How to Become a Christian!

The most critical decision a person will ever make in his or her lifetime is the place and prominence that Jesus Christ will have in one’s everyday life with all its challenges and responsibilities! Will He be one Who is personal Savior and Lord as well as a faithful Friend always present on a 24/7 basis? OR is He one Who has been rejected and the choice has been to concentrate on self and the desperate pursuit of money, this world’s material goods, and pursuit of worldly pleasures with the deadly belief that if one just gets enough of these things one will be incredibly happy and satisfied! And there are those who become aware of the fact that there is a need to get right with God but choose to put that critical decision on the back burner until some “convenient” time in the future. See how one man ended up with all his wealth which he had zealously pursued in Luke 12:16-21.

God never speaks in terms of a convenient time but always in the present – the here and right now! NOTE > For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. [2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV].

The beginning point in becoming a Christian is honestly facing the truth that we have been born into this world with three strikes already against us because of inherited sin. We are sinners who have sinned against God and against our fellow humans. This tragic way of life begins as soon as we are born, expecting everyone to dance to the tune we play on our fiddle as we journey each day in the search for more money, material goods, and a plethora of pleasures. We may even attend and join a church while doing all this and earn the reputation of being an outstanding citizen in the community!

But God has each of us as being labeled a sinner, condemned, and deserving of spending eternity in a Devil’s Hell! Here are some statements from God’s Word that plainly reveal our lost condition > The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. [Jeremiah 17:9,10 KJV]. The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. 3They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. [Psalm 14:2,3 KJV]. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God … [Romans 3:23 KJV].

However, God took the initiative to do something about the destructive problem of sin that had infected the entire human race. Here is how the Bible tells it> And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [John 3:14-18 KJV]. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. [1 John 4:10 KJV]. The word, propitiation, literally means satisfaction – that is, when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He made it possible for us to be completely forgiven of our sins and God will never hold them against us ever again! God no longer condemns us but accepts us as though we had never sinned against Him. In this matter God has the ability to forget the offense of sins permanently > I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. [Isaiah 43:25 KJV]. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. [Jeremiah 31:34 KJV].

There is something each of us must do if we are going to become a Christian. Jesus said it these words > I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. [Luke 13:3 KJV]. His message always called for people to repent > And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. [Mark 1:12-15 KJV].

Repentance involves three areas in our experience in becoming a Christian:

1. Intellectual – that is, we become mentally aware of the reality of sin, that it is offensive in God’s sight, and we are guilty of committing the same repeatedly.

2. Emotional – that is, we become deeply bothered and troubled about our sin and become very guilty in our conscience! This the Holy Spirit working and speaking to us. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would come and convict the world of sin. Note what all Jesus revealed about the Holy Spirit in John 14, 15, and 16.

3. Volitional – that is, a clear and deliberate decision to renounce and abandon all known sin presently existing in our lives. We completely forsake it and want nothing more to do with anything we know that offends God!

The result? A miracle of transformation as our lives have been turned around 180 degrees and we begin walking in fellowship with our Lord rather than ignoring Him and concentrating on our self-centered way of life against Him. The apostle Paul described this miracle by saying, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” [2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV].

My friend, if you are reading this and you have never thought about how it is between you and God nor thought about asking Jesus to come into your life as Savior and Lord, I appeal to you to make that decision today. Tell God you are sorry for your sins, ask His forgiveness, and invite Jesus to come into your life as Savior and Lord. If you would like to have some literature to help in getting established in your faith, email me at cdharriger@hotmail.com and provide your full name and mailing address.

For those who have received Jesus as Savior and Lord never forget that God does not whisk us off to Heaven the moment we repent and believe, but allows us us remain in this world for one main purpose and that is to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and to lead others to believe in Him. Therefore it is necessary that we become familiar in explaining to another person what becoming a Christian is all about!

God’s best to you always as Jesus tarries in His coming to this very needy world.

Let us labor for the Master from the dawn 'til setting sun
Let us talk of all His wondrous love and care
Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done
And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there!

From the song of faith, When the Roll Is Called up Yonder

Those Radicalized Christians!

According to federal government sources, the San Bernardino couple which went on a shooting rampage resulting in 14 killed and many wounded had been “radicalized” some time ago. [Various news reports.]

If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. [Acts 4:9-12 (KJV)]

A new term has been added to the political correct dictionary of proper words and terms for use in the United States. That new term is “radicalized” and is applied to those highly dedicated Muslims who select a target involving a number of people and then in a surprise move, start shooting them. As of this writing, the most recent incident took place in San Bernardino CA with 14 persons dead and many wounded in the attack. Federal government sources declare that the couple responsible for these killings and injuries was “radicalized.” In reality what took place was that a couple of persons took their Quaran very seriously and became involved in the mission to purge the world of infidels, prepare the way for Islam to dominate and control the world and insure that all residents are Muslim in faith and practice!

But there is another group of persons who have become radicalized also. These are Christians who take their Bible seriously and believe it to be the absolute authority on matters pertaining to the Christian faith and the practice of that faith in everyday life! “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” [2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)].

These Christians are radical in their convictions that Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, is the only source of forgiveness, peace with God, and the hope of entering Heaven when their earthly life comes to an end. One of many statements as to why they believe this is found in John 3 of the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” [John 3:16-18 (KJV)].

These Christians are radical in their identification of exactly Who Jesus Christ is. He is Almighty God revealed in human form. His birth was nothing short of a miracle in that no human father was involved in His conception. He was born of the virgin Mary and lived the perfect life here on the earth that He originally created a long time ago! “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. [John 1:10-14 (KJV)].

These Christians are radical because they fully believe all the claims Jesus made concerning Himself. A few of these are: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst…… I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life….. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep..... I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” [John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9-11; 14:6 (KJV)].

