tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32445601844508358982024-02-08T05:31:29.697-08:00Tough, Tender, and TeachableBob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-68074886203156736452016-06-14T15:54:00.002-07:002020-12-14T13:32:04.948-08:00After a such an abominal hiatus it seems time to embark on another focus.
Since my last attempt at posting on a blog I hve been focused un developing an undderstanding of Islam.
While I do not have a grasp of Arabic and/or Aramaic I am able to read the plethora of English translations of relevant sources..
Tpoward that end I have read at keast 6 translations of the Koran along with portions of the Hadith a well as The Sira.
What I have learned is troubling and, to be candid, has blown my socks off.Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-12153081989492150982013-12-12T14:59:00.002-08:002013-12-12T14:59:40.204-08:00Anti-semitism.
Who gets the prerogative of definition?
Who determines who is included in the Semitic lineage?
Israel?
Seems to me, the lineal descendants of Ishmael qualify, except with the political correct permission of the Zionist Lobby.
Has it come to that impasse; i.r. one political determines any and all succeeding definitions?
Wassup?
Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-43177831799198727212013-12-12T14:53:00.000-08:002013-12-12T14:53:26.593-08:00Has it been this long?
Yeow.
We seem to have entered an era where allegations, in the rubric of freedom of speech are assumed as evidence.
Prompting one to ask, Wassup?
Wrap the allegation in something personally subjective and, God help the one asking for evidence.
This, IMHO is the tactic of the ADL and anyone challenging the posture of Zionism.
Objectively, the ADL and Zionist tactic and strategy has worked, only observe the subservient posture of our own Congress, still it doesn't mean it is right; only that it weilds power.
SighBob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-64977672553774317642012-08-14T09:52:00.000-07:002012-08-14T09:52:10.373-07:00De ja vu all over again
In the early 1980s, while pastoring a local church and participating in the <a href="http://bit.ly/Ogxy6H">Christian Action Council</a>’s first “Pastor’s Protest” in front of a local abortion chamber I was confronted by was friend who chastised me for not having “thought the issue through”. At that time I considered myself “pro-life” without much real thought as to the issues and implications involved.
The rebuke stung and I began to study, think, and wrestle with the issue resulting in a decision to join with those blocking the doors of abortion chambers who, at that time were mostly Roman Catholic. Since I was a Protestant pastor, my action cost me a few “friends” and generated much confusion in the minds of long-term friends.
I was naïve in thinking that if only more Pastors got involved the local Christian communities would wake up, rise up and bring a halt to this holocaust. After ten years, scores of arrests and jail sentences, even a Federal Grand Jury I “saw the light”. Only the remnant cared; the church at large cared little.
With the Federal Government’s FACE efforts and utilization of the RICOH statutes I determined, personally, to get off the sky line and wait for “another” time ( Ecclesiastes 3).
Well, years have passed and recently viewing the Introductory Video of the <a href="http://bit.ly/OgxJ20">Abortion Matrix</a>, my mind has been stirred, afresh.
What might God have in store for me?
View the video and ask God to enable you to "...<a href="http://bit.ly/OgxW5p">think without confusion, clearly</a>..."Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-82649002365576228762012-08-02T13:32:00.000-07:002012-08-02T13:32:01.186-07:00<a href="http://amzn.to/N1Oj6P">The Power of the Prophetic Blessing. John Hagee, Worthy Pub., 2012</a>
Without question, John Hagee is an engaging and accomplished author. He has a wide audience in evangelical circles, most especially and I suspect, among those who might be called Christian Zionists. This is the first book of his I have read and my initial impression was, “Is he of the ‘Word of Faith’ stripe? (I don’t know.)
That he is a Christian Zionist is without question. (I only mention this in terms of wondering why he had to make this so explicit throughout the book when Zionism is a political movement organized by a secular Jew with little relationship to God’s supposed promise to Israel?)
Seems to me the title ought to have been: The Power of the Prophetic Blessing When Uttered By a Divinely Directed Individual. The biblical examples of such “prophetic blessings” cited were from the lips of those God the Spirit moved toward such utterances. To suggest believers today have warrant to make such declarations with the same assurance of fulfillment seems, to me, to require a leap of faith.
