Principles of the Founding Fathers

"Christian Nation" Part XIII

2012-01-14T15:12:00.000-08:00

First from Julie's Keyboard:

"Take Up His Cross"

In more than one account in Scripture, we find it recorded that Christ gave a very clear and concise definition of discipleship. It's often easy to fall into line referring to ourselves as His disciples because we now bear His Great Name as being our Savior. How easy it is to say "Yes, I'm certainly a 'follower of Jesus.'" But today I wish to look at what Jesus said about being His disciple a little more closely.

Matthew 16:24-26 "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Now, for those of us who like things in steps, He seems to have given us three of them here. "Deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." These words convict me often, and I'm sure they should. You see, one can go on their smiling, joyful way attesting to their faith in Christ, yet simply not bear the lifestyle that He's required here in this Truth.

Just how do we "deny ourselves?" It would seem that we'd need to tell ourselves, "no," a bit more than we may be in the habit of doing. How can we "take up our cross?" The cross was the instrument of death for our Savior. There He bore the sins of the whole world. All evil was crucified on that cross for you and me. There the suffering of the flesh was welded as the vehicle for our redemption, a life eternal in the spirit.

Since our Savior paid this awesome price (because we certainly could not), what is left for the believer to do regarding this taking up of the cross? He gave all, holding nothing back. A disciple follows in the very footsteps of his Master. He requires all that we have to give.

As we mentioned last week, if we could take the approach to this life with "What Would Jesus Do?" then act on that personal conviction for each of us, wouldn't things be changing in a serious way about us? Wouldn't the things we talk with our friends and loved ones about have more substance? Would we likely boast less about the things in this world, or people in our lives and their great accomplishments? Wouldn't we be giving Him all the glory for any talent, skill, ability that anyone has?

These questions may seem meddlesome in nature, but they are truly convicting thoughts within me. It only takes a matter of minutes in conversation with someone to learn what's important to them, and often what is not. What if we began to speak with one another about what we felt the Lord purposing for us to do in our lives? What if we truly found a place of prayer to meet together with our brothers and sisters and pray one for another until Christ be formed within us?

In trying to bring this to a close, my prayer is simply that we His people truly walk in this place of discipleship. How else can we be instrumental as His body in this earth to help build the Kingdom?

May we "deny ourselves, take up our cross , and follow Him."

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part XIII

We will I suppose finally get to the question of "Is America currently a Christian Nation", but we first I believe must continue to lay the foundation for what that term was understood to mean as defined by the United States Supreme Court in 1892.

We are told today for instance that any public reference to a particular religion, or public prayer offered by political or government funded entities is clearly a breach of the establishment clause of the United States Constitution and it's meaning being defined as Separation of Church and State.

For example, in Lauderdale County Ala. the school district is receiving threats of a lawsuit by a member of the Freedom from Religion Foundation, Humanists of the Shoals and American Atheist.

Their complaint is that the school allowed prayer over the loud speaker at a recent football game. Their statement being made, "It is illegal for any public school to organize, sponsor or lead prayer at public athletic events. The Supreme Court . . . has continually made rulings which strike down this practice as illegal."

Statements like to ones above are being made all over our country in our courts by all our Constitutional experts and judges as they interpret the intent of our Founders. I would have no choice but to concede to their opinion, after all they are the experts, were it not for a more venerable group of Constitutional experts. I'm speaking of course of the ones who wrote it!

Following the ratification of the Constitution, George Washington, who presided over the Constitutional Convention as president, accepted the position as President of the United States. Commenting on the inaugural activities the Daily Avertiser reported, "the bells will ring at nine o'clock, when the people may go up to the house of God and in a solemn manner commit the new government, with its important train of consequences, to the holy protection and blessing of the Most high. . . . is designed wholly for prayer" ~ New York Daily Avertiser, April 30, 1789. Interesting this distinguished group of experts did not view prayer within government functions as a Constitutional issue. As a matter of fact, they committed them to prayer!

In his Inaugural address on April 30, George Washington would declare: "No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States." In a recent case it was asked, "Does the state have the right to acknowledge God?" The Judge ruled "No, it cannot". Yet this distinguished group which formed the document we know as the Constitution of the United States said we were, ". . . bound to acknowledge and adore . . ." this God.

Seven months later, Congress requested the President to declare a national day of Thanksgiving. On October 3, 1789, the President issued in this proclamation: "Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore (Pray for) His protection and favor. . . ." What our experts tell us now is unconstitutional, the ones who framed it called our duty!

President Washington continued by saying, "Now, therefore, I do recommend . . . that we my then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation . . ." What our experts tell us now is not permitted under the Constitution, the ones who framed it recommended!

President Washington would continue: "And also that we may unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions . . . to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue." What our experts tell us now is not permissible under our law and constitutions, the ones who framed them called us to unite under and promote throughout our society! One would think we have two Constitutions, ours and theirs! Of course we have but one, we just have to decide who has the correct understanding of it's meaning, the ones who framed it, or the experts!

The understanding of the distinguished group who framed it would be conducive with the definition of a "Christian Nation" as defined by the United States Supreme Court in 1892, (http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/2011/10/christian-nation.html) the later would not.

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part XII

2012-01-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

First From Julie's keyboard:

"Overcoming the Enemy"

In our thoughts this week, it seemed good to think on an idea about how we must live as "overcomers" in this life. Surely we must know just what we're speaking of when we say we must overcome. As we studied in our lesson this morning at Sunday School, the passage came up in I John 5 about "he that overcometh the world." Immediately, my thoughts went to what the same writer, John, wrote in the book of the Revelation.

Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

In this text found in Revelation, John is referring to the overcoming of the evil one, Satan. In I John we see him referring to being an overcomer of this world. However, we know from Scripture that Satan is considered the prince of this world. This earthly kingdom is now his play ground. As believers we have a responsibility to overcome this way of living that is in opposition to the plan of God.

My point today comes about from a personal lesson of how I've always approached this verse in the book of Revelation. How easy it is, so often, to quote only a portion of the truth as it is given. For years my own mouth has quoted the first two phrases of Rev. 12:11. However, the strength of the third phrase, takes the overcoming process to a whole new level.

Sure we overcome by the blood of the Lamb (Christ's blood shed for us), nothing we did added anything to this. Then we spend our days bearing testimony to this Gospel which we received as a free Gift. But, "They loved not their lives unto the death," seems to require daily sacrifice and work on the part of the believer. Dare we become entangled in the achievements of this nation, or this world? What does it really mean to "love not their lives unto the death?"

Personally, this latter part of the description of an overcomer has hit me the hardest lately. Doesn't it show on us a bit of how much we are able to "not love our lives?" My prayer is for myself and Christians everywhere, to get up each day in the sincere heart of a disciple of Jesus Christ, approaching this life with the question of "What Would Jesus Do?" This question and the action we'd be required to take to obey it would have to have an impact in this world for the Truth.

This week may we be mindful of how we are risen with Christ. The old man has died and the new creation in Christ has come forth. We are not our own. He bought us with a great price. He gave His life for us. What an honor before us to be able to live this life for Him.

May we be so dedicated to His love.

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part XII

My post this week will be with very little commentary from me. As we move into the forming of our National documents I want to begin with Benjamin Franklin. He being thought by most to be one of the least religious of our Founders made a stirring speech during the Constitutional Convention on June 28, 1787. Living in a Christian atmosphere has a most pleasant effect even on the least religious among. Below is part of the speech the 81 year old Franklin gave, notice the sincere Christian sentiment embodied within his words.

"Mr. President: The small progress we have made after four or five weeks close attendance and continual reasoning's with each other, our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ayes is, methinks, a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom since we have been running about in search of it. . . .

In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights, to illuminate our understanding?

In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?

I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probably that an empire can rise without His aid?

We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings, that 'except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.' I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel: we shall be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, and conquest.

I therefore beg leave to move, that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service" - - - - Benjamin Franklin. James Madison, The Papers of James Madison, Henry D. Gilpin, editor (Washington: Langtree and O'sullivan, 1840), Vol. II, pp. 984 - 986, June 28, 1787. Orginal Intent (David Barton) pp. 110 - 111.

This world view is conducive of the sentiment of a Christian Nation and the influence it would have on society. As we observe the "continual reasoning's with each other, our different sentiments on almost every question, . . ." that we see in Washington today, most we not wonder if we have again "now forgotten that powerful Friend?" and again "imagine we no longer need His assistance?"

Must we not wonder if the Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin would still be relevant advise to a nation truly in need of grasping the very roots of it foundation to once again sustain it in trouble times?

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part XI (The Bible and the Clergy)

2011-12-31T15:11:00.000-08:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Lately in study, I've come across the days of old king Nebuchadnezzar. If you remember this account in the book of Daniel, you'll surely note the strange things that occurred during the era of this man. For the record, we know that he was a Babylonian king and the God that we serve was not considered his God. At any rate, this man got into great trouble because of a terrible sin that he permitted in his life. The great sin of "Pride."

Yes, in spite of God's warnings and dreams with interpretations that He permitted for Neb, the man still rose in proud arrogance declaring his great abilities to all. For a fresh rendering on this, read the 3rd and 4th chapters of the book of Daniel.

However, for a focal point today, it seems we'd do well to study the matter of king Neb and his mistakes. The sin of pride is such a sneaky thing so many times. When God enables us to perform and blesses us with talent and ability for things in this life, we must keep this in check according to what He told us in His Word. He simply doesn't share His glory with any man.

King Neb was brought low from his boastings and made to live as an animal for seven years. God could have just taken him out of the picture if he'd wanted to do so, yet He chose to discipline in a manner with lasting impact. The Father hates pride. Among the seven abominations listed in the Proverbs, "pride" is listed first.

The Scripture in Daniel 4:37 gives us a word to the wise from king Neb himself:

"Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase."

Can you think of a lower form of abasement than actually being turned into a beast that lives as an ox? Neb got a chance to make restitution for his sin. You and I are walking out our chances day by day. How do we deal with this sin called "pride?" Do we take the "meek and lowly" position described by Christ? May we truly give glory where glory is due.

To our Father, God be all glory, honor, and praise!

Scripture References:

Proverbs 6:16, 17 "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,".....

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Proverbs 16:18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughly spirit before a fall."

Luke 18:14 "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Have a blessed week and begin a blessed New Year,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part XI (The Bible and the Clergy)

After touching on the Bible in last weeks post I wanted to address the men who used it in this weeks discourse. Of course such men were sought after in the military as reflected by the general orders of Washington during his command. On July 9th, Washington order chaplains appointed for each regiment and then, in his general orders called on the men to attend to their spiritual matters.

Washington issued the order: "The Hon. Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a chaplain to each regiment . . . the Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure chaplains accordingly; persons of good characters and exemplary lives. To see that all inferior officers and solders pay them suitable respect and attend carefully upon religious exercise. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor so to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country." ~ Washington, Writings (1932), Vol. V, pp. 244 -245, July 9, 1776.

If one was to make reference to a Christian soldier defending his country, one could assume it would be incumbent to refer to that country as a "Christian Nation".

But these men of the Bible did much more than just fill the position as chaplain in the military. Rev. Peter Powers preached a sermon on March 12, 1778 entitled "Jesus Christ, the True King and Head of Government" based on Matthew 28:18. This sermon was addressed to the General Assembly of Vermont, which also gives us some insight to the Christian sentiment not only of the people but those in political office as well.

In this address Rev. Powers declared: "We have renounced the tyrant of Britain and declaimed loudly against monaricial power and have set up a free people. We own no other prince or sovereign but the Prince of Heaven, the great Sovereign of the Universe. To Him we swear allegiance and promise, through His abundant grace, to keep His laws." ~ Peter Powers, Jesus Christ the True King and Head of Government. March 12, 1778 at Windsor (Newburyport: John Mycall, 1778), p. 29.

It is interesting to note the actions of the General Assembly after hearing this sermon, they ordered the address to be printed and distributed among the people. This Christian view was in no way rejected among the general populous or general leadership of the United States during it's formation. This would also be conducive to the character of a "Christian Nation".

Rev. John Peter Muhlenberg on January 21, 1776, preached to his Virginia congregation concerning the crisis in America. He shared with them how America had been founded in it's pursuit of religious and civil liberties and that they were now in danger of losing those liberties. He concluded with the words from Ecclesiastes 3, " . . . there is a time for all things, a time to preach and a time to pray, but those time have passed away"

And then in a loud voice, he declared from verse 8, "There is a time to fight, and that time has now come!"

Finishing his sermon, he gave the benediction, and then removed his clerical robe to reveal the uniform of a military officer underneath. He stepped down from the pulpit and marched back to the church door and ordered the drums to beat for recruits. Three hundred Christian men joined him that day and they became the Eight Virginia Regiment.

Rev. Muhlenberg went on the become on of the highest ranking officers in the Revolution and attained the rank of Major General.

The Rev. John Craighead fought and preached alternately.

The Rev. Dr. Cooper was captain of a military company.

The Rev. John Blair Smith was captain of a company that tallied to support the retreating Americans after the battle of Cowpens.

The Rev. James Hall commanded a company that armed against Cornwallis.

The Ref Wm. Graham rallied his own neighbors to dispute the passage of Rockfish Gap with Tarleton and his Britain dragoons.

The Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green was orderly sergeant.

The Dr. Moses Hodge served in the army of the Revolution.

The Clergy were so prominent in the military that the British referred them as the "Black Regiment" due to the wearing of their black clerical robes.

After successfully achieving a formal peace treaty with Great Britain, which by the way opened with "In the name of the most holy and undivided Trinity." Congress announced:

Whereas it hath pleased the Supreme Ruler of all human events to dispose the hearts of the late belligerent powers to put a period to the effusion of human blood by proclaiming a cessation of all hostilities by sea and land, and these United States are not only happily rescued from the dangers and calamities to which they have been so long exposed, but their freedom, sovereignty and independence ultimately acknowledge.

And whereas in the progress of a contest on which the most essential rights of human nature depended, the interposition of Divine Providence in our favor hath been most abundantly and most graciously manifested, and the citizens of these United States have every reason for praise and gratitude to the God of their Salvation.

Impressed, therefore with an exalted sense of the blessings by which we are surrounded, and our entire dependence on that Almighty Being from whose goodness and bounty they are derived, The United States in Congress assembled, do recommend it to the several States . . . a day of public thanksgiving that all the people may then assemble to celebrate with grateful hearts and united voices the praises of their Supreme and all bountiful Benefactor for his numberless favors and mercies. . . . and above all that he hath been pleased to continue to us the light of the blessed Gospel and secured to us in the fullest extent the rights of conscience in faith and worship. ~ Journals of . . . Congress (1914), Vol. XXV, p. 699, proclamation for October 18, 1793.

In concluding this thought let us consider that the powers that be in the United States as well as the general populous during this era encouraged and promoted the use of the Bible, admired the service and dedication of the clergy to the American cause, both in their sermons and military service.

Congress time after time recommended to the people their continued praise and thanksgiving to their Common Lord, a recommendation that was overwhelmingly received.

It think we can safely conclude at least existing during this era the nations character was still conducive to the term "Christian Nation".

Happy New year to all and May God's blessing follow you throughout it's entirety.

David

"Christian Nation" Part X (The Bible and the Clergy)

2011-12-24T11:46:00.000-08:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

What more could we say today? He came, He loved, He died and He rose again to give us the Greatest Gift mankind has ever known! May we make Him the Celebrated Savior in this Season and Always!
Blessings to you all our friends! And, to all a very Merry Christimas!

Happy Birthday to the Savior of the World,

Julie

Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Immanuel - "our God is with us"

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part X (The Bible and the Clergy)

As we continue our trek across our religious Christian history, we need not progress any further without the mention of the influence of the Bible and Clergy in America. If we are going to ascribe to the name "Christian Nation", surly they and it must have had a prominent place in our society.

I agree the accounts which follow occurred before the signing of the United States Constitution, but I present them as a means to describe and lay the foundation for the societal view and general sentiment of the mind of the people and their leaders leading up to the Constitutional Convention, which we will deal with later in our trek.

A year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence America began experiencing a shortage of Bibles. On July 7th, 1777, a request was placed before Congress to print or to import more. That request was referred to a committee of Daniel Roberdeau, John Adams, and Johnathan Smith.

On September 11th they reported to Congress:

"That the use of the Bible is so universal, and its importance so great . . . your Committee recommend that Congress will order the Committee of Commerce to import 20,000 Bibles from Holland, Scotland, or elsewhere, into the the different ports of the States of the Union." - - - - Journals of . . . Congrress (1907), Vol. VIII, p. 734, September 11, 1777.

It is significant that Congress agreed and approved the measure, for it establishes for us the dept of their Christian commitment. In the struggles of war and the shortages that such produce, it is unlikely that a nation without a deep Christian Commitment will spend deeply needed financial resources on 20,000 Bibles. It demonstrates to us that their Faith was not in political word only, but was emanating from their heart.

On October 31, following the victories of Bennington, Stillwater, Saratoga, and some others, Congress appointed Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee, and Daniel Roberdeau to draft a proclamation for a national day of prayer and thanksgiving. On November 1, 1777, their proclamation was approved:

"Forasmuch as it is the indispensable duty of all men to adore the superintending providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with gratitude their obligation to Him for benefits received and to implore such farther blessings as they stand in need of . . . humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot our sins out of remembrance . . . and to prosper the means of religion of the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which consisteth 'in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.'" - - - - Journals of Congress (1907), Vol. IX, 1777, pp. 854-855, November 15, 1777.

It is hard for us to today to comprehend society with this world view, yet it was the sentiment of our nation and our people, it was who we were. The understanding for our purpose and it's justice and cause was all viewed through the precepts of Christian Scripture. Although it is 180 degrees reverse from where we are today, it did exemplify the attributes of a Christian Nation and a Christian people! It was this Nation and people that conceived and gave birth to the United States Constitution, it is unlikely such a Constitution would embody any concept that would restrict this world view that was deemed so important.

As the war continued the shortage of Bibles remained a problem. This issue was deemed so important to our nation that Robert Aitken petitioned Congress on January 21, 1781 for permission to print the Bibles on his presses here in America rather than import them. In his arguments to Congress he pointed out what a neat edition of the Holy Scriptures they would be for the use of schools.

Congress approved his request and appointed a committee of James Duane, Thomas McKean, and John Witherspoon to oversee the project. In it's final stage of readiness in late summer of 1782, James Duane, chairman of the Congressional committee, reported to Congress:

Speaking of Mr. Aitken, "He undertook this expensive work at a time when from the circumstances of the war an English edition of the Bible could not be imported, nor any opinion formed how long the obstruction might continue. On this account particularly he deserves applause and encouragement." - - - - Journals of . . . Congress (1914), Vol. XXIII, p. 573, September 1, 1782.

On September 12, 1782, the full Congress approved the Bible which soon began rolling off the presses. Printed in the front of that Bible (the first English language Bible ever printed in America) was this Congressional endorsement:

Whereupon, Resolved, That the United States in Congress assembled . . . recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States. - - - - Journals of . . . Congress (1914), Vol. XXIII, p. 574, September 12, 1782.

Next week we will try to look at the Clergy and their place in this American society, untill then let may say a very Merry Christmas to each and everyone!

God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part IX

2011-12-17T10:53:00.000-08:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

As I was listening to Christian Radio this morning, the discussion came around regarding the things that stress folks during the Christmas Season. This struck a chord with me in that previously my thoughts were focused on this question: "Is Jesus, the Savior of the World, happy with the way we celebrate His Birthday?"

This made me answer with an "Ouch!" When we think of birthdays as we like to celebrate them among our families and friends, just how enjoyable would they be if all the attention and effort was spent on everyone else at the party? Do we mean what we say when we declare: "Jesus is the Reason for the Season?"

If we take a moment to study the cultural practices many of us hold to during this time, we might find it a bit concerning. Look at things like the hours we spend flipping through catalogs (online) or walking through department stores hoping to see the "just right thing" that will suit some loved one we must endow with a gift. Or how about the fact that we need a day planner calendar to schedule every festivity that we're required to attend during the month of Dec. What about the times when someone unexpectedly blesses us with some nice gift (someone not on our Christmas list), then suddenly we feel the need to run right out and find something for them? The list goes on. As you know these are only a few of the areas regarding this special time that need consideration.

Each year as the Season is approaching, I seem to hear a call within to correct this cultural behavior. Each year I determine within myself that this will happen. Each year it seems that little has changed in the celebration of the "Greatest Birth of All." Something tells me that other believers are hearing the same voice within. What can we do to better honor the birth of our Lord?

Certainly the birthday individual should be bestowed the love, attention and honor of giving. Yet, we know that we can honor Him on this day with our gifts to others. Indeed, it does please Him when we bless others as He teaches us in His Word. But, we can be sure that He didn't mean for this giving to turn into a competition of who gives the most and the best, or who goes in credit card debt to buy things for folks that deem the gifts as so insignificant. I heard a statistic on Christian Radio the other day saying that the average time for pay off of credit card debt accumulated at Christmas (for most folks) is Oct. of the following year! Isn't this outrageous?

Shouldn't we turn this around? We pride in our great Country and its colorful cultural traditions. But, we must remember, there's a very real enemy among us that would like nothing better than to pervert the great truths that made this nation what it once was. As a matter of fact, it seems this enemy has already had a measure of success. We must change this. We must make cultural practices line up with the truth of God's Word, not the other way around.

My plea today is that we search our hearts to see how we can better honor our Savior in the simplicity of Truth from His Word. May this Christmas show forth the praises unto our worthy Lord and King!

Luke 2:11 "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Blessings,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blog.com

"Christian Nation" Part IX

Continuing our trek across our religious history and working from the premise laid down for us by the United States Supreme Court in 1892, defining the United States as a Christian Nation http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/2011/10/christian-nation.html and giving us the definition whereby we may continue to judge our nation and it's standing; we will continue to examine the evidence by which it obtained this understanding.

