September blog ’09

Again…welcome to my blog, although some would not dare call it that since I am not sufficiently “intimate” in the details of my life. Personally, I don’t imagine most folks are interested in how many times I “tweet” ever day (how about zero?), where I stopped to buy gas, or whether I drink Zero Coke or Diet Pepsi. One’s private activities take a back seat to weightier matters of what is going on in the world and the church. That is basically what this newsletter/blog is about, although I do try to spice it up with a smiley face once in a while.

Thanks for stopping by.

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Just so you’ll know…

UN-coinBloomberg.com reported on July 8 that at that weekend’s G-8 summit, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called for a supranational currency to replace the dollar. He illustrated his call by pulling from his pocket a sample coin of a “united future world currency.”

“Here it is, You can see it and touch it,” Medvedev said.

The coin, which bears the words “unity in diversity,” was minted in Belgium and presented to the heads of G-8 delegations.

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Could Paul have taken a girlfriend on his missionary tours?

couple-holding-hands-photographic-pLutherans adopt more open view on homosexuality

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Leaders of the country’s largest Lutheran denomination have moved toward a more welcoming view of homosexuality.

Delegates of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, meeting in Minneapolis, approved a “social statement on human sexuality” that acknowledges differing views on homosexuality. It says the ELCA is strong enough to accommodate such differences. The upshot was that non-celibate, same-sex clergy couples should be in a “committed relationship” since they cannot in most states be wed legally.

Shortly before the vote, strong winds toppled trees outside the convention center and damaged the steeple of a Lutheran church next door, prompting a speaker at the convention to quip, “We trust that the weather is not a commentary on our work.”

This report was not included because it was “news.” Denominational leaders and liberal pastors embracing homosexuality and/or other practices not held by their constituents is old hat. But it makes one wonder: What would be wrong with co-habiting with a girlfriend? If it is OK for gays, why not for straights?
Who is next to say “committed couples of any gender” are qualified for the clergy?

“Lord, it is us?”

This is why I have been saying for years that nothing is inert. Everything and everybody is going somewhere, depending on their direction. And they usually wind up going farther than they intended to, being more involved than they figured on, and losing more than they bargained for. Ask a guy named Lot.
Direction is more important than speed.

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FYI – A/Gs were busy with their own resolutions

At the recent 53rd General Council in Orlando, FL, ministers and delegates or the Assemblies of God rejected two resolutions Thursday that would have redefined the ministry priorities of the Assemblies of God, while narrowly referring to committee a measure that sought to expand the General Presbytery by thirty new positions. The latter resolution would have specified that 25% of the new members would be women and the remainder would be 40 years old or younger at the time of their election.

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Speaking of resolutions…

Scroll for ResolutionsThe UPCI General Conference will be considering a resolution to develop a process for the reinstatement of those ministers who have been dropped from fellowship following a conviction or confession of immoral behavior. While it may seem to be a compassionate measure, do we really need to be backing up—more than we already have? What is next on the list to be undone and removed from the Manual? Are we opening ourselves up to future legal liability should the individual again fall into sexual sin? We had committees and resolutions and discussions on this issue nineteen years ago and put it to rest. Why dredge it back up and re-open old wounds?

Restoration and reinstatement have often been confused in the past. As Christians we are obligated to restore the fallen, but restoration is the renewal of a right relationship with God and should not be tantamount to reinstatement to a former position in a local church or a particular ministerial fellowship. Forgiveness and the rebuilding of a life for God’s service is one thing; being licensed again by the same organization is another. One does not have to have a ministerial license to be effective as a Christian or even as a minister.

In the current cultural climate, we should be sending a strong message to our youth on the value of integrity, rather than one that might be interpreted as, “Oh, it was just a bump in the road. He/she is licensed again. Moral failure is no big deal.”

Another resolution concerns local church disaffiliation. Some districts are trying to make it more difficult because they know the exodus is not over. Understood. But shouldn’t we be addressing the real problem rather than creating a new one?

