One Ongoing Battle

Good and bad news about the ongoing (and seemingly never-ending) battle against homosexual indoctrination, continued lawsuits and the radical activists push for same-sex "marriage."

First, the bad news. Alliance Defense Fund has announced that there has been a class action lawsuit filed:

State Class Action Lawsuit Filed Challenging California Marriage Amendment

PR Newswire: “This lawsuit claims that section 7.5 of Article I violates the equal protection clause of the State Constitution. McCoy said, ‘we chose to bring this lawsuit in State Court rather than in Federal Court because sexual orientation is a protected class under California State Law and it is not recognized in Federal Law.’”

The complaint: Burns v. State of California

However, as the following comment tells us, this might be a blessing in disguise:

Karen Grube
Posted June 28, 2009 at 9:09 am
I love it! This would be a terrific opportunity to blow the lid off of the concept that sexual orientation should be a protected class at all. I would challed this law firm to prove there is any real way to measure or determine one’s sexual orientation the way there is one’s race, gender, or age. There is no DNA test, no ‘gay gene’ to prove one’s sexual orientation. We could prove, in court, that it is simply a lifestyle choice! How cool would that be? I’m serious. This could be the perfect venue to repeal the so-called sexual orientation protections that currently exist in California state law. Oh, and besides that, I would challege it on the basis that having such protections violates federal law, since federal law doesn’t recognize such protections. This could be terrific! Use this as the opportunity to PROVE people don’t get special protections for their lifestyle choices! That would be wonderful!

Karen Grube makes some excellent points! Why is an aberrant behavior being given protections in California state law that are not recognized in federal law? Should people get special protections (read: over and above the protections of those who do not participate in such behaviors??) for their lifestyle choices?

This is exactly why the "hate crimes" legislation currently being debated in Congress must not pass! Not only would there be special protections for an aberrant sexual deviancy, but there would be SPECIAL PUNISHMENT(S) FOR THOUGHTS OF THOSE WHO CLAIM THAT HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOR IS A SEXUAL DEVIANCY!

On the good news front, Pastor DL Foster has launched his new Gay Christian Movement Watch website!

GCMWatch

You can read more details about GCMWatch here. Also, it is very helpful to read Examining the Gay Christian Movement

Fellow Christian blogger, Neil Simpson has an excellent post up at his Eternity Matters blog.

The Sin of Sodom

I have cross-posted it at my Protect Biblical Marriage blog: Biblical Fallacies of Pro-Gay Theology and have added commentary and additional links on this hotly debated topic.

Hat Tips:

Alliance Defense Fund

Gay Christian Movement Watch

Eternity Matters

Guest Blogger: Susan Smith

Talk Wisdom's guest blogger for today is Susan Smith. She is the author of a weekly newsletter called, "Life in Israel - One Body." I met Susan via Stephen Bennett's blog way back in 2004. At the time, she was working for a Christian organization in Israel called "Bridges for Peace." We have been corresponding ever since.

When Susan was living and working in Israel, the newsletter was named, "Life in Israel." Upon returning, Susan explains the new name of her newsletter:

This writer lived in the city of Jerusalem on earth for five years (2002-2007).
You read about my personal life during those years and God provided many divine encounters with taxi drivers, Israelis and one man studying to be a rabbi in particular. You heard about encounters with other Christian volunteers from all over the world. The Lord did very important and crucial spiritual work in my personal life during those years.”

Because I am convinced the one Church body and Israel are one and the same, spiritually speaking, I changed the name to “Life in Israel-One Body.”

Susan's writing has blessed me (as well as all of her subscribers around the world) immensely over the past four years. I have shared several of her past newsletters here at this blog.

Today, I am presenting two of her most recent newsletters together in one post. It is a marvelous way to start the new year of 2009 - with the heartfelt, Jesus-loving, Bible-based wisdom that is contained and shared in Susan Smith's wonderful writings!

It is my prayer that you are blessed by these two marvelous essays as much as I have been!

In Christ,
Christine

*******

Life in Israel-One Body 26Dec08



Have you ever received a Christmas present that causes pain? This year has brought the most shameful and painful gift into my life. In order to grow spiritually, we often have to face pain. Emotional pain hurts as well as physical pain. Jesus is our healer. The Holy Spirit is gentle. He never forces us to face an issue in our lives. We always have a choice. Are there things in your life that you need to work through with God?



The grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus the Messiah, the Father’s Son, will be with you in truth and love (2John 3) as you work through issues in your life. We can trust God. Even when others have hurt us, and we feel we can trust no one. We can trust God. Even when we believe or think no one can possibly understand, we can trust Jesus. The Lord knows our hearts.



All the days designed and intended for you were written in the Lord’s book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). Is that hard for you to believe? Every Word of God is pure and flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him (Proverbs 30:5). Do you trust God? I do. He is a safeguard to those who put their trust in him.



So exactly what is this painful Christmas gift acknowledged by my heart? I have received one of the most excruciating and embarrassing revelations ever before in my life. I believe this revelation is from God. This is necessary. I must deal with it. The healing of my broken heart continues from sin that has touched my life. Praise God for his gentleness, his kindness and his grace. Too much light can blind a person. So often in our lives, we are unable to receive more light from God. In a sense there are obstacles to our sight just as there are obstacles to our spiritual growth. Only the love of God can remove the veil that covers our heart (2 Corinthians 3:14-15). Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).



Two weeks ago we talked about hearts of stone. My heart is more pliable today than it was two weeks ago. Shameful memories from childhood can become demonic strongholds in our thoughts. I was in my forties before the sexual abuse by a brother during my early childhood was ever revealed to another human being. The memories of what happened were repressed and denied. These memories affected my behavior as an adult. I will be 60 next year.



Over the past two weeks there has been some unexpected feedback to this newsletter. One was from a doctoral candidate. This reader is working on her PhD dissertation. I have known her personally for more than 10 years, and her words of encouragement seemed like manna from heaven. Another message was from a reader in the State of Georgia whom I do not know personally. God’s timing is always perfect! The Lord used these two readers in a mighty way to encourage and lead me forward regarding the direction of these newsletters.



Following Jesus is often like stepping stones in our lives. We move from one to another as the Lord directs. The steps are always according to his good will and purpose. They are also according to his perfect timing. There is no running! By God’s grace we learn to wait on the Lord, and we learn to be strong (Psalm 27:14).



My waiting was difficult. It seemed very hard at times, but the Lord is my God. By his grace we have been saved, through faith . . . it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). Our faith is a gift from God every day. Praise the Lord. My salvation happens over and over again. I was saved yesterday, I am being saved today, and I will be saved tomorrow! Following Jesus is a daily walk for every believer. This specific “waiting” period for me began in the newsletter dated 14Nov08. More than a month ago you read:



For the past week I have had a bit of a struggle in my soul (mind, will and emotions) regarding the direction of this newsletter. To open my heart a bit, it concerns my biological family. One of my professors at Columbia International University (CIU) has been lecturing about different family structures and how family systems work. The Lord has used some of Dr. Wagner’s words to touch my heart deeply.



Dr. Wagner was a guest speaker this fall during chapel at my school. You can see a photo of Dr. Larry Wagner at this web page http://www.ciu.edu/graduate/faculty/bio.php?id=32. During the chapel message he quoted someone and said, “We can never be free from what we are unwilling to name.” That quote touched my heart for some unknown reason so during our next class meeting I asked Dr. Wagner for the source of his quote.



God has used the answer to my question to lead me in amazing ways over the past two months. Dr. Wagner recommended a book called Leading with a Limp. The writer is Dan Allender. Dr. Dan Allender received a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary and his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University. Currently, he serves as Professor of Counseling and President of Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle, Washington.



When I ordered Leading with a Limp from Amazon online, there were several books written by Dan Allender. I also ordered The Wounded Heart: Hope for adult victims of childhood sexual abuse. This second book has unleashed a flood of emotions in my soul, and the Lord is using it tremendously to heal me more from the inside out. Let me share two things from this book:



A father who uses his daughter as a surrogate wife or confidante has bound his daughter’s heart to him in a subtly sexual way . . . the damage may not be overt, and in fact the daughter may feel so special that she would defend to her death the appropriateness of her father’s interactions. It is nevertheless abusive . . . The fact that sexual abuse can be subtle ought not cloud our perspective that it is equally abusive and damaging.