The Supreme Court in giving explanation for this declaration listed many references. Having done so they then stated, "These and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation." It is from the volume of this many other matters that I want us to take notice.

When the Massachusetts legislature acted to form its own navy, the naval emblems they approved on April 29, 1776, reflected the faith the prevailed throughout the State. They stated, "Resolved, that the uniform of the officers be green, and that they furnish themselves accordingly, and the colors be a white flag with a green pine tree and the inscription, 'Appeal to Heaven'" - - - - House Journals, 1775. A Journal of the . . . House of Representatives (Watertown, MA: 1776), pp. 196 - 197, April 29, 1776.

It is most unlikely that a nation without Christian sentiment, and who's leaders were of Deist understanding would make an "Appeal to Heaven" as it's ensign upon it's naval flag.

At the national level, the Congressional proclamation for a national day of prayer and fasting, May 17, 1776, declared: "The Congress . . . . desirous . . . to have people of all ranks and degrees duly impressed with a solemn sense of God's superintending providence, and their duty to rely . . . on His aid and direction . . . do earnestly recommend . . . a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer; that we may with united hearts confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions and, by a sincere repentance and amendment of life, . . . and through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain His pardon and forgiveness." - - - - Journals of Congress (1905), vol IV, pp. 208 - 209, May 17, 1776

A Congressional proclamation such as this would undoubtedly not have come from a people without Christian sentiment or government leaders who were of Deist thought. But in this we see not only the true nature of the American spirit, but also the true understanding of what developed into the First Amendment of the Constitution that would later be framed. For in the Christian understanding, faith cannot be coerced, only encouraged and offered. Thus you find in this proclamation the words "duly impressed with" and "earnestly recommend"

This giving understanding to the First Amendment of the Constitution, where government is not to impose a religious faith by law, but is to encourage it by protecting its freedom to be defused by the people. Today of course we see the exact opposite being instituted by an entirely new interpretation of the First Amendment.

As we now turn to the Declaration of Independence, July 2, 1776, Congress approved in principle the separation from Great Britain, on July 4th it was approved and signed by John Hancock and Charles Thomson, the others later adding their signatures.

I want us to notice some of the wording in this Declaration, such as "appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World," which in their mind would be Jesus Christ. Also "with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence,"

This simply stated their foundation for the justice of their actions, appealing to Christ who was in their mind the ultimate Judge of their cause and then laying their firm reliance upon that judgment to be protected by Him. Such thought and wording for a foundational document could not have come from a none Christian people or a Deist minded leadership.

It is interesting to note when John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin were appointed to draft a seal to characterize their new nation:

Benjamin Franklin proposed (Moses lifting up his wand, and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharaoh in his chariot overwhelmed with the waters. This motto: "Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.") - - - - John Adams, Letters, Vol. I, p. 152, to Abigail Adams on August 14, 1776.

And Thomas Jefferson proposed: (The children of Israel in the wilderness, led by a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night.) - - - - John Adams, Letters, Vol. I, p. 152, to Abigail Adams on August 14, 1776.

Neither of which were drafted, but it gives us insight into the mind and understanding of the moment during the formation of these United States.

Perhaps we will continue our trek next week,

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part VIII

2011-12-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Last week we made comments based on that which we purpose in our hearts. We looked at the example of Daniel when he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself by eating the dainties of the king's meat. It could be said that this was indeed a rare display of "abstinence," a term that seems to come with pain for us at times.

In the thought for today, may we take this heart purpose a little further. Not only must our hearts purpose to not do that which is wrong, but the purpose must be directed toward the carrying out of that which is right. After all we know that keeping God's commands is not entirely about the "do nots," but about the "shall dos." It's one thing to forsake some deed of the flesh for a righteous purpose, yet another to replace this with a work of honor unto the Lord.

How could we live as men and women of purpose for the kingdom as sojourners in this pilgrim land? Today, may I share with you that the things we set before our eyes and listen to with our ears are critical to the success of this overcoming life in Christ? The great tools of media can and will often bring deception. But the pure Word of God is a forever established Truth.

We must spend time preparing our hearts and minds with the Truth in order to fulfill the purpose we're called to as a believer. The voices that we permit to speak into our lives are of great consequence. Who are we listening to today? We must be careful to check the input we get by the Source of all Truth. Again I would mention Daniel as one not allowing the "dainties" of the king's palace to sway his position with his Covenant God.

This passage from the book of Proverbs comes to mind with these thoughts:

Proverbs 7:1-3 "My son keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.
Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart."

I leave you with this question today. What is your input causing you to purpose in your heart today? Is it some earthly king's provender, or is it the King of King's Bread of Heaven?
May we fill our lives with His Truth. It's the thing that will make us free indeed.

Blessings,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nations" Part VIII

Getting a little more back on subject this week, I want to continue our trek across our spiritual history. Most of us in school read to some extend of the events that transpired with the settling of the James Towns and New England colonies, the formation of our nations charters and constitutions.

We mostly studied the dates, victories, defeats, and various leaders involved in all the afore mentioned. Such things we know to some degree of knowledge and understanding. But what we are looking at in these post are the people, the core of our culture that gave us our sense of right and wrong. The spiritual aspect that was rooted deeply in the heart of most Americans that gave birth to our society and idea's of freedom.

Working our way through our humble beginnings to present day using the foundation established by the 1892 United States Supreme Court definition of a Christian Nation. ( http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/2011/10/christian-nation.html )

We have firmly established that at least up until the time of the Revolution of which we are now looking, by the afore mentioned definition these United States could be referred to as a "Christian Nation" So let's travel on a little further!

In 1776 as King George III had decided to send a large invasion army against the powers that be in America, Samuel Adams declared to the British officials:

"There is One above us who will take exemplary vengeance for every insult upon His majesty. You know that the cause of America is just. You know that she contends for that freedom to which all me are entitled, that she contends against oppression, rapine, and more than savage barbarity.

The blood of the innocent is upon your hands, and all the waters of the ocean will not wash it away. We again make our solemn appeal to the God of heaven to decide between you an us. And we pray that, in the doubtful scale of battle, we may be successful as we have justice on our side, and that the merciful Savior of the world may forgive our oppressors." - - - - Samuel Adams. Writings, vol. 4, 38. Letter to the Earl of Carlisle, Lord Viscount Howe, Sir William Howe, William Eden and George Johnstone, printed in the Massachusetts Spy, July 16, 1778.

Can you imagine the political leaders of our day declaring to our enemies "We again make our solemn appeal to the God of heaven to decide between you an us. And we pray that, in the doubtful scale of battle, we may be successful as we have justice on our side, and that the merciful Savior of the world may forgive our oppressors."?

It is apparent that our political leaders of that day were deeply religious and carried their faith into the political sphere. It was a very openly Christian faith as they spoke of the "God of heaven" and the "Savior of the world".

"One Nation under God". ( as stated in our pledge of allegiance)

This sentiment was reflected in a letter Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John on June 18, 1776:

"I feel no anxiety at the large armament designed against us. The remarkable interposition's of heaven in our favor cannot be too gratefully acknowledged. He who fed the Israelites in the wilderness, who clothes the lilies of the field and who feeds the young ravens when they cry, will not forsake a people engaged in so righteous a cause, if we remember His loving kindness." - - - - Abigail Adams. L. H. Butterfield, ed., Adams Family Correspondence, vol. 2, 16.

In his speech in Philadelphia in 1776 Samuel Adams would sum up religious sentiment by declaring:

"We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all alone men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven, and with a propitious eye beholds his subjects assuming that freedom of thought, and dignity of self-direction which He bestowed on them. From the rising to the setting sun, may His kingdom come." - - - - Samuel Adams. The Light and Glory, p. 390

In the American mind in 1776, one could not separate the nation from the one to whom all ought to be obedient, thus their courage and confidence in their cause.

May God bless each of you,

David

"The Morning Fireplace"

2011-12-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

What Have You "Purposed" in Your Heart?

This question was prompted in me from a study of the 1st chapter in the book of Daniel. If you're familiar with the account, you know that Daniel (and the other three children of Judah) were among the well favored children, skillful, full of wisdom, cunning knowledge, and without blemish. Sounds like a promising background, don't you think? In other words, the elite, or best of the best was to be trained for the king.

Well, as provision for feeding these fellows would go, the king would have them eat his cuisine (again, the best of the best). However, it seems Daniel had another dietary plan to stick with.
You see, I'm getting to the heart of the matter now. Daniel had purposed in his heart that regardless of what place in this earthly kingdom he would hold, he would not defile himself with the "king's meat." The issue here of course, is that the foods on the king's menu did not hold with the Mosaic Laws for eating. Daniel would not dishonor his covenant with his God.

Bring these thoughts home today. Just as Daniel "purposed in his heart" to obey the Law of God, how "purposed" are we today in our walk in Christ? Can we be bought with the dainties of this world? Is there an appeal holding us in fasination as pertaining to the lusts of this life? Is there a promise of recognition in some way that tends to turn our heads from the purpose?

It seems the Bible would teach us that in order to stay "purposed in heart" we must daily crucify the flesh and its affections. Trusting God to provide His Spirit as a Comfort and Guide through this life will empower us to live in victory just as Daniel, and his three friends, did in this instance.

We know the account of how Daniel and the others "proved" the faithfulness of God by eating what God said they should eat. These young men were given such favor as none other. Their wisdom, skill and knowledge surpassed any among them. Oh, to have the favor of an Almighty God!

What is the "purpose of your heart" today? Find the Truth in His Word for you and follow it. His "blessing addeth no sorrow" with it. He's faithful to reward obedience. In the words of a great song, "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus. Just to take Him at His Word." There's a stanza in this song about ...."how I've proved Him oer and oer." Is this your testimony today?

Purpose to always honor Him.

Have a blessed week,

Julie

Scripture References:

Daniel chapter 1

Proverbs 10:22 "The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it."

Galatians 5:24,25 "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also wak in the Spirit."
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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"The Morning Fireplace"

As I sit here typing this morning the sun has not yet began to break the early darkness, and you may find this to be the most off subject and out of context gathering of thoughts I have posted to date. I am usually reading at this time in the mornings, drinking my coffee and peering into the fireplace from time to time to contemplate and process the thoughts that are being generated.

This morning my thoughts were strangely focused upon a most unusual subject and friend of mine. In the most unusual way this friend has become most dear to me, we have never met and I have never heard his voice, but over the years we have become friends over my blog post and comments. I suppose our friendship developed over sharing our mutual agreements and thoughts on America and Freedom.

I can't remember just how we crossed each others path, but the paths crossed before I ever established this blog, back then I was just sending out some thoughts on email and posting some thoughts on an obscure personal page that came with the provider of my ip service (that was before this blog thing ever caught on). I suppose it must have been through one of those venues.

Over the years this friend had shared with me some most inspirational thoughts that I have from time to time even shared at church. But some time back he made it known to me that he had come to the understanding and reasoning that the Bible was not true, perhaps that God did exist, but not in the form described in the Bible or any other religious book. I know the Bible says, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; . . ." but I just never thought they would be my friends.

He is even entertaining the idea of extraterrestrial orgin for our existence, and life on other planets. The possibility that life was somehow brought here from other worlds and beings. Now understand, I am not making light of this reasoning, for I understand this view is gaining popularity around the world and the fascination with UFO phenomenon is growing. And I will be the first to admit there are some strange and unexplainable occurrences out there. I just believe the answers are found in the Bible text.

We all of course must examine our faith and what we believe and why we believe it, the Bible itself commends us to "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; . . ." II Cor. 13:5.

By now you are probably thinking I need to quit peering in the fireplace, your probably right! But as I thought on these things I tried to understand how my friend could come to such a conclusion. I wondered, perhaps had he been given an incorrect understanding over the years of God, one that gave such a disappointment as to cause an abandonment from Him? Had he developed an idea of God in his own mind that just couldn't explain the circumstances in his life, and left him void?

I tried to see through to his understanding, but other questions kept clouding my view.

Where does our imperfections come from?

Why is there not one person on the face of this globe who has not done something wrong to someone else? (or in all of history for that matter)

Why is there not one person on the face of this globe who is old enough to talk who has not told a lie?

Why is Freedom not natural, why must it always be fought for and with great effort maintained?

Why is society not naturally good, why must we confine ourselves in with boundaries by laws to maintain peace and safety?

How is it that we are able to some varying degrees recognize what is right, but are unable to do it? Where is the man or woman who has never committed a wrong action?

If we evolved by accident, did we evolve a sense of right and wrong by accident also? For there to be a knowledge of right and wrong that has to be a standard somewhere, where did that standard come from? How is our conscience aware of it? "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." John 1:9
Some call these imperfections sin, why is there not one person without it?

You would think of all we see in our universe, if it were all by chance, then by chance, over the billions of years and billions of people, there would have been one!  (Of course my faith tells me there was one)

If we were somehow brought here by Aliens from outer space, if they are like us, we are in a heap of trouble if they ever come back!  Would you just for a moment imagine a being or beings with that kind of power filled with our corruption!

Even in religion, you find that most Deities are in nature like us, difficult to please and unpredictable. If God was truly in nature like us, he would surely have destroyed us a long time ago and made himself a new toy or pet to play with.

I have read much, talked with atheist, looked at religions and various faiths, the only place I can find truth, the only place I can find answers are in the Bible.

Now for a moment to go beyond my reasoning, why is it my acceptance of the God of the Bible and His testimony of His Son Jesus Christ, and the repentance of my own inabilities (sins) worked a work in me that I cannot put into words? "The gospel, when rightly understood and received, sets the heart against all sin, and stops the allowed practice of it; at the same time it gives blessed relief to the wounded consciences of those who have sinned." - - - Matthew Henry. (1Jn 2:3-11)

Why is it that now I feel free from myself, saved from myself per-say? Where did this salvation come from?

I mentioned earlier about the consequences of passing on my faith to my children, but what if the Bible is right? Where have I made the greater mistake? Leading them to become Christians, to which our founders believed to make us good citizens; or leading them to be agnostics and live and die in there imperfections (sins) and face the judgment of a righteous God and Creator?

Well, that it is, I had an entirly different idea for the post this week, but this one seemed to overtake it. Maybe next week we will continue our trek across our American history. As for this week, you ask your own questions, see where you find your answers!

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part VII

2011-11-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Let Love Have It's Perfect Work

In the middle of this special season of "Thankfulness," my thoughts have gone to those hurting over missing family members from their tables this year. Maybe life has dealt such a blow that it may seem impossible to repair. Relationships change, people move, people pass on from this world, and people have a parting of the way over disagreements. Whatever the issue, this can make times that were intended to be so special and warm for families a time of heartache.

There's really only one place for the hurting to go and know that hope that is sincere will be the result. Our aches, pains, disappointments and failures, can only be truly resolved by the One who loves us the most. Yes! It's none other than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He's the One who knows the pain and how to direct it to the Father in Heaven for help.

The Scriptures teach us that He's not such a High Priest that He doesn't know the things we contend with in this life. However, He's made provision for us to successfully navigate the walk through these clouded moments of our existence here on earth.

You may feel today that your friends in this world are few. You may feel that family sees you as some "black sheep" to their precious little fold, but these notions should all pale in light of the Truth we have in Christ.

It may seem challenging but when those difficult moments arise we should praise Him anyway. We should be thankful anyway. We should love anyway. Most of the time we may realize that this is what we are to do but our flesh opposes us so that we want to cater to how we feel instead. May we press through emotions and the pains of this world and focus on the One in Whom all our love and honor belong. He's faithful to bless us even when we seem to hurt inside.

Love those family members anyway. Christ is worthy of this obedience from us. Who knows? These actions may just be what needs to transpire before He can do His great work of love in us.

In Him we can love anyway,

Julie

Scripture References:

Hebrews 4:15 "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins."

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part VII

As we continue our trek across our nations history, we have established by definition defined by the United States Supreme Court of 1892 http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/2011/10/christian-nation.html that at least up to the last blog posting we could consider this nation a Christian Nation.

I want to began this week with John Hancock. Three days before Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott would make their famous ride, John Hancock would call Massachusetts to a day of prayer and fasting. On April 15, 1775, John Hancock stated:

"In circumstances dark as these, it becomes us as men and Christians to reflect that whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments . . . all confidence must be withheld from the means we use and reposed only on that God who rules in the armies of heaven and without whose blessing the best human councils are but foolishness and all created power vanity.

It is the happiness of his church that when the powers of earth and hell combine against it . . . then the throne of grace is of the easiest access and its appeal thither is graciously invited by that Father of mercies who has assured it that when His children ask bread He will not give them a stone. . . .

That it be, and hereby is, recommended to the good people of this colony . . . as a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer . . . to confess their sins . . . to implore the forgiveness of all our transgressions . . . and especially that the union of the American colonies in defence of their rights, for which, hitherto, we desire to thank Almighty God, may be preserved and confirmed. . . . . and that America may soon behold a gracious interposition of Heaven." - - - - Journals of . . . Massachusetts, pp. 144-145, proclamation of John Hancock from Concord, April 15, 1775. David Barton. Original Intent, the Courts, the Constitution, & Religion, pp. 96-97.

So at this point in our history it was not improper to call the name Christian in referencing our people, nor was it offensive to call the people to prayer, fasting and repentance. Mr. Hancock also used the term "interposition of Heaven" Webster's 1828 dictionary defines interposition as

INTERPOSI'TION, n. [L. interpositio.]

1. A being, placing or coming between; intervention; as the interposition of the Baltic sea between Germany and Sweden. The interposition of the moon between the earth and the sun occasions a solar eclipse.

Mr. Hancock therefore was expecting Heaven itself to stand between America and it's foes, all of which would be characteristic of a Christian Nation.

Late in the evening of May 9, 1775, Colonel Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys approached Ticonderoga, a British stronghold in New York. The unsuspecting garrison was quietly captured and secured, Allen then pushed on to camp headquarters and roused the commandant, Captain De La Place. Allen himself described what happened next:

"The Captain came immediately to the door with his small clothes in his hand, when I ordered him to deliver to me the fort, instantly. He asked by what authority I demanded it. I answered him, 'In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress.'" - - - - Hugh Moore, Memoir of Col. Ethan Allen (Platts

This action by Colonel Ethan Allen sheds some light on the mind set and view that the American colonist had concerning their faith and purpose, as it defined their cause and the authority behind it.

The actions and events described above provide enough evidence to establish at least to this point we can again define America as a Christian Nation. For the events mentioned above are only a small glimpse into the overall objective and understanding of the American people at that time.

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part VI

2011-11-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Have you been in the stores lately and noticed how the merchants have a tendency to take us from the "Halloween holiday" directly to Christmas without even a hint at, one of the most important that we'll celebrate, "Thanksgiving"?

This is tragic when you think on it. The very actions that established this nation and the celebration of them are being swept away amidst the hustle and bustle of this "great American style of living." Could it be that such a neglection attributes to the trouble we see all around in this age? Have we failed to return thanks to our Father for all the many freedoms we enjoy?

I was reminded this week when talking with a woman dearest to my soul, my mom, how important it is to honor this celebration, not only on the holiday, but always. In the course of our conversation, she told me that she was putting up her tree. Immediately I responded with, "You're already putting up your Christmas Tree?" But, " no," she said. She was putting up a tree with items reminding us to be thankful, things promoting conversation with anyone who would stop by and bring the moment to a time of thanksgiving.

This set my mind thinking. While fully preparing for the time of "Thanksgiving" with my family, I'm guilty of having spent more thought on Christmas preparations already. Needless to say, my convictions say that this shouldn't be true. What can we do to make changes?

Well, there's always that little cop out thing that we can say of how we should be thankful everyday, and we should. But, God has so richly and abundantly blessed our families and our land, He is worthy of special times of honor. We shouldn't cheat Him at Thanksgiving, even if it is so close to Christmas. Actually, we shouldn't "cheat Him" at all! Ever!

In the days ahead, may we consciously think of what we can do as His children to remind our nation of the great price paid for our freedom. May we honor our God with worthy supplications, thanksgivings, and praise. We can't out give Him. But, what would it say about us if we at least tried?

I leave these thoughts with you for meditation. May your families have a special time of fellowship in Christ this Thanksgiving.

Scripture References:

Philippians 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

Psalm 95:2 "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."

Psalm 100:4 "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, nad bless his name." KJV

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part VI

As we continue our trek across the History of our spiritual heritage of these United States we find that this people from one governing document to another continue to covenant themselves to each other and to God. From the James town disaster to the Pilgrims at Plymouth colony and then to the Puritans arrival in New England, covenant after covenant was established between themselves and God. You cannot take this trek across our history and not see that its development was an agreement between a people and their God.

In 1629 aboard the Arabella, John Winthrop stated: "Thus stands the cause between God and us. We are entered into covenant with Him for this work. We have taken out a commission. The Lord hath given us leave to draw our own articles. We have professed to enterprise these and those accounts, upon these and those ends. We have thereupon besought Him of favor and blessing. Now if the Lord shall please to hear us, and bring us in peace to the place we desire, then hath he ratified this covenant and sealed our commission, . . . ." John Winthrop (In the name of God, Amen-Rediscovering Biblical and Historic Covenants. Daniel J. Ford. p.153.

Obviously, God ratified this covenant in the eyes of this people. As they continued to expand in their civil government, each time God was involved in their Covenants with each other and with Him. They knew God expected out of his covenant, laws and government that were just and fair, such as were conducive to His demands of righteousness and justice. Thus the reason we have the influence of Christian principles resting upon our Constitutions of government.

James Otis declared in 1766; "Has it [government] any solid foundation? any chief cornerstone. . . ? I think it has an everlasting foundation in the unchangeable will of God, the Author of Nature whose laws never vary. . . ." - - - - James Otis. Original Intent-The Courts, the Constitution, & Religion. (David Barton) p.86. James Otis, The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved (Boston: J. Williams 1766), pp. 11,12,13,98.

