27 Jan 12
Breaking News!
We are about to double the number of radio stations Late Night Live with Pastor Al is on and break into the FM band as well. Of course, we are only on one station, AM 1220 WHKW, at the moment. However, as of Sunday, February 5, we will be on 91.5 Freedom FM, WHKC.
Once a year or so I try to talk about hospice and related issues. Hospice is an issue which I believe is very misunderstood by many Christians. It is not some form of mercy killing or euthanasia, as some erroneously claim. Hospice care is comfort care for the end of life when curative care is no longer effective.
Israel and the Middle East have been in the news a lot lately. Many analysts and commentators, both Christian and secular, have been speculating lately about the possibility of a regional war that could very well escalate into a global conflict.
I recently finished reading American Theocracy: The Peril of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money In the 21st Century, by Kevin Phillips (2006). A well documented, scholarly tome, to be sure. Unfortunately, the author's rather pronounced elitist, anti-Christian bias prevents him from fully grasping what the Bible-believing Christian mindset and world view really is. Instead, he equates a belief in the Bible with a rejection of science, a closing of the mind, and the digression to a primitive belief system of blind faith and superstition. Instead, Phillips seems to regard religion, Christianity in particular, as something that should be tolerated as an interesting, though childish, antiquated philosophy best practised behind closed doors by the unenlightened while the enlightened, educated adults take care of the more important affairs of life, governance, and society.
Here's hoping that you have or will receive the greatest gift of all, salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord!
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:4-9)
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Last week I went to Richfield's annual Veteran's Day service. Richfield veterans gathered at the Richfield Veteran's Memorial, at the corner of Broadview (St. Rt. 176) and Streetsboro (St. Rt. 303) Roads. (If I do say so myself, I think it is one of the nicer veteran's memorials around...)
I'd like to send out a salute to all the veterans out there, from one veteran to another. Thank you for your service! Happy Veteran's Day!
There is an old saying that goes, There is none so blind as he who will not see. That saying comes to mind occasionally when dealing with someone who does not want to accept the clear teaching of the Bible.
We had a great time at the Akron Fossils & Science Center fund raising dinner last night. They had a great turn out, raised a good bit of money through both a silent and an oral auction, as well as the dinner itself.
Well, Harold Camping once again proved himself to be a false prophet. His prediction of the annihilation of the world last Friday (October 21) came and went without without much fanfare. Quite a contrast to the hoopla and hype leading up to his April 21 rapture prediction.
I have been reading the book, The 5000 Year Leap (see recommended reading list at the left), lately. The book looks at 28 principles of freedom that underlie the unique constitutional republic that America's Founding Fathers created. These 28 principles are rooted in Natural Law, which is, itself, rooted in the Divine Laws of nature's Creator. Since leftists do not want anything to do with a Creator (God) and His laws, you can begin to see why they constantly attempt to circumvent, reinterpret, revise, and ignore the Constitution of the United States of America. It reflects a bit too much of the principles and teachings of God's Word for their comfort.
One of our callers last night asked about the identity of the great multitude clothed in white robes in Revelation chapter 7. Although the caller's question had more to do with whether or not those in verse 9 are the same as those in verse 14 (they are), that brings up the question of whether or no people will be saved during the Tribulation.
It is hard to believe that the 10 year anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks is this Sunday. Our world has changed a lot since then, and not all of it for the better.
If thou comest on them in the war, deal with them so as to strike fear in those who are behind them, that haply they may remember. (Surah 8:57)
Then, when the sacred months have passed, slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take (captive), and besiege them, and prepare for them each ambush... (Surah 9:5)
Fight them! Allah will chastise them at your hands, and He will lay them low and give you victory over them... (Surah 9:14)
Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the religion of truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low. (Surah 9:29)
Go forth light-armed and heavy-armed, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah! That is best for you if ye but knew. (Surah 9:41)
O Prophet! Strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites! Be harsh with them... (Surah 9:73)
O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him).(Surah 9:123)
Something to remember when you hear the liberals talking about Islam being the religion of peace and that the 9-11 terrorists and their ilk have twisted and perverted Islam.
Speaking of which, here are links to two articles that I wrote in regards to the September 11 terror attacks. The first, What Does September 11 Mean? is based on a message that I preached the Sunday after the attacks. The second, Why the Hate?, looks at the spiritual war behind the war on terror.
God bless America!
Celebrating 5 Years on the Air! (Continued)
Our first ever contest/give-away was a success. We wanted to do something to show our appreciation to our listeners so we decided to give away 5 copies of my new book, Who Is this Jesus?, to the first 5 callers.
Celebrating 5 Years on the Air!
[More to come... Also, I just noticed that some of my most recent posts have gotten messed up. I will be updating them as well...]
Is Daniel a Prophet?
We had an interesting question to start our program last night. It had to do with Revelation 12:10 and whether or not the Devil has access to heaven.
This past weekend the left-wing press worked itself into a state of self-righteous apoplexy over the Norway shooter. Finally they had, as they breathlessly informed us, a genuine "right-wing Christian fundamentalist terrorist."
Our last caller on Sunday night asked a loaded question about Christians with their Bibles in one hand and their guns in the other. I asked him point-blank, "What's wrong with that?"
Happy 235th Birthday to the United States of America!
We spent a bit of time on the program last night talking about the freedoms we enjoy in America. Specifically, we talked a lot about the religious freedom enshrined in our Constitution.
Pastor Al's new book, Who Is this Jesus? is now available!
We had a great time Monday at the King James Bible Celebration in Norton. Greg and Marci, our hosts, did a great job making everybody feel welcome and the weather was incredible. There was plenty of food and fellowship, great preaching and teaching, and even a 400th anniversary cake.
Heeeee'ssss baaaa-aaack!
Meanwhile, President Obama seems dead set in bringing God's judgment on America through his betrayal of Israel. Three times the Bible says that God will bless those that bless Israel and curse those that curse Israel (Genesis 12:3; Genesis 27:29; Numbers 24:9).
