Sep 05

END OF SUMMER REPORT

It’s amazing how this summer has seen so many attacks on the Church, upon decency and upon civilization itself. Birth pangs are increasing at a rate unimaginable to generations before. Who would have thought that in America in 2015 Christians would be thrown in jail for their faith? Who would have thought that we would have handed over the holy institution of marriage to sexually immoral Sodomites?  Who would have thought that chaplains in the military would be forbidden to use the name of Jesus?  Who would have thought that law abiding business men and women would be compelled by force of law to endorse and participate in the celebration of homosexuality? Who would have thought that our children would be indoctrinated in government schools to reject the authority, the morality and the religion of their parents? Who would have thought that America, the world’s last best hope, would stand by and do nothing while millions of Christians and helpless people in the Middle East and Asia are raped, tortured and literally, wiped off the face of the earth?  Who would have thought that we would help the enemies of Israel to get the weapons they need to carry out their pledge to annihilate the Jewish state?

Unbelievable as it may sound, this is the state of our union as we come to summer’s end. And some have the audacity to call it “progress.”

Well, my friend, if you know me you know that I’m not a “gloom-and-doom” preacher. I read the back of the Book and I know that we win! My concern is that we don’t lose a single soul, if it’s at all within our ability to rescue others with the Good News of Jesus Christ.  As much as there is adversity, there is also opportunity for God to reveal His glory. Every adversity has within it the seed of a greater good as the glory of God is revealed in the midst of our trials.  Remember, even this was promised by Christ when he said, “in this world you will have tribulation, but fear not for I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33).

The challenge to us is stated in Psalm 11:3, “When the foundations are destroyed what will the righteous do?”  The Church—the real Church—must rise up out of our complacency to be a witness for Christ wherever we are, whatever we’re doing. There should be no place in American life where the Lordship of Christ isn’t evident. There is no separation of church and state, no separation of God and life. The earth is the Lord’s and everyone in it, and everything in it, (Psalm 24).  Jesus is Lord of all, from the Church house to the White House. We must start living the life we preach. When we feel timid or unable we must “Appeal to Heaven.” That is in fact, the message I bring to the Church this year. Without knowledge the people perish (Hosea 4:6). We must bring them the knowledge of how in times past we have appealed to Heaven, and heaven came through. God has preserved this nation in response to the prayers of the saints. If we don’t rise up this time, our children will curse us for giving them over to bondage. God forbid!

The summer ends with Good News: “Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) It’s time to be bold and courageous. We must seek the Lord, reach the lost and impact our culture. We must have revival, beginning in the hearts of each one of us, then letting it flow into the hearts and lives of those around us. We must be effective witnesses. We must have God! The great end time revival is coming. Let it come Lord Jesus. Let it come now!

 

Aug 27

The Answer to “Why?”

The T.V. pundits are falling over each other talking about why Vester Lee Flanagan II would murder two young news reporters while on air doing a live interview. Agenda-driven politicians are using the tragedy to advance their agendas claiming the criminal is the gun. In the murderer’s manifesto Flanagan blames the Charleston shooter Dylann Roof for causing him to go over the edge.  Claims of bullying and discrimination were found to be baseless, but even if they were valid they would not explain a desire to murder. So what is the answer explaining the violence perpetrated by such men as Flanagan, Roof and so many others? There is no mystery.

“ For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” – Mark 7:21

So, whether one likes to hear it or not, the natural state of man is the origin of all these evil acts. This is in fact, normal for the unregenerate heart. Just study world history, or for that matter look at the headlines from around the world today. What do you see? The natural state of man that is “naturally” evil.

However, to the extent that the presence of God is in evidence, we see the good in humanity.  Just pick up a world map and trace the travels of Christianity and you will follow the history of western civilization, peace and progress. Wherever the Gospel has not penetrated a culture there you will still see violence, theft, sexual immorality, murder and every kind of evil. And so, as it is with nations and cultures, so it is with individuals. You will either have, as someone once put it, a “great big God, and a little bitty devil, or you will have a great big devil and a little bitty God.” The two will not occupy the same space, and the space will never be void.

For this reason our founders held that a requirement to hold public office was a belief in God, the Holy Scriptures and in the system of eternal rewards and punishment. They understood that the natural state of man was evil, and only the public acknowledgment of God and subservience to His will, as much as one can understand it, could help us establish a more prosperous and peaceful society. Until the Day of the Lord there will be evil in the world, but whether we see more of it, or less of it will depend on whether or not we publicly acknowledge and promote Biblical values, the greatest among these is love. Yes, the choice is ours moving forward–Great big God and little bitty devil, or great big devil and little bitty God. Which shall it be?