The fact certain “prophetic utterances” were made by Mr. Hagee, his father, and a few others he cites does not establish this as a norm for believers. That we, as believers, ought to pray for our children and loved ones is a given; but to assume those prayers are on the same level as “prophetic utterances” recorded in scripture appears to be a stretch.
I greatly appreciated the author’s personal testimony of answered prayer in certain instances, and that of others he relates but, none of them establish the biblical validity of a Prophetic Blessing in the era of The New Covenant.
I was personally impressed with the author’s heritage and attribute same to the grace of God. His track record and that of his family line is umpteen times better than that of any biblical character which, in my mind, is concern for pause relative to the Thesis of the book.
I would recommend this book as an insight into John Hagee with a word of caution as to the author’s theology on this subject. Prophetic pronouncements on the order of the biblical examples cited, in my mind, ended with the close of the Old Covenant.Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-50790305887819843832012-04-19T14:27:00.000-07:002012-04-19T14:27:46.958-07:00Now What?Shamgar, what do you have to teach us?<br />
<br />
Is there anything we can draw form you model?<br />
<br />
Well, in my limited understanding let me suggest three things not original with me;<br />
<br />
1) Shamger did what he could<br />
<br />
2) Shamgar did what he could, where he was<br />
<br />
#) Shamger did what he could with what he had.<br />
<br />
This is precisely what Caesar fears. He is trapped in Bureaucratic thinking whereas the mindset of "free market folk" stymie him, hence our long-term advantage.<br />
<br />
Shamgars: rise up, focus on long-term,fundamental particulars, oriented toward the Glory of God and the lesser minions will quakeBob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-57040220007868009732012-04-19T14:16:00.000-07:002012-04-19T14:16:09.347-07:00Ron Paul and RealityThank God, a measure of reality has returned to the political spectrum.<br />
<br />
But, for how long?<br />
<br />
No longer are voters governed by our version of Pravada or Investia, known as the corporate or government lackeys. Until the statists close down the airways, a venue dedicated to alternative views of reality will plague statists til they are pressed to quelch any and all dissent.<br />
<br />
At that point, we are pressed to admit out status as slaves, irrespective of our seeming "freedoms":. One walking in the "yard" seems free, eh?<br />
<br />
The Internet has afforded us a measure of access and insight into "wassup".<br />
<br />
Soon and IMO, very soon, this access will be submerged under Caesar's boot.<br />
<br />
Than, what?Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-11367691812751453292012-04-19T14:04:00.000-07:002012-04-19T14:04:06.970-07:00Long Time-No CommentWow. Have we not gradually slipped into Tyranny?<br />
<br />
Being 70+ years of age, I recall the freedoms I had back in the 40s.<br />
<br />
Since then, those more equal than myself have defined and proscribe my "freedoms" such that I am now a Serf.<br />
<br />
In the vernacular, Wassup?<br />
<br />
When, in God's good providence will a legion of Shamgars rise?<br />
<br />
The sooner, the better, since my days have been determined.<br />
<br />
Big, Dumb, and UglyBob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-22641704835625806662012-03-06T17:19:00.000-08:002012-03-06T17:19:07.296-08:00Miraculous versus MoralAbsent any consideration of the 1st through 3rd Century, succeeding generations of believers came to rely on the Miraculous versus the Moral as it came to considerations relative to the Kingdom’s advance.<br />
<br />
Each succeeding generation seems to have forgotten the parable of the leaven in the lump of dough.<br />
<br />
To me, personally, 2 things are obvious: 1) the lump of dough is to be and will be leavened, and 2) we haven’t the foggiest idea as to what the final product will look like.<br />
<br />
<br />
In both areas we have failed, historically, and abjectly.<br />
<br />
Might we not be more judicious in our focus on teaching the word rightly handled while affording folk to be “…fully persuaded in their own minds…”<br />
<br />
Just a thoughtBob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-15271731293607354742012-03-06T15:49:00.000-08:002012-03-06T15:49:35.027-08:00Mad Dog of the Middle EastObserving our President abjectly demonstrating obeisance to a foreign dignitary, it dawned on me where the real politick power lies.<br />
<br />
No, it is not Achmadinnejad, though he is a bull in a china closet or maybe a rabid dog running wild.<br />
<br />
But, in comparative terms he is a piker compared to Benyamin Netanyahu.<br />
<br />