They also had the understanding, their governments being thus founded, as long as they meet this criteria, they could expend God's intervention in their affairs.

After finally making the decision to separate from Great Britain, a decision which also was weighed heavily by purpose of God, Samuel Adams wrote in a letter to British officials; "There is One above us who will take exemplary vengeance for every insult upon His majesty. You know that the cause of America is just. You know that she contends for that freedom to which all men are entitled. . . . We again make our solemn appeal to the God of heaven to decide between you and us. . . . and that the merciful Saviour of the world may forgive our oppressors." - - - - Samuel Adams. Original Intent-The Courts, the Constitution, & Religion. (David Barton) p.88 The Writings of Samuel Adams, harry Alonzo Cushing, editor July 16, 1778.

Every act of civil government was weighed against their Covenant with God. Their success was weighed against their ability to fulfill His purpose in their lives. We will continue to follow this pattern across our history, many times we failed at great cost both to ourselves and to the purpose to which we were called. But we can see that this people would repent, reset the tracks and start again.

This was a Nation living a Covenant life, its civil government established on the principles of God's Word, yet this was not by religious demand such as you see in theocracies, but a Christian Nation coming forth out of the heart of a people living in their Covenant with God by a desire and a purpose to which they felt called.

I think you can now begin to better understand the title "Christian Nation" as understood by our Supreme Court as described in the previous post http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/2011/10/christian-nation.html

So I think at least, up to this point, using the Supreme Court definition of the term, America qualifies as a Christian Nation.

Perhaps we will take another trek next week,

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part V

2011-11-12T12:18:00.000-08:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Discontent Church Folks?

Have you noticed lately the seeming "discontent" among Christians in the concept of just what type of services are being offered in our local church gatherings? It should be concerning to us just how "user friendly" many of our churches are becoming. Is there something wrong with trying to make our churches adequate for the seeming needs of every age level or group type? Does it mean in Scripture when Paul tells us how he is "made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some," that we should offer a smorgasbord of classes and activities in our assemblies? You decide!

I've been down this road myself with the "people pleasing" idea of helping out my church gathering. Truthfully, I've been convicted over having "good ideas" as opposed to being still before the Lord and knowing what He intended. As we think on this issue which is such a matter of controversy in so many areas, I would like to post some remarks from the Rev. A.W. Tozer.

"Every age has its own characteristics. Right now, we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations, and a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart. The shallowness of our inner experience, the hollowness of our worship, and that servile imitation of the world which marks our promotional methods all testify that we, in this day, know God only imperfectly and the peace of God scarcely at all." - - - A. W. Tozer.

Is it true? Are we guilty of straying from the seriousness of "worship in spirit and truth" by a spectrum of "great ideas" designed for any preference? What must we do? How can we remedy this form of irreverence, if we deem this to be so? Mr. Tozer responded with this:

"If we would find God amid all the religious externals, we must first determine to find Him and then proceed in the way of simplicity. Now, as always,God discovers Himself to "babes" and hides Himself in thick darkness from the wise and the prudent. We must simplify our approach to Him. We must strip down to essentials (and they will be found to be blessedly few). We must put away all effort to impress and come with the guileless candor of childhood. If we do this, without doubt God will quickly respond."

This seems to hold each of us accountable for our own worship. We mustn't blame our local churches for what we must go to the Lord for of our own accord and find. It is my prayer that we will again simplify, and find that place of true worship as God intended in our gatherings of His body, the church.

Scripture References:

I Corinthians 9;22 "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

John 4:24 "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part V

I still want to continue our trek across the history of our nation, but to take a slight detour, I would like for the moment to reflect upon something I came across in my study this week.

Again I have had to consider the concepts of good and evil. In our world there is this ever present contrast of what we perceive as good and evil. At various times in world history as well as our own here in the states, these lines between such seem to becomes blurred among us.

The depths into which a person can experience good or evil seems to vary to great degrees. It seems to spring from a willingness of the individual to yield or pursue the spirit behind the experience. You have the extreme devotions that compel individuals to surmountable feats and then all those who reside somewhere in between.

It appears the evil is more easily yielded to because of our fallen nature and to the good a more deliberate act is demanded from us. An example of this would be my reference to Christopher Columbus in that his understanding, he was called to the New World to bring the Gospel to a people in foreign lands. That was a noble and good purpose by most peoples standards. But when Christopher arrived at the islands of the Western Hemisphere and discovered the possibility of gold and wealth, he seems to have lost sight of his calling and purpose to a great degree.

The allurement of wealth, prestige, and power caused him to yield to the side of what most would deem as evil. He as a professing Christian was able to look the other way while murder and rape was being committed in order to keep his position of prestige.

I am beginning to see that the depths of which we are able to achieve either good or evil depends upon the depth of our pursuit of the goodness of God or the development of our fallen nature. Many of us are able to appear as good men and women, not because of such a pursuit, but because of the atmosphere in which we live. It is easy to be a good Christian while sitting in Church. It becomes more difficult when faced with the possibility of "Gold" (wealth, prestige, and power). For the Character of Christ to be maintained under such allurements one must have been exercised in this pursuit of God and His Person.

I realize that many of my readers are not Christians and my feeble attempts here may not be adequate to express this in terms of clarity that you can understand, but I must make the attempt to do so.

In 1649, Father Jean de Brebeuf was captured by the Iroquois Indians [league] along with Father Gabriel Lalemant and were subjected to every satanic torture that his captors could devise. The first Iroquois torture was to pour boiling water over Father Brebeuf's naked body in mockery of the sacrament of baptism.

When, by the grace of God, he denied them the pleasure of hearing him cry out in agony, for the pain of their victims was intoxication to them, they tied a collar of metal hatchets, heated red-hot, around his neck. Again father Brebeuf disappointed them by remaining silent, and so they fastened a birchbark belt filled with pitch and resin around his waist and set it afire. And still he remained mute before his tormentors, his face like flint.

Now Father Brebeuf did speak, but not in anguish. He called out encouragement to his fellow captives. Enraged, the Indians cut off his lips and tongue and rammed a hot iron down his throat. Then they cut strips of flesh from his arms and legs and devoured them before his eyes. But as he was dying, Father Brebeuf was gaining the victory, just as his Savior had on the Cross before him, and the Indians sensed it. In the end, they cut his heart out and ate it, and drank his blood, in the hope that they could thus gain the spirit power that had given him more courage than any man they had ever seen.

In this account of early American history we see the contrast between the evil and the good. On the one, hatred and cruelty focused on destroying a perceived enemy. On the other love and devotion bent on saving an enemy with the love and grace of God.

One must assume the evil perpetrated by the Indian league was not apparent to them, through their understanding of life and worship of their religion this was not an evil, but something pleasing the their god. Their society over time had drifted to the adverse side of mankind to the point that this evil could appear as good. They were blind to the state of their existence, thus the need for the light of the Gospel to which Father Brebeuf was committed.

I will admit Father Brebeuf was not confronted with the allurement of "Gold" (wealth, prestige, and power). Could he have remained faithful had that been the test of his character? I think possibly so, for he had already made his commitment as a Jesuit priest to abandon such allurements long before arriving here. His pursuit of God and his Person had carried him beyond the reaches of most good men, he had acquired a most marvelous character of goodness that would give victory in the face of all evil. Would that we all should pursue such goodness!

Must we conclude that America was not purposed in the heart of God because Columbus fail in his Character and his purposed mission for God? I think not, for many such men like Father Brebeuf because of the calling of Columbus made their way to the new world and introduced the light of the Gospel allowing such peoples as the Iroquois Indian leagues and many others to find and see the light of understanding of this good and evil.

Many lament the evils done by those arriving in the Western Hemisphere, we must remember the scripture says that the wheat and tares grow up together. Yes there were tares that came with this movement to the west, but the wheat came and gave of itself selflessly and planted in this new land a seed that prevailed and gave birth to this experience of freedom, the like of which have never existed before.

May we continue our trek next week,

God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part IV

2011-11-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keboard:
LOVE IN ACTION
This week as I was studying a lesson on love for others, I came across a news article that spoke volumes on the subject. An elderly Ukranian lady was relating her story of how as a ten year old girl during the holocaust, her family (which was her mother and siblings, because her Dad had been killed in a prior Stalin raid), hid a family of five Jews in their home for three long years. They had to move them from the cellar to the attic during different seasons of the year. Yet, at great risk to their own lives, they helped the Chosen of God.

When I thought on love in action, this example was right up there at the top. It seems as believers in this great nation, we seldom encounter the risk of death in our acts of love toward others. This precious lady moved to Israel to deepen her ties with God's people. She is one among approximately 130 others who are living there for similar reasons. What precious demonstrations of God's love!

Jesus gave us two great commandments in His Word and stated that all other commandments are attached to these.

Matt. 22:37-40 "...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." KJV

Love carries the things that we "shalt not" do a little bit further. Love reaches out in the action of doing and demonstrating the nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. Are we meeting the "love" requirement today? In closing, I leave some characteristics of this great "love" as a reminder of the disposition He desires for us.

I Corinthians 13:4-8a "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:" KJV

In His Great Love,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part IIII

It seems prudent to continue our discussion on "Christian Nation" and travel a little further down the road of our American spiritual history.

I have made the argument that the term "Christian Nation" as defined by the United Supreme Court http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/2011/10/christian-nation.html as our foundation to build from was established out of the heart of a people and not by government mandate. We have followed this though with several post confirming the purpose and intent of our forefathers being documented in their own writings and institutions of government.

Now I want to take a few minutes to look at how this was propagated on to preceding generations. It was of course instilled through their educational system. We could discuss the implication of religious thought throughout the 17th Century and early 18th Century. But for the sake of time I want to quickly move on to the period of time of which our free Government and Independence was being formed.

I want to ask the question, "What was being instilled into the understanding of our Founders that developed and formed their World view and gave birth to the ideas of freedom and our Declaration of Independence and ultimately United States Constitution?"

In 1790 requirements at Harvard university looked like this:

All persons of what degree forever residing at the College, and all undergraduates . . . shall constantly and seasonably attend the worship of God in the chapel, morning and evening. . . . All the scholars shall, at sunset in the evening preceding the lord's Day, lay aside all their diversions and. . . . it is enjoined upon every scholar carefully to apply himself to the duties of religions on said day. (The Laws of Harvard College - Boston: Samuel Hall, 1790, pp. 7-8)

This goal was further exemplified by their motto's "For the Glory of Christ" and "For Christ and the Church." This school produced signers John Adams, John Hancock, Elbridge Gerry, John Pickering, William Williams, Rufus King, William Hooper, William Ellery, Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and numerous other illustrious Founders.

Princeton University was similar, declaring:

Every student shall attend worship in the collage hall morning and evening at the hours appointed and shall behave with gravity and reverence during the whole service. Every student shall attend public worship on the Sabbath. . . . Besides the public exercises of religious worship on the Sabbath, there shall be assigned to each class certain exercises for their religious instruction suited to the age of standing of the pupils. . . . and no student belonging to any class shall neglect them. (The Laws of the College of New Jersy - Trenton: I saac Collins, 1794, pp. 28-29)

This college produced such signers as James Madison, Richard Stockton, Benjamin Rush, Gunning Bedford, Joanthan Dayton, and numerous other prominent Founders.

But what was the purpose for all this religious emphases? This answer can be found in the commencement speech of William Samuel Johnson who was appointed as first president of Columbia College in 1787. In this speech he declared:

You this day, gentlemen, . . . . have . . . received a public education, the purpose whereof hath been to qualify you the better to serve your Creator and your country. . . . Your first great duties, you are sensible, are those you owe to Heaven, to your Creator and Redeemer. Let these be ever present to your minds and exemplified in your lives and conduct. Imprint deep upon your minds the principles of piety towards God and reverence and fear of His holy name. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. . . . Remember, too, that you are the redeemed of the Lord, that you are bought with a price, even the inestimable price of the precious blood of the Son of God. . . . Love, fear, and serve Him as your Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Acquaint yourselves with Him in His Word and holy ordinances. Make Him your friend and protector and your felicity is secured both here and hereafter. (Edwards Beardsley, Life and Times of William Samuel Johnson - Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1886, pp. 141-142)

With such religious instruction coming from our Colleges and Universities one can hardly imagine how they were able to build the greatest experience of freedom this world has ever know, build a nation that in 1892 was defined by it's Supreme Court as a "Christian Nation."

Of course now we have finally freed ourselves from all this Christian influence, purged our schools and universities of any Bible reading, prayer, or religious activity. Finally we are removing our religious landmarks and I suppose will soon be grinding off the religious quotations from the granite upon which they are written.

Since we are no longer instilling the faith and convictions of our Founders into the minds of our Children we can move on and do a much better job of establishing freedom and national unity than our Founders and previous generations that were bound and restricted by such ridiculous beliefs!

Of course we are still riding on the coat tails of what they have left to us, but as we drive ourselves further from their faith and values we are able to instill and replace those old ideas with our new found freedoms! One can already see how well we are doing!

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part III

2011-10-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Today as I spent some time among relatives I haven't seen in a while, it got me thinking about the changes in our society. Life as we know it here in this earth has shifted so much from even a couple of decades ago. My heart gets a bit grieved at times when I see the passivity in the lives of people and the tolerance of everything under the sun.

The issue in mind is how we're to just be one big, loving, happy family, patting one another on the back, and passing out kudos to our young ones while they try and see how many different paths they can travel in this life. Someone may need to enlighten me, but as far as I know, God's Word has not changed one iota! Why do we invent new terms for the "same old sins" that have plagued mankind throughout the ages?

Then of course, when you attempt to make a point in this regard, all of a sudden you've become the biggest legalist imaginable. You will often hear a sermonette on how we're not under the Law but under Grace. Thanks be to God that we are indeed under His Grace and Mercy or we would have been sentenced to doom all too long ago. However, He surely didn't mean for us to go on and live as the majority of society, in sin, and pulling out grace and mercy like they're cards to swipe for payment!

I submit to you today, that He deserves so much more. It's so great for us that Jesus Christ came and fulfilled the law and the prophets. However, He never intended for us to disregard the lessons to be learned from studying these. They tell us things that our God loves as well as what He hates. Don't we need to know this anymore?

If we're going to build a successful relationship with anyone, especially our Heavenly Father, we need to know what He loves and what He hates. With anyone that we love in sincerity, we desire to please them. How much more priority should be placed on developing this closeness with the Father, God.

Will you get to know Him today? Will you learn the things he prefers? If we do get to know Him, there will be a desire to do just this.

Scripture Reference:
"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." I John 2:4

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part III

In continuing to explore the concept of a Christian Nation as defined by the United States Supreme Court in 1892 as discussed in post http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/2011/10/christian-nation.html lets look at America's first constitutions.

In the "Fundamental orders of Connecticut" (1639) which was not only the first constitution written in the United States but was also the direct antecedent of our current federal Constitution we find this wording:

"Well knowing when a people are gathered together, the word of God requires that to maintain the peace and union of such a people, there should be an orderly and decent government established according to God." - - - - The code of 1650, Being a Complilation of the Earliest Laws and Orders of the General Court of Connecticut (Hartford: Silus Andurs, 1822), p. 2.

This constitution expressed the peoples desire to:

"Enter into combination and confederation together to maintain and preserve the liberty and purity of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus which we now profess . . . which, according to the truth of the said Gospel, is now practiced amongst us." - - - - Code of 1650, p. 2

Later in the same year, New Hampshire established a similar constitution that declared:

"Considering with ourselves the holy will of God, and our own necessity that we should not live without laws and civil government among us, of which we are altogether destitute; do in the name of Christ and in the sight of God combine ourselves together to erect and set up among us such government as shall be to our best discerning agreeable to the will of God." - - - - Hazard's historical collections, Vol. I, p. 463.

It is interesting to note that by 1643 Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Plymouth, and New Haven joined together to form the "New England Confederation" which was America's first "united" government. This document expressed their goals as:

"We all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aim, namely to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ." - - - - Hazard's Historical collections, Vol. II, p. 1.

We could continue listing documents and government formations that reflected similar views and desires, but these should suffice here for the moment. Our spiritual roots in the Christian religion has been and can be easily verified, supporting the U. S. Supreme Court ruling in 1892, establishing the nature and character of the United States and supporting the term "Christian Nation" as referred to when referencing the United States of America.

I am aware of the Statement and wording used in dealing with the Islamic issue in Tripoli where it is said that America is not a Christian Nation. That statement came at a much later time in our history and was made in trying to solve diplomatically, issues with Muslim attacks upon American ships. It was also defining the term "Christian Nation" using different definitions that what was referenced in the 1892 U. S. Supreme Court ruling.

Putting that argument aside for time being, as we continue to travel across our History we are continuing to see the influence of Christianity upon our people, education, and laws. These in themselves are defining who and what we are without any government enforcement. It is simply the heart of a free people expressing themselves through their understanding of the world around them. And they saw that world through the lens of scripture.

Perhaps we will continue to explore this next week,

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part II

2011-10-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

"...Choose you this day whom ye will serve; ...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

Most of us, if we're familiar with the Christian Faith at all, have heard the above portion of Scripture quoted or seen it mounted on someone's wall in their home. Indeed, it is a powerful declaration of commitment to our God. However, one might ad that it's easier in the "saying" than often in the "doing."

We notice from this text that the whole concept of successfully serving God comes right down to a matter of "choice." We can say what we will. We can testify of His saving grace and how He's made us "new creatures" in Him, and all of this is true. But, whether or not we honor Him with a life of obedience is a matter of our own choosing.

He's made us free will agents in this world. Yet, He has fully equipped us, if we belong to Him through His saving grace in Christ Jesus, with a new way of thinking and the power to make the right choice. He said we simply need to let the "mind of Christ" be within us. We must adopt His way of thinking and action.

There's a walk to take in Christ. We do this in a manner called "walking in the Spirit." We do this to avoid the ways of "walking in the flesh." The ways of the flesh never lead to satisfaction. There are only temporary pleasures from this path, and not only this, but often the result is anything but peace. The walk in His Spirit is a "way of pleasantness and a path of peace."

He's prepared the way for us to make this walk successfully through all He gave us through Christ. He's endowed us with the power of His Spirit to lead, guide and give direction and comfort. Yet, we have the choice available to rely on this leading, moment by moment, or yield to the dictates of our self life.

My friends, how are we walking today? Have we yielded our choices to the paths of righteousness, or are we too often struggling with the flesh desires of this life in its stead? He's faithful to help if we'll but honor our relationship with Him.

I pray your choices ( and mine) be made wisely in the days to come.

Scripture References:

Joshua 24:15
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

Galatians 5:16,17 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

Have a Blessed Week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation" Part II

Working from the definition of a Christian Nation established by the United States Supreme Court in 1892 as discussed in the last weeks post "Christian Nation"
http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/2011/10/christian-nation.html we continue to review that evidence sighted in that court decision.

Moving on from Christopher Columbus to the American Colonies we find yet another step in the foundation of our religious heritage. To explore this next step we will need to consult the reasoning behind those involved.

In speaking to the colony of Virginia we ask; what was the motivations of the colonists who came to America from your perspective?

"To make habitation . . . and to deduce a colony of sundry of our people into the part of America commonly called Virginia . . . in propagating of Christian religion to such people as yet live in darkness." - - - - Historical Collections: consisting of State papers and other Authentic documents: Intended as materials for an History of the United States of America, Ebenezer hazard, editor (Philadelphia: T. Dobson, 1792), Vol. I, pp. 50-51.

"The Principal effect which we can desire or expect of this action is the conversion . . . of the people in those parts unto the true worship of God and Christian religion." - - - - Hazard's historical collections, vol. I, p. 72.

In speaking to the Pilgrims of the Mayflower, we would ask the same question?

"Having undertaken for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith . . . we combine ourselves together into a civil body politic for . . . furtherance of the ends aforesaid." - - - - Hazard's Historical Collections, Vol. I, p. 119.

In speaking to one of their leaders Mr. William Bradford, I would ask; Mr. Bradford, how would you explain the reasoning for coming to America?

" . . . a great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way thereunto, for the propagating and advancing the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world." - - - - William Bradford, History of Plymouth Plantation (Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1856), p. 24.

In speaking to Mr. John Winthrop who along with the Puritans would arrive some 10 years later, I would ask; Mr. Winthrop, how would you view the colonization of America and your perceived purpose for coming here?

"We are a company professing ourselves fellow members of Christ . . . knit together by this bond of love. . . . We are entered into covenant with Him [God] for this work. . . . For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill, the eyes of all people are upon us; so that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a byword through the world." - - - - John Winthrop, The winthrop Papers, Stewart Mitchell, editor (Massachusetts historical Society, 1931), Vol II, pp. 292-295, "A Model of Christian charity," 1630.

In speaking to the people of Massachusetts I would ask; What is your principal end and purpose here in America?

"Our said people . . . be so religiously, peaceably, and civilly governed that their good life and orderly conversation may win and incite the natives of . . . that country to the knowledge and obedience of the only true God and Savior of mankind, and the Christian faith, which . . . is the principle end of this plantation [colony]." - - - - Hazard's Historical Collections, Vol. I, p. 252.

In speaking with the people of North Carolina I would ask as well; What is your principal end and purpose here in America?

[We are] "Excited with a laudable and pious zeal for the propagation of the Christian faith . . . in the parts of America not yet cultivated or planted, and only inhabited by . . . people who have no knowledge of Almighty God." - - - - North Carolina History, Hugh Talmage lefler, editor (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1934, 1956), p. 16.

To the people of Rhode Island I would ask; What is your intended purpose in settling and establishing a presence here in American?

"Pursuing with peace and loyal minds, their sober, serious and religious intentions of Godly edifying themselves and one another in the holy Christian faith, . . . a most flourishing civil state may stand and best be maintained . . . with a full liberty in religious concernments." - - - - Hazard's Historical Collections, Vol. II, p. 612.

