Early voting starts today and Election Day is only 15 days away. Thankfully, we have several resources to help us decide who to vote for. I am happy to inform you that local Christian Coalition Voter Guides are available for St Lucie County at www.FLVotesValues.com. I also expect state Christian Coalition Voter Guides for Indian River, St Lucie, Martin, and all other Florida counties to be available later today at http://www.ccfla.org/guides.php. St Lucie County voters may also wish to view the League of Women Voters forum and the St Lucie Chamber of Commerce Candidate Questionnaire. I encourage you to utilize these resources to educate yourself on where the candidates stand on the issues.
I have also preached two sermons on the importance of voting recently and invite you to listen as I apply Biblical principles to local, state, and national governments as well as provide historical quotes from our founding fathers and others.
Sermon: The Importance of Voting.
Sermon: The Importance of Voting – The Issues.
Personal Endorsements
Several have asked me to provide a list of candidates I’m endorsing and/or supporting in the primary election. I am going to provide this list for State and St Lucie County Races. My decision to endorse or support a candidate is my own decision and does not indicate the support or endorsement of any organization I am associated with. In some races, there is no clear cut conservative, or not enough information is available at this time to make a recommendation that I am comfortable with. In such cases, I will provide any insight I have into the candidates and point you to other sources. I will support a candidate if I feel that he/she is the best candidate for the position and holds to conservative values. I reserve endorsements only for those candidates who are clearly fiscal and social conservatives based on their survey responses, their record, and other indicators. I will only endorse candidates who are 100% prolife which means they support the proposed Florida Personhood Amendment which gives constitutional rights to preborn children, oppose funding Planned Parenthood and medical organizations that provide abortion counseling, and oppose condom ed. In the end however, you are responsible for your vote. Please do your homework, and vote your values.
I do apologize in advance for the length of this e-mail. I do normally try to keep e-mails brief; however, the nature of this e-mail requires space to explain. I also have provided headings for each race so that you can read the races that apply to you and skip the others. Feel free to forward this to friends as well. Future E-mails will list names and recommendations only, so I won’t bombard you with volumes of information every day.
Florida House District 80
Florida House District 80 covers parts of St Lucie, Indian River, and Brevard Counties. This race pits the incumbent who voted for the train to nowhere, raided trust funds, raised the budget, used stimulus funds to balance the budget, and raised your taxes on drivers and fishing licenses. I’m endorsing the challenger, Art Argenio who is one of the few politicians I know who truly believes in limited government. Art Argenio served in the Florida House and sat next to Marco Rubio when both were freshmen representatives. Art fought for TEA party principles long before the TEA Party existed and is a founding member of the Treasure Coast TEA Party. Art is also 100% prolife and helped bring to Florida the personhood movement which will provide constitutional rights to all humans. If you live in district 80 and value life, liberty, property, and prosperity, vote for Art Argenio.
I endorse Art Argenio for Florida House District 80, and I ask you to vote for Art Argenio August 24.
Governor
This is an interesting race pitting a career politician, Bill McCollum, verses a new comer, Rick Scott, who is funding his own campaign. Both have fought Obama care with McCollum leading a lawsuit against the federal government and Scott running adds against the program prior to its passage. You’ve probably heard the challenges going back and forth between the two. McCollum has charged Scott with ripping off taxpayers in the HCA Medicare fraud case. Scott has pointed out that McCollum voted to raise taxes 42 times while in congress. On the prolife front, McCollum has pointed out that while Scott was CEO of HCA, HCA purchased hospitals that performed abortions and allowed them to continue doing so. Scott has countered that McCollum’s position on stem cell research is virtually identical to Obama’s. Indeed, Politifact.com has shown that this assertion is essentially correct and that McCollum supports using frozen test tube babies from fertility clinics for experimentation. On the surface, I would like to support Scott if for nothing less than to shake up the Republican establishment that all too often talks limited government even as it grows the size of government; however, running hospitals that murder innocent babies is no light matter.
The other candidate, Mike McCalister, failed to fill out the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey and has worked for Upjohn which makes a drug used in 2nd trimester abortions. "This form of abortion ... causes the uterus to contract intensely, pushing out the developing baby. The contractions are more violent than normal, natural contractions, so the unborn baby is frequently killed by them -- some have even been decapitated. Many, however, have also been born alive." Reference: http://www.lifesitenews.com/abortiontypes/
Unless one of these candidates endorses personhood, I will likely refrain from endorsing or supporting in this race.
Attorney General
This race has pitted Pam Bondi, a well spoken candidate promoting limited government versus the party establishment candidate Jeff Kottkamp. On first glance, I liked Bondi; however, Florida Family Policy Council’s John Stemberger has pointed out some troubling issues with Bondi including her tepidness on defending adoption against homosexual adoption and the fact that she didn’t care enough about the values community to reach out to any of the state values groups for support or even return their phone calls. You can read Stemberger's article here.
I support Jeff Kottkamp for Florida Attorney General, and I ask you to vote for Jeff Kottkamp August 24 or sooner.
St Lucie County School Board District 1
I believe that Sandy Krischke is the best candidate for the job. Sandy was raised in the Catholic Church and has helped lead the youth at St Anastasia Catholic Church in Ft Pierce. Sandy has children in the St Lucie County School system and has been an advocate for improvements in our education system. Sandy Krischke is the only candidate in this race that is 100% opposed to condom ed. This is why I contacted her when looking for a values candidate for District 1 and asked her to run.
I endorse Sandy Krischke for St Lucie County School Board District 1, and I ask you to vote for Sandy Krischke August 24.
St Lucie County School Board District 3
Thankfully, this race has several candidates who oppose the condom ed curriculum currently in place in St Lucie County Schools. Of the candidates running, only one actively opposed the curriculum when it was debated. His name is Dr Mike Hofstee. Dr Mike Hofstee is a board member of SOHL (Sanctity of Human Life of the Treasure Coast) and a former board member of CareNet Pregnancy Center. He has also led the fight against tax payer funding of Planned Parenthood by the Children’s Services Council in St Lucie County. Dr Mike Hofstee is a board member of Morningside academy, a successful private school that regularly outperforms public schools at just over half the cost per student/per year. Hofstee is also a business man who can get things done, and he truly believes in limited government.
I am friends with another candidate who entered the race late, Donna Mills. Our church sent Kenny and Donna Mills into ministry in North Fort Pierce, and we have supported them ever since. They have done a wonderful job in their ministry to children in North Fort Pierce. Sadly, Mills has taken a stand in support of the condom ed curriculum in place, however. St Lucie County children deserve to be told the truth about the failure rates of condoms, which the current curriculum doesn't do; they need to receive training in refusal skills, which the current curriculum doesn't adequately do; and they deserve to have an education that prioritizes basic proficiencies such as reading, writing, and arithmetic over social indoctrination.
I endorse Dr Mike Hostee for St Lucie County School Board District 3 and ask you to vote for him August 24.
