“SCIENTISTS SAY…SKEPTICS SAY”

July 19, 2010

It is hot again.  Isn’t that what one might expect in the middle of summer?

You should think it is hot because of global warming. You are a skeptic if you think it is warm across most of the nation because it is summer.

If you listened to the NBC national  T.V. news broadcast last night, you heard the assumption. One had to be deaf not to hear it.

Like many of you, I tune in to a national media “feed” to see what is being fed.

Last night’s report on the current weather conditions made the position of the mainstream media obvious.

It went something like this…

“Scientists say that global warming is upon us.”

“Skeptics say it is not so.”

“Scientists point to the facts.”

“Skeptics say the facts are blurred.”

It went on and on.

The gist was that no scientist lines up on the “it’s hot because it is the middle of summer” side.

Well, I have news for the mainstream news people.

There are brilliant people who think that global warming policies are untrue and unethical and will:

  • destroy millions of jobs.
  • cost trillions of dollars in lost economic production.
  • slow, stop, or reverse economic growth.
  • reduce the standard of living for all but the elite few who are well positioned to benefit from laws that unfairly advantage them at the expense of most businesses and all consumers.
  • endanger liberty by putting vast new powers over private, social, and market life in the hands of national and international governments.
  • condemn the world’s poor to generations of continued misery characterized by rampant disease and premature death.

These scientists think the facts show the costly “global warming” opinion to be a political truth only.

I thought it only fair to give these scientists a say, though this blog reaches far fewer than the opinion expressed to millions last night.

Chris Reimers

A Renewed Call to Truth, Prudence, and Protection of the Poor

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“IF”

July 14, 2010

Human institutions have their limitations.  New ones are created and others fold every day.  The U.S. Constitution is a document that has helped an institution through many tests.  It has withstood those examinations because of the vigor of the people it guarded.

My friend, Bob, sent this idea to me.  It is a good one.

Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution:

“Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no  law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States.”

This plan enacted would make our leaders more like us.  This has always been the goal of our Republic.

Because our leaders have become less like us, many new institutions are being formed.  They are fashioned with good intentions.

One “institution” has been fitted with the name “TEA Party.”  It is a group not unlike its predecessor.

Here is a quote from a recent rendering:

“The silence is by design, activists with the loosely affiliated movement said, because it is held together by an exclusive focus on fiscal matters and its avoidance of divisive social issues such as abortion and gay marriage.”

The article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/13/AR2010071301436.html?wprss=rss_nation

Like its precursor, the TEA Party efforts are on one front.  At the time of the original tea party, there was one, major front.  It was the crown.  Volumes can be written on speculation about the crown’s fiscal and social reach.  The subject would make a good thesis paper.

Any side one comes down on, the TEA Party is a human institution with weaknesses.

Until the root is dealt with, we will not be changed.

Let me be critical of the man-made institution that needs the most.  It is called the “church” by many.  I challenge the terminology.  A meeting place with a name doesn’t define those who frequent it. Many religious places are silent on high issues.  When so, they become the worst of institutions.

Because of the silence, freedoms once enjoyed by many may soon be gone.

18“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”

The real church is a group of people.  It exists worldwide.  It is unchanged no matter what occurs in worldly institutions.  Jesus called it His bride.  It is not able to keep silent.  It has yet to reach perfection, but it serves a fearless Leader.

Anyone who questions its Leader’s strength need only read the final six chapters of Matthew.

The true hope for America is in a restoration.  It is the thing that has helped correct society in the past.

There are words of hope.

They come from the verse most used by Christian leaders in America.

It begins with “If MY people.”

The promise does not begin with, “If the government” or “If the TEA Party.”

“If” is the stipulation.

Waiting any longer will remove the opportunity, if it is not already gone.

We will be humbled either way.

Chris Reimers

12“Yet even now,” declares the LORD,

“Return to Me with all your heart,

And with fasting, weeping and mourning;

13And rend your heart and not your garments ”

Now return to the LORD your God,

For He is gracious and compassionate,

Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness

And relenting of evil.