Aug 17

THE TRUMP APPEAL

It was interesting to see a recent poll that showed Americans viewed Donald Trump as one of the least qualified to be president, but yet they chose him above the others by a wide margin. What’s that all about? It’s about the Trump appeal. The appeal that is drawing the favor of so many Americans is summed up in three words: power, courage and independence.

Donald Trump has demonstrated that he has the power to make things happen. It’s not just talk. His resume is seen in the skyscrapers he owns, and in the fortune he has amassed.  This sends the message that, unlike other candidates who may talk a good talk but not be able to perform, If this guy says he’ll do it, he just might actually do it.

The second factor in the Trump appeal is courage. He has the courage to say what is on his mind without fear of what others may think. He has the courage to risk his fortune on an unsure bet for the presidency of the United States. He demonstrates the courage to fight for what is right, as he sees the right.

And lastly is his sense of independence. He has stated that he is beholden to none. He will have no debts to repay and no one will buy influence. He will be free to do what is right for America without regard  or influence from special interests.

It’s been said that people buy for three reasons: They have confidence in the salesman; the salesman has confidence in his product, and they can afford to buy.

In this case it’s obvious the salesman has confidence in his product–his own ability. The public has confidence in the salesman because of his past performance. Only time will tell if they will ultimately buy.

Aug 13

Letter from Schumer on the Iran deal.

Dear Mr. Banuchi:
Thank you for writing to express your opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. After deep study, careful thought and considerable soul-searching, I decided to oppose the agreement.
I examined this deal in three parts: nuclear restrictions on Iran in the first ten years, nuclear restrictions on Iran after ten years, and non-nuclear components and consequences of a deal. In each case I have asked: are we better off with the agreement or without it?
The proponents’ overall standard is not whether the agreement is ideal, but whether having this deal is better than not having this deal. When it comes to the nuclear aspects of the agreement within ten years, we might be slightly better off with a deal. However, when it comes to the nuclear aspects after ten years and the non-nuclear aspects, I believe we would be better off with no deal.

Ultimately, I feel that that Iranian leaders will not moderate and their unstated but very real goal is to get relief from the onerous sanctions, while still retaining their nuclear ambitions and their ability to increase belligerent activities in the Middle East.

I greatly appreciate your concern on this matter and thank you for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can be of further assistance on this, or any other matter.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
U.S. Senator

So call Senator Gillibrand’s office at 202-224-4451 and tell her to join Schumer and reject this agreement.

Jul 25

GO ON THE OFFENSE!

With the recent Supreme Court ruling against God’s definition of Marriage one would think the war was over–we lost. No way! In fact, it has only begun. This is not the time to retreat, but rather the time to go on the offensive. I’m convinced the only reason we have come to this point is because we remained on the defense too long. A defensive line can only be held just so long, until it eventually gives way to a more aggressive offensive force. In fact, Jesus taught us that He will build His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Notice, it was the gates of hell that were on the defense, and the Church was on the offense! (Matthew 16:18)
So let the Church rise up and demolish the gates of hell, as the Kingdoms of this nation become, once again, the Kingdoms of our Lord and Christ!

Here’s what we must do:

1. Repent of our selfish, and self-centered ways

2. Find other believers who will join in developing prayer networks, and pray, pray pray!

3. Make up your mind to give yourself for a greater cause-the cause of Christ!

4. Be engaged and involved in the stewardship of this government “of the people,” however the Lord leads.

5 Be a witness. Yes, put a bumper sticker on your car; put a picture, a plaque, or something that will identify you as a Christian in your office or place of work. We may not all be called to be evangelists, but we are all called to be a witness. Let’s witness! No more shame, embarrassment or intimidation; time to be bold as lions and let your light shine.

6. Be informed and educated about religion and politics-the two things the enemy has always said you shouldn’t talk about. Make up your mind that if you only get a chance to talk about two things you will talk about Jesus and stewardship of our government. Refuse to be a “low information voter.”

7. Join with others who are committed to the cause of Christ. Be a card-carrying member of the New York Faith & Freedom Coalition. We need you. I can’t do this alone. Go on-line right now to www.nyfaithandfreedom.com., and join up with the best sacrificial gift you possibly can make, and join us for our monthly meeting on the 2nd Sunday night of each month for prayer and equipping.

I’m so grateful for the few who have helped support this work faithfully, but it has only been a few when it needs to be “many.” If you have not yet made a monthly pledge please do so right now. We are nowhere near meeting our budget. Please pray that the Lord will raise up people who have the resources to help us maintain an effective force for good against the well-funded forces of evil. The New York Faith & Freedom Coalition is a ministry of Marriage & Family Savers Ministries, a 501C-3 non-profit organization, so donations are tax deductible.

