The DHS Report - What it's Really All About

Read if for yourself. DHS Report on Right Wing Extremism Better yet, download it and keep it for future reference.

I’ve heard and read the scoffing of liberals at the reactions of Conservatives and Christians over the new Department of Homeland Security report on Right Wing Extremism. They laugh – especially at us Christians, for being “paranoid” and “overreacting”.

The reason we’re concerned (though not overreacting – as the left-wingers label it) is that we know where this is headed. Christian persecution is just over the horizon. The reason that we are sure of this is because we already know the future, not because we’re clairvoyant, but because God knows the future, and He’s told us what it contains. It's spelled out in Scripture for anyone who wants to take the time to read it.

The end of mankind’s existence on this earth is drawing near. The last years will see Christians persecuted as never before – and as a matter of record, that is already happening in other parts of the world. It’s coming to the USA now.

They laugh, but then they aren’t the ones being listed as potential terrorists in the report.

Excerpts:

"The economic downturn and the election of the first African American president present unique drivers for rightwing radicalization and recruitment."

"Rightwing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority or rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."

"The high volume of purchases and stockpiling of weapons and ammunition by rightwing extremists in anticipation of restrictions and bans in some parts of the country continue to be a primary concern to law enforcement."

The report also mentions "conspiracy theories related to gun confiscations, citizen detention camps, and a Jewish-controlled "one world government".

Let’s be honest here.

What group is repeatedly called "haters"?
What group has been most vocal against electing Obama?
What group is the most vocal against abortion?
What group is most vocal against homosexuality?
What group is most vocal against illegal immigration (they left the word "illegal" out of their report)?
What group seems most concerned about the loss of our personal freedoms?
What group is the most vocal about upholding our Constitution (i.e. most especially the 1st and 2nd amendments)?
What group believes, because the Bible clearly states it, that a "One world Government" is coming?

That’s right. It’s Christians.

This thinly veiled DHS report is really about Christians.

Will the liberal left laugh when our fears become reality?

I think so.


Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:12

More from the Religion of Peace

The "religion of peace" brings us this from Egypt.

Warning - graphic picture of the horrible attack against a young Christian man whose crime was a rumoured romance with a Muslim girl.

Love is a crime in Egypt punished by death - that is, if a Christian is involved.

Not only the young man died, but his father was attacked and killed as well. His brother was also severely injured.

This is an example of one distinct difference between Christianity and Islam.

God is love.
Allah is hate.


Islam...the religion of peace.

Double Standard - Who are the Real Haters?

This happened in Lansing Michigan on November 9th:



This happened in San Francisco shortly after:

Hundreds of homosexual activists rushed out of bars and swarmed a group of Christians who were singing songs in San Francisco's Castro District – and some even threatened to kill the worshippers.

A group of Christians had been singing and praying in the "gay" district for several days, but they never expected an angry mob would run them out. However, that's what happened Friday night.

One woman who was attacked told her story with Pastor Lou Engle at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. She said the group's fellowship had been peaceful for several nights before the riot.

"People would come stand with us and join us," she said. "We got to pray for some people."

But then angry men began yelling profanities and warning the Christians to leave the district.

Here is the full story.


Here's a video taken of the event...(warning - profanity used on several occasions)



Notice what one of the homosexuals said - "this is our neighborhood".

Oh, really? Whose church was it in Michigan? Isn't there a difference between being in a public place on a public street and peacefully exercising your First Amendment Rights and in disrupting a church service?

When is the last time you saw violent, profanity-spewing Christians chasing after homosexuals and screaming at them? You haven't, and you won't.

Don't EVEN mention Fred Phelps and his ilk. They are NOT Christians.

Yet, the lie continues that Christians are haters.