These Christians are radical because they fully accept the demands that Jesus Christ has placed upon all who would come to Him and accept Him as Savior and Lord of their lives. There are four demands issued by Jesus which apply to all members of the human race. It is the choice of each person to either accept or reject the demands. Evidence is overwhelming that the majority of the human race has chosen to reject Jesus’ demands. The first one is this: “Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” [John 3:3 (KJV)]. The other three are found in Matthew 18:3, Luke 13:3 and John 6:53. The price is obviously very high for those who choose to reject the demands!

These Christians are radical because of what motivates them to act and relate to others in this world. That which motivates them is love – love for God and their fellow humans. This doesn’t mean they have reached absolute perfection in performance, but it does mean that their desire is to please their Lord and to attempt to do His will in each day’s activities. Jesus set the standard by His own example and then told those who would follow Him: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34-35 (KJV)].

As Christians who have been radicalized practice the love of Jesus Christ it means there will never be any threats made, no knife to the throat, and no gun to the head or any act of violence. The invitation is to repent of sin and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord – if the person to whom this offer is made rejects it, then so be it. There will be no act of retaliation ever taken.

Radical Christians attempt to be sensitive to various needs of others and to help them as opportunity presents itself in a variety of ways. This at times will involve financial assistance, the donating of food items as in the case of a food pantry ministry, etc. It matters not who the person is nor what their religious identity may be – that will not be the issue – if they are in need and the Christian has the means to give help, then the help will be given, no matter what!

However, radicalized Christians come under fire at times from other “professing” Christians. There are those who claim to be Christian who do not accept the Bible as God’s inspired Word. It is regarded as a human produced series of writings only. The reported miracles did not literally happen. Jesus’ miracles, His sacrificial atonement for the sins of the human race, His literal resurrection after crucifixion, and His promised return to this world to take control and rule it are either questioned or denied altogether! Consequently, those who do believe come under fire and are often labeled as fanatic, narrow, bigoted, prejudiced, etc!

There are those “Christians” who in past decades have compromised the faith through what is called dialog – the willingness to sit down with those of other religions in the world and discuss what they have in common, how they can work together, and always showing respect for each other’s faith! Implied in such gatherings is the attitude that each religion is fully legitimate and addressing the issues of life, responsibility, relationships, and eternal destiny. All are on an equal “playing field” with none superior to any other. Radicalized Christians, however, take the position that all religions beyond Christianity are false and that Christianity is the true faith. This position is based upon the revelation God has given us via the Scriptures and the claims and demands made by His Son, Jesus, as mentioned earlier in these comments.

One of the more recent conflicts involves human sexuality and the growing acceptance of same-gender sex activity and marriage between same sex couples! Radicalized Christians go with God’s revelation on this matter and again, are labeled in the most negative terms found in the English language!

Jesus in His predictive statements such as those found in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17 and Luke 21 indicated that those who are resolved to be faithful in following Him will be the targets of attack and persecution as His return draws closer. In fact He said there will be a time when those who kill His followers will think they are doing service to God Himself!

Fortunately rewards await those Christians who have been radicalized and they will have a place in a trouble-free environment forever!

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. [Matt 25:21 (KJV)]

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. [John 14:1-3 (KJV)]

Memories of Mom

"It doesn't matter whether my name is on the membership roll of the church -- the important thing is that my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life!" --- Substance of Helen (Sedgwick) Harriger's response to her pastor who had told her he could not find her name on the membership roll of the church she had been attending and in which she had become actively involved.

If I detailed all the memories of my mother, it would take a long time and the content would make for a rather large book. So I shall try to keep it sweet, short and simple. Oh, by the way, the picture above is my mother holding me late in the summer of 1933 -- a few moons ago!

My earliest memory goes back to times before I went to school. My mother always had my well being at heart without fail. This involved not just my physical health but also my spiritual well being.

Mom had become a Christian at a very early age in her life and expressed her faith in Jesus Christ in a variety of ways. In her church she was a Sunday School teacher, involved in the ladies missionary group, and taught in annual Bible schools.

She made clear the difference between right and wrong to my sister (born about 6 years after me) and me when it came to our conduct. I remember distinctly one time she had me on her knee and we looked out the window at the neighbor just across the road working a field with his horses. The neighbor was a very profane man and could be heard cursing his horses or whatever -- he constantly was telling God to damn something or someone! Mom pointed out that we had to respect God and never to use His Name in a bad way such as the neighbor had been doing.

She was a disciplinarian -- a paddling was given out for certain offenses on my part and one time it was so serious that she turned me over her knee and used a scrub brush for emphasis -- I did not feel like sitting down for a while! The way things are now days the A.C.L.U. (Anti Christian Lovers of Ungodliness) would have encouraged me to sue my mother in court for child abuse!

Mom did a lot of reading and study and had a teacher's certificate qualifying her to teach in the public schools of our area. She did some substitute teaching occasionally. But her first love was to be a home maker for my dad, my sister and me.

She was an excellent cook and loved working in her kitchen. Her homemade bread along with her homemade butter earned her a noteworthy reputation in our community. But she also was first class when it came to the sweet stuff such as chocolate cake, cinnamon rolls, lemon sponge pie, etc. More than once I downed nearly a quart of our golden Guernsey milk with pieces of warm chocolate cake just out of the oven!

My mother was also a writer of letters (something I guess I inherited from her) and during WW II wrote to quite a number of military persons from our area on a regular basis. One of my dad's cousins was wounded in Sicily twice and one letter she wrote to him was done on shelf paper about 5 feet long or so and she wrote on both sides of it. He had a picture taken with the letter draped around his neck and hanging down over his chest. When I entered the military myself she was always faithful in writing letters to me and a few months later to Jean and me after our marriage and our move to North Carolina when I was stationed at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station.

In addition to her work in the home she did a lot outside. She had a fair sized garden each year, gathered the eggs from our chicken coop, and helped my dad milk the cows twice a day. Sometimes she engaged in an activity that I did not want to watch. Once in a while she would take a rooster or maybe a hen, tie its legs together, hang it on the clothes line, and then cut off its head with a butcher knife! Her roast chicken was impossible to beat -- it was a bit unpleasant at a certain point in reaching that desired goal!