14Who knows whether He will not turn and relent

And leave a blessing behind Him…

(Joel 2)

Information about an upcoming prayer event in Garland County:

http://2010garlandcountyprayersummit.wordpress.com

All 230 churches in the county have been invited.

I am chewing on the following article.  I find it interesting.  Please let me know what you think. – CR

Treason in the Church: Trading Truth for a “Social Gospel”

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/006/conspiracy2.htm

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BLUEBERRIES AND THE WORD

July 11, 2010

Another “picture” of God’s Word in nature is an Arkansas blueberry bush in July.  Like God’s Word, the bush can be returned to each morning and more is available.

It takes a bit of persistence to fill a bowl with blueberries.  This is rarely true of the Word.  One verse is enough to chew on for a day. After years, one feels the fruit barely picked.

Persistence with the Word creates fruit that is more satisfying than the ripest berry.

Blueberries “pop.”  One day they seem not even close.  The next they are showing their full colors.

The Word may have the same effect on its hearers.

Hearers may become doers.

Doers may delight.

Chris Reimers

A footnote:

The creation is not the Creator. The first verse of The Word makes it clear.

The creation is greatly appreciated, not worshiped.  Worship is reserved solely for the Great “I AM.”

Here is an article about the recent G8 World Religions Summit where it seems, by a description of the opening ceremonies, that the enormous mistake was made.

A sacred fire was lit. Mother Earth, we were told, needs to hear that we love her, so give a “prayer of gratitude” to the Earth; “Because out of Mother Earth comes all we need to live…she gives us the food, the water, the medicines, and the teachings.”

We were asked to privately perform a water ritual, for this will give strength to Mother Earth. Everything that’s alive, “even the water” it was explained to the delegates and observers, has the spirit. We were told that religiously speaking, “there is not only one way, there is many ways” – and to go to the sacred fire and “invoke the spirits.”

Drummers summoned the power of the eagle spirit, because it brings “the spirit of love, it brings vision. The Eagle carries our wishes and our prayers.” And this eagle spirit will tell the Great Spirit of the wonderful things happening in this gathering.

The Secretary General of the WRS, Dr. James Christie – the Dean of Theology at the University of Winnipeg – welcomed us as religious equals, stating that what was important was that we “offer our service, and ourselves, and our lives” to the “God we know by so many names.”

25For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Romans 1

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/forcing-change/010/6-world-religions-summit.htm

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THE GOLFER AND THE POLITICIAN

July 10, 2010

I hope you didn’t enjoy the “kick ‘em while your down” mentality displayed by the mainstream media during the semi-recent coverage of Tiger Woods’ travails.  Honestly, I couldn’t watch or listen to any of it.  When the name of the golfer was heard in any media, I was repulsed and the noise was shut off.

It is bothersome to see people used no matter the status level.  They are built up so that others may pad their portfolios.  When they fall, their shortcomings are used for the same purpose.

In the article posted here, Dr. Rossiter makes the following statement:

The cynics may be right, but I doubt it. I think Woods’ apology and stated intentions are genuine. Surely most of us hope he will do whatever it takes “to start living a life of integrity,” as he put it, if only for his own sake and that of his family.

It is an excellent article that I hope you take the time to read.  It’s longer than most in today’s bite sized blogosphere but well worth the extra effort. The article is not really about Tiger.  It’s about our culture.  It’s about how an unknown can become the president of our nation.

The good doctor writes:

The average American citizen is immersed in the myriad obligations of everyday life. As traditionally trusting souls, we tend to take most of what we see and hear at face value – that’s true about most things, not just what the politicians tell us. But that kind of trust doesn’t work anymore, and the American public’s recently plummeting approval ratings for government officials and their policies reflect this reality.

Dr. Rossiter writes of repentance.  It is a word seldom seen or heard in modern culture.  The good doctor doesn’t go to the next step and define the only One who can give that repentance.  This is the only, though colossal, disappointment.