Nero and the Haters

In a book I’m reading by F. F. Bruce called New Testament History, there are a few paragraphs about Nero, the emperor who most historians believe was responsible for the great fire in Rome on July 19, 64 AD. Nero didn’t like the Christians, so he blamed them for the fire and had them captured and tortured as punishment. Most Romans did not like Christians – they were called “haters of the human race” and were seen as “anti-social” because they did not participate in the hedonism of the day and did not recognize the Roman gods. Much of the Roman way of life was seen as immoral by the Christians and they refused to participate in immorality or to worship the Roman idols. Nero’s persecution was done in an almost carnival atmosphere. He opened up his gardens for the occasion, and Christians were tortured in various ways, including crucifixion, being burned alive, or being sown up in animal skins and let loose to be hunted and mauled by dogs. Others were covered with pitch, torched alive and put up on poles to help light the city at night. Many of the women were used as sexual slaves.


“Haters”.
“Anti-social”

Sound familiar? Christians are still being called these things today. Somehow, calling someone a “hater” seems to justify name calling, personal attacks, cruelty and persecution, at least in the eyes of the true haters.

The Bible says that during the Tribulation, there will be two Jewish Christian Witnesses at the Wall in Jerusalem that will be warning the people of God’s judgment. It also says that they will have supernatural protection for a time, but then eventually , they will be killed. It says the whole world will rejoice at their deaths and actually declare a holiday and exchange gifts in celebration of their deaths.

“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth…And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified…And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth." Revelation 11:3-10

…they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice [at their deaths].

Doesn’t seem too unbelievable these days, does it?

But then something astounding is going to happen… Revelation 11:11-13:

“And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.”

Those of us called “haters” have nothing to fear. Our God is in control. We are not the haters. We are the hated.

Sad. We are hated for following the God of love.

Who are the Real Haters?

Who are the Real Haters?

Maulik Sadar and his wife Marala are missionaries in Orissa India. Both are natives there, and live in a small village where Maulik preaches the Gospel to all who will listen.

Recently there was an election to determine the new village leader. One man running was anti-Christian, and Maulik let others know he would not and could not vote for someone who was anti-Jesus. He was warned by many of the villagers that there would be severe consequences if he did not support their candidate.

While Maulik was away at a monthly meeting, and angry mob of hate filled people destroyed the home that he had built and scattered all of his belongings throughout the village. His wife and small children barely escaped to a sympathetic neighbor’s home before the mob demolished their home.

Instead of leaving the town in fear, Maulik and his family continue to live in the village, are rebuilding their home, and are continuing to reach out in the love of Christ to the lost in hopes of saving some.

Who are the real haters?

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Matthew 10:22

"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake." Matthew 24:9

"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you." John 15:18

And men still say this today about Jesus Christ:

"But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us." Luke 19:14

Are Christians Haters or Hated?

Are Christians Haters or Hated?

I hear it so often. “You Christians are a bunch of haters. You are narrow minded and don’t care about anybody but yourselves. You think you’re better than everybody else.”

Oh really? Then explain this recent study.


In this article entitled RELIGIOUS AMERICANS ARE GENEROUS, it states that the Hudson Institute conducted a recent study on charitable giving to poor countries by Americans. It found that American private giving to poor countries overseas was 34.8 billion dollars in 2006.

Depending on which survey you read, 78 – 83 % of Americans consider themselves to be Christian.

So are the unbelievers going to sit there and say that the 17-22% of American who are not Christian the ones who gave all the $34.8 billion to overseas charities?

And in addition to private givings, Organized Religious organizations gave $8.8 billion.

What percentage of the $34.8 billion came from Atheist and Agnostic charities? (If there is such a thing.)


Here is an excerpt from the study itself, on page 40, MISSION TO DO GOOD

About 57 percent of congregations report
some financial donations to U.S.-based organizations that
contribute to relief and development in foreign countries,
with an average contribution in 2006 of $10,700 for all
congregations.