The later is far more likely to promote a catastrophic conflagration in the Middle East to the detriment of nations with little to no interest in the area, save for oil.<br />
<br />
Maybe, this is ultimately for the long-term best. <br />
<br />
Zionism will suffer a significantly long-term setback, the West will be forced to re-think its perspective and priorities, the East will rise to assume a new and long-term role in civilization’s march, allowing Christianity time to reassess its fascination with Zionism and return, after years of suffering, to a more biblically oriented Gospel of the kingdom focus.<br />
<br />
Hey…this is just one man’s focus having observed 60+ years of Evangelicalism’s infatuation with a biblically bankrupt ideology.<br />
<br />
Oh, well; we live and hopefully learnBob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-44058118627807100932012-01-31T14:14:00.000-08:002012-01-31T14:14:02.196-08:00A TributeApproximately sixty years ago, it was my good fortune in the providence of God to be adjudicated by the Juvenile Court of MN and placed under the supervision of a Probation Officer whose name I cannot recall and who subsequently effected my residence in The Victory Farm for Boys in Ortonville, MN.<br />
<br />
The ministry of the Victory Farm for Boys did not last long after my departure in 1955; maybe another 5 years.<br />
<br />
At that time, Jim and Barb Larsen were the resident house-parents, both of whom came to be my surrogate parents, to my great delight and good fortune.<br />
<br />
Words cannot do justice to their impact on my life. Each served as a role model. Jim, as a father and husband; and Barb as a wife and mother.<br />
<br />
Through their lives and ministry I came face to face with the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and, again, in the good providence of God had my eyes of understanding opened to the Truth.<br />
<br />
Through their lives I was able to experience a "normal" childhood.<br />
<br />
At the same time, I must acknowledge the gracious acceptance on the part of my classmates at Ortonville High School. Without their acceptance, life would have been miserable. With their acceptance, life was awesome.<br />
<br />
For their acceptance and contributions, (the Larsen's most especially and my classmates as well) the extent of which I only came to appreciate in my later Adult years, I am eternally grateful.<br />
<br />
May their tribe increase.Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-7726638661237325962011-10-10T11:41:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:41:59.945-07:00Well, then. What Next?Well, then: what does that mean?<br />
<br />
Bottom line: every man does that which is right in God’s eyes!<br />
<br />
Immediately, one expects to hear cries of “Anarchy”!<br />
<br />
I personally find it strange when folk cry “anarchy” while at the same time holding to Romans 2:14,15 AND Common Grace.<br />
<br />
Admittedly, Adam’s Stain is deep and pervasive. <br />
<br />
Still, the goodness of God is such, IMO, that ADAM never completely governs creation. If such were the case, i.e. Adam’s stain completely obtained, it ought to be “hell on earth”. <br />
<br />
Irrespective of the awfulness of sin’s impact in time, it cannot be compared with the horrors of Hell, how long those horrors obtain!<br />
<br />
Believers are never, can never, be managed by “anarchistic” tendencies. Believers are ever and always subject to “…the law of Christ…”.<br />
<br />
The question needing to be addressed is: how does the Law of Christ manifest itself in the life of a believer living under Mao, Benito, Adolph, Margaret, Ronald, GW. Hugo C, or whomever?<br />
<br />
Typically, IMO, Evangelicals have trumpeted “passive submission” to authority, with the implication of servile obedience. This mind-set, IMO, only served the advance of evil, however well intentioned.Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-19063284182616422892011-10-10T11:39:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:39:50.310-07:00The believer and GovernmentPassive Obedience and the New Covenant.<br />
<br />
Does the New Covenant inculcate a mind-set of passive obedience on the part of the believer as it pertains to the issue of submission to “the powers that be”?<br />
<br />
Under the Old Covenant administration, obedience was the watchword since God was the Ruler of an ethnic entity under His divine tutelage administered via Covenant Document, King, Priesthood and His servants, the prophets.<br />
<br />
But, all this changed that last evening when the Lord Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant; a Covenant distinctly different from the Old Covenant. This difference was signaled in Jeremiah’s prophecy, Jeremiah 31:31-34 and during Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7: but I say unto you…).<br />
<br />