St Lucie County Commission District 2
Democratic Primary
If you are a Democrat, I encourage you to support Ken Waters. Ken Waters is the only Democratic candidate in District 2 that responded to the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey. Ken was running on TEA Party principles before there was a TEA Party. His answers this year were slightly less conservative on fiscal policy, but he’s still the most conservative candidate in this democratic primary.
In the Democratic Primary for St Lucie County Commission District 2, I support Ken Waters and ask any Democrats to vote for him August 24.
Republican Primary
Republican candidate Paul Hiott has served the veteran community of Saint Lucie County well, and I wanted to support him. His support of the roll back rate (where millage rates are increased to bring in the same amount of property tax even though the property values declined). This wouldn't be a problem if the budget were where it should be. The county budget is too big in my opinion though. Certainly, we must maintain support for law enforcement and roads, but much of what the county government does is unnecessary and needs to be cut. Moreover I have problems with several of Hiott's answers on the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey concerning both fiscal and social issues.
Tod Mowery’s experience as a regional land planner has alarmed some, including myself. I have asked Mowery whether he supports Agenda 21, and he assured me that he does not. On the Scripps/TC Palm Candidate Survey, Mowery argued against complicated land use schemes including TVC (Towns, Villages, and Countryside Land Use Planning). Both Republican candidates seem to have the same position on the development of agricultural land west of town though Mowery has more experience dealing with these issues than Hiott.
Todd Mowery’s fiscal and social conservative values on the other hand set him apart from Hiott. Mowery has managed cities in cash strapped Michigan. He knows how to balance budgets with limited funds, even if doing so requires consolidation or community volunteers. This perspective is a breath of fresh air in an environment where our politicians threaten to cut essential services, raise taxes, or both. Mowery’s answers on the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey also show that he is both a fiscal and social conservative.
In the Republican Primary for St Lucie County Commission District 2, I endorse Tod Mowery and ask any Republicans to vote for him August 24.
St Lucie County Commission District 4
In this race, Al Rivett is the only candidate who filled out the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey. His answers show that he is a fiscal and social conservative. Having known Rivett for over 10 years, I believe that his answers accurately reflect his values. Rivett's extensive experience in economic development as the director of the St Lucie County Chamber of Commerce make him a great choice in a time when St Lucie County's unemployment rate is at 14%. Prior to Rivett taking the reigns at St Lucie Habitat for Humanity, the organization was virtually nonexistent. The productivity that St Lucie Habitat for Humanity achieved while Rivett was director, shows that he knows how to get an organization moving.
In the Republican Primary for St Lucie County Commission District 4, I endorse Al Rivett and ask any Republicans to vote for him August 24.
City of Port St Lucie Mayor
The Mayor’s race in Port Saint Lucie is a difficult one. In this race, there is no clear conservative; however, I will give my insight on several candidates below.
In the 2008 City races, I supported Victoria Huggins for City Council over Jack Kelly because she was moderately more conservative (though not as conservative as I would like). Of the candidates running, Huggins knows the city budget better than any candidate and is likely the most fiscally conservative; however, Huggins failed to submit a Christian Coalition Candidate Survey this year and is supporting Amendment 4. Amendment 4 will require voter approval of all land use changes. This means that voters who don’t own vacant land will make decisions affecting whether owners of vacant land can develop their property. This flies in the face of property rights and freedom and will harm Florida’s economy for years to come. This amendment will also have an adverse affect on the poor and others who don’t presently own homes since future development will be less likely thus increasing the price of existing homes, commercial property, and rents. I therefore cannot support Huggins in this race.
Christopher Cooper appears to be a social conservative on the Christian Coalition Voter Guide; however, Cooper was a part of growing the City’s budget from 200,000,000 to nearly 900,000,000 and saddling the City with debt to fund various city projects, including the city golf course and the Civic Center, both of which operate at a loss each year. Had the current city council not grown the size of government as fast as they did, they wouldn’t need to cut back now. Cooper also answered on his candidate survey that he supports having a nativity and menorah as a part of Christmas/Hanukah celebrations; however, he opposed it when the issue came before the city council. Anyone who wants more big government and more taxes should consider voting for Cooper. I do not support Cooper.
The following deserve honorable mentions. They are listed in alphabetical order to not show preference.
Shirley Copenhaver’s answers on the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey come close to warranting support or endorsement, but Copenhaver’s willingness to contract with medical providers that also offer abortion counseling prevents me from supporting her.
Joann Faiella answered the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey fairly conservatively. I also attended a meeting with her and area pastors and conservative leaders. I was impressed with her and her stand on most social issues. However, she does work for the police department and does have union support. I fear that she may make contracts with city employees that are unsustainable. She also opposed Amendment 4 in the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey but seems to support it in the Scripps/TC Palm candidate questionnaire. Faiella failed to answer the roll back rate question on the Scripps/TC Palm candidate questionnaire. Faiella answered on the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey that she would support to contracting with medical providers that also offer abortion counseling, but in the pastor’s meeting, she said that the counseling should be from a prolife perspective.
Albert Hickey’s answers on the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey come close to warranting support or endorsement, but Hickey’s willingness to contract with medical providers that also offer abortion counseling prevents me from supporting him.
Jim Rich answered many of the questions on the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey from a conservative perspective. From an economic development standpoint, he’s the best for the job in my opinion; however, he didn’t answer the roll back question in the Scripps/TC Palm candidate questionnaire and stated that he would support the roll back rate in the League of Women Voters forum. If the city’s budget were at an appropriate lever, I would have no problem with the rollback rate; however, the city’s budget needs to be cut not maintained. Rich also answered on the Christian Coalition Candidate Survey that he would support to contracting with medical providers that also offer abortion counseling, that he would participate in gay pride parades, and that he supports giving same sex and live in couples the same health benefits awarded married couples. This last issue is both fiscally and socially liberal. Though I would like to support Rich, I must pass.
I invite you to refer to the Christian Coalition Voter Guide (www.FLVotesValues.com) and the other mentioned resources in making your choice in this election.
City of Port St Lucie City Council District 1
This race thankfully has a clear conservative, Carl Iken. Iken is a founding member of the Treasure Coast TEA Party who will work to reign in wasteful spending. Iken is also a social conservative though perhaps for different reasons than me. I am confident that Carl Iken truly believes in limited government and will fight to bring fiscal and social conservative values to government on a city level. I also love Carl’s slogan and website: www.IkenDoIt.com!
I endorse Carl Iken for City of Port St Lucie City Council District 1, and I ask you to vote for Carl Iken August 24.
City of Port St Lucie City Council District 3
No recommendation: See the Christian Coalition Voter Guide at www.FLVotesValues.com.
City of Fort Pierce City Council District 2
No recommendation: See the Christian Coalition Voter Guide at www.FLVotesValues.com.
St Lucie County Judge Group 1
I believe that Clif Barnes has made strides in improving efficiency in the courts; however, Barnes answer yes to questions 1 & 2. It is beyond me how anyone can believe that the constitution means what it meant when it was written and that the constitution is a living breathing document that changes over time is concerning. George Dugan didn't feel comfortable answering questions 2 & 3, however, he stated to me that questions 1 & 2 are mutually exclusive questions. If you believe in one, you can't believe in the other.
