Why Tithe?

For the love of money people will steal from their mother. For the love of money people will rob their own brother. For the love of money people can't even walk the street because they never know who in the world they're gonna beat. For that lean, mean, mean green Almighty dollar, money. For the love of money people will lie, Lord, they will cheat. For the love of money people don't care who they hurt or beat. For the love of money a woman will sell her precious body For a small piece of paper it carries a lot of weight. Call it lean, mean, mean green—“For The Love Of Money” by the O’Jays, Album: Ship Ahoy 1973

Money, Money, Money, Money, MONEY! Do you remember that song from back in the 1970’s by the O’Jays? A song whose foundation was 1 Timothy 6:10 and is the motto for much of the secular world. But in recent history and in current circles, we hear stories of similar motivations in the church to increase giving in the church offerings by nefarious purposes. The church building (assembly) is supposed to be a gathering place for worship, learning doctrine, prayer and Christian fellowship. But many negative connotations are associated with many of today’s churches. Some thoughts I have heard from the secular people and from Christians concerning the Church include:

• The preachers are just trying to take people’s money.
• The church members are continually living at a lower standard of living than the preachers.
• Mommy, why do some preachers go to church in a limousine, and we have to walk every Sunday?
• Preachers beg and talk too much about getting people to give money to the church.
• Should I pay my rent, light bill, etc. or should I give this as an offering to the Church, and believe God for a blessing?
• Some preachers manipulate the congregation to tithe and give money with scare tactics of going to Hell for robbing God.
• It is our duty to help get the Gospel out to the world, so that poor people in India can hear about Jesus.
  
  

Maybe you have heard some of these claims, or perhaps others. Well, I am here to set the record straight concerning the tithe. Yes, the Bible does mention tithing. But what does it say? Follow along, be a student and not a drone. Get ready to search the Scriptures as the Bereans did to see if I am presenting the truth in context (Acts 17:11). I ask that you please be objective and not to hold too dearly to your current belief system. Let’s test what you believe (1 Thessalonians 5:21), and test what I believe, as well. The Holy Spirit will give light, so let’s be open to Him. This subject is a “sacred cow” for many people, in other words there is a stronghold belief system and/or influence over some people concerning giving. You’ll see why, so continue reading in faith and be open minded to the Spirit of God. Let’s go!

The most popular Scriptures that I know concerning the tithe are in the Old Testament (OT); however, there are a few references to the tithe in the New Testament (NT), as well. The most famous verse I believe is found in Malachi 3:8-12: Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

So from this verse the major ideas to note are:

• Not tithing and not giving offerings denotes robbing God. Stealing is a sin (Exodus 20:15), and we know that all sinners will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).
• God will bless you if you tithe and give offerings.
• God will rebuke the bad things from happening to you.
• Other people are going to recognize you as fortunate and good in the sight of God.
  
  

It appears from this very popular verse that tithing is a very beneficial practice. But what is tithing? What does the contextual application of Scripture teach us about tithing?

• Tithing was instituted before the law with Abraham (Genesis 14; Hebrews 7) and was adopted into the Levitical law (Leviticus 27:30-31).
• Jesus was born under the law (Galatians 4:4), came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17) so that He could give us power to live above the law (Galatians 3:13-14).
• Tithing was the people bringing 1/10 of their increase to be given to God via the children of Levi for their service in the tabernacle of the congregation (Numbers 18:21), and in obedience to God the Levitical Priesthood was to offer up a heave offering (1/10 of the tenth) to the Lord (Number 18:26).
• Reserving the first tenth for God is actually the tither acknowledging God as having complete ownership (so to speak) over his/her life. Let’s look at things in natural terms: at a birthday party, who gets the first piece of cake? The person whose birthday it is. When your girlfriend gets a new outfit that you really like, don’t you at least let her wear it first before you ask to borrow it? When the guest of honor enters the room, doesn’t everyone stand up and let him/her sit down first? It’s a respect that we give to people on the earth. How much more respect should we give to the King of Glory?
• The OT believers didn’t belong to God in their hearts; remember sin came in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:14-24), and put a spiritual barrier between God and man. So God created covenants with mankind (Genesis 9:11-13; Genesis 15), and later the Law was instituted (Exodus 20) so that mankind could walk in God’s ways and atone for sin.
• The purpose for the law was to distinguish between right and wrong, as well as differentiating between God’s people and the heathen (Galatians 3:21-25; 1 Timothy 1:9).
• The OT was a temporary fix for the mistakes of Adam and Eve, a detour so to speak. Jesus Christ is the eternal sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14; Hebrews 10:7-10), and the mediator of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6).
• There are no New Testament (NT) instructions for us to tithe. Tithing is mentioned in the NT, but only as references under the law. God used Paul and the other Apostles to teach the Church everything that we need to know for living a fulfilled Christian life before God and man; 27 books to be exact. Why are there no instructions, teachings, examples of tithing in or for the NT Church? Could it be that tithing is not a NT practice? Let's keep studying.
• In the NT, the true believers in God belong to God exclusively (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 7:23). He purchased us with His own Blood (Acts 20:28); therefore He owns us, and there is no reason for us to sacrificially give Him 10% of what is 100% His. Do you understand that? That wouldn’t make sense. We are His property in no uncertain terms; however, we do NOT serve a dictator, nor are we robots. He expects us to submit ourselves to Him (James 4:7-10; Isaiah 1:19-20).
• We are instructed in the NT to give offerings (sowing and reaping). We also see examples of Paul and the Church giving alms and offerings but never a tithe (Acts 24:17; Romans 15:25-28; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24 and 2 Corinthians 9:1-15) Why is this significant? Am I playing with semantics? No, I am setting you free by the Word of God and I am taking the power away from the enemy of our soul who uses certain preachers to use the Word of God to manipulate you and to bring you into bondage.
• Do you remember earlier I said that tithing is under the law? It was by compulsion, and you had no choice in the matter. However, in the NT, we defer to our hearts concerning our giving. It’s a personal act between the believer and God. The problem arises when preachers impose their will on us, play on our emotions and try to put guilt trips on us. These people may have a sincere heart, but they are sincerely wrong. These type of people do NOT have our best interest at heart. They may mean well, but aiming at the target is not the same as hitting the target. No one has the right or the authority to coerce you to give any amount of money, and then lie to you and manipulate you by suggesting that you are robbing God and going to Hell. That is heresy! What I have found is that if you take the OT away from many preachers, you take away much of their belief system. It’s sad because grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:14), not OT law.
  