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The following items have to do with the current national crisis. The church will be affected adversely in its freedoms and its missions programs if the present administration continues its policy of bankrupting America and favoring Islam over Christianity. Silence is not an option.

Islam in America

Monday, July 6, 2009
islam protestorsThe Arab International Festival in Dearborn, MI, the city with the densest population of Muslims in America, provides a capsule of what America will be like in a few years. The following is news you didn’t hear about on your radio, or doubtless on TV. The news media is afraid to report it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEPod-hxD7g

This is a visual presentation from this year’s Arab International Festival taking place in Dearborn, the Islamic capital of the USA, Michigan. It shows what we can expect as Muslims continue to immigrate to the U.S.  Check out this site: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=33173

It was not enough that Sharia loving Muslims were able to stop Christians from handing out Christian literature in the festival, so they also had to gang up and punch other law abiding Christians. Things are starting to look like the UK here. Wake up, America, the enemy is in our backyard. (Not just in our backyard…in our White House, as the next item reveals.)

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Obama forms interrogation unit

interrogation(August 24) – By executive order, President Barack Obama has approved creation of a new, special terrorism-era interrogation unit to be supervised by the White House, a top aide said Monday. Bill Burton, Deputy White House Press Secretary.

An interrogation czar? Who will be the future occupants of the “Inquisitor’s chair”? That would be you and I unless we speak up and help stop this mad rush to emulate a Third Reich or a Stalin-era Russia.

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Obama was against cheaper health care before he was for it

Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) has been one of Obama’s staunchest critics on this issue. He says the president opposed meaningful Republican legislation while he was still a member of the Senate.

DeMint said, “I want Americans to be clear that I have introduced major healthcare reform every year I’ve been in the Senate. Barack Obama did not introduce any that I’m aware of. He voted against Republican reforms that would have made it less expensive and more accessible for individuals to have their own insurance if they didn’t get it at work,” DeMint points out. “He’s done everything he can to maintain the status quo so that he could call for government intervention—and we need to expose that to the American people.”

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Be nice to Barney3Stooges

Be nice at town hall meetings. By “nice” we mean don’t ask Congresspersons hard questions like, “Have you read this bill?” Or, “Will Congress come under the auspices of this legislation?” Or “Will this bill add to the deficit or will it pay for itself?” Such questions are rude, especially when asked in a raised tone of voice or with tears in your eyes. That would be bordering on “political terrorism.” To ask about long lines and rationed care under Obama’s plan is downright un-American—“evil-mongering,” according to Senate Democrat Majority Leader Harry Reid. Reid, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senator Barney Frank—someone sent me a picture of them (above)—would appreciate a little more respect at these town hall meetings. (I am still trying to figure out which one is Nancy.)

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Caskets for “Clunkers”

CasketsLet’s say it costs insurance or government $99,000 to treat a patient in the effort to extend the life of a senior. If he dies, the cost may be only $6,500 to bury him. The savings would be $92,000. Since there are about 36,300,000 seniors, the total savings would be $3,357,750,000,000! That’s quadrillion! That puts dollar signs in President Obama’s eyes. Since the seniors are those most opposed to his health care plan, to see large numbers of them pass off the scene would not bring tears to his eyes. His health care plan would quickly move us toward reaping those savings. When babies are dispensable, so the elderly will become dispensable. Don’t let him beguile you with his smooth rhetoric. He told us what he was going to do before he took office. As a nation, we just didn’t listen.

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Episcopal Bishop calls individual salvation “heresy…idolatry”K. J. Schori on indiv salvation

From the Associated Press – July 9, 2009

ANAHEIM, CA – Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori says it’s “heresy” to believe that an individual can be saved through a sinner’s prayer of repentance.

In her opening address to the church’s General Conference in California, Jefferts Schori called that “the great Western heresy: that we can be saved as individuals, that any of us alone can be in right relationship with God.”

The presiding bishop said that view is “caricatured in some quarters by insisting that salvation depends on reciting a specific verbal formula about Jesus.”

