Newton’s Third Law and the Death of Wisdom – Secularisms Sin is No Sin  by Rev Michael Bresciani

It doesn’t take a team of scientist and a ten year study to understand the basics of cause and effect. Whether it’s a sociological explanation or a scriptural tenant the same rule along with its associative principles appear as the immutable law of reciprocation.

Some call it karma while others use the more folksy phrase “what goes around, comes around” but by any other name it is still best summarized by the words of the Apostle Paul who said “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Gal 6:7)

The results of ignoring the laws of reciprocation are evident all around us but perhaps in our hurry up world no one has the time or the inclination to give it any serious thought. The Bible warns that ignoring the simple rule of sowing and reaping will be part and parcel of the undoing of any generation but especially the last generation. The X generation may seem at home in an omega world where life is fast and cheap but the worst aspect of the rule of sowing and reaping is that if repeatedly ignored it destroys the growing field; that field can be a person, a community, a nation or ultimately the entire world.

To say that secularism is creeping into every aspect of our lives would be an anachronism because the entire world is already dangerously close to total secularization at this moment. Even harder would be trying to get anyone to recognize or admit that it has happened. It didn’t happen overnight but permanent changes rarely do. Negative changes have a way of clandestinely and slowly creeping into our social acceptance.

In a remark made by high profile law professor Alan Dershowitz about the recent escapades of Governor Eliot Spitzer he said “in twenty years people may laugh when someone is accused of adultery or involvement in prostitution.” Don’t look now Mr. Dershowitz but Hollywood has been making movies about these things and making people laugh for the past twenty years.

The days when the Sheriff gave the gay guy cruising around town looking for young men twenty four hours to get out of town have changed but again; not overnight. On April 10, 2008 AP writer Nedra Pickler reported that presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama said that the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy of the Pentagon “...doesn’t make us more safe.”

Only a brief list of causes would be enough to see why the effects of secularism are inevitable. We say the preachers are a nuisance with calls to a higher morality because they have only the Bible to support their claims. Do the math. If the Bible is actually God’s word do they need anything else for support?

So what is the math? One blogger recently asked me that very question. I was tempted to ask if he had heard of two and two makes four but I thought he might be insulted. It is almost that simple! Let’s see.

Evolutionist say we are the offspring of lower forms most notably apes and monkeys. Few of them have noticed the growing science of creationism and the growing number of scientist that are offering proof to the contrary. But let’s stick to causes. Essentially if we did not come from God (not created) then we do not have to answer to God. Say hello to one of the most powerful lies of the twenty first century and say goodbye to any semblance of accountability.

Along come the psychiatrists who have started off in their discipline denying that man is tripartite (body, mind and spirit) and have had to warn, manipulate and pound away at the problem of guilt in their dealings with the human condition. The Bible says Christ has dealt with guilt once and for all but why should we accept something that simple and approachable. A deep, dark and complicated science with its own language and terms seems more trustworthy to minds that trust only other minds.

Modern psychology has become a mere study in second causes. Perhaps it’s the science of excuses! From Freud to Skinner the rap is the same; someone or something else is to blame. It’s our overbearing father or some oppressive authority figure but why not also offer absolution from responsibility due to traumatic childhood experiences of any kind? Transmutation of guilt is dealing with it; but not very honestly after all.

Sociology steps up next both as a science and a set of behavioral norms, mores and folkways that creep into the general psyche by means of “the common wisdom of the day.” If something is accepted as normal behavior and repeated enough in everyday conversation it is here to stay. No science, no investigation not even any serious thought needed.

A good example of sociological claptrap or common wisdom is the current acceptance of the notion that children should not be subjected to any form of corporeal punishment. Ignoring the Biblical admonition the states have been pushing for no spank laws very successfully in the last five years with California leading the pack.

It makes sense. If there is no sin why should anyone be punished at all? A firm rebuke, some counseling and a hearty helping of encouragement is all that is called for in today’s view. Now all that is left is crime and how to explain that.  Geneticist are now flirting with the idea that it’s all in our genes and only those who are genetically predisposed to commit crime will actually become a criminals. Shouldn’t we all feel much safer now?

The secularist can envision a world where no one is punished for anything and cannot imagine a world where God holds us accountable for everything. The Apostle Paul must seem like a raving madman for saying “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (Ro 2:16) The indignity of suggesting God holds individuals accountable gives way to horror when the promise of collective judgment is inferred.

Secularism cringes at the idea that God would use nature as in a hurricane or tornado, or our enemies to scourge us with terrorist attacks or outright warfare. The secular viewpoint has no difficulty ignoring about a dozen verses in Exodus that promise a blessing for heeding Gods commands and over fifty verses in the same passage that warn of the problems and calamities that will beset us if we ignore them. The idea that that punishing our kids is not necessary is something we expect God to take very seriously as well; or he can just pack up his stuff and hit the road.

This list has only touched a few of the causes that Newton’s third law would invoke but the list is very long in reality. Hollywood’s contribution to the third law would outstrip almost all other causes the least of which would be the wimping of the American male and the worship of the female physique by young males. A matriarchal society would be too authoritarian for Hollywood but a feminocracy is not.

Hollywood may have finally come to terms with the fact that it cannot completely remove faith in God from the American landscape so it does the next best thing. It renders God impotent by means of philosophical tripe, visually spectacular sense bombardment and mindless aggrandizement of celebrities who will gladly attest to God’s failures and their own successes.

It would take a thousand articles to describe the effects concomitant to all of this according to Newton’s third but a reasonable article has only about a thousand words. I think I’m already there. But why leave the reader hanging? Ripped right out of today’s headlines here are just a few of the results of ignoring the laws of reciprocation.

It is hard not to see that the occurrences of only the past week are surely the effects of the above list of causes. Included is some intense and dangerous physical activity with not much thought and no spirituality. Also included is behavior that may be more akin to that of monkeys coming from youngsters that obviously have never been spanked or punished in any way. The lack of accountability is conspicuously non existent.

In Florida six cheerleaders lured a classmate to a house where they beat her beyond recognition all the while they were videotaping the mauling which they intended to send to You Tube. In Georgia a group on nine third graders was charged with plotting the murder of their teacher. On late night TV a presidential candidate made a joke of telling an elaborate lie to everyone in America then went on to explain why she is the best choice to be our next president. Another presidential candidate refused to distance himself from a racist pastor while contritely confessing that the gay press may think he is not showing them “enough love.” (AP April 10, 2008 the Advocate)

Secularism has taken on an almost elite status in the minds of pseudo intellectuals but it lacks any promise of a hopeful outcome. If observed under the intensity of the laws of reciprocation including Newton’s third, such scrutiny would render it false and ludicrously stupid. No one, no philosophy and no amount of time can remove even the simplest tenants of the immutable laws of reciprocity. Its here to stay!

Godless secularism may seem like the birth of real intelligence but it is a false hope at the least and a wholesale perversion of the truth when compared to God’s word. The wisest man on earth with the exception of the Savior was the ancient King Solomon. He said “The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)

One of the fastest and safest means to teach or to grasp Biblical theology is to view a theological premise in a converse fashion. Applying this principle to Solomon’s words would render Proverbs 9:10 something like this. “The lack of fear (reverence) for the Lord is the death of all wisdom”

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Internet Television is the Future for Christian Ministries – LifeStream TVs Top Man Tells Why  by Martin Bertello

Recently WDC Media, the world’s fastest growing public relations firm informed the press of an all new service they call the Big4. It is a cross media combination of the most powerful way to get out the Christian message since the printing press.

Media technology is changing rapidly and searching for TV and radio time for Christian programming is no longer the only choice or even the best choice. Church services, pastoral messages, Christian news programming, entertainment, films and evangelism can be presented to the public on a global scale as never before with live streaming technology. What is it all about?

First it is a chance to carry out the great commission of Matthew 28:19-20. This motive alone is what makes internet TV the most desirable media platform on the planet at this time. This is the media for those who still believe the message of the gospel is the miracle for a troubled and needy world.

Over one billion people worldwide have internet access and 845 million people a day use the internet regularly. By 2010 over 413 million households will be using high speed broadband or similar connections. The real clincher is that the lines between internet and TV are disappearing rapidly. Now anything that can be brought up on the computer can be played on the TV. New technology will be combining all media into single access point. Radio, TV, films, commerce, reference and everything else will be at a single station.

Not just America and Western Europe are experiencing a run toward interactive media through a single source. Third world nations are getting onboard the high speed internet train and Latin America has seen a 70 percent growth since 2004. Africa is seeing a 400 percent increase in broadband use. It is a worldwide phenomenon with implications for the Christian message that cannot be ignored. It may actually be the capstone for the fulfillment of Christ’s declaration in Matthew 24:14 of a time when the gospel would be preached in every nook and cranny on the globe.

Devin Stewart the president of LifeStream.tv the leading provider of technology and equipment for multipurpose media production facilitation has given so much information that barely an outline is all there is room for here. But what an intriguing outline it is!

The potential of live streaming the gospel message is accentuated by the growing list of LifeStream TV’s ministries that are already onboard. Dr. Myles Munroe, Christian TV Network, The Church Channel, Joyce Meyer, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Mark Barclay, Pastor John K. Jenkins, Billy Joe Daugherty and TBN are just a few of the visionary ministries that are using Internet Television.

“Our goal at LifeStream.tv is too make it easy and affordable for Pastors and ministries to expand their voice to the masses.  The world of television has become a level playing field and even small ministries with limited budgets can also reach their local city, state, country or the entire world through the omni-reach of the internet” says Stewart of LifeStream.tv”

The essence of LifeStream.tv is simply to get the message out. It not only allows ministries to broadcast worldwide 24/7 but helps the ministries to manage, develop and archive video events, live events, church services, evangelistic services, teaching, instructional material and above all it is totally interactive. Even past services or events can be “re-purposed” according to Stewart and used to reach millions globally.

The question on everyone’s mind is how much does all this cost? It varies according to your needs and your vision but the good news is this; it is only a fraction of the cost of regular TV and radio time and production. The advantages of interactive media are not mere perks used to convince clients, they are in fact; what makes the difference that TV and radio will never be able to offer now or in the future.

For starters there is no need to write down web addresses or make phone calls. Communication, responses, feedback, ordering products, making donations and more are available right where the presentation is being streamed to the internet, cell phone and ever more TVs with multimedia platforms. The “all in one platform” is gaining in popularity and after the switch to total digital in 2009 it is expected to skyrocket. The high speed or broadband market is growing at about 30 percent a year. Put simply it’s a message and means situation; if you’ve got the message internet television technology has got the means.

Internet Television is expected to cause deep shifts in the broadcast industry. Viewers will be able to watch streaming videos from their internet ready TVs without having to log on to laptops and desktops. Both cable and satellite networks will carry streaming channels so they can add to their offerings. The cost of producing and showing content will be driven down. The variety of specialized content will increase exponentially. People with visions of the gospel being preached worldwide will meet with people who have a vision of these technological changes and the world will be changed.

Another great advantage of the Internet Television platform is that viewers are not constrained by their own schedules. Events and services can be seen at anytime and viewers won’t need to miss a thing. If they can’t get back to the TV that’s OK too because they can watch at any time they choose. Internet Television content can be viewed on laptop, PDA, desktop, cell phone and the TV.

Internet Television will change forever the meaning of the word “evangelism.” Internet evangelism is virtually geographically unlimited. Content can be seen in every country in the world. Broadband Internet Television reaches every part of the globe simultaneously bypassing borders, government broadcasting restrictions and ethnic barriers. The simplest website with stat reports can draw counter hits from every corner of the globe which is proof plenty of live Internet Television’s unlimited potential for ministries that get onboard now.

Even on the local level ministries can be enhanced and made far more effective because now they can reach adherents in a much broader way. Shut-ins and people forced to stay home during illnesses can still receive the best of their chosen ministries. Those who travel for a living or are on vacation can stay abreast of their church services and ministries. Bad weather, transportation problems and any unforeseen eventuation will not keep anyone from enjoying the activities and messages from their chosen ministries.

Interactive content and videos have a far greater appeal than simple TV viewing. It may be both the deepest and the most radical change in reaching the lost for Christ the world will ever see. Instead of ruing the changes that are sweeping our world we can be thankful for one change that may help to usher in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is more than a technology it is technology that is connected to a promise.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come. (Mt 24:14)

Martin Bertello is a freelance writer covering religious news, Christianity, politics, current events, movie reviews and much more. He is a regular contributor to The Website for Insight and http://www.usareligiousnews.com

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Fox Business News followed by Live Prayer?  by Rev Michael Bresciani

No, the title is not a misprint, starting Sunday night March 30 at 1:00am EDT (actually Monday on the East Coast) Evangelist Bill Keller will storm the air for one half hour with his long running controversial LivePrayer.com broadcast on the Fox Business Channel.

Fox’s Neil Cavuto, David Asman and Dave Ramsey will wind up their day long before Evangelist Bill Keller makes the screen but in the wee hours of the morning late Sunday night one of America’s most outspoken evangelists will be talking to people about Jesus.

Keller could talk about stocks and business because he has been well trained in business but for over eighteen years now he has dedicated himself to the preaching of the gospel. He has been called many things by the press because he has called politicians, preachers and celebs to answer for their extravagance or dishonesty but always as it pertains to the Bible and decency.

Keller is a man of many sides. He is a preacher, a prophet and a patriot but also a man of prayer which he takes very seriously. He believes that the most powerful tool he can us to pry America away from its appalling decline is prayer. He does pray for the 2.4 million subscribers to his LivePrayer website, he prays for America and starting this month he will be praying publicly for many people via Fox Business.

Keller is different than most evangelists in that he refuses to preach to a circuit of only believers. He says he has done that but chose to leave the security of the “Christian base” where, if he stayed, after some hard work both his finances and his future would be secured. He says the gospel is for everyone so he brings it to secular TV, internet and venues like his recent successful crusade at the famous Florida State Fair where people have never heard the gospel before.

The ancient prophets weren’t found preaching in the synagogues or the Temple very much. They were heard daily in some cases on the streets, in the market places and at public meeting places.

Keller conducts himself much in the same way as the ancient prophets and he his message is very much like the prophet Isaiah or Jeremiah.

A look at Keller’s ministry and a study of the prophets would produce the same results in some ways. Known to few is the fact that while the ancient prophets blasted Israel and the surrounding nations for there sinfulness, they were after all patriots and lovers of there own nation. Some of them tried to get out of speaking for God by running away, making excuses or holding back in fear. In the end they all obeyed God but all were subject to great sorrows because they knew God meant business…no, not the kind of business you’ll find on Fox. Keller is more than able to explain what kind of business God is talking about.

Although Bill has been heartily criticized for his stand against Mitt Romney’s religion, Oprah’s New Age leanings and Obama’s meteoric unchecked rise in the American voters minds he is extremely soft spoken and is always a gentleman. His knowledge of the Bible is unquestionable and his theology is sound. If TV watchers can get over their initial shock when they see how forthright he is they will have something to learn.

Bill has been the host of one of TV’s most popular live programs since 2003. His show was seen on CBS affiliate stations in Tampa and later in both Jacksonville and West Palm Beach Florida. His daily “LivePrayer” show can be seen courtesy of live streaming television everyday from Monday to Friday between 10 and 11pm EDT.

To see Keller on Fox Business Channel you will have to check with your local cable listings. If you are using DirecTV it will be aired on channel 359

Bill is geared for his new show and so are many people who enjoy watching him on the internet. Keller will no doubt stir controversies but he will represent Christ in a learned, honest and insightful manner as he has on all his broadcasts.

Bill says “" I am excited for this door the Lord has opened for us to bring a Biblical perspective to the top stories of the day, as well as help people going through the problems of life we all face like financial problems, health issues, the death of someone we love, addictions, marital strife, wayward children, employment challenges, and all of the rest of the problems everyone faces in the course of living their lives."

Keller’s entire purpose and the way he places himself in the middle of the secular world to present Christ is perhaps the best way to understand the meaning of Romans 5: 20 “…But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.”

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Dumping Pastors to Get Elected – Theology America Does Not Understand  by Rev M. Bresciani

Bible schools and seminaries may have to teach freshmen the difference between liberal and conservative theology but there is little hope of getting the average American to understand the difference.

If you are Catholic the epistemology or the body of knowledge you refer to see if things are orthodox or conservative would be ex-cathedra or Papal encyclicals and Catholic dogma. Although it is not always that clear even Catholic teachings are supposed to be derived from the Bible. For the protestant the only guide is the scriptures, the Bible alone.

In today’s climate of “religious tolerance” it is more important for a person to allow all and any religious beliefs as some kind of area where everyone can be right. It is not politically correct to suggest anyone could actually be mistaken or mislead or outright deceived. Have we already forgotten Jim Jones or the Japanese cult that attacked the subways with poison? No, not all religions are OK. Even sincerity is a lousy substitute for the truth as in the genuine and sincere concern of the Doctor who prescribes the wrong medicines that result in someone’s death. Sincere; yes, but wouldn’t accurate (the truth) be a better deal?

Political advisors are now calling for Barack Obama to dump Rev. Wright and John McCain is being coerced to dump Evangelist and Pastor Rod Parsley who McCain says is his “spiritual guide.” You’ve got to wonder how the politicos got so much spiritual savvy so soon. In fact, they didn’t and here’s why.

On Friday March 14, 2008, Barack Obama spent a great deal of time trying to answer CNN's Anderson Cooper who fired questions to Barack about whether he knew about Rev. Wrights racist remarks made from the pulpit. Barack said he didn’t hear those remarks and said he would have stood up and walked out if he had. Barack was not as clear about whether he may have heard about the racist remarks from others.

In his usual “everything rolls off me” style Sen. Obama rehearsed his twenty year history of attendance and baptisms at Rev Wright’s church. He referred to Rev Wrights standing and reputation as a well known preacher especially in the black churches.  

In a less than shining attempt to explain the possible reasons Rev. Wright made the now famous remarks it sounded like the last minute advice given to a patient by his therapist about feeling guilty. He suggested that Rev Wright’s feelings came from the social upheavals of the sixties civil rights struggle as if that would explain it away. The Farrrakhanese in Rev Wright’s recent remarks cannot be missed and it goes without saying that Rev Martin Luther King’s remarks were also a product of the sixties, who would dare compare the words of these two men.

Now some are advising John McCain to dump Pastor Rod Parsley the leader of the World Harvest Church of Columbus Ohio. The Times Online said in an article on March 13, 2008 “A number of prominent US weblogs demanded he reject the support of Reverend Rod Parsley, of the World Harvest Church of Columbus, an influential televangelist and political figure who campaigned alongside him in the run up to the Ohio primary.” Reasons given for advising Sen. McCain to dump Rev. Parsley said the Times Online “The leader of a 12,000-member megachurch, Mr. Parsley has written several books detailing his fundamentalist views, including the 2005 Silent No More. In this contentious work, Mr. Parsley castigates homosexuals, abortionists, the entertainment industry and civil libertarians before turning his attention to the perceived threat to the United States from Muslims.”

The common mistake of referring to Biblical theology as fundamentalism works only if someone is speaking in broad religious generalities. Silent no More may seem “contentious” to the Times Online but to the believer Parsley is obediently carrying out the command to “contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3) As for “perceived threats” to the United States from radical Muslims, 9/11 makes that phrase and the meaning it implies seem almost sacrilegious.

Sound Biblical doctrine would put Rev. Parsley up for a commendation for his views. Those with only an iota of common sense and no theology at all are also blasting homosexuals, the entertainment industry, abortionists and civil libertarians. This is sound Biblical doctrine not the ranting of a rogue fundamentalist pastor from a wimpy cultural church in the burbs. Christian conservatives would have to break with Parsley as well as many Catholics, Charismatics, Evangelicals, Pentecostals and a swarm of independent church goers who hold these Biblically derived beliefs. Don’t hold your breath waiting for that, we won’t wear scarlet for anyone. More on that when Rev John Hagee becomes the subject.

Rev Parsley is being eviscerated in the media for exclaiming that the Muslim religion is false and based on a “demon spirit.” Once again the Bible clearly indicates that God has not, nor will he ever send a long list of saviors, avatars and religious leaders to set things in order. He has promised to send only one person, his own begotten Son as the Savior of a sinful world. He has already done that and Christ said all who show up declaring that they are another way to God are thieves and robbers. (Jn 10: 1-10) Parsley is only holding lines we are all holding to who trust the scriptures.

Even those who cannot agree that the Muslim religion is false are hard pressed to disagree with the fact that it is deadly. Between 9/11 and thousands of subsequent violent terrorist acts committed worldwide under the banner of Islam, a person would have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to see that it is a violent, implacable religion that takes no prisoners. Why are we so ready to condemn racial hatred but so willing to wink at religious hatred? Has PC and ultra religious tolerance shrunk our collective conscience? Can we actually become intellectual giants and spiritual pygmies all at the same time? Whose doctrine is that? Hasn’t Parsley nailed that?

McCain is also being questioned for his connection to Pastor and TV Evangelist John Hagee. This time it’s about Rev Hagee’s references to the Catholic Church being the “scarlet clothed harlot” found in Revelation chapter seventeen. The scarlet clad woman has always been referred to as the apostate church that cuddles up to the Antichrist, the world’s last dictator. That means “all” the apostate churches not just the Catholics. Those who give up Biblical teachings for religious soupiness and liberal fluff will increase as the rule of the antichrist approaches. Catholics have no exclusivity in this area. John Hagee? Good company many would say.

Many believe that for holding sound biblical doctrine no pastor should be dumped. It is not just doctrine the Rev Wright has brought to question but basic Christian behavior. Hatred is not part of true Christianity nor is cursing America. Check it for yourself!

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20)

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Trinity Broadcasting Network Honored by Parents Television Council  by Rev M. Bresciani

Almost 50 years ago FCC Commissioner Newton N. Minow gave his speech titled “Television and the Public Interest.”  If the top communications dog had little good to say about TV in May of 1961 what would he say about it today?

What would Commissioner Minow so well known for his “vast wasteland” speech say about television today? In fact it would be a scathing assessment by any stretch of the imagination considering what he thought of the tube’s best offerings in 1961. Minow said “I invite you to sit down in front of your television set when your station goes on the air and stay there without a book, magazine, newspaper, profit-and-loss sheet or rating book to distract you — and keep your eyes glued to that set until the station signs off. I can assure you that you will observe a vast wasteland."

Commissioner Minow’s “Vast Wasteland” speech was and is resounded across the globe to this day. Why, because what was bad then has graduated to unbelievable, or is it un-mentionable in today’s TV offerings.

Rather than being the light at the end of the tunnel TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) under the leadership of Paul and Jan Crouch may be the only light in the tunnel. The prestigious Parents and Television Council (PTC) agrees with this broad assessment of TBN and not without good reason.

On February 29, 2008, the PTC awarded its much coveted “Entertainment Seal of Approval” to TBN, JCTV and Jan Crouch’s “Smile of a Child.” The approval from the PTC is hard won because it requires that the programming must offer positive family values and decency. It is what PTC doesn’t want to see that is also the measure by which the award is given. It turns out that what PTC doesn’t want to see is exactly the same as what most concerned and responsible parents don’t want to see. There must be no sex, violence or profanity for the PTC to even give the programming the nod.

WDC Media quoted William Binford the director of Verizon FiOS TV in a press release issued February 28, 2008. Binford said “Providing the full complement of TBN services gives our customers many opportunities to view wholesome programming that is appropriate for the entire family to watch together."

TBN has been offering an alternative to slipshod broadcasting for nearly four decades now and it seems to be getting better even as the rest of TV is approaching the speed of disgusting. TBN offers JCTV, a fabulous alternative to cartoon and anime tripe and reality shows that foster selfishness and prurient themes. Extreme sports, reality shows, Teen talk, and shows like the hilarious Pastor Greg are filling the gap for families who have gone to the edge where the TV almost gets thrown into the trash.

Dr. Ted Baehr a contributing writer for The World Net Daily and the chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission and the publisher of the best movie review site on the internet, “MOVIEGUIDE” says “Bravo” to TBN. Others around the broadcasting world are adding their accolades as well.

The difference TBN makes is love. If we love our own children it is good but according to Christ that is not enough. In fact to just love your own is only entry level behavior in God’s kingdom. Jesus asked the question “For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.” (Luke 6:32) TBN loves all children across the globe and shows that love to them with the finest broadcasting standards in the world.

In the secular world view the death of innocence allegedly gives rise to heightened wisdom and personal freedom. Any world view can be simply reversed to discover the will of God. Secular views are always diametrically opposed to God’s revealed will.

The secular view says the death of innocence is good for all of civilization and is a tacit promise of utopia when we finally work out the kinks and problems, a job relegated to evolutionary processes. In other words “don’t hold your breath.” God says that is hooey and demands that we give up the silly notion that deep adulthood provides life’s answers.

But if you can’t take God at his word take Commissioner Minow’s sage advice, take a day to watch TV, no , just a couple of hours. Evolutionary processes, if they were even remotely legitimate, can never catch up to the speed of our moral decline. TV is the proof of that!

The Bible requires that we give up selfishness and childishness but never asks us to give up love and childlikeness. The folks at TBN seem to understand this and I give them a hearty “bravo” as well for their much deserved award.

Christ summed up the whole matter with a just a few words “Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 18:13)

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Obama's All New and Impregnable Firewall – It’s About America  by Rev Michael Bresciani

Barack Obama has silenced and nearly shamed Hillary in the latest round of debates including the recent remarks made by Clinton about Obama’s changes being something you can Xerox.

Some reports say five and others say up to six times people have fainted in Obama’s political rallies. You tube is showing several of the incidents and bloggers are sliding off into two camps about the matter. Progressives are offering explanations about standing in long lines, weather conditions and exhaustion.

Conservatives are not convinced and on The Amboy Times February 16, 2008 online, one blog excerpt says “A Wall Street Journal writer, James Taranto, has uncovered a hilarious and puzzling coincidence at 5 different Sen. Obama campaign speeches over the last few months, including the recent speech in Seattle. Dori and listeners have found one other Sen. Obama incident posted on YouTube where a person near the stage faints. Sen. Obama responds to each incident with the same routine and phrases.”

We have seen the frenzy at Obama’s gatherings and now we have the fainting but the newest addition to the impervious image of the dem’s Golden Boy is the clichéd firewall he is heard repeating after every criticism or question put before him. His applauded reply when asked even the hardest questions is “it’s not about… it’s about America.

Even his opponents have to admit as verbal devices employed in political rhetoric go, it is without parallel. Who can fight it, who dares say otherwise? Silence is all that is left to the naysayer. Or is it?

Sen. Obama can make all the promises he wants to the reality is that all we have to go on to date is his record as a US Senator. It is that record that speaks not just the loudest but the most accurately. Barack Obama is at the very least someone who is true to himself and what he believes. This is the reason conservatives are cringing at the prospect of some four to eight years with Barack Obama at the helm of the most powerful yet teetering nation on the globe.

Without getting excessively philosophical it is the “true believer” that can do either the most good or the most harm for any nation. We are not talking about belief in the gospel or the Bible but belief in his own vision for the United States.

Hitler, Mussolini, Mao, and Stalin were all true believers. Nero, Antiochus Epiphanies and Caligula were all true believers. No I am not putting Barack Obama on a scale with these people. What I am doing is reminding the wise of the efficacy contained in the old adage that “sincerity is no substitute for the truth.”

Before a single word can be said about visions it does well to remember that most democrats, liberals or frenzied supporters of the Obama campaign will never read a single word of the criticism of Mr. Obama’s vision. The New York Times won’t rush to quote anything here and the Washington Post may as well be on Saturn. In fact, although it is purely subjective and hard to prove I would say that at least some of the conservative rags, blogs and online sites seem to be increasingly on the defensive if not squeamish about hard anti Obama rhetoric. It is hard to tell if they are being civil or if they have been dazzled a bit themselves.

Rather than being silenced, embarrassed or ashamed by Obama’s “It’s about America” retort to questions raised to him, it would be a simple matter of doing our homework. It indeed is “about America” and the difference that the conservatives see for America and the vision of Sen. Obama is the argument. His record is the evidence that his argument is faulty. Rather than being an effective firewall against all other ideas Obama’s very words are the answer to his argument.

What does Sen. Obama see for America? It is no secret that Sen. Obama’s voting record on abortion issues and gay issues is what makes his vision for America frightening. Martin Luther King may have had a dream but this African American is proposing a nightmare.

Not even conversion experiences can balance the inequity of Barack’s vision for America. Both Christianity Today and Belief net have questioned him and reprinted his apparent encounter with God. In his interview with Dan Gilgoff on Belief net, when asked if he had a conversion experience or if he was born again he replied with “It wasn't an epiphany. I didn't “fall out,” as they say in the black church. It was an emotional and spiritual progression, as well as an intellectual one. And it didn't happen overnight. What happened was that I felt drawn to the message of Jesus Christ and the power of the church to fortify people in their spiritual journeys. And, you know, in my heart, at least, I felt God's spirit beckoning me. So ultimately, as I write in [“The Audacity of Hope”], I submitted myself to his will, dedicated myself to discovering his truths.”

If this could be considered a conversion experience and it is as Barack says “a progression” that began when he submitted himself to his will,” can we expect the Senator to come to the conclusion that God was quite serious when he said homosexuality is an abomination and the killing of the unborn comes under the most disdained of all human behavior in Gods eyes, namely the shedding of innocent blood? (Jeremiah 22:3)

Should someone close to the Senator tell him that being drawn to a message is no more of a conversion experience than fainting at a political meeting? But even if it should be, all conversion experiences are open to the acid test of obedience. Christ tells everyone who claims to have an experience with him the same thing. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Mt. 7:21)

In a published statement about his vote against a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage Obama said in a press release June 7, 2006 from his office “I personally believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. But I also agree with most Americans, including Vice President Cheney and over 2,000 religious leaders of all different beliefs that decisions about marriage should be left to the states as they always have been.”

Vice Presidents and 2000 religious leaders are not the people we should be listening to about what a marriage is. It is the God who created us that has the last word here and not any one of the fifty states of this country. God has not relinquished his authority to state legislators and candidate Obama has no right or theological premise by which he can pass the buck to them.

Mr. Obama has stated on numerous occasions that we must depend on the responsibility of pregnant women to make the hard decision about whether to abort or not. 50 million abortions later isn’t it about time we admit that these women have taken the path of least resistance and not the hard road to personal responsibility? Marriage and abortion are matters not ever passed over by God to kings, prophets, judges or legislatures.

Yes, it is about America Senator Obama and your idea of what changes we need for our future will help to fulfill the dark prophecies of eschatology as found in the Bible. America could take a different stand as she always has. She could stand in the gap and be counted as one nation that won’t go the way of all flesh. This is more than an election time it is the very valley of decision for America.

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:14)

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Can the 2008 Election be won by a Slogan?  Rev M. Bresciani

Can a simple slogan sweep a candidate to victory in a presidential race? The shortest and most honest answer to that is simply; yes! It wouldn’t be the first time.

Campaign slogans are usually coined by the public, a newspaper or a very savvy campaign manager and a few by the candidates themselves. Like the battle cry of generals a slogan can be a rallying point that when repeated enough can stir whole armies to victory.

Slogans and campaign spins are as old as this country. Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 slogan was “Vote Yourself a Farm.” In 1844 Henry Clay’s ill fated slogan was “Who is James K. Polk” which was soon answered with “he is the eleventh President of the United States of America.” In the Carter campaign of 1976 the slogan that seemed best to fit Jimmy Carter’s down home Southerner image was “Not Just Peanuts” Who can forget Herbert Hoover’s “A Chicken in Every Pot” in the election of 1928.

Slogans largely fall into two categories. The first is a call to stay on track or return to what has been working. In 1864 Lincoln’s bid for the presidency used the slogan “Don’t Swap Horses in the Middle of the Stream.” Warren Harding used the slogan “Return to Normalcy” in the 1920 race. John Kerry used “Let America be America Again” in 2004 and who will ever forget Ronald Reagan’s “Are You Better off Than You Were Four Years Ago” in 1980.

The second kind of slogan most often used in presidential campaigns is a call for change or a whole new start. Barack Obama’s “It’s Our Time for Change” echoes both the 1976 campaign of Jimmy Carter “A Leader, For a Change” and Walter Mondale’s “America Needs a Change” in 1984.

Blasting crowds with simple slogans can stir up the best and the worst in Americans. From about 1850 to 1920 more people were lynched in America than all other countries combined throughout history. No doubt the slogan chanted loudly above the objections of the local sheriff or any other voice of reason was “String Em Up.” To the chagrin of both outlaw and innocent that slogan cost the lives of hundreds.

In the minds of some Americans it was a slogan that got O. J Simpson off the hook for a very gruesome murder. The slogan “If the Evidence Doesn’t Fit – You Must Acquit” was repeated hundreds of times to jurors who may have struggled with the complexities of DNA evidence but were prone to latch on to the Johnny Cochran’s catchy slogan with ease.

I attended two seminaries but graduated from one with the distinction of being one of only three Caucasians’ to graduate in its entire history. One of the most memorable times at that school was during the weekly chapel services. Some of the most inspiring sermons I have ever heard were preached to the rhythm of the repeated slogan derived from the main theme of the sermon or a single part of a scripture passage. It was the iambic pentameter of the sermon the pulsing repetition that drove the message into the psyche. I have seen this kind of preaching countless times in black ministers since then and I know it can be a positive thing; but not always.

I was thrown back to over thirty years in my past when recently Barack Obama was seen addressing over 17,000 people in a speech in the mid-south. He drove home his message with the now often repeated catch phrase of his campaign “Our Time for Change.”

I could feel the energy rising as the crowd cheered but the emotional side of me gave way to the more rational and analytical and I wondered what change he was specifically speaking of. Researching his campaign speeches and promises I discovered that he wasn’t promising all that much, and certainly nothing new. But even if he meant every one of his promises could he pull it off? Has any politician ever pulled it off?

The big changes he proposes are better schools and education, lower taxes and health care for everyone. Every politician from Washington to George Bush made those promises. Hasn’t anyone noticed none of these things has ever materialized?

Schools are breeding grounds for drugs immorality and violence; taxes are higher than at any time in our history and universal health care in America is a lumbering threat to our faltering economy that nothing can resolve. In the sycophantic cheering no one in the crowd noticed anything but their new golden boy of change. I can hear the remarks of the crowd in a year or two; nothing new there either just the old familiar “promises, promises, promises.”

It is not what Obama wants to change that worries many Americans It is what he refuses to change that is their greatest concern. His refusal to put an end to over 1,000,000 abortions a year and coddling up to the gay minorities at the expense of traditional families and marriage is what’s got them worried.

The reason by which we conclude that a mans moral views won’t infringe upon his ability to be a good leader is itself seriously flawed. To many people he has already made two seriously bad choices in supporting abortion and gay agenda issues. Now we are asked to believe that he will follow with only useful choices that are for the good of the country. Yet another familiar slogan covers that kind of reasoning in Mr. Obama…”A Day Late and a Dollar Short.”

Yes perhaps this is a time for change but is becoming blatantly apparent that the change advocated by both Hillary and Barack Obama will only help the nation in its downward spiral.

Is there a solution to this dilemma? The only solution available is a one time event that is only a few months away; it is called “vote for someone else.”

I would be remiss and untrue to my very calling if I did not point out this salient fact. Jesus Christ was also a man that called for change. In fact he demanded it. The word repentance simply means to change or more specifically to change direction. The change Christ expected was a life changing turn that set men going in the opposite direction away from sin to a life of faith and obedience to God. This is a change that America and any nation still needs today.

The timeless, universal and clarion call from the creator of heaven and earth is as important today as when it was first heard. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2Peter 3:9

Lest I forget; his name is Jesus Christ and he approves this message.

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