantime been judged by Amighty God for all its abominations -- with one of the leading ones being the destruction of over 100,000 unborn children each month throughout the year! Oh yes, sexual immorality in all its variations fits in there somewhere too!

A couple of the strategies is the all too often successful effort to lay a guilt-trip on those of us who refuse to accept sodomy, lesbianism etc. as legitimate moral practices under any condition. If you let them, they will really do a number on you.

Another strategy is to draw us into doing "dialog" -- they just want to talk and and seek "common ground" -- work together within the church, etc. You can disagree if you want, but you MUST respect them and their position on issues related to the practices of sodomy and lesbianism. It's simply resolved by saying "We disagree a bit, but we will work together for the common good, and will respect one another, etc!"

This last strategy on the "dialog" matter is being used effectively in the W. PA Annual Conference.

But enough of that -- read for yourself from the "horse's mouth" -- or am I confused and it's the other end -- oh well, here are a couple of links to let you see for yourself what the "other side" is saying. Here are a couple of paragraphs from the "open letter" to United Methodists:

We call on the United Methodist clergy who know the tragic consequences of those words to take their stand against them. Welcome us. Marry us. Ordain us. Confront and condemn your fellow clergy who dare to use those words to deny membership to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians. We ask you to take steps immediately to join the Reconciling Ministries Network and to make it known to your community that you are an Open and Affirming Congregation.

We call on members of the United Methodist Church to support your local congregation if it is (or is rapidly becoming) a Reconciling Congregation. But we call upon you to leave your church if your pastor continues to enforce the words that "...do not condone." At least refuse to pay your tithes and offerings until your church opens their doors to all people as Christ commands.

For the entire letter, go to A Soulforce Open Letter to Members of the United Methodist Church Use reverse feature on web browser to return here.

Here is a link to an album of pictures from the "encounter" at the United Methodist General Conference -- Soulforce Pictures at UMC General Conference 2008

Finally, ponder the paragraph below -- another statement from that "open letter" to United Methodists in a republic known as the U. S. of A!

We call on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender United Methodists, their families and friends, to refuse to finance your own oppression by giving your tithes and offerings to a church that refuses to see you as fully human. How can we continue to support a local congregation where the pastor insists that our relationships are impure or unholy and thus refuses to marry us or insists that we are not really called by God to serve the church and thus refuses to ordain us? How can we even think of staying in a congregation that denies membership to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender persons? And as you leave, take down that sign or banner that reads "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors." Store it until the United Methodist Church earns the right to use it once again.

Be prepared to be labeled with an even greater intensity and viciousness if you suggest that sodomy and lesbianism are abominations in the sight of a holy God and the only cure is repentance, as is demanded by God in regard to all sins which are sexual in nature!

Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as if with a cart rope; that say, "Let Him make speed and hasten His work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it." 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 5:18-20

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

United Methodist "Leaders" on An Anti-Gun Frenzy!

Certain persons holding high positions in the United Methodist Church are showing clearly that the hinges on their knee joints work very well -- immediately after the Virginia Tech tragedy with 32 victims shot by another student the knee-jerk reaction was much faster than a doctor using his little hammer on them!

Calls for a ban on firearms and the need for the U. S. Congress to take immediate action came in staccato fashion or should I say machine gun fashion -- their mouths were on full automatic! But nothing is said by these people about the other killing instruments we have in the United States, including drunk drivers who turn their vehicles into lethal killing machines and add a significant number of victims to the death list in a year's time!

Yes, Virginia, hypocrisy is alive and well even in the United Methodist Church these days. As the chorus of voices coming from United Methodist leadership drones on and on through UM media outlets and we are told of the need to get rid of the guns, you will not hear one small itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny whimper about a massacre that staggers the mind of a morally sensitive and spiritually alert individual. You see, on that very day, April 16, 2007, while 32 students were shot by a crazed gunman at Virginia Tech, hundreds of unborn children were violently mutilated and murdered in their mothers' wombs! You want to apply the word, "massacre?" How about applying it to thousands of unborn victims each week?

The average massacre rate of the unborn in this republic is about 100,000 a month throughout the entire year! Oh yes, is this not a republic which prides itself on being a nation where all persons should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

But United Methodist leaders are very, very silent about this massacre which has been taking place for over 34 years. The reason? The United Methodist Church officially places its sanction on abortion. You think not? Go ahead and check the Book of Discipline in the Social Principles area and note the statements relative to abortion -- you will find that it is worded in such a clever way -- mention is made about being reluctant to approve abortion, but then the statement continues and presto -- it is approved so that any woman in the UMC who wants an abortion can get it by simply claiming that the pregnancy will work undue hardship, stress, pain, suffering, or ____________ (get a lawyer to fill in the blank, since they can come up with all kinds of words to justify questionable actions!).

Strange is it not that a mainline denomination such as the UMC with a steady decline in membership over decades gives the green light to the mutilation and murder of the unborn and its leadership cannot come to the conclusion that such a position has caused great damage and loss to the denomination -- what if those nearly 48 million massacred unborn victims had been permitted to live? Only an unthinking fool would deny that at least some of them may have become members of the UMC -- the oldest would be in their 30's now and who knows what significant contributions they may have made -- if only they had not been victims of the greatest massacre in U. S. history! Are you up to checking the latest tally in light of certain significant dates in recent U.S. history? If you dare, try digesting what you observe at A Quick Look At the United States' Massacre Tally!

But don't hold your breath until a United Methodist bishop or some other leader in the denomination mentions the fact that a far greater number persons have been massacred than the 32 at Virginia Tech in mid April of 2007.

And yes, I referred to those millions of victims as persons -- the reason? I simply agree with God's view of the unborn who are known and identified by Him before they are even conceived in the womb! You don't believe it? Well now, how about you having a very long and private conversation with your Creator and ask Him all about it? And then, let me know what He has said to you by way of explanation.

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations." --- Jeremiah 1:4, 5

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