“Damaged” is how I have often felt as a woman. What exploded like a bomb shell inside my heart later in Allender’s book was this: “The child that is set apart for abuse is usually hated for his or her privileges by the other siblings. The child who feels different because of the abuse is then even further alienated due to the sibling jealousy.” He then wrote, “The silence is rarely broken . . . It remains a dark secret for years, if not forever.”



Jesus came to heal the broken hearted (Luke 4:18 and Isaiah 61:1). God prepared my heart and I was able to receive the truth. Jesus heals (Psalm 103:3). I am ready to break the silence. What a wonderful, yet painful Christmas gift this is to my heart and soul. We will continue next week as the Lord leads. Have a wonderful New Year’s holiday. ~ Susan Smith

*******

Life in Israel-One Body 02Jan09


This newsletter will end for a while after today. My spirit, soul and body need a break. When we meet again, my plan is to share much more with you as the Lord leads. Since completing the course called Psychopathology, I am convinced the spiritual realm and the mental realm of our lives are closely related if not one and the same.



There is evidence of this supposition in my personal life and in the lives of others in my family. Les Parrot is a professor of clinical psychology and Leslie Parrot is a marriage and family therapist. In their book entitled Relationships, they talk about intimacy:



If you try to find intimacy with another person before achieving a sense of identity of your own, all your relationships become an attempt to complete yourself . . . when you come to a relationship lacking personal self-worth, all you can offer is neediness.



Wow! Drs. Les and Leslie tell about the “emotional baggage” we bring from our first homes on earth to our adult relationships. “No other relationship shapes who we are more than our family. Most of what we think, feel, say, and do is in response to the home we grew up in.”



No wonder Jesus said, “You must accept the kingdom of God as if you were a little child, or you will never enter it” (Mark 10:15). Every believer must be changed from within by a new way of thinking. You must “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Every mind and heart has been stained with sin during childhood. Only a supernatural power can change the way we think. We live in a fallen world, but we have a choice every day. The evil one can change the way we think as adults, or the Holy Spirit can renew our minds and transform our lives. We are slaves to the one we obey (Romans 6:16). Do you understand?



The feedback to last week’s newsletter has been overwhelming. Thank you for responding. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). The outpouring of love and encouragement expressed by my brothers and sisters in Christ who read last week’s newsletter has been incredible. “God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5). I stand amazed at the awesomeness of God’s love expressed by his people all over the world. Thank you. Your inspired words have brought great comfort to my soul.



Have you ever felt as though you are in over your head? You know what I mean. It is like biting off more than you can chew. We all have our limitations, and there are times we all need a break. It is painful to receive light that exposes our sin and the sin of those we love deeply. There are times we must be still and wait.



There are times we must be still and know that God is God (Psalm 46:10). We must stop our activity and be silent. Dan Allender expresses this so well in a book called Bold Love:



The key is that the silence that dawns in light of seeing your own sin does not discount the damage of others’ sin. It simply puts it, for a time, in the background, where it waits to be addressed when our own heart is less disposed to judge and rage at another’s failure.



That time of being still to know and the place for being silent in God’s light has arrived for Susan Smith. Allender says, “Silence is required for deep change . . . the silence that deeply changes our heart is the hush that comes when we are caught in our hatred and found to be without excuse.”



God has loaded my plate with delicious food as I continue to learn at Columbia International University (CIU). This week I have had another taste of something that is very important. What I have learned is true for you too. Wherever God has you is where he wants you for his good will and purpose. The mighty God of Israel never makes a mistake. He loves us with an everlasting love. The Lord has led me to CIU in order for me to receive more healing for my heart and soul as well as to prepare me for the future. God took me to Jerusalem for five years to heal my heart as well as to work with Bridges for Peace in the accounting department. My healing continues.



Dan Allender tells a bit about how God loves us: “He dares, in fact, to tear us away from all presumptions of logic, fairness, safety, and normalcy . . . He will have His way and invites us to join Him in the mystery of relationship.” Scripture tells us to ask, seek and knock; we are then assured that we will receive, find and the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7). There is only one door to life. Jesus said, “I am the door” (John 10:9).



The evangelist, James Robison, said in 1989 that no matter how active we are or how diligently we “serve the Lord,” if we do not know him, and live in intimate fellowship with him, then we are not in the center of his will, and we will not experience the mainstream of his blessings and power. I agree. What James Robison said is true for you and for me.



I believe with all of my heart that God has placed me in school during this season for his good will and purpose. I am to learn. I am also to receive more healing in my heart and soul. The Lord can choose to use us to touch hearts and lives no matter where we are or what we are doing.



The land of my life needs to be healed. God’s healing is continuous if we choose to receive. The land and life of my country, the United States of America, needs to be healed. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Does your life need to be healed? Does your country need healing?



We must always remember the correct order according to God’s Word. We must humble ourselves first. The second step is to pray and seek God’s face. The third step is to turn from our wicked ways. Then the Lord will hear from heaven; he will forgive our sin, and he will heal our land. No other order will work. Humility comes first.



Only in humility can we pray and seek God’s face. Only in humility by the grace of God are we able to turn from our wicked ways. Let us pray together, as Jesus the Messiah taught his disciples, for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). We will meet again after today. For now, the Lord is leading me to be still and silent for a season as I seek and ask for his mercy. Shabbat Shalom, until we meet again...

Patriotic and Resilient Citizen Resistance

Once again, it's "Blogment" time! Being that my time in limited for blogging today, I wanted to share a comment that I had originally posted in reply to commenter "Rebecca" in yesterday's post. She had mentioned that another radically pro-abortion person was most likely to gain a congressional seat in CO.

Earlier this morning, I received two emails on the topic of abortion. Here is the blogment:

I see Obama as the worst kind of liar. He tries to appear "neutral" by inviting someone like Rick Warren to the Inauguration (the gay activists are having a FIT about that) [Update: Oh boy...Obama's REALLY in the dog house over this!!], and claims that though he's pro-"choice" (code word for pro-death-to-babies-in-the-womb!), he wants to CLAIM to work to make abortions "legal, safe, and rare."

Ironically, I got an email from a dear friend this morning who shared this:

Rick Warren Not Satisfied with Making Abortions 'Rare'

The Christian Post reports that megachurch pastor Rick Warren may be on good terms with President-elect Barack Obama, but does not support Obama's policy of making abortions "rare." In an interview with Beliefnet Editor-in-Chief Steven Waldman, Warren said, "Of course I want to reduce the number of abortions... But to me it is kind of a charade in that people say 'We believe abortions should be safe and rare." He continued, "Don't tell me it should be rare. That's like saying on the Holocaust, 'Well, maybe we could save 20 percent of the Jewish people in Poland and Germany and get them out and we should be satisfied with that,'" Warren said. "I'm not satisfied with that. I want the Holocaust ended."

I also got an email entitled, "Pre-born in peril under Obama" from a pro-life activist who shared what Obama will do TO INCREASE ABORTIONS:

+ + Urgent Pro-Life Update ++

12/17/2008

Dear Christine,

With only weeks to go before the Obama presidency begins, Pro-lifers across the nation are fearful that he will promote the most radical abortion agenda in the history of our country...

To begin with, we anticipate that Obama will quickly sign "The Freedom of Choice Act" - abolishing any state or federal regulations on abortion!

-parental notification rights would be terminated.
-waiting periods for abortions would cease to exist.
-requirements for full disclosure wouldn't be necessary.
-the barbaric partial-birth abortion procedure would again become a legal option.

Most importantly, the Act would repeal the Hyde Amendment restricting the use of federal funds on abortion!

Without question Obama's intent is not to protect pre-bornlife, but rather make it even easier to destroy!

It makes me physically ILL to think about HOW DRASTICALLY THE PRE-BORN ARE GOING TO BE IN PERIL UNDER OBAMA.

*******

There is a petition that you can sign at Grassfire.org

The Resistance States:

As an American citizen, while I will show respect to President-elect Obama, I oppose the far-Left and socialistic elements that comprise the centerpiece of his agenda. I recognize that it will take a patriotic and resilient Citizen Resistance to block implementation of this agenda and I join with others who oppose these threats to our liberties.