Mom was always one to give encouragement and support throughout the family. She was the oldest of the six children born to Edward and Estella (Robb) Sedgwick. Her brothers and sisters thought very highly of her and often visited her when they could.

She was very excited the day I revealed to her that God had called me into the ministry. She and my dad made special arrangements to come visit us when we were in Kentucky serving a small church while in seminary. And they were able to come to my graduation from Asbury Seminary. After we returned to Pennsylvania they would visit our church services from time to time.

Perhaps her greatest contribution in life was her discipline of prayer. I do not believe I would be where I am today or would have been involved in God's work as I have been over many years had it not been for a praying mother (and a praying father too).

She came down with cancer and fought a good fight but the disease got the best of her in January of 1979. I remember in the hospital room in Franklin PA when the doctor told us she was gone, the first thought to come into my mind was this: "Not one cancer cell can touch her now -- she is in the presence of her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ!" She did win the ultimate victory and to that, every obedient Christian can say, "Amen and Amen!"

Because of what Jesus did for us all on Calvary's cross, I have the assurance of seeing my mother again along with a host of other loved ones and friends -- a reunion that will never break up and located in the perfect trouble-free environment -- some of us refer to this blessed place as Heaven!

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. --- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-19

Alabama Governor Stirs Up a Proverbial Hornet's Nest!

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley told a church crowd just moments into his new administration that those who have not accepted Jesus as their savior are not his brothers and sisters, shocking some critics who questioned whether he can be fair to non-Christians. --- from AP release on the Internet

It was bound to happen with remarks such as the new governor of Alabama has made about non-Christians not being brothers or sisters to him. It is true, of course, and in spite of a barrage of objections and accusations spewing forth from the non-Christian crowd this man will approach his responsibilities with greater sensitivity and greater wisdom than will his non-Christian counterparts.

The objections come because non-Christians do not understand how it is in the life of a person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of his/her life. What it means is that God is now dwelling in the life of that person in a special way -- a term used in Scripture is that a Christian becomes a temple of God -- that is, God takes up residence in the life of the follower of Jesus Christ. This is referenced from time to time in the New Testament.

There is a life transformation experience going on, starting with the beginning decision to repent of all sin, ask God's forgiveness, and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. There is daily intereaction between the believer and the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a seeking of His will to be done, which will always be best for all concerned.

And how about the relationship to non-Christians? It matters not whether one is a governor, a president, member of a legislative body, a judge, or an average citizen walking the streets with an ordinary and very average type of employment -- there is a new dimension which involves love and compassion which non-Christians do not have and can not experience until they too come to know Jesus Christ!

The directive in Scripture on this is that ALL persons are to be loved by the obedient Christian and no prejudice is to be shown. James in his short letter in the New Testament is one who mentions this issue of showing prejudice and it is absolutely forbidden in the Christian faith.

But as mentioned previously, the non-Christian cannot understand this even a bit, and when remarks are made such as those by the new governor of Alabama, then they immediately load their verbal cannons and begin firing. They will find, however, if they are in his presence and involved in any decisions that he makes, that they will be treated far, far better than they would be by a governor who is not a Christian! And that goes across the board when it comes to a president, a member of a legislative body, or a judge as well!

Consider these statements as written by the apostle Paul in Romans 8:8-17 of the New Testament::

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

God has promised His grace to those who trust Him for every challenge they meet along the way in life's journey in this world. May Governor Robert Bentley of Alabama experience the reality of this promise each day he holds office and may those who have verbally assaulted him have their eyes opened and to behold the fact that Jesus Christ died for them just as He did for the governor, and then make the right decision that they too will become his "brothers and sisters" in the Christian faith!

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. --- 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

Emails – A Revelation in Sharp Contrasts!

And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. --- Romans 1:28-32

He (Jesus Christ) was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. --- John 1:10-13

Within a little over a 24 hour period I received two emails which stand in stark contrast with each other. Over the years I have received a number of email responses to my web site, Circuit Rider’s Range, and also responses to my blog, Musings of a Maverick.

Some have been extremely negative and others have been most complimentary, positive and encouraging. But because of the time element in which these two emails arrived and being so different from each other, I decided to share them with those who happen to stop by Musings from time to time.

The first one arrived yesterday, May 25th, at 1:36 AM. Here is what was said – be forewarned at one point that the writer refers to my God as a S.O.B – so here it is, warts and all, exactly as received in my mail box!

I pray your God delivers all that it says it will -- for I have read your scriptures and your God is really an evil son of a bitch ---- AND if your God's testamony of prayer is true, I pray that you will learn --- your God is as evil as all the other gods.
Anyone who prays to any God is a hipicrite for ALL Gods are manmade --- " the doctrins of men "

If you do not attempt to understand the real you --- the power that is you ---- you will be lost to eternal recycling of your soul.

You are a part of all that is, in the final deffination when it's all said and done --- all that is IS all that is --- there IS no greater or lesser ---- YOU are all and all is you.

Have you ever stopped to study your inner self --- what about that voice that guides you --- is that God or is that an inner voice --( your voice ) ---- or is it an enity of the past that wants to direct you and you call the voice God.

All that you believe in is nothing more than the doctrins of men ---- please stop and start to ask questions.

The goodness and well wishes of a person has nothing to do with the ------- " doctrins of a God " --- those wishes are the true feelings of that person --- what you feel is what you react upon --- those feelings are YOU.

Right now in this day and age ---- MONEY is the real God --- money is what all persons pray to and react to --- we are the puppets and money is the controllimg agent.

I would love to share opinions with you --- I am as sick as all the others and I am as controlled as all the others --- but I try my best to keep an open mind.

If you are the positive --- then I will be the negative ---- so that a zero point of condemplation can be ascertained ---- whatdeyah think ?
I would love to communicate with the real you ------ do not be shy --- say what you feel --- you can not hurt me.