To the people of Pennsylvania I would ask; to what purpose do you see your presence here in America?

"William Penn . . . out of a commendable desire to . . . convert the savage natives by gentle and just manners to the love of civil society and Christian religion, hath humbly besought leave of us to transport an ample colony unto a certain country . . . in the parts of America not yet cultivated and planted." - - - - A Collection of Charters and Other Public Acts Relating to the province of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia: B. Franklin, 1740), p. 1.

In speaking with the people of New Hampshire and New Jersey I received a virtual restatement of the Christian goals reflected above.

In seeing and hearing the purpose and intent that resided in the hearts of the people who came to America, I am beginning to understand the term "Christian Nation" as applied to the United States purely based upon content.

It was not ordered or dictated by some government mandate or conquest upon an people unwilling, it was simply contained within the people themselves. The Christian values and institutions of learning, American law and society itself, was birthed and came forth out of the heart of a people that gave a Nation the character of what would be called "Christian Nation."

As we continue to travel across the expanse of history, we will discover perhaps if this term "Christian Nation" has been maintained by the heart of the people. In American society, if it came forth out of the heart of the people, must it not be maintained, in the heart of the people?

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation"

2011-10-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:
In Whom Is Your Confidence Today?

As I sat down to post some thoughts for the week, I spent some moments reflecting over the past few days. After enjoying the blessing of many grand children in our home for a visit, it always proves to be one of those events for helping to balance out the walk through this life and keep things in perspective.

A passage of Scripture from the 46th Psalm kept coming to mind in my meditations:

"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Ps. 46:10

Though this life we encounter each day seems to spin a little faster with each new day, there's a call from our Lord to rein things in and progress through this pilgrim existence by His great plan. We don't have to get on the overwhelming wheel of worry and anxiety. We don't have to make the most, drive the best, or live in the finest. (though some may) But, we all have to come under that instruction of "being still and knowing that He is God."

When the tasks of our days are calling us into a frenzied way of living, we must recall His Words of stillness and rest. Certainly, there's much work to be done. Many things are necessary to serve faithfully in walking as" salt and light" in this world. Our place of service in Him is best served by taking upon His "easy yoke and light burden."

But, I can't seem to express enough, as I look about me and hear and see the troubled souls trying to deal with one issue after another as if in sinking sand, where the answer lies. The "arm of flesh will fail you..." we cannot trust man. We must be still, get to know Him and take time to notice the beauty He has placed all around us.

We get the idea from Scripture that our Lord enjoys stillness. "He speaks in a still small voice." Why can't we just take Him at this Word and let this be enough for us? He's better than the finest cruise vacation. He's better than pure gold. He's far greater than anything else anyone has ever found to relieve their stresses. We simply need to know Him.

Can we truly place our complete confidence in Him? Can we "be still and know that He is God?
It's His plan that this be true for each of us.

Blessings,
Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation"

Should I even try to address the subject of America being a Christian? I know the very term sparks delight in some while rejection in others. A Christian loves the idea of living in a Christian Nation while one of another religion or perhaps an atheist not only rejects the idea but most likely it is an offence to them and their belief. Since the very foundation of our society is based upon freedom, namely here freedom of conscience, would it not be contrary to the very idea of America to call it a "Christian Nation"?

I don't suspect I will settle the controversy here in this blog post, but perhaps with the understanding I have gained from the study of our Founders writings and the many others that have searched out the subject, I can at least bring us a little closer together.

I think first we must define a definition for the term "Christian Nation" as used when referenced to the United States. The very term identifies very different ideas in a variety of people. As long as one understands one thing and another understands something else when hearing the term "Christian Nation" we will never be able to come to a common understanding.

So instead of making up my own definition I would suggest we all work from the one already established by the United States Supreme Court in 1892 under Church of the Holy Trinity vs. United States.

This Court described America as a "Christian nation" saying, "This is historically true. From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making this affirmation. . . . These are not individual saying, declarations of private persons: they are organic utterances; they speak the voice of the entire people. . . . These and many other matters which might be noticed, add a volume of unofficial declarations to the mass of organic utterances that this is a Christian nation."

Now, the Supreme Court of the United States recognized this nation as a Christian nation, but notice the basis. It was not by private persons, or Constitutional mandate, or rule of government. One did not have to be a Christian to be a citizen, nor did being a Christian give one special advantages in society as pertaining to the government of the United States. Nor did not being a Christian bring undue restraint or place one at a disadvantage in society again as pertaining to the Federal and Local Governments. It was simply recognized as a Christian nation purely on its contents.

As the court stated, from the discovery to the present hour (1892) the content of American society spoke a single voice both through purpose and its common law the influence of Christianity upon its people. So if you will, we will work from this platform, that at least until the year 1892 America could be referred to as a Christian nation using the courts criteria. We can also work from this platform with the understanding, that using the 1892 definition for a Christian nation, referencing America as such could and perhaps has changed since 1892. By that I mean what defined America in 1892 as a Christian nation may not be entirely present in this hour.

This could be what was implied when President Obama inferred fundamentally changing America, and also when he stated what we once were we are not longer.

Leaving for the moment what we are now, let us take a quick look at what we once were. Lets begin as the court stated with the discovery.

To do this we will need to ask someone with insight into that discovery. It so happens we have Christopher Columbus available for an interview.

Chris, when contemplating such an undertaking as discovering a new world, what was the driving force that caused you to pursue such an accomplishment.

"Our Lord opened to my understanding (I could sense his hand upon me) so it became clear to me that it [the voyage] was feasible. . . . All those who heard about my enterprise rejected it with laughter, scoffing at me. . . . Who doubts that this illumination was from the Holy Spirit? I attest that he [the Spirit], with marvelous rays of light, consoled me through the holy and sacred Scriptures . . . they inflame me with a sense of great urgency. . . . No one should be afraid to take on any enterprise in the name of our Savior if it is right and if the purpose is purely for His Holy service." - - - - Christopher Columbus, Christopher Columbus's Book of Prophecies, Kay Brigham, translator (Barcelona, Spain: CLIE, 1990; Ft. Lauderdale: TSELF, 1991), pp 178-179, 182-183.

So, at least in the words of Christopher Columbus, we began with illumination from the Holy Spirit in a sense of great urgency. The question will be, is that illumination still among us and do we understand it with this great urgency. And so our discussion continues . . . .

May God bless each of you,

David

American "Liberty of Conscience"

2011-10-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's keyboard:

What a beautiful week it's been with all the warm breezy weather and the colors of fall starting to emerge for this year's "show and tell" session. It's such a blessing to live in an area where the benefit of each season can be experienced.

David and I had set this past week aside to complete some projects that we had before us here at home. Yet, even when we take those "working vacations," there's still a special enjoyment in whatever we seem to be occupied.

What a joy indeed to know that the presence of the Lord is always wherever we are. He gives us all such great things to enjoy as we walk with Him. Sometimes our eyes may not be open well enough to see the "great things" the Lord has given, but that doesn't change the truth that He has provided and given them to us.

It just seems that maybe it should be necessary to stop and count the many blessings afforded to us from our great Creator. When one is tempted to measure his success by what he sees and hears around him, he's destined for trouble. This world and its means is an unstable, or even false, measurement device of success and the pursuit of happiness.

We must remind ourselves that this life is as a vapor in the wind, or like the flower in the grass that's here today and gone tomorrow. However, though this span of living be so short on this earth, there's an eternity to be reckoned with somewhere. Where will you spend yours, reader?
According to the Word of God, it will be one of two choices.

In light of the fact that this walk through life is so brief, wouldn't it be wise to focus on the preparation for the life that "never ends?" I pray that the thing we love most from our lives becomes more and more obvious to be our "First Love." (Jesus Christ our Lord)

Our lives are speaking volumes today. What are they saying? Where is your hope built? Who and What do I love? The only real peace, the only real prosperity or joy that can be acquired is in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

He's more beautiful than the colors of the seasons! He knows more about peace and rest than any one in this world because, He is Peace and Rest! Is He your Savior today?

Blessings,

Julie

Ephesians 2:14 "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us:"

Hebrews 4:9-11 "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

American "Liberty of Conscience"

Today much is made of government infusion of religion or religious activity conducted by government officials or public run facilities and universities. For instance, if a student wants to offer a public Christian prayer at graduation or sporting event, they do so at risk of law suit by the ACLU or some like entity. Mostly these suits reference the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution, the so called establishment clause and or the "separation of Church and State" statement by Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptist that does not (though you would think so) have any legal aspect to it.

The premise being that if a none Christian perhaps being present, might be offended and his or her liberty of Conscience would be violated and their protection through the Constitution would be unduly abridged.

This view is being taught by our institutions of learning and promoted through our political and media outlets so much that a large portion of our population are under the impression that this is Constitutionally correct and was the intent of our Founding Fathers.

Rather than give you my opinion, lets again look to the words of our Founders or early Courts to the get the exact understanding of the intended "Liberty of Conscience".

In turning to the the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1859 I would present the question, "What was the understanding of "Liberty of Conscience" during the framing of the United States Constitution and the following decades?"

They [the Founders] could not admit this [liberty of conscience] as a civil justification of human sacrifices, or parricide [killing one's parents or close kin], infanticide [The intentional killing of an infant. Abortion perhaps], or thuggism [religious murders], or of such modes of worship as the disgusting and corrupting rites of the Dionysia, and Aphrodisia, and Eleusinia, and other festivals of Greece and Rome.

They did not mean that the pure moral customs which Christianity has introduced should be without legal protection because some pagan, or other religionist, or anti-religionist, should advocate as matter of conscience concubinage, polygamy, incest, free love, and free divorce, or any of them.

They did not mean that phallic processions and satyric dances and obscene songs and indecent statues and paintings of ancient of or modern paganism might be introduced under the profession of religion, or pleasure, or conscience, to seduce the young and the ignorant into a Corinthian degradation; to offend the moral sentiment of a refined Christian people; and to compel Christian modesty to associate with the nudity and impurity of Polynesian or of Spartan woman. No Christian people could possibly allow such things. . . .

By our . . . laws against vice and immorality we do not mean to enforce religion; we admit that to be impossible. But we do mean to protect our customs, no matter that they may have originated in our religion; for they are essential parts of our social life. Instinctively we defend and protect them. It is mere social self-defence. . . .

Law can never become entirely infidel [secular]; for it is essentially founded on the moral customs of men and the very generating principle of these is most frequently religion." - - - - Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Commonwealth v. Nesbit (1859).

Thanks to the early courts insight we can understand the true meaning of American "Liberty of Conscience". If you will, look again at their statements and notice they provided protection for what they called our Christian customs that were practiced by a Christian people in reference to the general population. Christianity was inferred to be the religion of the nation by sure acceptance.

They wanted to protect their Christian practices while guarding against other improper and indecent practices that might be attempted under the guise of religion. They were going to protect a student who wanted to offer a Christian prayer against anyone who would have objected under the guise of liberty of conscience of another religion or non-religion. They were also going to restrict the offering of a prayer of any other religion that was in practice of many Christian vices such as Islam and the practice of polygamy.

They also understood that law could never be entirely secular and religion is at the base of man's moral understanding.

Unfortunately, we now on a consistence basis violate every afforded protection sustained by this early court and their understanding of our laws. This will be a hard lesson we must learn if we do not educate ourselves in the principles of our Founding Fathers.

May God bless each of you,

David

"Religious toleration"

2011-09-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Last week as we closed, we finished up our thoughts with "things we should think on." I was reminded a few days ago of a comment our youngest son made while writing sentences in his language arts school work. He had to form a sentence for the word "minds."

So, he writes: "We're the only ones who know what's in our minds."

Rather pleased with his creation, he told me what he had written. As I told him, while it's a good sentence in structure, if you're shooting for the truth, we've missed it a bit.

I had to remind him that God knows everything we're thinking about. With this, it's almost as if the bulb turned brighter in his mind as he said, "Oh dear!" LOL

Isn't it so? Right out of the mouths of babes, so often, comes the precious awareness of truth. It's so odd how we can seemingly know something, but it not really be a revelation to us. Our Heavenly Father loves so much to reveal Himself to us. But it comes with some seeking on our part. He has so many "good things" for us to dwell our thoughts upon. Yet, it seems they will not just fall upon us as we go about in this world conducting our lives no differently from the culture of things.

As loving and merciful as our wonderful Heavenly Father is, He gives us free choice. I heard a message this week dealing with the fact that even the choice to do evil was available, as in the Garden of Eden. Without this choice, man would simply be a robot or puppet to His Creator. God has given us free will and the capacity to make decisions toward a life of promise in Him or unfortunately to our own demise in the kingdom of the Prince of this world.

What will it be today? Time is fleeting. The moments are passing. What will be your decision? He's calling you. Many are called. Few are chosen. He's chosen you by sending His only begotten Son to redeem you and I. Will you respond to the Gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord? He sent Christ here for this purpose.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

Will you believe today?

Blessings,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Religious toleration"

Much is being said in America today about religious toleration, it seems we are almost confused as to what it even is. Many of us are walking on nails afraid we are going to offend someone with some statement or act. Even to the point that our 911 ceremonies this year band clergy and prayers of any religious nature.

How is it that we have become so confused over something that was once so clearly understood and documented in our history? In an effort to clarify the issue I decided to ask one of our early courts about the issue.

I have decided to gather together the Supreme Court of South Carolina in the year of 1846 and see if they can give some clarity to this issue.

As an entity of American Jurisprudence, how do you believe we as Americans should view religious toleration according to American law and society?

Well, as an answer to you question I would ask you, "What gave to us this noble safeguard of religious toleration . . . ? It was Christianity. . . . But this toleration, thus granted, is a religious toleration; it is the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, with two provisos, one of which, that which guards against acts of licentiousness, testifies to the Christian construction. . . .

What constitutes the standard of good morals? Is it not Christianity? There certainly is none other. . . . The day of moral virtue in which we live would, in an instant, if that standard were abolished, lapse into the dark and murky night of Pagan immorality. . . .

In the Courts over which we preside, we daily acknowledge Christianity as the most solemn part of our administration. A Christian witness, having no religious scruples about placing his hand upon the book, is sworn upon the holy Evangelists, the books of the New Testament which testify of our Savior's birth, life, death, and resurrection; this is so common a matter that it is little thought of as an evidence of the part which Christianity has in the common law. . . .

I agree fully to what is beautifully and appropriately said in Updegraph v. Commonwealth . . . Christianity, general Christianity, is and always has been, a part of the common law: "not Christianity founded on any particular religious tenets; not Christianity with an established Church . . . but Christianity with liberty of conscience to all me." - - - - City Council of Charleston v. S.A.Benjamin, page 522-524 (Sup. Ct. S.C. 1846)

Thank you so much for clarifying that for us, so we can conclude that America did legislate according to Christian standards of conduct for social behavior, but it did not tell other religions how, where, when or whether to worship as long as their religious practices were not licentious or subversive to public morality or safety. America granted broad religious toleration to other religions not in spite of, but because of its Christian beliefs. I wonder why this is so hard for us to understand today? Could it be because we have forgotten our founding principles and how they apply to us and our society? A good study of who we use to be might shed some light on who we are today and perhaps where we should be going!

May God bless each of you,

David

"American Christianity"

2011-09-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

The other day I was listening to a Christian Radio Station for a while and the Children's hour came on the station. There was a song that I'd never heard before with these lyrics in its content.

"Esau saw the soup, Esau saw the soup. Jacob made a meal and he knew he had a deal, when Esau saw the soup."

I even tried to check this out online and couldn't find this song, it was so cute. The thing that caught my attention was just how powerful this simple message could be. It seems to imply rather strongly that someone could be bought if the right product is being offered.

We know that the right of the firstborn is a matter of serious consequence. As in this account, Esau trades away his right of blessing to his brother for a meal. While we can certainly review this account and see the outrageous error here, could it be that there's a message within for the lives of believers in our walk each day?

There's always a "crafty, deceiver" somewhere along the path. There's always something appealing to the eye, or some other arena of the senses that will be of interest to the flesh of man. We have to remember that the enemy of the child of God is Satan, and how he influences the "self" of mankind. As God's children, we must not be "ignorant of his devices."

If our eyes are looking in the right direction, if they are turned upon Jesus, we shouldn't fall prey to these many forms of deceit. We have to choose to feed our minds on things pure and good. In fact there's a Scripture in Philippians that helps us know just what to even think about.

This is really our job to do now in this earth as the body of Christ. He's taken care of our redemption. Now, as those redeemed before Him, we should purify ourselves as we walk through this life from day to day. Choosing proper thoughts and looking in the right places are necessary actions in this endeavor. It's only a hard thing to do, if we make it so.

Again, it's our choice. Esau saw the soup and he had to have it. What are we looking at today? Can that which is so precious in our lives (Jesus Christ) be traded for some pleasure in this world? Surely not!

I pray that you have a blessed week of encouragment in the things of the Lord. Here's a passage that will give us "something to think about."

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things of good report; if there be any virture, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Blessings,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"American Christianity"

Much is said by us as Americans about the American way or life, the American Dream, and what it means to be an American. We are quick to quote our Founders, the Constitution, and the sacrifices that it took to build this American experience.

I just wonder if we really realize how much we have changed from those Founding ideas that we so often hold up as are treasures?

A free society and it's governments are a reflection of the heart and views of it's people. Posted below are some court views on our laws regarding the precepts of Christianity. These courts are a product of our political system where "we the people" have chosen men and women to represent us and our interest, to convey our thoughts and desires, and build our society upon those tenets. To appoint Judges to positions by which these tenets can be implemented into our society; to govern and direct our lives according to those things by which we may pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

A verbal prayer offered in a school is unconstitutional, even if that prayer is both voluntary and denominational neutral. Engel v. Vitale, 1962.

It is unconstitutional for students to see the Ten Commandments since they might read, meditate upon, respect, or obey them. Stone v. Graham, 1980.

Posted below is the reflection of the society established by the "the people" of the United States through our political system. One which conveyed their views a few years back, by way of representation through their elected officials, who then appointed Judges in their time, to implement those ideas by which they deemed important in achieving their dream and pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.

City Council of Charleston v. S. A. Benjamin, 2 Strob. 508, 518-520 (Supreme Court of South Carolina 1846.)

Christianity is a part of the common law of the land, with liberty of conscience to all. It has always been so recognized. . . . If Christianity is a part of the common law, its disturbance is punishable at common law. The U. S. Constitution allows it as a part of the common law. The President is allow ten days [to sign a bill], with the exception of Sunday. The Legislature does not sit, public offices are closed, and Government recognizes the day in all things. . . . The observance of Sunday is one of the usages of the common law recognized by our U. S. and State Governments. . . . Christianity is part and parcel of the common law. . . . Christianity has reference to the principles of right and wrong . . . it is the foundation of those morals and manners upon which our society is formed; it is their basis. Remove this and they will fall. . . .

I wonder if we took a good honest look at ourselves, could we find perhaps that our foundation of morals and manners upon which our society is formed have began to fall, if not already fallen beyond repair?

City Council of Charleston v. S. A. Benjamin, 2 Strob. 521 (Supreme Court of South Carolina 1846.)

The Lord's day, the day of Resurrection, is to us who are called Christians, the day of rest after finishing a new creation. It is the day of the first visible triumph over death, hell and the grave! It was the birth day of the believer in Christ, to whom and through whom it opened up the way which, by repentance and faith, leads unto everlasting life and eternal happiness! On that day we rest, and to us it is the Sabbath of the Lord, its decent observance, in a Christian community, is that which ought to be expected.

Oh my! Expected? Dare we be so bold as to publicly confess such an expectation through our courts and laws? We once did, but I am afraid we have lost that as well!

In this coming election season, many are looking for some reprieve, some hope of returning to our former greatness. Many are looking for that candidate that can bring that hope, to the correct political views that will bring about the needed economic success.

Many are looking to blame the current leadership or the previous leaderships for all our woes; but could the blame lie somewhere else? Perhaps it could lie somewhere within our own hearts. Could it be that within our own hearts we have become selfish and our choices to represent us are an outgrowth of that selfishness that lies within?

This nation came forth from a deep faith in Christianity, but we are rejecting those roots in our society and trying to convince ourselves that our Founders really didn't intend for those roots be so visible among us. We contrive things like "separation of Church and State" to try and sever those roots from us.

Our Founders gave us clear warnings as to the result of such actions and yet we claim we are acting in their spirit. We will try in vain to recover who we are except it be through those same time honored principles that were our beginnings. The only way possible to embrace those principles is through a renewed work of faith in the hearts of our people. God has given us revival before, our nation has been awakened to our purpose before, we must again seek this awakening or forever count ourselves lost to our heritage.

May God bless each of you,

David

"911"

2011-09-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

As we go about in this life from day to day and note the changes in the dispositions of people all over this land, it's getting to be disturbing. Far too many people seem to be "on the edge" we might say. This reminded me of a line in one of the popular children's movies "Shrek." The character known as "Donkey" is quoted as saying, "I'm a donkey on the edge!"

How well said, indeed! Too often we're seeing folks behave just like a "donkey on the edge." There seems to be no patient tolerance afforded even in the normal routine of life. Someone is out there ready to get "in your face" at any moment if it seems that you've troubled their pathway. We certainly know that we can expect these occurrences, but what sort of character must we reveal in our reaction?

As I was thinking along these lines, I was reminded of a Scripture from the book of Micah 6:8

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"

What a powerful response! Why not take the higher ground of approach to the aggravations of this life and show forth this requirement of the Lord. Justice, mercy and humility, what a powerful trio!

Sure it's no fun when we're cut off in traffic, or someone's giving us naughty hand signals and blessing us out. This behavior speaks for itself. It's called "low living." Shouldn't we, as the children of God, take the higher path? That" higher plain" where our feet is on" higher ground?"

As a word of encouragement today, though these behaviors will be among us always, let's be wise in our response by practicing the Word of God. This action will make us free indeed.