It's T-minus-4 days and counting for the Campers. Harold Camping has assured his followers (the Campers) that Jesus will really come for them on Saturday, May 21, 2011. An he really means it this time! Even more than he meant it back in 1994!
It's not often that we have breaking news going into our broadcast on Sunday night. However, just as we were getting ready to go on the air we got word that US forces had killed Osama Bin Laden and were in possession of his body. It was big enough news that President Obama appeared on television to announce the news during our program.
Is it just me, or do things seem to be coming to a head in the world. April is already the wettest on record, producing massive flooding in the midwest. Violent spring storms and massive tornadoes are pounding the southeast and midwest as I write. Earthquakes in diverse places and strong, 6.0 and higher, are on the increase. The world's great economies seem to be on the brink of collapse and the Middle East is erupting in revolution. Makes you wonder if the Lord is at the door...
Last week I published a tentative time line for the Passion Week; the events between Palm Sunday and the Resurrection. I preached on the topic last Sunday and I hope to soon have it written up in an article or booklet format.
Over the past few years I have discussed the question of just what day was Jesus actually crucified on? It seems to come up each year about this time for some reason. This year, however, we had an interesting twist on the question. Namely, If Jesus was crucified on Wednesday rather than Friday, how can you fit all the events in that occurred between Palm Sunday and the crucifixion?
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday
Sunday:
A caller last Sunday night brought up the subject of conspiracies. The subject had come up the previous week as well. I had meant to write something here last week but bathroom renovations intervened and I just never got around to it. Maybe there's dome kind of DIY conspiracy going on here...
The nearly unimaginable series of tragedies that struck Japan last week continues to dominate the news. Between the earthquake, the aftershocks, the tsunami, the nuclear reactors, the volcano, and the resulting loss of thousands of lives, we wonder how it could get worse. Well, according to the Bible, it not only can, it will.
I heard an interesting question discussed on the Dennis Prager Radio Show the other day. The question being discussed was, "Are all sins the same?"
My wife and I stopped off to eat tonight after having our taxes done. While eating we were talking about the woman who was killed Tuesday night (Feb 15) in Richfield. Now, Richfield is not a big town. Village and Township together is probably less than 6000. It is rare that someone gets killed in Richfield and, when it happens, it is usually on one of the interstates (interstates 77, 80, & 271 all run through Richfield).
I just heard the breaking news about Egypt. President Mubarak has stepped down and the military will be overseeing the transition to whatever new leadership and/or style of government comes next. President Obama is just now giving a speech looking forward to coming free elections and his willingness to work with the new government (along with a history lesson and his admiration for the "peaceful" revolution).
My wife and I attended the Education Revolution town hall meeting in Independence last night. The program was well put together and featured Juan Williams, author, journalist, and Fox News political commentator, Hugh Hewitt, Salem Radio talk show host, author, and law professor, Josh Mandel, the new Treasurer of the State of Ohio, and Dr. David Forte, Law Professor at Cleveland State University's Marshall College of Law.
A theme that ran through several of our calls last night had to so with the independence of the local church. Now, as a fundamental, Bible believing, Christian, I believe that the original New Testament churches were independent, local churches. And, as I stated on the program, the concept of another church or a supra-church organization controlling local churches is a corruption of God's original plan.
91.5 Freedom FM, WHKC is a 15,000 watt station in Columbus, Ohio. The station, which reaches much of central Ohio, is a fairly new, fast growing station carrying Christian programming and music.
Please pray for us about this new opportunity. Unfortunately, it takes money to be on the radio, but so far we have been blessed to be able to meet the need through the gifts and support of God's people. Adding a new station, however, means adding new costs. Consequently, we will need additional prayer, additional gifts, and additional support.
Pray that God would raise up some sponsors in the Columbus area as well. The sponsorship of the Bible Baptist Church in Richfield and Frank's Antiques in North Royalton has been instrumental in keeping us on the air on AM 1220 WHKW. Similar sponsorship will be needed to help keep us on the air on 91.5 Freedom FM, WHKC.
16 Jan 12
Consequently, our program last night was a little different than usual. I had a special guest, Jeff Houck of Harbor Light Hospice, on the program to discuss what hospice is and what it is not. (Click here to listen to the program.)
Christians ought not to fear hospice care. Instead, we ought to appreciate the tremendous opportunity it provides to minister to the spiritual needs of both patients and their families.
11 Jan 12
Obviously a global conflict would have many dire effects on the world, in addition to widespread death and destruction. It would destabilize economies, promote societal breakdown and social upheavals, and inflame political unrest throughout the world. Even a limited war in the Middle East would have grave consequences, not the least of which would be sky-rocketing oil prices. (President Obama would get his campaign wish for $8.00 a gallon gasoline and then some!)
So, how should a Bible believing Christian react to these things? Should we let fear, worry, and apprehension overwhelm us? Should we run for the hills or hide away in a bunker somewhere, out of sight and, hopefully, out of harm? Or, should we circle the wagons and hunker down in our churches, doing our best to ignore and avoid the world outside?
I don't think so! God put us here, at this time and in this place for a reason. He has a job for us to do. Consequently, what should we fear? Why should we be discouraged?
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
29 Dec 11
Ironically, about the time I was finishing up American Theocracy, I picked up another book entitled, New Proofs for the Existence of God: Contributions of Contemporary Physics and Philosophy, by Robert J. Spitzer (2010). Where Phillips contends that the belief in Intelligent Design and an Intelligent Designer is the mark of ignorance, Spitzer writes of how the latest developments in physics, and implications thereof, are leading more and more physicists, including some avowed atheists, to conclude that "it might just be as reasonable, if not more reasonable, to believe in a super-intellect" (p. 6) who designed the universe to be lived in. But, of course, Phillips would be too enlightened and open minded to take Spitzer and the physicists he quotes seriously.
25 Dec 11
Merry Christmas!