The doctor writes:

Woods could fuse his Buddhist spirituality with the timeless lessons of Judeo-Christian morality on which all decent human conduct must be based, whether in marriage, business, government or social life.

This is a confusing statement.  The doctor seems to say that two different systems can be fused and then goes on to say that decent conduct is based on one.

The single statement and the disappointment, however, don’t negate the usage of the word so seldom seen or heard.  The article is also filled with great links.

I will “finish” the article for the doctor of 45 years in a way that adds the all-important cherry:

…Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,

15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

(Mark 1:14b-15)

It is a good article, but I am now completely content.

Chris Reimers

Dr. Rositer’s article:

Tiger Woods, Obama and the redemption of America

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=176909

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THE OTHER SIDE OF GLOBAL WARMING

July 6, 2010

Since the mainstream media has been filled with warnings of Global Warming in past years, and since summer came early in Arkansas this year, this is particularly timely.  I’ve never seen the topic of Global Warming addressed from this angle in a very religious mainstream media. This different view is certainly one to consider.

Chris Reimers

Cornwall Alliance releases An Evangelical Declaration on Global Warming

PREAMBLE

As governments consider policies to fight alleged man-made global warming, evangelical leaders have a responsibility to be well informed, and then to speak out. A Renewed Call to Truth, Prudence, and Protection of the Poor: An Evangelical Examination of the Theology, Science, and Economics of Global Warming demonstrates that many of these proposed policies would destroy jobs and impose trillions of dollars in costs to achieve no net benefits. They could be implemented only by enormous and dangerous expansion of government control over private life. Worst of all, by raising energy prices and hindering economic development, they would slow or stop the rise of the world’s poor out of poverty and so condemn millions to premature death.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

  1. We believe Earth and its ecosystems—created by God’s intelligent design and infinite power and sustained by His faithful providence —are robust, resilient, self-regulating, and self-correcting, admirably suited for human flourishing, and displaying His glory.  Earth’s climate system is no exception. Recent global warming is one of many natural cycles of warming and cooling in geologic history.
  2. We believe abundant, affordable energy is indispensable to human flourishing, particularly to societies which are rising out of abject poverty and the high rates of disease and premature death that accompany it. With present technologies, fossil and nuclear fuels are indispensable if energy is to be abundant and affordable.
  3. We believe mandatory reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, achievable mainly by greatly reduced use of fossil fuels, will greatly increase the price of energy and harm economies.
  4. We believe such policies will harm the poor more than others because the poor spend a higher percentage of their income on energy and desperately need economic growth to rise out of poverty and overcome its miseries.

WHAT WE DENY

  1. We deny that Earth and its ecosystems are the fragile and unstable products of chance, and particularly that Earth’s climate system is vulnerable to dangerous alteration because of minuscule changes in atmospheric chemistry. Recent warming was neither abnormally large nor abnormally rapid. There is no convincing scientific evidence that human contribution to greenhouse gases is causing dangerous global warming.
  2. We deny that alternative, renewable fuels can, with present or near-term technology, replace fossil and nuclear fuels, either wholly or in significant part, to provide the abundant, affordable energy necessary to sustain prosperous economies or overcome poverty.
  3. We deny that carbon dioxide—essential to all plant growth—is a pollutant. Reducing greenhouse gases cannot achieve significant reductions in future global temperatures, and the costs of the policies would far exceed the benefits.
  4. We deny that such policies, which amount to a regressive tax, comply with the Biblical requirement of protecting the poor from harm and oppression.