The second to which I make reference arrived this morning (May 26) at 3:59 AM. It is very short and to the point as you will see:

Hello my name is (full name has been omitted to protect privacy of the individual) I am 19 years old and I have just accepted Jesus Christ into my life as my personal Lord and Savior.

I always attempt to respond to emails sent, even if I am cursed and called every name under the sun. In some cases this is not easy, but God always makes a way and gives the words which ought to be spoken. A few years ago He put it on my heart to start the web site witness and then later to supplement that with the blog. Since that time emails have come in from different locations in the U. S. and many foreign nations as well.

Now the question – how would you respond to that first one? Avoid the temptation to write off that person as being unworthy of a response. I will respond – I would like to know how you would address the statements made. If you want to email me and tell me how you might go about it, I would welcome that.

The second email will also receive a response – since I have received similar emails before, I already have in mind the nature of the response which will be to rejoice with the person in the decision to accept Jesus Christ and to encourage discipline and growth in the faith, etc. I suspect that in some cases at least, such persons have been challenged to make a decision in light of my page titled, “How to Become a Christian”

Ah, the adventure continues – one never knows what God has in store around the next bend in the road, does one?

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy. --- 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20

It’s NOT the Economy, Stupid!

“It’s the economy, stupid!” was a phrase attributed to James Carville during Bill Clinton’s successful campaign for the presidency in 1992. The phrase suggested that Clinton was the superior choice over George H. W. Bush because the sitting president had not effectively addressed the economy which had gone into a recession.

Just about every pair of eyeballs has been focused on the economy in recent months and the issue has whipped up into the intensity of a Cat 5 hurricane raging in toward the U. S. coast from the Atlantic Ocean!

There are probably many who feel that the original phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid!,” which was the brainchild (term brain used carelessly here) of James Carville is applicable to our present condition in the United States.

Certainly President Obama has been attempting to make political hay out of this circumstance and it has given him an “excuse” to go flitting about the country in Air Force One as he attempts to jam his stimulus bill down our throats. Had it not been for the betrayal of 3 Republicans (Senators Snowe and Collins of Maine and Specter of Pennsylvania) it is doubtful we would have gotten bogged down in this financial quagmire which is deceptively called "stimulus!"

But to get to the point – the root problem is not the economy, which is a distraction away from the real problem that is causing us to be on the fast lane to disaster! That real problem is a terminal illness which is ethical, moral and spiritual in nature.

A brief summary:

• Deadly love focused on self, money and pleasure!
  
• Compromised truth and principles within churches claiming to be Christian in faith!
  
• Government at all levels that is riddled with contradiction and hypocrisy!
  
• Widespread practice of idolatry in a plethora of expressions!
  
• Fast spreading malignancy of sexual immorality in virtually unlimited patterns!
  
• Intense desecration of the day in which Almighty God is to be honored and worshipped!
  
• Indoctrinating our children and youth with the false and very deadly teaching that we humans have evolved over eons of time from lower life forms – there is no need for teaching the involvement of a divine Creator when it comes to origins!
  
• And worst of all – a professed “civilized nation” implementing by judicial ruling a policy which has resulted in the mutilation and murders of over 50 million unborn children since January 1973!
  

Extensive details on this issue, which makes the subject of the economy have as much impact and significance as a gnat trying to stop a loaded 18 wheeler rolling down Interstate 95 out of Washington DC, are found at Driving the Final Nails! -- use reverse feature on your web browser to come back to this place.

There will be a majority who would vehemently disagree and say, “No, it’s the economy!” And that would include most of the politicians. But that response is because they are part of one or more, maybe ALL the problems as given above!

It's NOT the economy, stupid!

A PS: I don't believe it's fair that Pennsylvania should be saddled with an Arlen Specter and a John Murtha (my rep in Congress from 12th District) and the other 49 states having never experienced this pair -- the other 49 should have them for a few years and then they would appreciate what we Pennsylvanians have to endure by way of political shenanigans!

"And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed." --- Jesus speaking in Luke 17:26-30

He Took An Oath He Has No Intention of Keeping and Placed His Hand on a Bible He Does Not Believe!

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. --- Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." --- oath of office as taken by a newly elected president of the United States of America

Note: The above spelling of words and capitalization is the same as they appeared in the original documents.

Just hold on a bit before you grind your teeth down to the gums because of the title given above which is in reference to B. Hussein Obama earlier today at an activity called “Inauguration of the President.”

The oath taken by the president is to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Who are the people that come under the scope of that constitution? Notice the statement in the Preamble –‘…and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,” Who would be the “Posterity?” Those are the unborn – the descendants of the generation which put together the Constitution – even down to January 2009 and in years to follow that. In the words of another of our historical documents it is said that all persons should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

If President Obama does not make sure that ALL of the posterity as mentioned in the opening words of the Constitution are protected and assured of the right to life in this republic, then he has miserably failed in his presidential oath of office. He is on record publicly as supporting the practice of abortion and has vowed to sign legislation (FOCA) which will virtually wipe out what few restrictions states have established in an attempt to protect some of the unborn. So far as President Obama is concerned “constitutional rights” never apply to unborn persons, only to females and the “right” to destroy the unborn.

Do you see why he took an oath that he has no intention of fulfilling?

As far as his hand on the same Bible which was used by Abe Lincoln back in 1861 for the oath of office – that doesn’t mean a thing either!

And why is this? Very simple – that Bible reveals that God is involved in the formation of humans in the womb (Jeremiah 1:4 ,5) and that fact has been made plain. Further, God indicates that He knows us humans even before we are conceived and that He has a plan (days marked out for us – Psalm 139). In fact this identity of humans is mind staggering as God reveals our being chosen in Jesus Christ even before the world was created! (see Ephesians 1 on this one).

Now then, an application of common sense – if a person really believes the Bible and what God has revealed to us, especially His view of human life, how then can a person jeopardize his relationship with God by supporting the systematic destruction of unborn persons? The only conclusion one can come to is the fact that it is very possible to lay a hand on the Bible, take an oath, but not really believe what that Bible says!

That’s not such a strange thing after all, in a time when rejection of Bible truth is very common so far as the secular minded are concerned, but rejection of Bible truth also takes place within professing Christian circles as well, ranging from theologians, seminary professors, church leaders and pastors all the way to lay persons who sit in a church pew Sunday after Sunday!

We would have about 50 million more citizens than we presently have in this republic if the Constitution would actually have been preserved, protected and defended as vowed over past decades by past presidents. Do we really believe this president will be any different? Some would say, “I think not!”

"When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you. --- Deuteronomy 23:21

Faithfulness in 2009 Will Guarantee More Hostility and Division!

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.” --- Jesus in John 15:18-21

If those of us who claim to trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are faithful in obeying Him in the every day experiences of life, then we can anticipate more hostility and hatred to be directed toward us during the year of 2009.

The primary problem about this is two-fold. First, for some reason there are professing Christians who seem to want to side step the statements Jesus made which guaranteed that we would be the targets of persecution throughout the world as time marches on before He personally returns to this world.

Secondly, the pressure has never been greater for Christians to compromise to a level where they cease insisting on the exclusiveness of the Christian message of salvation and hope, and that Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can be forgiven, have peace with God and eventually be a citizen in His eternal Kingdom after we have finished our life’s journey here on earth.

Faithfulness to Jesus demands that we be involved in His parting command to confront the entire world with His claim and call upon every human being. That most clearly involves in part a call to repent of all sin (including the following of any false religion outside of Christianity) and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It takes a long, long stretch to try to interpret Jesus’ parting command to mean something other than what He literally said we are to do – slowly look at those words:

Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." --- Matthew 28:18-20

Now, tell me – what else can this command mean other than the fact that we are to do as He said and let all people in the world know about Who He is, what He did while here on earth (which includes His sacrificial death for the sins of the entire human race and literal resurrection from the dead after that), what He plans to do in the future and what He wants us to be about while we are still here on earth?

Plus, if we are faithful to Him it means also that in identifying Him throughout the world we will be certain to refer to His “I am…” statements that clearly exclude other “big name” religious personalities from offering anything that doesn’t even come remotely close to what He offers the members of the human race. And then there are those four absolute demands He places on each member of the human family such as “Except you are born again…” etc.

An honest assessment of these things helps us to see why our faithfulness to Him Who is labeled King of kings and Lord of lords will intensify the hostility and hatred that will come forth from those who have chosen to walk in spiritual darkness rather than light.

Always remember – at a certain point God’s revelation uses the terms “few” and “many” in describing the way the human race is separated – the “many” have chosen to reject God’s revelation and consequently in so doing, have rejected His Son, Jesus, as the only possible way to be forgiven and restored to a favorable relationship with the Creator. The “few” are the small number who have learned about Jesus Christ, have repented of their sins, have received Him by faith into their lives as Savior and Lord, and are resolved to faithfully serve Him the remaining time they have on earth. These ought not to think it strange when they are scorned, ridiculed and in some locations violently persecuted because of being identified with Him in the year 2009.

The United States is no exception to such hostility against true expressions and witness regarding the Christian faith!

“Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! for indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.” --- Jesus in Luke 6:22, 23

"Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.” --- Jesus in Matthew 24:9-13

Going Out in a Blaze of Glory!

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

These days in south central Pennsylvania have been a blaze of striking color everywhere we look – yellow, orange, red and the blending of these colors. Some of our trees are still in stubborn fashion hanging on to the traditional green color of spring and summer. A fully loaded maple in our front yard (as pictured above) is a mix of yellow, orange and a bit of green here and there.

Our weather has been quite mild and today is a cloudy day which makes the colors even more brilliant in the absence of direct sunlight. As I sat on my front porch in my comfortable La-Z-Boy rocker that I got at a yard sale for $5.00, I observed the leaves exhibiting their one last hurrah.

As they left the trees to which they had been attached since spring they headed for the ground. But the descent was not a dead stone-like drop straight down. The motion was varied – a twirl in a circle, a spin, a topsy-turvy tumble, or a smooth aircraft type of glide which may carry the leaf many feet from the tree to which it had been attached for a few months.

Is that not a bit of what life is like? The leaves experienced many conditions during their brief lifetime of a few months – blazing hot sun, high winds, drenching rain and vicious thunderstorms and sometimes the days of calm and quiet – but they hung on and now it’s time to go out in a blaze of glory!

A Christian is the only person on the face of this planet who goes through a wide variety of experiences – the storms of life and the times of quiet calm with the assurance that future glory is ahead as promised by the Lord Jesus Christ in His eternal Word.

Comparisons to natural situations do have their limitations – for the leaves, that last glorious colorful flight ends on the ground with the leaf drying up and eventually crumbling into lifeless pieces. But with the Christian, the exit from this life on earth means an entrance to a status of glory and honor.

No person could state it any better than the apostle Paul when he said, “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.” And we who have chosen to follow Jesus are included in that sweeping declaration!

Having lived for a little over three quarters of a century and having served as a pastor for nearly 50 years of that time, those leaves I have been watching have a way of reminding me that glory, by the grace and mercy of my Lord, lies straight ahead! It is my responsibility to keep hanging on and to continue to fulfill the calling that Jesus Christ has extended to me to preach and teach His Word!

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. --- Colossians 3:1-4

B. O. Courting "Evangelicals?" Surely You Jest!

"Obama Courting Evangelicals" --- Internet news headline - July 1, 2008

DEMOCRATIC presidential candidate Barack Obama has promised a more active approach to faith-based social programs in a bid to bolster his support among evangelical and religious voters. --- opening statement of news release - July 1, 2008

Yes, Virginia, it's really happening -- B. O. is going after the "evangelicals" -- you know, that group of persons which claims to believe the Bible and at times mentions that evangelism is a mission in which all Christians are to be involved!

B. O. and "evangelicals" make for strange bedfellows, to say the least. Part of B. O.'s latest strategy is to suggest that faith-based groups ought to be involved in bringing about some degree of improvement in the condition of our republic.

Religiously speaking, B. O. has yet to be explicit in going on public record that his faith is centered in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, that he is committed to serving Jesus Christ in whatever capacity he finds himself as a politician, and that he views the holy Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God. Further, that the Scriptures are the final authority in all matters having to do with human relationships, personal and collective accountability to Almighty God, faith and the practicing of that faith in daily experiences wherever one may be.

Will "evangelicals" scramble to get on board the B. O. bandwagon as it gains momentum heading toward the presidential election in November 2008?

They might as well since they have pretty well caved in on a number of rather critical issues already.

There are signs of backing away from the central truth that Jesus Christ is exclusively the way of salvation for all human beings -- no exception whatsoever! Doing "dialog" with representatives of various world religions has helped to bring about compromise on this issue -- after all, it's not nice to be so narrow-minded in times such as these, is it? So bend a little bit on this one.

Doing "dialog" also with those who practice sexual behavior that is condemned by Almighty God is further indication that there are those in the "evangelical" camp who should have little objection to B. O.'s approach to same-gender issues. And he has gone on record as to what he intends to do about helping same-gender "couples" with their various dilemmas.

One thing is certain -- for whomever the majority of those who claim to be "evangelical" cast their votes, that presidential candidate will have a powerful asset in his quest to be the one who sits in the Oval Office in January 2009.

B. O. and "evangelical" support? No, Virginia, it may not be as far fetched as you tend to think!

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." --- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Flat Toad on the Road!

Image by: Stolz, Gary M – USFWS and courtesy of We For Animals located at www.weforanimals.com

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. --- 1 John 2:15-17

This morning was a very beautiful morning for a walk at 6 AM – bright sunrise – temperature about 63 degrees after yesterday’s high of 91 degrees!

I’m always in the observing and listening mode as I walk along in addition to being in conversation with my Lord.

Often I see deer and listen to the birds – and at times the staccato sounds of woodpeckers who seem to compete as to who can peck the loudest on dead tree trunks.

Today was different for 2 reasons – a young black bear (about 175 lbs. or so) came out on the road ahead of me and walked up the road just ahead of me by about 50 yards or less. He stopped momentarily by a curve in the road and then went into the woods as a car came around the turn toward him.

But the other thing that caught my attention were two toads on the road – both very flat due to being in the direct path of vehicle wheels! These tragic happenings likely happened during the night. Neither of these very flattened creatures were on the road yesterday when I walked.

So it probably was only a few hours before that they had been sitting comfortably on the road surface. The surface had been warmed by yesterday’s 90 degree heat wave. But toads are not at all sensitive to the hazards of moving traffic which has increased on our road due to a detour now in effect. In fact, they are quite indifferent to the hazards of moving on to a highway and find it very easy to settle down on a warm road surface!

We humans sometimes don't do a whole lot better since we can allow ourselves to become desensitized to the hazards of a very deadly world spirit which focuses on self, money and pleasure – see 2 Timothy 3. This thing is like a plague and we become infected very quickly and without much resistance -- that is, unless we have properly prepared our spiritual immune system through disciplines initiated by the Holy Spirit.

But far worse and much more sinister is a malicious spirit which exerts extensive influence within professing Christian circles through denials of the truth revealed by the Holy Spirit in the holy Scriptures!
One warning of such things is given by the apostle Peter in his writings:

But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. 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. They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, to whom the gloom of darkness is reserved forever. For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through licentiousness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire." 2 Peter 2:12-22

The denials are seen in saying such things as:

• many, if not all, miracles reported in Scripture did not really take place as stated – there is always a “natural” explanation for these events!
  
  
• Adam and Eve are mythological characters – one of many attempts to try to explain origins – we really evolved from lower life forms through millions of years of time!
  
  
• Jesus Christ had a human father as do we – He spoke of noble things and set an example that we ought to try to imitate and that’s about it – He really wasn’t resurrected from the dead and most certainly isn’t going to return to earth again!
  
  
• we need to forget about going to other countries with the intent of converting those people to Christianity (the mandate as given by Jesus in Matthew 28) – rather, we need to “dialog” with those of other religions and learn from them, while never insisting that Christianity is the only way, etc!
  
  
• that God’s boundaries regarding sexual morality have been realigned and what was formally condemned by way of sexual behavior no longer is! The new convoluted interpretations take you on a wild ride with “wolves in sheep’s clothing” now declaring that God is giving new revelation and insight how we relate sexually to others!
  

There are a lot of hazards out there, folks – both outside the church as well as inside the church. So watch it or you’ll end up in a worse condition than a toad ¼ inch thick on the road, splattered guts, brains and all!

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. --- Galatians 1:6-9

They Deserve Much, Much Better!

Madison and Trevor with little brother, Owen, who had just been born a few hours earlier on July 19, 2007. Madison turned 5 years old during May 2008 and Trevor will be 7 years old early in July 2008.

Brianna just turned 3 years old in early June 2008.

Shalie will be 7 years old in early September 2008.

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." --- Deuteronomy 6:4-9

As Jean and I will be celebrating 55 years of marriage this Friday, June 13, 2008, a lot of memories will flood our minds. That is a considerable span of time in which a wide variety of experiences have taken place. Out of this we first and foremost give thanks to God for His abundant mercies and the demonstration of His love toward us constantly over these many years.

Many of the memories will involve family -- 5 children and spouses, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. There is a wide span of years in age between the grandkids -- the oldest will be 28 years old this coming November and the youngest, Owen, who is pictured above will be 1 year old come July 19, 2008.

It is these young ones for whom I am increasingly burdened -- what a country they have to grow up in that is becoming more hazardous than a Category 5 hurricane slamming into a coastal area containing a large city!

