“Numbers are constants while opinions are variables.”
Source: South Carolina Sends a Message of Tough Love, Part 2
I will be writing on this in my next post, but if you read this, you will know where I am going.
Category Archives: Current Events
Picking A President
For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. (Isaiah 9:16)
I don’t often focus on politics on this blog; politics is not my main objective, but sometimes I just need to get things off my chest. I have no national platform from which to speak. I’ve written no books, or starred on stage or film. I never held public office of any kind or even campaigned for anyone. I am not a well-known preacher of national renown, and the FOX News Channel has never asked me for my two cents worth. But I do have an opinion on the upcoming presidential race for anyone who cares to listen.
To begin, I will not waste time in addressing the godless, socialist Democrat party. Robbing the rich to give to the poor makes a good bedtime story, but it does not work in real life. As Margaret Thatcher famously said, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money.” If one is observant, one will note how those pleading the cause of the poor tend to keep their own money to themselves, and their will for the masses does not apply to themselves. As the barnyard animals of Animal Farm said of the pigs in charge, “Some animals are more equal than others.” Democrats also fail to see that killing a baby in the womb is murder, not a woman’s right to choose. So, for this discussion, forget the Democrats!
Republicans fare slightly better in that their rhetoric sounds conservative, but their actions fall woefully short of their talk. For example, they claim to be “Pro-Life” but continue to fund Planned Parenthood.
It is 2016 and once again the time has come to elect a new President of the United States (POTUS). The Republican field of candidates includes a long list of POTUS wannabes, any one of which would be an enormous improvement over the man currently holding the office. But rather than discussing each candidate, I want to focus my attention on the front runners and particularly the front runner, Donald Trump. I also want to approach this from an “evangelical” perspective.
The first appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Jay, once said, “Providence [i.e. God] has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers” (emphasis mine).[1] While the Constitution of the United States guarantees that “no religious test” shall be given for holding a public office, it does not and cannot require individual citizens from applying such a test. Therefore, in accordance with Justice John Jay’s opinion, it becomes incumbent on Christians, evangelicals, to prefer Christians for public office, especially for the office of POTUS. Critics of this perspective will note that we are not electing a pastor, but a president, yet many of the same qualifications should apply. Consider the qualifications for pastor (bishop) given in 2 Timothy 3:1-7 listed here in brief:
- Blameless, i.e. “not arrested” or “inculpable”
- Husband of one wife – if a man cannot be faithful to his marital vows, how can we expect him to be faithful to his oath of office?
- vigilant – circumspect, that is, “watchful, discreet; cautious; prudent”
- sober – of sound mind; self-controlled
- Of good behavior – orderly; decorous (characterized by dignified propriety in conduct, manners, appearance, character, etc.)
- Hospitable – fond of guests. Presidents must entertain foreign dignitaries and constituents
- apt to teach – this has a broad range of applications
- not given to wine – not a substance abuser
- no “striker” – quarrelsome; belligerent; combative
- not greedy of filthy lucre – the kind of person that can be bought
- not covetous – seeking personal gain
- not a novice – no experience
- must have a good report – i.e. a good reputation
Surely the list above is fitting for anyone aspiring for any position of leadership. Considering the list above, apply that to the top three candidates, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and (arguably) Marco Rubio.
Several high-profile evangelical leaders have come out in support of Donald Trump, and it makes me wonder how closely they have evaluated this candidate. Superficially, he seems an unlikely contender for the post. First of all, besides being an immensely successful businessman, he is primarily an entertainer. As an entertainer, he knows how to put on “a show.” As a good entertainer, he knows his audience, he knows what his audience wants to see and hear, and he plays it out for them. As a businessman, he boasts in his ability to “make deals,” and how he is able to get what he wants. In other words, he is a great manipulator; we already have one of those in the Oval Office. Do we really want another with the only exception being that this one comes stamped with an “R” instead of a “D”? Personally, I don’t trust this man, but in all fairness, his record should be scrutinized.
From CNN Politics, “3 questions evangelicals should ask about Donald Trump:” (1) What is known about Trump’s personal life and morality? (2) Where does Trump stand on moral and social policy issues of concern to Christians and to which the Bible speaks to clearly? (3) Are the love of money and pride legitimate issues to weigh when considering support for a presidential candidate? Read the article for the details, but in essence, Trump is not the man evangelicals should aspire to put in the White House.