One suspects this change, its impact and associated implications were not immediately apparent to “the twelve” when uttered by the Lord, Jesus and their subsequent understanding grew during the unfolding years following Pentecost.<br />
<br />
One might be justified in recognizing the cautionary admonitions of Paul (Romans 13:1ff), Peter (1 Peter 2:13), and Titus (Titus 3;1ff) given the developing conflict with Rome on the part of the Jewish nation. I say cautionary in that none of the three explicate the implications of “submission” vs. “obedience”. <br />
<br />
At that historical moment I suspect the typical auditor would equate the two as synonymous. <br />
<br />
Yet, they are not.<br />
<br />
For nearly two millennia, “Passive submission” has been the prevailing mindset of not only the believing community, but that of the non-believing community as well.<br />
<br />
Might I be so bold as to suggest “passive submission” is not an aspect of a “leavening influence”?<br />
<br />
“Passive submission” might also be known as conformity, compromise, adaptation?<br />
<br />
I readily acknowledge the value of conformity, compromise and adaptation but only to the degree that truth precedes. If truth does not precede, then error, in its multitudinous forms obtains or holds the day. <br />
<br />
“Incrementalism”, as a political strategy is legitimate, IMO, insofar as Truth leads error or Pragmatism. <br />
<br />
But, in almost every instance where Truth has yielded to Pragmatism, Truth has been lost.Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-83013113743089743062011-10-10T11:37:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:37:46.821-07:00The Book that Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western CivilizationMy first experience with Vishal’s <a href="http://amzn.to/pb8Exb">work </a>and am prompted to explore more. <br />
<br />
Having just completed for the 3rd time Carey’s bio by his grandson, I was encouraged to read the author’s observations and will read his personal work on Carey. <br />
<br />
The book is well written, each section promoting a thesis and illustrated with personal experiences. I felt as if I were reading Barzun, Stark, Paul Johnson with a touch of Schaeffer lurking in the background. Certainly, non-evangelicals will bristle as they read but, for me, an enjoyable experience on my birthday. <br />
<br />
Sat down to read and continued to the end. Will obviously recall this birthday experience among the decades of others.Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-71682117359187851262011-07-09T11:09:00.000-07:002011-07-09T11:09:48.212-07:00Have you given thought to the subjectivity of the New Covenant Imperatives?<br />
<br />
Love God.<br />
<br />
Love your neighbor.<br />
<br />
We know, via the Old Covenant, certain parameters relative to “loving God”: 1) He is to be Supreme, 2) We are prohibited from using images to represent Him, and 3) we are to “sanctify” His Name. Those represent the negative side, that is the “thou shalt nots”. But, what of the “shalt” side? Yet, is this not the very side whereby we “judge one another”? He or she doesn’t do…X…therefore, they don’t Love God.<br />
<br />
John has been a believer for 40+ years and has never missed church or Sunday School. Yet, in all those years he has never read the Bible through, cover to cover, and couldn’t, for the life of him, recite other than John 11:35. Tom, on the other hand, is grossly infrequent at Sunday service, seldom at Sunday School, yet has read the bible through, cover to cover at least once a year since his conversion; has memorized in excess of 500 verses, and can quite adequately defend The Faith. Which one loves God?<br />
<br />
Without beating a horse to death, I suspect you see the point. Evaluating another in terms of the negative aspects of The Faith is quite easy. Yet, when it comes to the positive affirmations, it is an equine of a dissimilar hue.<br />
<br />
Might I be permitted to lodge the idea this very aspect is part and parcel the genius of the New Covenant?<br />
<br />
Love your neighbor?<br />
<br />
If such might be the case on the individual level, what might be the circumstance on the communal level, i.e. “government”?<br />
<br />
So soon as I lift my eyes beyond my personal concern, a “neighbor” intrudes.<br />
<br />
What is it to “love” this one?<br />
<br />
What is “love”?<br />
<br />
Again, we are confronted with the subjective.<br />
<br />
What is “loving” to John, or to Tom, or to Eileen or Sarah?<br />
<br />
Why are we not presented with a definition of Love in the text of scripture? All we have are examples of what seem to be “loving acts”.<br />
<br />
Might it not be the case God expects us, you and me, to deduce from these examples and scriptural statements to construct a definition of Love whereby we, individually comport ourselves as Salt, Light, and Leaven?Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-28459891678363637252011-07-07T09:30:00.000-07:002011-07-07T09:32:23.099-07:00New Covenant “Political” conductUnder the Old Covenant administration, the individual watchword was “obedience”. <br /><br />God was the nation’s sovereign under the guidance of a Divinely selected King and dynasty, along with a divinely ordained teaching order, explicating a written covenant.<br /><br />Then, things changed and, radically, with the institution of the New Covenant and promised through Jeremiah and Ezekiel.<br /><br />Under the tutelage of the Old Covenant, God dealt with Israel as with children whereas with True Israel (Galatians 6:16) <br /><br />God now deals with spiritual adults.<br /><br />No longer are we, the members of the New Covenant, provided detailed and specific guidelines for various circumstances; but, in their stead are three adequate guidelines: 1) Love God, 2) Love your neighbor and 3) utilize the former administration as principled examples ( 1Corinthians 10:11 & Romans 15:4).<br /><br />Such are the parameters for New Covenant believers in any governmental context.Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-85972814685515648882011-06-16T13:57:00.000-07:002011-06-16T14:03:10.470-07:00Eye of the Red TsarWant a good read?<br /><br />Sam Eastland’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eye-Red-Tsar-Novel-Suspense/dp/0553593234/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308258068&sr=8-1">Eye of the Red Tsa</a>r is one you will not put down, once begun.<br /><br />I began the book without reading the data regarding his historical research, suspecting as I read, “this man has done his homework”.<br /><br />Having read on this era for 40+ years, I was amazed at his insights and attention to detail. So much, so, I couldn’t put the book down!<br /><br />His conclusion has me waiting for the sequel!<br /><br />Pick it up.<br /><br />I suspect he is going to develop for us a side of Stalin we haven't considered, yet will give evidence of what some theologians designate as God's Common Grace manifest amongst the worst of us.<br /><br />A concept we generally seek to deny and or avoidBob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-74598023520391102822011-06-14T10:33:00.000-07:002011-06-14T10:42:17.121-07:00Shades of 1984Wow! has it been that long since a posting on my part? Call me Bob van Winkle.<br /><br />I haven't been asleep, though I wish that were the case: simply dormant and/or frustrated.<br /><br />We are one step away from war on three fronts, as per Orwell’s plot.<br /><br />Currently, we are engaged in six wars: Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen and the “global war on terror”.<br /><br />Odds are, the man on the street paying the bills, hasn’t the foggiest as to the count. <br /><br />Given the present state of our educational system, he/she couldn’t locate 2/3rds of the locations on a map, if asked.<br /><br />Nor could a goodly number of our politicians, as history demonstrated prior to the launch on Afghanistan back in the day.<br /><br />We have become a nation governed by the military/industrial complex, manipulating behind the scenes those ostensibly elected to represent us. <br /><br />This is simply a new look for Junta.<br /><br />We lost the republic a long time ago, proving Franklin right.<br /><br />Now, what?<br /><br />Reminds me of the scene in the movie Dr. Zhivago where the folk are being transported in the railroad car along with a “convict” chained to the bunk. Only the convict recognizes Freedom. The system has to chain him, whereas the rest acquiesce with the system’s dictates.<br /><br />Once upon a time, those comprising the nation displayed a flag saying "Don't tread On Me". Seems to me, we have "advanced' to the place where our flag is a doormat saying "Walk on Me".<br /><br />Shamgar! Where are you?Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-77019161372183413932011-04-18T10:06:00.000-07:002011-04-18T10:30:04.230-07:00A Stimulating and Valuable ResourceLegion are the questions popping up in the believer's mind.<br /><br />Max Lucado has done admirable service in sharing with nus the questions to which he has been exposed in his ministry, and his responses in his volume: <a href="http://amzn.to/gGCs5h">Max On Life.<br /></a><br />Admittedly, your particular theological response might be somewhat different, but the response Max provides is a stimulus to each of us.<br /><br />As I read, I thought, Wow! That is surely helpful. I might express it somewhat differently, but, on the whole I resonate with Max!<br /><br />This is a tool which bears being placed alongside some of the other psychological offerings, while given priority of place, in my opinion.<br /><br />Thank you, Max!