Archive for the ‘Christian’ Tag
The Myth about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Filed under: bible, Christian, men, religion | Tags: Christian, homosexuality, military, religion
Comments (6) A lot of people think that President Clinton changed the law by allowing homosexuals to serve in the millitary by instituting a law called “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” stating that homosexuals were allowed to serve in the millitary as long as they kept their sexual deviance in private. Today I want to set the record straight and give you a status update on this issue.
In 1993 President Clinton attempted to get Congress to lift the ban on Homosexuals in the military. After numerous hearings Congress passed what is officially known as Section 654, Title 10 which clarifies the law that was in place as Pentagon policy even before the Clinton administration, which states that homosexuals are not eligible to serve in the military. Since that time, the law has been held up in federal court numerous times as being constitutional. For confirmation of this and more detailed information, check out the testimony before Congress from Elaine Donnelly from the Center for Millitary Readiness.
Now why do I bring this up on this blog, which is was created to deal with Men growing closer to God? On the surface, this issue probably sounds totally irrelevent. I do it because as Christians we live in the world, and hear about issues like this all the time. It is neccesary for us to be able to stand up and defend the faith to others.
To that end we need to remind people that the Bible clearly says, in both Testaments, that homosexuality is a sin, abhorent to God. It goes directly against God’s plan for sex in marriage. I was going to place Bible references to these points in this post as I normally do, but in my search for them I found an article which does a much better job outlining this entire subject, and is worth reading in it’s entirety.
I hope you will check out the article from CMR for information on homosexuals in the millitary, as well as the article on Homosexuality and the Bible. If you have any questions or need more resources feel free to either leave a comment or use my contact form. And pray for those who are gripped in the sin of homosexuality to repent of their sin and believe the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Have a great Palm Sunday!
Sibelius Confirmation Can and Should be Stopped
As a Christian, we have several requirements and responsibilities. We are required to have faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and our personal savior. We are to love our neighbors, and confess our sins and seek forgiveness from God. We are to uphold the Ten Commandments, the fifth of which is “Thou shalt not commit murder.” Since science has proven that an embryo is a whole and seperate person, this would include abortion. This means we should not only refrain from this heinous act ourselves, but to work to prevent others from participating in it as well.
Chairman Obama, in his effort to advance the pro-death agenda, has nominated Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS) to the office of Health and Human Services Secretary. Governor Sebelius is one of the leading proponents for abortion on demand at the state level. One of her biggest supporters is Dr. George Tiller, one of the worst abortionists in the country, currently on trial for violating laws restricting late-term abortions.
Clearly, this is not the kind of person that should be in charge of the health of the country. I do not think that someone who does not respect life, especially a life that cannot defend itself, should be in charge of the welfare and well being of the country. Well right now, there is something we can do about it. You can call the capital switchboard at 1 202 224 3121, ask for your Senator, and ask the to vote no on Governor Sibelius’ confirmation. If you do not know who your Senator is, just tell the operator where you live and they will look it up and connect you.
Please prayerfully consider doing this today. Even if Sebelius never did anything as HHS Secretary to change laws regarding abortion, we can send a clear message to our representatives about the will of the people on this important issue. Thank you.
Personhood
Filed under: Christian | Tags: Christian, courts, politics, vote
Leave a Comment While I had intended to write regular posts on this blog, at least weekly, going back to school has prevented me from doing this. Well now that I am on a break, I would like to share some of this things that have been on my mind.
With the election of President Obama, the most Pro-Death President in history, and such a liberal Congress, the threat to life has not been this great since the 1970′s. As Christians, we acknowledge that life is the most precious gift given by God, and that He commands us not to commit murder. But we are in a time where life has become cheap. From Obabma threatening to repeal Pro-Life laws across the country, to a growing threat from Euthanasia, we must do what we can to protect life.
In the midst of all this doom and gloom, we must keep in mind that the war is not over, and there are things that we can do to help protect those who cannot protect themselves. 2008 saw a new concept in pro-life policy known as Personhood. First attempted in Colorado during the 2008 election, Personhood seeks to pass laws at the state level which acknowledge the unborn to be persons, extending them the same rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness afforded by the US Constitution. This type of law circumvents Roe v. Wade by identifying a fetus as a person. Not only could this make abortion illegal in a state that passes this legislation, it could also ban embryonic stem-cell research in that state, as it would make it illegal to destroy the zygote once created.
For many years I thought that the fight for life was only relegated to preventing abortions through peaceful protest, offering alternatives to pregant women considering abortion, and teaching abstinence. While I was grateful to have these means, I was always sad that we could not fix this problem by changing the law. I was under the impression that the Roe decission was unsermountable.