Consider the first question. Trump has been married three different times to three different women and his divorces were “unbiblical.” His speech betrays questionable moral standards (Matthew 12:34; 15:11, 18). Trump does not feel the need to ask God’s forgiveness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:10; 2:4), which should immediately raise a red flag with evangelicals. Considering the second question, Trump claimed to be “pro-choice” at one time. He also favors “gay rights” and same-sex marriage. On the third question, his love of money is obvious as is his pride. One positive aspect of his money lies in his ability to fund his own campaign which presumably frees him from special interests. However, one special interest that supersedes all others is his own. Note how he boasts of the free airtime the media gives him and the personal offence he takes when not “treated nice.” Carefully examining Donald Trump’s history exposes a man who does what is expedient to achieve his goals. He is “A double minded man [that] is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8).
Marco Rubio seems conservative enough, and in many ways makes for a fine conservative candidate that evangelicals should like. He seems to have very strong moral principles. He has expressed a personal relationship with Christ – an evangelical concept – even though he is a committed Roman Catholic. I have heard (but not confirmed) that he has been attending Southern Baptist services, so it is difficult to discern if his proclamation is genuine or simply meant to gain evangelical favor. (Please forgive my skepticism.) Rubio’s major “chink” is his association with the “Gang of Eight” and their legislation in favor of amnesty for illegal aliens. Rubio consistently affirms that he rejects amnesty of illegal aliens, and his defenders attribute his questionable association with inexperience and being “steamrolled” by the “old bulls” of the Republican Party. I can see that happening, but it also shows inconsistency.
So, unless proven wrong, I wholeheartedly support Ted Cruz[2] in his bid for the presidency. Cruz is the “real deal.”[3] Ted Cruz, although he may not make an issue of it, is a genuine, born-again, Christian.[4] He accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of eight and has lived his life in accordance with his commitment to Christ. Cruz has been a staunch defender of the Constitution throughout his career. Trump accuses Cruz of being “mean and nasty,” and that no one likes him. Trump’s exaggeration aside, the establishment Republicans dislike Senator Cruz because he does not make deals, and he fights against his own party to uphold conservative principles going so far as calling Mitch McConnell a liar from the Senate floor[5] for lying about a deal cut on TPA. Truth can sometimes be a nasty thing, and voicing truth to some can seem “mean” and offensive, but Ted Cruz stands for truth even when it costs him popularity. Ted Cruz is involved in politics, but he is not a politian; he is a true statesman. Is that not what we want in a POTUS?
Earlier in this post I listed the requirements for bishop from First Timothy. Review these again and see if Ted Cruz does not fill the bill. Only one perfect man ever walked this earth, and Ted Cruz will tell you that man was Jesus Christ. Ted Cruz is far from perfect, but if you will examine his life, his character and his record, I believe you will find that he is probably the best choice to be our next POTUS. I have provided some resource links in the endnotes below. Please take time to examine them before making your final judgment.
Even if Donald Trump becomes our next Republican Presidential Nominee (heaven forbid), I will vote for him before letting another Democrat take the White House. It is vitally important that evangelical Christians be fully engaged in the democratic process. As John Jay said, “it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” Donald Trump says he is a Presbyterian. I don’t know what that means other than he identifies with one particular denomination. Ted Cruz does not say he is Southern Baptist, but his life and character reflect that he is a committed Christian. We need a true Christian POTUS. Whatever you decide, don’t decide to stay home because you don’t like the choices. We get the government we deserve.
Notes:
[1] http://www.wnd.com/2015/05/americans-prefer-christians-for-their-rulers/
[2] https://www.tedcruz.org/issues/
[3] http://bwcentral.org/2016/01/the-real-ted-cruz/
Filed under Christianity, Current Events, Evangelism, Politics, Pro-life, Religion
Piercing the Perils of 2016 « Terry James Prophecy Line
Never in my own memory has a new year appeared at its beginning to be more prophetically interesting. Never–in my thinking, at least–has one portended more perilous times, as the Apostle Paul would have it. Yet I wouldn’t trade my time on this darkening planet with anyone of any other generation.
Source: Piercing the Perils of 2016 « Terry James Prophecy Line
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Filed under Christianity, Current Events, End Times, Religion, Second Coming of Christ
What Next?
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (Isaiah 46:9-10)
The Christmas lights are down. The tree and the ornaments are put away. The year 2015 is history. As I mentioned in my previous post, the year began with great expectations, most of which did not materialize, much to my dismay. But isn’t that the way it often happens! That aside, I did accomplish some personal goals. I donated[1] my 1/60-scale model of Noah’s Ark[2] to the Institute for Creation Research. I read the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible through. My wife and I signed up with a physical trainer in May and stuck with the program. I lost 25 pounds, so far, and gained noticeable strength and endurance, which encouraged my doctor to take me off of my blood pressure meds. We also took a cruise along the northeast coast which granted me a longtime dream of standing on the deck of the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides” – a wish-come-true for this old Navy boy.
