No surprise here!

How could you claim surprise at the President’s recently evolved position for same-sex marriage? During the first month of his administration, the White House web-site on cultural affairs listed this as a goal along with removing “don’t ask, don’t tell”, reviewing the Constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and establishing “parity” for same-sex couples in financial, parental and employment matters. So, absolutely no surprise with the Obama declaration. For those who say elections don’t matter, just consider the effective attacks wrought by this President on Judeo-Christian beliefs and positions.

We all must engage in this struggle to protect the moral and cultural tenets God has provided us. Toward that end, you will find the linked video and written references informative and valuable. Hope you will make use of them. And by the way, thank-you North Carolina!! http://www.frcblog.com/2012/05/the-problem-with-same-sex-marriage/

“Spell Binder”

Gianna Jessen addresses 380 guests Tuesday night in Kingsport.

This term is normally applied to politicians or preachers who have the ability to rouse their audience with enthusiastic and entertaining speeches. Never would I have imagined applying that term to a 4’6″ young woman afflicted with cerebral palsy. But last night, in the person of Gianna Jessen, I saw and listened to a real “spell binder”. Having survived an abortion attempt by her natural mother, Ms. Jessen’s life is the subject of the pro-life movie October Baby. The featured speaker at a function sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund, we all sat in rapt attention as she shared her life story. Her thoughtful comments, mixed with self-deprecating humor, allowed us to appreciate how she has overcome obstacles, physical and emotional, without being victimized by them. Eschewing sympathy, she reminded us that her cerebral palsy was a gift from God. It is through her condition that she captures people’s attention. Once achieved she was never reluctant to share her faith and, as importantly, to urge listeners to seek and to acquire that same faith. She was uninhibited in talking about her conversations with God and how He always reminder her of His love even when she chose to wallow in self-pity. Proclaiming God has given us all unique gifts, she encouraged they be used to expand his kingdom. Although single, she concluded her remarks with a challenge to the men in attendance: be a good head of your household and protect women. Ms. Jessen left the stage amid applause & shouts of acclamation. Never have I felt a standing ovation was more readily deserved. She was an inspiration! May God continue to bless you, “spell binder”, Gianna Jessen!

View more images from Tuesday’s event here.

Constitution 101

At my age, I don’t impress very easily. But Hillsdale College’s ten lesson course on the American Constitution has duly impressed me. This on-line class features different professors addressing their areas of Constitutional speciality. It provides both new information as well as insights into the great wisdom of the Founding Fathers in constructing our form of government. Also, the authors’ view that our republic can only be maintained by a spiritual, virtuous and moral people is strongly emphasized. It does require a committment as each presentation is approximately 45 minutes. But the course is archived so you can view it at any time and at your leisure. While a donation is requested to defray costs, the course can actually be taken free. The attached provides a link to the Hillsdale’s web site. It will provide further information as well as registration access. Good luck!

Dear Tracy,

Thank you for enrolling in Hillsdale College’s “Constitution 101″ online course. I hope you’re enjoying it and that you find it beneficial. As you probably know, next week is the final week of“Constitution 101,” and I’ll be lecturing on the topic, “The Recovery of the Constitution.”
I’m proud to report that we have over 200,000 citizens signed up for “Constitution 101” – but wouldn’t it be great if even more Americans were studying the Constitution during this important year for our country?
That’s why I’m writing to ask if you might take a few minutes to share Hillsdale’s free“Constitution 101” online course with five friends?
If you, along with each of your 200,000 “classmates,” share this free online course with five friends, we could have over 1 million people studying the Constitution. And remember, the lectures are archived, so newly registered students can take the course from the beginning.
Please take a few minutes to help us with this important work. Your help will make all the difference.
Thank you so much.

Dr. Larry Arnn President Hillsdale College

PS: So much is at stake this year, and I think Hillsdale’s education on the Constitution comes not a moment too soon. Can we count on your help?