Stop and think for a moment how the adult generation has so miserably failed these young ones -- they are passing on a republic that is:

• guilty of widespread idolatry, with money the #1 deity in the lives of millions of U. S. citizens and their leaders! But many other "deities" have a death-grip on a majority of adults in all walks of life as well, ranging from those in high profile political circles, the professions and church circles to the average "Joe" and "Jane" who walk the streets in any city or town.
  
  
• guilty of massive immorality of the most perverted expressions with God's standards for moral behavior receiving a thumbs-down response by the majority!
  
  
• guilty of the destruction of tens of millions of unborn children over a period exceeding 3 1/2 decades so that human life in our republic is no longer considered unique and special as it was in the earlier decades of the 20th Century!
  
  
• the prominent teaching in the educational process that tells our young that we have evolved from lower life forms -- you know, the wriggly things in a pool of slime millions of years ago (add as many millions as you want because it cannot be any more fouled up and misleading than it is now, whether you talk 700 million or a million million or 35 quadrillion.)!
  

But what our little ones do deserve is this:

• Adults who will set a holy example by the grace of God in word and deed -- adults who make the will of God the top priority in every day living, regardless of what position they hold in life! After all, failure to do the will of God is to place oneself in a position of condemnation -- Jesus did have a lot to say about that issue.
  
  
• Adults who will provide evidence that Jesus Christ is the living Son of God and the One Who gave His life as a sacrifice for the sins of every human being ever born into this world. Further, that this Jesus is exclusively the only way of salvation, peace with God and hope for time and eternity. No other religious expression can guarantee such things.
  
  
• Adults who unashamedly and without apology believe the volume referred to as the Bible to be the inspired and authoritative Word of God -- the absolute authority on all matters having to do with the Christian faith and the living of that faith in all daily experiences and human relationships in this present world!
  

The responsibility rests on the head of every single adult -- no exceptions -- God has explicitly revealed that He will hold every adult accountable.

The hard reality is that the majority of adults will not take the responsibility to do what God expects in terms of the nurture and well being of the young.

So it comes down to this -- do you care enough for our young ones to do what God requires or shun that responsibility and pay a price later on that is so horrifying that the human mind cannot begin grasp even a particle of it?

We adults in our family will seek by example and teaching to show the little ones pictured above that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one can come to the Father except through Him. Further that Jesus has a most glorious plan for their lives here on earth. Unfortunately, they will also be exposed to a big bunch of adults in their growing years who will be setting an example of traveling the broad road which leads to a Devil's Hell!

Homework assignment -- read in Luke 16:19-31 in the New Testament about one man who miserably failed in the responsibilities as outlined above and see the tragic details of the price he paid. Your life might never be the same again!

And Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." --- Matthew 18:2-6

Any Volunteers to Teach Jesus and Some Others About "Holy Conferencing?"

We believe Christians can discuss important issues without the acrimonious debate and parliamentary maneuvering that can divide a group into contending factions. We see too many examples of that in secular society. We believe the Holy Spirit leads in all things, especially as we make decisions. We want to avoid making decisions in a fashion that leaves some feeling like winners and others losers. --- from "Guidelines for Holy Conferencing - What God Expects of Us" as printed in W. PA Annual Conference (United Methodist Church) pre-conference reports and legislation information.

As one looks at the guidelines for "holy conferencing" it is quite obvious that someone needs to confront Jesus and at least a couple or so others in the New Testament about the fact of their defiance of these standards with the result of causing deep division and being guilty of making some feel like winners and others losers!

We won't even try to include the Old Testament prophets on this matter at the present time -- that would add quite a number to the list of those failing to do "holy conferencing" in addition to Jesus and others in the 1st Century.

A couple of those guidelines state, "Every person is a child of God. Always speak respectfully. One can disagree without being disagreeable.....Avoid using inflammatory words, derogatory names, or an excited and angry voice."

Now consider how Jesus handled Himself on certain occasions:

"I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me." Then they said to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also."....... Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God's words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God." --- John 8:18, 19, 42-47

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.......Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar." --- Matthew 23:15, 33-35

Paul didn't seem to be a practitioner of "holy conferencing" on various occasions:

Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time." And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. --- Acts 13:9-11

And the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy; and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul. Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have set you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'" --- Acts 13:44-47

Ought we not take a look also at Stephen who is described as one who was filled with the Holy Spirit? But what is this? Speaking to a group of very religious people (the kind who should engage in "holy conferencing") he gives a history lesson and then concludes:

"You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it." When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. --- Acts 7:51-54

Oh yes, we must not forget that very radical cousin of Jesus, John the Baptist! Is it not possible that those who are strong advocates of "holy conferencing" and doing "dialog" would have more than a tad of difficulty with this fellow today? Is he guilty of name calling or what?

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the LORD, make His paths straight.'" And John himself was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "Brood of vipers! Who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones." --- Matthew 3:1-9

Maybe I missed it -- do you see any place where John announces, "Brothers and sisters, it's time for us to enter into a "holy conferencing" experience since we have some serious issues which need to be addressed." It is noted, however, that this man was filled with the Holy Spirit from the time of his birth. Hmmmmm -- filled with the Holy Spirit, but yet did no "holy conferencing" as is stressed in church circles these days! The way he acted is it possible he wouldn't be permitted to enter a lot of churches today -- that is, unless he kept his mouth totally shut?

Just a few of many examples drawn from an infallible source of information which indicate that "holy conferencing" was not a priority when it came to confrontations over various issues. Jesus, of course, is the prime example. It appears that He was not too convinced that one just has to dialog and do the "holy conferencing" thing. But this one thing He did, and which He calls us to do -- be witnesses to God's eternal truth always -- no compromising on that! But that is where the problem is -- too many have bought into the idea that absolute moral truth does not really exist, and this provides the perfect climate for dialog and "holy conferencing!"