About 33 percent of congregations made financial donations
directly to programs in developing countries to assist in
disaster relief, housing, food or clothing, schools, orphanages,
and development projects. The average contribution was
about $34,354 and the median amount $2,287. In addition, 37
percent of congregations contributed through support of
short-term mission and service trips in 2006 (one to four
weeks or for the summer). In these congregations, the average
number of people who went on such trips was 12 and the
median was four. Of the congregations sponsoring such trips,
approximately 71 percent provided some financial support for
the trips, with the average congregation that provided support
reporting $5,293 for international relief and development and
the median congregation providing $1,600. These amounts
specifically excluded any time and resources for evangelism.
For these short-term trips, congregational support was for
items such as airfare and supplies. Notre Dame also collected
information on longer-term mission trips, conducted by 51
percent of congregations. For this category, participating
congregations reported an average of $6,327 for relief and
development, and a median of $1,777. Support might involve
airfare, supplies, defraying some or all of an employee’s salary,
or housing support, among other things.

My church has sponsored many mission trips to help others in need. I know of one trip where about 8 men spent their own money to fly to the other side of the world to the predominantly Muslim country of Kosova to help rebuild a public park in a war-torn city that had nothing to offer families or children in the way of public recreation. They spent two weeks there ,replacing park benches, moving dirt, planting flowers, putting up playground equipment, etc. for the purpose of showing the people the love of Christ. (see the following about the Kosova trip):

When God's Got Your Back

Kosova Trip Report

Kosova Trip Report #2

Kosova Trip Report Final (with video)

Christians arent’ haters. Christians are hated.

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.” Matthew 24:9

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18

Muslim Thinking - Christian Children are worthy of Rape

In Bangladesh, a Christian missionary's 13-year old daughter has been gang raped by Muslim extremists for no other apparent reason than that they don't like Christian missionaries in their neighborhood.

What would the outcry be if this was the other way around? Oh wait - I forgot. If you create a cartoon about Islam, it is worthy of death. Creating a cartoon is a heinous deed. Not comparable to gang raping a child, who deserved it because her father has the nerve to try to preach the Gospel to his Muslim neighbors.

To their credit, many Muslim neighbors were upset, they claimed. How many of them will cooperate and try to help bring the scum to justice?

Islam - The religion of peace.

Homeschooling - A Crime!

Christianity is not under attack.

Christians are the haters.

Christians are trying to force their beliefs on others.

Christians are intolerant.

Christians are Nazis.

Right…and judicial tyranny does not exist in the USA. Except, maybe in Utah?

excerpt:

"A recent case has gotten no media attention, has to do with a homeschooling mother in Utah, Denise Mafi. She has been homeschooling her children for many years. She has abided by the state rules of registering her children with the local school board. For the 2006-07 year, her paperwork was lost at the board office. She was unaware of any problem, especially when she received approval after submitting her 2007-08 paperwork.

She was unaware, this is, until she received a notice from the court that there was a problem. Enter Judge Scott Johansen. Upon her appearance in his court, he informed her she must enroll her children in public school or face prison and have her children removed from her custody."

Full article here

Slidell Jesus is Offensive

The America I knew has ceased to exist.

In Slidell, Louisiana, an anonymous complainer has managed to enlist the ACLU in filing suit because of a painting hanging in the courthouse lobby. The painting, which has hung there longer than anyone can remember, is a picture of Jesus Christ holding out a New Testament. Below the picture are these offensive words:

“To Know Peace, Obey These Laws”

The painting itself is a copy of a 16th century Russian Orthodox icon and has a message on it in the Russian language, which is also deemed offensive:

“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” And “For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged.”

One person, in all the years that it has hung there in the courthouse, has complained, and now the ACLU must take action and sue to have it removed.


ON THE OTHER HAND, if you happen to be Muslim, you get special privileges:

Northwestern University caters to Muslim students


Airport adds foot basins for Muslim cabbies


Target Stores cater to Muslim Cashiers


The stories are never ending. While Christianity is being forced back into the churches, Muslims are gaining ground.

Non Christians are so intent on stamping out Christianity that they seem blind to this insidious religion’s gaining of ground right here in our own backyard.

When are Americans going to wake up? ARE they going to wake up?

The spiritual realm is as real as the physical one. And right now, there’s a war going on in the spiritual realm just as there is a war going on in the physical world. I know how the spiritual war ends, and the Christians win. I’m not as sure about the physical ones.