According to Schori, it is heresy to believe that an individual’s prayer can achieve a saving relationship with God. “That individualist focus is a form of idolatry, for it puts me and my words in the place that only God can occupy.”

No wonder the ECA is sinking in attendance. May we all be reminded that those who are compromising the fundamentals of the Christian faith are losing members while Apostolics continue to forge ahead. The more we become like those we are seeking to win, the more fruitless our evangelism will become. Who is winning whom?

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Bigger government is not the answer

The U.S. Postal Service was established in 1775 – they’ve had 234 years to get it right; it is broke, and even though heavily subsidized, it can’t successfully compete with private sector FedExp and UPS services.

Social Security was established in 1935 – they’ve had 74 years to get it right; it is broke.

Fannie Mae was established in 1938 – they’ve had 71 years to get it right; it is broke. Freddie Mac was established in 1970 – they’ve had 39 years to get it right; it is broke. Together Fannie and Freddie have now led the entire world into the worst economic collapse in 80 years.

The War on Poverty was started in 1964 – they’ve had 45 years to get it right; $1 trillion of our hard earned money is confiscated each year and transferred to “the poor.” It hasn’t worked.

Medicare and Medicaid were established in 1965 – they’ve had 44 years tCap N Tradeo get it right; they are both broke; and now our government dares to mention them as models for all US health care.

AMTRAK was established in 1970 – they’ve had 39 years to get it right; last year the government bailed it out as it continues to run at a loss!

This year, a trillion dollars was committed in the massive political payoff called the Stimulus Bill of 2009. It  shows NO sign of working. It’s been used to increase the size of governments across America, and raise government salaries while the rest of us suffer from economic hardships. It has yet to create a single new private sector job. Our national debt projections (approaching $10 trillion) have increased 400% in the last six months.

“Cash for Clunkers” was established in 2009 and went broke in 2009 after 80% of the cars purchased turned out to be produced by foreign companies, and dealers nationwide are buried under bureaucratic paperwork demanded by a government that is not yet paying them what was promised.

So with a perfect 100% failure rate and a record that proves that each and every  “service” shoved down our throats by an over-reaching government turns into disaster, how could any informed American trust our government to run or even set policies for America’s health care system representing 17% of our economy?

Maybe each of us has a personal responsibility to let others in on this brilliant record before 2010, and then help remove from office those who are voting to destroy capitalism as well as our grandchildren’s future! (Source unknown)

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Quote of the month:Quotes

As the Japanese Admiral Yamamoto said after the Pearl Harbor attack on Dec 7, 1941, “We have awakened a sleeping giant and have instilled in him a terrible resolve.”

Is this what has happened with the Obamacare program? Was it “a bridge too far”?

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Media bias

media-biasAs the story goes, a Harley rider is passing the zoo, when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion’s cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents. The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch. Whimpering from the pain the lion jumps back, letting go of the girl. The biker brings her to her terrified  parents, who thank him endlessly.

A New York Times reporter has watched the whole event. The reporter says, “Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my whole life.” The biker replies, “Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger, and acted as it felt right.” The reporter said, “Well, I’m a journalist from the New York Times, and tomorrow’s paper will have this story on the front page…. So, what do you do for a living and what is your political affiliation?’ The biker replies, “I’m a U.S. Marine and a Republican.” The following morning blazoned on the front page of the New York Times are the words, U.S. MARINE ASSAULTS  AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS  LUNCH.”

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Laugh to keep from crying

If you don’t need a little light-hearted song that would make you smile, don’t click on the link below:

http://susie1114.com/10percentisgoodenough.html

Well, the part about Jesus and tithes may provide some redeeming value.

birthcertificate

See, he was born in Hawaii!