<br /><br />Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-63088362318032908112011-04-09T06:07:00.000-07:002011-04-09T06:29:08.355-07:00Constitutional History UnadulteratedAs with <a href="http://amzn.to/g1Gwnc">The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History,</a> <a href="http://amzn.to/ffFPWM">Nullification</a> provides first hand understanding of this issue from the writings of those directly involved in establishing the principle. <br /><br />Tom provides chapter and verse, even attaching relevant documents as appendices.<br /><br />Sadly, with few exceptions, those within the Beltway nursing off the udder of this overpowering central government will continue to ridicule and reject out of hand the clear and cogent argument.<br /><br />It seems the struggle is in phase two, ridicule from those who oppose. Phase one was ignoring what Tom was writing and saying. So, there is a modicum of hope. The next phase will find them fighting and then, they will lose.<br /><br />Power not only corrupts, but eventually eviscerates those wielding the power. Ask Mubarak, Ghaddafi, et al.Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-56302188636710912592011-04-07T09:48:00.000-07:002011-04-07T10:06:12.120-07:00The Terrors of the LawRecently, a friend ask me to read Ray Comfort's <a href="http://amzn.to/fTAZAX">God Has A Wonderful Plan For Your Life.</a><br /><br />Now, it is to be noted I have personally been involved in Evangelical Ministries since 1964, resigning my commission in the USMC to "...hasten the coming of the Lord...".<br /><br />Admittedly, my spirit resonates with the author's stated concerns relative to what seems to be the fruit of "easy believism".<br /><br />But, in reading the Acts of the Apostles, I am hard pressed to find biblical justification for the author's argument. Save for those instances when an Apostle was addressing a Jewish audience, The Law was never put forth/promoted in the context of the evangelical message.<br /><br />The Law was never the "tutor" to lead Gentiles to Faith. <a href="http://bit.ly/f9eVxH">It was a Tutor for ethnic Israel.</a><br /><br /><a href="http://bit.ly/gSx6VP">Isaiah 8:20</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/fIiihb">2 Corinthians 10:3-5 </a>is still the standard...not cultural experiences...nor the interpretations of those drinking at the well of <a href="http://bit.ly/eZf807">Puritans</a>.<br /><br />Maybe, one ought to consider article 25 of the <a href="http://bit.ly/gkYVPt">LBC 1644</a>?<br /><br />'Nuff saidBob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-61525376609116157572011-04-07T09:43:00.000-07:002011-04-07T09:47:11.288-07:00Day after day-horse-pucket!Up front, I admit it: I am a political novice.<br /><br />Still, after 60 plus years following high school, I have to admit every political administration has lied to me. OK, lied implies motive, which I am not privy to, certainly.<br /><br />But, consciously misled seems fitting.<br /><br />Promises, promises, promises on every campaign trail followed by the almost opposite of each promise.<br /><br />Fool me once, my fault. Fool me umpteen times? Do not trust any Party endorsed politician!<br /><br />I should have been informed of the likes of <a href="http://bit.ly/t75OP">Lysander Spooner</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/MY4hi">Albert J. Nock</a> while in high school and allowed to discriminate for myself. But, NO! Government knew what was best for me.<br /><br />With the exception of maybe one or two current national politicians, whenever a politico opens his/her mouth my initial response is “horse-pucket”.<br /><br />My strong suspicion being I will live to see, experience , the demise of this empire as it goes down the sewer of history.Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-82715232369284929132011-03-30T10:17:00.000-07:002011-04-11T10:21:35.070-07:00Motivating or Chilling?Andy Andrews is without doubt a masterful story-teller. His<a href="http://amzn.to/hczGZO"> Heart Mender</a> was an inspiring tale of an individual driven by humanity in a land gripped by fear. I couldn’t put if down, once begun.<br /><br />This tale (<a href="http://amzn.to/eiA8Oc">The Final Summit</a>)was different-I had to read it straight through though intuitively troubled in each chapter. <br /> <br />The cast of characters (travelers from throughout history who made significant contributions to civilization’s advance) are assembled in a final summit to discover the one thing necessary to save civilization.<br /><br />Each character and the contribution selected was designed to drive home the story’s final solution. <br /><br />Ignored is the fact some contributions of some of the characters directly contributed to the problem the council was assembled to correct, which contributions were themselves an application of what is determined to be the “final solution”.