Sunday, May 17, 2009

Good and Bad Politics – a plain comparison (5/17/09)

NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship

I’ve concluded that the best way to catch a Michigan politician’s attention is to propose, as part of a special interest group, a law authorizing a specialty license [auto] plate. Most politicians are looking to add to their repertoire of resume career “enhancements.” Whether something is a worthy law or not, makes no difference – just so the special interests can be satisfied. However, there is the exception. And that is the general populous – and they are generally referred to, as, the “Taxpayers.” They are [unfortunately] taken for granted and only counted on for their tax monies and continued votes.

Currently there is a proposed piece of legislation that would add even more financial benefits to a Michigan politician. This “Bill,” is known as “House Bill 4229,” and was introduced by Representative Fred Durhal, a Democrat from Detroit. In short, this law, if passed, would suck more of the taxpayers’ hard earned money and pay for unneeded State Police escorts at the scene of a deceased politician’s funeral. It isn’t enough that politicians while alive, cause financial grief for the taxpayer. Now, they have found a way to stick it to the general public even after they have finally passed on!

The practice of Politics, oftentimes is very “Dirty.” But what distinguishes good politics from bad?

I always have to laugh when I hear some news or radio personality state that a certain politician is “Playing politics.” I smile and say to myself: “What else would they play?” But, unfortunately, it is the sad scenario. Politicians do not generally play [practice] good politics, but, rather, bad.

First of all – what is “Politics?” If I remember (a definition) correctly, “Politics” is something positive, not negative. Its practice is supposed to be for the common [public] good. Politics is supposed to keep, maintain and promote proper moral behavior for the advancement of the particular culture. Here is the original [Webster’s] definition:

POL'ITICS, n. "The science of government; that part of ethics which consists in the regulation and government of a nation or state, for the preservation of its safety, peace and prosperity; comprehending the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals. Politics, as a science or an art, is a subject of vast extent and importance."

I am sure that each of you hearing or reading this message – if, you are old enough could cite some poor and pathetic examples of bad politics. As with any human endeavor there is not only the propensity and snag toward the negative, but also the definite abject failure of the practice of politics to positively affect the moral [and lasting] good for community, society and the culture.

The best way to insure good politics, is to elect good people into public office:

Even though good people may be elected and some [unelected] assume positions of governmental leadership, they are often swayed by negative, overriding and special interest influences. They also handle the taxpayer’s money. And they often handle it with disrespect and thievery. Please refer to the commentary:
“Political Extortion.”

The best way for politicians to remain honest, is for them to be rooted in traditional, patriotic and godly principles. The founders and framers of our USA Constitution never felt that the belief and practice of the Christian faith was a detriment to society. Rather, on the contrary they envisioned the Christian Faith as perhaps, the most competent and wise manner to advance their new nation. Unlike today’s culture, the founders and framers of our nation understood their worldview, fashioned after, absolutes. They instinctively knew that a general public, educated with Christian values, would be the best society to govern and to provide a continuance of good governance. To them, there was no [mythical] “Separation of church and state” outlook as they correctly and logically practiced the 1st Amendment.
http://wallbuilders.com/

Secondly, the best way for politicians to maintain their honesty and work for the best general public's welfare, is that they be held accountable for their every vote. Politicians who practice back scratching and bribing one another for pet proposed laws, need not continue in their capacity. Voters need to continually remind their political representatives what they view as supremely important and how they expect their particular representatives to vote. All this presupposes that they [the populous] keep themselves informed by way of organizations like the "Mackinac Center” --
http://mackinac.org

Christ’s Words: The Gospel of
Luke 16:1-15

….And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” [Luke 16:15]

According to Christ’s own words
[Luke 16:15] there is a priority standard which is godly and morally acceptable. And, then there is the sorry alternative, which finds its sinful expression in the fallen nature [Genesis 3]. Without the continual mirror of Creator God’s guidance and Words, politicians are sure to fall short and fail every single time, upholding their worthy profession. It is the shameful practice of their profession which makes for poor politics and the “Playing” of those politics. Selfishness and greed spoil what could often be fair and equitable for the masses of USA residents which they are supposed to represent. The more politicians propose laws contradicting the absolutes of Holy Scripture, the greater the resulting implications and problems our culture encounters. The simple directives of Scripture’s lessons in economics, if, opposed, naturally spell financial disaster. Such is the case with our USA today.