23 Dec 11
Sign or No Sign
Question: When is a sign not a sign not a sign?
Answer: When the Bible correctors get a hold of it!
Isaiah 7:14 is a perfect example of the Bible correctors efforts to marginalize the miraculous signs of the Bible, especially those relating to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bible correctors and their modern translations claim that the King James translators got it wrong when they translated the Hebrew word, almah, as virgin instead of maid, damsel, or young woman. Consequently, most of the modern translations do not translate almah as virgin.
It is an insignificant change, they say. Besides, it makes the Bible easier to understand and will encourage more people to read it. (Of course, the idea that the word, virgin, is hard to understand in today's society is in and of itself a sad commentary on today's society...)
Well, the change is far from insignificant! It is, in fact, a direct attack upon the legitimacy of Jesus Christ's claim to be the Messiah. Quite a price to pay to make something more readable!
What the Bible correctors don't tell you is that the Hebrew word almah can be translated as either young woman or virgin. The context of the word, just like the context of many English words, such as read, cook, present, etc., determine what the word means and, consequently, how it is translated.
Now, with that in mind, let's look at the context of almah in Isaiah 7:14. God says that He is going to give a sign. Sign, in this case, comes from the Hebrew word owth, which means, according to Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, "...a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc.:--mark, miracle, (en-)sign, token."
Obviously, to be sign it has to be something that would cause people to take note that something unusual had taken place. So, let me ask you, which is more noteworthy, a young women giving birth or a virgin?
Young women give birth every day. But a virgin giving birth...? When is the last time you heard of that? Obviously, a virgin birth, or even the claim thereof, is enough to cause people to take note.
So who is right, the Bible correctors of the King James translators? I think I'm going to stick with the King James translators.
24 Nov 11
Thanksgiving Day
We have much to be thankful for; family, friends, & freedom. Most of all, the precious gift of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ!
God Bless!
17 Nov 11
Veteran's Day, 11/11/11, Update...
I was running a few minutes late and arrived just as the woman who opened the service in prayer was getting ready to pray. Unfortunately, I did not get her name nor did I recognize her. Now, normally, when subject to prepared prayers at a public events by those who I know are not saved, or at least have good reason to believe are not saved, I stand quietly and respectfully with my head down. After all, it's their right to speak and the right of the event organizers to have them speak. Whether or not I agree with their theology, or lack thereof, I respect their freedom of speech and try to extend to them the same curtesy that I hope they would extend to me.
My effort to afford her her right to speak was severely challenged however. Shortly into her prayer she began to wax eloquently about her desire for world peace and an end to war, which, in and of itself, was not too surprising or unexpected. It was, after all, nothing more than the typical liberal left pacifistic pabulum all too frequently offered up at these sorts of events.
Now, like the speaker, I am for world peace and an end to war as well. I am just a little more realistic about it. Unlike religious and secular leftists, such as the woman who prayed, I recognize that we have a sin nature and that we live in an wicked world, which is under the sway of a very real devil. I recognize that only God can bring about true peace and a real end to war. I also recognize that world peace and an end to war will not come about until after the millennial reign of Jesus Christ when the devil and his followers are thrown into the lake of fire for all eternity. And, I "...according to his [God's] promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2 Peter 3:13), wherein will be true, eternal peace and "...they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." (Micah 4:3).
That, however, was not what really offended me. What bothered me were two a comments in particular. One comment I, rightly or wrongly, took as an implication that military service was somehow distasteful and odious. The other was downright pagan. Now, as I said before, she has her right to her opinion. I served in the United States Air Force to help uphold her right to free speech. But I have freedom of speech as well, which gives me the right to express my opinion, too.
The first statement that offended me was her remark about the names on the bricks that are a part of the Richfield Veteran's Memorial. Each person from Richfield, both Village and Township, who has served this country in the United States military has their name engraved on a brick in the raised, central portion of the memorial. (My name is on a brick there, as are the names of my Dad and a number of relatives.) The bricks are there to honor Richfield's veterans and show the pride in our community for those who have served to protect our country, our rights, and our freedoms.
The woman remarked in her prayer how she would like to see fewer and fewer names on the bricks in the memorial. Rightly or wrongly, I interpreted that remark as an indication that she would like to see fewer and fewer people serving in the military because the military is a distasteful organization that she would like to see done away with. I cannot remember the exact wording but it came across, to me at least, as a slap in the face to the veterans standing before her. It was as if our service was somehow less than honorable to her and that hopefully more and more people would come to agree with her.
Of course, to be fair, it may be that she was just expressing her hopes and dreams of a perfect world of peace and happiness, without the military, which, as everybody knows, is the sole reason that we have wars (that and greedy capitalists, and right-wingers, and fundamental Christians, and Tea Party activists, and supporters of Israel, and...). Then again, it could be that she confused Veteran's Day with Memorial Day and thought that the names on the bricks were those who died for their country, of which some were.
The other statement, the one that really caused my head to snap up and look at her, was her supplication to "all the gods of all the peoples of the earth" to help end war and bring peace. And this was supposed to be a Christian prayer! It was as bad as the woman who prayed to "Mother God" at the Richfield Memorial Day service several years ago. At least, you will be relieved to know, she never once mentioned the name of Jesus Christ. Apparently He wasn't one of the gods she was praying to.
Listening to this woman pray, and to the other clergy that I have heard pray at various Veteran's and Memorial Day events in Richfield over the years, helps explain why so many people think that churches and clergy are liberal, pacifistic, and have a dim view of the United States military. Of course, while they disdain the military, they remind us that support those who serve. As one local pastor prayed at the dedication of the Richfield Veteran's Memorial, "We know that all wars are wrong, but we support those who serve."
It also helps explain a discussion that I was a part of a couple of years ago at an annual refresher training session for Selective Service System Local Board Members in our region. We were discussing conscientious objectors based on religious beliefs when I said that I would like to know what type of church the person went to in order to help determine the sincerity of the claim. One man objected, saying that it didn't matter because all churches are pacifists and against the military. He retracted his objection, however, when I pointed out that I that I was a veteran, a strong supporter of the military and military service, and the pastor of an independent fundamental Baptist church.