Specifically, I Resist:

Socialistic wealth redistribution including any and all tax increases and big-government welfare programs.

Silencing conservatives through the Fairness Doctrine and other efforts that restrict free speech.

Open border anarchy including amnesty for illegal aliens and promotion of multi-nation “unions”.

Government-run health care that weakens our system and imposes more tax burdens on citizens.

Weakening of our military through rapid pullback from Iraq, defunding our troops and overall disarmament.

Social liberalism including radical pro-abortion agenda, the end of marriage and the homosexual agenda.

Liberal court activism that undermines faith, family and liberties while expanding government control.

Post-American globalism that diminishes our global role and threatens our national sovereignty.

Environmental extremism, the CO2 tax, undermining coal and nuclear, and bans on exploration.

Weakening the 2nd Amendment through unconstitutional gun laws that take away or penalize us for owning firearms and our right to defend our family, our property, and ourselves.

Update: New Study: High Rates of Psychological Problems and Death Among Post-Abortive Women

That research article if just more proof:

Abortion kills one life and destroys another...

HT's:

Grassfire.org

Scooters Report

Wake Up Americans

*******
Thursday evening Update:

For those of you who are following (or, unsure about the reasons for all the lawsuits) the Obama natural born citizen controversy, the following two videos help to spell it out clearly:

Dr. Orly Taitz - Part 1

Dr. Orly Taitz - Part 2

Strongholds = Difficult Challenges. Nevertheless...

Yesterday, my blogging friend Jim Leasure of Journaling For Growth sent me (as well as several other Christians) an email with a request to read an accompanying blog post. He then made a request for us (if each individual reader was willing) to send back a response to both.

At the time I read his email and the article, I was excited about this task and just couldn't wait to respond! I sent off a quick reply to Jim and asked:

Would it be best to make it short and to the point? Is it OK to provide additional links to back up what I am saying in my response (plus, give readers the option to read much more)?

The idea was to respond and use the "reply all" button so that everyone could read each person's response. I was ready to write a book! On second thought, people might not read it if it is too long. So, I was thinking that I would make it a short response and just include links to expand upon the points.

I was really excited about responding. This was a topic right up Talk Wisdom's alley!

Because of prior obligations yesterday, I knew that I couldn't type my response right away. But my mind was already filled with several points I wanted to make.

After I read Jim's email and the article link, it was time to close my browser and head out the door to meet a friend for breakfast. After that, I had several errands to do. After that, I had chores at home. After that, I needed to cook dinner. After that, I had to clean up the kitchen. By the time I was done, I was just too exhausted to type up my response last night. I sent Jim an email explaining that I will respond tomorrow. He was gracious and understanding.

This morning, while drinking my coffee I looked at my bookshelf to see what book I wanted to start reading this week. Passed over several of them. Then, I spotted "Facing Your Giants" by Max Lucado.

Have you ever had an argument...well....maybe more like a conversation with yourself in your own mind? I thought, "I have already read that book."

Something (Someone?) told me, "Read it again."

But, I want to start a new book.

"Read it again."

O.K. I will read it again.

When I opened the book, I had a bookmark at chapter 12 entitled, "Strongholds." I thought to myself - yes - this is a chapter that I need to read again! Many people (if the truth be told - ALL people) struggle with strongholds in their lives.

As I read through the chapter, all that I wanted to share in my reply to Jim's email and article link began to fade away. I had found the response that maybe God wanted me to share!

First things first. Here is a copy of Jim's email which includes the link to the article he requested me to read:

If you choose to reply to this, please select "Reply All" as I am sending this communication to all Pastors, Leaders and Teachers of the Church as I have listed in my address book.

In the past year, I have had concerns for the direction the Church is heading and the ever increasing ineffectiveness of our (not all of you) leaders.

Please take a moment to read the article at this link: America - A Christian Nation?

This is just one of many opinions I have read concerning the direction and influence of the Church.

In the past year, I have sent emails to Pastors, teachers and leaders whom I know, personally. In some cases, I received requests to have their names removed from my address book. I was told that what I was submitting to your attention was offensive. In every case I had sent this type of communication, it was to convey information that the media is putting aside, and then, when the Supreme Court decides not to hear a case with highly credible evidence, the media announces that the SCOTUS will not hear the case, as if many really knew of it in the first place!

Some of these Pastors have stated their opinions and request that I not send information in such a way that I have felt shame for even sending information which expressed my concerns. One, threatened to place my email address in his "Junk Mail Folder".

Jim adds:
To clarify what my concern is; I wrote to say Christians are allowing issues of economy, and environment (which are important) to trump those values that are the signature of God's will. And thus, have given their vote to an immoral man who has claimed to be a Christian and is setting a poor example as to what a Christian is by his desire to promote abortion and the homosexual agenda. And our pastors, teachers and leaders are being silent, not wanting to offend anyone by proclaiming what God has said.

Please take a moment to comment and select "reply all".
Sincerely,
James Leasure

I have to agree with Jim on his concerns. Ignoring the abortion issue and Obama's support for the homosexual agenda was, IMHO, an extreme mistake (for all - but especially for Christians). Because of this, our nation will inevitably suffer dire consequences when Obama gets into office and has the power to exert his political will over our country.

Due to the fact that we will have a president who holds a worldview that is as anti-Bible as any atheist, agnostic, or even Marxist/Communist out there, our nation will face being under an anti-Christian stronghold for four years. The havoc that will be unleashed is currently unknown to us now, but when he gets into office and starts placing his far left policies into place, I truly believe that many people will regret voting for this man.

First, here is a definition of the term "stronghold":

A "stronghold" is defined as:
1. A fortified place or a fortress.
2. a. A place of survival or refuge: one of the last strongholds of an age-old tradition.
b. An area dominated or occupied by a special group or distinguished by a special quality: a feminist stronghold; a stronghold of democracy.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth EditionCopyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Let's look at an ancient example of one man who had the courage to stand against the strongholds of his day.

In 2 Samuel 5, we read how many times David had to defeat the Philistines, who, when they heard that David had captured the city came back again and again to take it away.

In "Facing Your Giants," Max Lucado mentions that strongholds are often a tool of Satan.

What is that one weakness, bad habit, rotten attitude? Where does Satan have a stronghold within you? Ahh, there is the fitting word - stronghold: a fortress, citadel, thick walls, tall gates. It's as if the devil staked a claim on one weakness and constructed a rampart around it. "You ain't touching this flaw, " he defies heaven, placing himself squarely between God's help and your

* explosive temper
* fragile self-image
* freezer-size appetite,
* distrust for authority.


He (Satan) won't go away. He lives up to both sides of his compound name: strong enough to grip like a vise and stubborn enough to hold on. He clamps like a bear trap - the harder you shake, the more it hurts.

Strongholds: old, difficult, discouraging challenges.

That's what David faced when he looked at Jerusalem. When you and I think of the city we envision temples and prophets. We picture Jesus teaching, a New Testament church growing. We imagine a thriving, hub-of-history capital.

When David sees Jerusalem in 1000 BC, he sees something else. He sees a millennium-old, cheerless fortress, squatting defiantly on the spine of a ridge of hills. A rugged outcropping elevates her. Tall walls protect her. Jebusites indwell her. No one bothers them. Philistines fight the Amalekites. Amalekites fight the Hebrews. But the Jebusites? They are a coiled rattlesnake in the desert. Everyone leaves them alone.

We could use the description of a "coiled rattlesnake" to emphasize what is happening in America today. How many could you list?

1. The coiled rattlesnake of Atheists Posting Hateful Sign Against Christian Faith

2. The coiled rattlesnake of Homosexual activists destroying traditional marriage. and why it matters that theologically liberal Christians often side with them.

3. The coiled rattlesnake of The abortion myth: It's just a clump of cells crowd.

4. The coiled rattlesnake of the genuine, anti-choice crowd and all of the issues and views that they want to silence and eliminate.

I could list many, many more examples of strongholds in our society that have, unfortunately, captured the minds, hearts, souls and spirits of people...even some self-professing Christians. The "Media of Mass Deception" is highly responsible for this and has caused many people to swallow that blue pill of an alternate reality which is anathema to God and His Word.

Let's continue with David's story in Lucado's book:

Everyone leaves them (the Jebusites) alone. Everyone, that is, except David. The just-crowned king of Israel has his eye on Jerusalem. He's inherited a divided kingdom. The people need, not just a strong leader, but strong headquarters.

Lucado cites 2 Samuel 5:6-9 (NKJV):

2Sa 5:6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, "You shall not come in here; but the blind and the lame will repel you," thinking, "David cannot come in here."

2Sa 5:7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the City of David).

2Sa 5:8 Now David said on that day, "Whoever climbs up by way of the water shaft and defeats the Jebusites (the lame and the blind, who are hated by David's soul), he shall be chief and captain."* Therefore they say, "The blind and the lame shall not come into the house."

2Sa 5:9 Then David dwelt in the stronghold, and called it the City of David. And David built all around from the Millo* and inward.

Lucado continues:

This regrettably brief story tantalizes us with the twofold appearance of the term stronghold. In verse 7, "David took the stronghold," and in verse 9, "David dwelt in the stronghold."

[J]erusalem meets the qualifications of one: an old, difficult, and discouraging fortress. From atop the turrets, Jebusite soldiers have ample time to direct arrows at any would-be wall climbers. And discouraging? Just listen to the way the city-dwellers taunt David. "You'll never get in here...Even the blind and lame could keep you out!" (5:6 NLT).

The Jebusites pour scorn on David like Satan dumps buckets of discouragement on you:

* "You'll never overcome your bad habits."
* "Born white trash; gonna die white trash."
* "Think you can overcome your addictions? Think again."

In Lucado's book, he discusses the individual strongholds that can ruin our lives if we let the enemy of our souls build a stronghold there. I have only listed just a few of the strongholds (above) that can overtake our lives and lead us away from facing that giant of unrepentant sin in our lives; which, in turn, may hinder us from salvation through Jesus Christ.

I ask you. Is "just getting along" and "not sharing the need for repentance" and "staying silent on social and moral issues" which are in direct defiance of God's Holy Word what Jesus would have us do?

No. Of course not!

Lucado:

If you've heard the mocking David heard, your story needs the word David's has. Did you see it? Most hurry past it. Let's not. Pull out a pen and underline this twelve-letter masterpiece.

Nevertheless.

"Nevertheless David took the stronghold..."

Granted, the city was old. The walls were difficult. The voices were discouraging...Nevertheless David took the stronghold.

The voices were discouraging (both of our enemies and our liberal left media)... Nevertheless, LIBERTY took the stronghold.

David turns a deaf ear to old voices. Those mockers strutting on the wall tops? David ignores them. He dismisses their words and goes about his work.

That's a true sign of a great leader...

Wouldn't you love God to write a nevertheless in your biography?

We all need a nevertheless. And God has plenty to go around. Strongholds mean nothing to him. Remember Paul's words? "We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:4 NLT)

Lucado:

Remember Nehemiah? Five hundred years later, he headed up a building program to restore the fortifications after Jerusalem was in ruins and many people were in captivity. Critics tell him to stop. They plan to interfere with his work. They list all the reasons the stones can't and shouldn't be re stacked. But Nehemiah won't listen to them. Nehemiah knew how to press the "mute button" on his dissenters. (see Neh. 6:3)

What about the individual, personal strongholds in your own life?

Lucado:

Two types of thoughts continually vie for your attention. One proclaims God's strengths; the other lists your failures.

Why listen to the mockers...when you can, with the same ear, listen to the voice of God?

I know many victorious Christians who overcame some deep and difficult strongholds within their own lives! Alcohol, drugs, illicit sex, pornography...you name it.

Just like David, they found fresh hope in God through His strength!

The Person of Jesus Christ indwelling within the soul of the believer has the power to overcome any stronghold in your life...if you allow Him to work within you through the power of the Holy Spirit!

What a promise we have in Jesus Christ!!

Eph 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Eph 1:14 who* is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Eph 1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

Eph 1:16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

Eph 1:17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,

Eph 1:18 the eyes of your understanding* being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

Eph 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

Eph 1:20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

Eph 1:21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Eph 1:22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,

Eph 1:23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Footnotes:
1:10 NU-Text and M-Text omit both.
1:14 NU-Text reads which.
1:18 NU-Text and M-Text read hearts.

Lucado:

Who knows, you may be a prayer away from a nevertheless. God loves to give them.

Source: Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado; W Publishing Group, A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006, pp.

*******

HT's:

Jim Leasure: Journaling For Growth

GOP USA

America - A Christian Nation?

Matrix Philosphy - Blue or Red Pill?

4 Simpsons: Eternity Matters

The Right Not To Be Insulted?

My last post dealt with the fact that hyper-tolerance (a.k.a the idea that homosexuals, in particular, deserve the right not to be insulted) has overtaken the minds of many homosexual (surprise???) legislators in San Francisco. Recall that they voted to pass a resolution to condemn a group of Catholic teens from voicing THEIR FREE SPEECH RIGHTS concerning the view that homosexual behavior (as well as other morally repugnant sexual deviancy) is sin.

When did people come up with the idea that they have the right to pass ordinances and laws against the worldviews and religious beliefs of other people just because they think they should have the right not to ever be insulted?

What about the insult that the FREE SPEECH homosexual pride parades present to people who find such activities insulting to them? Should they have the right not to be forced to be exposed to something so morally repugnant?

I thank God that we have the right to free speech written in the Constitution of the United States. I think that it is the only amendment that will keep us from crazy new laws that would totally criminalize Christianity.

Oh yes...many gay groups and the ACLU try to pass laws that would criminalize Christian beliefs. But they usually fail in the upper courts precisely because FREE SPEECH DOES NOT ALLOW THE RIGHT NOT TO BE INSULTED!

Apparently, Brazil is not so fortunate. Take a look at what is now happening there because their House of Representatives has already passed a bill that is specifically designed to send Christians to prison for speaking out against the sin of homosexual behavior.

Excerpt:

If anyone prevents actions of "homosexual affection" in public or private locations open to the public, they could face up to five years in prison for doing so, the Association of the Defense of Life reports.

The bill also seeks to penalize private and public school administrators with up to three years in prison if they refuse to hire openly "gay" teachers.

According to the CNA, the measure will force prison time for any "moral, ethical, philosophical or psychological expression that questions homosexual practices."

You might wonder, where did this come from?

Why is such counter-discrimination against Christians being done by groups who have fought so long and hard against real (and, if honestly evaluated, only perceived) discrimination against them?

I think that the answer is that they are trying to achieve a special right to never be insulted. Sorry people...but THAT'S JUST CRAZY! Free speech does not allow such a right!

Look. I know that Christians will probably be discriminated (and reviled, and insulted, and mocked, and hated, and disparaged, and put down etc.) for as long as we live. Jesus, in fact, told us that such things would come with the territory. We are to expect it. So why, may I ask, do homosexuals believe that they should have laws passed that would mean they could never be insulted? Why would Christians have to be criminalized because they desire to follow God's Laws in the Bible and share the gospel of Jesus Christ regarding redemption for sin - including redemption from the sin of homosexual behavior?

I think that the answer is quite clear. The opposition wants us to be silenced. Period. They don't care how long it will take or what measures need to be taken to do so - they just want it.

Take a look at the worldview of Brazil's chief:

Only weeks ago, WND reported the president of Brazil said "opposing" homosexuality makes you a sick person, and he believes such thoughts need to be criminalized.

Brazilian chief Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who won a narrow re-election following a cash-for-votes scandals, held the First National Conference of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transvestites and Transsexuals to condemn the biblical belief that homosexuality is wrong.

Lulu, on June 5, not only officially opened the event to promote homosexuality across his nation but also issued a presidential sanction for the conference.

Calling for "the criminalization of homophobia," he said opposition to homosexuality is "perhaps the most perverse disease impregnated in the human head."

He said "prejudiced" people need to "open their minds and clean them." Other speakers encouraged homosexuals to claim to be part of a civil rights campaign that already has brought reforms for treatment of blacks, the elderly and the disabled. They also announced the nation's public hospitals soon would begin to perform sex changes on people.

Exchanging the truth for a lie is what the Bible tells us is Satan's domain and best kept secret to lure people into sin. Jesus told us that he is "the Father of lies and the truth is not in him."

We can see, from Mr. Lula da Silva's worldview that he has fallen deeply into the realm of the lie.

So, hyper-tolerance has produced a belief that homosexuals should have the right not to be insulted and therefore, any religious belief that rightly tells people that homosexual behavior is sin and an abomination to God (according to God's written Word!) should not only be silenced, but also criminalized.

See the connection? See who is behind it all? The father of lies...

We can see the irreparable harm that passing such laws would do to Christians in Brazil. Notice that the bill is promotion of the lie of homosexuality disguised as an act to prevent discrimination.

Just another dangerous ploy from the enemy of our souls.

"Did God really say?"

HT: World Net Daily

Refusing To Protect Children

I recall reading that before the Internet came into existence, access to p()rn had been greatly reduced. Good citizens rose up and fought to get the p()rn shops out of their communities. However, once the Internet boom happened, p()rn availability and access exploded. Ever since, sexual crimes against children have risen exponentially.

I know the arguments of the other side. Free speech and all of that. However, there ARE STILL p()rn laws that should, and must be observed and enforced.

I could not believe this next story. Now, I have heard of the battle against Internet p()rn access at libraries before. However, when CCF President, Randy Thomasson met with the Sacramento Library board and told them the following:

Thomasson told the board that the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2003 decision (PDF) upholding the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) means the Sacramento library can institute a zero-tolerance p()rnography policy without violating the First Amendment. “You don’t need battling attorneys to tell you what the law says,” he told the library board. “Just read the U.S. Supreme Court decision which says a library is not a public forum and that libraries don’t have to provide any p()rnography unless they want to.”

I could not believe that the 14 member board deadlocked in a 7 to 7 vote!! Because of the deadlock, Sacramento libraries are still operating like p()rn parlors!

What is wrong with these seven adults who refused to vote to protect children from p()rn and the predators that often result from viewing such disgusting material? It is just unfathomable to me that anyone would side with that despicable organization called the ACLU against the decision given by the U.S. Supreme Court to give libraries the ability to block sexually-explicit web sites in libraries.

What about the children?? That's my question!! Perverts can go get their own computers and access such filth at home. This is astoundingly ridiculous!! And very dangerous...especially for children and women!! They are usually the victims of p()rn addicts who act out their revolting fantasies when just watching it no longer satisfies.

CCF:

There's more evidence that government's lack of moral standards are making public schools, public colleges, and public libraries increasingly unsafe for children and young adults. The news from the past week should convince us all that pro-family persons of faith should be in charge of schools and libraries to guard and protect children and adults alike.

Home-made bomb explodes a Chico junior high school
Four teens arrested for exploding pipe bomb at Hanford high school
Gang warfare erupts and police squad called in at L.A. high school
Third graders in Pennsylvania trained to see transsexuality as natural
76 San Diego college students arrested for illegal drugs
Homosexual sex offender rapes boy in Massachusetts library

There are far more reasons to block such awful material than just the few examples in the links above.

CCF:

Thomasson provided the 14 board members with the no-p()rn policy and procedures of the Monroe County Library System in Rochester, New York. “Libraries should adopt this model policy that uses the latest technology to block sexually-explicit web sites, but still allows for bona fide research,” he said.

Reference librarian Gerald Ward, who has worked the last 18 years for the Sacramento Public Library, told the board that all the pornography and sexual behavior he has seen at the library is sickening. “I have images locked in my head that I can’t get rid of,” said Ward, “because the current policy allows any adult to view any kind of p()rnography. The library cannot allow p()rnography on its premises and continue to present itself as a safe and healthy place. The board has a legal and moral responsibility to prohibit people from using library computers to view p()rnographic images.”

If you have the means and are able to donate to CCF (Campaign for Children and Families), please go to the website and donate all that you can. ANY amount will help this worthy organization to continue their much needed work here in California for the sake of our children and grandchildren!

Donate to CCF

CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (CCF) is a leading West Coast pro-family organization empowering citizens to live out their values.

Code Pink's Mental and Spiritual Disorders

Rabidly leftists groups like "Code Pink" have two problems. Their radically liberal agenda unequivocally demonstrates that they must suffer from either mental disorder, spiritual disorder, or both.

Their latest craziness was on display during another one of their loonie protests:

Code Pink Protesters Try Witchcraft at Anti-Marine Rallies

Lots of bloggers have covered this protest. Many comments, such as these over at Digg have been shared.

But there is more to it than meets the eye.

The following post includes my original comment over at Digg.

When I wrote my comment at Digg, the following quote was included in a previous comment:

"The lovely ladies from Code Pink are at times cheerful and at other times bitterly shrill."

Sounds like bi-polar (which used to be called the less PC disorder of "manic-depressive.") disorder to me. Michael Savage got it right when he titled one of his books after the Code Pinko types: "Liberalism is a Mental Disorder."

These women seriously need mental health examinations.

Important add-on: [Please note: I am not claiming that such a disorder does not genuinely exist. In fact, I know (and have known) several people whose suffering with such a disorder is real. Fortunately many have obtained medication to treat it. Please do not misconstrue that this post is mocking those who have suffered (or are suffering) from such a disorder. That is not my intent. However, as Savage's book indicates, sometimes the disorder is more behaviorally-oriented rather than genuinely a brain dysfunction.]

However, there is more to it than that. If these women do not genuinely suffer from bi-polar disorder, but just are guilty of displaying unreasonable behavior, then that fact reveals something even worse - a spiritual disorder.

Resorting to witchcraft often reveals a terribly severe spiritual problem. Take note of a sorcerer named Simon whose error in witchcraft led him into thinking he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit in the Bible:

Act 8:9 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer there for many years, claiming to be someone great.

Act 8:10 The Samaritan people, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as "the Great One-the Power of God."

Act 8:11 He was very influential because of the magic he performed.

Act 8:12 But now the people believed Philip's message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.

Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the great miracles and signs Philip performed.

Act 8:14 When the apostles back in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God's message, they sent Peter and John there.

Act 8:15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new Christians to receive the Holy Spirit.

Act 8:16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Act 8:17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Act 8:18 When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given when the apostles placed their hands upon people's heads, he offered money to buy this power.

Act 8:19 "Let me have this power, too," he exclaimed, "so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!"

Act 8:20 But Peter replied, "May your money perish with you for thinking God's gift can be bought!

Act 8:21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right before God.

Act 8:22 Turn from your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts,

Act 8:23 for I can see that you are full of bitterness and held captive by sin."

(NLT version - Blue Letter Bible)

The Code Pink women display "bitterness" and reveal that they are "held captive by sin."

God's Word has additional advice for them:

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8

The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth to show Himself strong to those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9

Expelled Reveals Darwinism as an Idol

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed is the kind of movie that promotes a lot of thought. I feel as though I could see it several times and get something out of it each and every time. That is what happened yesterday.

I wasn't intending on seeing it again so soon. However, during an errand, I was asked to wait for an hour or come back. I decided to go down the freeway a few exits and see Expelled again.

I arrived about 5 or 10 minutes into the movie. It was the 1:30 matinee and the theatre wasn't completely filled, but I would say that most of the good seats in the stadium-type theater were taken. In fact, I had to choose between going all the way up to the top or sit in the seats at the front - which I don't like to do because they are too close to the screen.

One thing that stood out to me the second time around was the fact that the Dover PA. ruling (against teaching the controversy over Darwinism and/or the Intelligent Design hypothesis) was a court decision that didn't mean much to Mr. Stein. I really liked the way he countered the argument. He mentioned that other court rulings in the past were incorrect (i.e. slavery, abortion), as well, so the Dover PA ruling didn't hold much water in his mind.

This portion of the movie brought back to mind an interview with Phillip E. Johnson that I had read in Decision Magazine back in 2003.

Excerpts:

Q: The Ohio Board of Education recently ruled that public schools in that state can now discuss controversies surrounding the theory of evolution. Why do you think so many leading educators fought to keep such debate out of the classroom?

A: It's a good question. You would think the Darwinists would be glad to teach the controversy as a matter of educational policy. According to public opinion polls, most of the nation has serious doubts about the truth of the evolutionary theory. Why don't the educators want to address those doubts seriously? They are afraid to acknowledge that there are any doubts that matter. Real scientists, they say, believe without any doubt in the theory of evolution. But in Ohio we had petitions signed by dozens of well-credentialed scientists saying that this area of study should be opened up to freedom of thought. Science should not be committed to a dogma—much less a dogma that is in serious trouble with the evidence—but should freely acknowledge areas of doubt and should address them honestly.

Through his books, interviews, and lectures, Phillip E. Johnson has been revealing that the teaching of Darwinism is "the modern-day mantra of science classes - which is little more than a dogma of materialism."

Ben Stein's movie points this out in a dramatic way. Through interviewing scientists on both sides of that "Berlin Wall" (which maintains the total availability of free speech for the Darwinists, but not for the ID hypothesis adherents), Stein reveals what is really going on and what is truly at stake because of it.

Johnson is not a scientist, but as a professor of law who understands the rules of reasoning and who knows a faulty argument when he sees one, has been working tirelessly against the Darwinist propaganda machine that has created an idol out of one man's theory on the origin of life.

Johnson states, "When science becomes an idol, it's always bad science, and that's what we're getting."

I am not a scientist, either. However, like Johnson, I can recognize faulty arguments too. That is why the Intelligent Design movement caught my attention back in 1999. I understood the fact that the courts would never budge to allow discussion of Creation back into the classrooms. The link between the book of Genesis in the Bible prevents this. Therefore, it appears that secular humanists have been successful at erecting a permanent retaining wall against Creation and/or Creation Science. Creationists stay on their side (in churches, Christian schools & universities), Evolution-only adherents get everything else (which includes the public schools, secular universities and colleges, the watchdogs, the media, and in most cases, even the courts.)

But when ID came along, the objections towards the "Creationists" were no longer valid. The Darwinists have been trying to throw them in the same box, but it's not working. Just because someone is a Christian and a scientist doesn't mean that their arguments are not valid. There is concrete evidence in biology and in the fine-tuning of the universe which points towards the need for an intelligent designer. In fact, discussing ID doesn't negate what secular Darwinists may want to think about such a designer.

Just as it was pointed out in the movie, those Darwinists who admit to not knowing the explanation for the origin of the cell have their own biases and opinions about it. What they don't have is evidence for it. Darwinian evolution does not have an explanation for the origin of the cell.

In the movie, one prominent Darwinist claimed that life could have arisen from non-life "on the backs of crystals." Another, Richard Dawkins, who professes to being an avowed atheist and is the author of "The God Delusion," admitted that if we did have any kind of a designer, he/she/it must have been a highly evolved being from another universe.

He's talking about aliens...people!!

Why can that man get a pass on his opinions and speculations whereas those who might want to call the Intelligent Designer "God," get nothing but ridicule, debasement, scorn, and hate-filled spewed venom for a personal belief that is not being specifically discussed in the science classroom anyway?

Let's look at more of Johnson's interview:

We ask, "What is life, anyway? Is it just matter that is changing by natural processes?" No, that's not so at all. The biological cell, for example, the fundamental unit of biology, is a masterpiece of miniaturized complexity so intricate that it makes a super computer or a spaceship look rather low-tech. It's like a whole city with its own energy transportation, its own fire and police departments, its own hospital—all working together in marvelous harmony. Obviously, there is some intelligence in the cell. You might call it a program that ties all this together and keeps it working for the common good of the organism. The Darwinist theory has no explanation for the origin of this cell. Even the most eminent biologist will admit that to you. So they are stopped right at the beginning. They do claim that you can make some changes in nature by means of random variation or gene mutation and natural selection—the survival of the fittest. And, within limits, that's true. Their claim is not altogether false, but it is true only at a very trivial level. It doesn't explain any significant change in the biological world.

Why can't students debate such thoughts as "there appears to be some intelligence in the cell?"

The movie has several humorous parts in it. There are old time video clips interspersed between the interviews with the scientists. In one of the clips, there is a scene where an old styled western shoot-out happens between two men. The last word, (said in a disparaging tone of voice) of the winning gun slinger whose opponent falls on the ground after he shoots him was, "Creationist."

Comedy was utilized to reveal some truth. "Creationist" is a "dirty word" according to Big Science. So many of the Darwinists in the movie even admitted their own dreadful hostility towards those who don't believe as they obviously do - i.e. in their own atheistic worldview. How did such brutal hatred spawn from Darwinian thinking? Stein's movie answers that question, too. However, the impact of seeing it on screen is much greater than reading it if I typed it out on this blog.

If you haven't seen the movie yet - go see it. I personally think that it might even be a type of enlightenment similar to the one that many people experienced after reading David Kupelian's book, "The Marketing of Evil." Exposure of cultural evils and idols can change one's worldview...drastically.

Johnson answers it in his own way:

They want to substitute another god—an idol—that they can control. An idol is simply a man-made god, a man-controlled god.

Paul uses the example of little figures of birds or beasts. In our day, the idols tend to be theories that come from the human mind. The theory of evolution is the latest fashion in idols. This myth of Darwinian evolution has helped a certain class of people to become wealthy and powerful and to be able to control the whole culture. They are mostly not scientists; they are the rulers of science and culture—the ones who decide how science will be presented to the public through television and elite newspapers. Science is extremely profitable to them. That's why they spend all their efforts and resources making sure everybody believes their particular creation story and no one is allowed to consider another one. It also explains why those of us who challenge that power can expect not just a lot of criticism but downright abuse. (bold mine)

Challenging the Darwinists power.

Spewing out criticism.

Exhibiting downright abuse.

These are all of the trademarks of the Big Science elitists who have heaped such things upon those who do not walk lock-in-step with their dogma.

Stein has done a marvelous job of turning the tables upon them. Dawkins, Myers, and other Darwinists are squawking like hysterical turkeys who sense the chopping block of challenge that would erode their current stronghold of power in science when more people find out about their idol and motives for silencing their opponents.

I see this already happening in the blogs and various articles in newspapers. The Darwinists are screaming about the "harsh treatment" or "how they were tricked into appearing in the movie," or "how their words have been taken out of context" ....yada yada yada!! You see, they have never been held up to such scrutiny by a large portion of the public before.

They don't like any challenge to their power.

They don't like criticism about cherished portions of their idolized theory. Portions of Darwinism are being debunked through the revelation of the irreducible complexity of the cell and the question of "where did this information come from?"

What's their answer to such a question?

'Real scientists don't ask such questions!'

Johnson's interview:

Q: Describe the premise and process of intelligent design.

A: The premise of intelligent design is that the evidence of science, understood impartially, points to the need for an intelligence. This is shown in two particular ways. First, there is the irreducible complexity of living organisms, like the biological cell. This is best explained in the book "Darwin's Black Box" by my friend and colleague, biochemist Michael Behe. He shows the incredible complexity of each cell and the systems that require many complex parts to work. If you're missing one part, you don't get an almost-perfect system; you get no system at all. Any creative process would have to produce everything all at once. The Darwinian says that you produce one thing that has some function, and then you add on another one and another and so on until you get the complete cell. Each step is supposedly superior to the last. But irreducible complexity makes that impossible. That is the first feature.

The second feature of living organisms is that they contain what is known as complex specific information. To explain that, just think of a book like an encyclopedia or a computer program like Windows 98. Computer programs don't write themselves; they need computer engineers. A computer program has a very complex set of instructions. Richard Dawkins, the arch Darwinist promoter and atheist, admits forthrightly that a single cell in your body has more information in it than all the volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica put together. That information is what coordinates the activities of the cell. Now, you know how impossible it would be to produce an encyclopedia by mixing letters at random until they came together in a certain way.

Neither of these things can be explained by the Darwinian theory. They don't even try to explain them; all they do is huff and puff and bluff and say, "You're not allowed to challenge our scientific fact." This dogma is not science at all. None of it has been demonstrated by experiment, which is what would have to happen for it to be truly scientific.

"Expelled" shows how impossible it would be to produce the information that coordinates the activities of the cell randomly (as Darwinian materialism-only suggests) through a cartoon of Richard Dawkins playing a slot machine and getting all of the information in just the right order. His "prize" would be a biological cell. He gets it right at the first machine, but then the host tells him that he must repeat that, in the same exact order, on 249 other machines. It's quite humorous to see Dawkin's frustration in the cartoon....kicking and screaming at the "dumb machines." Speaking of rants, I have heard that Dawkins has written a 3,000 word rant against the movie "Expelled." He really does look very foolish in it. However, it is his own words that he says in the film that make him appear that way!