I wish that I could paint a rosy picture. I wish that I could currently reflect my country’s political leaders with words of praise, but I cannot. Our beloved country is at a new all time low for having elected a man as president who has supported infanticide and does not cherish the embodiment of “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”


Note: President Barack Obama's Record of the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act -Documents Relating to the Illinois State Senate Born-Alive Infants Protection Act

I live in a town of approximately 35,000 people and our town’s mayor has made it a political priority to attempt to coax the bad role model, Madonna, to accept the “Key” to the city, in which she was born. Somehow he must think that this town would ultimately benefit. My suspicions are that he would like to use Madonna's noteriety to help spur some economic tourist growth. He doesn't apparently understand [or care] how he has now become a bad role model when he in contradiction gives youth awards for genuine exemplary behavior and then as Mayor invites a poor role model to be the town's highlight. He should know better but he is apparently doing what he thinks is “esteemed among men.” However, Christ’s Words are eternal. Christ said that “…..what is highly esteemed among men [the public] is an abomination in the sight of God.”
[Luke 16:15]

If you do not believe in absolutes:

Friend, if you do not believe in absolutes, I pity you. If you do not trust in your Creator Christ
[Colossians 1:16] for your existence and future resting place, I further pity you. The Scriptures state that in your sinful state you cannot of your own [doing] come to recognize and confess your Creator. [Matthew 13:17] That means that you and your sinful state will never find eternal rest -- apart from the Mercy of the Triune God. It means that you must all alone, “pay the piper” for your sins against a holy and just God who must, because of His holiness, damn you and your sins in a place created, called, “Hell.” [Matthew 25:31-46]

But there is hope that no earthly politician can offer you. There is the promise of Almighty God that He is a loving and forgiving God – ready and willing to pardon you – if, you would but acknowledge your sins and put your faith and trust in Him.
[Luke 18:9-14 ; Luke 23: 39-43] May you leave your politically correct mentality, behind, and may God’s Holy Spirit call you by His Gospel to receive the truth in Christ. [John 1:1-13 ; Matthew 7:13-29 ; John 18:37 ; John 3:14-21 ; and verse, 36] Amen.

NOTE: The previous message [above] and the related Scriptures below can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship

This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:

Old Testament:

1 Samuel 16 – An Old Testament historical example of Luke 16:15

Isaiah 55:8-9 – The Lord thinks differently than does His creation

Psalm 147:10-11 – The priority with which the Lord takes pleasure

New Testament

Luke 16:1-15 –Christ’s Parable of the Unjust Steward and His teaching following that parable

1 Peter 3:3-4 and 1 Peter 5:5 –Scriptures dealing with what impresses God

Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Note for further reference and understanding:

T
he Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?

Please Note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and, or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.


Rev. Nathan Bickel – Bay City, Michigan

Saturday, May 9, 2009

An Understanding of the USA Culture – A Christian Perspective (5/10/09)

NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship

There has been a recent push by certain political homosexual activists and USA politicians to force upon the American public a so-called “Hate crimes” law. Apparently it is not enough to prosecute and imprison criminals for traditional reasons of heinous sins against one’s fellowman, such as murder and rape. Now, homosexual activists and their kowtow politicians want to take [anti-First Amendment] extreme steps of charging people with [intended] hatred, if they should be found disagreeing with the homosexual agenda and lifestyle.

Mind you – there is plenty of legislation on the law books to adequately assure that those who commit crime are adequately charged, indicted, found guilty, sentenced and imprisoned. But certain homosexual activists have somehow persuaded politicians to enact legislation that would target patriotic free speaking Americans who believe in traditional culture and mores and to make it possible to charge them with a hate [“thought”] crime:

“'Pedophile Protection Act' stirs 200K letters to Senate -- Congressman: 'Hate crimes' would 'break' Constitution”


How did our nation come to the point of holding patriotic citizens suspect for their particular religious beliefs?

Sadly and pathetically our country has drifted from the patriotic freedoms that encompassed its beginnings. The Christian Faith was not viewed on, as an impediment to society but rather a boon. The founding and framing fathers never understood the practice of Christianity as a negative force but as a very positive and compelling force that was a type of moral insurance policy which helped promulgate the very freedoms of “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
http://wallbuilders.com/

Throughout the years, the definition of “Tolerance,” has come to be something totally different than it has been traditionally understood.