I know there are others as sick of this ridiculous junk as I am.
But what are we going to do about it?

ACLU Prepares to Defend the Offended

As was expected, the ACLU has announced that they have received a complaint about the “religious activities” at our local graduation ceremonies. The person, who remains unnamed, claimed they were “very disturbed” by what happened.

Evidently, God is very disturbing. Jesus is very disturbing. Putting faith in a higher power and acknowledging Him publicly is very disturbing.

I guess I don't know what is disturbing. You see, I think homosexual marriage is disturbing. I think Muslims chopping off people's heads is disturbing. To me, child pornography is disturbing. But evidently, I don't really understand the concept of being "very disturbed".

The local ACLU Director was quoted as saying, “Just because you’re the majority, it doesn’t give you the right to trample on the minority.” He called the prayers at the graduation “government sponsored religion.”

Trample on the minority? Show me the bruises. Prove the emotional scars. Prove that the students who led the prayers work for the government.

But of course, we’ll probably never know who this person is.

The ACLU Director indicated that they would probably file suit “using a pseudonym because people are very intimidated and afraid that if they speak up they will be ostracized and made to feel unwelcome in the community.”

Turns out the person who complained was not related to any of the graduates.

Why the heck did they come to the graduation then? Got nothin’ better to do on a Tuesday night than go to a high school graduation even though no one you are related to is graduating?

I smell a set up. In fact, I smell something worse than that.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:12-13

Defying the ACLU

With so many things wrong with our public schools these days, this story gives me pure joy to tell.

My old Alma Mater had it’s graduation ceremonies this evening.

Last year, the ACLU sued the local school system because prayer was said at the graduation. When the ACLU found out that prayer was planned again for this year’s ceremony, they threatened to sue again. This spurred the students into action. The senior class voted to pray at graduation despite the ACLU, and several students got together to sell T-Shirts ahead of time that said “In Jesus’ Name” on the front and John 14:14 on the back “_If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” – JESUS.
Two of my adult sons, who are both alumni, attended the ceremonies and brought back this report:

There were several thousand people in attendance, including 400-500 of the T-shirts in the audience. The pledge of allegiance was said (including the “under God” part).

There was a student led invocation, in Jesus’ name, and a student led benediction in Jesus’ name – and in both prayers, when the “amen” was said, it was said by the whole auditorium in unison.

The valedictorian, in her commencement address, spoke about the most influential person in her life – the person that had been with her from her early days in school, who would be with her in college, and throughout the rest of her life – her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Again, the audience cheered and gave a standing ovation. At the end of the ceremonies, when the graduates removed their robes, there was a sea of Jesus t-shirts among them.

The ACLU can do little to the several thousand in attendance, so of course, they will go after whomever the law will permit them. But they lost this battle, regardless of the legal outcome. We need more of this spirit in this country today. When Christians unite and stand firm, we cannot be silenced. A few thousand people in a little high school in a southern town in Louisiana proved that tonight.

Islam - The Religion of Peace

If you don't read another blog when you leave here, please go and read this story of Christian persecution at the hands of Islam.

Every politician in America needs to read this. Everyone who loves their freedom should read this. Everyone who thinks for one minute that we should give up the fight against terrorism should read this.

Bethlehem Being Purged of Christianity

The title of this article reads “O Muslim Town of Bethlehem”

It goes on to explain that the town of our Lord’s birth is fast becoming a Muslim town, and the Christians are leaving in droves due to persecution, terrorism, and intimidation by the Muslims.

Some highlights of the article, for those of you who don’t have the inclination to read it all:

About the Church of the Nativity:

“It is one of the most sacred sites in Christendom, but there are no tourists … to see it”

From Joseph Canawati, a Christian hotel owner:

"There is no hope for the future of the Christian community."

“We don't think things are going to get better. For us, it is finished.”

Of the Christian population in Bethlehem:

The town's Christian population has dwindled from more than 85 per cent in 1948 to 12 per cent of its 60,000 inhabitants in 2006.