Blessings,

Julie
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"911"

Here we are, 10 year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks upon our nation. It seems incumbent upon me to write something to honor this event. I have searched for words but it seems all that can be said has been said over the past 10 years. What else can I add to the surmountable greatness that has been expressed over the years by many great men?

I am sure this up coming event will prove again to have great men speaking words in honor of those who have given their lives in an effort to comfort as well and encourage our nation. But something will be noticeable absent from this years ceremonies, the present of clergy and the influence of Christian prayers.

It has been deemed by the appropriate leadership that these prayers are now not only offensive but not necessary for us as a people or nation. We apparently have no need of such foolish dependence, as to ask God for his divine protection and blessings or to thank him for His past influence.

We apparently believe our own words and efforts are sufficient to build a nation upon. This of course is an abandonment from our traditional core beliefs that have brought us to such a wonderful experience of freedom. But of course we know better now, those before us were foolish in their religious beliefs, we are more educated now and have a better understanding of life and government and the pursuits of man. We understand man is evolving and becoming better and more intelligent as our technology advances.

Since we no longer hold to these old beliefs nor put any value upon our dependence and responsibilities to God, since we no longer feel compelled to pray, I thought it would be good to review our history and let those who have come before us once again pray for us and our nation.

I will first ask our first President and father of our nation, George Washington, to lead us in a personal devotional prayer for each of our individual lives.

President Washington: "O eternal and everlasting God, I presume to present myself this morning before thy Divine majesty, beseeching thee to accept of my humble and hearty thanks, that it hath pleased thy great goodness to keep and preserve me the night past from all the dangers poor mortals are subject to, and has given me sweet and pleasant sleep, whereby I find my body refreshed and comforted for performing the duties of this day, in which I beseech thee to defend me from all perils of body and soul....

Increase my faith in the sweet promises of the gospel; give me repentance from dead works; pardon my wanderings, and direct my thoughts unto thyself, the God of my salvation; teach me how to live in thy fear, labor in thy service, and ever to run in the ways of thy commandments; make me always watchful over my heart, that neither the terrors of conscience, the loathing of holy duties, the love of sin, nor an unwillingness to depart this life, may cast me into a spiritual slumber, but daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy son Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time attain the resurrection of the just unto eternal life, bless my family, friends, and kindred." -- Prayer from Washington's prayer journal, Mount Vernon

Since it will be absent at the ceremony, I will now ask our Second President, Thomas Jefferson, to offer a prayer for our nation.

President Jefferson: "Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will.

Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.

Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." -- Washington D.C., March 4, 1801

Considering the difficult days that have approached us, I will now turn to President Franklin D. Roosevelt to lead us in our cry to God.

President Roosevelt: Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity...

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph...

Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And for us at home--fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them--help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice...

Give us strength, too--strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace--a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil." --D-Day, June 6, 1944

May God bless each of you,

David

"Conundrum"

2011-09-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

First Julie's Keyboard:

This week as I was studying in the book of Numbers, it seems a serious lesson was impressed upon me in regard to "murmuring and complaining." It seemed so strange that after God provided for His chosen people (Israel) over and over again, they would cycle around again to this atrocious sin. Yet, it's often easy to notice that "problem belonging to someone else, or that speck in their eye," and totally fail to see the relevance to our own circumstances.

How easy it is to slip into complaint mode when the least little issue upsets our flesh in any way whatsoever. What's happened to us, as His people? How can we complain with all the provision that has been afforded us through Jesus Christ our Lord? Could it have anything to do with the company we keep? Have we let the cares of this world shape our appetites and determine the level of comfort we should be granted?

Well, as you may have guessed, these are questions I must ask myself often to avert this dangerous little imp of "murmuring and complaining." This type of behavior is very contagious. One can simply walk into a conversation and take one negative comment and build a mighty fortress of pessimism thereon. As kings and priests, we really should have higher thoughts and pursuits.

I suppose this is one of those areas that tests our level of discipleship. As I bring these thoughts to a close today, this passage of Scripture seems to speak to the issue at hand:

Philippians 2:14,15 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"

Are we "shining" or "whining?"

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Conundrum"

I was reminded of our religious conundrum again this week. New York Mayor Bloomberg decided to exclude the clergy and religious prayers from the 911 ceremonies this year. One prominent evangelical leader Dr. Micheal Youssef agrees with him. You can read Dr. Youssef's view at http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=1422360

The conundrum for most of us is that the ideal of what Mayor Bloomberg has decided strikes at the core of our beliefs, yet when you read Dr. Youssef's view it grabs at the same core beliefs.

Our 1st Amendment no longer carries it's original intent and has taken on a meaning of interpretation depending upon one's personal views. It seems to mean now according to most government entities, that they must avoid any reference to religious views or it will appear to be endorsing a particular religion, which will run crosswise of the establishment clause (using their current interpretation).

In reading the establishment clause of the 1st Amendment of our U. S. Constitution, I must say that it appears to support the idea that all religions have equal status when existing within the borders of this nation. Therefore if Mr. Bloomberg did allow the clergy to speak and prayers to be made, one must conclude that all clergy be allowed and all prayers to all gods be allowed as well. Thus the point Dr. Yussef is making. {This of course would not be the understanding of our Founders.}

I think you may be beginning to see a bit of conflict now, say for instance if a Muslim Imam wanted to speak and offer an Islamic pray at such a sensitive site it could create some emotional affects that one would want to avoid.

Conundrum, Conundrum, Conundrum! What are we to do? How did we get here? Can we ever get over it? Conundrum!

Our problem arises because we as a people have basically abandoned our Christian roots as a nation. Oh, we still profess our Christianity in a personal way, attend our Churches and mostly are content to keep our religious expressions confined to our personal lives. Even our politicians are working hard this election season trying to find a way to appear strong in their faith and yet not offend to broad spectrum of their constituents.

Pundits are constantly pointing us to our Constitutions of government and our Founding Fathers for support of separation of religion and government, and to the diversity of religious views and tolerance. The problem with this is the Founding Fathers did not agree, as our current government and media outlets would have to believe.

Sure constitutional scholars who have studied the documents in questions for years, and are certified experts in their field. But in all their studies they have come to a different conclusion than that of our Founders, but they are scholars and experts, so surly we must conclude they are right! Right?

John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration of Independence said, "Those who pay no regard to religion and seriousness in the persons whom they send to the legislature of any state are guilty of the greatest absurdity and will soon pay dear for their folly."

But our experts have concluded that a persons religious views are personal and have no place in our politics, I wonder if payday is coming?

Benjamin Franklin, signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, during the Constitutional debate said, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. I firmly believe this; I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of babel."

Well, the experts have concluded any reference to Franklin's God mentioned here is unconstitutional in any public square, the afore mentioned 911 ceremony included. I wonder if any of our labor is in vain?

Benjamin Franklin also said, "History will also afford frequent opportunities of showing the necessity of a public religion and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern."

Our experts have concluded our Constitution places all religions on equal footing, yet the Founders of that Constitution deemed the Christian religion above all others, I wonder what History will afford to us?

Our Conundrum is not the issue of Constitution principles, our Conundrum is "We the People" have abandoned our faith and pluralized our views until nothing is clear anymore. We are divided and confused about who we are and what we are to be about.

We cannot sustain our society on division and confusion, either our people will experience another religious awakening that will renew us to the faith and principles of our Founders, or we will continue to decline in our chaos until another form of government arises or another one overtakes us. It is my prayer it will be the former.

May God bless each of you,

David

"Christian Nation" Part I

2011-08-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Choosing the Better Part....

Long ago there were two sisters that were blessed to have a Special Guest in their home. Now mind you, the Special Guest brought more guests with Him, so obviously the kitchen would need to function at maximum output. But, wouldn't you know it, one of the sisters would decide to just plant her seat in the floor and listen to the Special Guest" speak. Of course, the other sister was just frantic with "How will I ever get this done and make accommodations as need demands?"

However, the "Special Guest" seemed to let the working girl steep in her irritated fury until finally she asked the "Special Guest" to send the sister to her proper place of responsibility. Much to her surprise, she gets a reprimand herself. Yes, of course, you know this account. It's none other than Jesus in the home of Martha and her sister Mary. A place of friendship He was known to visit.

Many a woman has read this account in perplexity at how she could actually sit down to conversation with so many folks in her home waiting to be fed. So many can identify with Martha and her need to do this and do it so well. Yet, the point is made, just how well does it need to be done? What is more important in the scope of things?

We know from the account that Christ's tells Martha that her sister, Mary, has chosen the good part. (The "part which shall not be taken away from her....") After all, He is the Master. His time was short with them in this earth walk. There would soon be no opportunities to sit at His feet in a literal sense. But, what lesson can we learn from such an encounter with Christ?

Christ's correction to Martha noted that she was "careful and troubled about many things." Yet, He told her, "one thing is needful." It seems this is the thing we need to get. Lord, may we have this "one thing." May we never miss and opportunity to get to know our Master more. May we "sit at His feet" in every available setting.

The cares of this life and even how we use them to bless others can certainly become a hindrance us in our relationship with our Lord. Well planned and noble tasks can often remove us from His highest and best purpose. We must stay the course. We must have the time "at His feet."

May we truly have a heart like Mary in this Martha cast world. Scripture seems to show us thereafter that Martha did indeed learn a great lesson from this experience. What will we do with this lesson?

Scripture Reference:
Luke 10:38-42 "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Christian Nation"

My previous post have been a review of some of our early court decisions. I find in that review a discovery that surprised me. A discovery that after years of studying our founding principles I still do not understand American freedom in the sense of which it was birthed!

I think I am just now beginning to see a little of that experience and understand a little of the conflict that now resides within us as a nation.

We are trying to take the documents of that time, which were instituted and interpreted by their understanding of freedom, and we are trying to apply them in our time with an entirely different understanding of that freedom.

As an example, today our understanding of "freedom of press" allows an individual to take a small plastic cross of Christ and submerge it in a glass of the artist urine and call it art (Piss Christ). That was not the understanding of freedom of press in early America. Idea of Freedom in early America took on the concept of personal responsibility, something we as a people now have almost completely abandoned.

Thomas Jefferson declared: "While we deny that Congress have a right to control the freedom of the press, we have ever asserted the right of the States, and their exclusive right to do so." - - - - Thomas Jefferson, Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, From the Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, editor (Boston: Gray and Bowen, 1830), Vol. IV, p. 27, to Abigail Adams on September 11, 1804.

The idea that a State had an exclusive right to control the press is foreign to us. Yet that was freedom of press as understood by early America.

Today, freedom of religion means any religious view has the same and equal footing on these United States. Thus we find our conflict when a Christian prayer is offered on school or public grounds with the omission of all others.

Yet in 1799 in Runkel v. Winemiller the Supreme court of Maryland all Judges concurring, "Religion is of general and public concern and on its support depend, in great measure, the peace and good order of government, the safety and happiness of the people. By our form of government, the Christian religion is the established religion; and all sects and denominations of Christians are placed upon the same equal footing and are equally entitled to protection in their religious liberty." - - - - Runkel v. Winemiller, 4 Harris & McHenry 256, 259 (Sup. Ct. Md. 1799).

The 1799 view of religious freedom is far from our current view, yet we are tying to establish today's view with yesterday's documents and they do not mean the same.

According to the documents were are beholding to in our Constitution, confined withing the 1st Amendment, is the understanding that the Christian religion is of general and public concern, that our peace and good order of government depend upon it's support.

According to our form of government, the Christian religion is the established religion, at least in the state of Maryland. This is all foreign to us, yet it is embodied within the documents by which we are governed. This was freedom of religion as practiced and understood by early America and for 150 years prevailed in our society. Gradually over the past Century we have drifted away from these ideas and imposed our own.

The problems arise because we have changed without changing our laws, we just re-interpret them to fit our desires and try to place our founders approval upon it. We imply it was their intent, separation of church and state was their idea and we must comply!

This of course is foolishness, we have no idea today of their understanding of separation of Church and State, nor their view of religious freedom. We fool ourselves when we imply we do and invoke our current views.

Some might ask, " what is your point?" My point is we are not the America we once was, our view of freedom is not that of our founders, nor do our documents of freedom support our current society, thus we find ourselves in this conflict. The conflict of who we were in light of who we have become.

If you are to ponder anything I have said, then let it be this:

"While our country remains untainted with the principles and manners which are now producing desolation in so many parts of the world; while she continues sincere, and incapable of insidious and impious policy, we shall have the strongest reason to rejoice in the local destination assigned us by Providence.

But should the people of America once become capable of that deep simulation towards one another, and towards foreign nations, which assumes the language of justice and moderation while it is practising iniquity and extravagance, and displays in the most captivating manner the charming pictures of candor, frankness, and sincerity, while it is rioting in rapine and insolence, this country will be the most miserable habitation in the world; because we have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion.

Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - - - - John Adams. The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States; With A Life of the Author Notes and Illustrations of his Grandson Charles Francis Adams. Vol. IX, Books For Libraries Press, Freeport, New York, (First Published 1850-1856, Reprinted 1969) pp 228-29)

The accuracy of Mr. Adams words is astounding, he understood American freedom, he understood the limitations of our Constitution, we understand neither. We are now walking in the partial fulfillment of his warnings, if we continue, I would be surprised if we finally render it wholly inadequate!

May God bless each of you,

David

"The early courts" Massachusetts 1838

2011-08-14T16:22:00.000-07:00

First from Julie's Keyboard:

Today I'm blessed to get to celebrate another special milestone in life. It's always wonderful when we get to celebrate in such manner with our family and friends. The special moments that we share with those we love all around us often encourage our awareness of the goodness of our free life in this land. I'm indeed thankful to be a part of this Country in spite of the troubles at hand. Yet, I'm more thankful to be a part of a Kingdom like no other. I'm more blessed to have "the friend that sticketh closer than a brother," as my friend.

It's so good today to know that regardless of how good or how unfortunate, things may go in and around us, we have a blessed hope that supercedes the " ins and outs" of this life. The very best of our earthly friends will have to let us down, at least somewhat, at some point in our relationship with them. However, there is a Friend that will never sell us short, or be lacking in our time of need with any given situation. Isn't that an awesome provision?

I ask this question today: "Who is your closest friend?" Do you know Him today? If not, it's hard to understand why you would want to be without such a friend. My prayer today is that you know Him. "What a Friend we have in Jesus!"

Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"The early courts" Massachusetts

Blasphemy and libel, while such attacks on individuals still remain illegal today, in previous times in the United States, such attacks against God and Christ also fell under the laws that were in place to protect reputations.

In Commonwealth v. Abner Kneeland the indictment recorded Kneeland's puboished statements which stated, "The Universalist believed in a god which I do not; but believe that their god, with all his morals attributes . . . is nothing more than a chimera of their own imagination"; "Universalists believe in Christ, which I do not; but believe that the whole story concerning him is . . . a fable and fiction."

The defendant admitted the writing and publishing of the libel.

Kneeland was convicted by the jury, he appealed, explaining that his conviction should be overturned because: (1) he claimed he did not deny a belief in god; he was a pantheist and only denied the belief in a God; he felt everything was god; (2) he argued that the law under which he was convicted had been superseded and overturned by the constitution's guarantee of religious freedom; and (3) he believed that the laws against blasphemy were a violation of the "freedom of the press," claiming that the constitution "guarantees to me the strict right of propagating my sentiments, by way of argument or discussion, on religious or any other subject."

The court examined whether the law under which he was convicted had been overturned by the constitution and concluded that it had not since the law forbidding blasphemy, "was passed very soon after the adoption of the constitution and no doubt many members of the convention which framed the constitution were members of the legislature which passed this law."

As you can clearly see, our courts and society in general has made an about face concerning the interpretation of our laws and constitutions of government. The laws and meanings of our constitutional phases obviously carried a different understanding than our current modern interpretations.

That is because the original meanings seem out of touch and confining to our current society, therefore we must give them a different meaning than the original in order to legitimize our current actions and ideas of government.

This may be convenient for our society, but it does dishonor to those founding principles before us. If we as a people decide to go our own way with our own new ideas, there are previsions by which to amend and change our constitutions of government, but it is a dangerous thing to take an original meaning of law and just interpretate it to consign to our new purpose or desires.

May God bless each of you,

David

"The early courts" (1844)

2011-08-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

First from Julie's Keyboard

Words of Wisdom?

As Jesus walked this earth and taught the truth to those who would receive, He had a sure cure for dealing with body parts that got folks in trouble. If you'll remember from the Scriptures, He said "to cut them off, and cast them from..." Can't get much straighter in approach than this wouldn't you say?

Well, my thoughts today are regarding a member of the body that according to the Bible can be the most "deadly" of all. Such a little thing it is, yet it can wreak such great damage. Yes, I'm speaking of the "tongue."

How easy it is to open the mouth and as we're known to say, "insert the foot." We get the impression from the book of James that this little body organ requires a constant discipline. Oh to be able to speak graciously each time we open our mouths. What a precious gift it would be to have the ability to speak the truth in love always. Then what an added blessing it would be to be able to keep quite often.

The Scriptures teach us that one who is able to keep from being offensive with his tongue is a "perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." There's a verse in the book of Proverbs that tells us that "The power of life and death are in the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." It seems in interpretation of this, there would be great wisdom in choosing words with care.

The Scriptures teach us that every other kind of animal life can have their tongues tamed by mankind, but not the tongue of humankind. They go on to describe the tongue as "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." Ouch!

These things in mind, what manner of persons should we be in regard to our speech? I leave with you these passages of Scripture today to help with this issue.

James 3:13-18 "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righeousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

Matthew 5:29,30 "And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast if from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."

Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

Blessings in Him,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"The early courts" (1844)

Vidal v. Girard's Executors "1844"
United States Supreme Court

To be as brief as possible, this case involved the probation of the will of Stephen Girard. His entire estate and personal property (valued at over $7 million) was bequeathed to the city on the condition that it construct an orphanage and a collage. But he stipulated that no ecclesiastic, missionary, or minister of any sect whatsoever, shall ever hold any station or duty, or ever be admitted for any purpose, not even as a visitor.

Sounds like most of our universities today! Who said atheist could not attempt to accomplish what many consider good things? There are many good people who are atheist, if we were judged just on our goodness, they would win over Christians many times.

Walter Jones and the great Daniel Webster were the lawyers for the plaintiffs.

Webster reminded the Court, "Both in the Old and New Testaments [the religious instruction of the youth] is recognized. . . . No fault can be found with Girard for wishing a marble college to bear his name for ever, but it is not valuable unless it has a fragrance of Christianity about it."

The city's attorneys concluded, "The purest principles of morality are to be taught. Where are they found? Whoever searches for them must go to the source from which a Christian man derives his faith, the Bible. . . . There is an obligation to teach what the Bible alone can teach, viz. a pure system of morality."

After all arguments were concluded, the United States Supreme Court offered an unanimous opinion delivered by Justice Joseph Story.

"Christianity . . . is not to be maliciously and openly reviled and blasphemed against to the annoyance of believers or the injury of the public. . . . It is unnecessary for us, however, to consider . . . the establishment of a school or college for the propagation of Judaism or Deism or any other form of infidelity. Such a case is not to be presumed to exist in a Christian country."

Of course the Courts today would hold an entirely different view.

The Court them explained, "Why may not laymen instruct in the general principles of Christianity as well as ecclesiastics. . . . And we cannot overlook the blessings which such men by their conduct, as well as their instruction, may, nay must impart to their youthful pupils. Why may not the Bible, and especially the New Testament, without note or comment, be read and taught as a divine revelation in the college, its general principles of morality inculcated? . . . Where can the purest principles of morality be learned so clearly or so perfectly as from the New Testament?"

Thus pointing our to both sides that even though the will had prohibited clergy, it had not prohibited Christian instruction and was therefore constitutionally acceptable.

The idea of teaching Biblical principles to our youth in public schools and college's was not considered or conceived to be a breach of Constitutional principles because our general population and governments accepted the ideal and considered this to be a Christian nation.

Today we have great conflicts because the Constitution allows for such expression of faith among our people, but much of our people are now offended by and opposed to such expression. Our courts and public offices are occupied by many who are offended by and are opposed to this public expression.

Thus we find ourselves in conflict not with our Constitutions of government, but with our own interpretation of those Constitutions. What once needed not to be clearly defined among us, now must be debated, amended, changed, or even omitted to bring closure.

At present this is being attempted by Court's interpretation and rulings rather than legislation. President John Adams accurately stated, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

As we move away from our original moral and religious convictions, our Constitution of government grows weaker and weaker as governing principles. It will eventually become irrelevant to our actions or either completely replaced with something conducive with our behavior and desires as a people.

May God bless each of you,

David

"The early courts" (1811) Part II

2011-07-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

First from Julie's Keyboard:

Today as I was reflecting on some thoughts of what to share in this week's post, I ran across some striking quotes that I'd saved from Mr. A.W. Tozer. This week I'd like to just share those with you for some great food for thought.

These remarks are supportive of the concept of the "Blessedness of Possessing Nothing."

"There is within the human heart a tough, fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to possess - always to possess. It covets 'things' with a deep and fierce passion."

"The roots of our hearts have grown down into things, and we dare not pull up one rootlet lest we die. Things have become necessary to us - a development never originally intended. God's gifts now take the place of God, and the whole course of nature is upset by the monstrous substitution."

"The blessed ones who possess the Kingdom are they who have repudiated every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing." "These are the 'poor in spirit.'"

"These blessed poor are no longer slaves to the tyranny of things. They have broken the yoke of the oppressor, and this they have done not by fighting but by surrendering. Though free from all sense of possessing, they yet possess all things." "Theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

"Abraham had everything, but he possessed nothing. There is the spiritual secret."

"Everything is safe which we commit to Him, and nothing is really safe which is not so committed."

What about it today? Do our 'things' have us? Cultural habits are so hard to break, but we have the rich grace of God to lead us in our walk through this life. How blessed we are indeed. May we keep His good things in perspective always.