Maybe that's why in the last 14 years, while serving as the pastor of the Richfield Bible Baptist Church, despite being both a Richfield native and a veteran, I've never been asked to pray at any of Richfield's Veteran's or Memorial Day events, with the exception of the Veteran's Memorial dedication. And that's only because my uncle was on the Veteran's Memorial committee!
11 Nov 11
Veteran's Day, 11/11/11
10 Nov 11
I am not talking about someone who questions the interpretation of a difficult or controversial passage. What I am talking about is someone who refuses to accept what the clear grammatical construction of a passage plainly teaches because they do not agree with it. They do not want it to mean what it means so they change the obvious meaning in order to justify their rejection of Bible truths.
Here is an example. In Hebrews 1:8 the Bible says, But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
The word thy, which appears twice in this verse, clearly refers to the one he is talking to: the Son. Therefore, the first thy refers to the Son's throne, the second to the Son's scepter. O God, in turn, clearly refers directly to the first thy in this passage and indirectly to the second. Consequently, the grammatical construction of Hebrews 1:8 clearly states that he is calling the Son God in this verse.
Now, if we consider Hebrews 1:8 apart from the larger context of Hebrews chapter one, we can argue about who the words he and the Son refer to. What we cannot argue about is that thy refers to the the Son and that he calls the Son God.
Placing the passage back in the context of the entire chapter, however, makes it clear that God (he) is speaking to Jesus Christ (the Son) in Hebrews 1:8. And, if that is indeed so, then that means that God is calling Jesus God in Hebrews 1:8! It also make it understandable why God says in verse 6, despite all the Biblical prohibitions on worshipping any one or thing other than the one true God, ...And let all the angels of God worship him.
If the person reading Hebrews chapter one does not believe that Jesus is God, they have to find a way to get around verse eight. One way to do it is to argue that verse eight is not translated correctly or that it is a spurious verse, much like those who reject the deity of Jesus Christ justify deleting or altering 1 John 5:7 (For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.) in order to excise or weaken one of the strongest passages teaching the triune nature of God in the Bible.
The less reasoned approach, however, is to simply reject the obvious grammatical construction and redirect who the O God and the thy's refer to. In effect, to rework Hebrews 1:8 to say something like this: But unto the Son God saith, My throne, as God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of my kingdom. That, of course, also necessitates changing the meaning of the word, worship, in verse six to something like honor or respect. This approach is both unwarranted and intellectually dishonest.
Of course, there are always those who will reject the clear teaching of Bible truths that they do not agree with, no matter how strongly the evidence and grammatical construction favors the authenticity, accuracy, and clarity of the passage that teaches said truth. Because they do not want it to be true, they grasp whatever excuse, no matter how flimsy, to justify their rejection of the truth.
As I said before, There is none so blind as he who will not see.
6 Nov 11
I don't mention them as much as I should, but the Akron Fossils & Science Center really is a wonderful, and affordable, resource right here in the Akron-Canton-Cleveland area. If you are a pastor or teacher you can even visit for free on Fridays if you call ahead.
If you haven't been able to visit the big Creation Museum in Kentucky (or even if you have), why not check out the little one right here in Northeast Ohio?
27 Oct 11
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 bears repeating here:
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
I don't think it was a coincidence that Mr. Camping suffered a serious stroke following his May 21 [false] prophecy. Time will tell how he fares following his latest fabrication.
Consider the following quote from Dr. Michael Youssef's 24 Oct 11 column, Why do members of secular media hate Bible-believing Christians?, at One News Now:
Bible-believing Christians proclaim the truth about the biblical principles that guided this nation's founders. But those who are rewriting American history to fit their desire for self-worship want to silence them. Thus, whenever a Christian lovingly and thoughtfully points them to the truth of history, they hound them down, accusing them of "racism," "hate speech," and "bigotry." Why?
Because truth to them is Hell, so they want to muzzle Christians and their message.
When Bible-believing Christians declare that there are moral absolutes that all men must live by, and that when these moral absolutes are tampered with curses and not blessings will follow...it really angers them. It sets their teeth on edge.
3 Oct 11
Keep in mind, immediately after the Lord catches away the believer's (an event we call the Rapture) prior to the seven year Tribulation period, there will be no believer's on the earth. However, that situation won't last long. The Bible indicates that many will come to Christ in the days following.
Revelation 7:1-8 and 14:1-5 we read of 144,000 young Jewish men who are specially called and sealed of God. Shortly after the catching away of the believers in the Rapture, these men will reach the conclusion that Jesus Christ is indeed the Messiah. They will go out into the world as a special evangelistic force, "servants of our God" (Rev 7:3).
Revelation 7:9-17 tells us that, in addition to the 144,000 Jewish men, there will be "a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues" who will come to Christ during the after the Rapture. Some of these new believers will come to Christ immediately after the Rapture, having realized that those crazy Christian family members, co-workers, neighbors, and acquaintances were right about the Bible after all. This vast crowd will be made up of people who will be convinced of the truth of the gospel due to the Rapture and the events of the Tribulation. Some will be reached by the ministry of the 144,000 and other new believers. Some, including most of the remaining Jews, will come to Christ when the Antichrist declares himself to be God at the midpoint of the Tribulation and demands worship.
Unfortunately, there are many who will not come to Christ after the Rapture. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12:
And then shall that Wicked [the Antichrist] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
These are those who heard and understood the gospel prior to the Rapture. However, because they rejected the gospel and refused to beleive, but rather "had pleasure in unrighteousness," God will allow them to believe the lies of the Antichrist and they will not be able to be saved following the Rapture.