This new tact fills me with hope, that the American people, who are largely opposed to abortion and embryonic stem-cell research. I urge everyone who reads this and has a respect for life to go to the PersonhoodUSA site, read their information, and consider donating and joinging the group for their state. Together as Christians and with God’s help, we can make this attrocity right and end the Holocaust of the Unborn. Thank you.
Dark Times in CA Part II-Christians Need Not Apply
Filed under: bible, Christian, education | Tags: Christian, courts, education, judicial, textbooks
Leave a Comment Last night I wrote about San Francisco’s proposal to legalize prostitution in that city, and the horrible effects it could have there. Tonight, I would like to report on an issue related to education which effects the entire state. If you are in high school and are an in-state resident of California wanting to attend one of the Universities of California, you must achieve one of two things. Either you must graduate in the top three percent of your class, or you must pass a set of college preparatory classes which have been approved by the University system. This means that even if you are not one of the best students in high school, you still have an opportunity to attend these universities which are, at least in the secular world, considered some of the finest.
Since these college prep classes must be approved by the University, it also means that the textbooks must be approved as well. This makes sense, until you observe the criteria that is used. Last year, the Universities of California excluded all textbooks for science, history and literature published by Christian publishers or that feature a Christian perspective. This means that Christian schools in California have to make a choice between using textbooks that teach from a Biblical perspective, or use the same type of textbooks as secular schools in order to assist their students in getting into these schools.
We have several problems here. First is the fact that these books are not being excluded based upon their facts, but on their Christian perspective. Now I could understand (though I would not agree) with a secular university excluding a science book that taught Creationism instead of Darwinism. Most scientists still believe the lie that Darwinism is correct, therefore it makes sense that they would use that type of book. But the University officials said the facts were not the issue, merely that the beginning of each chapter featured a Bible verse, and that if these verses were removed from the books they would probably be approved.
Can you believe it? because a textbook, printed by a Christian publisher, has verses of Scripture, it cannot be used for admission to the University of California. Now you may be thinking “well as a secular university they probably excluded all textbooks with a religious viewpoint.” Sadly, this is not true, and brings us to the second problem.
Books that featured the teachings of other faiths as part of their perspective were approved for use in these courses. These included Jewish, Buddhist, Women’s Studies, and African Studies (the latter two examples are not religions but merely other biased perspectives that were allowed to be used). So I guess it’s okay to be inclusive and multi-cultural, as long as those principles do not allow the perspective of Christianity. Never mind that Christianity is still the dominant religion in this country. Apparently that wold view is not welcome at the University of California.
A third problem is much more fundamental. Are not universities supposed to invite the thoughts, opinions and cultures of a multitude of people, for the purpose of sharing knowledge, and taking that knowledge back to your community for it’s betterment? If you chose to ignore one group, aren’t you preventing that free flow of ideas and prespectives?
But wait! Here is a possibility! For years, Christian students have lamented having Secular Humanist teachers, who criticize and try to destroy their faith, thinking that they are introducing them to the great secular world, which is so much more intelligent than that ancient religion they brought with them from their ignorant homes. Maybe these professors are afraid that if high school students are taught the scriptures, they will be better equipped to defend their faith before the class, and may even be able to witness to their non-Christian fellow students, denying them that wonderful secular Utopia the professors and schools promise!
Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. I would be very interested in starting a dialog about this issue, exploring other people’s opinions, or discussing the problems of this policy with other Christians. If you would like more information on this issue, please check out this article from world Net Daily.
Also, be sure to check back for part III of this series, which will feature some good news about the sad state of California.
UPDATE: The judge in this case has dismissed the case in summary judgment. This means that the judge looked at the briefs and paperwork from each side and decide their was not enough to have a trial. This is extremely disappointing, as it not only makes it difficult to appeal (the plaintiffs have nothing to argue constitutionally), but it says a minor precedent. This case should be taken VERY seriously, as it could put all Christian education in jeopardy. We need to pray for the protection of our right to raise our children in Christian schools with Godly teaching. If we don’t fight for it, we will lose it.
Dark Times in the State of California Part I-Prostitution in San Francisco
Filed under: Christian, men, religion, sex | Tags: accountability, Christian, men, prostitution, sanfrancisco, sex
Leave a Comment As I grow in my faith as a Christian, I have become increasingly worried about the state of affairs in California. Despite having pockets of Christians and Conservatives, this state has been known for a long time as one of the most liberal in the nation. With Hollywood in the southern part espousing it’s liberal and secular world view through TV and film, and San Francisco in the north and it’s propensity for and acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle and agenda, it’s no wonder my Grandfather used to say that California was the land of fruits and nuts, where the nuts are a bit fruity and the fruits are a bit nutty.