Worlds Apart — Same Destination

A respected man died last weekend but he wasn’t always so. As part of that cadre around discredited President Richard Nixon, he was involved in the effort to cover up the Watergate break-in and thus ended up in prison. During that low period of his life, God moved and he was brought to the realization of his need for the atoning blood of Christ. There are few better examples of God’s redemptive power than the subsequent life of this man. His name: Charles (Chuck) Colson. He had reach national acclaim for his arguments and actions in defense of the Christian life. He was founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries, wrote instructive faith-based books and advocated for Christian values in all media forums. In what turned out to be a career capstone, he co-authored an ecumenical statement, The Manhattan Declaration, asserting that basic Christian Tenets required unconditional support irrespective of the consequences. In this world, he was a notable, respected individual.

Another person died this week. Wife of a bi-vocational minister, mother of boys and a splendid neighbor, Miz Elizabeth was a sweet and gentle soul. Though diminutive in physical size, her heart and loving spirit were huge. Given to hugs and warm smiles, she was always positive even during the most dire of times. Seldom thinking of herself, she encouraged everyone with her soft, wise voice and provided an example of cheerfulness which turned circumstances from bleak to bright. Miz Elizabeth fully lived a devoted Christian life and provided a model of how every believer should conduct his. A true saint, she was revered in her small world and positively influenced family, both personal and church, friends and community for her Lord.

So now they are gone. Both Christian servants yet worlds apart in location and public awareness. Nevertheless, they now share a same destination  — the bosom of Abraham.

Small Pat on the Back

Don’t wish to exhaust October Baby but do want to share with you that interest in and attendance at this movie have been sufficient for the theater to extend its showing another week — thru Thursday, April 26th with the same viewing times. Why this change when Carmike’s first commitment was only for one day, April 13th?  Well, it is because people are responding! And, they are responding because something special and God directed is occurring in our midst. Consider the following recent events: Planned Parenthood opens a Johnson City clinic; many pro-life advocates are energized in opposition; Coalition for Care is formed; federal government mandates contraceptive and abortion availability irrespective of First Amendment religious rights; church groups rise up to resist and the central character of October Baby, Gianna Jessen, is coming to this area next month to speak. All of the above demand that we continue to take action  — action to protect the life of the unborn.  There is still much to be done but a “small pat on the back” is due to all those who care!

If you haven’t seen this powerful and heart-warming movie, I encourage you to do so. You will be moved! And, invite family, friends and congregations to join you.

Quite Moving!

Took my wife to see the movie October Baby last Friday. Remember this is based on the true life story of abortion survivor Gianna Jessen. I’m no movie critic so can’t share with you about lighting techniques, camera angles, dialogue, ect. but can share it was quite moving and evoked strong emotion from the viewers in our theater. If you haven’t done so, make it a priority to see this movie. It has so many “teachable and learnable” moments. And 10% of the proceeds will be given to local pregnancy crisis centers to promote the pro-life cause.

My thought is every young person needs to see this movie because it deal so forcefully with the many trials — both human and spiritual –of their lives. October Baby ends with forgiveness, redemption and love. Oh, that all trials would so end. In reading this, if a young person(s) or couple(s) name crossed your mind, God placed it there for a reason. The movie will be shown the rest of this week at 1:55, 4:30, 7:10 and 9:45. Why not buy them a gift ticket(s) and encourage their attendance?  Trust me, they will be appreciative!

A true “feel good” story!

The story of Gianna Jessen is one of miracles.  Her natural Mother, at age 17, attempted to abort her. Gianna survived the saline solution but it caused her to have cerebral palsy. At age four, after multiple foster homes, she was adopted into a loving family. Her life story has been made into a heart-warming movie entitled October Baby. Given its topic, no local theaters opted to bring this movie to our area.  In stepped many pro-life advocates led by Pam Williams, Director of Agape Ministries in Johnson City. Their persistence and pressure caused Carmike Cinema to rethink its position. I’m pleased to inform you that October Baby will be shown this Friday, April 13th, at the Johnson City Carmike. Viewing times are 1:15, 2:50, 5:30, 8:00 and 10:30. Further showings will depend upon attendance. This movie is worthy of your support! Make plans to have family and friends join you to see this true ”feel good” story of why every single life is important.

Didn’t Take Long!