I acted stupidly

corrupt_liberals

lb0623cd

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Question: What is “contemplative prayer?”

yoga-childs-poseAnswer: Contemplative prayer is not just “contemplating while you pray.” The Bible instructs us to pray with our minds (I Corinthians 14:15), so, clearly, prayer does involve contemplation. However, praying with your mind is not what “contemplative prayer” has come to mean. Contemplative prayer has slowly increased in practice and popularity along with the rise of New Age spiritualities and the emerging church movement—a movement that embraces many unscriptural ideas and practices. Contemplative prayer is one such practice.

Contemplative prayer, also known as “centering prayer,” is a meditative practice where the practitioner often focuses on a word and repeats that word over and over for the duration of the exercise. While contemplative prayer is done differently in the various groups that practice it, there are similarities. Contemplative prayer involves choosing a “sacred” word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within. Contemplative prayer usually includes sitting comfortably with eyes closed, settling briefly and silently, introducing the sacred word as the symbol of your consent to God’s presence and action within. When a contemplative pray-er becomes aware of thoughts, he/she is to return ever so gently to the sacred word.

Although this might sound like an innocent exercise, this type of prayer has no scriptural support whatsoever. In fact, it is just the opposite of how prayer is defined in the Bible. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6). “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:23-24). These verses and others clearly portray prayer as being comprehendible communication with God, not an esoteric, mystical meditation.

Contemplative prayer, by design, focuses on having a mystical experience with God. Mysticism, however, is purely subjective, and does not rely upon truth or fact. Yet the Word of God has been given to us for the very purpose of basing our faith, and our lives, on Truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). What we know about God is based on fact; trusting in experiential knowledge rather than the biblical record takes a person outside of the standard that is the Bible. Contemplative prayer is often practiced in a “prayer walk” in the confines of a labyrinth. That practice has flowed into mainstream Christianity through modern mystics like Thomas Merton, Richard Foster and Dallas Willard.

Contemplative prayer hardly distinguishable from the meditative exercises used in Eastern religions and New Age cults. Its most vocal supporters embrace an open spirituality among adherents from all religions, promoting the idea that salvation is gained by many paths, even though Christ Himself stated that salvation comes only through Him (John 14:6). Contemplative prayer, as practiced in the modern prayer movement, is in opposition to biblical Christianity and should definitely be avoided. (Adapted from http://www.gotquestions.org/contemplative-prayer.html)

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Book reviews: two books to avoid

Celebration of Discipline

By Richard Foster

codFoster is a Quaker, so his spiritual life is grounded in the subjective “inner light” presupposition of the Friends tradition. He is highly steeped in the Roman Catholic mystics, drawing from dozens of them for his theology. More than that, Eugene Peterson informs us that Foster has “‘found’ the spiritual disciplines [in the mystics] that the modern world stored away and forgot” (p. 206). Foster’s views are also formed by Quaker mystics and even secular thinking, most surprisingly Carl Jung, self-confessed demon-possessed psychologist.

Without question these extra-biblical sources are behind Foster’s understanding of the Christian life. That is not to say that he does not refer to Scripture and occasionally interpret it correctly. However, it is astounding to see how often he mutilates the Word of God (e.g. pp. 16, 17, 55, 83, 114, 156, 170, and 177).

As a result of his unbiblical routes and disregard for the meaning of Scripture, it should not surprise us that Foster has become a Pied Piper leading multitudes away from biblical Christianity. From the vantage point of twenty-six years since the publication of Celebration of Discipline we see just how far astray Foster has taken his followers. These include:

•Subjective leading of God as being the norm.

•The contemplative prayer movement that has taken many to the foothills of Eastern mysticism.

•Centering prayer in which one moves to the center of God or self—an Eastern mystical practice.

•An unbiblical use of imagination that leads to occultic visualization.

•Use of rosaries and Tibetan prayer wheels (p. 64).

•Open theism (p. 35)

•Mystical journaling (p. 108) and pop psychology (pp. 113-120)

•Embracing of psychological concepts such as self-fulfillment, self-actualization, loving ourselves, mutual submission, and healing of inner wounds.