If California existed in it’s own vacuum this probably wouldn’t be a problem. But the sad fact is that it is one of the largest and most populous states in the nation, and policies and opinions there often permeate the rest of US society.
This year, perhaps because of the upcoming election, perhaps because of our faltering economy, or other factors, California seems to be taking an even darker turn than usual. I think most people have heard about the destruction of marriage in this state, and I don’t think I need to delve into this, other than to add my own discontent and disgust. But I would like to introduce you to three stories you probably have not heard on the mainstream news which highlight where California and perhaps the rest of the country are heading. For lack of time, this post will focus on the first, to be followed by two more shortly thereafter.
Referendum to Legalize Prostitution in San Francisco
This fall’s general election will feature a ballot measure for citizens of San Francisco to decide whether or not they want to legalize (or more appropriately decriminalize) prostitution. The measure, as explained here, would not allow the police department or city attorney to allocate funds to the prosecution of sex workers (and if you can’t pay cops and lawyers to work, how can they”?).
It would also eliminate two very important programs the city uses to combat prostitution. The first is a program that uses racial profiling to target illegal immigrants involved in prostitution. This may sound bad, until we discover that this is a program to combat human trafficking. And what is another name for human trafficking? SLAVERY! That’s right folks! Slavery is alive and well in America. Most prostitutes don’t wake up one morning and decide that this is a good career move. Most are drawn so far down into poverty, either because of drugs, abuse, or in the case of illegal immigrants the inability to find other work, that they end up the property of some pimp, who will use and abuse them at their own pleasure, as well as that of the customers. Those who want out are often beaten or killed for their disobedience. If that doesn’t sound like slavery to you, I suggest you pick up a US History text book for a refresher.
But I digress. As I was writing and reading I got to thinking about some of the deeper implications of what this ballot measure could do. Let’s get back on track.
The second program is a first time offender’s program for “customers” that allows them to pay a $1000 fine and attend a class on prostitution in exchange for having the misdemeanor charge dropped. Men who participate in the program are 30% less likely to be arrested again. This means that 3 out of 10 men in this program are being turned away from the sin of prostitution. This program is not introducing them to The Gospel of Jesus Christ and convicting them of their sin, but it’s a start. This ballot initiative would end it.
This ballot initiative shows the inability of government to solve the problems of it’s citizens, as well as the inability to significantly improve their quality of life. But Jesus Christ can solve all problems. Jesus can elevate our lives from the finite to the infinite. Instead of making it easier for people to buy another person’s body for awhile, receiving physical pleasure but depriving themselves from the infinitely superior spiritual pleasure and assurance of being born again.
Why not refer these “sex workers” as they are called to a church group? Many churches would be all to happy to help them find housing, real work, and most importantly salvation. Instead of giving the “johns” a fine and a secular class, why not refer them to a men’s accountability group so they talk about their loneliness, lostness, and have someone to call if they feel tempted again.
I know this might sound radical. In fact to the secular bureaucrats, it might sound like secular blasphemy! But to me, it sounds like a Biblical World View put into action. And let’s not forget that individual crimes (prostitution apart from drugs or violence) don’t happen in a vacuum either. By legalizing prostitution San Francisco would undoubtedly be inviting more drugs, violence, and even murder into their community. Wouldn’t it be better to invite in faith, hope, and love? Wouldn’t it be better to try and deter crime, rather than promote more of it? Let me know what you think, and stay tuned for part two later this week.
I would also ask that you add the voting Citizens of San Francisco to your prayer list, that the Holy Spirit helps them to make the right decission on this issue. I would also ask that you pray for the conversion of all involved in the trafficking of humans and human sexuality: prostitutes, pimps, johns, drug dealers, and all their families. Thank you.
Men’s Accountability Proposal
Filed under: Christian, men, prayer, religion | Tags: accountability, Christian, men
Comments (3) Tonight I finally finished my proposal for a Men’s Accountability Group at my church. I am submitting the text of this request here, so that people may learn more about Christian Accountability, and please offer prayers on my behalf. I would appreciate all those reading this to be in agreement with me that I am walking in the ministerial direction that God wants me to be going, and that my proposal finds favor with my pastor, church leaders, and ultimately the men of my church. Thanks!