Of the growing Muslim presence:

The sense of a creeping Islamic fundamentalism is all around in Bethlehem.

A mosque on one side of Manger Square stands directly opposite the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, while in the evening the muezzin's call to prayer clashes with the peal of church bells.

About Christian tourism:

Bethlehem's hotel owners estimate that tourist numbers have dropped sharply, from 91,276 each month for the millennium celebrations in 2000 to little more than 1,500 a month now.

About Israel’s Security Wall:

Bethlehem found itself behind Israel's security wall, a 400-mile-long concrete barrier which separates Jewish and Palestinian areas and is designed to stop suicide bombers - in 2004, half the Israeli fatalities caused by such attacks were committed by extremists from Bethlehem.

Last year, tourists trying to get to the town were forced to queue for hours as their papers were checked, while Bethlehem inhabitants going the other way must now apply for an infrequently granted permit to visit Jerusalem, barely ten minutes away by car.

“It is like living in a prison,” says Shadt Abu-Ayash, a 29-year-old Roman Catholic shopkeeper.

Continue to pray for Israel. Pray that Christ returns soon.

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2

"And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." Matthew 2:6

"Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?" John 7:42

Christians Backed Into a Corner - Do We Fight?

My new friend Herman referred me to this article in today’s London Telegraph. For those of you that don’t take the time to go read the article, here is a synopsis:

In England, where the attack on Christianity is more advanced than even here in the States, A leading church group (Evangelical Alliance) is suggesting that “violent revolution should be regarded as a viable response if government legislation encroaches further on basic religious rights.”

In England, as in the US, Christians are being stifled when it comes to publicly professing their faith, and as in the US, God is being forced out of the public arena back behind the church doors (link). The Government is even looking at making it illegal to witness to others in public.

Is there a point where Christians should resort to violence? I fail to find anything in the New Testament that would say such. The Old Testament Jews, yes, were ordered directly by God at times to deal with wicked pagan cultures, but God does not speak to us today in the same way that He did during Old Testament times. Jesus never advocated overthrowing governments or offensive measures to spread the Gospel. However, there is Scripture to support defensive measures, both verbally and physically. If that is what the group in England is proposing, I am in agreement with it. Civil disobedience, if to obey would be contrary to God’s commands, is perfectly acceptable, as well as non-violent resistance to non-violent aggression. And, if physically attacked, we have a right to defend ourselves.

What I fear, as a result of this group’s report, is that Christians will now be lumped in with the radical Islamofacists as being a threat to society, when in actuality, this Christian group’s response is the result of seeing things like Muslim women being allowed to wear their veils in public schools and office buildings, but Christians being banned from wearing a simple cross around their necks. The same thing is going on in this country, with public schools actually requiring students to “practice Islam” as part of their education, but Christians being unable to express their faith in any fashion, shape or form.

A born again believer sees this as just one more step toward the One World Religion spoken of in the book of Revelation, and the precursor to the great Christian persecution that is to come during the reign of the anti-christ.

“…We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” Luke 22:36

“When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.” Luke 22:49-51

And let us not forget the ultimate weapon:

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” Ephesians 6:17

Christianity is Being Forced Back Behind the Church Doors

This happened in my town last weekend, in a southern state in the middle of the “Bible Belt”.

A couple of youth pastors and some college kids decided to go out and witness. They went to the local mall, and what they did was walk up to people and say they were doing a project and needed their input. So people who wanted to stay and participate did, and others just kept on walking or said they didn’t have time. No pressure was put on anyone to take part in the survey. At any point during the survey, they were free to leave the conversation and walk away.
One of the pastors had talked with 5 people so far – 2 Muslims and 3 Catholics. The Muslims didn’t like what he had to say and left halfway through the survey. All three of the Catholics were interested and participated eagerly. All three of them at one point admitted that they were lost and on their way to Hell, not purgatory. So they were given the Gospel. Then the Mall Security guys showed up and asked what my friends were doing. The pastor they had approached told them he was doing a project and explained that no one was being forced to participate. The Security guys told him he had to stop and couldn’t do that any more. He asked politely if the mall was not a public place. They immediately got angry and said it was private property and he had better leave immediately or they would escort him out, implying that they would do so physically. My friend then asked politely, “what about the First Amendment – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press?” They got angrier and said he would need permission from the owners of the Mall, so he asked for the owner’s phone number and they gave it to him but were very angry and irritated at this point and he and the others left.