The very first post at this site was provided by an Associational minister on 9/29/11. It dealt with a recent Supreme Court ruling that essentially declared religious groups on college campuses could not restrict membership or officers to only those who shared their beliefs or rules. Example: an atheist must be allowed to join a campus religious group! One of the first colleges to start imposing this court ruling on effected groups was Vanderbilt. The following Dr. Albert Mohler’s article provides a fuller explanation at:    http://www.albertmohler.com/2012/04/02/secularism-with-the-gloves-off-vanderbilt-universitys-assault-on-religious-organizations/ You will note he quotes our recent guest, David French, extensively on the whole issue of group membership and exclusion therefrom.

True, religious groups are those most immediately impacted but is God giving us an opportunity to take a stand? First, colleges rely upon public tax dollars for their existence. Can the Christian community bring enough pressure to bear so the distributors of the tax money know of our concerns? Secondly, Christian students must be allowed to join and hold positions in any secular campus group. Is this a ministry opportunity – pro-life students joining and educating pro-choice organizations or straight students getting involved with and influencing gay groups. Let’s see just how committed we are to being light and salt to the world!

Lesson from Obamacare

Today the Supreme Court finished hearing oral arguments in the Obamacare case. The ruling, expected in June, will be of landmark status. If upheld, its economic, social, medical and government impact will be considerable. I have heard few, if any, voice concern about the religious impact it may have, however. No, I’m not just thinking of government sponsored areas such as tax funded abortions, contraceptive services and rationed care – I”m thinking big picture and long term!

Christians recognize the existence of two vastly different world-views today. In our world, everything is God-centered. But the majority of others hold a world-view which is very much man-centered. In this environment, as man trumpets his actions, his control, his accomplishment, his influence, he diminishes God and sees no reason to acknowledge, much less depend, upon Him.

If the Court approves, imposition of Obamacare into the lives of Americans will be just another vivid example of how man thinks he knows best. Using government as a lever, man will again tout how only he can see and solve problems burdening his fellow man. Thus sufficient for all his own needs, reliance upon God will again be lessened.

And that is the lesson from Obamacare. It isn’t about committees, panels, laws or lawsuits. It is about the need to return to a God-centered world-view. Have Christians been awakened by this episode, other governmental intrusions, attacks on First Amendment rights and media scorn for their beliefs? If so, they will acknowledge and respond to the Alliance Defense Fund quote: “God’s purposes are not achieved when Christians sit idly by and watch culture change around them.”

Federal Rules vs Religious Rights

Seemly, the Department of Health & Human Services has reached a final decision as it relates to the contraceptive, abortifacients and sterilization products that must be provided by employers. The decision was not good news for many religious groups or organizations. Only specific churches will be granted exemptions from the requirements. Thus church sponsored schools, day-care, hospitals, orphanages, colleges, social services, missions, etc. will have to comply irrespective of their doctrinal beliefs.  First Amendment Religious Rights are at stake.

The attached post from a group named Manhattan Declaration describes the situation more clearly. There is a link to their web-site within it. I encourage you to access it and consider joining as a member:

Contraception Controversy Any paper you pick up or TV show you turn on will talk about the “contraception controversy.”  That’s how the media  and the “reproductive rights” crowd have framed the Obama Administration’s outrageous demand that religious organizations violate the tenets of their faith by offering insurance to their employees that covers abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization.   But all you ever hear from newsmen or politicians is that this is all about contraception. And sadly, according to the polls anyway, they’ve been successful in shaping the argument. Friends, this controversy is NOT about contraception.  It is about the ability of the government to limit the free exercise of our religion.  This is a religious liberty question. I’ve gone out of my way in conversations with people to straighten them out on this, and it immediately changes their point of view.   What’s really at stake here is whether the executive branch of the government can enforce administrative orders that violate the Constitution and trample upon the Bill of Rights.   If Christians are to do anything in the public square today, it is to raise the rallying cry of freedom.  Remember freedom is the created condition of humans made in the image of God, who Himself is free.  This is being taken away from us right under our noses. You are one of the 525,000 people who have signed the Manhattan Declaration.  If you and every single signer would explain this issue in simple terms to your neighbors, we would turn the polls around.  This is a winning issue for us, but only if we do not allow the other side to frame the debate.  Please, talk to your friends.  Visit the Manhattan Declaration website to read more about the issue.  We’ve even posted a couple of my BreakPoint commentaries that deal with this.  The case is simple; it is not about contraception.  It is about religious liberty, the first of all our freedoms.   God bless you!