In the St Lucie County Judge Group 1, I support George Dugan and ask any Republicans to vote for him August 24.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
How the War on Poverty has Destroyed Fatherhood, the American Family, and Especially the Black Family and has Increased Poverty
In 1963, 93% of children were born to married parents. Today, the percentage has dropped to 59%. 1 Some see no problem with fatherless families. American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino goes so far as to calls single-parent motherhood "a badge of honor." In "Baby Mama," Fantasia sings, "It's about time we had our own song. Don't know what took so long." While single parenting may work financially for a hit recording artist, most single moms and their children don't fare so well as we will see.2
The Heritage Foundation found that the poverty rate for single parent families is 80% greater than married couples with parents, and the differences don't end with finances. The Heritage Foundation report goes on to show that children born into single family homes are:
- More than twice as likely to be arrested for a juvenile crime;
- Three times more likely to end up in jail by the time they reach age 30
- Twice as likely to be treated for emotional and behavioral problems;
- Roughly twice as likely to be suspended or expelled from school; and
- A third more likely to drop out before completing high school.
- Girls from single-parent homes are more than twice as likely to have a child without being married, thereby repeating the negative cycle for another generation.
- Children living in single parent homes are 50 percent more likely to experience poverty as adults when compared to children from intact married homes.1
As bad a the breakdown of families is in the Nation, black families fare much worse. In 1963, 77% of black children were born to families with both a father and a mother. Today, nearly 70% of black children are born out of wedlock.3 What has happened since 1963 that has caused such a shift in the American family in general and the African American Family in particular?
Certainly, several factors have played a role. In the 1960s, we had the sexual revolution, followed by values free pro-condom sex education. We've also seen a shift in the American population away from applying the truth of God's word to our everyday lives. But I believe that the biggest factor has been the welfare state. You see 1963 was the year President Lyndon Johnson launched his War on Poverty, designed to end poverty. Politicians like Johnson may have mean well, but their tactics were flawed. In creating programs that compensated single mothers for the loss of income in not having a spouse, these programs actually rewarded single mothers, and what ever you reward, you will get more of. As Economist Thomas Sowell has pointed out, the war on poverty has been able to accomplish what slavery, Jim Crow Laws, and other forms of discrimination has not: it has largely destroyed the black family.4
To rebuild the American family, we must stop rewarding illegitimate child birth and slothfulness with welfare checks, end no fault divorce, and return to the Biblical principals of waiting to engage in physical intimacy until marriage and keeping covenant with our spouses after marriage. For more on this subject, listen to my sermon entitled How the War on Poverty has Destroyed Fatherhood, the American Family, and Especially the Black Family and has Increased Poverty.
1Married Fathers: America’s Greatest Weapon Against Child Poverty, Robert Rector, Heritage Foundation, retrieved June 20, 2010, fromhttp://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/06/married%20fathers%20americas%20greatest%20weapon%20against%20child%20poverty
2Children having children, Larry Elder, retrieved June 20, 2010, fromhttp://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42074.
3The Welfare State Versus Values and the Mind, by Andrew Bernstein, retreived June 20, 2010, from http://www.andrewbernstein.net/articles/7_welfarestate.htm.
4Sowell, Thomas (2005). Black Rednecks and White Liberals, Unabridged. Blackston Audio (audible version from audible.com).
Thursday, May 6, 2010
National Day of Prayer
At the founding of this country, and even prior its founding, our forefathers turned to God in the time of need. Whether it was the Pilgrims wondering if they’d make it through that first winter, the Puritans wondering why their crops were failing, or our founding fathers wondering how they could defeat a superior army when our men didn’t even have shoes to wear, our forefathers cried out to God when tried, and God answered their prayers.
Today, we find ourselves in a situation where we need God. Our economy has failed, our money system is on the verge of collapse, natural disasters are taking their toll, and terrorist feel emboldened to attack us on our own soil. At the same time, Republican and Democrat administrations have trampled the constitution under foot, and we now see the very real possibility of losing this great nation we call our own.
We didn’t get here by accident. You see, over 100 years ago, Christians withdrew from the culture, politics, and mercy ministries. The result has been a slow but steady decline in our country’s morals. We’ve seen evolution replace creationism and the Bible, Prayer, and the 10 Commandments removed from public schools and nearly every area of the public square. We’ve seen the sexual revolution, followed by abortion on demand and epidemic STD rates. We’ve seen chewing gum and being tardy replaced with rape, murder, drugs and alcohol in our public schools, and we have seen even many churches reject the clear teachings of the Bible in an attempt to appease sinners who don’t want to repent.
It is time that we repent of our sins and cry out to God on behalf of our nation. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 says, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” There is still hope for America! If we humble ourselves and pray, turn back to God, and turn from our wicked ways, He will hear our prayers, forgive our sins, and heal our land! Join me today for the National Day of Prayer. There are several churches that are open for prayer. I’ll be at Port St Lucie City Hall, PSL Blvd and Airoso from Noon to 1 PM. I hope to see you there.
If you haven’t yet watched my National Day of Prayer sermon, do so today! http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6619380 In the sermon, I cover scriptural examples of national prayer and go over some of the historic proclamations for prayer and humiliation made by our forefathers.
Today, we find ourselves in a situation where we need God. Our economy has failed, our money system is on the verge of collapse, natural disasters are taking their toll, and terrorist feel emboldened to attack us on our own soil. At the same time, Republican and Democrat administrations have trampled the constitution under foot, and we now see the very real possibility of losing this great nation we call our own.
We didn’t get here by accident. You see, over 100 years ago, Christians withdrew from the culture, politics, and mercy ministries. The result has been a slow but steady decline in our country’s morals. We’ve seen evolution replace creationism and the Bible, Prayer, and the 10 Commandments removed from public schools and nearly every area of the public square. We’ve seen the sexual revolution, followed by abortion on demand and epidemic STD rates. We’ve seen chewing gum and being tardy replaced with rape, murder, drugs and alcohol in our public schools, and we have seen even many churches reject the clear teachings of the Bible in an attempt to appease sinners who don’t want to repent.
It is time that we repent of our sins and cry out to God on behalf of our nation. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 says, “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” There is still hope for America! If we humble ourselves and pray, turn back to God, and turn from our wicked ways, He will hear our prayers, forgive our sins, and heal our land! Join me today for the National Day of Prayer. There are several churches that are open for prayer. I’ll be at Port St Lucie City Hall, PSL Blvd and Airoso from Noon to 1 PM. I hope to see you there.