Sadly, many of those who did not reject Jesus Christ prior to the Rapture will not be saved after the Rapture either. They will either die before hearing the gospel due to the horrific judgments poured out on the earth and its inhabitants, either believe the lies of the Antichrist or fear his wrath on those who don't, harden their hearts, or for some reason put off believing until it is too late.
Of course, coming to Christ during the Tribulation will not be an easy thing to do. The cost will be high. Most will be persecuted, many will be executed, and all will suffer. Relatively few will survive the horrors of the Tribulation to witness the return of Jesus Christ and the defeat of the Antichrist.
Why take the chance? Trust Jesus Christ as your Savior today while you can. "...[B]ehold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).
9 Sep 11
For most Americans, 9-11 was a wake-up call. Terrorism was something that happened "over-there" not "over-here" in the USA. The 1993 World Trade Center bombing was a fluke. Unfortunately, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing was not a fluke nor was it "over-there."
9-11 changed America's perception of Islam and terror. Islamic fundamentalists have been out to destroy us and our way of life for a long time. It's just that the American media didn't cover the subject much (or maybe I should say that they covered the subject up). The 9-11 attacks were to big to cover up.
Islamic fundamentalism is not a recent development. In fact, when the Cold War came to a close and the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, I told my wife that the next enemy America would have to face is Islamic fundamentalism. During the Cold War the Jihadis were more or less kept in check by the much larger conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States. Nevertheless, Islamic fundamentalism festered behind the scenes, unknown and unseen by most Americans. Though occasionally erupting violently on the world scene though bombings, hijacking's, kidnappings, and assassinations, it was mostly ignored, overlooked, and unreported by the American media.
On September 11, 2001, all that changed. Islamic terror was no longer "over-there" or on the back page. September 11 became a day to remember; a day to remember those who died, to remember those who sacrificed, and to remember those who even now defend us at home and abroad. September 11 also became a day to remember that we have an enemy who desires to destroy us and hates us because their holy book, the Qur'an, and their god, Allah, demands it:
And fight them until persecution is no more, and all religion is for Allah...(Surah 8:39)
24 Aug 11
Last night I posted some comments regarding the start of Late Night Live with Pastor Al. I want to continue that theme in this post, as well as mention our first ever contest/give-away taht we did last Sunday.
When we began to look into the feasibility of doing a radio show, we had to decide what kind of format to use. Remembering many late night long distance drives as missionaries, we tired to remember the kind of programming that kept our attention and helped keep us awake. Consequently, we dismissed the pre-recorded format early on, opting to go for a live program. A Bible study was a possibility but we figured that unless someone was interested in the particular subject, or really wanted to hear my voice, it might not keep people's attention sufficiently late at night to keep them from falling asleep.
So, we opted instead for the spontaneity of a live call-in program featuring listener's questions. That gave us a way to combine my interest in current events with the Bible, while giving some direction to the program, by opening the phone lines for "Your questions about the Bible and current events in light of God's Word." In reality, it was an extension of our Friday night Bible study at the Bible Baptist Church.
Of course, there were some critics: "What if nobody calls?" "What if you don't know the answer?" "How can you do an unscripted program?" "What if you run out of things to say?" Some thought we wouldn't make it one month, let alone let alone last our the year. (Glad we listened to God instead of them!)
Just to make sure we have plenty to talk about, I bring a number of news items with me. We also have an occasional guest to keep things interesting. Through it all, our goal is to help people understand the Bible and point people to the one true Savior, Jesus Christ.
We also want to help people develop a Biblical world view and encourage Christians to stand up for what they believe. We want people to know that the Bible makes sense and the skeptics can be answered logically and intelligently from the Word of God. After all, who says you have to check your brains at the door to believe the Bible?
Congratulations to our winners: Al (Brooklyn, OH), Keith (Mogadore, OH), William (Cleveland, OH), Tom (Willoughby, OH), and Laura (Warren, OH)!
Thanks for listening and thanks for calling!
23 Aug 11
This past Sunday marked our 5th year on the radio with Late Night Live with Pastor Al. When my wife and I first walked into the studio we were not sure what would happen. It was a little past 11:00 PM on the third Sunday in August, 2006, and we were to go live at midnight. We had spent the previous several weeks putting together the recorded portions of the program (intro, closing), recording promos, and getting a crash course in what to do and what not to do when hosting a radio talk show.
Originally, we had planned on starting in November, rather than August, so we were feeling a bit trepidatious, to say the least. It didn't help that we had originally planned on being on at 11:00 PM rather than midnight and were concerned as whether or not anybody would be listening, much less calling, so late at night. Still, we were confident that God had opened the door for us and trusted Him to use the program for His glory and not ours.
So, In we walked with a satchel of books, a couple of Bibles, a Strong's Concordance, some news articles that I had printed off at home (no laptop back then!), and some legal pads. We waited nervously while the program before us wrapped up and then moved into the studio as they packed up their papers and computers.
A few minutes later, Bibles open and borrowed headsets in place, the engineer gave us the high sign and I said, "Good evening! Welcome to Late Night Live with Pastor Al!"
19 Aug 11
Last week, while at the Amazing Grace Mission booth at the Cuyahoga County Fair, I met one of our callers, John. John has been calling the program off and on for the last 5 years, challenging me on my beliefs and interpretations of the Bible. Sort of an arch-nemesis, as it were. Long ago I became convinced that John is looking for excuses to justify his rejection of the Bible and the gospel message lest he should have to admit that he needs to be saved. (Click here to listen to listen a vintage call by John.)
1 Aug 11
In Revelation 12:7-11
26 Jul 11
Now, being a genuine right-wing Christian fundamentalist myself, I think I know a thing or two about being a right-wing Christian fundamentalist. And, believe me, the Norway shooter, while he may well be a terrorist, is certainly no right-wing Christian fundamentalist. In fact, right-wing Christian fundamentalists world-wide, myself included, have been quick to condemn his vile acts of terrorism.
The leftist media, however, desperate to paint right-wing Christian fundamentalists as dangerous, potential terrorists, quickly seized upon this guy to make him the poster-child of the looming right-wing Christian fundamentalist terror threat. But is he?
Let's unpack the leftist claim that the Norway shooter was a right-wing Christian fundamentalist.
First, was he a Christian? Well, Norway has a state church. So, by virtue of being born as an ethnic Norwegian, he was probably registered as a member of the Lutheran church as a child. However, he apparently claims today to be non-religious.
So much for being a Christian.
Now as far as being a Christian fundamentalist, Lutherans aren't typically considered fundamentalist Christians. The term "fundamentalist," as applied to a group or religion, means to adhere to the fundamental doctrines, principles, beliefs, and practices of that group or religion. Blowing up car bombs and killing innocents in the city center and methodically hunting down and slaughtering children at a youth camp was contrary to God's law. "Thou shalt not kill" specifically means murder. A Christian fundamentalist would know that. Besides, a Christian fundamentalist would most certainly reject the Darwinian views espoused in his manifesto, 2083 – A European Declaration of Independence.
However, since the man had apparently posted a few comments on a couple of fundamentalist Christian websites, that was all the leftist media needed to justify calling him a Christian fundamentalist.
The right-wing label is just as misleading. Apparently, the shooter was actually the member of the progressive (I.e. liberal) Progress Party, the second largest political party in Norway. But, instead of being a part of the left or center of the party, he gravitated toward the right-wing of the liberal Progress Party. Additionally, he apparently has neo-Nazi (remember, the Nazis were the National Socialists party) ties as well.
Hence, he's labeled a right-winger rather than the liberal, socialist, neo-Nazi that he seems to actually be.
Unfortunately, I fear that the Norwegian shooter may be the tip of a building backlash against the Islamification of Europe. If so, we may be seeing more and more acts of domestic terrorism across Europe as unsaved ethnic Europeans emulate the jihadist tactics of the growing Islamic fundamentalist population that is threatening to turn Europe into Eurabia.
The real hope for Europe isn't violence and acts of terror. The real hope for Europe, native and immigrant alike, is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
19 Jul 11
That gave him pause, which was my intent. Other than the fact that I see nothing wrong with Christians possessing and using firearms for sport & defensive, I wanted the caller to actually think about what he was saying.
The caller seemed to think that that Christians and their guns are the reason that America is the most violent nation in the world. (Apparently he was not too familiar with extreme levels of violence occurring in parts of northern and central Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia...)
In fact, I would contend that the most violent parts of the world, as well as the most violent parts of the USA, are where true Bible-believing Christians are in the minority. I would say that Christians, with their Bibles in one hand and their guns in the other, are more often the source of peace, justice, and stability in the world.
Consider the question that I asked the caller, "If you were walking down a street late at night, what would make you more uneasy, a group of young men coming out of a Bible study with a Bible in one hand and a gun in the other or a group of young men coming out of a bar with a bottle in one hand and a gun in the other?
I don't know about you, but I would rather take my chances with the guys with the guns and Bibles.
4 Jul 11
One of our callers asked how we can help our leaders and government officials to understand the freedoms we are supposed to have as Americans. Unfortunately, I cannot think of an easy way. After all, if they will not accept the plain words of the Constitution, which they swore an oath to uphold, they will probably not accept anything we have to say either.
Speaking of the plain words of the Constitution, compare the words of Houston National Cemetery Director Arleen Ocasio with the words ofgod bless you the Constitution.
Director Ocasio decreed to such groups as the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 4, The American Legion Post 586, the National Memorial Ladies, and others that they could not use the words "God," "Jesus Christ," or "God bless." She also censored censored the content of prayers and forbade the use of religious messages in burial rituals unless approved by her office.
Compare Commissar Ocasio's Draconian demands with the simple words of the first amendment to the United States Constitution:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I wonder what part of "prohibiting the free exercise thereof" or "abridging the freedom of speech" Ocasio did not understand.
God bless America!
24 Jun 11
It is published by , a ministry of the Parker Memorial Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan.
Who Is this Jesus? looks at the nature and work of Jesus Christ. It examines the incarnation, the Trinity, the resurrection, and the deity of Jesus Christ. It also looks at the Lord's Supper, Sunday worship versus Sabbath keeping, the reality of heaven and hell, and whether or not Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.
Who Is this Jesus? also includes a final chapter presenting the birth of Jesus Christ entirely from the Scriptures. (Makes a great personal or family devotional!)
Who Is this Jesus? can be ordered The cost is $8.00 plus $1.50 shipping and handling ($9.50 total) and all proceeds go to help fund our radio program.
Better yet, visit our services and we'll give you one free! Better yet, visit our services and we'll give you one free!
2 Jun 11
Our first speaker was Bruce Musselman (Columbia Road Baptist Church, Olmstead Falls, Ohio), host of Where Is God's Word (Thursdays at 1:00 PM on AM 1220 WHKW). Pastor Bill Moore (Union Missionary Baptist Church, Norton, Ohio) spoke next, followed by me (Pastor Al), and then Pastor George Niketenko (Amazing Grace Baptist Church, Hinckley, Ohio).
Lord willing, we'll celebrate the 500th anniversary of the King James Bible in the Millennial Kingdom!
27 May 11
The only thing about Harold Camping's failed prophecy that surprised me is that he came out with a new one as fast as he did. His new October date for the Apocalypse didn't surprise me (I said as much to several people last week). Neither did his feeble attempt to claim that he really was not wrong, Judgment Day really did begin on May 21 (in case you missed it, it was SPIRITUAL).
The sad thing about the whole Camping debacle is the people who fell for his false teachings; some who fell for it back in 1994 and some who will fall for it again. People who's bank accounts have been depleted, reputations trashed, and lives ruined.
I'm sure there is absolutely no connection between Obama's actions and policies and the record floods along the Mississippi and the historic spate of powerful, destructive, killer tornadoes lately...