A phone conversation with the Christian Law Association confirmed that the mall is private property and that he cannot do what he was doing without the owners’ permission. This same law supposedly protects churches from homosexuals walking in and causing a disturbance by passing out leaflets and shouting down the pastor.

It’s a sad day when a Christian can’t share their faith one-on-one with an interested party unless they’re on public property or have permission to do so on private property.

When my husband and I went back out of state last week for more testing on his eyes, we found out the technician was a Christian and we had some neat little conversations during the course of the 2 plus hours of testing, but when the testing was finished and it was time to go, the tech nervously glanced around to see if any hospital personnel were nearby before laying his hand on my husband’s shoulder and lifting up prayer for his eyesight, asking God to heal either through the doctors or supernaturally. At the end of his prayer, an assistant walked up, and the tech slightly turned his body so she couldn’t see what he was doing and he said a quick “amen”. It was obvious to both my husband and me that the tech was risking his job to pray like that.

My 9 year old nephew got in trouble in school last year around Christmas. The teacher had asked the kids to take turns sharing what they were going to do during the “holiday season”. When his turn came, he proceeded to tell the different things that he was going to be doing at the church to celebrate Jesus’s birthday. The teacher got visibly upset and told him he couldn’t talk about Jesus in school, to which he replied, “That’s stupid – it’s His birthday, that’s why we’re getting out of school.”(Don’t you just love kids?) He was then escorted to the hallway and reprimanded and told not to bring the subject up again.

The persecution is coming. In some ways, it’s already here. But we’re not dying for our faith like Christians are in other countries. Not yet…

II Timothy 3:12: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

II Corinthians 4:8-9:"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed..."

Matthew 5:10:"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:12:"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

God's ok, Jesus is not

Except for the occasional atheist who’s upset about the pledge of allegiance, or because somebody prayed a prayer at the ballgame Friday night, most people don’t have a problem with accepting that there is a God, or at the very least, they don’t mind others thinking that there is a God. You rarely hear someone go on a tirade about Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Hindus, Buddahists, etc. because they aren’t really a threat to anyone’s comfort zone. The religion of Islam is only now in the last 50 years or so becoming more of a threat due to its violent ideaology. If it was simply the “peaceful religion” its spokesmen claim it is, it would be tolerated as well.

On the other hand, the closer you get to the truth about God, the more defensive and offended people get. Take the Jews for example. There are so many stereotypical beliefs about Jews as to be humorous. “All Jews are Christ hating, rich, powerful, greedy, and control the world behind the scenes.”

Yeah, right. Tell that to the people in Israel who have been victims of homicidal bombers and terrorist violence for all these years.

Jews are God’s chosen people. No, they haven’t been “replaced” by the Christian church. God doesn’t break promises. Therefore, Jews are hated because of God.

As much as the world seems to hate Jews, they still are not as reviled as born-again Christians. So why do people hate Christianity so much? Christianity and the Bible are hated more than any other ideology or “holy book” because of one reason…

Authority.

People want to run their own lives. Do what they want to do. Decide what’s right and wrong. But Christianity puts a stop to that, because the God of the Bible is the authority in these matters, and His book tells us what He expects and requires of us. He is the judge. He is the ultimate authority. He is the decision maker in all things. He is in control. He has all the power. He dictates what is right and wrong. Jesus is Lord.