If you haven’t yet watched my National Day of Prayer sermon, do so today! http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6619380 In the sermon, I cover scriptural examples of national prayer and go over some of the historic proclamations for prayer and humiliation made by our forefathers.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Personhood FL Tour Distributes Over 3,000 Pieces of Literature in Hispanic, Black, and White Neighborhoods in Miami
The Missionary to the PreBorn - Personhood FL Tour had a tremendous day today. The day started in a Hispanic neighborhood on a street in front of an abortion mill and the Hialeah Senior High School where 3,000 students drove past large signs of born, preborn, and aborted babies. The missionaries were able to distribute 2,000 pieces of literature to students, pedestrians, and stopped cars. Some even signed the Personhood FL constitutional petition right on the street! The missionaries also went into the abortion mill, passed out prolife literature, and urged the women to choose life for their children! The missionaries literally passed out every piece of literature they had prepared!
The next stop was in an African American community located near the North Miami Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic, a prolife pregnancy center that I was able to tour in October with Dr Johnny Hunter and Dr O'Niel Dozier. A representative from the center came out and thanked the missionaries for coming out to stand for life in a neighborhood where Planned Parenthood targets black babies for abortion. The missionaries had reloaded their supply of material and were able to pass out more literature.
The next stop was supposed to be at the 163rd St Mall, but we changed the intersection yesterday. As with the other stops, God's providence prevailed. It so happened that traffic leading to the 163rd St mall was blocked off for blocks in all directions due to a strange bag left at a bank. The missionaries meanwhile were busy holding signs, passing out literature, and meeting friends and foe at another busy intersection in an upscale area of North Miami.
Tomorrow, the Personhood Tour will be in Ft Lauderdale, West Palm, and Port St Lucie. Wednesday, the tour will be in Orlando and Daytona Beach before ending in Jacksonville Thursday. If you live near any of these cities, consider joining us. (Click here for times and inter sec tions in each city.) If not, please join Personhood FL in your city to stop abortion. Let’s make history by ending abortion in Florida!
A few post abortive women have contacted me with concerns over the signs. Please know that the signs do include pictures of born and preborn children as well as aborted babies. We don't mean to condemn anyone. We want post abortive women to know that full confession leads to full forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Jesus loves you, and we love you. The signs are not meant to condemn anyone for past actions. Rather our message is simply: If abortion is so horrible that we can’t stand to look at pictures of the mutilated babies, should we really tolerate it? I say no! It’s time to end abortion and protect women and children from the horrors of abortion.
These are just some of my thoughts on the signs. For a more in depth analysis on this see my blog, or watch my sermon both titled Why We Show Pictures of PreBorn and Aborted Babies.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Why Do We Show Pictures of PreBorn and Aborted Babies
The Personhood FL Tour is coming to Port St Lucie Tuesday afternoon, and already it has caused quite a stir. Thursday’s Article: Group to bring oversized photos of abortions to main PSL intersection has received 217 comments so far, and an online poll showed that TC Palm readers don’t want to see pictures of what they blissfully tolerate in our community. Sunday’s paper features a new article by Editor Anthony Westbury: Anti-abortion pictures unlikely to have impact. Please take a moment to read the articles, take the poll, and comment on them.The Port St Lucie event is part of the Missionary to the PreBrorn Personhood FL Spring Break Tour which has already been to Panama City Beach, Tallahassee, Ocala, Tampa, Sarasota, Ft Myers, Naples and Miami and will cover Ft Lauderdale and West Palm prior to the PSL stop and then continues to Orlando, Daytona Beach, before ending in Jacksonville. The tour features two truth trucks with large signs of born, preborn, and aborted babies along with 45 prolifers with large signs. (Several of the cities on the west coast and central part of FL only had truth trucks due to excessive rain and high winds Thursday and Friday.) Participants will also pass out literature promoting the Personhood FL Constitutional Petition, which when enacted will end abortion in Florida and directly challenge Roe v Wade.
Why are we doing this? To remind post abortive women and men of their sins? No! To expose children to pictures they shouldn’t see? No! We’re doing this for the same reason William Wilberforce brought slave ships by the ships of English nobility. We’re doing this for the same reason that the world saw pictures of Nazi holocaust victims. If abortion is so horrible that we can’t stand to look at pictures of the mutilated babies, should we really tolerate it? You see, without the pictures, we can easily go about our ordinary business and forget that we allow 1,200,000 baby girls and boy per year in the US, 88,000 in Florida, and 1,000 in St Lucie County to be brutally murdered. Without the pictures, it’s easy to forget that we allow the shedding of the blood of more than 52,000,000 preborn children in America while we go to work, school, church, play, etc. Without the pictures, it’s easy to forget that the prosperity that we have enjoyed since abortion became legal has been earned by ignoring the precious children who were fearfully and wonderfully made in the secret places of their mother’s womb yet face the threat of death by abortion. (See Psalm 139.) How long can we expect God to withhold His judgment from America? How many more babies can we possibly kill before our land will vomit us forth as Canaan did to the Canaanites? How many more babies will we allow to be ripped limb from limb before we see “the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5) as Israel experienced because Manasseh, “filled Jerusalem from one end to another” with innocent blood. (2 Kings 2:16.)
For post abortive women and men, we have one message: full confession leads to full forgiveness and healing that can only come through Jesus Christ. And the children who see these pictures see clearly what should be done: stop the killing! Our message is clear: It’s time for abortion to end! We’ve waited 37 for incremental legislative approaches to stop abortion. 52,000,000 babies later, we realize that they have failed! True, we have made progress, but the killing continues. We’re here to say: Abortion will end in America, and we’re going to make history by ending abortion in Florida and protecting every innocent human life! Will you join us on the streets?
Matthew 10:26 – “Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.”
Matthew 5:14 – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Ephesians 5:11-12 – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.”
Ephesians 5:11-12 – “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.”
Join me in shining the light of Jesus Christ to expose sin, offer forgiveness to post-abortive women and men, and to protect innocent human life.
I invite you to listen to and watch my sermon, Why Do We Show Pictures of PreBorn and Aborted Babies? Afterward, listen to and watch other sermons that apply God's word says about Sin, Obeying God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, abortion, pro-life, taxes, homosexuality, homosexual marriage, government, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, parents, reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible, prayer, and more.
I invite you to listen to and watch my sermon, Why Do We Show Pictures of PreBorn and Aborted Babies? Afterward, listen to and watch other sermons that apply God's word says about Sin, Obeying God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, abortion, pro-life, taxes, homosexuality, homosexual marriage, government, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, parents, reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible, prayer, and more.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Proclamation - Thanksgiving Day - 1777
Continental Congress - 11/01/1777
We truly have much to be thankful for. Though our national, state, and local economies are weak and getting weaker; Though many have lost their jobs; Though current political forces threaten the very freedoms and liberties afforded us by The Declaration of Independents, the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the various States; Though our government, under Republican and Democrat Administrations has chosen to follow the failed interventionist strategies employed by Presidents Taft and Roosevelt that led to the great depression; Though the Federal Government has bailed out the financial and auto industries and is attempting to take over health care, all without the constitutional authority to do so; Though our troops are fighting abroad to preserve liberty, and our president can’t make up his mind whether to send needed reinforcements or not; Though our nation has turned aside from following God; Though the majority has sat idly by while a few have successfully removed our creator, the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and prayer from public schools, and nearly every semblance of God from the public square; Though each day we allow the destruction of 3,400 babies by abortion in America; Though a small minority seeks to redefine marriage to include marriages between two men or two women, a definition that has never before been applied in any culture, in any time from the creation of the world, we have much to be thankful for. God has sustained our lives, provided for us, protected us, and granted for us to live in a country where our founding fathers pledged their lives fortunes and sacred honor to establish liberty and justice for all and subsequent generations have laid down their lives to preserve those freedoms.