Luke 14:27 "Whoever does not persevere and carry his own cross and come after (follow) Me cannot be My disciple."

Have a blessed week,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"The early courts" (1811)

The People vs. Ruggles

Supreme Court of New York

In this case the defendant ottered the words "Jesus Christ was a bastard and his mother must be a whore" He was tried and found guilty and was sentenced by the court to be imprisoned for three months and pay a fine of $500.00

His attorney's defense was simply:

"There are no statues concerning religion . . . . The constitution allows a free toleration to all religions and all kinds of worship . . . . Judaism and Mahometanism may be preached here without any legal animadversion . . . . The prisoner may have been a Jew, a Mahometan, or a Socinian: and if so, he had a right by the constitution, to declare his opinions." - - - - Ruggles at 545.

The court's decision was delivered by Chief Justice James Kent. Kent's four volume Commentaries on American Law eventually replaced Blackstone's as the standard for American Law.

The decision read:

{The read notations are my own}

"Nothing could be more offensive to the virtuous part of the community, or more injurious to the tender morals of the young, than to declare such profanity lawful. . . .

The free, equal, and undisturbed enjoyment of religious opinion, whatever it may be, and free and decent discussions on any religious subject, is granted and secured; but to revile . . . the religion professed by almost the whole community is an abuse of that right. . . .

We are a Christian people and the morality of the country is deeply engrafted upon Christianity and not upon the doctrines or worship of those impostors [other religions] . . . . [We are] a people whose manners . . . and whose morals have been elevated and inspired . . . by means of the Christian religion.

Though the constitution has discarded religious establishment, it does not forbid judicial cognizance of those offenses against religion and morality which have no reference to any such establishment. . . .

This [constitutional] declaration (noble and magnanimous as it is, when duly understood) never meant to withdraw religion in general, and with it the best sanctions of moral and social obligation from all consideration and notice of the law. . . .

To construe it [the constitution] as breaking down the common law barriers against licentious, wanton, and impious attacks upon Christianity itself, would be an enormous perversion of its meaning." - - - - Ruggles at 545 - 547.

The results of this decision establishes not only the Christian character of our nation and it's laws, but also it's influence upon our people and our institutions. The charade that is occurring in our society today with forbidding pray and Bible reading in our schools, posting of the Ten Commandments in our public places, the removal of crosses in various places in our land, & etc, all under Constitutional mandates, is foolishness.

These early courts operated under the same Constitutions as the courts today, the original intent and understandings are just not acceptable in today's jurisprudence. If we want to change the intent of the Constitution we may do so, but we do dishonor to just re-interpret it because it has become offencive.

I am not a supporter of blasphemy laws for they to can be used to suppress religious expression. One of the charges laid against Jesus was blasphemy. Many of the protestant movement met their deaths on blasphemy charges. This clearly was not the case here, the court rightly pointed out the vile and profane nature of the offence. Clearly the free expression of religious views were not being suppressed, but vile and profane language need not be used in public debate.

I do support lawful restraints to vile and profane language and conduct to protect the innocence of our youth and our own consciences.

Asia Bibi is a lady in prsion right now under blasphmey charges. After being taunted by individuals of another faith she responded, "Our Christ sacrificed his life on the cross for our sins. What has your prophet done for you? Our Christ is alive, your prophet is dead. Our Christ is the true prophet of God, and your is not true."

For saying that she has been in prison for over 2 years and is now carrying a death sentence. Her husband and children are in Constance danger having to continually be on the move to protect themselves from death threats.

That is a long way from the rendering of Peoples vs. Ruggles.

May God bless each of you,

David

"The Early Courts" (1824)

2011-07-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

This week, in light of all the discussion everywhere you go about "The National Debt" and the many economic problems facing our nation, my thoughts turned to just what does the Bible advise in times such as these? Even right down to the average American household, we're often hearing of the struggle to keep ahead of "minus signs" in the bank accounts. Folks are tweaking their budgets a little tighter and looking at making changes (something which really isn't a bad idea at all for most).

In spite of the fact that as human beings, it would really be a plus in our favor if we as a nation, local group, or an individual, would determine that we did not need every thing our beady eyes told us we should have just because of the status of "who we think we are." Now that was quite straight and a terrible "run on" sentence structure, but I think you get the picture.
We know that spending must be controlled and modest guidelines must be set in place and adhered to. However, there's another concept that I wish to mention in my post today. What about being a "Giver"?

A good steward is not only a wise planner, budgeter and spender. He must also be a "cheerful giver" as we'll note from instruction in the Bible. Someone might say, "That just doesn't make sense to have financial difficulties and start giving away from a much needed supply." However, the Scriptures tend to disagree with this tight fisted concept.

Aside from proving this true in my own family budget, I've watched people that I know are givers, consistently giving from whatever the blessing they have been endowed. These "givers" seem to always have what they need and are able to be a help in someone else's situation in some measure. Isn't this the way God intended for His people to live?

It's so easy to get swept away in our cultural ways of doing things. Often we forget that when the figures may not come out on paper, there's a higher system for provision. I want to leave you with some Scripture passages that deserve some serious meditation and actions. If you are a person struggling to stay ahead these days, why not find out what the Word of God has to say. If He's your God, He's set things in place for you to live in His care even when the world about may seem to completely fail. Check it out. Prove Him true in your life!

I Corinthians 9:6-8 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: FOR GOD LOVETH A CHEERFUL GIVER. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:"

Luke 6:37-38 "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

Acts 20;35 "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Have a blessed week of "giving" in Him,

Matthew 10:8b "...freely ye have received, freely give."

Julie
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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"The Early Courts" (1824)

Updegraph v. The Commonwealth (1824)

In this early court case the issue of blasphemously is brought to light. In establishing the legal definition of blasphemously the court turned to William Blackstone. Blackstone's commentaries on the Laws became the law book of the Founding Fathers. Thomas Jefferson once quipped that American lawyers used Blackstone's with the same dedication and reverence that Muslims used the Koran.

After a conviction of blasphemously the verdict was appealed. The defence attorney argued that the conviction should be overturned for two reasons (1) it had been uttered in the course of an argument on a religious question and (2) that both the State and Federal Constitutional protected freedom of speech, and that if any State law against blasphemy did still exist, the Federal Constitution had done away with it, and that Christianity was no longer part of the law.

I would suppose that would be a similar approach that would be made today. The difference today being the court would not only agree, but empathetical re-enforce it with the 1st Amendment's establishment clause supporting the Separation of Church and State view that is accredited to Jefferson and our Founders.

But what we find in 1824 is a different America, different culture, different understanding of our law and role of the courts.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1824 concluded by refuting this contention that the constitution disregarded Christianity stating:

"The assertion is once more made that Christianity never was received as part of the common law of this Christian land; and it is added that if it was it was virtually repealed by the Constitution of the United States and of this State. . . .

We will first dispose of what is considered the grand objection, the constitutionality of Christianity, for, in effect, that is the question. Christianity, general Christianity, is and always has been a part of the common law . . . not Christianity founded on any particular tenets; not Christianity with an established church . . . but Christianity with liberty of conscience to all men. [ Which is the real and original understanding of the 1st Amendment]

Thus this wise legislature [ and I would agree ] framed this great body of laws for a Christian country and Christian people. . . . This is the Christianity of the common law . . . and thus it is irrefragably proved that the laws and institutions of this State are built on the foundation of reverence for Christianity. . . .

In this the Constitution of the United States has made no alteration nor in the great body of the laws which was an incorporation of the common law doctrine of Christianity.

No free government now exists [ 1824 ] in the world unless where Christianity is acknowledged and is the religion of the country. . . . Its foundations are broad and strong and deep . . . it is the purest system of morality, the firmest auxiliary, and only stable support of all human laws." - - - - Updegraph at 399, 402 - 403, 406 - 407.

This illustrates how much we have changed as a people. That is why there is so much confusion in our country today concerning the understanding of the United States Constitution and State laws. The early courts were still occupied with judges with the original understanding and concepts of the Constitution. They had studied law in universities that were still under the great influence of Christianity.

As the court stated, the laws were framed for a Christian country and a Christian people, and Christianity was and always had been a part of the common law. The court also understood that the United States Constitution had made no alteration in any of this great body of laws which was an incorporation of the common law doctrine of Christianity.

They saw this common law doctrine of Christianity as the firmest auxiliary and most stable support of our system of jurisprudence.

With today's institutions teaching, courts rendering, and media supporting the current view of Separation of Church and State as the original intent of our Founding Fathers, is it any wonder there is such confusion and debate? You have a government that is no longer supportive of the Christian faith, and a nation that has drifted from it's religious roots and is trying to govern itself with laws and ideals that were fashioned under an entirely different understanding and culture.

When you take a system of government and laws that were framed upon the foundation of the Christian faith and then try govern with that system a people who no longer take that faith seriously, the law and the people will conflict.

The 1st Amendment is still the 1st Amendment, it's meaning still intact. The problem is "we the people"allow the courts to no longer ascribe to and embrace that meaning, therefore, we must either amend the Amendment, which is most difficult, or by judicial interpretation and revision change the meaning to a more suitable interpretation. Thus the term "A living Constitution"

I am not suggesting that we force everyone to conform to a society that is based upon Christian principles, far from it. I am simply pointing out were our conflict arises. The Constitutions and laws of our land find their foundation upon Christian principles, not because it was forced upon anyone, it was just who we were and that reflection was seen in us as a nation.

But as our President not so long ago reminded us, what ever we once were, we are no longer. I do support contending for the original interpretation of our Constitution and laws, it is the only honorable thing to do to honor those who set them in place in my humble opinion. I support contending for them until they are either changed and amended by legislation or overcome by public opinion

I encourage every one who is serious about their Christian faith to pray earnestly for a spiritual revival across our land. The atheist stumbles and is often offended by rhetoric such as this, but if he becomes aware and is convinced of the Christian faith of his own accord then all offence is removed.

You cannot blame the atheist for his offence to something he does not believe, nor can you as a Christian force him to accept it and expect him to love you for it. But we can ask and expect God to move upon our land and stir the hearts of our people once again. It has always been His work, when we attempt to make it so in our strength we find ourselves defeated time and time again.

May God bless each of you,

David

"In troubled times" July 4th

2011-07-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

As I sat down to write this evening, I was thinking of the week behind me and the many "troubling" reports that I had heard in the past seven days. Only then, did I look at the subtitle of the blog for the week which was chosen by my husband. (In troubled times)

Clearly my husband chooses to write information pertaining to our Nation and its heritage. He researches carefully to give an accurate narrative of what actually took place. I'm so thankful for his hard work.

However, I would like to pitch a few thoughts on "troubled times" in the life of God's people. We're in them. This is fair to say, don't you think? People are facing challenging situations in measures they've never seen before. Then in despair, many are turning to sources of relief that offer no permanent assistance. What must we do in these "troubled times?"

Without faith in someone or something, mankind tends to be open prey for whatever may come his way. Who in their right thinking would want to be left to the vices of this world, or the ideology of "luck?" Something substantial is certainly needed. The only thing that can be absolutely relied upon is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He's told us not to be "troubled" but to be of good cheer. I don't know about you, but I choose "good cheer" over "trouble" any day. As believers we're supposed to know that we can trust Him and have peace and rest in Him. If we seem to be struggling in these areas during these "troubled" days in which we live, an assessment may be needed in our lives.

Trouble may come, the enemy may come in "like a flood." But, God has promised His faithfulness to us if we but trust in Him.

In the words of a great song, "There's peace in the time of trouble. There's peace in the midst of the storm. There's peace though the world be raging, in the shelter of His arms." anon

I'll close with some Scripture passages that offer the much needed help we desire in these times.

John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Isaiah 59:19 "So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him."

Have a blessed week as we enjoy our many freedoms,

Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"In troubled times"

"Can you expect your brave men, officers and soldiers, that are now in the tented field subject to all the hardships and privations peculiar to a civil war like this, to have courage and march on with patriotism to crush treason on every battle-field, when you have not the courage to expel it from your midst ? Set those brave men an example. Say to them by your acts and voice that you evidence your intention to put down traitors in the field by ejecting them from your midst without regard to former associations.

But let us go on : let us encourage the Army and Navy; let us vote the men and means necessary to vitalize and bring into requisition the enforcing and coercive power of the Government ; let us crush out the rebellion and anxiously look forward to the day God grant it may come soon when the baleful comet of fire and of blood that now hovers over this distracted people may be chased away by the benignant star of peace.

Let us look forward to the time when we can take the flag of our country and nail it below the cross, and there let it wave as it waved in the olden times, and let us gather around it and inscribe for our motto, Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and for ever, and exclaim, Christ first, our country next !" - - - - Andrew Johnson. John Savage, The Life and Public services of Andrew Johnson, p. 247

It's that time of the year again, July 4th, Independence Day! It is always a difficult task for me to set here and write something worthy of honoring this meritorious day. You always want to write or say something worthy of the read or the listening ear. But certain days call to us for a deeper more profound effort. This is one of those days, one for which I always feel inadequate in my efforts. This week as I pondered what to write the above quote kept coming to mind.

I will avoid if possible the divisive nature of this troubled time in our history, as there are still many opinions as to the actions of those on both sides of our war between the states. I myself find it perplexing to study, as I find the failures of human nature exemplified on both sides. Yet at the same time I find faith in the human heart searching for the answers to the which it seems for that moment in history allude them both.

When you indulge yourself in the lives of men like Gen. Stonewall Jackson of the South, you find yourself walking with a man of great faith.

"General" I remarked, "How is it that you can keep so cool and appear so utterly insensible to danger in such a storm of shell and bullets as rained about you when your hand was hit?" He instantly became grave and reverential in his manner, and answered, in a low tone of great earnestness: "Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me." He added, after a pause, looking me full in the face: "That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave" - - - - Lt. General Thomas Jackson speaking to then Captain John D. Imboden, Stonewall Jackson and the American Civil War, G.F.R Henderson, Vol. 1, p. 163."

But then you indulge yourself in the lives of men like Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain of the North: "But we had with us, to keep and to care for, more than five hundred bruised bodies of men, - men made in the image of God, marred by the hand of man, and must we say in the name of God? And where is the reckoning for such things? And who is answerable? One might almost shrink from the sound of his own voice, which had launched into the palpitating air words of order - do we call it? - fraught with such ruin. Was it God's command we heard, or His forgiveness we must forever implore?" - - - - Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain.The Passing of The Armies Bantam Books, 1992.

And you find yourself again walking with a man of faith.

I realize that the atheist at times read my blog and perhaps misunderstand the concept of the Christian faith. I have noticed they at times seem to believe that Christians think themselves to be of more value than they. That the Christian proclaims he has all the answers and knows the will and purpose of God.

But in reality we as Christians find ourselves struggling most of our lives to find God's purpose for our individual lives, much less the direction of a nation. We find our value only in what God has given to redeem us, which is the same value he placed upon every non-believer.

The beginning quote of Andrew Johnson would be enough to send our current political society into a Constitutional Crisis over the 1st Amendment. I find in our history a journey of men chosen by God, to lead a nation ordained of God, into the destiny of God. But along the way I find the frailty of man and his fall struggling along the way.

In previous generations our faith has caused us to search our hearts and discover our errors and repent of our misgivings. It has caused us to re-group and try to right those errors and continue on our destiny.

The quote from Mr. Johnson, "Let us look forward to the time when we can take the flag of our country and nail it below the cross, and there let it wave as it waved in the olden times, and let us gather around it and inscribe for our motto, Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and for ever, and exclaim, Christ first, our country next !" was not a call to government to demand of everyman, bow his knee to Christianity, it was a release of hope from not just a man, but of a nation, a release of the faith that so long had endured in troubled times.

It appears troubled times may once again be upon us. Only I do not hear the cry of faith as loudly as it was heard in the past. I wonder if our nation can discern the time, discover our errors and repent of our misgivings. I wonder if we can then regroup and right those errors and continue our destiny without that cry of faith?

We shall soon see,

May God bless each of you,

David

"The early Courts"

2011-06-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Through the course of this week and my observations of the "goings on" in this world, my thoughts were going toward the approach and the impact Christians must be desiring to have in the hour in which we live on this earth. In my studies, I was reminded of this statement made by John Wesley.

"The world is tired of Christians making such extraordinary claims while living such ordinary lives!"

Ouch! This was about the only response I could make to such a statement. He's right isn't He, fellow believers? Are there many of us who have heard and spake the truth for a life time, yet in the department of living from day to day, seem to conform to the modes of everyone else?

We want others to know His truth and have the life He so freely gave, but are we willing to spend our days in such a noble work? It seems Mr. Wesley is telling us here that our lives are an open epistle and it's quite clear what's important to us from the way we conduct them.

These are things I must ponder this week as I go about each day, making plans for my family and conducting the day's tasks. Do I live the Gospel that I claim to believe? It has to be more than knowledge that's been added to my head.

A certain Rabbi once said,

"If you speak to the heart the head will come. If you speak to the head the heart may never arrive.!"

We must know Him beyond the head level. The work of a regenerated man must be done within. We must seek Him with all the heart, soul, mind and strength. In His presence, and His presence only, will we find the power to live an extraordinary life through Him.

Blessings to you as you walk with Him each day. Listen for the still, small voice.

Julie

Scripture Reference:

Psalm 139:23,24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"The early Courts"

Yes, Julie and I are a week or so late on posting! Lets see; work, Grand kids, Church, Special Guest speakers, need I say more?

So, lets see if we can make a run at it here for a few minutes this evening.

In 1892 the United States Supreme Court heard a case, Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States, at issue was an 1885 federal immigration law which stated:

It shall be unlawful for any person, company partnership, or corporation, in any manner whatsoever to . . . in any way assist or encourage the importation . . . of any alien or . . . foreigners into the United States . . . under contract or agreement . . . to perform labor or service of any kind.

The Church of the Holy Trinity in New York employed a clergyman from England as its pastor. After which the United States Attorney's office brought suit against the church.

After discovering the purpose of the law, being to halt the influx of almost slave like labor to construct western railroads, the Court determined even though the Church violated the wording of the law, it clearly had fallen far outside the spirit and intent of the law.

After vindicating the Church, the Court spent the remainder of the case explaining that it would be completely dishonest to the spirit of the Constitution to in any way hinder, whether directly or indirectly, the spread or propagation of Christianity by legislative act which brings me to my point of interest.

The United States Supreme Court noted:

No purpose of action against religion can be imputed to any legislation, State or national, because this is a religious people . . . . This is a Christian nation.

The Court then went on the sight the Commission to Christopher Columbus, The First colonial grant, First charter of Virginia, the Mayflower compact, the fundamental orders of Connecticut, and many other references to establish our Christian heritage.

Then coming nearer to the present time, they sighted the Declaration of Independence containing our appeal to the Creator for not only our rights but our actions.

Finally after all of that and many additional historical examples, the Court then reviewed several legal precedents which further supported its declaration.

One being Updegraph v. The Commonwealth, 11S. & R. 394, 400, where it was decided that, "Christianity, general Christianity, is, and always has been, a part of the common law . . . not Christianity with an established church . . . but Christianity with liberty of conscience to all men."

He again we can see the understanding to the early Courts, both Federal and State, the 1st Amendment referencing the establishing of a State religion.

Then in The People v. Ruggles, 8 John. 290, 294, 295, Chancellor Kent, the great commentator on American law, speaking as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New York, said: "The people of this State, in common with the people of this country, profess the general doctrines of Christianity, as the rule of their faith and practice . . . . We are a Christian people, and the morality of the country is deeply engrafted upon the Christianity, and not upon the doctrines or worship of those impostors."

Then also in Vidal v. Girard's Executors, 2 How. 127, 198, this Court . . . observed: "It is also said, and truly, that the Christian religion is a part of the common law."

Then after several pages of like discourse the Court concluded:

Now back to the Supreme Court and the Church of the Holy Trinity v. United States case, as far as the Court was concerned, the issue was closed; it would never support any action which might have the effect of suppressing religion or limiting religious expression.

As you can see, it is not as we are being told in today's Courts. We would be made to believe that today's view on these religious issues were the view and intent of our Founders and early Courts, which is simply no so.

It may be true that we are no longer a Christian nation or a religious people, we certainly are not spiritually were we were for the first 150 years. But that does not erase our history or the original intent of our Constitution and our laws.

I have no problem with people lobbying to change our laws and to amend our Constitutions to be conducive with our society, but I do have a problem with just being told this was the original idea and our Founders always intended it to be this way.

I do have a problem with a Court ignoring the original intent of a statue and just declaring a new meaning without legislative oversight or involvement.

We are truly in a war of world views, so the battle must be fought, but for our nation to survive with our unity and spirit intact it must be fought justly. To abuse the system and just declare things to be just because you see them a certain way, will divide us and weaken us as a nation.

If we decide as a nation to move away from our religious heritage I believe it will be to our dismay, but be it ever so, let us honor our Foundation and acknowledge at least who we were in the beginning and what we aspired to be.

For 150 years following the ratification of the Constitution, States were considered the highest authority on any dispute involving the issues within the Bill of Rights for obvious reasons. This being the case, next week I will try and address the States view on religious issues.

May God bless each of you,

David

"God and Government"

2011-06-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

First from Julie's Keyboard:

As I was thinking on something to share this week in the post, the reminder came to me of how important it is to be a student, or the Bible says a "workman," of the Word of God.

It seems the uncertainty of the times in which we live should create a stirring in the hearts of people to get to the truth of this life and all that could be understood in its regard. Our Creator is the only One with all truth. He's given us this truth through His Word, the Holy Bible.

There's a Scripture in II Timothy 2:14 that goes like this: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

This indicates to me that believers have a responsibility to get into the Word of God and find out what He's saying. We should be a people of the Text. Sometimes it's helpful to find great resources to help us in our study and "rightly divide the word of truth." But, the greatest, and most trusted of any resource that can be found is the Holy Spirit. He has promised to teach us and lead us into the truth.