  

Again, we live in a better covenant established upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6), and this present-day dispensation is called the New Testament (NT). We have been redeemed from the curse of the law by Jesus’ blood and solely belong to Him (Galatians 3:13-14). The Law of God is not being carried around in the Ark of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 31:26) as it was in the Old Testament (OT), but it now resides in the hearts of the true believers of Jesus (Hebrews 10:16). Therefore, we can safely, without guilt and/or condemnation follow our hearts in peace (Colossians 3:15). With that said, no one can control our giving: how much or how little we give. We must follow the peace of God in our hearts. From our hearts proceed our motivations, and from there we receive our reward. No longer can preachers hold people hostage, make you stand up and wave your tithe before the congregation that is seated watching you. No longer can preachers embarrass you because 20 people aren’t standing in the $100.00 line. No longer can preachers call you out and “prophe-lie” to you and say that “God told me to tell you to give $100.00 in the offering today, and your blessing will be released.” That is just plain error. These people aren't even Scriptural. But these types of preachers prey upon unsuspecting people, who mean well. But don’t worry folks, God is not afraid of you, He won’t give you personal instructions through a third party; God will tell you what He wants you to know, and/or witness what is said to you in your heart if what you’re hearing is from Him. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT; IT IS PARAMOUNT FOR YOU TO KNOW THIS!

Whenever you are giving money, you are not tithing; you are following the principles of seedtime and harvest (Genesis 8:22), giving/sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7). If you sow bountifully, you will reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) and your sufficiency is of God. Jesus said in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” It’s an offering, not a tithe. I NEVER tell anyone to stop giving 10% of their income. So why am I making a big deal and writing this article? Because the 10% that you bring to the church in this dispensation is not a tithe. The tithe is the 10% that the OT believers gave by compulsion of the Law of the OT, but what we give in this dispensation of grace is a free will offering from the heart. Give whatever amount is in your heart to give. Give 50%, 60%, or 100% of your income if it’s in your heart to do. But don’t let someone get you all emotional and get you out of your peaceful heart of giving to God. God will touch you and lead you in giving. Just follow your heart! Only you and God know your faith level, so obey the Spirit of God that lives on the inside of you. Remember that you are the Temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). He knows your heart and won’t steer you wrong, He will lead and guide you into all truth (John 16:13).

I don’t know how many preachers are genuine in their hearts about tithing and giving, and how many are just interested in making the church budget for the week. But I do know that some preachers will not admit that my article is Biblically correct because they think that people will stop giving if the congregation finds out that they are not obligated to tithe. NO! Only an insecure preacher will think that. God will always touch people’s hearts to give. It’s just that people would start giving in faith instead of fear; without faith we can’t please God (Hebrews 11:6), and we are delivered from fear which is not of God (2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18). If you remember this and live out of your heart, you will be set free, 2 Corinthians 3:6 says “The letter of the law killeth, but the spirit gives life.” In other words, the letter stands for the whole Mosaic Law, and if you break one commandment you were guilty of breaking all of the law (James 2:10-13). The Law kills because it cannot give life (Acts 13:39; Romans 3:20). The purpose of the law was to make humanity conscious of sin and to be able to distinguish right from wrong (Galatians 3:21-25; 1 Timothy 1:9). Ladies and Gentlemen, your freedom is in the Spirit of God (2 Corinthians 3:17), and if you can take hold to this message, pray about it and ask God to reveal the true intent of this message to you, then you will begin living a life that is pleasing to God in Spirit and in truth, and before humanity as well. Live free! Live well!

A Strong Family: The Building Block for a Strong Community

The family unit is the backbone of society, and is the very essence of a structured civilization. Man, woman and child have defined the very nature of the family for thousands of years; and in the early days of humanity this strong network was demonstrated in such Patriarchal dynasties, such as: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Although all of humanity is created by God, there is a special bond that is created within the family unit. I liken it to spiritual glue (a bond) that God places in families as a symbol of his approval on this entity.

For millenniums, dynasties have ruled, reigned and prospered. The legacy of the family name, the bloodline, and posterity has always been the focus of family heads worldwide. For example, the mafia, the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), House of Saud and others are a long line of successions that have been powerful families for many years. Parents would pass down the heritage of the family, the traditions, family businesses, customs and kingdoms from generation to generation. But unfortunately, many (especially in America) don’t understand, appreciate or know much about the importance of the family unit. Even worse, many Christians don’t understand the importance of the family. Christianity is simply, God Almighty and His children! We have received and have seen the greatest demonstration of family, love, forgiveness and acceptance that the world could ever know: God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit wanting to love and to fellowship with humanity.

Here are a few things to consider about God’s view on the family:

• The beautiful thing about God is that He accepts us in spite of our shortcomings. He doesn’t accept us if we do everything right; he accepts us unconditionally, we walk out life, and He corrects us when we err. He loves!


• God demonstrated his love for us, so that we can demonstrate that love to our family and to others. (Romans 5:8)


• Show affection to family often. Remember, the family unit has been endowed with spiritual glue (an anointing), so share in that love, and pass it along. Cherish each other, because you never know if you will ever get that chance again. (James 4:14-15)


• Family is how God establishes order in society. Care, rearing, nurturing of children and spousal support establish a bond of love that radiates from God through the family. Also, remember that your family is more than just your father, mother, and children. Spend time with, write or call your aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and others, as well. Stay in touch!


• If a family member errs, he/she is still your family. Be forgiving and gracious! Don’t let a habit, addiction or incident separate you from your family. Reach out, be the bigger person and offer help. If they don’t accept it, then pray. But never desert your family. You will need to receive forgiveness for the wrong you will do. So start sowing the seeds of love, compassion and forgiveness today.


• Protect and shield wayward family members. Don’t let people ridicule your family publicly. Deal with the issues that need to be resolved privately. Remember, God doesn’t air out our dirty laundry.


• Pass your family heritage on to the children, attend family reunions, and stay in touch with relatives. Remember, we are all creations of God, but there is a special bond that God places in families and upon your family name.


• Support family members in their endeavors. Friends and outsiders should never support a person more than the person’s own flesh and blood. Cheer family members on, encourage each other, and bless one another.


• Be honest with family members if there is a sensitive situation that needs to be discussed, but always do it with a genuine heart. (Proverbs 27:5; Proverbs 4:20)


• Listen and be attentive to each others feelings and concerns.


• When someone wants to impart truth to you don’t be defensive or assume someone is trying to discourage you. God can give insight to people who have access to you, so be open to receive instruction, correction or sound rebuke.


• Husbands and wives: love one another, submit to one another, and treat one another as you would want to be treated, even if the other person isn’t cooperating (1 Corinthians 7:13-14). You can win your spouses heart through prayer and a Godly lifestyle. No man wants to hear a nagging woman!


• Children: obey your parents; and honor your mother and father that you days may be long on the earth (Ephesians 6:2)


• Parents: don’t provoke, nag and fuss at your children for every little thing, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)


• Parents: Train up your child in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6)
  
  
  

Although God has established a great entity called family, there are those who are influenced by an alternative school of thought who don’t agree with God’s created institution. As you will see below, there are many individuals, foundations, and groups who want the family structure to be destroyed. Don’t listen to these people, and don’t help them to weaken your family by not loving, supporting, strengthening, communicating with, and encouraging your family.