They are dead and gone. Now it is our turn. Will you join me in resisting tyranny and taking back our country? Will you join with me in turning back to the God of all creation who our founding fathers relied so heavily and openly for aid, assistance, and guidance at the beginning of our nation? Will you join me in establishing liberty and justice for all, including preborn children, the elderly, and the infirmed? (Visit www.PersonhoodFL.com to sign the Personhood Constitutional Petition to protect innocent human life.) Will you join me in fighting the federal takeover of our health care system which will lead to rationing, especially for the elderly? Will you join me in fighting Cap and Trade which will raise the energy cost of every American? Will you join me in fighting more federal bailout and every other unconstitutional measure? Though the tasks before us appear insurmountable, with reliance on God and tenacious persistence we can take back our nation! We can establish liberty and justice for all!
Speaking of our founding fathers open reliance on God, I’ve provided a Thanksgiving Proclamation from the Continental Congress. You can find this and other historic documents and quotes at http://www.wallbuilders.com/. Believe me: America’s children will not hear these truths in public school classrooms today.
Proclamation - Thanksgiving Day - 1777
Continental Congress - 11/01/1777
This is the text of the Continental Congress November 1, 1777 national Thanksgiving Day Proclamation; as printed in the Journals of Congress.
Saturday, November 1, 1777
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, to set apart a day of public thanksgiving, brought in a report; which was taken into consideration, and agreed to as follows:
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; and it having pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defense and establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased in so great a measure to prosper the means used for the support of our troops and to crown our arms with most signal success:
It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of these United States, to set apart Thursday, the 18th day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance; that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the governments of these states respectively, and prosper the public council of the whole; to inspire our commanders both by land and sea, and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which may render them fit instruments, under the providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States the greatest of all blessings, independence and peace; that it may please him to prosper the trade and manufactures of the people and the labor of the husbandman, that our land may yield its increase; to take schools and seminaries of education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
And it is further recommended, that servile labor, and such recreation as, though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of this appointment, be omitted on so solemn an occasion.
Pastor Bryan Longworth
Your Conservative Rep
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St. Lucie County’s Elected Republican State Committeeman
Saturday, November 1, 1777
The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, to set apart a day of public thanksgiving, brought in a report; which was taken into consideration, and agreed to as follows:
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; and it having pleased him in his abundant mercy not only to continue to us the innumerable bounties of his common providence, but also smile upon us in the prosecution of a just and necessary war, for the defense and establishment of our unalienable rights and liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased in so great a measure to prosper the means used for the support of our troops and to crown our arms with most signal success:
It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive powers of these United States, to set apart Thursday, the 18th day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and one voice the good people may express the grateful feelings of their hearts, and consecrate themselves to the service of their divine benefactor; and that together with their sincere acknowledgments and offerings, they may join the penitent confession of their manifold sins, whereby they had forfeited every favor, and their humble and earnest supplication that it may please God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of remembrance; that it may please him graciously to afford his blessings on the governments of these states respectively, and prosper the public council of the whole; to inspire our commanders both by land and sea, and all under them, with that wisdom and fortitude which may render them fit instruments, under the providence of Almighty God, to secure for these United States the greatest of all blessings, independence and peace; that it may please him to prosper the trade and manufactures of the people and the labor of the husbandman, that our land may yield its increase; to take schools and seminaries of education, so necessary for cultivating the principles of true liberty, virtue and piety, under his nurturing hand, and to prosper the means of religion for the promotion and enlargement of that kingdom which consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
And it is further recommended, that servile labor, and such recreation as, though at other times innocent, may be unbecoming the purpose of this appointment, be omitted on so solemn an occasion.
Pastor Bryan Longworth
Your Conservative Rep
Follow My Blog at Blog.ConservativeRep.com
Follow Me on Facebook.com Follow Me on Twitter.com
St. Lucie County’s Elected Republican State Committeeman
Sunday, August 9, 2009
What Does God Say About the Government's Role be in Health Care?
When we look at the word of God, we see in Genesis 14:18-20 that Abraham paid at tithe (a 10th) to Melchizedek. When Israel asked for a king in 1 Samuel 8:11-20, God warned the Israelites that a king would take a tenth of all they own! Here, God defines tyranny. Any government that requires as much from you as God requires of you is a tyrannical government and a messianic state (i.e. a government that wants to be God for you by providing for all of your needs.) Of course, a government that provides all of your needs will tax the life blood from you! God's 10% standard seems like chump change when we pay taxes on our income, Social Security, Medicare, unemployment, telephone, cell phone, cable, utilities, gasoline, airfare, hotel, etc. Most American's would be glad if government (federal, state, and municipal) would stop at 10%. Many in America pay 40-50% of their income in taxes when you add up all of the taxes.
When we look at the purpose of government in the Bible, we see in Romans 13:1-7 that its purpose is limited to this: reward the righteous and punish the wicked. In other words, leave law abiding citizens alone and protect us from threats from without and within. Our founding fathers recognized this when they created a limited form of government. And with limited government comes limited taxes.
As you can see, the Bible doesn't give any provision for government to be involved in Healthcare. I challenge anyone to find Biblical justification for the government (taxpayer) provision of health care. While we're at it, I challenge anyone to find Biblical justification for the government taking money from one person or group of people and giving it to another. Such actions are a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "Thou shall not steal!"
In addition to having no Biblical authority to provide healthcare, our government also has no constitutional authority to provide health care coverage. Moreover, the federal government has no constitutional authority to bailout companies, banks, and the economy, control monetary supplies and interest rates, and education, etc. If the federal government would stay within the bounds of the constitution, they would be much smaller and would tax less. We need to return to the limited government that our founding fathers envisioned.
Economist Thomas Sowell points out in his book Basic Economics that whenever the government tries to help the poor, the actual results results harm the poor. Whether we're talking about food price manipulation which often results in higher food prices for all and starvation for the poor, rent control which results in housing shortages, or health care control which results in lengthy waits for surgery, sometimes beyond the point of survival. Sowell references one such occasion in England where a 12 year old was allowed to have breast implants while a woman with cancer was denied surgery until her cancer has spread so far that surgery wouldn't help. As Sowell points out, we must judge such programs on their actual results not the intentions of their creators.
Glenn Beck recently pointed out on his radio show and website that America's health care is better than that of countries with socialized healthcare.