A CALL TO ACTION

In light of these facts,

  1. We call on our fellow Christians to practice creation stewardship out of Biblical conviction, adoration for our Creator, and love for our fellow man—especially the poor.
  2. We call on Christian leaders to understand the truth about climate change and embrace Biblical thinking, sound science, and careful economic analysis in creation stewardship.
  3. We call on political leaders to adopt policies that protect human liberty, make energy more affordable, and free the poor to rise out of poverty, while abandoning fruitless, indeed harmful policies to control global temperature.

http://www.cornwallalliance.org

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ALARMING VIDEO: OBAMA AND ISRAEL

July 4, 2010

…………It is amazing what can be done over the internet.  I spent some time with Christian friends in a chat room yesterday.  They live in Holland, Italy, and England.  Part of our “discussion” centered around the move of Islam in Europe.  They are very concerned.

I don’t think the man who is interviewed here is a Christian.  He is a Jewish man with a list of accomplishments.  His words mirror those that I have read and heard in many places.

After the video post, I have noted why I think this issue is so important.  After that, I have posted two links, one for the second time that contains a short video on the truth about Israel, and a second about the Iranian President’s reaction to our latest sanctions.  Note that Mr. Obama wasn’t the originator of the sanctions.

Chris Reimers

An man who knows:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNlaQEYw0q4

The reason it is important:

To Whom Did God Give The Land of Israel?

To Abraham

* “On that day the Lord made a COVENANT with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.”
Genesis 15:18

* “And I will establish my COVENANT between me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an evelasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, ALL THE LAND OF CANAAN as an EVERLASTING possession; and I will be their God.”
Genesis 17:7-8

Then to Abraham’s son Isaac:

* “And God said, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and thou shalt call his name ISAAC; and I will establish my covenant with him for an EVERLASTING COVENANT, and with his seed after him.”
Genesis 17:19

* “But I will establish my covenant with ISAAC, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this season next year.”
Genesis 17:21

* “…for IN ISAAC SHALL YOUR SEED BE CALLED.”
Genesis 21:12


And then to Isaac’s son Jacob:

* “Remember his marvelous works which He has done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth, O seed of Abraham his servant, you children of JACOB, his chosen ones!”
1st Chronicles 16:12-13

* “Then Jacob said to Joseph: ‘God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me, and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make of you a multitude of people, and give this land TO YOUR DESCENDANTS after you as an everlasting possession.’”
Genesis 48:3-4

He Repeats To Make It Clear:

* “O seed of Abraham His servant, You children of JACOB, his chosen ones! He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth. He has remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant which he made with ABRAHAM, and his oath to ISAAC, and confirmed it to JACOB for a statute, to ISRAEL for an everlasting covenant, saying, ‘To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance…’”
Psalms 105:6-11

Jacob’s Name Changed To Israel:

*And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel

Genesis 32:28


God Told Moses His Covenant Is With Israel:

* “Then the Lord spoke to Moses that very same day, saying: ‘Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, across from Jericho; view the land of Canaan, which I give TO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL as a possession…’”

The Borders of The Covenant Land:

* “On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates.”
Genesis 15:18

“Ahmadinejad says the latest sanctions are ‘Pathetic:'”

http://www.jpost.com/IranianThreat/News/Article.aspx?id=180308

Here is the most important section of the Jerusalem Post article:

“The measure was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate and House last week ahead of the July 4 recess. Sponsors described it as the toughest yet to target Iran.

Though the Obama administration had expressed reservations about the details of the legislation, its main concern was that the move would disrupt its own efforts to get a new sanctions resolution through the UN Security Council.”

In other words, the interview posted at the top of this post is backed up by the Obama administration’s latest move. – CR

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THE MAN WHO RINGS THE BELL

July 2, 2010

Mr. William Carpenter, the Constable for this part of Garland County, sent this story to me.  Bill attempted to assist disaster victims of the flood that occurred not far from here recently.  I hope everyone gets a chance to view this short, three minute video.  It is about a man of conviction who, in a special way, remembers those who have given their best.

It is a story for Independence Day.

Chris Reimers

Proclaim Liberty – Ring the Bell!!!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7j64VgM8-4&feature=related

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A CHRISTIAN NATION?