This week as I was studying, I ran across a study tip from a fellow classmate as we were discussing the Scripture. He said that often in his study time he would apply the use of this acronym "SPECK." It goes something like this:

Is there a Sin to avoid?
Is there a Promise to behold?
Is there an Example to follow?
Is there a Command to obey?
Is there Knowledge to gain?

Just thought I'd share this with you. It seems that a simple application of this line of questioning would definitely help us glean more understanding from passages we read in His Word.

Have a bless week,

Julie

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http:spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"God and Government"

This week I fully intended to talk more about our earlier court views and cases. But Texas Gov. Rick Perry was in the news, he has invited the nation's governors to join him in a day of prayer to seek God's guidance to deal with the problems facing America. The day for prayer and fasting is planned for Aug. 6th in Houston. Perry urged governors in other states to also proclaim Aug. 6th as a day to pray for "unity and righteousness." As a result he has received some support and at the moment at least three other Governors have agreed to make such a proclamation in their States as well.

As you can imagine, this is unsettling to the non-religious and proponents of the "Separation of Church and State" doctrine so prevalent in today's society. One such proponent stated that "Calling upon all Americans to embrace Perry's personal belief system is an insult to the millions of upstanding citizens who practice religions other than evangelical Christianity, as well as the millions of secular Americans who contribute to society without pushing their views on others, . . . Religion should be a private matter, especially for elected officials in a secular government."

Another said Perry's call "raises serious concerns about his commitment to the boundaries between religion and government."

This opposition to Gov. Rick Perry of course all comes from either a misunderstanding of the 1st Amendment or either purposely ignoring it's meaning to promote a specific alternate view. So I deemed it necessary to take another look at the founding view of this Amendment that is so abused in today's society.

In doing so, for the sake of the opponents of a different view, I will not assert that a debate is not needed in our society to affirm wither or not this should still be our view, only that the current assertion being that our Founders originally proposed such a "Separation of Church and State" doctrine is a false and deceptive attestation.

First, what Gov. Perry is doing in this proclamation is fully in line with his Constitutional provisions under the United States Constitution. Such proclamations have been made throughout our history, but we would now be made to believe that any reference of a religious nature by a public official is taboo under the intent of the 1st Amendment.

This of course is false when examined against our early history. Signers of the United States Constitution George Read and Richard Bassett also directed the drafting of the Delaware constitution. That constitution required, "Every person who shall be chosen a member of either house, or appointed to any office or place of trust . . . shall . . . make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit: "I,_____________, do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, and the Holy Ghost, one God, blessed for evermore; and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration."

Other State constitutions were drafted with similar requirements for public service. This establishes the understanding that though the Federal Government was restricted in such actions, the State Governments were not. As strange as it may seem, it was the understanding at the time, though the 1st Amendment prohibited the Federal Government from instituting a state religion, each state could address such as they determined. For those powers concerning religious activities were reserved to the states. Amazingly, no establishment of a certain sect of Christianity occurred, but in all state constitutions they ascribed an acknowledgement of the Authority of God over the state Government.

The House approved the "Northwest Ordinance" on July 21, 1789, the Senate approved it on August 4, 1789, this was the same Congress which was simultaneously framing the religious clauses of the 1st Amendment and was signed by the President August 7th.

This ordinance in the only section to address religion, coupled it with public education stating, "Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged"

This Federal Ordinance stated as one of the necessary elements for good government "religion" and that religion among such things as morality and knowledge would be forever encouraged. One must realize that the wording of these documents were taken into much consideration before the language was drafted. Therefore, the insertion of the word "religion" and "forever encouraged" were accepted through much consideration. Remember, this was going on during the framing of the 1st Amendment to United States Constitution.

Assuming the Founders intent in that Amendment was as it is interpreted today, they were drafting a Federal Ordinance in violation of their own conscience.

When sighting affirmation for the current view of the 1st Amendment, most run the Jefferson and his letter to the Danbury Baptist Association. But unfortunately, they only sight 8 words out of that letter.

In short, the inclusion of protection for the "free exercise of religion" in the Constitution suggested to the Danbury Baptists that the right of religious expression was government-given (alienable) rather than God-given (inalienable), and that therefore the government might someday attempt to regulate religious expression. This was a possibility to which they strenuously objected.

Jefferson understood their concern; it was also his own as is reflected in his statement, "And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure if we have lost the only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath?"

In fact, he made numerous declarations about the constitutional inability of the (federal government) to regulate, restrict, or interfere with religious expression. The current view has regulated, restricted, and interfered with such expression, the resistance to Gov. Perry's proclamation is only one example. It is regulating, restricting, and interfering with Gov. Perry's voluntary call to the people of (his) state to pray. No one is compelled, punished, or demeaned for not complying. His religions expression as well as those who would answer the call are restricted, regulated and interfered with.

By taking only this portion of the letter and not sighting it's entire content leaves the public with a vague and corrupted understanding of Jefferson's view on the 1st Amendment.

(I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church and State.) - - - - Thomas Jefferson.

Earlier courts long understood Jefferson's intent. In fact, when Jefferson's letter was invoked by the Supreme Court (Reynolds v. United States case in 1878), unlike today's Courts or the Everson case in 1947, which publish only his eight-word separation phrase, that earlier Court published Jefferson's entire letter and then concluded, "Coming as this does from an acknowledged leader of the advocates of the measure, it [Jefferson's letter] may be accepted almost as an authoritative declaration of the scope and effect of the Amendment thus secured. Congress was deprived of all legislative power over mere [religious] opinion, but was left free to reach actions which were in violation of social duties or subversive of good order."

The early courts understood the true meaning of Jefferson and the true intent of the 1st Amendment. Unlike the courts today, the earlier courts understood Jefferson's letter to confirm that the Amendment was addressed to Congress, and to legislation. It did nothing to prohibit a Governor from making a proclamation in (his / her) state. The far reaching scope of the 1st Amendment today far exceeds it's original intent and purpose. Jefferson himself stated, "power to prescribe any religious exercise. . . . must rest with the States"

It should also be noted the Congressional Records from June 7 to September 25, 1789, record the months of discussions and debates of the ninety Founding Fathers who framed the First Amendment. Significantly, not only was Thomas Jefferson not one of those ninety who framed the First Amendment, (whom we now sight as the authoritative voice) but also, during those debates not one of those ninety Framers ever mentioned the phrase "separation of Church and State." It seems logical that if this had been the intent for the First Amendment, as is so frequently asserted, then at least one of those ninety who framed the Amendment would have mentioned that phrase; none did.

But today the scope of our religious freedoms are embraced within that single phase. I understand things change out of necessity, but many times they change out of neglect and irresponsible oversight. The necessary evolution of the 1st Amendment as well as others has built within it (the Constitution) a process, (though purposely difficult by design) by which we are to accomplish this.

To make such revolutionary changes through assertion and adaptation of cultural changes does dishonor to ourselves as well as our forefathers.

For the sake of our nation and our posterity, let us diligently search out the foundation upon which our history and success has been built.

May God bless each of you,

David

"Madison and the Courts"

2011-06-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

What a wonderfully, warm day it is outdoors. I just came in from plowing in my garden and looking over the pretty plants. Yes, that's right! That's really all that's out there for now, pretty plants. No "fruit on the vine" to speak of as yet.

As I studied those plants, I thought of the life of the Christian and how we are to "bear much fruit." It made me wonder if often we could be like those "pretty plants," that have the makings of successful productive vegetation. I'm really expecting vegetables to form on those plants, in abundance. Just as the Lord is expecting fruit to abound from our lives as believers.

What if my plants never produce anything? What will I do if I get no produce from the vine?

If I don't pluck it up from the garden, it will simply cumber up the ground and possibly hinder productivity from another plant. At least, the space would be available to plant something else that would produce.

This brings me to the question of, "What will be the outcome of the believer who fails to produce fruit?" As I thought on this, I was reminded of some Scripture passages dealing with the need for productivity in the lives of Christians. How sad it seems it would be for the creation of the great "Creator" to miss out on the purpose for which it was created.

I leave these verses for meditation as we ponder on being fruitful people in the purpose of our God.

Luke 13:6-9 "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."

John 15:5-6 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned."

It seems the key to our fruitful productivity is "abiding in Him." May we be found doing so.

Blessings,

Julie

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"Madison and the Courts"

Doug,
First let me address Madison and the courts.

You stated, “Indeed, as I understand it, he (Madison) would have preferred that the Constitution and First Amendment apply that principle to the states as well as the federal government, but that view did not prevail at the time.”

Doug, you may be correct in that assessment, I would have to look more fully at Madison’s specific writings and wording during that time. But remember, he also argued against the Bill of Rights understandably, as those rights would have protected the States from that principle had it prevailed. I would hate to see where are Constitution would have lead us without it ( I doubt we would have a Constitution without it). Your statement that it did not prevail at the time in itself gives us some insight into original intent which is the desired knowledge.

On June 12, 1823, in a letter to Justice William Johnson regarding the method of determining the meaning of the Constitution, Jefferson wrote: “On every question of construction, carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the Probable one in which it was passed.”

Jefferson said "On every question" This is why, as you say, I am a proponent of the simpler interpretation. If we apply the actions described above by Jefferson to the 14th or any Amendment it becomes much simpler. In doing so we find an effort towards voting rights for African-Americans. In the deliberations of the 14th Amendment, nothing addressed religious rights, that had already been address, deliberated, and ratified in the 1st Amendment.

But doing what Jefferson warned us not do, finding that we did not like the original intent of the 1st Amendment, the courts found ( let me emphasize found) an application in the 14th Amendment to squeeze out of the text a new meaning instead of conforming to the probable one in which it was passed. ( Though Madison may have agreed with this view ) agreement by Madison does not change the meaning of the original intent.

Madison also supported Jefferson's view as he stated, "I entirely concur in the propriety of resorting to the sense in which the Constitution was accepted and ratified by the nation. In that sense alone it is the legitimate Constitution. And if that be not the guide in expounding it, there can be no security for a consistent and stable, more than for a faithful, exercise of its powers." - - - - James Madison, The Writings of James Madison, Gaillard Hunt, editor (New York and London: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1910), Vol. IX, p191, to Henry Lee on June 25, 1824.

Justice James Wilson and Justice Joseph Story concurred likewise in their views of interpretation.

We have come to a place in our history where the Judicial rule goes almost unchallenged and if the courts says it so, then it must be so. I don’t say that with disregard or disrespect to the courts, I appreciate our Judicial system to the highest degree. It is the best in the world, but that does not leave it without scrutiny.

James Madison declared: “[T]he meaning of the Constitution may as well be ascertained by the Legislative as by the Judicial authority.”

Thomas Jefferson declared: “[T]o consider the judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions [is] a very dangerous doctrine indeed, and one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy. . . . The Constitution has erected no such single tribunal.”

I am aware of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act passed by Congress in 1993 which drew upon the 14th Amendment, but had the courts not been so un-friendly in their rulings toward religious issues as a result of their interpretation of the 1st Amendment and coupling it with the 14th, I don’t think Congress would have used that approach. We should be very cautious when setting presidencies.

This coupling of these two Amendments have had revolutionary results that were never intended by the framers of those Amendments. Justice William Douglas explained that although the Court had incorporated a portion of the 1st Amendment into the 14th as early as 1940, it was not until Everson in 1947 that the Establishment Clause was incorporated into the 14th.

The Constitution of the United States begins with "We the People" but the Courts took one Amendment that was deliberated and ratified for one purpose, coupled it with another Amendment that was deliberated and ratified for another purpose, the result being the meaning, protection, and purpose of both being altered and changed.

Doug you stated concerning the use of the 14th Amendment: “( . . . the Supreme Court later ruled) the religious liberties protected by the First Amendment, liberties that include freedom from government efforts to establish religion.” This infers again ( they later ruled ) the squeezing out of the text that Jefferson warned us about. Congress passed the 14th Amendment without any debates as to how it would relate to the 1st Amendment. Then the Supreme Court (later ruled) how it does.

I’m not saying nothing can be drawn from the 14th Amendment other than what was specifically addressed at the time. I am saying for 9 un-elected people to draw from an amendment something that changes the thought of interpretation of another amendment that affects the populous, without the oversight and deliberations of the other branches is as Jefferson stated, dangerous.

Now on to the Executive order question:

Doug you asked, “ How, then, do you respond to the questions I posed earlier about possible actions and statements of the Executive?”

Those actions and statements you are referring to are as you stated, “First, by a literal reading, do you suppose the First Amendment's reference to "Congress" and "law" means the President could, by proclamation, establish a national religion? Or could the Executive declare the views of a particular sect of Christianity to be true, but stop short of officially declaring that sect to be our national religion? Or could the Executive direct all federal agencies to use stationery bearing statements touting the virtues of Scientology? Simple semantics may lead one astray.”

I am assuming you are asking this because of my reference to the 1st Amendment being addressed to Congress and law making, and by my simple interpretation it would not apply to the other branches. First lets note there is no precedence for such Executive orders, even though there have been some controversial ones.

But lets assume as you say the President were to issue an Executive order for any or all of the above mentioned scenarios. ( It seems unproductive to debate hypothetical situations that never have or possibly may never will arise, but for the moment )

Very simply, the Executive Orders of a President are merely the means for him to implement his own personal philosophy throughout his Branch. While such Orders are often controversial, (especially when they reach beyond the Executive Branch, usually they are legitimate-provided they do not contradict any statutory law enacted by the Congress. So, the President could pronounce I suppose any of the afore mentioned orders.

What could be done to reverse such Executive Orders? Three things have previously been done concerning Executive Orders. First, Congress can pass a law to reverse an Order. That was the problem with President Obama’s Executive order on abortion in the health care issue, it was just to weak. An Executive order cannot stand over the power of Congress in it's law making.

But because of the religious nature these orders would be, you might argue the 1st Amendment would prohibit Congress from addressing such issues.

Then there is the second means, to set aside an Executive Order. To do so is simply by a refusal to implement it, this also has been done in Executive order cases.

Then there is the third means which is to negotiate an agreement between the White House and Congress to rescind the Order, this also has occurred in previous cases.

Let me reaffirm, the First Amendment is addressed to Congress and law making, from the deliberations of the Convention we can assuredly conclude as Jefferson would suggest, the spirit manifested in the debates were directed toward the establishment of a state religion.

Notice Justice Story's clear articulation that is conducive with the record of the Constitutional debates, "We are not to attribute the prohibition [speaking of the 1st Amendment] of a national religious establishment to an indifference to religion in general, and especially to Christianity . . ."

He then continues by saying, "Probably, at the time of the adoption of the Constitution, and of the Amendment to it now under consideration, the general, if not the universal, sentiment in America was that Christianity ought to receive encouragement from the State . . ." - - - - Joseph Story, A Familiar Exposition of the Constitution of the United States. p. 259-261.

If the Executive Branch attempted to establish a State religion with Executive orders, there are means in place which would restrict and prohibit it from doing so without damaging the intent and object of the 1st Amendment.

May God bless each of you,

David

"Inherent aspect" continued

2011-05-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

This week I've enjoyed the great blessing of getting to spend a little time with each of our wonderful grand daughters. After holding the new born, then the 1 yr. old, next the 2 yr. old, followed by the 5 yr. old, and going on with four more girls that range from 9 - 11 yrs. old; (I think that makes 8, right?) it's been a precious time to reflect on them and think of what they will become in this life.

All are such wonderful gifts of God that have been poured into our lives to love and receive such great love from. It just doesn't get any better! When God said in His Word that children are blessings from Him, who could doubt such a truth?

My thoughts today go to young parents out there working away to provide for their families and give their children a proper upbringing. Our culture has dictated so many varying methods on how this should be conducted as well. What's right? How do we know that we are going in the right direction with the ones we love so dearly?

You can know that you are heading in the right direction when you set your heart to bring your children up in the "nuture and admonition of the Lord." What is this?

When we nuture something (or someone), we feed and care for them in a loving way, meeting every need pertaining to their well being. If we nuture them in the Lord, we're applying the principles of His Word and giving them Godly instruction. This is where that admonition comes in. Throughout His Word we are admonished to follow the fine print therein. If we'll but teach these truths to our children because we have a sincere relationship with the Lord, He's left us a great promise which is contingent upon are having practiced His Word.

That promise is this: "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

This sounds to me like a promise that I can stand on for my children. The thing we must be sure of is that we "train" according to His Word. What an awesome privilege we have to be given human lives into our care for which we are responsible to train and love. God saw fit that we should do this in such manner.

So, today what's most important in your home and family? Is it more money? A promotion on the job? A swimming pool for the kids? (that takes you away to work more hours to purchase) As nice as it can be to have these things, we must be careful to have the most important thing. This would be our proper relationships with our family centered around the Savior of the world.

We usually only get one shot at this work of our lives. Be encouraged. Walk in His Word.

Have a blessed week,

Julie

Scripture References:

Ephesians 6:4
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

Psalm 127:3-5
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."******************************
http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/

"Inherent aspect" continued

Remember

Guys,

I apologize for being so late in responding to last weeks comments. Life got busy at work and I was just over whelmed with the comments. You both made some interesting statements to which I would like to respond, but the time to do so adequately is not afforded to me. For my own benefit I am going to suggest we back up and start again. Again I'm going to use the main blog page to continue our dialogue to save me some time working on responses and blog content.

Doug, to clarify things for you, let's start with the Constitution. Yes, I agree with you, it is inherently secular in it's purpose. No, it does not regulate any religious activities, it was never intended to, 1st Amendment concept. The Christian aspect in it is the moral values and principles that would naturally arrive from a culture and people who's basic concepts and world views would have been formed by Christian influence.

In Article 1. Section 7. of the Constitution you find "If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall be a Law, . . . " Now I don't believe we should read into anything more than is there, that simply means (Sundays excepted) nothing more, nothing less.

Remember

But it does reflect the culture and practice of our people, and they were careful not to infringe upon that principle. The fact that no public business was to occur on the Lord's day was a practice allowed by the Constitution much like the other activities I mentioned in last weeks comments.

That doesn't make it a religious doc, or is it a law prescribed by Congress, it is just a practice that was conducive to the nature of our people and the freedom to forgo business on that day was allow.

Doug, you understand law much better than myself, I just wonder, would it require an amendment to not except Sundays?

Remember

Sunday is inherently Christian, as no other religion sets aside that particular day.
I know the phase in the Constitution "in the year Year of our Lord" seems to carry little weight, but it also reflects the culture and world view of our people at the time. That phase is inherently Christian and the phase could have been left out, and probably would today. I doubt any culture other than Christian would purposely us that phase.

Again to try and clarify my statements, the Constitution of the United States is a secular document to govern our civil society, but it did not restrict the religious nature of our people even when those peoples were in public office and were apt to express that nature.

The restriction was laid upon Congress in it's act of law making, not in the practices of opening it's deliberations with prayer. Opening deliberations with prayer is a cultural practice of a religious people, but that practice does not constitute a law. No law has to be passed to commence or stop such a practice. It's liberty afforded to a free people.

Remember

The prayer I said in grade school, that was a freedom afforded to a free people which has been restricted by the courts and their interpretation of the 1st Amendment. All though a public school with tax monies, no law was enacted concerning religious establishment. It would be interesting to see if one could find a law on the books establishing a religion linked to that voluntary prayer of which now is prohibited?

Doug and Anonymous, if you will permit, let me try a different approach. I will post a couple of statements below by one of our Founders or prominent persons in our history, you tell me what you think they meant and I'll try to respond and post you replies on next weeks blog. That may help me stay focused and be less time consuming. We may not cover as much ground, but what we do cover may be of better clarity.

Statement 1.

"Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement. . . . The very existence of the republics . . . depend much upon the public institutions of religion." - - - - John Hancock. Independent Chronicle (Boston), November 2, 1780, last page; see also Abram English Brown, John Hancock, His Book (Boston: Lee and Shepard, 1898), p. 269.

Statement 2.

"They had no fear or jealousy of religion itself, nor did they wish to see us an irreligious people; they did not intend to prohibit a just expression of religious devotion by the legislators of the nation, even in their public character as legislators; they did not intend to spread over all the public authorities and the whole public action of the nation the dead and revolting spectacle of atheistical apathy." - - - - The Reports of the Committees of the Senate of the United States for the Second Session of the Thirty-Second Congress, 1852-53 (Washington: Robert Armstrong, 1853).

Remember

No disrespect to either of you is inferred by me in the reference to "atheistical apathy"

May God bless each of you,

May this Momorial Day bring great appreciation for the freedom we enjoy.

David

"Inherent aspect"

2011-05-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

As an opener for my remarks today, I'm reminded of some Words penned by Solomon, son of David, several thousand years prior.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
At time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."

As I thought on these passages this week, I was thinking of how we've seen all these things come and go throughout our lives. We've seen evidences of each of these occurrences having their "time" as it pertains to our life. But, my question today is, "What time is it now?"

This turn of thinking took me to the time when our Lord would return for His people.
There are many in this earth today who are expecting him before this day ends. Who knows, this could be true. He told us to be watching and expecting Him. He is coming again.

However, He also taught us in the Scripture that He did not even know the day Himself when He would return. Only the Father in heaven knew this date. Why would we even attempt to be so sure of our own thinking that we could make this discovery of this "time" in some other form of research?

The important thing is, "Are we ready for His return?" My prayer is that somehow through all of this focus of end "time" events, the hearts of people have been stirred to search out their relationship with God.

The Bible teaches us that His coming will be as a "thief in the night" for those who are unprepared. Yet, for His own, "that day" shouldn't overtake us as unaware. You see, we're supposed to be watching, waiting, and expecting Him. Are we? Are we really?

Mark 13:32-33 "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is."