If the government shouldn't provide healthcare coverage for Americans, what should it do? Get out of the way! Stop stifling competition with CON (Certificate of Need) requirements. Stop holding up medication that can save lives. The government should also allow individuals to deduct the cost of health insurance and HSA savings contributions from their taxable income, allow insurance plans to cross state lines, allow insurance plan portability, and stop licensing and regulating the health care industry. Allow free market competition which historically has been shown in every industry to increase availability and quality of goods and services and reduce consumer costs. If the government will get out of the way, the free market will make health care coverage more affordable and attainable for individuals and families who are wish to make the sacrifices necessary to obtain it.
To learn more about what God says about health care, visit Covenant Tabernacle's website to hear sermons or visit Covenant Tabernacle's uStream.tv page to hear sermons about what God says about healthcare, including what role the government, the church, familes, and individuals should play in health care as well as other past sermons.
When we look at the purpose of government in the Bible, we see in Romans 13:1-7 that its purpose is limited to this: reward the righteous and punish the wicked. In other words, leave law abiding citizens alone and protect us from threats from without and within. Our founding fathers recognized this when they created a limited form of government. And with limited government comes limited taxes.
As you can see, the Bible doesn't give any provision for government to be involved in Healthcare. I challenge anyone to find Biblical justification for the government (taxpayer) provision of health care. While we're at it, I challenge anyone to find Biblical justification for the government taking money from one person or group of people and giving it to another. Such actions are a violation of the Eighth Commandment, "Thou shall not steal!"
In addition to having no Biblical authority to provide healthcare, our government also has no constitutional authority to provide health care coverage. Moreover, the federal government has no constitutional authority to bailout companies, banks, and the economy, control monetary supplies and interest rates, and education, etc. If the federal government would stay within the bounds of the constitution, they would be much smaller and would tax less. We need to return to the limited government that our founding fathers envisioned.
Economist Thomas Sowell points out in his book Basic Economics that whenever the government tries to help the poor, the actual results results harm the poor. Whether we're talking about food price manipulation which often results in higher food prices for all and starvation for the poor, rent control which results in housing shortages, or health care control which results in lengthy waits for surgery, sometimes beyond the point of survival. Sowell references one such occasion in England where a 12 year old was allowed to have breast implants while a woman with cancer was denied surgery until her cancer has spread so far that surgery wouldn't help. As Sowell points out, we must judge such programs on their actual results not the intentions of their creators.
Glenn Beck recently pointed out on his radio show and website that America's health care is better than that of countries with socialized healthcare.
- Americans have a better survival rate for 13 of the 16 most common cancers than Europe. Take prostate cancer: 91.9 percent of men live through it, versus 73.7 percent in France and just 51.1 percent in Britain
- Every year Britain's National Health Service cancels about 100,000 operations.
- One million Brits currently waiting to be admitted to a hospital.
- Another 200,000 just hoping to get on a waiting list.
- In August of 2003, it got hotter than usual in Europe. 37,000 people died.
- Canada, 800,000 of their 33 million citizens are on waiting lists for more than 18 weeks — which is twice as long as doctors consider "clinically reasonable."
- Why is this happening in Canada? Simple: doctor shortages. Doctors don't want to make 42% less than American Doctors, so they move their practice to America.
If the government shouldn't provide healthcare coverage for Americans, what should it do? Get out of the way! Stop stifling competition with CON (Certificate of Need) requirements. Stop holding up medication that can save lives. The government should also allow individuals to deduct the cost of health insurance and HSA savings contributions from their taxable income, allow insurance plans to cross state lines, allow insurance plan portability, and stop licensing and regulating the health care industry. Allow free market competition which historically has been shown in every industry to increase availability and quality of goods and services and reduce consumer costs. If the government will get out of the way, the free market will make health care coverage more affordable and attainable for individuals and families who are wish to make the sacrifices necessary to obtain it.
To learn more about what God says about health care, visit Covenant Tabernacle's website to hear sermons or visit Covenant Tabernacle's uStream.tv page to hear sermons about what God says about healthcare, including what role the government, the church, familes, and individuals should play in health care as well as other past sermons.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Vote Today for Joe Negron!
If you live in Florida Senate District 28 (Senator Ken Pruitt’s District), make sure you get out to vote if you didn’t vote early or by absentee ballot. The district includes parts of Indian River, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and Palm Beach Counties and all of Martin County. (Click here to see the District map: http://bit.ly/TLaw.) Since this is a special election in the Summer, turnout will be very low. The candidate who is able to get voters to the polls will win this election. Educate yourself, get to the polls, and vote your values!
I voted early for Joe Negron because I believe that Negron most closely supports conservative values. Here’s why:
1) Voting Record: In his six years as State Rep (2000-2006), Negron had a 100% voting record with the Christian Coalition (http://www.ccfla.org/scorecards.php).
2) Candidate Questionnaire: The Treasure Coast Tea Party, Sanctity of Human Life of the Treasure Coast, and the Christian Coalition of the Treasure Coast combined forces to send both candidates a candidate survey to see where they stand on the issues. The surveys were delivered via US Certified Mail. We have copies of the receipts to prove that both candidates received the questionnaires. Negron answered all of the questions on time. Read Joe Negron’s answers here: http://www.flvotesvalues.com/candidate_surveys/fl/florida-state-senate/2009-fl-Senate-Dist-28-Joe-Negron.pdf. Negron’s opponent, Bill Ramos, did not submit his answers on time, so I called his office and spoke with his wife who said that Bill told her he never received them. Though I knew this wasn’t true, I e-mailed the survey to the Ramos campaign headquarters and extended the deadline. Not only did Ramos wait not only until after the second deadline, but he also waited until after Negron’s answers were posted online and then refused to answer some questions. Read Bill Ramos’ answers here: http://www.flvotesvalues.com/candidate_surveys/fl/florida-state-senate/2009-fl-Senate-Dist-28-Bill-Ramos.pdf.
3) Pro-Life: Negron is pro-life and has pledged to support the personhood act in Florida which would define all preborn children as persons under the constitution. Negron also believes that the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, should not receive tax dollars. Ramos refused to answer these questions on the basis that they are religious in nature. That is a cop out in my opinion. I know people who support or oppose abortion for reasons other than religion. Moreover, there are people who support abortion but don’t support the government taking their money to pay for someone else’s abortion.
4) Taxes: While in the Florida House, Negron worked to put aside $8 billion in reserves. Negron also supports capping budget increases to the rate of inflation plus population growth. Ramos opposes capping the budget.
5) State Sovereignty: Negron would support a state sovereignty act similar to the act passed recently in New Hampshire that puts the Federal government on notice that they must stay within the limits of the US Constitution and not encroach upon state’s rights. Ramos tepidly supports state sovereignty.
Other topics are covered on the candidate surveys. I urge you to read them, compare the candidates answers at the links provided above, and vote for the candidate who best represents your values. Again, the turnout on this election will be low. The candidate who gets his voters out to the polls will win, so make sure you get out to the polls and vote your values!