In closing, I would like to ask for your personal prayers for Penny, myself and our family. We seem to be experiencing a very challenging time, but we know the God who brought us this far will not let us down now, however we must persevere for the good of the next generation and for God’s glory!

We’re looking forward to sharing the Word the Lord has given us this year-wherever our ministry would be welcome. Pray that God would open more doors for this message. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3mVDzxPseg.)

So then,

“Remember the Lord who is great and awesome and fight for your brothers, your sons and you’re your daughters, your wives and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4;14b)

Jul 22

Comments on Recent Issues

I haven’t had much down time to write about all the events that are occurring, and there has been much said about these already, but let me add a few thoughts to the conversation.

IRAN NUKE DEAL – Whether Obama realizes it or not, this is simply another step in the setup for American demise. Obama is doing more for the Islamists than they can do for themselves at the expense of American interests, especially our only democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel. In his ignorance he is lighting the fuse for World war III; in his arrogance he refuses to see reality.

DONALD TRUMP – I think this whole “Trump” thing is very interesting in the way it is exposing the true character of media personnel and candidates who do, or do not comment on the issue.

First we see those in the media who jump at an opportunity to tell half-truths to denigrate Mr. Trump. When he spoke of the Mexican illegal immigrant issue, he never “painted with a broad brush” calling all Mexicans rapists and criminals as many have falsely reported. So either those reporters have intentionally parsed his words to make it sound the way they want him to sound, or they actually heard what they wanted to hear through their distortion filters. Either way, it doesn’t do much good to help reestablish the credibility of the media. The same occurred in his comments about John McCain. He clearly “mis-spoke when he said McCain wasn’t a hero” He corrected himself immediately, but the correction was disregarded in favor of the misspoken charge.

Secondly, I have already started to eliminate some candidates from the running on my own list according to who is criticizing Trump for his comments.  If you break Reagan’s 11th commandment by speaking against one of our own, you are disqualified in my book. You may not agree with him. You may believe his thoughts were repugnant, but you don’t shoot your own.  At the very least you could just do as Huckabee did and be silent on the matter.

I think if nothing else Donald Trump is stirring up the pot and turning up the heat so that character impurities rise to the top in plain view of the electorate, or at least, for those who want to see.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD – the recent videos made public clearly demonstrate to all Americans of good faith the diabolical nature of this organization. Let it provoke us to have an adult-to adult discussion concerning the nature of abortion. If the tissue was not human than why should we care about the way “body parts” are handled, bought, sold or even crunched? The fact that we do find these conversations by abortionists revolting speaks to our intuitive sense of natural law inscribed in the hearts and minds of every human being that tells us this is wrong, because this is a baby, a human being! We must stop it!

THE SANFRANCISO MURDER OF KATHRYN STEINLE has prompted a national dialogue about illegal immigration and Sanctuary Cities.  The bottom line is this: We don’t need more laws; we need enforcement of the laws we already have by competent members of the Executive Branch of government whose job it is to enforce the laws on the books. If city officials can choose what laws they wish to enforce and which they choose to ignore, why bother having laws at all. In fact, why bother having an old outdated Constitution written by dead white men? Let’s just go ahead and do what feels right in the moment. That is, in fact, the thinking of those who promote sanctuary cities without regard for the rule of law. The Bible speaks of a time in Israel’s history when “there was no king and each one did what seemed right in his own eyes.” If we continue down this path we will fare no better than the nation of Israel did. It wasn’t pretty.

We must, once again, become a nation of laws, not a nation of selective enforcement based on someone’s assessment of circumstances.  Yes, there can always be provisions for exceptions to the law– which is imperfect–but the exceptions must never become the rule.

We must not allow leftist forces to conflate the terms “illegal” immigration with immigration. One is good; the other is bad. It’s that simple.

FREEING OF PRISONERS-It’s apparent that Barak Obama has no genuine concern for the well-being of Americans. In fact his educational background has taught him that Americans—particularly White Americans–already have too much. Reparations are needed, and part of that reparation process may very well be allowing criminals back on the streets to exact justice on the American privileged class. This is just another step in the fundamental transformation of the United States. Knock us down a notch or two—or three or four—whatever it takes to make us pay for the sin of excelling as a nation and enjoying peace and prosperity unknown in the rest of the world. I believe that is the legacy he hopes to establish.

WHITE HOUSE LIT UP IN RAINBOW COLORS – I have already commented on the SCOTUS ruling on same-sex marriage, but I’d like to follow with a brief post script regarding the presidential order to illuminate the White House in Rainbow colors to celebrate the legalization of Sodomite marriage.  I believe this will prove to be what the Bible calls, “The abomination that causes desolation.” Unfortunately, until we repent as a nation, I’m afraid we will begin to see a desolation of our culture and our nation in every way imaginable.  God, have mercy on us!