I Thessalonians 5:1-9
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness,
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
For God HATH NOT APPOINTED US TO WRATH, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,"

Keep watching and praying,

Julie
**********************************
http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/

"Inherent aspect"

In the comments of last weeks blog post Doug made this statement, "In my view, the Constitution establishes a secular government (meaning basically it is founded on the power of the people and not god(s)) and keeps that government separate for the most part from religion. While the founders, naturally, came to the task with their various values and views shaped in large part by their religions and, thus, in that sense, their religious views certainly informed their decisions about the government they founded, they took care not to insert their religious views directly into the government. It is in that sense that I say Christianity is not an inherent aspect of the government itself."

The underline emphasis above is mine to focus us on this weeks point of interest. I first want to define "inherent" so we understand what we are talking about.

in·her·ent /ɪnˈhɪərənt, -ˈhɛr-/

[in-heer-uhnt, -her-]
–adjective
1. existing in someone or something as a permanent and inseparable element, quality, or attribute: an inherent distrust of strangers.
2. Grammar . standing before a noun.
3. inhering; infixed.

So Doug is saying (Doug correct me if I'm wrong) Christianity is not a permanent and inseparable element of the Constitution (government) of the United States. I think I must agree with Doug in this statement, but also perhaps with an element of disagreement. I think I understand what Doug is saying and in the sense that our Founders left us a measure in which we can change our Constitution of Governments through the process of amendments, any aspect of Christianity that has been induced though it's (Christianity's) influence can be remove through this process.

One of the purposes of this blog would be to argue that would not be a wise endeavor, but none the less it is provided for.

The current legislature in Congress and State bodies can and will have an affect on the religious aspect of our society.

I would argue that as long as it stands in it's original form the Christian principles are and will continue to be inherent in our Constitution and governments. Doug, I don't say that to be disagreeable, really I don't. Perhaps with your experience in law you can explain some of the following quotes from our Founders.

"There is no authority civil or religious: There can be no legitimate government but what is administered by this Holy Ghost." - - - - John Adams. John Adams Letter to Benjamin Rush, December 21, 1809.

"The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were. . . . the general principles of Christianity. . . . I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God; and that those principles of liberty are as unalterable as human nature." - - - - John Adams, Works, Vol. X, pp. 45-46, to Thomas Jefferson on June 28, 1813.

Following is the approval of congress of the Aitken's Bible which was the first English printed Bible in the United States. It is also referred to as the "Bible of the Revolution"

Philadelphia, September 10th, 1782. Honble James Duane, Esq. Chairman, and the other
Honble Gentlemen of the Committee of Congress on
Mr. Aitken's Memorial."
Whereupon,
RESOLVED, THAT the United States in Congress assembledhighly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion, as well as an instance of the progress of arts in this country, and being satisfied from the above report of his care and accuracy in the execution of the work, they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize him to publish this Recommendation in the manner he shall think proper.
CHA. THOMSON, Sec'ry.

And of course the well known quote by Jefferson: "And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure if we have lost the only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath?"

"But we beg leave to rescue ourselves from the imputation of asserting that religion is not needed to the safety of civil society. It must be considered as the foundation on which the whole structure rests. Laws will not have permanence or power without the sanction of religious sentiment—without a firm belief that there is a Power above us that will reward our virtues and punish our vices." - - - - Reports of Committees of the House of Representatives Made During the First Session of the Thirty-Third Congress (Washington: A. O. P. Nicholson, 1854).

And then there is this compelling statement from congress in that same report: "Whereas, the people of these United States, from their earliest history to the present time, have been led by the hand of a kind Providence and are indebted for the countless blessings of the past and present, and dependent for continued prosperity in the future upon Almighty God; and whereas the great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and divine truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it eminently becomes the representatives of a people so highly favored to acknowledge in the most public manner their reverence for God: therefore, Resolved, That the daily sessions of this body be opened with prayer and that the ministers of the Gospel in this city are hereby requested to attend and alternately perform this solemn duty." - - - - Reports of Committees of the House of Representatives Made During the First Session of the Thirty-Third Congress (Washington: A. O. P. Nicholson, 1854).

And then there is this statement of the Committees of the Senate: "They had no fear or jealousy of religion itself, nor did they wish to see us an irreligious people; they did not intend to prohibit a just expression of religious devotion by the legislators of the nation, even in their public character as legislators; they did not intend to spread over all the public authorities and the whole public action of the nation the dead and revolting spectacle of atheistical apathy." - - - - The Reports of the Committees of the Senate of the United States for the Second Session of the Thirty-Second Congress, 1852-53 (Washington: Robert Armstrong, 1853).

Also in an 1803 federal Indian treaty, Jefferson willingly agreed to provide $300 to “assist the said Kaskaskia tribe in the erection of a church” and to provide “annually for seven years $100 towards the support of a Catholic priest.” He also signed three separate acts setting aside government lands for the sole use of religious groups and setting aside government lands so that Moravian missionaries might be assisted in “promoting Christianity.” American State Papers, Walter Lowrie and Matthew St. Claire Clarke, editors (Washington, D. C.: Gales and Seaton, 1832), Vol. IV, p. 687

When Washington D. C. became the national capital in 1800, Congress voted that the Capitol building would also serve as a church building. President Jefferson chose to attend church each Sunday at the Capitol and even provided the service with paid government musicians to assist in its worship. Jefferson also began similar Christian services in his own Executive Branch, both at the Treasury Building and at the War Office.

Also Jefferson stated: "No nation has ever existed or been governed without religion. Nor can be. The Christian religion is the best religion that has been given to man and I, as Chief Magistrate of this nation, am bound to give it the sanction of my example." - - - - Hutson (see n. 8) at p. 96, quoting from a handwritten history in possession of the Library of Congress, “Washington Parish, Washington City,” by Rev. Ethan Allen.

"We can only depend on the all powerful influence of the Spirit of God, whose Divine aid and assistance it becomes us as a Christian people most devoutly to implore. Therefore I move that some minister of the Gospel be requested to attend this Congress every morning during the sessions in order to open the meeting with prayer." - - - - Elias Boudinot, The Life, Public Service, Addresses, and Letters of Elias Boudinot, LL.D., President of the Continental Congress, J. J. Boudinot, editor (Boston: Houghton, Mifflin & Co., 1896), Vol. I, p. 21, to the First Provincial Congress of New Jersey.

"Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement. . . . The very existence of the republics . . . depend much upon the public institutions of religion." - - - - John Hancock. Independent Chronicle (Boston), November 2, 1780, last page; see also Abram English Brown, John Hancock, His Book (Boston: Lee and Shepard, 1898), p. 269.

" . . . it is especially the duty of those who bear rule to promote and encourage piety [respect for God]." - - - - Henry Laurens, The Papers of Henry Laurens, George C. Rogers Jr. and David R. Chestnutt, editors (Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 1988), Vol. XI, p. 200, in a letter to Oliver Hart and Elharon Winchester on March 30, 1776.

And of course since we are talking about principles of the Founding Fathers: "[A] free government. . . . can only be happy when the public principle and opinions are properly directed. . . . by religion and education. It should therefore be among the first objects of those who wish well to the national prosperity to encourage and support the principles of religion and morality. - - - - Abraham Baldwin. Charles C. Jones, Biographical Sketches of the Delegates from Georgia to the Continental Congress (Boston: Houghton, Mifflin, and Company, 1891), pp. 6-7.

Doug, I hope you can understand in light of all this, which to expound upon it all would be almost inexhaustible, in light of the evidence I must conclude that the original intent of our founders were to instill these religious principles into our Constitutions of government.

That is not to say however, that our government is a Christian government, for it does not govern the Church or the religious affairs of anyone. It is a secular government, inundated with Christian principles of which our Founders viewed as the most sublime and pure. They viewed those principles as eternal as they viewed God himself, and intended and expected this government to allow for the furtherance and prosperity of the Christian faith.

They new as long as the Christian faith flourished, it would produce a people that would be conducive of their government. Knowing this we can understand John Adams when he said, "[W]e have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. . . . Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

It is not my argument that our government is a theistic government, it is not. It is not my argument that our governments intent is to promote religion or Christianity in the sense that it legislates it, it does not.

It is my argument that our Founders meant what they said, and they did intend for the United States to promote Christianity in the sense that it is given free course to prosper among our people.

It's what they said, it's what they did, it's what we accepted for better than a 150 years. I will concede that has been changing among our populous, had it not there would be no need for this blog.

May God bless each of you,

David

"WHEREAS"

2011-05-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Are you going? or, Are you staying?

Isn't it interesting how things are taking shape in this life for an event of tremendous consequence? I'm referring to none other than the catching away of the body of Christ from this earth.

As we look about us and experience the heightened circumstances that challenge our lives in this present time, if we understand our Bible at all, we have to know that somethings getting seriously close.

There's no need to list a series of depressing earth crisis's and add insult to injury. It's all well known, unless an individual chooses to go stick their head in the sand and ignore the times in which we live on earth.

But, we mustn't dwell on this gloomy "earth dweller" scenario. If we belong to Him, (Christ), then we've nothing to do with the "wrath to come."

I'd like to share some passages of Scripture that Paul used with the Thessalonian believers to shore up their understanding of what's to come.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

But, he doesn't stop there. He goes on to tell us about the "times." He indicates that we're supposed to have a pretty good understanding of when these things will transpire. Check this out:

I Thessalonians 5:1-9 "But of the TIMES AND THE SEASONS, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

BUT, YE, BRETHREN, ARE NOT IN DARKNESS, THAT THAT DAY SHOULD OVERTAKE YOU AS A THIEF.

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
But let us, WHO ARE OF THE DAY, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

FOR GOD HATH NOT APPOINTED US TO WRATH, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,"

Thanks be to God for this blessed hope that we are left with. Are we watching and praying? Are we going, or staying?

Even so, Lord Jesus, come.

Watching and Praying,
Julie
******************************
http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/

"WHEREAS"

Public Law 97-280

     WHEREAS the Bible, the Word of God, has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation and people;

     WHEREAS deeply held religious convictions springing from Holy Scriptures led to the early settlement of our Nations;

     WHEREAS Biblical teachings inspired concepts of civil government that are contained in our Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States;

     WHEREAS many of our great national leaders, among them Presidents Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, and Wilson, paid tribute to the surpassing influence of the Bible in our Country's development, as in the words of President Jackson that the Bible is "the Rock on which our Republic rest";

     WHEREAS the history of our Nation clearly illustrates the value of voluntarily applying the teachings of the Scriptures in the lives of individuals, families, and societies;

     WHEREAS this Nation now faces great challenges that will test this Nation as it has never been tested before; and

     WHEREAS that renewing our knowledge of and faith in God through Holy Scripture can strengthen us as a nation and a people:
NOW, THEREFORE, be it

     resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President is authorized and requested to designate 1983 as a national "Year of the Bible" in recognition of both the formative influence the Bible has been for our Nation, and our national need to study and apply the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.

                                                                   Thomas P. O'Neill
                                                                   Speaker of the House

                                                                   Strom Thurmond
                                                                   President of the
                                                                   Senate
                                                                   - Pro Tempore

                                                                    Approved
                                                                    October 4, 1982
                                                                    Ronald Reagan

It has been said of me, that on this blog I am selective in posting religious quotes that support my views. It has been said of me, that on this blog I am trying to push my religious views on everyone else.

I have been told that our Founders were deist at best or were not religious men at all. That they formed a government secular in nature and separated from the Church, sighting the 2nd Amendment clause in the Constitution and Jefferson's "Separation of Church and State" statement in his Danbury letter.

I have been accused of trying to re-write history to fit my own particular religious views. The problem with all those accusations is I have never posted anything that our founders did not themselves say. My particular views were formed from my studies of their own writings.

Up until I began reading their writings I was convinced like most American's still are, that the Constitution separated our religious views from our political views. It was not until I began my own study of our Founders some years ago that I came to understand the importance they placed upon their religious faith in the formation of our Nation.

My desire to see the Christian faith prosper and the continued practice of Christian principles in our society is nothing new. It is not a new idea, I have no original view to offer, only the original one that lies at the Foundation of this great Nation.

From "Public Law 97-280" you find conformation of all I set forth in all these blog postings. Conformation of the influence that the Holy Scripture had on the formation of this Nation, you find conformation of my desire to see our people re-newing their faith and studying the scriptures.

The conformation that, many of our leaders held and supported the infusion of Scripture among the populace. Conformation of the fact that the Bible rest as the "Rock" or support of our Republic.

Conformation that applying the teachings of Scripture not only to individuals, but also to families and society in general is to our benefit and accepted as a Constitutional permissive desire for our public officials.

Conformation that the over coming victories our history has produced as well as our success in coming test have and will depend upon our ability to implement the wisdom that the Holy Scripture has afforded to us.

Conformation that it was the Holy Scriptures and not a huge variety of philosophical and religious ideas from a multitude of equal sources of which our form of government and society were drawn from.

I suppose I should not expect this post to end the debate or the accusation more than any of the others, but never the less I continue; as Martin Luther once said: "here I stand, I can do no other" a quote I feel unworthy to even compare myself too.

May God bless each of you,

David

"The critics of Christianity"

2011-05-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

How sweet it is to know that I can trust in my Heavenly Father with complete confidence.

He will never fall short in any fashion that pertains to my life. What an awesome thought! His provision is More than Enough!

Your closest earthly friend or family are not able to do for you what only your Heavenly Father can do. The arm of flesh will fail at some point. Therefore, we need His rich grace and mercy that He's provided for us in abundance.

We tend to enjoy planning our days and accomplishing our feats of the things we prefer as individuals. However, we must never forget that our planning isn't always His purpose for us. He teaches us that the steps of the righteous are ordered. He has a well fashioned plan for you and I. This is what we must pursue if we would see true satisfaction in our lives and not become bogged down in a simple earthly existence.

May we build our best friendship with Him. He's the Friend that sticks closer to us than a brother. Do you ever find such a friendship any where else?

We celebrate Mother's Day in our nation tomorrow. What a wonderful thing to celebrate it is. As dear as our Moms are to us, He's still our best Friend.

I hope you know Him today. If not, He's waiting on you to invite Him into your life.

Have a blessed week,

and Happy Mother's Day, Moms

Julie

Scripture References:

Psalm 37:23 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way."

Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

I Chronicles 32:8 "With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah."

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/

"The critics of Christianity"

"Manners, by which not only the freedom but the very existence of the republics are greatly affected, depend much upon the public institutions of religion." - - - - John Hancock.

Public institutions of religion, namely Christianity, words such as these sound so strange to our ears today, we have heard so much about the separation of Church and State and the establishment clause of the United States Constitution.

The establishment clause simply does nothing but prohibit Congress from instituting laws governing our religious preferences and limiting our ability to exercise those preferences.

The separation of Church and State issues addressed by Jefferson in his Danberry letter simply affirmed the principles already understood by scripture, giving government and Church their own individual responsibilities. It did not mean they were to be opposed to each other, but working together supporting each other in society within the means of their own assigned responsibility.

"Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure, are undermining the best security for the duration of free governments." - - - - Charles Carroll.

The argument against the religious influence, namely Christian, is not something new to our age. Our Founders fought the same battle, but I must say were more successful than we have been in the last few decades.

We have allow prayer and bible reading to be removed from our education system, this they did not. We have allowed the removal of the 10 Commandments by the courts in our public buildings, offices, and schools; this they did not. To a great degree we have let our freedom to pray in the name of Jesus be restricted in our military and government establishments; this they did not.

I could continue, but I would be be lingering the point, we just simply have allowed the opponents of Christianity to limit it's influence on our society to a dangerous level.

Our Founders recognized the importance of the Christian influence and the success of our Republic. For a people to be free to govern their own selves, they must be able to restrain their own passions and have a unified understanding of moral values and justice. The principles of Christianity provided that for our nation.

The government allowed the Christian faith to flourish, to move among the nation as a unifier and stabilizer of our natural human passions, enabling us as a people to have more or less a unified understanding of morality and justice.

It did not provide for a perfect morality or perfect justice, but the best that history had provided us. It,s value is measured by the words of our Founders as to its support for our Republic. Charles Carrol speaking of Christianity said it's morality is so sublime and pure. This being diffused among our people made governing easier as a people with such morals, so sublime and pure, needed little governing.

But now, unlike our Founders, we have allowed this support to be greatly restricted, the result is a society that has different views of morality and justice. It is no longer pure because of the mixture of ideas that are not conducive with each other. It leaves us divided and at odds with one another, we cannot agree on our legislation, and our policies of government run us at odds continually.

It was once generally agreed upon that homosexual activity was a vice, but now it is viewed by many as a vice and many as a lifestyle to be accepted and honored. Therefore we are divided and at odds with one another about the issue. We cannot agree upon the laws regarding it's practice anymore nor the matter of discerning it's place in society. This is just one example of many where we have lost the stability and unity that was once provided to our society by the institution of Christianity.

Our Founders gave it free course in our society seeing it's support, we now are restricting it's influence to replace it with human reason. The one is pure and sublime, the other is diverse and unpredictable. Thus goes our society.

To the critics of Christianity, no, our Founders did not establish a form of government that established a State run or form of government, but they did form one based upon it's principles and then gave it free course to run it's influence upon our society for it's support.

The principles of Christianity and it's influence has contributed much to our success as a nation. Now that we are restricting that influence we are seeing the effects and reaping the results of removing it's support.

Unless we re-examine the principles of our Founding Fathers we will find ourselves in a place where we were never intended to be.

May God bless each of you,

David

"American Way"

2011-05-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

First From Julie's Keyboard:

Doesn't this world just seem to get a bit more strange by the day? The escalation of trouble in this world and the lives of people all over the globe is simply astounding! One of the many things we might notice in this is just how tied we are "as Christians" to this way of living.

After all, aren't we only "pilgrims passing through such a place as this?" Should we operate our lives each day in panic mode and fear of what's taking place around us? Should I be sure to line my cellars with canned goods and build my own little fortress to protect "me and mine" in hard times?

While we certainly have instruction in God's Word to walk in His Wisdom, and consider the ant and be wise, what should be our greatest level of concern regarding the issues of living in this world?

In thinking along these lines and seeking counsel from the Heavenly Father, I believe He would remind us of who He is within His children. With the nature of Christ Himself within the life of any believer, this world is no threat. Our all providing God is More Than Enough to not only sustain us in a time of trouble, but to put us over the top with His hand of blessing.

Sure it's a sign of wisdom to prepare for the things we know are at hand. But, my point today is that there is only so much that one can do physically to prepare for the sure round of events that will come in days ahead. Our hope and confidence must be in Christ, and Christ alone.

That sounds so "preachy," doesn't it? Yet, it's the truth! He told us to take His yoke upon us and to learn of Him. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I think I'd rather go through this place with Him, as opposed to how I might fair in my own venues.

Today, I would leave you with some Scripture for meditation to go along these lines of thought.
Remember the only true place of peace in this life is found in Him. Anything else that offers a solution is a deception. May we walk in His wisdom.

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Revelation 3:10 "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."

I Thessalonians 5:5-9 "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ."

Have a blessed week,
Julie

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http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com/

"American Way"

I have written about this before, but it has been brought to mind again this week. Do you remember Superman. Yes, its Superman, able to leap tall building in a single bound, more powerful than a locomotive, faster than a speeding bullet. It's Superman, who disguised as a mild mannered reporter Clark Kent, fights a never ending battle for truth and justice the American way.

Superman came to us in 1938, by 1959 when I came along he was still going strong. By the mid and late 1960's I was grabbing my Mom's towels and wrapping them around my neck with my Mom pinning it on with a safety pin, or what we called "baby pin". Then I off to the back porch where I flew down to the back yard. I would spend the evening saving the helpless, defending the needy, doing good to all mankind.

If you remember this era you remember Superman standing there hands on his hips with his cape blowing in the wind and the American flag waving in the back ground.

Truth, Justice and the American way! At that young age I no idea what American history held or where our foundation was laid. As far as I new it had always been here, but I new one thing, there was a thing called the "American way" and it had to do with Truth and Justice, it was something good, very good. It was a way of life where those who were strong helped those who were weak. Our Superheros in today's media do good things, but they many times get there by not so good means. But our Superman, the end did not justify the means, the means was a way of life that determined the end. He was good, both in deed and action.

Well' I heard this week on Foxnews that Superman is renouncing his U.S. citizenship. According to Action Comics Superman in an interview Wednesday of last week stated, "I intend to speak before the United Nations tomorrow and inform them that I am renouncing my U.S. citizenship."

Superman continued by saying, "I'm tired of having my actions construed as instruments of United States."

"Truth, Justice, and the American way, it's not enough anymore." Apparently he as an alien refugee has not been treated right by America and he is going to be telling the United States they are no more important than any other country on earth. It has not been determined yet the fate of the red and blue suit, but the phase 'Truth, Justice and the American Way" will be stricken from his endeavors.

I knew we were in trouble, but now that we have lost Superman, what will we do?

You might be thinking right now, "David, have you lost it, what has this to do with the Founding Fathers?"

As you well know, a society and it's culture are reflected in its entertainment, literature, and arts. This move of Superman is just another indicator of our cultural move away from what we have known as the "American Way."

I know as we move away from our religious heritage and the influence it has had on our society we think we know a better way. The old way was too confining and conforming to a certain way of thinking. It placed too many restrictions upon our behavior, but I fear in our search for our freedoms, we have lost their only support.

Pro 16:25 There is a way that seems right to people, but that way leads only to death. - ERV version

Massachusetts Grand Jury 1802 - "The laws of the Christian system, as embraced by the Bible, must be respected as of high authority in all our courts and it cannot be thought improper for the officers of such government to acknowledge their obligation to be governed by its rule . . . .

Our Government originating in the voluntary compact of a people who in that very instrument profess the Christian religion, it may be considered, not as republic Rome was, a Pagan, but a Christian republic." - - - - "Our Christian Heritage," Letter from Plymouth Rock (Marlborough, NH: The Plymouth Rock Foundation), pp. 4-5.

May God bless each of you,

David