July 1, 2010

Please let me explain that I think the answer is no.  We are not a Christian nation. It is probably the only thing on which the man at our nation’s helm and I agree.

First, I must make it clear that I am not in agreement with the “Replacementists” or the “Dominionists.”  I do not think that God’s kingdom came to earth when the Christian Europeans came to America to form this nation.  Many have the view called Replacement Theology.  I also do not think that Christians will rule the earth before Jesus returns.  This “Dominion” thought is not as popular as “Replacement” thought, but it is “catching on.”  I think this is an important opening statement because many give man too much credit.

I think I know why Barack Obama says that America is not a Christian nation.  He says it because he wants it not to be.

As you will see, Mr. Obama and I have different reasons for the same conclusion.

Barack Obama wants America to be inclusive of all religions and creeds.  He has claimed to be a Christian himself, but he does not want Christianity mixed, in any form, with the dealings of the state.  There is only one other former president who, while in office, held this view.  He came from Arkansas.

Was this nation founded by many who applied Christian principles to the government that was formed?  The answer is “yes.”  Have Americans, until relatively recently, believed in the Christian faith so resolutely that God’s Word was read and said in every hall of government from the court house to the White House? The answer is again “yes.”  Have Americans, until relatively recently, had no fear of putting God’s law on its walls of government because they believed without God’s law there was no law?  A third time the answer is “yes.”

In 2010, although all of the above are true and it can be argued convincingly that a large majority of Americans thought, at a time in the past, that Christian principles should be voiced in the public square; the answer to the headline at the top of this article is “no.”

It is a painful proposition.  It is painful to know that the man who wrote our Declaration of Independence wrote his own Bible.  Mr. Jefferson didn’t believe in the miracles in scripture, so he put together a Bible that didn’t include them.  It is not only the height of arrogance; those who know what the Word says about “adding to or taking away” can see the man’s gross error.

While the topic of Mr. Jefferson is at the fore, if you can find the term “separation of church and state” in the Constitution you will have done what no man has done before.  If you can prove that the intent of the religion clause meant a separation, I will be changed.

In 2010, most Americans believe in the separation of church and state.  A relatively new thing is meant by this.  A good majority of Americans now believe that Christian principles no longer apply to governance.  God’s law no longer applies to our public lives.  We are now a tolerant nation.

Christians are to love all.  Because of this, Christianity is considered by some to be a “tolerant” belief system in today’s religious environment.

Psalm 11 puts the truth in plain view .

Psalm 11 only has seven verses but they are powerful ones.  The last of the seven says this:

7For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness;
The upright will behold His face.

So, we know what God loves.  But, what is “righteousness?”

The Old Testament version of righteousness is outlined in the first Psalm.  The righteous man is one who delights in the Law of the Lord.

The New Testament version of righteousness may be summarized in this verse:

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ” BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”   -Romans 1:17

It is not surprising to me that New Testament righteousness refers to an Old Testament verse. (Hab. 2:4)

A quick check for the word “righteousness” using Bible Gateway (Google Bible Gateway sometime), shows 300 references to the term.  Bible Gateway is by no means exhaustive.  All who have done a little digging should be aware of the importance of righteousness in God’s eyes.

There are certain things the righteous cannot tolerate.  Those “certain things” are very important to the faithful.  They are important because they are important to God.

The things that are important to God are no longer important to the majority of Americans.  This is why I think that the question that once could be answered with a “yes” must now be answered with a “no.”

Chris Reimers

To see the story of the painting (that was) pictured above, click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VUo8OuFaiI&feature=related

“We are no longer a Christian nation.”  Mr. Obama is quoted early in the “2nd State of the Nation” address given by Mr. Ken Ham of “Answers in Genesis.”

http://www.answersingenesis.org/media/video/ondemand/state-of-the-nation-2/state-of-the-nation-2

Addendum

This post was written in 2010. I see that someone pulled this up now in 2026. My answer hasn’t changed on whether this is a Christian nation or not. However, I have given a much better summary of my current position in a comment on this post:

https://excatholic4christ.wordpress.com/2026/03/05/throwback-thursday-civil-religion-is-the-enemy-of-biblical-christianity/

In this post, I wrote this:

“This is why I think that the question that once could be answered with a ‘yes’ must now be answered with a ‘no.’

To be precise, I now think that we have never been a Christian nation but that we have, at one time, been a much more Christian one. Our country’s beginnings were influenced by many who had Godly views. Some of those views of God were not that of the Biblical God. Our country’s beginnings were also influenced by Enlightenment views and compromise.

I know that God is working in history and that he works in the lives of Americans every day. He also works in the lives of peoples across the world every day.

So, in spite of any opinion about what I think about how Christian America was in the past or how Christian it is now, I know that one opinion of mine will never change: The Church of Jesus Christ will continue to praise His name no matter who is in charge of governments.

While I’m here, I must also note this statement from above:

“Barack Obama wants America to be inclusive of all religions and creeds.  He has claimed to be a Christian himself, but he does not want Christianity mixed, in any form, with the dealings of the state.  There is only one other former president who, while in office, held this view.  He came from Arkansas.”

I must have had a day off from reality when I made that statement. One thing it demonstrates is that I had a lot to learn back then and I feel like I’m still barely scratching the truth of things today.

God’s blessings…

Chris Reimers

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THE GREATEST FEAR

June 27, 2010

It’s sometimes a good thing when you learn something.  Would you like to know what people fear the most?

I learned the answer from David, who was giving a lesson on “speaking without notes” at a public speaking conference yesterday in Little Rock.

You might think that death is the greatest fear.  That was the first thing that came to the minds of many in the room of 25 or so.

According to David’s research, people fear public speaking more than they fear death.  This is probably true since humans are creatures that don’t plan well and most figure that public speaking is on the agenda sooner than death.

After sharing his research, David shared knowledge he had about being a better public speaker.

Death, by the way, was the second most feared item on David’s short list.

The speech club that I belong to makes a serious attempt not to enter into  religious and political topics that may be offensive. This is so that the main goal may be achieved.  The goal?  It is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

If you wish to stay away from such topics, attend a speech club like mine near you.  This blog is a different “animal.”   David was making a point.  I would like to make one here since this isn’t the speech club.

No one needs to fear death just like no one needs to fear public speaking.

Everyone has heard this famous passage at a funeral:

4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;” (Psalm 23:4)

I know people who used to be petrified before an audience of any kind.  They are now able to speak in front of a group off of the cuff. “How did that happen?” you ask.  Look at the environment the club attempts to create as noted above and the question becomes, “How could comfort in front of a group of folks with that attitude not happen?”

It is the same with death.  The “environment” created by the Word of God instills a trust that is greater than death.  The Word of God is more powerful than death.

As far as I know, only two men have ever escaped death: Enoch and Elijah.  Many think they will be the two witnesses mentioned in the book of Revelation and, therefore, they will eventually die.  I will not argue the point.  But, I will quarrel with those who think they might escape death. (I must add that if you are alive during the “taking away” that Jesus describes in Matt. 24, you will not die.)

“Everyone knows they will eventually die,” many would articulate.  If this is so true, then why are people so unprepared?  They are as unprepared for death these days as they are to give a public speech.

It is the same old lie that keeps folks unprepared.

1Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?”

2The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat;

3but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'”

4The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die!

5“For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

6When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. (Genesis 3)

Today there are many who promise that you can be God.  You can heal yourself.  You can make yourself rich.  You can create wonderful relationships for yourself.  You can visualize that you will be great at something and it will happen.  You can verbalize something that you want and “poof,” it will appear.  You can make God anything you want, because you are God.  You can add the salt and ignore the pepper.  You can wish for jewels, and you will find a shiny gem, a maybe more, when you pull down the covers at night.  And all of these promises can be claimed, “In the name of Jesus.”