<br /><br />Somewhere there has to be irony in this story. The Final Summit producing the final solution is awfully reminiscent of another final solution in which the “one principle” was implemented.<br /><br />The summit’s process and the suggestions offered were in themselves motivating; but, the “one principle” was to me chilling.<br /><br />Strange as it seems, I watch this principle being implemented even today in the Middle East and now, North Africa.<br /><br />Chilling.<br /><br />Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-59464387475215589902011-03-29T12:36:00.000-07:002011-03-29T12:44:36.804-07:00Challenge and Intrigue<a href="http://amzn.to/i3DGyS">Project Azorian</a> is another example of US ingenuity and “can do spirit”, alongside an unfettered government agency’s power.<br /><br />Because the American populace was brainwashed by its own government as to the Soviet threat, it was easy for agencies to justify their actions toward raising this Soviet submarine without the knowledge of the Soviet government or the American public which was footing the bill.<br /><br />The feat was an unbelievable achievement on all counts. <br /><br />Personally, as I read the account my mind was drawn to a statement made by God and recorded in <a href="http://bit.ly/eixHv8">Genesis 11:6,</a> “…and now, nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do…”.<br /><br />In my lifetime, I have seen this evidenced in our space accomplishments along with some many other feats! If we can imagine it, given time, we will do it.<br /><br />But, the costs associated with the achievements are quite often too high.<br /><br />This achievement came to pass while the erosion of our republican form of government was accelerating. Prior to this, with the passage of the <a href="http://bit.ly/cuOXXm">National Security Act of 1947</a> an agency was created which since, has grown to an extent unimagined and currently unrestrained.<br /><br />This agency controlled this feat…and unbelievable feat, to be sure, but one which ultimately contributed to the demise of the republic alongside that of The Bay of Pigs and other covert ops far too numerous to catalogue.<br /><br />Still, let me reiterate, this feat is a commendation to the ingenuity, creativity, labor and sacrifice of all those involved. Those involved on all levels, save for the governmental, are to be commended.<br /><br />The authors have made this bit of history a fascinating read…I couldn’t put it down til finished!Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244560184450835898.post-43010586558593149962011-03-16T01:25:00.000-07:002011-03-16T01:31:06.298-07:00Provocative Read<a href="http://3.ly/ntR2">The Fight Of Our Lives</a>, Bennett & Leibsohn<br /><br />To me, the authors sounded as “court historians”. I could not see where they acknowledged any errors on our part, nationally, in terms of Foreign policy.<br /><br />Mercy: one might suggest we “turned right at third base” in terms of foreign policy in the late 1800s when we “enocuntererd” Spain and began our imperialistic advance, bringing democracy at the point of the gun. (Does Mao come to mind?)<br /><br />From that time til today “nationalism” has been cloaked in the garb of “patriotism” such that when the national Anthem begins, the flag starts to wave, and the mantra “support our troops" is voiced rational thinking ends.<br /><br />The authors are correct: Islam is a threat, be it radical or moderate. <br /><br />Islam is a potent threat, in my opinion, for two chief erasons: 1) Ignorance of Islam as advanced in the Koran and the Hadiths and, 2) our Imperialistic policies masked under the Rubric of advancing democracy.<br /><br />Islam is not simply a religious system. <br /><br />It is a religious/political system, inseparably. As such, it cannot logically co-exist with any other religious system. <br /><br />It is a different kind of “leaven”. That is, it is not a leaven of persuasion, but a leaven of force. Its tool of persuasion is the “sword”, making it philosophically incompatible with the American ethic.<br /><br />Just as in the 1800s Mormonism had to bow to the American ethic in terms of polygamy, so too must Islam be “forced” to bow to the historical American commitment to religious tolerance exemplified by William Penn and others.<br /><br />Bottom line: in my opinion Islam cannot agree to this.<br /><br />Where does this leave us, in my opinion? In the Fight of our Lives.<br /><br />As with our exclusion of religions given to Cannabalism, Polygamy, Human Sacrifice, etc. from our body politic it may be time to include Islam as a general category and those immigrants who religiously adhere to the teachings of Islam.<br /><br />Radical?<br /><br />The authors suggest we are in “The Fight of our Lives”<br /><br />Received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Bob Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02346928954493108106noreply@blogger.com0