David Rockefeller once stated at a 1976 Tri-lateral commission meeting, “public schools are helpless people yielding themselves to our molding hands.”

“We must go back to matriarchies…to ancient female religions (like witchcraft)…In order to break the tyranny of the class oppression, it is necessary to establish a socialist order….In the final hours of capitalism we will dance on the grave of corporate America….Marriage is the key institution that has failed us and we must work to destroy it….The nuclear family must be replaced with a new form of family where individuals live and worked together to help meet the needs of all people in society….With the destruction of the nuclear family must come a new way of looking at children. They must be seen as the responsibility of an entire society rather then individual parents.”—Declaration of Feminism 1971

“We really don’t know how to raise children. If we are to talk about equality of opportunity for children, then the fact that children are raised in a family means there’s no equality. It’s a dilemma. In order to raise children with equality, we must take them away from families and communally raise them.”—Mary Jo Bane writes in the Tulsa Sunday World August 21, 1977

“[The Rockefeller family member] asked me what I thought of the ‘women’s movement,’ and I told him that I support equal opportunity,” Russo continues. “He looked at me and said, ‘You know, you’re such an idiot in some ways. We’ — meaning the people he works with — ‘created the women’s movement, and we promote it. And it’s not about equal opportunity. It’s designed to get both parents out of the home and into the workforce, where they will pay taxes. And then we can decide how the children will be raised and educated.’ That’s how they control society — by removing the parents from the home and then raising the children as the elitists see fit.” — Aaron Russo, Award Winning Hollywood Movie Producer of “Trading Places.”

Feminism is not just an issue of a group of issues; it is the cutting edge of a revolution in cultural and moral values. The objective of every feminist reform, from legal abortion to the E.R.A. to child–care programs, is to undermine the traditional family value.—American feminist activist Ellen Willis November 14, 1981

The Russian book, The Scientific and Technological Revolution and the Revolution in Education, translated and imported to the U.S.A., helped lay the foundation for the philosophy behind Outcome-based Education. Its cover jacket explains that the book “examines the fundamental directions that the revolution in education will take: introduction of teaching machines, instruction from a younger age, linking instruction with productive labor, continuous education… Under socialism, education has become not only the personal affair of every individual, but also a concern of society as a whole.” In the book, Vladimir Turchenko wrote that:

One of the most important functions of education today is… the preparation of a skilled labor force for the national economy…. A second task… is to ensure the socialization of the younger generation…. A child at the moment of birth is but a biological organism that turns into a person… [through] socialization. Actualization [of education] involves shifting the focus of instruction from memorization to teaching how to think…. In many countries practical steps are being taken to begin education from earliest childhood… The upbringing of the younger generation will become the affair of all.

Alvin Toffler (Newt Gingrich’s mentor), Willard Wirtz and other futurists wrote a report issued Institute for Chief State School Officers titled “Man, Education, and Society in the Year 2000.” Other CSSO participants were George Bush, James Baker, and Edmund de Rothschild. Funded by HEW’s Office of Education, the report concluded that “the 50 states should organize a commission to establish the values that are significant in approaching problems (e.g., population) that must be faced in the future.” The summary explained that:

The home, the church and the school cannot be effective maintainers [of society] since the future cannot be predicted… The traditional cluster of knowledge, skills, values and concepts will not help our young face the future in their private life, the international situation…. Perhaps there is a need for the clarification of new values needed to solve future problems.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the 1927 Buck v. Bell case that the state of Virginia could sterilize those it thought unfit. The most significant era of eugenic sterilization was between 1907 and 1963, when over 64,000 individuals were forcibly sterilized under eugenic legislation in the United States.[26]

"[Slavs, Latin, and Hebrew immigrants are] human weeds ... a dead weight of human waste ... [Blacks, soldiers, and Jews are a] menace to the race." "Eugenic sterilization is an urgent need ... We must prevent multiplication of this bad stock."
--Margaret Sanger, April 1933 Birth Control Review

"We should hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds, and with engaging personalities. The most successful educational approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal. We don't want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population, and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members."
-- Margaret Sanger's December 19, 1939 letter to Dr. Clarence Gamble, 255 Adams Street, Milton, Massachusetts. Original source: Sophia Smith Collection, Smith College, North Hampton, Massachusetts. Also described in Linda Gordon's Woman's Body, Woman's Right: A Social History of Birth Control in America . New York: Grossman Publishers, 1976.

"There is a single theme behind all our work-we must reduce population levels," said Thomas Ferguson, the Latin American case officer for the State Department's Office of Population Affairs (OPA). "Either they [governments] do it our way, through nice clean methods or they will get the kind of mess that we have in El Salvador, or in Iran, or in Beirut. Population is a political problem. Once population is out of control it requires authoritarian government, even fascism, to reduce it "The professionals," said Ferguson, "aren't interested in lowering population for humanitarian reasons. That sounds nice. We look at resources and environmental constraints. We look at our strategic needs, and we say that this country must lower its population-or else we will have trouble…………... "We will go into a country," said Ferguson, "and say, here is your goddamn development plan. Throw it out the window. Start looking at the size of your population and figure out what must be done to reduce it. "If you don't like that, if you don't want to choose to do it through planning, then you'll have an El Salvador or an Iran, or worse, a Cambodia."

(Author’s conclusion: These maniacal control freaks have crowned themselves as gods. They are arbitrarily and subjectively deciding what is good and proper. Well, know that God created you, and he created the family. According to the book of Genesis everything God created is good. He wants you to be all that He has called you to be and to be a strong proponent of the family unit. Don’t let these egotistical megalomaniacs steal the gift of family away from you. Many times, governments use “buzz words” such as: family planning, immunizations or child policies to denote the end of your family’s posterity. Remember, only God creates; but only the devil comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy [John 10:10]. So don’t lose your heritage, your family or your posterity; treasure it and pass it on. Make sure that a piece of you will always live on the earth. Take care of yourself and your family. Forgive, help, appreciate, support and love one another. Now for those of you who don’t have a conventional family, you can make your own family. Friends and your brothers and sisters in Christ are your new family, not to mention that you have a Heavenly Father, an elder brother (Jesus) and a comforting friend [the Holy Spirit] Live well! )

Judging (scrutiny or distinguishing right from wrong) Vs. Passing Judgment (condemning and issuing a penalty or sentence)

Matthew 7:1-6 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

(Author thought: This article has been inspired by some events that I have encountered over the past several years. It appears as though there are some people who don’t know that there is a difference between judging (distinguishing between right and wrong) and passing judgment (sentencing people for a crime). For years, I have been telling people about the Gospel, on the political campaign trail, and trying to educate people on other issues. In that time, I have encountered some people who have accused me of judging them and saying that I’m not their boss. My intentions have never been to be anyone's "boss," to harm, to damage or to belittle anyone. I probably did hurt some people's feeling with my delivery or choice of words in the past, but that was not my heartfelt intention. Sometimes, youth, unbridled zeal, and growth can be out of control if not harnessed properly; so if anyone reading this article has been offended by my verbal delivery, I apologize if it wasn’t done in love.

I eventually learned to not address the person per se, but the underlying force influencing him/her (i.e. belief system, habit, addiction, etc.). But actually, this type of accusation [“You’re judging!”] is generally an old psychology defense mechanism trick to play on people’s emotions and turn the situation in their favor. It is also an attempt to make the person, who being accused as “the judge,” feel guilty. Well, the root of these types of mind games is the “enemy,” because the Spirit of God won’t despise the truth. So we have to remember with whom we are ultimately dealing. But some people are sensitive, and some are even extra sensitive when discussing certain issues, so now I know to have a genuine heart when dealing with people on specific topics. I tend to get very passionate about topics that are dear top me, and we all must remember that everyone may not see things as we do. However, the Word of God is still true, whether you are in America, Japan, or if your head is buried in the sand. Plugging up your ears and shouting LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LA as loud as you can doesn’t negate the Word of God. I have been dealing with the general public about issues such as: politics and religion for over 10 years, and it doesn’t matter in what part of the country I am, people seem to always have a sensitive spot that they don’t want touched [a sacred cow]. Well I am writing this article to set the record straight, and to encourage people to stop using these “cop out” excuses for why they are involved in a sin, wrongdoing, habit or addiction, or why they have a Non-Biblical viewpoint on the issue[s]. Let’s remove our blinders, prejudices, and assumptions so that we can move forward, get on one accord and we can all be successful.)

The age old “stop judging,” "you are too judgmental" and “you can’t judge me” cries are very popular defense mechanisms that are employed when one’s actions, motives or thoughts are called into question. Is judging wrong? Should we or should we not pass judgment on people? What does the Bible have to say? That’s all that we are interested here at B.G. Street: the Bible is our reference point; it is our benchmark so to speak. So whatever it says in context, and in line with other Bible references is to what we must adhere. It is my Biblical and contextual contention that judging (scrutinizing and distinguishing right from wrong) is not wrong. I have studied the issue thoroughly and have drawn a very sound and reasonable conclusion. After reading this article, it will therefore be your job to search the Scriptures to see if my points are valid and sound doctrine. So let’s go to class, students. OK? Let’s go!

The Law was given from God through Moses to the Children of Israel so that they and we could distinguish between: right and wrong; good and evil; God’s ways and the enemy’s ways. Today, naturally-speaking, we have laws and statutes (i.e. speed limit signs) that tell us what is right or wrong. If the sign says 55 and we are going 60, then the sign is an indicator that we are doing wrong. Law (God’s way) is a good thing! Remember that! It brings order to society. But laws aren’t vocal, they are written, so when we are told that we did or are doing wrong then it is a warning or a punishment for the wrongdoing. Warning people, speaking out against a wrongdoing, and defending what is right are basically answering in the affirmative the Bible question: Am I my brother’s keeper (Genesis 4:9)? That’s what the Great Commission is all about: sounding the alarm, being a watchman on the wall, being a weathervane or a beacon. When a person states that homosexuality is wrong; is it wrong to say that? No! The Bible states that. But this doesn’t mean that the person is bad or condemned to Hell. People can change and be delivered, but that is God’s job to deliver. Our job is to be available vessels to minister compassion and the truth of Scripture in love. But three things must seriously be taken into account when judging/scrutinizing a situation:

· What is the motive of the heart when we judge (scrutinize)?
· How do we vocalize our judgment (scrutiny)? Is it offensive?
· Are you attacking the person or the act?

If you attack the act that a person is committing, then your defense can be that naturally-speaking this practice is harmful and spiritually-speaking this practice alienates you from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). We shouldn’t be so fearful of people or their feelings that we are afraid to address issues; nor on the other hand should we be so sensitive that we miss a helpful warning or correction. If we all just do things with a genuine and pure heart, on the giving and receiving end, I am certain that we can be more effective.

What happens many times in these situations is that Person A will see Person B involved with a sin, wrongdoing, wrong belief, addiction or habit. Person A may say what Person B is doing is wrong. Person B might be offended because Person B may or may not think it’s wrong to do. Person B might also believe that it is wrong to do, but may feel that it isn’t Person A’s place to tell Person B that. Well this scenario is very common and we should always be very prayerful and cautious when dealing with people and their “sacred cows,” so to speak. We have to remember that there are over 7 billion people with many personalities with which to deal. We have to always remember a few things when dealing with people (Christian or not) who are struggling with a sin, wrongdoing, wrong belief, addiction or habit.

*God is not mad at anyone who is sinning and He loves us all (Romans 5:8).
*God is more concerned about that person’s salvation/deliverance than we are. God sacrificed His Son for that person. We gave up nothing on this person’s behalf. So God definitely has a vested interest in the person. (John 3:16)
*God can reach anyone on their level in a way that they can receive God’s message and He never condones the sin (Isaiah 59:1-2)
*God has a plan for everyone’s life (Jeremiah 29:11)
*God just wants us to be an available vessel through which He can work (2 Corinthians 4:7)
*God is able to prick people’s hearts (Acts 2:37)
*God can break up the fallow ground of people’s hearts (Hosea 10:12)
*God can reveal the truth to people (Ephesians 1:17)
*God can open the eyes of their understanding (Ephesians 1:18)
*God can cause them to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9)

We should never assume that anyone is beyond God’s saving grace and delivering power. Look at Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul. If a man who prided himself on killing Christians can be redeemed and do great things for God, then any of us can. Nobody is perfect and not everyone has the same zeal and passion for God. We all blossom and bloom differently and things that excite one person about God may not excite the next person. Let’s remember to deal with people as Jesus said in Matthew 10:16, “be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Notwithstanding, those of us who need to be instructed on matters that maybe sensitive, should always keep in mind the parable of the sower (Matthew 13). All of the seeds that were sown were good, but only 25% of them brought forth fruit. Jesus said that the seeds that brought forth fruit did so 100-fold, 60-fold and 30-fold. In other words, how you open yourself to receive the word of God, cultivate the seed, and let it germinate in you will determine the yield of that seed: 100-fold, 60-fold or 30-fold. Be open to receive from the word of God! Even if the person doesn’t use the most effective delivery method, ask God if there are insights, wisdom, concepts or ideas that you can glean from what was spoken. Always try to take the high road and look for the best in the situation. If the person was totally off in what he/she said to you, then shake the dust off of your feet and keep walking in faith.

Here are a few Bible texts for us to consider for this topic:

*Matthew 7:1-6 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.

(Author’s thought: Jesus is talking about passing judgment and condemning people. We have no right to do this, because none of us are perfect, nor has God commissioned us to be judges. Only the standard of the Word of God can judge us (John 12:48). This is different than having a genuine heart of compassion to help, to encourage or to correct someone. Remember, if they don’t have the heart to receive from you, then don’t cast your pearls before swine [Matthew 7:6])

*1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But the natural (unsaved) man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth (scrutinizes) all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

(Author’s thought: the Apostle Paul is talking about spiritual people having the ability and the insight to discern matters spiritually. When a person is living/walking in the Spirit [Galatians 5:25] he/she is above any ridicule or earthly judgment because he/she is walking in the fruits that the Spirit of God is manifesting through them, and “against which there is no law” [Galatians 5:22-23]. Who can judge the Word? No one. So as we walkin it, we are free from judgment.)

*1 Thessalonians 5:21 But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.

(Author’s thought: this is quite simply instructing us to discern the motives, reasoning, attitudes, origins, etc. of everything that we encounter. We are not to take anything for granted. If you have a genuine heart to known the truth, or if you need wisdom or insight on a matter, ask God [James 1:5])

*John 20:21-23 Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! [Just] as the Father has sent Me forth, so I am sending you. And having said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit! [Now having received the Holy Spirit, and being led and directed by Him] if you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of anyone, they are retained.

(Author’s thought: I can imagine people asking the disciples in a nasty tone, “who gave you the right to say whether I’m saved or not, my relationship with the Lord is between Him and me, and I don’t have to explain anything to you?” Well what most people don’t realize is that if you don’t do things for God by His Word, then you are out of order. A person is not saved just because he/she says they are saved, or because they go to church or because they have a dusty family Bible in the living room. A person gets saved because, according to the Word, they accept and confess Jesus Christ [Romans 10:9-10, 13]. Jesus giving the disciples this authority to confirm or refute salvation makes perfect sense. There were no Bibles at the time, Jesus was the Word/God manifested in the flesh [1 Timothy 3:16], and delegating this authority allowed the message to get out to more people quicker. )

*John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

(Author’s thought: This is another example of Jesus teaching us about discernment and distinguishing good from bad, and truth from error.)

None of these Scriptures gave authority to any person to judge, to condemn or to sentence anyone for any reason. Again, this is different from discerning a situation and/or distinguishing right from wrong in a situation. Even if a person is doing wrong, we can’t sentence them. We can only tell them the truth, invite them to accept the Word and pray. Only God can deal with people’s heart.

(Author’s thought: Because of judging (passing judgment), some people are ashamed to be themselves in front of certain people. Some people are afraid that some people will think that they are weak or inadequate (for a lack of a better term, they are insecure). But people aren’t afraid to be weak, broken or inadequate before God, because they know that God will still accept them and help them. We need to be like God and treat people likewise.)

QUOTES

Be knowledgeable and pass along sound information. A library without readers is a useless building.

Let people (in their personalities) be themselves, and don’t try to twist them into your own image. If you change them to look like you, then it’s the reflection of you that you like in them, not the uniqueness of them.

Is Hillary Clinton a Sound Choice for President? Biblically Speaking or Otherwise.

As I write this article, my stomach gets queasy with all of the political candidate worship that I see. Whether it is on the Republican side or the Democratic side, my heart is saddened. I am reminded of the movie “The Island.” Those unsuspecting clones were taught to be good, obedient little drones, and they were told "if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll go to this exotic island forever." What a euphoric feeling for these unfortunates, who were subjected to nothing more than a 2nd or 3rd grade education and no experience of the outside world. Their lives were a lie, and all of their hope was based upon a lie. Seemingly, that’s what I see in all of these gung-ho political groupies. People who plaster themselves with Hillary stickers, buttons, shirts, hats and other apparel are more times than not, just Fox News, or NPR talking points listeners. Fox News you say? Yes, good ole Rupert Murdoch loves Hillary. But isn’t Fox News the Republican-leaning news outlet? Don’t make me laugh! Republicans and Democrats are as different as a car and an automobile. I seriously doubt 85% of the voting population has a working knowledge of history, politics, and law. If they did they wouldn’t be so quick to follow a candidate without carefully scrutinizing their voting record, belief system and credentials. This doesn’t mean that uninformed people shouldn’t be allowed to vote, but an informed voter is always the best voter. Is Hillary a bunch of hype or is she the best choice for America?

Carpetbagging (someone presumptuously seeking success or a position in a new locality) is a term that comes to mind when I think of a former First Lady (from the south) pretending to care about the people of New York. All the while, I remember so-called conspiracy kooks during the 1992 Presidential election that they planned to run Hillary for President. I remember thinking about that while I was in college and saying, “You weirdos, go fly a kite.” Actually, I said something a little harsher than that, but you get the picture. All the while, the thought was ignored; in the 21st century she becomes a US Senator denying any intentions for a Presidential bid. And then magically, one day she announces that she wants to run for President. Well, she’s free to run, but we don’t have to vote for her. Too often I see senseless debates about whether America is progressive enough for a female President or not? I say that a better question is can America afford to keep electing Socialist candidates into office? Oooops! Did I say that? Well Read the following ten items, think about America, think about Hillary Clinton’s platform, get in a quiet corner, and scream. Here it is:

10 Planks of the Communist Manifesto

1. Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes.
2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.
3. Abolition of all right of inheritance.
4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels.
5. Centralization of credit in the hands of the State, by means of a national bank with State capital and an exclusive monopoly.
6. Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the State.
7. Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the State; the bringing into cultivation of waste-lands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan.
8. Equal liability of all to labor. Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture.
9. Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of the distinction between town and country, by a more equable distribution of the population over the country.
10. Free education for all children in public schools. Abolition of children's factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production, &c., &c.[3]

All of this stuff comes straight from Karl Marx's book. Does any of it look familiar to you? It should. According to the Communist Manifesto, all these were prior conditions for a transition from capitalism to communism. Interesting, huh? She supports this stuff. Isn’t that wonderful (author sarcasm)? Well let’s look at Hillary’s voting record. Shall we?

Strongly Favors topic 1:Abortion is a woman's right

Lift ban on stem cell research to cure devastating diseases: Favors topic 1Respect Roe v. Wade, but make adoptions easier too: Favors topic 1Alternatives to pro-choice like forced pregnancy in Romania: Strongly Favors topic 1Must safeguard constitutional rights, including choice: Favors topic 1Remain vigilant on a woman’s right to chose: Favors topic 1Keep abortion safe, legal and rare: Favors topic 1Being pro-choice is not being pro-abortion: Favors topic 1Supports parental notice & family planning: Opposes topic 1Voted liberal line on partial birth & harm to fetus: Favors topic 1Recommended by EMILY's List of pro-choice women: Favors topic 1 Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record: Strongly Favors topic 1 Expand embryonic stem cell research: Favors topic 1 NO on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life: Strongly Favors topic 1 NO on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime: Favors topic 1 YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives: Favors topic 1 NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions: Favors topic 1 YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines: Favors topic 1

Favors topic 2:Require hiring more women & minorities

We've come a long way on race, but we have a long way to go: Strongly Favors topic 2Apologize for slavery, but concentrate on civil rights now: Favors topic 2Human rights are women’s rights: Neutral on topic 2Women’s rights are human rights: Favors topic 2

Strongly Favors topic 3:Same-sex domestic partnership benefits

Increase America's commitment against Global AIDS: Favors topic 3Gays deserve domestic partnership benefits: Strongly Favors topic 3Military service based on conduct, not sexual orientation: Favors topic 3More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes: Strongly Favors topic 3 YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes: Strongly Favors topic 3 NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3

Opposes topic 4:Teacher-led prayer in public schools

Change what kids see in the media: Favors topic 4Rated 0% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-family voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 4 NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration: Opposes topic 4

Favors topic 5:More federal funding for health coverage

Outcry if AIDS were leading disease of young whites: Favors topic 5We need a uniquely American solution to health care: Favors topic 5Supply more medical needs of families, & insure all children: Strongly Favors topic 5Medicare should be strengthened today: Favors topic 5Smaller steps to progress on health care: Favors topic 5Guaranteed benefits & focus on prevention: Neutral on topic 5Health care initiatives are her first priority in Senate: Strongly Favors topic 5Invest funds to alleviate the nursing shortage: Favors topic 5 Let states make bulk Rx purchases, and other innovations: Opposes topic 5 Rated 100% by APHA, indicating a pro-public health record: Strongly Favors topic 5 NO on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit: Favors topic 5 NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit: Opposes topic 5 YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics: Favors topic 5 YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug: Strongly Favors topic 5 YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D: Favors topic 5 NO on limiting medical liability lawsuits to $250,000: Opposes topic 5 YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D: Favors topic 5

Strongly Opposes topic 6:Privatize Social Security

Social Security is an inventions of American democracy and has simultaneously given the Federal government a monopoly over the American people's retirement fund to cover their budget shortfalls: Strongly Opposes topic 6Social Security protects families, not just retirees: Strongly Opposes topic 6All should join the debate now to preserve future solvency: Opposes topic 6Rated 100% by the ARA, indicating a pro-senior voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 6 NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security: Opposes topic 6

Strongly Opposes topic 7:Parents choose schools via vouchers

Fight with Gore for public schools; no voucher “gimmicks”: Strongly Opposes topic 7Charter schools provide choice within public system: Opposes topic 7Vouchers siphon off much-needed resources: Strongly Opposes topic 7Parents can choose, but support public schools: Opposes topic 7Solemn vow never to abandon our public schools: Strongly Opposes topic 7Rated 82% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes: Strongly Opposes topic 7 YES on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors: Opposes topic 7 YES on funding student testing instead of private tutors: Opposes topic 7 YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies: Opposes topic 7

Opposes topic 8:Death Penalty

Require DNA testing for all federal executions: Opposes topic 8

Opposes topic 9:Mandatory Three Strikes sentencing laws

Mandatory sentences have been too widely used: Strongly Opposes topic 9End hate crimes and other intolerance: Favors topic 9Give kids after-school activities to prevent gangs: Opposes topic 9Spend more time with kids to prevent violence: Opposes topic 9Supports “Three Strikes” and more prison: Strongly Favors topic 9YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program: Opposes topic 9

Strongly Opposes topic 10:Absolute right to gun ownership

Background check system could prevent Virginia Tech massacre: Opposes topic 10Congress' failure at Littleton response inspired Senate run: Opposes topic 10Limit access to weapons; look for early warning signs: Opposes topic 10License and register all handgun sales: Strongly Opposes topic 10Gun control protects our children: Strongly Opposes topic 10Don’t water down sensible gun control legislation: Strongly Opposes topic 10Lock up guns; store ammo separately: Strongly Opposes topic 10NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence: Strongly Opposes topic 10 NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers: Strongly Opposes topic 10

Favors topic 11:Repeal tax cuts on wealthy

End Bush tax cuts; take things away from rich for common good: Strongly Opposes topic 11Pay down debt & cut taxes within balanced budget: Favors topic 11Just Say No to GOP tax plan: Strongly Favors topic 11GOP tax plan would hurt New York’s students: Favors topic 11Rated 21% by NTU, indicating a "Big Spender" on tax votes: Strongly Favors topic 11 YES on reducing marriage penalty instead of cutting top tax rates: Favors topic 11 YES on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction: Favors topic 11 NO on $350 billion in tax breaks over 11 years: Strongly Favors topic 11 YES on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends: Strongly Opposes topic 11 YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut: Favors topic 11 YES on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends: Strongly Opposes topic 11 NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax: Strongly Favors topic 11

Strongly Favors topic 12:Illegal immigrants earn citizenship

Comprehensive reform to get 12 million out of shadows: Strongly Favors topic 12YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on establishing a Guest Worker program: Favors topic 12 YES on building a fence along the Mexican border: Strongly Opposes topic 12 YES on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program: Neutral topic 12 NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on comprehensive immigration reform: Strongly Favors topic 12

Opposes topic 13:Support & expand free trade

Smart, pro-American trade: NAFTA has hurt workers: Strongly Opposes topic 13No fast-track authority for this president: Opposes topic 13Globalization should not substitute for humanization: Opposes topic 13Supports MFN for China, despite concerns over human rights: Strongly Favors topic 13Rated 17% by CATO, indicating a pro-fair trade voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 13 YES on removing common goods from national security export rules: Favors topic 13 YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam: Favors topic 13 NO on extending free trade to Andean nations: Strongly Opposes topic 13 YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore: Favors topic 13 YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile: Favors topic 13 NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade: Strongly Opposes topic 13 YES on free trade agreement with Oman: Strongly Favors topic 13

Strongly Favors topic 14:The Patriot Act harms civil liberties

Administration secrecy shreds the Constitution: Strongly Favors topic 14NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision: Strongly Favors topic 14 YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act: Opposes topic 14 YES on preserving habeus corpus for Guantanamo detainees: Strongly Favors topic 14 YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods: Strongly Favors topic 14

Strongly Opposes topic 15:Expand the armed forces

Rated 100% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record: Strongly Opposes topic 15 YES on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding: Opposes topic 15

Favors topic 16:Stricter limits on political campaign funds

Move to public election financing, not banning lobbyists: Strongly Favors topic 16Verified paper ballot for every electronic voting machines: Favors topic 16Called for ban on all soft money in 2000 campaign: Favors topic 16YES on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations: Favors topic 16 YES on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads: Favors topic 16 NO on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity: Opposes topic 16 NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress: Strongly Favors topic 16

Strongly Favors topic 17:US out of Iraq

Smartest strategic choice is peace: Favors topic 17Extend peace treaties to Palestinians, Syrians & Lebanese: Favors topic 17Foreign aid spending is only 1%; lead by remaining engaged: Strongly Favors topic 17Deauthorize Iraq war, and don't grant new war authority: Strongly Favors topic 17Phased redeployment out of Iraq, beginning immediately: Strongly Favors topic 17Voted for Iraq war based on available info; now would not: Favors topic 17NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007: Strongly Opposes topic 17 YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008: Strongly Favors topic 17

Strongly Favors topic 18:Replace coal & oil with alternatives

Remove energy dependence on countries who would harm us: Strongly Favors topic 18Supports oil reserve release & fund conservation: Favors topic 18Stands for clean air and funding the EPA: Favors topic 18Ratify Kyoto; more mass tranist: Strongly Favors topic 18Reduce air pollution to improve children’s health: Favors topic 18Rated 89% by the LCV, indicating pro-environment votes: Strongly Favors topic 18 Keep efficient air conditioner rule to conserve energy: Strongly Favors topic 18 NO on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months: Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010: Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill: Favors topic 18 YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%): Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR: Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Favors topic 18 YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning: Favors topic 18 YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies: Strongly Favors topic 18

Strongly Opposes topic 19:Drug use is immoral: enforce laws against it

Divert non-violent drug offenders away from prison: Strongly Opposes topic 19Address drug problem with treatment and special drug courts: Strongly Opposes topic 19

Favors topic 20:Allow churches to provide welfare services

Tap into churches to avoid more Louima & Diallo cases: Favors topic 20Community involvement helps, but only in short term: Favors topic 20Link payments to good parenting behavior: Opposes topic 20

Hillary Clinton is a Hard-Core Liberal; just like Barack Obama.

Since Hillary and Barack are very similar, in that, they both support anti-Biblical and anti-Constitutional positions, I won’t belabor this article anymore and I’ll just put the conclusion from the Barack article here. I don’t really give credence to the left-right name calling. The labels are actually misnomers that are used to confuse you. As George Wallace once said: "There isn't a dimes worth of difference in either party." Don’t get caught up in the polarized (to divide into sharply opposing factions, political groups) debate. It’s a red herring (something intended to divert attention from the real problem or matter at hand; a misleading clue.)! Vote on principle, not labels or party affiliation. But for the sake of many people being accustomed to voting labels:

• A "hard-core libertarian" would answer both personal and economic questions to minimize government involvement.



• A "hard-core liberal" would answer personal questions to minimize government involvement, but would answer economic questions to include government intervention.



• A "hard-core conservative" would answer personal questions to include government intervention, but would answer economic questions to minimize government involvement.



• A "hard-core populist" would answer both personal and economic questions with proposals that include government intervention.
  

"Socialism needs two legs on which to stand; a right (Republican) and a left (Democrat). While appearing to be in complete opposition to one another, they both march in the same direction."-- Paul Proctor

Now go back and Follow this hyperlink and re-read my unbiased article about the political issues, not the candidates. Again I ask you according to principle: Is Hillary Clinton a sound Biblical and Constitutional choice for President? Let me help you folks, NO SHE IS NOT!!!!!!!! Live well!

Is Barak Obama a Sound Biblical Choice for President?

As I write this article, I am reminded of a news story that I heard this morning about Oprah Winfrey sponsoring a fundraiser at her home (accumulating $3,000,000.00) for US Senator and US Presidential candidate Barak Hussein Obama (his actual name). I have also been asking Christian African Americans why they are so enamored with this candidate. Is it because he’s black? Does he support the issues that are dear to you and your faith? Does he look presidential? Is it his intelligence and ability to articulate his ideas well? Is it his good looks? Is it that he is not Hillary Clinton? Well, whatever the reasons are, I have yet to find a Christian to come up with a Biblical or Constitutional set of reasons why Senator Barak Obama should be President. If he is the best candidate, then we should all support him, indubitably. So I ask this rhetorical question to you (the reader): Is Barak Obama a Sound Biblical Choice for President?

Well, since none of the answers that I have heard concerning Senator Obama as a sound Biblical and Constitutional candidate, I am referring the readers to one of my most recent articles. Follow this hyperlink and read my unbiased article about the political issues, not the candidates. Then do a comparison with the candidates, the law, and Bible principles. Please DO NOT inject your opinion, feelings, your race or experiences into the equation. We are only looking for the truth. This will ensure that everything is objective and that nothing will be subjected to pride, prejudice, emotions or nepotism. Remember, we are supposed to be choosing a candidate to lead this nation. This shouldn’t be a popularity contest or a racial pride marathon. Let’s employ principle and integrity, and not just support “a candidate.”

Barack Obama on the issues based on these stances:(Click on topic for excerpt & citation)

Strongly Favors topic 1:Abortion is a woman's right

Trust women to make own decisions on partial-birth abortion: Strongly Favors topic 1Extend presumption of good faith to abortion protesters: Favors topic 1Pass the Stem Cell Research Bill: Favors topic 1Protect a woman's right to choose: Strongly Favors topic 1Supports Roe v. Wade: Strongly Favors topic 1YES on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives: Favors topic 1 NO on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions: Favors topic 1 YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines: Favors topic 1

Strongly Favors topic 2:Require hiring more women & minorities

Racial equality good for America as a whole: Favors topic 2Supports affirmative action in colleges and government: Strongly Favors topic 2America's race and class problems are intertwined: Favors topic 2

Strongly Favors topic 3:Same-sex domestic partnership benefits

Opposes gay marriage; supports civil union & gay equality: Favors topic 3Marriage not a human right; non-discrimination is: Favors topic 3Include sexual orientation in anti-discrimination laws: Favors topic 3NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage: Strongly Favors topic 3

Opposes topic 4:Teacher-led prayer in public schools

Listening to evangelicals bridges major political fault line: Favors topic 4Religious concerns ok, if translated into universal values: Opposes topic 4NO on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration: Opposes topic 4

Strongly Favors topic 5:More federal funding for health coverage

National insurance pool & catastrophic insurance: Strongly Favors topic 5The market alone can't solve our health-care woes: Favors topic 5Crises happen in our lives and healthcare is necessary: Strongly Favors topic 5Believes health care is a right, not a privilege for the few: Favors topic 5Will expand health coverage & allow meds to be re-imported: Favors topic 5Ensure access to basic care: Favors topic 5YES on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics: Favors topic 5 YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug: Strongly Favors topic 5 YES on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D: Favors topic 5 YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D: Favors topic 5

Strongly Opposes topic 6:Privatize Social Security

Stock market risk is ok, but not for Social Security: Strongly Opposes topic 6$2000 tax credit for Working Families Savings Accounts: Opposes topic 6NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security: Opposes topic 6

Opposes topic 7:Parents choose schools via vouchers

Guarantee affordable life-long, top-notch education: Opposes topic 7Supports charter schools and private investment in schools: Favors topic 7YES on $5B for grants to local educational agencies: Opposes topic 7

Opposes topic 8:Death Penalty

Some heinous crimes justify the ultimate punishment: Favors topic 8Videotape all capital punishment interrogations: Opposes topic 8Battles legislatively against the death penalty: Strongly Opposes topic 8

Strongly Opposes topic 9:Mandatory Three Strikes sentencing laws

Supports alternative sentencing and rehabilitation: Strongly Opposes topic 9YES on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program: Opposes topic 9

Strongly Opposes topic 10:Absolute right to gun ownership

Keep guns out of inner cities--but also problem of morality: Strongly Opposes topic 10Ban semi-automatics, and more possession restrictions: Strongly Opposes topic 10NO on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers: Strongly Opposes topic 10

Strongly Favors topic 11:Repeal tax cuts on wealthy

Bush tax cuts help corporations but not middle class: Strongly Favors topic 11Tax cuts for the rich do not create jobs: Favors topic 11NO on extending the tax cuts on capital gains and dividends: Strongly Favors topic 11 YES on $47B for military by repealing capital gains tax cut: Favors topic 11 NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on permanently repealing the `death tax`: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on supporting permanence of estate tax cuts: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on raising estate tax exemption to $5 million: Strongly Favors topic 11 NO on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax: Strongly Favors topic 11

Strongly Favors topic 12:Illegal immigrants earn citizenship

Give immigrants who are here a rigorous path to citizenship: Favors topic 12Extend welfare and Medicaid to immigrants: Favors topic 12YES on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on establishing a Guest Worker program: Favors topic 12 YES on building a fence along the Mexican border: Strongly Opposes topic 12 NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government: Strongly Favors topic 12 YES on comprehensive immigration reform: Strongly Favors topic 12

Opposes topic 13:Support & expand free trade

Fair trade should have tangible benefits for US: Strongly Opposes topic 13Tax incentives to create jobs at home instead of offshore: Opposes topic 13NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade: Strongly Opposes topic 13 YES on free trade agreement with Oman: Strongly Favors topic 13

Strongly Favors topic 14:The Patriot Act harms civil liberties

Close Guantanamo and restore the right of habeas corpus: Strongly Favors topic 14NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision: Strongly Favors topic 14 YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act: Opposes topic 14 YES on preserving habeus corpus for Guantanamo detainees: Strongly Favors topic 14 YES on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods: Strongly Favors topic 14

Favors topic 15:Expand the armed forces

Grow size of military to maintain rotation schedules: Favors topic 15Give our soldiers the best equipment and training available: Favors topic 15

Strongly Favors topic 16:Stricter limits on political campaign funds

First bill ever passed was campaign finance reform: Strongly Favors topic 16Lobbyist influence comes from access, not money: Favors topic 16YES on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity: Favors topic 16 NO on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress: Strongly Favors topic 16

Favors topic 17:US out of Iraq

US policy should promote democracy and human rights: Favors topic 17War in Iraq is "dumb" but troops still need equipment: Strongly Favors topic 17We are playing to Osama's plan for winning a war from a cave: Strongly Favors topic 17NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007: Strongly Opposes topic 17 YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008: Strongly Favors topic 17

As far as further military action is concerned, Obama has been upfront about how he would deal with Iran, arguing that he would not rule out the use of force and supports surgical strikes of alleged nuclear sites in the country if diplomacy (coercion) fails. To put it bluntly, none of the front running Democrats is opposed to Bush's dubious "war on terror" or his bullying of Iran. They support his aggression in principle but simply believe a Democratic presidency could handle the job more astutely. The Democrats are not going to fundamentally alter U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Simply put, the troops aren’t coming home! Surprise! The original war effort has now escalated from Afghanistan to Iraq, and now over to Iran or Syria shortly. The initial $87 Billion for the war effort has mushroomed to over $1 Trillion. Now, the President is asking the Congress to authorize more money for the war. I thought the Democratically-controlled Congress wanted to bring the troops home? If so, why are they approving so much more money? Here’s a little hint for you…….the troops aren’t coming home. Don’t hold your breath. They are building permanent bases over there. So they are just selling you feel-good, patriotic ads. Enjoy!

Strongly Favors topic 18:Replace coal & oil with alternatives

3-way win: economy, environment, & stop funding terror: Strongly Favors topic 18Sponsored legislations that improve energy efficiency: Favors topic 1820% renewable energy by 2020: Strongly Favors topic 18Invest in alternative energy sources: Favors topic 18Increase CAFE to 40 mpg: Strongly Favors topic 18Renewable Fuels Standard: require ethanol in fuel supply: Strongly Favors topic 18YES on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%): Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR: Strongly Favors topic 18 YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Favors topic 18 YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning: Favors topic 18 YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies: Strongly Favors topic 18

Favors topic 19:Drug use is immoral: enforce laws against it

Smokes cigarettes now; smoked some pot in high school: Favors topic 19Admitted marijuana use in high school & college: Favors topic 19Deal with street-level drug dealing as minimum-wage affair: Opposes topic 19

Favors topic 20:Allow churches to provide welfare services

Black churches minister to social needs out of necessity: Favors topic 20

According to his stance on issues, Barack Obama is a Hard-Core Liberal.

I don’t really give credence to the left-right name calling. The labels are actually misnomers that are used to confuse you. As George Wallace once said: "There isn't a dimes worth of difference in either party." Don’t get caught up in the polarized (to divide into sharply opposing factions, political groups) debate. It’s a red herring (something intended to divert attention from the real problem or matter at hand; a misleading clue.)! Vote on principle, not labels, race or party affiliation. But for the sake of many people being accustomed to voting labels:

• A "hard-core libertarian" would answer both personal and economic questions to minimize government involvement.


• A "hard-core liberal" would answer personal questions to minimize government involvement, but would answer economic questions to include government intervention.


• A "hard-core conservative" would answer personal questions to include government intervention, but would answer economic questions to minimize government involvement.


• A "hard-core populist" would answer both personal and economic questions with proposals that include government intervention.

"Socialism needs two legs on which to stand; a right (Republican) and a left (Democrat). While appearing to be in complete opposition to one another, they both march in the same direction."-- Paul Proctor


Now go back and Follow this hyperlink and re-read my unbiased article about the political issues, not the candidates. Again I ask you according to principle: Is Barak Obama a sound Biblical and Constitutional choice for President?

BARAK OBAMA: GOOD FOR A BIBLE BELIEVING AMERICA?