Presently (and, pathetically) “Tolerance” towards one’s fellowman has been perverted to mean that one cannot in good conscience as a good citizen regard his or her personal beliefs and value system to be any better than anyone else’s. And, if anybody does value his or her value system as “Superior,” than that person is, not “Politically Correct.” They are to be categorized as biased and bigoted and branded as a “Hatemongers.” In order to be “Politically Correct,” one must regard his neighbor’s beliefs and values as equal to his. And, it doesn’t matter if that neighbor is the neighborhood’s most problematic neighbor – drunken and noise (nuisance) disorderly.

Even our nation’s judicial system has bought into the “Political Correctness” of the culture -- and seeks out other countries' law practices as legal measuring sticks to our own USA laws. This type of practice is “Multicultural” in nature, as it is now a grievous “sin” to elevate our own USA legal traditions above that of developing 3rd world countries.

Reasons [immoral excuses] for the elevation of the dogma of “Political Correctness:”

There is one political party that has largely bought into the dogma belief and practice of “Political Correctness.” It is the Democrat Party. It boasts that it is an umbrella type political party that is huge and broad enough to include everyone – no matter what belief or personal practice. And, because it strictly believes in its self imposed doctrine of Political Correctness, it will not discipline its own members for their various immoral practices. But true to [traditionally intolerant form] this particular political party will call for the opposition party to ostracize and remove its member politicians when they have morally erred.

Part of the Political Correctness dogma is that no one should have offense directed their way. No one should be made to feel “out of the loop;” inferior or disliked. Why? Because every USA citizen is to be treated with tolerance and respect – at least, so goes the liberal line. There are exceptions though. Pre-born babies and Christians don’t count nor do they qualify for Political Correctness tolerance. The pre-born aren’t human and Christians believe in absolutes. They are not to be afforded the tolerance time of day, so trumpeted by the Political Correct crowds.

One of the egregious perversions of Political Correctness is the molestation of the English language. Here is a “For instance:”

“…….An example of “Stereotyping,” is what homosexual activists do to committed Christians who disagree with their lifestyle and their push to over-turn history’s definition of “Marriage.” These homosexual activists are quick and ready to “label” certain Christians as being “Homophobes.” However, we must remember that this word, in itself, is wrongly utilized, as it actually means from its etymology: “Fear of man,” -- not “Fear of homosexuals.” But I think you gather the idea here. Stereotyping can be a maniacal and malevolent political tool, used by activists of any cause, to hijack the English language and turn it into propaganda fodder…… [The Divine perspective – The Righteous and the Ungodly (5/3/09)]

Pontius Pilate’s attempted practice of Political Correctness was Creator God’s means to effect genuine and eternal “Correctness:”

Almighty God’s Creative “Correctness:”

The Hebrew Scriptures prophesied [hundreds of years before “it” happened] that the Christ of human history would be sacrificed for human sin [Isaiah 53] Christ’s words [especially portrayed in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”] – that He would make “all things new,” is God’s creative work upon the human scene. That work [in effect] makes all the world’s and all the politician’s Political Correctness absurd and of no consequence.

For those of you who have accepted hook, line and sinker the false dogma of Political Correctness -- be aware that:

Christ’s special birth; sinless life; suffering; death and resurrection are historical reality. It is an absolute and renders the human dogmas of Political Correctness and Multiculturalism to be null and void. All of your belief and practice of Political Correctness won’t save or deliver your soul from God’s just pronouncement and judgment because of your life’s sins against His holy commandments. [Jeremiah 17:10 ; Romans 2:5-9 ; 2 Corinthians 5:10 ; Galatians 6:7-8]

What will you do with the Christ who not only created you [Colossians 1:16] but the Christ who died for you [John 3:14-21] And, what will you do when you must stand before Him and give an account? [Matthew 25: 31-46] By the grace of God, you will come to your spiritual senses and finally realize His absolute truth. [John 18:37] Amen.


NOTE: The previous message [above] and the related Scriptures below can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship

This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:

Old Testament:

Psalm 9 -- The Lord God has prepared his eternal throne for judgment

New Testament Gospel:

Matthew 7 -- Some of Christ's teachings -- Christ believed, taught and lived absolute truth. See also: John 18:37

New Testament Epistle:

Romans 1: 16-32 -- The Spiritual Correctness with which Creator God measures all Political Correctness

Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.Note for further reference and understanding:

The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?

Please Note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and, or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.Rev.

Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan

Saturday, May 2, 2009

The Divine perspective – The Righteous and the Ungodly (5/3/09)

NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship

One of the most misunderstood Scriptures is Christ’s words about “Judging.” [Matthew 7:1] If there is one Scripture which unbelievers will know – it is this one. Both non-Christians and Christians, alike, are often of the opinion that a person should not be outspoken and critical of others. When confronted with their sinful lifestyles, non-Christians [and Christians] will utter their misinterpretation of Christ’s words as a rationalizing defense mechanism. Their mistake is that they fail to understand the very first verse of Matthew 7 in light of the entire chapter.

Christ was teaching about hypocritically “judging” others. For instance, a person should not criticize his neighbor’s dog for nuisance barking when he himself is not careful to control his own dog from disturbing the neighborhood’s peace and quiet.

When looking at any Scripture, it is important to allow Scripture to interpret itself and to understand particular Scriptures within their framed context. Christ cautioned about (hypocritical) judging, and then also warned his disciples that they could recognize false prophets by their “fruits.”
[Matthew 7:13-20] In essence, Christ called upon His disciples to be “fruit inspectors,” – to judge others by their very words and lifestyles.

When Cal Thomas, a syndicated Christian columnist wrote a commentary of Barack Obama, calling him a non-Christian, Mr. Thomas was not judging in the negative hypocritical sense. Cal Thomas supported his [seeming] “judgmental” assertions with the USA president’s own words; in light of Scripture's own words.


.......Obama can call himself anything he likes, but there is a clear requirement for one to qualify as a Christian and Obama doesn’t meet that requirement. One cannot deny central tenets of the Christian faith, including the deity and uniqueness of Christ as the sole mediator between God and Man and be a Christian. Such people do have a label applied to them in Scripture. They are called a “false prophet.” ... ["Barack Obama Is Not a Christian" -- by Cal Thomas]

The Politically Correct Culture of today frowns on calling out [criticizing] certain [peoples'] belief and lifestyle distinctions:

Political correctness would bring reproach upon any individual like Cal Thomas for being so outspoken. After all, Mr. Obama is now the USA president and he is, [according to the Politically Correct crowd] to be held in such high esteem that he should not be subject to such a critical analysis. However, my Bible says that Mr. Obama like everyone else will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
[2 Corinthians 5:10]

The Divine perspective:

Hear or read the first
10 Chapters of Psalms and if you listen closely enough you will hear the distinct words: "righteous, ungodly, wicked, blood thirsty, deceitful, godly, workers of iniquity, wickedness and heathen." In God’s eyes there is no political correctness to be had. You are either righteous, or, you are wicked. You are either godly or ungodly. There are no grays with God. You are either one of His sheep or one of the goats. [Matthew 25:31-46]

Christ’s Parable of the man who had no wedding garment:

To be sure, Christians are not perfect by any means. Those who believe in Christ and make it their soul’s desire to please him by lip confession and life’s profession
[Matthew 7:13-29] remain sinners while they traverse this earth. But the difference between a genuine believer and a non believer is the soul’s “covering.” Christ’s Parable of the Wedding Feast and the man who had no wedding garment, underscores this eternal and priceless distinction. [Matthew 22:1-14]

Friend, if you aren’t clothed with the righteous, sin [blood] covering forgiving garments [clothes] of Christ, you will be faced at the end of your life, attempting to “go it alone.” To be sure, you will be entering eternity on your own – and, to do that will be, what the Scriptures describe, eternal damnation.
[Mark 16:16 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:12 ; Matthew 24:11-13] Your life with all of your sins against God’s Ten Commandments – both against God and your fellowman, will follow you, uncovered, [by Christ's all encompassing forgiveness] and will haunt you forever and ever. There will be no rest for your "living" soul but only utter loneliness and suffering, because you will have rejected your Creator Savior. [John 3:14-21 ; Luke 16:19-31]

It is never too late, baring the cessation of human breath, to seek the Lord and His Righteousness.
[Philippians 3:9] Better to be forgiven and to enter death’s door with the righteous [forgiveness] clothing of Christ, than to enter eternity, naked, marked and tarnished, with ones’ own [damning] sins. Amen.

NOTE: The previous message [above] and the related Scriptures below can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship

This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:

Old Testament:

Psalms 1-10 -- Scripture's clear distinction of the godly and ungodly; righteousness and wickedness

New Testament:

Matthew 22:1-14 -- Christ’s Parable of Wedding Feast and the man without a wedding garment

Matthew 7 – Christ’s priceless words – the difference between eternal life and eternal death

Ephesians 5: 8-14 -- Christ's disciples are called upon to expose the unfruitful works of darkness
______________________________________

"Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
Note for further reference and understanding:

The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?

Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.

Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan