Day of Truth, April 27: Tolerance

We live in a world where “tolerance” is thrown around by all sides of an issue. If you do not accept and embrace someone’s stance, you are labeled intolerant and are considered a bigot or hateful. Because of this, the term “tolerance”, as used in social settings, no longer has any real meaning.

The truth, that no one wants to admit for fear of being labeled intolerant, is that we can tolerate a different point of view without accepting it. It is agreeing to disagree. Jim Brown offers this, “a better understanding would be to define tolerance as showing respect and courtesy while holding firmly to convictions” (Brown).

Here are some highlights from the Gateways to Better Education “Promoting Tolerance” brochure, http://www.gtbe.org/news/images/promoting_tolerance.pdf:

Some even go so far as to define tolerance as the embracing and celebration of the opinions, practices, or behaviors of others.

If you oppose that “non-critical” approach, you run the risk of being accused of advocating bigotry, intolerance, and even hate.

But, tolerance in and of itself, is not a virtue. If someone tolerates drinking and driving, his tolerance is not virtuous. Tolerance is neutral. It derives its value from what it is the person tolerates, and the manner in which that tolerance or intolerance is expressed. This involves character.

Proper tolerance is the outgrowth of character qualities such as kindness, patience, courtesy, humility, self-control, and courage. Even intolerance (especially intolerance!) should be expressed through these qualities.

Too many people think they are being tolerant when they are actually expressing indifference (“whatever”), or apathy (“who cares?”), or even recklessness (“why not?”). Improperly understood, “tolerance” can lead to disarming you of your proper convictions.

Keep in mind that not tolerating an issue that is outside of your convictions, if done in good character, is not hateful. Share the truth with love.

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6

Works Cited:

Brown, Jim. “Christian Group's Brochure Offers Schools Help in Understanding Tolerance: Handout Urges Showing Respect, Courtesy Without Surrendering Convictions” AgapePress.org, April 13, 2006: http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/4/132006a.asp

Gateways to Better Education. http://www.gtbe.org/

Good News on Illinois Sex Ed. Issue

I have good news, but it is only a partial victory. Nothing has been gained... yet.

Our actions have brought the subject of sexuality indoctrination in our Illinois public schools front and center. In an article by Mary Rettig she reports, "An Illinois congressman says the Government Accounting Office (GAO) needs to evaluate the appropriateness of some pregnancy prevention classes being offered to young people" (Rettig).

The details of these classes are alarming, and in my mind should be considered criminal. Please follow this link for the full article and details: http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/4/172006d.asp

Remember, this is only a partial success. It is just the call for an investigation. You must continue to make your voice heard. I will continue to write our public officials in defense of Parental Rights and Moral Standards!

Also, the deadline for Protect Marriage Illinois petitions has been extended to April 30th.
http://www.protectmarriageillinois.org/
Failure to prevent legalizing same sex marriage will make it nearly impossible to prevent sexuality indoctrination disguised as diversity training. And here is the proof:

“Lexington Superintendent of Schools Paul Ash said Estabrook has no legal obligation to notify parents about the book. ‘We couldn't run a public school system if every parent who feels some topic is objectionable to them for moral or religious reasons decides their child should be removed,’ he said. ‘Lexington is committed to teaching children about the world they live in, and in Massachusetts same-sex marriage is legal.’ "
parents_rip_school_over_gay_storybook/

Thank you and God bless.


Works Cited:

Rettig, Mary. "Illinois Lawmakers Urge Review of State's Pro-Condom Pregnancy Prevention Classes" AgapePress.org: April 17, 2006. http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/4/172006d.asp

Testing 2

2nd test.

apologies. Having problem with blog posting today.

The Global Nation of Islam!

> Iran is resuming nuclear production.

> Iran tested ballistic and stealth missiles.

> Iranian leaders are rallying citizens, and they are chanting “Death to America! Death to Israel!”

> Iran tested a stealth boat.

> 4/5/2006, insurgents in Iraq drag the burning body of a U.S. Pilot.

> 4/11/2006, Iran claims to have nuclear capability.

> 4/14/2006, Iran’s President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, says, “The Zionist regime [Israel and by association America] is a rotten, dried tree that will be eliminated by one storm.” And goes on to say, “[The land of Palestine] will be free soon.” Emphasis added.

> 4/17/2006, Gary Bauer states that, “Iran now claims to have 40,000 suicide bombers ready to strike the U.S., Israel and England.” In his April 17th End of Day Report.

There should be little doubt left for anyone. There is an Evil Empire that wants to destroy us and our way of life. The actions of our President and Armed Forces are all that is holding it back.

Not too long ago I made a comment to a relative that I thought if France did not change its ways it would be a nation ruled by Islamic law within 20 years.

What was the #1 demand from the cartoon rioters?

They wanted a law passed in the EU to forbid any characterizations of the prophet Mohamed. Some diplomatic leaders can be heard saying “go ahead, no one will take it serious and it will placate the angry muslims.” The main stream media in America, knowingly or unknowingly, is pandering to this agenda. This is an excerpt from an email I received from Major Davis, “When art highly offensive to Christians was put on display at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in 1999 (depicting a dung-smeared Virgin Mary) the media broadcast the story and images for weeks from coast to coast, extolling the virtues of artistic freedom. But when the target of the offense is non-Christian, it seems as if a different standard is applied. When the now infamous Dutch cartoon flap hit mainstream recently, politicians and media went to great lengths to show ‘deference’ and ‘respect’ to the Muslim religion by refusing to show any of the offending images of Islam’s most holy figure, Mohammad” (Davis)

Today it is cartoon characterizations of Mohamed, tomorrow it is women walking the streets without their faces covered! The next demand will then be “the EU should pass a law that women can not leave home without the proper clothing. Pass the law or we will continue to terrorize your streets!”

Consider this statement from Chad Groening, “The director of the group Jihad Watch says things have gotten so bad in Europe that the only solution to the Islamic problem might be to divide the continent into Muslim and non-Muslim enclaves” (Groening).

Allie Martin notes of one pastors visit to France, “According to Pastor Pierce, the French police discourage foreigners from entering those areas. ‘They tell you if you're French or if you're American [and] you go into those areas, [they] will not come and get you if you get caught in there,’ he shares” (Martin).


Still think I’m crazy? Then consider this statement from Archbishop Peter Akinola from Nigeria: (Goodenough)

Akinola questioned how an incident in far-off Denmark -- the publication of the Mohammed cartoons -- could result in violence in Nigeria."It is no longer a hidden fact that a long standing agenda to make this Nigeria an Islamic nation is being surreptitiously pursued," he said."The willingness of Muslim youth to descend with violence on the innocent Christians from time to time is [to] all intents and purposes design to actualize their dream."

The White Witch controls the hordes of Islam!

In recent days disturbing news has come to my attention. Yale is proud to have an unapologetic Taliban member as a student while at the same time the university is trying to ban U.S. Military recruiters (Brown)!
DO YOU SEE A PROBLEM HERE?

I am weeping for my country and I feel like my fellow countrymen are blissfully ignorant or unconcerned! They are comfortable in the matrix and would rather not face the reality of the coming storm! And the storm is coming! They will wake up one day and wonder, “How did this happen?”

“This is the carefree city that lived in safety. She said to herself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’ What a ruin she has become, a lair for wild beasts! All who pass by her scoff and shake their fists.” Zephaniah 3:15

Support the War on Terror, and pray for and reach out in love to people of Islam. All individuals deserve love and a chance to hear the truth, but do not be fooled into thinking Islam is a religion of peace. Furthermore, do not slander the names of our troops that have given their lives by demanding our troops return home prematurely. They are fighting to ensure we do not become the next Islamic nation, and dropping the cause they fight for would mean they have died for nothing!

Sept. 11 2001 Tribute. Never Forget! http://www.olivetreeviews.org/topics/movies/attack.html


Resources:

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (And the Crusades)

By The Sword, Fiction

Because They Hate: A Survivor of Islamic Terror Warns America

Jihad Watch is dedicated to bringing public attention to the role that jihad theology and ideology plays in the modern world, and to correcting popular misconceptions about the role of jihad and religion in modern-day conflicts. We hope to alert people of good will to the true nature of the present global conflict.
http://www.jihadwatch.org/

I'm sure you're concerned about the influence of Islam in America. Truth For Muslims is bringing a comprehensive, biblical response to Islam in America.
http://www.truthformuslims.com/

Can Islam and Democracy Co-Exist?
http://www.truthformuslims.com/articles/marion_2005_09_co_exist.htm

Afghan Christian Testimony website!
http://www.shahadat.net/


Works Cited:

Brown, Jim. AgapePress.org. Yale Alum Blasts Ivy League School for Enrolling Former Taliban Official. 3/7/2006: http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/3/72006d.asp

Davis, Daniel. From email O God Our Help. 3/5/2006

Goodenough, Patrick. CNSNews.com. ‘Cartoon’ Protests Seen As Pretext for Pushing Islam in Nigeria. 2/23/2006: http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=\ForeignBureaus\archive\200602\FOR20060223b.html

Groening, Chad. American Family Association. Observers Foresee a Europe Divided Along Muslim / Non-Muslim Lines. 3/15/2006 http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/3/afa/152006f.asp

Martin, Allie. Pastor’s Visit to France Reveals ‘Cultural Warfare’ Going On. AgapePress, April 13, 2006.
http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/4/132006d.asp


Other Works:

Agapepress.org; http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/3/202006f.asp

CNSNews.com; Islamic Advocacy Group Silent on Afghan Apostasy Trial; http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=\Culture\archive\200603\CUL20060322a.html

Afghanistan apostate, Read the story here: http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=49345

Pray for this man. He is not renouncing Jesus Christ even while threatened with death. You can also write to President Bush here: https://secure.afa.net/afa/afapetition/takeaction.asp?id=191

Without a doubt He lives!

There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ lives today.

I don’t like to put this earth shattering event into practical terms, but I know it helped me overcome my doubts, and maybe it will help others.

First, there has been over 2000 years of attempts to prove He did not return from the dead. 2000 years! Many scholars have set out to prove that Christianity is false, and they have become the most devout believers of all time.

Second, the Bible is so historically and archeologically accurate, that it is used as the number one source for ancient historical and archeological research. You can still walk among ancient ruins in the Middle East and Europe and find names, positions, dates, and events that are recorded in the Bible inscribed in stone. According to Dr. Carlson, “Matthew was completed by 60 A.D. and it is very likely that all four of the Gospels were completed prior to 70 A.D. Thus many people were alive to verify their authenticity and truthfulness. We also have 3500 complete manuscripts of the New Testament and over 5700 portions of the New Testament from the first three centuries;” (Carlson).

Third, and most important to me, is the actions of Jesus’ disciples, the people that saw Him and ate with Him after His death. Contrast their actions to that of Mohamed. Mohamed took up the sword to gain power and status, and you can stand at his grave today. The apostles gave up everything to tell of what they had seen. Think about how your life would change if you saw someone raise from the dead today! They knew it was true. They saw with their own eyes. So, they lived meager lives by the worlds standard, they spent time in chains and in prison, and most of them were gruesomely killed because they would not, could not deny that they had seen Jesus after His death. Think hard about what you would give your life for. Would you allow yourself to become poor, to be imprisoned? Would you willingly die for a lie? No, and neither did the apostles!

Without A Doubt, Jesus Lives!

Join me this April 16th as I celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and learn "Did Jesus Really Raise From the Dead?"
http://communityeaster.com/

Sunday April 16th at 10am in the auditorium of Richwoods High School, Peoria Illinois, all of Peoria (especially those who don't have a church to go to) are invited to tackle the question: "Did Jesus Really Raise From the Dead?" We'd love you to show up early for breakfast on us starting at 9am. Trustworthy childcare will be provided throughout the morning and a free Max Lucado book will be given to all guests, so please bring your family and your friends with you!

The Case for Christ... by Lee Strobel

Works Cited:

Carlson, Dr. Ron. The Gospel of Judas: Fact or Fiction? Distributed by www.ChristianWorldviewNetwork.com, 4/7/2006. http://www.worldviewweekend.com/secure/cwnetwork/article.php?&ArticleID=632

Sliding Down the Slippery Slope...

I’ve been hitting the defense of marriage and families pretty hard lately. It may be getting a little old, I apologize. However, it’s not over yet. Not acting may cause your children to be indoctrinated into cultures you don’t agree with, but, if we keep slipping down the slope, teaching your children your Christian faith could also become a criminal activity.

Ken Ham recently commented, “If America continues on its present course of abandoning the absolute authority of the Word of God—and teaching generations of students that they are the result of random natural processes—Christians who teach their children to believe that God created in six days will have those same children taken away … and the parents will be arrested for “child abuse” (Ham).

Way too far fetched? What would our fore fathers have thought if someone were to tell them that Bibles and prayer would be outlawed in public schools? How absurd would that sound to them, I mean, public schools were created to develop patriots with Christian values! (Barton) There is no way they would outlaw the Bible and prayers in public schools! … But they did!

Ham points out how we are not very far from this reality. Take all of the present day hostility toward Christianity in the public square and the rush of questionable ethics and values to take its place, and add them to comments made recently by atheist Dr. Richard Dawkins in a U. K. TV program as quoted by Ham,

I’m very concerned about the religious indoctrination of children. I want to show how faith acts like a virus that attacks the young and infects generation after generation …
It’s time to question the abuse of childhood innocence with superstitious ideas of hellfire and damnation. And I want to show how the scriptural roots of the Judeo-Christian moral edifice are cruel and brutish. What in the 21st century are we doing venerating a book [the Bible] that contains such stuff?
…
When it comes to children, I think of religion as a dangerous virus. It’s a virus which is transmitted partly through teachers and clergy, but also down the generations from parent to child to grandchild. Children are especially vulnerable to infection by the virus of religion.

I cannot express enough how important it is to guard the hearts and minds of your children from the “State” powers. Remember the mighty Roman city of Constantinople? It was destroyed by the children of its citizens. The children either didn’t know or didn’t care that they were killing their own families because they had been raised and educated by the enemy. What is even more tragic about the story is that many of the families of Constantinople had given up their children without a fight thinking they would have a better life! (Myers)

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.


The Lie: Evolution by Ken Ham

Refuting Evolution: A Handbook... by Jonathan Sarfati


Works Cited:

Barton, David. America’s Godly Heritage. Second Edition. David Barton, 2004.

Ham, Ken. Christianity: child abuse? A virus? Answers in Genesis, March 2006.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/us/newsletters/0306lead.asp

Myers, Jeff. Apathy and Indifference Are Killing Us… and It’s Not a Teenage Problem! Distributed by Christian Worldview Network. http://www.worldviewweekend.com/secure/cwnetwork/article.php?&ArticleID=547

Overcome Apathy and Take Action Today!

Apathy, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, is 1) lack of feeling or emotion 2) lack of interest or concern.

State Bill 2267
Do you get emotional about what your children are being taught in public schools? Would you get emotional about your 9 year old practicing with condoms at school? Could you picture little 9 year old Jill rolling a condom down 9 year old Jacks fingers? Would that concern you?

I'm not surprised at the amount of child sexual molestations. I'm not surprised at how many teachers and high ranking public officials are arrested for molesting or soliciting children for sex. How could I be when we live in a culture that teaches sexuality to children starting in kindergarten?

If you are concerned, then you need to act! If you sit on your butt shrugging your shoulders not wanting to miss your favorite TV show, then you loose control over what your children will be taught in schools. There is a bill in the Illinois Senate that you need to act on Right Now! Don't do it just for your children, but all of America's and Illinois' children.

Please read the following article to be informed:
http://www.illinoisfamily.org/news/contentview.asp?c=31996

Then go here to find your Illinois State Senator:
http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/AddressSearch.aspx

Then send your State Senator a letter to OPPOSE State Bill 2267!


The White Witch is advancing while you slumber!


1 Corinthians 6:18-19
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

Defense of Marriage and Family

The opening comment to a recent Agape Press article by Gail Besse reads, “American Christians had better start defending their right to religious expression before that liberty is outlawed, a Christian civil rights advocate from Canada warns. (Besse)” [emphasis added]

Just to clarify, taking a stand to preserve marriage as between one man and one woman and preventing homosexual indoctrination in public schools is not an unwarranted attack against homosexuals, it is a defense against the attack on families and Christian values. Peter LaBarbera, Executive Director of Protect Marriage Illinois, has, “decried the ‘pattern of ugly attacks against people of faith merely for disagreeing with the homosexual movement.’ … What is hateful about giving Illinois voters a chance to cast a vote for marriage as one-man, one-woman this November? (Protect Marriage Illinois)”

It’s one thing to say, “Ok, your gay, that’s fine.” It’s completely different to have the gay lifestyle forced on kindergarten kids under the falsehood of diversity training while punishing any criticism of the lifestyle as hate speech.

What if they are really born that way? I asked an ex-homosexual how he would respond to that, he said, “When someone tells me that homosexuals are born that way, I ask with utmost politeness "To which study are you referring?" Then I wait in silence. (Wilkins)” You see, there has never been any scientific study to show that homosexuals are born that way. There have been some propaganda studies that have been proven unreliable. I’ve listed resources below of many people that have overcome homosexuality, and resources that can help those that still need to.

There is nothing wrong with defending marriage and religious liberty. There is something wrong with a group of people trying to force their lifestyle choice on the public at large.

If you think this is all much ado about nothing, ask David Parker who spent a night in jail because he would not leave a meeting with school officials when they told him, “they did not have the authority to grant him that parental right,” to opt his son out of classroom discussions and curriculum endorsing homosexual marriage (Brown). His son was in kindergarten! Do you have your explanation prepared for when your son or daughter comes home from kindergarten asking about two mommies or two daddies? Is that an academic topic that public schools should be discussing? NO, it is a parental right to decide how and when to discuss sexuality issues with your children. DEFEND your rights NOW! Before it is too late!

There is a bill in the Illinois Senate right now, State Bill 2267 (SB2267), for “age appropriate sex education.” See this Illinois Family Institute alert for more details: http://www.illinoisfamily.org/news/contentview.asp?c=31996
Send a letter to State Senator Shadid today expressing that you DO NOT want him to support this bill!
121-C Capitol Bldg
Springfield, IL 62706





Resources

Stephen Bennett Ministries. “SBM encourages men and women to successfully
and permanently overcome their unwanted same-sex attraction (SSA.) … Stephen Bennett struggled with homosexuality until he was 28 years old.”
http://www.sbministries.org/

Exodus International. “Exodus is the largest Christian referral and information
ministry dealing with homosexual issues in our world today.” http://www.exodus.to/

Cross Ministry. “Cross Ministry, Inc. (Cross) is a Christian organization giving
visibility to the reality of change for the homosexual through Jesus Christ.” http://www.crossministry.org/


Works Cited

Besse, Gail. U.S. Christian Activists Forewarned by Canadian Clergyman: ‘Speak Up!’
Warns Christian Civil Rights Advocate. Agape Press. http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/4/32006e.asp

Brown, Jim. Rally Planned in Support of Concerned Parent Arrested at Son’s School.
Agape Press. http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/5/32005d.asp

Protect Marriage Illinois. PMI Decries Escalating ‘Gay’ Extremist Rhetoric. Illinois
Family Institiute. http://www.illinoisfamily.org/news/contentview.asp?c=32263

Wilkins, Tim. From email RE: Just Born That Way? http://www.crossministry.org/