In retrospect, many positive experiences and accomplishments took place in 2015, but my greatest desire did not come to pass – the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of many positive “signs,” the Lord, in His omniscience, determined that the time was not right. That in itself is a positive thing, especially for those who are lost and in need of the Savior. God in His mercy has delayed His judgment on this world (2 Peter 3:9).
So, what is in store for 2016? What comes next? Will the Lord return in 2016, or will we go to meet Him in death? Will we enjoy good health or will we or one of our loved ones experience serious illness? Will this be the year that our lost loved ones accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior? Will our national economy implode, or will it take an upswing turn for the better? Who will be voted President, and will he (or she) have a positive influence on the country? Will our nation once more get dragged into an unwanted war?
There are so many questions for which we cannot know the answers! Certainly as we analyze world affairs, the outlook seems grim, and it makes for a good source for depression. Several coping methods can be employed to deal with the unknown and unpredictable. We can isolate and insolate ourselves from negative input. Shut off TV news, turn off the radio, and stop reading newspapers, magazines and social media. Another option is to numb your mind through chemistry, entertainment, pleasure, or other distractions. If you can’t hear it, see it or feel it, it’s not really there. Right? A third option is to face the world head on. Be aware of what is going on around you and in the world. Prepare for adversity but with hope, not paranoia. Rest in the assurance that you are under God’s protection. “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father … Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:28-29, 31).
What next? There is no way to know what the future holds, so trust Him who holds the future. “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:34). The Lord knows what 2016 will bring. He knows “the end from the beginning,” and we can be sure that He has included us in His plans. Happy 2016!
Notes:
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Filed under Christianity, Current Events, End Times, New Year's Day, Religion, Second Coming of Christ, Theology
Almost Gone
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
The presents are gone from under the tree. The wrappings, ribbons and bows are all in the trash, and all the guests left days ago. Not many days remain in what’s left of this year, and soon we’ll be singing “Auld Lang Syne.”
The older I get, the quicker the years seem to zoom by. This year is no exception. I must confess that this year has been somewhat of a disappointment to me. You may attribute that to the state of politics, the economy, the rise of terror, the decline of morality in our nation, etc., and while all those things can put a damper on one’s outlook, they really are not the source of my disappointment.
I started this year with the genuine hope that this would be the year that Christ returned, and we, His children, would be taken up in the clouds to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Many of the signs seemed to converge to make a good case for this being the year. First there was the third Blood Moon of the rare tetrad at Passover in April that was preceded by a total solar eclipse in March. Then the fourth Blood Moon of the tetrad appeared during the Feast of Tabernacles in late September. Add to that, the final Blood Moon followed the end of the Shamitah which modern “prophets” saw as a sign of economic collapse, (which did not occur in any way to cause great consternation). To boot, all of this leads to the Year of Jubilee, which began on Rosh Ha-Shanna, September 13.
All this year, I have looked toward the eastern sky and cupped my ear for the sound of the trumpet, and it didn’t come.
Jesus did not come. 😦
I am disappointed, but not disheartened or discouraged. After all, Jesus said, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32, emphasis mine). The modern day prophets made some good guesses solidly based on Scripture, but they obviously missed it. To their credit, none would dogmatically set a date for Christ’s return, and all offered the disclaimer that God is not bound by their speculations. Still, there was the hope.
Should that hope be abandoned simply because mortal men guessed wrong? As Paul would say, “God forbid!” Jesus promised to return: “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 14:1-3, emphasis mine). There is absolutely no reason not to believe that He will do as He promised. The Old Testament is full of prophecies foretelling of His first coming, and all were proven true beyond any shadow of doubt. So accurately were those promises fulfilled, that the probability of one man fulfilling just eight of them is a virtual impossibility, yet Jesus fulfilled them all. If Scripture proved true about His first coming, then it will certainly prove true for His second coming.
A few days still remain in 2015. Jesus may return before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, or He may yet delay. Twenty-Sixteen is the Year of Jubilee and that would be a great time for Christ to return. And what if He does not come in 2016? So what! Jesus promised He will return. In the meantime He said, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8, emphasis mine). “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20, emphasis mine). We must do this because, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, emphasis mine). Likewise, we should not be willing that any should perish.
Does this mean I should stop looking and listening? Of course not! “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3, emphasis mine). “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). So, no lollygagging! There is work yet to be done! “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:46). Perhaps in 2016!
Ernie's Musings 