Proposal to create a Men’s Accountability Group for Vertical View Church
July 22nd, 2008
| “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” (! Timothy 2:1) |
As men of our church I believe we are called together for Fellowship, mentoring, and accountability.
We are called to Fellowship with our brothers in Christ, for we are better when we associate with others in the body of Christ. This we already do on a semi-regular basis, but I believe we should be committed to regular time together. The world constantly puts its own influence on us, we need to restore ourselves to a Christian world view.
And they steadfastly persevered, devoting themselves constantly to the instruction and fellowship of the apostles, to the breaking of bread [including the Lord's Supper] and prayers. – Acts 2:42
We should seek advice and counsel from those brothers more advanced in the ways of the Lord to Mentor to us, and make ourselves available to those who need advice & prayer.
Romans 14:1 As for the man who is a weak believer, welcome him [into your fellowship], but not to criticize his opinions or pass judgment on his scruples or perplex him with discussions.
Finally, as Christian men we should have someone to hold us accountable to our actions. This person is not there to judge or scold us when we fall, but to help pick us back up and lead us back to Jesus Christ through prayer, advice, and correction.
Galatians 6:1-2 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Rules and Format
While there are many different formats that a group such as this can choose from, I believe there are three rules which are essential for the group’s success and must be agreed upon by all participants:
1. What is said here, stays here. I may not have a scripture reference for this, but I can tell you that I don’t know anyone who wants to come into a group, discuss their innermost secrets and faults, knowing that they are going to be broadcast for others outside the group to hear. It is as simple as that. In order for this group to be successful the members must commit to keeping the information shared private and must have confidence that whatever they share will be kept confidential.
2. Absolutely no ridiculing, criticizing, or judging. We must heed the words of Mathew 7:1-2, which admonishes us not to judge others, or our Father in Heaven will judge us by the same standard.
3. His Word is our final authority. Every one of our meetings, be they the whole group or just two or three gathered together, should start and continue in prayer, keeping God’s Word first in our minds when we give advice, and referred to any time a question arises. If this group is going to bring men to Christ and help keep them to be pleasing in His sight. We must use the tools he has ordained for us, not whatever we think will fix the problem. In this we should heed the words of Timothy 3:15-17-And how from your childhood you have had a knowledge of and been acquainted with the sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you and give you the understanding for salvation which comes through faith in Christ Jesus [through the leaning of the entire human personality on God in Christ Jesus in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
As to format, I recommend a simple style that starts with prayer, then continues on to group discussion. Topics can include any appropriate theme such as Bible stories, concerns in the news, a book that we are reading together as a group, etc. It is also VERY important to introduce any new members that might be coming for the first time and to make sure they are acquainted with everyone else. In previous groups I have noticed that it seemed easier for members to invite friends as the group is not a “church service,” so friends are more likely to come.
After group discussion, when people are more comfortable and the ice is broken, it is time for each individual to have their turn. If the group is small enough then the whole group can stay together, but I personally prefer it when the group breaks up into groups of 2 or 3. This gives each man more time, and makes it easier to open up for some men.
During this time, each man should have a turn to talk about whatever is on his heart. How his week went, his joys and concerns, and most importantly where he needs God in his life. The other members should listen actively, sharing in his joys and offering prayers and advice in areas where he needs help.
At the close of the meeting the members should gather together for closing words and prayer.
Commitment
Group Meetings: In previous groups I have noticed different levels of commitment and attitude to groups such as this. Some treat it a bit casually and only come when ever they feel burdened. Others made it a point to come to every single meeting. Whatever the stance they choose we do not judge, we love them where they are at and encourage them to come as often as possible.
Partners: If the group chooses to identify accountability partners for each participant, this commitment MUST be taken more seriously. It is a partner’s responsibility to make themselves available as often as possible. It is understood that we cannot be available at all times (many people cannot take calls at work or during other commitments) but they should agree on at least one time per day that both will be available if one of them needs to talk. This will help protect each other against the temptation to sin, and to make good choices when difficult decisions arise.
My Commitment: As group founder or facilitator, my commitment will be to attend all meetings, to be ready with discussion topics, help introduce new members, and to provide a willing replacement ahead of time if I for some reason cannot fulfill these duties. I am also willing to step aside if others wish to take a turn at facilitating for the group, but I want it understood that when I take something on, it is my responsibility to see it through and take responsibility and provide solutions for any problems that may arise.
This proposal is respectfully submitted for your consideration and prayer for its blessing and approval. I accept the fact that nothing in this document is set in stone, and that either myself, you, or the leaders of this church may need to make changes if and when this group is going to be implemented by Vertical View Ministries, which I acknowledge has as its final authority Jesus Christ, who has commissioned our Pastor to implement this ministry.