•Propagation of the Roman Catholic view of confession, penitence and spiritual directives.

Overall Foster’s book is an encyclopedia of unbiblical teaching, which leads the unsuspecting reader away from Christ and into mysticism or worse. It is a telltale sign of the state of the church to find how accepted Foster’s teachings are.

(Adapted from Dr. Gary Gilley’s review at http://apprising.org)

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Another book to avoid

Spirit of the Disciplines

By Dallas Willard

book_disciplinePractices called “spiritual disciplines” that are deemed necessary for “spiritual formation” have entered evangelicalism. Recent encounters with this teaching narrated to me by friends caused me to investigate these practices. The first experience involved my friend and co-worker Ryan Habbena who went back to seminary to finish his masters degree. Here is his experience in his own words:

I recently took a seminary course on the book of Luke. It was a summer intensive and was one of only two classes being offered at the time. About midway through the week, while the class was steeped in trying to discern the intent and significance of the book of Luke, we began to hear the echoes of mystic chanting coming through the walls. As it turned out, the other class being offered was parked right next to ours. The paper thin walls were carrying the choruses of a class exploring the life and teachings of Catholic mystic Henry Nouwen. We proceeded, trying to concentrate on studying the Scriptures while tuning out the chants that were carrying on next door. Perhaps what was more unsettling though is the class studying Nouwen was chock full, while there were plenty of empty seats next door for anyone wanting to learn about the inspired book of Luke.1

How can this be? A Baptist seminary was favorably studying the teachings of this Catholic mystic whose own biographers describe as having had emotional problems and homosexual inclinations.2 Soon after talking to Ryan, I met a lady who attends a Christian college. As part of her study program she was required to take a course on spiritual formation at her college. Spiritual formation in her class also concerned the study of Roman Catholic mystics and the search for techniques to help those who implement them feel closer to God. This study also explored “spiritual disciplines” which promised to make those who practiced them more Christ-like. After she finished the class she shared her textbooks with me. This article will focus on the claims of one of these text books, The Spirit of the Disciplines, by Dallas Willard.3 In our study we shall see that those promoting spiritual disciplines in courses of study called “spiritual formation” make claims that are unbiblical and dangerous.

We began this discussion with a description of strange teachings and practices entering evangelical Bible colleges and seminaries. They have been borrowed from medieval Rome and dressed up for evangelical consumption. We have examined the teachings of one of the visible leaders of this movement. Starting with a serious misinterpretation of Matthew 11:29, 30, Dallas Willard built his entire system on the idea that Jesus’ “yoke” consists of various spiritual disciplines. The issue in Matthew 11 was Messianic salvation—finding true Sabbath rest in Christ rather than following meticulous religious rules decreed by the Scribes and Pharisees. The idea of practicing spiritual disciplines was imported to the text, not found there.

We live in an age of mysticism. People lust for spiritual reality and spiritual experiences. The danger is that unbiblical practices will give people a real spiritual experience, but not from God. Deception is the likely outcome. God puts a boundary around the means by which we come to Him and grow in Him for our own protection. If we ignore the boundary set by biblical guidelines, there is no telling were we will end up. If however, we come to God on His terms, knowing that we have a High Priest whose substitutionary death makes intercession for us, and that we have access through His blood into the holiest place, we can be assured we cannot be any closer to God this side of heaven. “Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Notes:

1. This happened during the summer of 2005 at Bethel Theological Seminary in Arden Hills, MN.
2. Michael Ford, Wounded Prophet (Image: New York, 1999); for a review: http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/newsh/items/bookreview/item_1589.html
3. Dallas Willard, The Spirit of the Disciplines, Understanding How God Changes Lives, (HarperCollins: New York, 1991)

Review by Bob DeWaay (http://cicministry.org/commentary/issue91.htm)

This is only the tip of the iceberg. For more information the role mystical, New Age contemplative prayer is playing in the Emergent Church Movement, and how it is affecting us (Apostolics) as well, request the following books:

A Time of Departing by Ray Yungen
Faith Undone by Roger Oakland
(See below)

Order from AdvanceMinistries.org or call 936-856-3419 today! We will be away from our home for two weeks beginning September 7, so call or order online before that time.