17 May 11
Well, in case you missed it on the program, I've repeatedly labeled Harold Camping as a false prophet. He last claimed that Jesus would return on September 6, 1994. When that date came and went, Harold Camping decided to recalculate, adding 7 years, and came up with May 21, 2011, with the final destruction of the world coming on October 20, 2011.
Of course, Mr. Camping's failed prophecy of 1994 should be enough to label him a false prophet. Not only that, his teaching that Jesus Christ is not God incarnate but actually Michael the Archangel identifies him as a false teacher:
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
I really feel bad for his followers though. After all, what is Saturday going to be like for them? Can you imagine staying up Friday night, breathlessly awaiting the big day...tTrying to stay awake all day as the hours slowly, inexorably slip by...perhaps dozing off for a few minutes only to awake with a start, hoping not to miss the big event? What about when midnight arrives and still no return? Will they continue waiting anxiously thinking that, since we live on a globe, it is still prior midnight in the time zones to the west? What then when they finally succumb to exhaustion and fall asleep, only to wake up and find that it is Sunday, May 22, and Jesus has not returned?
(2nd Peter 2:1)
I don't know if they will finally believe that Harold Camping is a false prophet and a false teacher or not. However, I fairly certain that Mr. Camping will do just what he did after his last prophecy failed: recalculate and try to fool people again.
Unfortunately, some Camping followers will turn their back on Camping and his false Christianity AND true Christianity and people like me that have tried to warn them against heretics like Harold Camping. (And the devil smiles...)
Please, if you are a Harold Camping follower, please join us on the program Sunday night, May 22, as we discuss the failed prophecies and false teachings of Harold Camping and other failed date-setters. Don't let a failed prophet like Harold Camping cause you to fail to see the truth of God's Word. After all, that's just what the devil intends.
2 May 11
Of course, we know a lot more about the story now then last night and more information is sure to come out in the coming days. Nevertheless, some of the things that I said during last night's program still remain true:
1. Osama Bin Laden served a false god.
You can listen to the whole program by clicking on the link at the left or, if the link is no longer there, by clicking here.
2. Osama Bin Laden killed thousands of people in service to his false god.
3. Osama Bin Laden was a pawn of the devil.
4. Osama Bin Laden died and in hell he lifted up his eyes in torments (I doubt that he had time or opportunity to hear the gospel and trust Jesus Christ as his Savior prior to grabbing a woman to use as a shield, nor is it likely that he stopped to consider the truth of the gospel between grabbing the woman and being shot.)
5. Osama Bin Laden now knows that Allah is a false god.
6. Osama Bin Laden now knows that Jesus Christ is God.
7. Osama Bin Laden now knows the whole 72 virgins in paradise nonsense is just that: nonsense.
27 Apr 11
"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6)
You can view the video our Ustream broadcast.
22 Apr 11
I have been endeavoring to come up with a suitable time line on my own, drawing only on the information given in the Bible. Please keep in mind that not all of the information recorded in the Gospels is given in a strict chronological fashion. Matthew, for instance, seems to imply that Jesus cleared out the Temple on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-22). Mark, however, makes it clear that it was the next day (Mark 11:1-26). Also, for the same reasons, the feast in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, although included in the text after Jesus talks to His disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem and the signs of His coming, is never explicitly said to have occurred chronologically at that time.
I'm not claiming that it is perfect, but here it is:
Sunday:
I'm not saying that this is the definitive chronology of the Passion Week, but it makes a lot more sense than trying to cram three days and three nights between Friday evening and Sunday morning. (Go ahead and try! The best I can come up with is three days and only two nights! Either Jesus was wrong or the Friday crucifixion date is wrong...)
Jesus travels into Jerusalem from Bethphage on a borrowed donkey; the people line the road with palm branches and garments crying, "Hosanna!"
Jesus enters the Temple, looks around, and then, in the evening, heads to Bethany with the 12 disciples.
Jesus returns to Jerusalem in the morning, curses the fig tree along the way.
Jesus enters the cleanses the Temple.
Sometime Monday, or possibly Tuesday, the Chief Priests and Scribes decide to kill Jesus.
Jesus heads back to Bethany in the evening; feast at house of Simon the Leper possibly occurred this night; Judas Iscariot becomes disgruntled.
Jesus returns to Jerusalem in the morning; disciples notice and comment on the fig tree which is now dried up; Jesus teaches the disciples about prayer.
Jesus teaches in Jerusalem and debates with the Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, Scribes, and others.
Sometime during the day Judas Iscariot meets with the Chief Priests and Scribes and agrees with them to betray Jesus.
Jesus and His disciples talk about the Temple buildings and then, late in the day, they go to the Mount of Olives where Jesus teaches them about the signs and circumstances regarding His return and the end of the world.
Jesus and His Disciples return into Jerusalem that night to observe an early Passover Feast (not the actual Passover which would not be until Wednesday night) where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper.
After the supper Jesus and His Disciples return to the Mount of Olives where Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.
In the early hours of the morning, Jesus is betrayed by Judas, taken into custody, falsely accused, condemned, beaten, and lead to Calvary.
Jesus crucified at 9:00 AM and dies at 3:00 PM, the same time that the Passover lambs were being killed.
Jesus taken from the cross and laid in Joseph of Arimathaea's tomb prior to sunset and the start of the Passover Sabbath (John 19:31,42; Luke 23:54).
Jewish Passover begins at sunset.
Passover Sabbath ends at sunset; following the Passover Sabbath the Chief Priests and Pharisees ask Pilot to secure the tomb (Matthew 27:62); Pilot grants their request, the tomb is sealed and a guard is set; Jesus has now been in the tomb one night and one day.
During the day, the women buy and prepare spices and ointments to anoint the body of Jesus but are unable to until after the weekly Sabbath (Mark 16:1; Luke 23:56-24:1).
The regular weekly Sabbath begins at sunset; Jesus has now been in the tomb two nights and two days.
Weekly Sabbath ends at sunset; Jesus has now been in the tomb three days and three nights, in accordance with His prophecy recorded in Matthew 12:39-40.