Follow My Blog at Blog.ConservativeRep.com
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Follow Me on Twitter.com
Pastor Bryan Longworth
Your Conservative Rep
St. Lucie County’s Elected
Republican State Committeeman
I voted early for Joe Negron because I believe that Negron most closely supports conservative values. Here’s why:
1) Voting Record: In his six years as State Rep (2000-2006), Negron had a 100% voting record with the Christian Coalition (http://www.ccfla.org/scorecards.php).
2) Candidate Questionnaire: The Treasure Coast Tea Party, Sanctity of Human Life of the Treasure Coast, and the Christian Coalition of the Treasure Coast combined forces to send both candidates a candidate survey to see where they stand on the issues. The surveys were delivered via US Certified Mail. We have copies of the receipts to prove that both candidates received the questionnaires. Negron answered all of the questions on time. Read Joe Negron’s answers here: http://www.flvotesvalues.com/candidate_surveys/fl/florida-state-senate/2009-fl-Senate-Dist-28-Joe-Negron.pdf. Negron’s opponent, Bill Ramos, did not submit his answers on time, so I called his office and spoke with his wife who said that Bill told her he never received them. Though I knew this wasn’t true, I e-mailed the survey to the Ramos campaign headquarters and extended the deadline. Not only did Ramos wait not only until after the second deadline, but he also waited until after Negron’s answers were posted online and then refused to answer some questions. Read Bill Ramos’ answers here: http://www.flvotesvalues.com/candidate_surveys/fl/florida-state-senate/2009-fl-Senate-Dist-28-Bill-Ramos.pdf.
3) Pro-Life: Negron is pro-life and has pledged to support the personhood act in Florida which would define all preborn children as persons under the constitution. Negron also believes that the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, should not receive tax dollars. Ramos refused to answer these questions on the basis that they are religious in nature. That is a cop out in my opinion. I know people who support or oppose abortion for reasons other than religion. Moreover, there are people who support abortion but don’t support the government taking their money to pay for someone else’s abortion.
4) Taxes: While in the Florida House, Negron worked to put aside $8 billion in reserves. Negron also supports capping budget increases to the rate of inflation plus population growth. Ramos opposes capping the budget.
5) State Sovereignty: Negron would support a state sovereignty act similar to the act passed recently in New Hampshire that puts the Federal government on notice that they must stay within the limits of the US Constitution and not encroach upon state’s rights. Ramos tepidly supports state sovereignty.
Other topics are covered on the candidate surveys. I urge you to read them, compare the candidates answers at the links provided above, and vote for the candidate who best represents your values. Again, the turnout on this election will be low. The candidate who gets his voters out to the polls will win, so make sure you get out to the polls and vote your values!
Follow My Blog at Blog.ConservativeRep.com
Follow Me on Facebook.com
Follow Me on Twitter.com
Pastor Bryan Longworth
Your Conservative Rep
St. Lucie County’s Elected
Republican State Committeeman
Sunday, June 28, 2009
It is Appointed Unto Man Once to Die, and Then the Judgement
This past week, we saw three legends, Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon all went to meet their maker. All three had fame and made a lot of money in their lifetime, though two died deeply in debt. Yet all three share the same fate: they will stand before a Holy God and face judgment for their actions, thoughts, even secrets.
In Hebrews 9:27-28, we read "and as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." Here we see that everyone, even the rich and famous, will die and face judgment.
Romans 2:16 shows that God will not only judge our outward appearance and actions but also our secrets: "in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ..." You may be able to fool your friends, but you can't fool God. He knows all things and will judge even your secrets.
In 2 Corinthians 5:10-11, the Apostle Paul warns: "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." We see here that we will be judged based on our works, whether good or bad and that this knowledge of a certain judgment and the terror of the Lord led the Apostle Paul to strongly persuade men to repent of their sins and call upon Jesus for Salvation.
In Romans 3, we find that there is none good, no, not one, and that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Knowing that we are not good, have fallen short of His glory, and face a certain judgment of our actions, thoughts, and secret, we have reason to fear, yet thankfully God offers hope. Romans 3 goes on to show that God has provided forgiveness for our sins and extended a peace treaty to us through the blood of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53 shows us that God is able to offer you this forgiveness because Jesus took the punishment for your sins upon himself when he died on the cross. With the blood that Jesus shed when crucified, your sins can be washed white as snow.
How do you receive this forgiveness? Ask! Romans 10 tells us "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." It really is that simple.
If you died today, right now, do you know where you will spend eternity? You can have assurance of salvation if you trust in Jesus as your Savior. Take a few moments, right now, to ask Him to forgive you of your sins and commit to live the rest of your life for Him.
Next, start reading the Bible, praying, and praising God, and find a Bible believing church to attend. If you live in Port Saint Lucie or Fort Pierce, you're welcome at Covenant Tabernacle. For all others, visit our website to watch our Sunday morning worship service streamed live from 10 AM - Noon and the recorded sermon on demand throughout the week.
In Hebrews 9:27-28, we read "and as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." Here we see that everyone, even the rich and famous, will die and face judgment.
Romans 2:16 shows that God will not only judge our outward appearance and actions but also our secrets: "in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ..." You may be able to fool your friends, but you can't fool God. He knows all things and will judge even your secrets.
In 2 Corinthians 5:10-11, the Apostle Paul warns: "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." We see here that we will be judged based on our works, whether good or bad and that this knowledge of a certain judgment and the terror of the Lord led the Apostle Paul to strongly persuade men to repent of their sins and call upon Jesus for Salvation.
In Romans 3, we find that there is none good, no, not one, and that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Knowing that we are not good, have fallen short of His glory, and face a certain judgment of our actions, thoughts, and secret, we have reason to fear, yet thankfully God offers hope. Romans 3 goes on to show that God has provided forgiveness for our sins and extended a peace treaty to us through the blood of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53 shows us that God is able to offer you this forgiveness because Jesus took the punishment for your sins upon himself when he died on the cross. With the blood that Jesus shed when crucified, your sins can be washed white as snow.
How do you receive this forgiveness? Ask! Romans 10 tells us "that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." It really is that simple.
If you died today, right now, do you know where you will spend eternity? You can have assurance of salvation if you trust in Jesus as your Savior. Take a few moments, right now, to ask Him to forgive you of your sins and commit to live the rest of your life for Him.
Next, start reading the Bible, praying, and praising God, and find a Bible believing church to attend. If you live in Port Saint Lucie or Fort Pierce, you're welcome at Covenant Tabernacle. For all others, visit our website to watch our Sunday morning worship service streamed live from 10 AM - Noon and the recorded sermon on demand throughout the week.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day - Calling All Fathers - Fulfill your Calling
We have an epidemic in America today. It isn't an epidemic of disease but a social malady, that of single parent households. Single parent households are a reality today's world. We need to support and pray for the mothers and fathers who are raising children by themselves, yet at the same time, we need to lift up the standard found in God's word of a two parent household comprised of a father and a mother. This traditional two parent household plays a huge role in shaping our children and our society.