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Kiosk

Faith Undone

By Roger Oaklandfaithundone
Lighthouse Trails Publishing
263 pages; soft cover; 12.95

This book is a must read for those who want to know what is happening in American Christianity today, including the Apostolic movement. We are not untainted, folks! Pastors, we must equip ourselves with understanding of these issues or we will continue to see people swept right out of our churches into gross spiritual error. Oakland addresses the issues of contemplative prayer, spirituality and mysticism; the Emergent Church; Purpose-Driven ecumenism; the influence of revitalized Catholicism, and others.

A Time of Departing

512TTJKN9PL._SL75_By Ray Yungen
Lighthouse Trails Publishing
246 pages; soft cover; 12.95

Yungen pulls back the cover and lets us see what is happening to some of our youth who are getting involved in contemplative spirituality in colleges and seminaries. The “spiritual formation” movement is alive and well and is closer to you than you may think. This book exposes the truth about the new spirituality so many are raving about. Prayer walks, Emergent church infiltration, postmodernism, spiritual directors, contemplative spirituality and kindred issues. Who are the “mystics” today who are having such an impact on Christianity? Easy to read; you won’t regret your investment here. Order today!

Brethren, these issues are facing Apostolics right now. Ask me how when you order and I will tell you.

Scriptures-for-CounselingScriptures For Counseling and Witnessing—Quick Reference Guide

Compiled by J. R. Ensey
AM price 2.95

Every minister needs to have a list of scriptures he can refer to quickly when he is counseling or witnessing, especially on the phone. From Adultery to Worry, the topics are relevant and the thrust of each passage is listed. Keep one in your office, one in your home, and another in your car. You can even slip it into your coat pocket to have handy anytime you need it.

Culture of Corruption

517s05TqpVL._SL160_by Michelle Malkin

Hardcover; 22.95

This is a riveting book which you won’t be able to put down, and well worth the time. I applaud Michelle Malkin for the hard work and thorough research that obviously went into this body of work! Someone needs to expose the associations of the Obama administration hacks that he is appointing to key government positions. Inform yourself. We are going to have to know what is going on if we plan to ever take a stand for righteousness. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

When ordering books, please include postage of 17% of order; 3.00 minimum

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For review of the book, The Shack, go to theshackreview.com/content/TheShackReview2Page.pdf

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Parting shot

cannon_shotWhile we sleep…

At dawn we slept. That fact became the title of a book by Gordon W. Prange documenting the reasons the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was so successful. We just couldn’t believe that they could get close enough to attack the seemingly impregnable sea and air bases on Hawaii. So, on a Sunday in 1941 that will live in infamy, they took down a large part of the Pacific fleet of the U.S. Navy, much of our air power, and over 2400 U.S. servicemen.

Could it happen again? Not only can it happen, it is about to happen! All while we manicure our nails, shine our Stacy Adams and trade in our gas-guzzlers for nifty foreign cars.

We are again asleep—drugged by the prosperity of materialism, sedated by a complicit media, hypnotized by a false sense of security, and anesthetized by a smooth-talking, socialist president. Do we think that the events of the past two years are somehow merely a dream—that we will wake up from this nightmare to a glorious world of peace and harmony?

Surely we didn’t elect this man who is likely a closet Muslim, a friend of Islam who may not even be an American citizen. Surely it isn’t true that he is placing avowed Marxists and haters of the American way of life in key government positions as advisors and “czars.” It just can’t be true that he is raiding the treasury and spending the future of our children to socialize this country. Surely he had not envisioned the fall of capitalism corresponding to the rise of Islam. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8Wg3j6MTJg)

Sleep on…dream on.