Resurrection takes place sometime after sunset.
Woman arrive at the tomb prior to sunrise (John 20:1), the stone is rolled away and an angel invites the women to see that the tomb is empty (Matthew 28:1-6).
6 Apr 11
At any rate, conspiracy theories are one of the many things I have an interest in and have followed off and on since I was a teenager in the 1970's. I even wrote an article last year about it, It's All a Conspiracy:
Over the years I noticed how interrelated the various groups are...I also noticed that groups merge and morph over the years and new groups rise from the ashes of others. That explains why many of today's conspiracy groups haven't been around for more than a few hundred years despite thousands of years of human history.
Click here to read the full article!
That got me to thinking. If so many of these groups are so similar in their goals and methodologies and have so many leaders and members in common, could there be a larger, more sinister, conspiracy behind the scenes controlling the groups that we see. I also began to wonder why, if these groups are so pervasive, they haven't been successful in achieving world domination and control yet. (The very fact that I can write this and you can read it proves they haven't!)
The truth is, there is a master conspiracy and there is a very good reason why it has not yet succeeded. The Apostle Paul wrote about it in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 when he said, "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."
The "mystery of iniquity" is the satanic master conspiracy that has been trying to dominate and control not only the world but the whole universe and all of heaven. It began shortly after the creation of the heaven and the earth when Lucifer said, "...I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. (Isaiah 14:13-14)"
16 Mar 11
Jesus is talking with His disciples in Matthew 24 about the end of the world. He speaks of wars and rumors of wars, terrible natural disasters, a world that seems to be spinning out of control. In verses 32-34, Jesus says, "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled."
I recently read an interesting article online entitled, The Fig Tree Has Budded, which I am adapting for a Sunday school series. In it, the author, Douglas Hamp, makes a compelling case that we have witnessed the budding of the fig tree and are in the last generation. The events in Japan, along with the ongoing social-political meltdown in the various Arab countries of North Africa and the Middle East and the impending economic implosion of the West, certainly seem to foreshadow the events of the Tribulation described by Jesus in Matthew 24 and fit His statement of, "when ye shall see all these things". Consequently, Jesus' statement, "Know that it is near, even at the doors," seems to take on greater meaning and urgency with every newscast.
Time is short! We need to get busy sowing the gospel seed while we still can. For, as Paul wrote in Romans 13:11, "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."
23 Feb 11
From what I gathered, Dennis Prager contended that all sins are not the same in God's eyes. The caller claimed they are.
So, are all sins the same? Well, yes and no.
Yes, in that all sins are like stones cut from the same rock of rebellion against God's Law. No, in that some sins, like some stones, are bigger and have more effect on society than others. Or, to put it another way, all sins are alike in substance but not in effect.
Consequently, while all sins may be, in essence, rebellion against God, the effects of different sins vary considerably. A large stone and a small pebble may be of the same substance, but the larger stone makes a much bigger splash when thrown into the pond. Likewise, some sins make bigger splashes than others.
For example, both stealing a pen from work and killing the boss are violations of God's Law. However, stealing the pen obviously does not make the same size splash as killing the boss.
Clearly, then, while all sins may be of the same nature, the moral and societal effects of various sins differ greatly.
17 Feb 11
This killing was different. A 37 year old woman and her dog were hit by a car while walking with a friend along a quiet residential street. Both the woman and dog were struck and killed by another woman who apparently was under the influence of alcohol. The driver, who lived on the same street, drove into her own driveway, parked her car and headed into her house, seemingly oblivious to what she had just done. You can read the article here: http://www.ohio.com/news/116383624.html.
This tragic incident prompted me to link to seemingly unrelated events together. The second event was a resident who protested at a recent village council meeting that a Richfield police officer, on his own time and with his own resources, was conducting concealed carry classes. The resident was outraged that the officer was allowed to do so and said that it would lead to more guns on the streets of Richfield (not that one runs into many guns on the mean streets of Richfield).
Now both concealed carry and drinking are legal, but which one do you think has killed more people? If you believe concealed carry is more dangerous than drinking, I'd like to point out that your right to drink has killed more people in Richfield than my right to carry.
11 Feb 11
Quite likely the Muslim Brotherhood will play an important role in the new Egyptian government. Contrary to the beliefs of the Obama administration, the Muslim Brotherhood IS a religious based and themed organization. It was organized in 1928 for the express purpose of returning Egypt back to Islamic rule and law. It spawned Hamas, al-Queda, Council on American Islamic Relations, Muslim Student Association, Fatah and other Islamic terrorist groups and sympathizers. And, through groups like the North American Islamic Trust, the Muslim Brotherhood directly or indirectly influences the majority of mosques and Islamic centers throughout America. And it calls for the destruction of Israel and the spread of Islam to all the world.
I'm just waiting for President Obama to say, "This is the change we've been waiting for..."
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And for the fate of Christians in Egypt.
25 Jan 11
Several alarming statistics were presented regarding our young people during the course of the evening. The drop out rate in Cuyahoga County, for instance, is about 50%. Out of wedlock births are at obscenely high rates in this country; approximately 30% for whites, 50% for Hispanics, and 75% for blacks. The family unit is breaking down in America and, as Dr. Forte observed, "We are witnessing the dissolving away of our civilization."
Various comments and ideas were presented as to how to turn these alarming statistics around through the improvement of our education system, which, of course, was the purpose of the program. Chief among them was the idea of breaking the public school's monopoly on education by giving parents more choice in where to send their kids to school.
As a concerned citizen I can't help but be alarmed a the situation regarding education and our youth. However, as a pastor and a Bible-believing Christian, I do not see education reform and school choice as the most effective means of turning our young people around. We need strong, Bible-believing churches preaching the gospel. Strong churches build strong families. Strong families build strong communities. Strong communities build strong States. And strong States can build a strong America.
Education reform and school choice are great, but it all starts with God's people: "If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:13-14)"
10 Jan 11