In the 1980s, divorce was the number one cause of poverty for women. Sadly today, many men choose to father children out of wedlock, thus virtually guaranteeing that their children will either be killed by abortion or that their children and girlfriends would live lives of poverty. Fathers sometimes encourage, pay for, and/or coerce their girlfriends to have an abortion. Other times, fathers want to keep their children but have no say, yet fathers always have a say prior to conception. Being pro-life starts before conception. Being a good father does as well. Indeed, young men have a duty to abstain from sex prior to marriage and to love and be faithful to their wives in marriage. Making and sticking with this decision plays a huge economic role in raising children.
But the benefits of a father in the home don't stop with economics. Children who play rough with their fathers actually have more self control and are less likely to take out their aggression on others. Boys and girls who have a loving relationship with their fathers are less likely to engage in fornication or homosexuality. Fathers also provide firm discipline to help keep their children in line. Fathers push their children to achieve more and expose them to the business world, but the most important factor a father plays in raising his children is a spiritual one.
Of families where both parents bring their children to church, 76% of children attend church as adults. If only the father brings his children to church, the percent drops to 55%. If only the mother brings her children to church, only 19% stay in church, and a child who is not brought to church by either parent has only a 6% chance of attending church as an adult. This is why God instructs fathers in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 to diligently teach their children the law of God, and for those of us who haven't always followed God's commandments (and who has completely followed them), He instructs fathers in Psalm 78 to train their children to obey God's law that their children may obeyed God where their fathers disobeyed Him. That should give us all hope for the next generation, if we do our part.
To learn more, listen to my father's day sermon on the importance of fathers at Covenant Tabernacle's website.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The National Day of Prayer - A Day of Humiliation, Repentance, and Fasting
Our Nation has a long history of calling upon God in the time of need. Our Pilgrim and Puritan forefathers as well as our nation's founding father all called for days of prayer and humiliation in times of local and national need. One such call came during the constitutional convention from Benjamin Franklin in 1787. At the time, the constitutional delegates could not agree on the terms of a constitution. With failure as the only other option, Franklin called our founding fathers to remember God's providential hand in the founding of America and call upon him even as our nations existence hung in the balance:
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 understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with G. 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? 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 probable 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 labour 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 divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments be 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 the City be requested to officiate in that service.1. Our nation today hangs in the balance. As a nation, we have rejected God, His commandments, and His word. We've taught our children that their parents were monkeys who swung in a tree. We've removed the Bible, prayer, and the Ten Commandments from schools. We've forsaken the sanctity of the marriage bed for unbridled pleasure, and consequently, have turned to condoms and then abortion to silence the preborn witness to our sin. Indeed, we have slain over 52,000,000 pre-born children in our land. Even as the blood of Abel, their blood now cries from the ground for vengeance, and God will avenge! We need to turn back to God like never before in our nation. It is time for Americans to cry out to God in prayer and fasting on behalf of our nation. Join me May 7 for the National Day of Prayer as we humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways.
2 Chronicles 7:13 14 - "When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (NKJV)
1. Franklin’s Appeal for Prayer at the Constitutional Convention, 1787. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=98
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 the City be requested to officiate in that service.1.
2 Chronicles 7:13 14 - "When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (NKJV)
1. Franklin’s Appeal for Prayer at the Constitutional Convention, 1787. http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=98
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tax Tea Party Day - The Bible, Government, and Taxes - Who is America's Financial Savior?
America is in the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression. Who will we turn to as our financial savior? Will we, like our founding fathers turn to God, or will we spurn the freedom their blood, sacrifice, and toil earned and turn to big government?
In answering this question we must first look at the results when we turn to big government. After the stock market crash that preceded the great depression, the US government under the leadership of Presidents Herbert Hoover and then Franklin D. Roosevelt intervened, and the results lengthened the great depression for 10 years. In an article entitled Another Great Depression? Economist Thomas Sowell citing the work of Richard Vedder and Lowell Gallaway, in their book "Out of Work" shows that the unemployment rate following the stock market crash of 1929 rose from 5% in November, one month after the crash, to 9% in December, but the rate steadily dropped each month thereafter until it reached 6.3% in June, 1930. Then the government intervention began, leading to unemployment rates above 20%!
In an editorial entitled Our Government Problem-Solvers, Sowell points out that the stock market crash of 1987 equaled that of 1929. What was Regan's Response? He did nothing! This allowed the market to correct and was followed by 20 years of economic growth.
President George W. Bush laid the groundwork for a march toward a larger, more socialistic government. President Barack Obama is now continuing this march to socialism as he seeks to implement the failed economic policies of FDR. I have criticized both presidents for their big government policies, and I have done so based on historical experience, the constitution, and more importantly, the Word of God!
When we look at the word of God, we see in Genesis 14:18-20 that Abraham paid at tithe (a 10th) to Melchizedek. When Israel asked for a king in 1 Samuel 8:11-20, God warned the Israelites that a king would take a tenth of all they own! Here, God defines tyranny. Any government that requires as much from you as God requires of you is a tyrannical government and a messianic state (i.e. a government that wants to be God for you by providing for all of your needs.) Of course, a government that provides all of your needs will tax the life blood from you! God's 10% standard seems like chump change when we pay taxes on our income, Social Security, Medicare, unemployment, telephone, cell phone, cable, utilities, gasoline, airfare, hotel, etc. Most American's would be glad if government (federal, state, and municipal) would stop at 10%. Many in America pay 40-50% of their income in taxes when you add up all of the taxes.
Why do we pay high taxes? Because we have demanded high levels of service from our government. High levels of service aren't free. They come at a steep price, high levels of taxation. Like the Israelites in Numbers 11:4-6, we have loved the benefit of slavery more than the benefits of freedom. Our nation's founding fathers would be appalled!
When we look at the purpose of government in the Bible, we see in Romans 13:1-7 that its purpose is limited to this: reward the righteous and punish the wicked. In other words, leave law abiding citizens alone and protect us from threats from without and within. Our founding fathers recognized this when they created a limited form of government. And with limited government comes limited taxes.
If we truly want freedom from excessive taxes, we must let our voices be heard. From the firehouse to the Whitehouse, we need to demand financial accountability, limited government, and limited taxes from our elected officials. And if they won't listen, we need to replace them!
There is a movement in America today called the Tax Tea Party Day. Deriving its name from the Boston Tea Party, these modern day Tax Tea Parties provide an opportunity for citizens to protest excessive government and excessive taxes. You can join tens of thousands of citizens in protesting high taxes April 15, 2009.
St. Lucie County residents can visit the following sites for more info:
Indian River County residents can visit the following sites for more info:
Residents in other counties can visit the National Tax Day Tea Party Site: http://taxdayteaparty.com/.
Click here to watch my sermon on what the Bible says about the size scope and role of government and taxes: Who is America's Financial Savior? The Bible, Government, and Taxes - Tax Tea Party Day. You can also watch past sermons, including Pro-Life sermons that call our nation to repentance at Covenant Tabernacle's uStream page.
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