The carnal man hates authority. He rebels against it. He despises it. He resists it. And that is the ultimate reason why Christianity is hated so much. Man wants to do what he wants to , when he wants to, with whomever he wants to do it. So man forms God in an image that is acceptable to him – a God who will recognize that he is basically a good guy and will let him go to heaven in spite of the “little “ sins he’s committed – after all, he’s only human. The God of the Bible was not formed in the image of man. Therefore man rejects Him and forms his own god.

“And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.” Acts 7:41

Carnal men have molded God in their own image - into Whom they think He should be. They don't understand that with God's Authority comes God's love. He alone knows what we need - and is the only One Who can truly provide. The world is looking for love, joy, acceptance, and peace. Only God, Who is the Authority, can provide these things.

Actual things I’ve heard people say:

“I don’t believe God would send anybody to hell”
“God knows we love each other” (about sex before marriage)
“God wants me be to be happy.” (reason for divorce)
“Me and God have an ‘understanding’” (about drinking problem)
“God made me this way” (excuse for any sin that they won’t confront and repent of)


God is a God of free will. Everyone has a choice to accept or reject Christ’s free gift of salvation. But there will be one moment in time when I believe God will momentarily force his will on those who refuse his command.

“I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Isaiah 45:23

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:11

I will gladly and freely bow my knee and confess my Lord. I only wish the whole world would do so. How glorious that would be.

Youth Pastor Arrested

Matthew Snatchko was manhandled and shoved against a storefront window, handcuffed tightly enough to draw blood, arrested, and taken to the local police station where he was booked on battery and trespassing charges.
His crime? Sharing his faith with willing listeners at the local mall.

Evidently, someone that he offered to talk to about his faith was “offended”, so a Mall Security Guard interrupted a conversation Snatchko was having with another individual and told him to quit talking to people and leave. When Snatchko laughed and claimed he wasn’t doing anything wrong or illegal, a second security guard joined them and told Snatchko that he was being put under citizen’s arrest for “trespassing”. The youth pastor then offered to leave peacefully, but was roughed up, cuffed and carted off to jail.

The DA’s office later evidently realized the arrest was unconstitutional and dropped the case.

I try to stay as far away from the Malls as I can. Gangs of young men (and women) cruise the malls looking for trouble. Their language is abusive. They’re rude. They’ll run over you rather than move out of your way, regardless of who has the right of way. I can’t remember the last time I read about the local police arresting some punk kid for shouting obscenities to someone who happened to look at them too long or dared to accidentally brush up against them.

A couple of questions beg to be asked.

How can one “trespass” at a public mall?
Why is obscenity acceptable in public, but the name of Jesus Christ is not?
Does laughing at a ridiculous accusation warrant rough handling and handcuffing?
Where is the ACLU?

A World Without Christians

Our country continues to move toward a more secular society. God is being removed from the public arena. Not the vague generic entity called “God”, but the Christian God. -the God of Moses, the God of the Bible, Jesus Christ the Redeemer of all mankind.
The ACLU types and the “Separation of Church and State” advocates probably tremble with glee at the thought of eradicating all mention of the Bible and Christianity. But what about others who have bought into the “politically correct” idea of a Christian-less society? Have they really thought this through?
To get an inkling of what this world would be without Christians one must look not only at history, but at parts of the world today where Christianity is nonexistent, illegal or at the very least, persecuted.
I see a world ruled by vicious self-centered dictators. Genocide is frequent. Racism is rampant. The weak are trodden upon and killed. There is sexual anarchy. Women are looked upon as property and less than human, with no rights or privileges other than what they are able to beg for from the men that rule over them. Children are used for slave labor and prostitution. Freedom is one of those words that you’ve heard about, but don’t remember much about. There are frequent riots and mob rule. It is a world of literal survival of the fittest and every man for himself.
Is that really the world anyone wants to live in?
Western civilization, its government and laws, was founded on the Bible. It is Christianity that has given us the sanctity of life and freedom, of marriage, and of childhood.
As a side note, there are those that would cry, “What about the Crusades, or the war between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland", or some other event that epitomized everything that the Bible and Christianity supposedly stand against? To which I reply, religion does not equal Christianity. Unfortunately, there are thousands or even hundreds of thousands who profess to be Christians, who go to church once or twice a week, pray, and try to live moral lives, and they consider themselves to be Christians. They speak “Christianese”, but they’re trying to earn their way to heaven.
That’s the difference. The Bible is very clear that we can’t and won’t earn our way to heaven. That was paid for by someone else on a cross on Calvary. And yet in spite of that fact, the world wants to rid itself of His presence. How sad. “…even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Christianity Continues to be Under Attack

Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship Ministries has been booted out of an Iowa correctional facility and ordered to repay the state $1.5 million for showing favoritism towards prisoners participating in the program. The Prison Fellowship website's mission statement says:

Our goal is for prisoners to become born again and grow as fruitful disciples of Jesus Christ. We work directly with prison chaplains ... We recruit and train volunteers that lead regular Bible Studies, Seminars and Special Events. Volunteers are formed into Ministry Delivery Teams that work closely with the chaplain and local churches to help the prisoner move through a continuum of discipleship that begins on the inside and continues to a successful transition back into society as a faithful servant of Christ.

WE JUST CAN'T HAVE ANY OF THAT GOING ON, CAN WE????

Meanwhile, this week in Texas,your and my tax dollars paid for Secret Service agents to confiscate....ready for this... Gospel tracts! Yes, these brave men were able to seize some 8000 plus gospel tracts from Ray Comfort's The Great News Network. Seems some moron tried to deposit a $1,000,000 bill gospel tract into her account and this started an investigation into this alleged "counterfeit operation". I've been using this type of tract for years. On the front, it looks similar to real money, but on the back is a presentation of the Gospel. There's no such thing as a million-dollar bill, so what law has been broken?

And in Alabama, a church is being threatened for Biblically disciplining two of its members. Seems both members were in leadership positions in the church and started co-habitating without benefit of Holy Matrimony. The Bible clearly states that churches are to administer discipline to its members, with the ultimate goal of reconciling them back into the fellowship. Members know that up front when they join. Besides that, these two should be less worried about church discipline and more concerned about receiving chastisement from above!

Because of the ever-increasing attack upon Christians and their rights, I pray that we'll see an increase in the number of young people who decide to go into Law. Institutions like the Christian Law Association, the Liberty Counsel , the American Center for Law and Justice and others may very well be the only way for us to fight back - in the courtroom. My hat's off to those of you (Angela) who have decided to go that route and make a difference for our faith!

Hate Speech Hotline

Boulder Colorado is setting up a "hate speech hotline".
Given the current trend of doing everything possible to silence Christians and take God and Jesus Christ out of the public domain, I'm wondering...if someone is sitting across from me at the bus station reading the DaVinci Code, and begins to carry on a conversation with me about how Jesus was really a fake and somehow crawled off the cross and went on to get married in live in France, could I call this hotline and send the thought police out to arrest this person who has offended me? Fat chance.


I was an agnostic for many years. I was never “attacked” or belittled by a Christian for being a sceptic. I saw many people who claimed to be Christians who fell far short of what a Christian is supposed to be according to the Bible. But I also found that some of the kindest, gentlest and most forgiving people I met were Christians. My husband is one of those people. I have met people of many faiths, including Jews, Muslims, Mormons, Athiests (yes, it's a "religion"), Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others. Some have been good people, some have not. One does not have to be a Christian to be a “moral” person. I considered myself a "moral" person when I was an agnostic, and I still consider myself a "moral" person now that I'm a Christian. Trouble is, being "moral" won't get you to heaven. (But I'll talk about that some other time.)
I have trouble with blanket statements written and spoken against Christians, and like other bigotry and prejudice, I feel compelled to speak out against those that attack so viciously. Making blanket negative statements about Christians is no different than making blanket statements about Blacks, Women, Jews or any other group of people. It is wrong and, to steal a term from the "politically correct" crowd, it is “mean-spirited”. So if Boulder wants to be consistent, they should treat anti-Christian speech with equal fervor as other so-called "hate speech".