Foolish is as foolish does! (to slightly change a phrase by Forrest Gump).

Johnson:

Q: At the pinnacle of your arguments against Darwin's theory is the reality that there is a Creator God whom we can know.

A: Yes. Some people don't want to see it because they are afraid it would mean a loss of their power. They want to be their own God. They think that naturalism offers them maximum power and freedom. It doesn't. Romans 1:20 makes that very clear. They turn away because they do not want to honor the true God as God. So they turn to gods of their own making, false gods. That is what idolatry is all about. Idolatry is what our present culture is all about. Sex is an idol and science is an idol. When science becomes an idol, it's always bad science, and that's what we're getting. (bold mine)

Near the end of the movie, Ben Stein does a sit down interview with Richard Dawkins that alone is worth the price of admission. For the sake of those who have not seen the film, I won't quote it here. But Dawkin's answers provide true evidence of what Johnson states in the above question and answer.

Expelled reveals Big Science's idol. It reveals the fact that holding such an idol leads to bad science. It reveals that this is what our students are getting in the public schools, universities, because of watchdog groups that want to stifle free speech; because of liberal elitism in the media; because of liberal judges in the courtrooms; and because of adherence to Darwinian dogma that has erected a Berlin Wall between themselves and those that question their unscientific dogma.

[Phillip E. Johnson interview from the August 2003 issue of "Decision" magazine.]

Cosmos or Chaos? (final update)

R.C. Sproul interviews Ben Stein about the movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed."

[Note: Please go to Ligonier.org to view it.]

Loved R.C. Sproul's discussion about "cosmos or chaos" during the interview!

The video was recorded in February of 2008. It is from an interview where R.C. Sproul discusses the upcoming [now in theaters as of April 18, 2008] Ben Stein movie named, "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed."

The film is a documentary, hosted and moderated by Ben Stein, that covers the suppression of free thought and free speech in American universities. Such freedom of thought suppression is especially evident when it comes to scientists, journalists, or anyone else who questions the validity of certain portions of Darwinism.

As Ben Stein notes in the movie, just asking certain questions can get a person "in a heap of trouble." Why is that?

Why can't someone ask:

"What is the origin of apparent design in biological organisms and/or other aspects of the natural universe and/or the universe as a whole?"

Evolution attempts to answer the question by appealing to the forces of unguided matter (and/or energy). Intelligent Design appeals to the need for intelligent agency.

George Gaylord Simpson states:

"Man is the result of a purposeless and natural process that did not have him in mind."

How come he can say such a thing but a person who believes that we DO have purpose and the evidence of such purpose is the fact that the ID hypothesis has more explanatory power in accounting for the specified, and sometimes irreducible, complexity of some physical systems, including biological entities and/or the existence of the universe as a whole, rather than the blind forces of unguided matter?

In his movie, Mr. Stein goes on a search to find out answers to several questions that design naysayers don't even want asked, no less answered.

The movie is highly entertaining as it is fact filled and honest. During my Internet searches on it I have found that sites which allow ratings of the film garner either an "A" (for those who want the design questions debated and researched) or an "F" (from the die hard Darwinists who spew their hatred towards anyone who dares not to walk in lock-step with their treasured theory).

What I see happening today is that those who adhere to methodological naturalism (MN)are worried - mostly because Intelligent Design (ID) conflicts with their long-held and cherished theories. I understand. It must be very difficult to let go of such strongholds upon the mind.

But the real question, according to design theorists, is whether their arguments for ID work, not whether ID conflicts with MN.

MN proponents do not want to find out. Period. They are guilty of suppressing the evidence (from universities, peer-reviewed journals, etc.) no matter (pun!) where it may lead.

Why?

Ben Stein reveals the reason. In fact, he nails the exact reason in this film.

If the ID arguments work and they conflict with MN, then one may conclude that MN is not a necessary precondition of natural science and cannot be employed to exclude positions contrary to it!

BINGO!

Can you see the funds being siphoned away from the dinosaur believers in macro-evolution (when that debunked portion of Darwinism is finally placed on the trash heap of history where it belongs) with the result of funding going over to the ID camp?

*Sigh*

Is the bottom line about money?? Must be. That, and saving face. Money and pride. What a secular humanistic combination!!

What else is new...

Information about the film can be obtained at expelledthemovie.com, and about RC Sproul and Ligonier Ministries at ligonier.org

HT: Camp on This [Interview between Stein and Sproul can also be viewed at this link]

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Update 4/25/08 @ 8:48 a.m. PT:

A brief video to view! It's also an ad for three DVD's - but this brief message asks some of the same questions that the "Expelled" movie asks.

Unlocking the Mystery of Life

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Update 4/27/08 @ 6:30 a.m. PT:

I have been researching the Internet for some of the best articles on the subject of "Expelled." The following Thinking Christian blog post by Tom Gilson (posted back in Dec. 2007) reads almost like a prophecy about the firestorm that has now erupted over this movie!

Expelled, The Movie: "What They're Doing Is Essentially Shelving Their Findings"

There have been a lot of rumors going around that somehow, people were "tricked" into appearing in this film.

ID The Future presents the second installment of a two-part interview with Walt Ruloff, executive producer of the upcoming docudrama Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. Today Ruloff explains how interviews were obtained with top Darwinists including Richard Dawkins and PZ Myers, and dispels claims that trickery and deception were used. He also provides an overview of the movie’s website, staff, and future projects.

Executive producer Walt Ruloff dispels claims that trickery and deception were used.

And, those misguided people who are claiming that "no one is losing their job because of questioning Darwinism and/or belief in Intelligent Design" are simply lying to the public.

Go to ID The Future and click on the story about Nancy Bryson Question Darwin and Face the Consequences

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Update 4/27/08 @ 11:14 a.m. PT:

Just noticed something today. Discovered while doing another search for "Expelled" that the site called "Tailrank," which claims:

We track the hottest news in the blogosphere!

And states:

What is Tailrank?
Tailrank finds the best content from thousands of blogs so you don't have to!

- should change their moniker to "best BIASED content...!"

Why?

Because it would be more accurate.

Just do your own search like "Expelled Movie on Tailrank" and see that most (if not ALL) of the results turn up blogs/articles with only NEGATIVE reviews and comments!

Here is what else they claim:

What's Tailrank?
Tailrank is a memetracker which finds the hottest posts from millions of blogs so you don't have to!

How does it work?
We find the hottest stories by tracking conversations between blogs.

Tailrank takes into consideration linking behavior, the text of the post, links in common with other users, text relevance, weblog ranking, past performance, and various other factors for recommendations.

I suppose that bias would come under "various other factors for recommendation."

Wow!

Perhaps I should have considered myself lucky for all of the times when "Talk Wisdom" was previously "Tailranked." Perhaps it's not that they are anti-Christian over there, but they are definitely pro-Big-Science and pro-Darwinism!

I don't think that a non-biased search engine even exists out there!

Why?

Because each search engine designer obviously has bias towards topics he/she dislikes!

Oops...used that naughty word...designer!

Even if links to "both sides" of the issue are there, it seems to me that the "politically correct" links are displayed much more prominently.

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4/28/08

Please see my new post Expelled Reveals Darwinism as an Idol

Soulforce to Challenge Mega-Churches

Over at the NARTH website, there are hundreds of articles that give tremendous information regarding gender identity issues and disorders, the various causes of homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality etc.

I have been supporting this organization for several years now and each magazine I receive is chock full of valuable information. Many of the articles deal with scientific statistics that challenge the politically-correct driven APA's attempt to keep their own unscientific status quo of homosexual affirmation alive. At the same time, gay activists continue to demonize and condemn NARTH's valiant efforts to help clients bring their desires and behaviors into harmony with each client's deeply held values.

I have noticed that NARTH has a theology issues section, and I ran across the following article today:

Gay Christian Soulforce Will Challenge Mega-Churches.

Read the article.

Now, pay particular attention to this excerpt from that article:

A delegation of gay families with children will visit each of these churches between Mother's Day and Father's Day weekends. Forty families will be recruited to visit the churches.