No where do you see any indication that God was willing to enter into dialog about anything -- He draws the line on all moral and spiritual issues. He defines what is acceptable and what is unacceptable on human sexuality, but in dialog and "holy conferencing" we want to erase the line God has drawn or else come up with an agreement that it is a "fuzzy" issue and we don't quite fully agree on it yet, but we'll continue to engage in "holy conferencing" until we do -- maybe it will happen at the next General Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2012!

On the most critical spiritual issue, God has said that we either are forgiven and restored to righteousness through His Son, Jesus Christ, or we are not -- plain and simple! But the conferencing and dialog sessions come to the conclusion that whatever "religion" you may practice is good enough -- Christianity is but one of many peas in the same pod -- just pick the one that seems to fit and work best for you!

So then, who will put the bell on the cat -- oooops! I mean, who will volunteer to confront Jesus and the others with the fact that they have violated the guidelines for "holy conferencing?" If we have more than one, maybe we can get up a committee to do it! In mainline denominations especially, is that not the only way anything can be done these days?

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. --- 2 Timothy 4:1-4

Open Letter to Mel White, His "Significant Other," and Soulforce from a United Methodist!

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. --- part of text of "open letter" to United Methodists from Mel White & Soulforce, May 1, 2008

Dear Mel, your "significant other" (Gary), and Members of Soulforce:

Due to the General Conference of the UMC of 2008 not moving in the direction as far as you wanted, you have responded by making a broad appeal to the membership of the United Methodist Church. It is your desire that the United Methodist Church come to the place where those who practice sodomy and lesbianism be fully involved in the membership and life of the UMC. Further, that those who practice such lifestyles be ordained into the UMC ministry if they feel so "called."

Actually what follows was written some time before the death of Jerry Falwell, who is mentioned in the following epistle. But the appeal at the conclusion of the letter is still quite legitimate as some would fully agree. So here we go.......

You have certainly created a lot of waves around the country the last few years in your campaign to force full acceptance of the sodomite and lesbian lifestyles upon all citizens and institutions within the borders of the United States.

It must be admitted by even your most dedicated foes that much progress has been made by you and other like minded groups in your ultimate goal to have civil and church legislation enacted which will grant sodomites and lesbians the right to:

• legally marry in a church or in a civil ceremony.
  
  
• adopt children and be recognized as legitimate families with all the rights and privileges now possessed by families consisting of a father (male) and a mother (female) who are married and their children.
  
  
• be totally received into the life and ministry of any church, including ordination into the ministry of any church.
  
  
• be employed in any work place with full protection so that although a potential employer strongly objects to sodomy and lesbianism on moral grounds, that employer is forced to hire a sodomite or a lesbian anyway because the law says you cannot discriminate, even on moral grounds!
  
  
• be free to rent any property of choice which is available and even though a Christian who is the property owner has strong moral convictions that sodomy and lesbianism are an abomination, that Christian property owner must rent his property to a couple of sodomites or a couple of lesbians because the law says he cannot refuse the "couple" due to the fact that he would be guilty of "discrimination!"
  

Your efforts to put extreme pressure on various church groups have been highly publicized and it is clear that some are beginning to cave in a bit to your demands here and there -- even some church leaders who used to oppose sodomy and lesbianism have "converted" and now speak of it in favorable terms!

The strategy you are following could not be improved upon in any manner -- every facet of our society has been impacted and you now have growing support from political and church leaders. But of even greater significance is the fact that you now have a majority of those in mass media communications behind you along with an increased number of productions coming from the movie and television industries which present sodomy and lesbianism in a very favorable light -- or in the case of depicting stories of sodomites and lesbians who were victims of so-called "hate crimes" you have gained a great amount of sympathy for your cause and this should benefit you in seeking special protection and prvileges that we in the heterosexual community do not have nor ever shall in the future!

Now then -- having said all that and as you review your successes over recent years, may I make a suggestion to you regarding the expansion of your agenda to a much higher level.

Is it not time for you to enlarge your vision to include those countries that are still considered almost universally opposed to sodomy and lesbianism? You and your lover, Gary Nixon, at one point rented a house across the street from Jerry Falwell's church. And as anticipated, you reaped millions of dollars worth of publicity from this venture, and if you weren't very high profile before, you certainly are now!

OK, here it is -- are you ready for the next level of challenge? You can arrange for others to live in your house, attend Falwell's church and keep the heat on him and his congregation.

So how about you, your lover, and others who are committed to Soulforce and its mission moving to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, or Baghdad in Iraq, or Tehran in Iran?

Just do what you've been doing here in the U.S. as you challenge those Islamic cultures to consider the legitimacy of sodomy and lesbianism. Is it not true that the followers of Allah are much more hung up on sodomy and lesbianism than are the citizens of the U.S. and that those who practice sodomy and lesbianism in an Islamic culture must do so in complete secrecy? To be discovered as a practicing sodomite or lesbian can lead to a trial and execution as was the case on January 1, 2002 when three sodomites were publicly beheaded for practicing sodomy in Saudi Arabia! Surely you would agree, would you not, that these attitudes toward sodomy and lesbianism must be changed. And who would be the best person to confront those societies about this issue than you along with your supporters since you have great expertise in this area!

So, while it may be a bit difficult at first, if you pursue this with the same zeal as you have in the U.S., surely the professed followers of Islam will see it your way even as growing numbers of professing Christians and their leaders in this country are seeing things your way and agree with your contention that sodomy and lesbianism are to be considered every bit as normal as heterosexuality.

I anxiously look forward to a news release which tells of you, your lover, and Soulforce supporters taking up residence in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, or Iran and that you are zealously pursuing the same agenda there in public fashion as you have been doing in this country. And after you have "converted" the citizens of those countries you can then move on to the many others which are still dominated by Islam!

And by the way, Mel, try to keep your head as you pursue your crusade in those countries where Allah holds sway over the majority!

Still contending at Circuit Rider's Range, blogging at Musings of a Maverick! and warning at Driving the Final Nails!

Clayton D. Harriger
Elder in Full Connection
W. PA Annual Conference
The United Methodist Church

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. --- Jude 1:3, 4

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