The Church Makes Men Better Dads and Husbands
Filed under: Christian, men, religion | Tags: Christian, fathers, men, study
Leave a Comment Normally I wouldn’t start a blog post this late at night, but after seeing this article on One News Now I just had to pass it on, it is that important.
Too many times in this secular world we Christians are seen as intolerant, old fashioned, and out dated. The secular world doesn’t seem to want our view point, because they don’t think we can still add value to this life, or to this world. Of course they couldn’t be more wrong, as we “add” the proclaiming of the Good News of Jesus Christ to this world, recounting the ultimate sacrifice He made for us while we were yet sinners. We should bear witness to the fact that we cannot do anything to earn this gift, yet it is freely given.
Well, today the US Government, which over the last few years has not stood behind it’s Christian roots, lent credence to how, in at least one area, Jesus Christ and His church do make this world a better place. Under a grant from the Department of Justice The Center for Marriage and Families published a report by University of Virginia Sociologist Bradford Wilcox which shows how men who regularly attend church get divorced less, have happier marriages, and spend more and better time with their children. For details you can check out the article, which includes a link to the actual report.
I am so blessed to have a loving church family in my life to help me grow not only in the Love and Teachings of Jesus Christ, but also as a Father, Husband, and Man. I hope you will point to this study when one of your pre-Christian friends begins criticizing the church about it’s lack of contribution to society. Better yet, maybe you should just witness to them about how it has helped you. Think about it.
Homosexuality & Incest
Filed under: Christian | Tags: Christian, homosexuality, incest
Leave a Comment Here is a post from a Twitter friend of mine on Homosexual lifestyle and incest: http://mklouie.blogspot.com/2008/06/pro-gay-argument-supports-incest.html
Why I won’t be Shopping at Barnes and Nobles
Filed under: Christian, religion, sex | Tags: Christian, crosstalk, petition, shopping
Leave a Comment Wow, it’s hard to believe I have gone three whole months without posting to this blog. I must apologize to any readers out there, and to myself, for not pushing myself to make time and challenging myself to use my brain to write something worthwhile. Most importantly, as this blog is a part of my dedication to serving the Lord, it is my hope and prayer that this will serve as some repentance for my slothfulness.
So, what has brought me out of my hiatus? last week I was listening to a podcast of a radio show called Crosstalk, which is a daily broadcast call in show designed to spread the gospel over the airwaves and the internet. This particular show, entitled Barnes and Noble Hits Children with Gay Porn featured guest speaker Brannan Howse of Christian World View Network, a ministry seeking to teach people how to have a Biblical world view.
Now the best way for you to get the whole story on this podcast is to simply listen to it. But I will give you a brief synopsis. A few weeks ago Mr. Howse went into his local Barnes and Noble store with his 11-year-old son to pick up some DVD’s they had ordered. As they were walking down an aisle they passed a table with a display of books. One of the books on this table, which was laying open, was displaying pictures of homosexual acts of fornication, right out where anyone, including his 11-year-old son, could see them.
Outraged, Mr. Howse closed the book and went and found a manager to complained too. When he found the Assistant manager he brought her to the table and showed her the book in question. She informed him that this was the second time that day that the book had been put out like that, presumably by a customer, who one could only assume was watching to see who in the store would look at the book in order to approach them!
There are several issues here that need to be addressed. Obviously, as a Christian I believe that homosexuality is a sin, and personally do not think these kinds of books should be in my local store. Neither should any other kind of pornographic material. And I choose to boycott B&N because of it. However, as an American I treasure the First Amendment, which provides some protection for the production of pornography but does not allow it in all circumstances (the Supreme Court ruled that it is not always protected speech).
If these materials are deemed legal then B&N has the right to carry them. But it is important to note that many counties, cities and towns have ordinances which require materials such as these to be sold in an area that is off limits to minors. This is when you go into some video stores you have a room in the back, often with a curtain over the doorway, where the adult videos are kept. If a county or town has these ordinances it is illegal for stores to put this kind of material out where children can get to it. B&N was asked about their compliance with these laws and they basically said that they didn’t care. So not only are they willing to sell materials that an insult to God, they don’t care if they make them available to children.
It is for this reason that I have chosen not only to boycott Barnes and Nobles, but also to sign a petition on Christian World View Network stating this intention. I urge everyone who reads this blog to prayerfully consider joining me in these steps, and as always I welcome all comments on this topic.