Caleb Price, a research analyst with Focus on the Family, warns these churches about Soulforce's tactics: "These churches that have been targeted by Soulforce need to be clear about the real agenda behind these staged actions. It's not for dialogue and greater understanding - it's to tempt them to embrace a false doctrine, which will keep many from the gospel message of hope and transformation for those who are trapped in homosexuality."

One likely goal of the Soulforce campaign against these churches is to provoke an incident that can be used to garner negative publicity for the church and to gain nationwide publicity for Soulforce's efforts. This tactic is part of an overall strategy mapped out years ago by gay activists: portray gays as victims of intolerant bigots.

People, this is a tactic straight (pardon the pun) out of the "After the Ball" playbook. If you are unfamiliar with what I am referring to, please read this post: It's About Manipulation.

That's right. This Soulforce effort is all about manipulation. They are attempting to force Bible believing, Jesus Christ honoring people to, as the Bible says, "exchange the truth for a lie."

Now, contrast all that you have just read with the following interview between Michael Glatze, a former gay activist, and Dr. Joseph Nicolosi of NARTH.

Interview With Michael Glatze: A Former Gay Activist Explains How He Left Homosexuality.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments. Comments are being moderated, but civil open dialogue is welcome.

HT: NARTH

Best Selling Author Targeted With Venom

The message in "The Marketing of Evil" by David Kupelian certainly has attracted its share of venom, including an unsigned comment, "Will you do me a favor and kill yourself?" and another from Ryan, "I'm SO VERY GLAD I'm not you! Get hit by a bus, please!" If you are a Christian, it may be one of the most important books you will ever read!

read more digg story

So typical of those who hate the truth!

What people like "Ryan" don't realize is that he is allowing condemnation to remain upon his own soul!

Jesus, in his own words in the Bible reveals why people involved in evil hate the truth. The truth exposes darkness. The light shines the truth upon evil and sin.

The venom being spewed against the author of "The Marketing of Evil" is just typical of those who love reveling in evil and sin; while hating the truth, justice, holiness and righteousness of God.

Jhn 3:16
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jhn 3:17
"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Jhn 3:18
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jhn 3:19
"And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Jhn 3:20
"For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

Jhn 3:21
"But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God."

Self-Love Pride Over God = Sin

A high school pastor conducted the service at our church yesterday. It was the first time that I have heard him preach. He did a really good job. It was presented at a level that appealed to both teens and adults.

The key message was to recognize how prideful self-love over our love for God keeps us in sin. Thus, he reiterated the extreme importance that preachers and teachers continue to use sound Biblical doctrine while sharing the gospel message. He even labeled the concept as "old school is cool."

The following is a general outline with Bible verse references that reiterate the points being made. After the list are some discussion notes and a link to a fellow Christian blogger who wrote an excellent essay about the radical victory of Christ's cross.


1. The pride of self-love over God is the deadly sin that is the foundation which leads to all others. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

This does not mean that we are not to love ourselves. What it is saying, though, is that the pride of self-love over and above our love for God is the deadly sin.

See Genesis 2:16-17. Notice how the desires in Adam and Eve caused them to sin rather than listen to God's admonition to avoid that certain tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

2. God wants ________ (fill in your name) to obey His Word because He loves you and wants to protect you.

3. This country was built on Godly principles because they work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

We often hear non-believers claim that the Bible is "irrelevant" today. However, when we look around at the sinful conditions wreaking havoc upon us in our nation today, the truth is that the Bible is more relevant now than ever! One definition of "relevant" means, "having some bearing on current state of society."

4. God and the Bible is what keeps order in the world.
One analogy is our traffic laws. We have speed limit laws to protect us and help us feel and be safe. What if a sign on the freeway said, "Speed limit - go for it." Would you feel safe?

There are rules in God's Word because He loves us.

5. What in your life confirms that you are madly in love with Jesus Christ? 2 Timothy 4:1

This is a personal reflection question that each of us needs to answer.

6. To prevent further decline of Christianity we must prepare ourselves by doing the work of the Lord, through studying and obeying the Word.
2 Timothy 4:2-4

There is no doubt that Christianity is under attack today. What will you do to counter this?

7. As true followers of Christ _______ (fill in your name) must be willing to do whatever it takes to spread the gospel to a lost and deceived world. 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Also see Matthew 5:10-12

The last question is:

Are you madly in love with Jesus Christ?

Do you realize that sin could care less about you? Think about that for a moment. Then, compare it to what God thinks about us and has done for our sakes through Jesus Christ at the cross.

Going back to the traffic analogy. We have signs on the road that say "STOP!" We also may encounter signs that say, "take this detour." Why are they there? For our protection. What happens when we don't obey traffic laws? We end up suffering the consequences.

It is the same with God's Word. There are consequences for disobedience of God's laws in the Word of God just like there are consequences in traffic laws.

Sin?

Remember the point that "sin doesn't care about you?"

It doesn't.

But the person who is trapped in sin is saying that satan's plan is better than God's plan. It's the attitude of "as long as it pleases me" rather than having the proper attitude of desiring to please God.

The Ten Commandments show us what's wrong with our lives. The Old Testament is like a mirror of reflection that identifies our sinful nature. However, like a mirror, it doesn't show you how to fix it.

The purpose of the New Testament is to show us how to fix it.

Jesus mentioned that a man shouldn't even look at a woman with lust. He warned us that we are to guard ourselves against greed.

The sad part is, we don't have the ability and/or desire to keep the Law. That is why Jesus came to save us. When he rescues us, it is the power of the indwelled Holy Spirit that helps us strive towards holiness and righteousness.

Why would we want to strive for holiness and righteousness?

Because we love our Lord!

Jesus told us that we are not to think that he came to abolish the Law and the Prophets. He came to fulfill them. He also told us that if we love him, we will keep his commandments. The Holy Spirit of God guides us to do just that!

[Please see The Cross is a Radical Thing over at Camp On This. It is an excellent essay! Steve Camp's blog has become a daily visit for me.]

Imagine yourself going to the dentist. He points out your problem. He finds that you have a deep cavity that needs to be fixed with a root canal and filling. However, he stops there, lets you get up from the chair and says, "good luck with that."

Would he be considered a good dentist if he just let you go on in your suffering without providing the remedy? Of course not!

It is the same with God. God has provided the remedy for our sin and it is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Again, the Old Testament provides the reasons why we know right and wrong. It is the absolute standard of truth. God disciplines those whom he loves! This is why He gives us parameters in our lives. He wants to save us from the consequences of sin; both in this life and in eternity.

Excerpt from Steve Camp's essay:

Compare the cost of the cross with the cost of sin

A life of sin can leave you naked - stripped of friends, family, dignity, wealth, and reputation. A life of sin can leave you lonely - separated from fellowship with God and other believers, left in despair without much hope. A life of sin can leave you in utter humiliation - waking up in the "pigpen" of your rebellion as the prodigal son sorrowfully discovered (Luke 15:14-16). And last, a life of sin can never bring glory, but only shame on all who embraces it, cover it, and hold it dear (Philippians 3:18-19; Psalm 66:18).

Like the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22) who wanted heaven on his own terms, people today, are trying to find their own way to God, but Jesus says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me (John 14:6 emphasis added)." The cross is truly a radical thing.

Recall that last question in the outline above.

Question: Are you madly in love with Jesus Christ?

Think about what many men are "madly in love with." Take, for example, fanatical football fans. On any given Sunday, we could find fans with their faces painted, no shirts, jumping up and down, screaming, cheering and yelling for their favorite team in 30 degree weather.

For what?

This is something that really has no true relevance in their lives. It's just a game. Yet, they are madly in love with their team and they want them to win!

Why not be madly in love with the Person throughout all eternity who loves you so much that he gave his life for you at the cross?

Excerpt from Steve Camp's essay:

Our Lord, having conquered sin and death now gives life-everlasting, the forgiveness of sin, newness of life, securing us with His precious Holy Spirit as the guarantee of our redemption to all those that the Father has drawn and chosen from all eternity to be His own (John 3:16-18; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17,21; Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 2:20; Romans 5:1-10). What tremendous victories that cause us to glory in our Lord. (Titus 3:4-6).

HT: Camp On This