I know that there are great promises in the Bible, but the only place I can find a promise that we can be God is in Genesis 3.  The promise is made by the serpent.

The same promise that was made by the serpent is being made in too many places today.  It is everywhere.

I am not God and you are not God. However, we can be prepared for death.

After the major mess up in the garden, a plan was formulated by THE Almighty God.  Man, no matter how hard he tries, cannot remove sin.  The only way to remove our sin was for God to take it upon Himself.

26For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens;

27who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (Hebrews 7)

The ultimate offense is to think we can be God.  We should, however, ask God if we can be more like Him.

22Butthe fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

(Galatians 5)

I liked David (now President of a speech club) very soon after meeting him.  He was like God in that he was not afraid to share his best.  After spending some time with him, he asked me to accompany him and his date (a wonderful young lady named Ann) to dinner.  We had a meal to remember.

Are you afraid of public speaking or of death?  If you are, you should find a source to deal with your problem.  Email me if you would like to know where you can find a speech club like the one to which I belong.  My email address can be found under “About” at the top of this blog. Being afraid of death is a much higher problem. God’s Word, the Bible, is the only antidote for the fear of death.

Chris Reimers

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FROM JOY TO SADNESS TO JOY

June 25, 2010

It was like watching a miraculous assembly line.  One doctor removed a kidney from a living donor.  Another doctor placed the kidney in a needy patient.  After the kidney was slow to awaken, a third doctor prescribed a procedure to help the kidney work.  Different nurses were aware of the situation and monitored it.  A specialist performed the “wake up” procedure.  A second specialist checked on the family to see if there were any emotional needs.

All of this took place in a state that ranks near the bottom on educational achievement tests annually.

Arkansas Baptist Hospital in Little Rock is indeed an oasis for many.  The Large “campus” in Little Rock continues to expand.  Soon, a new heart and kidney transplant center will be operational.  The hospital already handles hundreds of difficult situations daily and with precision.

It is no surprise to the Christian that it does well.  The first thing one sees when entering the large main entryway is a scripture written in very visible letters on the wall above the information desk.  To see the quotation makes the Christian feel that they are in a good place.

The Hospital is a great asset and example to those in Arkansas.

We live in a time where a kidney transplant is a fairly common procedure. We also live in a time that basic Biblical truth is not believed or known or shown respect.  It is indeed a paradox.

There is news from Arkansas that makes the heart hurt.

Here is the headline:

10-Year-Old Grand Marshall at Gay Rights Parade Sparks Controversy Across U.S.

The parade would be a sad event in any city.  Unfortunately, it is taking place in Fayetteville, Arkansas this weekend.

This headline comes from a state where, in 2008, a good majority of the residents passed a law not allowing adoptive or foster children to be raised in homes with homosexual couples.

They are pushing it down our throats, are they not?  Even worse, they are pushing it down the throats of our children.  Are they not aware of the verse about the millstone?

The continual moral decline of our society has again shocked someone who thought he was beyond that point.  I spend time around DHS, CASA, and Christian Social workers who are constantly on the alert for signs of harm to children.  How can this parade be happening in broad daylight?

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

No matter how great man’s achievements become, he should never forget the words of Jesus.  It is unfortunate that many are no longer familiar with His words.  It is unfortunate that many no longer care about the words of their only hope.

This post would not be complete without the following words:

Psalm 30:11

11 “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,”

A fruit of God’s Holy Spirit is joy.  Although Christians must not hide from the awful things they see occurring in the world, God gives joy in spite of it all.  The joy comes from the knowledge of God’s love for us and is present at times when we least expect it.  It is like a calm in the middle of a storm.  I do not live by experience, however.  God’s Word is my light. At the same time, I cannot deny that I have experienced joy in the midst of sorrow.  The world will not understand this.  Christians do.

Chris Reimers

Fayetteville Mayor Joins in the Gay Pride Parade:

http://familycouncil.org/?p=979

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