Soon we shall awaken to the harsh realities of the day and discover that while we slept, the enemy sowed tares in our field and all we can look forward to is a harvest of regret. Our children and grandchildren will feel the heavy hand of Islamic Sharia law. They will be drained of their faith, propagandized by Muslim dogma. The Bible will be ripped from their hands and replaced by the Koran. And we thought we could make nice with the Imams and satisfy them by offering to teach the Koran and Islamic law in our schools and colleges, even installing footbaths for them. (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/07/world/americas/07iht-muslims.4.7022566.html) We just needed to “understand” them. Would they “understand” the need for baptismal pools for Christians, especially those in Saudi Arabia?

Sleep on.

Overstating the case? That is what they thought during the first few days of December, 1941 when certain elements of the government expressed concern about Japan’s intentions. That’s what was thought on September 10, 2001 when the “chatter” on the worldwide communication networks indicated that something major was about to happen.

Check the record of this summer’s Arab (read “Muslim”) Festival in Dearborn, MI. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEPod-hxD7g) Listen to the threat of the jidhadists here in America and around the world. Why do they have freedom of speech but Christians do not? Have you wondered that, too? While we release terrorists from Gitmo back to Afghanistan, they are appointing prosecutors to seek indictments against their interrogators. All interrogations, as of August 24, are to be done by a special unit under the jurisdiction of the White House. In other words—bottom line—we don’t want any more interference of those who are trying to terrorize America. More than ten major attacks within America have been thwarted by intelligence, much of which was gained through non-injurious “enhanced” interrogations. Thousands of Americans are alive today because two (that is all) terrorists were waterboarded without physical harm.

Why is the government not closing our borders? Do we yet need a few more jihadists to cross? Why has our president planned a “homeland security militia” to be armed and heavily financed by tax dollars to protect us from “civil uprisings”? Will they be the ones knocking on doors to collect guns from citizens? Why are there continual attacks from the leftist liberals and media against conservative voices who seek to warn us of these dangers? We can fold our hands and say “it isn’t happening where I am” all we want, but wherever you are, they are on their way.
Jihad is here. (thethirdjihad.com/clips.html)

If the radicals can’t wait for the population demographics to allow Islam to overtake us (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3X5hIFXYU), then get ready for force and terror. You, dear reader, are an infidel. You must die or convert. Patience has not been a hallmark of radical Muslims. Islam is not led by moderates. Its leaders are not merely “good ol’ boys” who like to wear white robes and turbans. They are serious. They are driven. They smell blood.

They are awake…while we sleep. England and much of Europe is becoming a Muslim state. They have to accommodate them or suffer the threat of increased terror. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUEpzs0n_qc&feature=related)

Should we Apostolics ignore all these signs and continue to focus on spiritual hype, consuming our time with resolutions designed to thwart disaffiliation and bring sexual offenders back into licensure? Should we center on “engaging” our culture and spend our days “tweeting” with our buddies and posting hour-by-hour activities on Facebook. Are heavy-eyed postmoderns too busy rearranging their platforms, positioning their stools, and installing lighting systems to be concerned that their religious freedoms are being eroded by the flash flood of socialism, and not caring that those they are trying to emulate are Christian heretics and leading them down a primrose path? Are we too focused on initiating students in our seminary in the “spiritualities” of medieval monks and modern mystics? Perhaps we should place less emphasis on winning the world and more on winning souls. Cease trying to impress the world with our relevance and let them see our sincerity. Show them truth instead of accommodation, love rather than lights. The church is the hope of a lost world, but many sleep.

Weep for your children.

♦♦♦♦♦♦

Fight on!

JREnsey
The soldier beside you

Published in: on September 1, 2009 at 10:21 PM  Comments (1)  

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One CommentLeave a comment

  1. Very well said Bro. Ensey concerning your article on Islam’s erosion of our free society and how we are sleeping. I fear what it will take to wake us up since many of us are not listening to the alarm that keeps going off. We keep hitting snooze. I also fear what quick, irrational decisions will be made when we are so abruptly awakened and not coherent enough to make the right choices.


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