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GOD BLESS THE USA!

Independence Day, 2021

Have You Read These Quotes?

There are some in the United States of America working hard to rewrite our history, and, in the process, denigrate the founders of this country, and even Christianity itself.  It’s quite stunning to see Christians embrace a political movement that has atheism at it’s core.  But in the quotes below, some you may have never read before, observe the founders’, and others, love for God and belief that He had a hand in the forming of this great country.

In the troubled times we face today in the United States of America, may those who are Christians see and respond to the need for fervent prayer for our nation. May we continue to petition the God of all wisdom to guide those in all positions of leadership, responsibility, and influence. And, may we look past all the smoke screens, generated by emotional hysteria, and love one another.

Following this rather lengthy list of quotes, you will see, The Bill of Rights.

May God bless you and your family, wherever you may live, and, for those of us here in this nation, may God continue to bless the United States of America!
Mike Verdicchio July, 2021

Some Quotes

While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
George Washington

No People can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the Affairs of men more than the People of the United States. Every step, by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency.
George Washington First Inaugural Address, Thursday, April 30, 1789

It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable.
George Washington – Thanksgiving Proclamation 1789

God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever..
Thomas Jefferson

My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!
Thomas Jefferson

A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned – this is the sum of good government.
Thomas Jefferson

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.
Thomas Jefferson

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson

Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God … What a Eutopia, what a Paradise would this region be.
John Adams

The Declaration of Independence laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity. The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

I have examined all religions, and the result is that the Bible is the best book in the world.

The Christian religion is, above all the religions that ever prevailed or existed in ancient or modern times, the religion of wisdom, virtue, equity and humanity.
John Adams

Abuse of words has been the great instrument of sophistry and chicanery, of party, faction, and division of society.
John Adams

Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it.
John Adams

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty; it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
John Adams

We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus.
John Adams and John Hancock

Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. … Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.
John Hancock

Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshiped.
Benjamin Franklin

It is a common observation here that our cause is the cause of all mankind, and that we are fighting for their liberty in defending our own.
Benjamin Franklin

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
Thomas Paine

And as it is our duty to extend our wishes to the happiness of the great family of man, I conceive that we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world that the rod of tyrants may be broken to pieces, and the oppressed made free again; that wars may cease in all the earth, and that the confusions that are and have been among nations may be overruled by promoting and speedily bringing on that holy and happy period when the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and all people everywhere willingly bow to the sceptre of Him who is Prince of Peace.
Samuel Adams

We have this day [Fourth of July] restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in Heaven, and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His Kingdom come.
Samuel Adams

A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.
Samuel Adams

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great Nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Patrick Henry

The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I Am Not A Virginian, But An American!
Patrick Henry

It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here. The Bible … is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed.
Patrick Henry

We have staked the whole future of our new nation, not upon the power of government; far from it. We have staked the future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments.
James Madison

I do declare to the whole world that we believe the Scriptures to contain a declaration of the mind and will of God in and to those ages in which they were written; being given forth by the Holy Ghost moving in the hearts of holy men of God; that they ought also to be read, believed, and fulfilled in our day; being used for reproof and instruction, that the man of God may be perfect. They are a declaration and testimony of heavenly things themselves, and, as such, we carry a high respect for them. We accept them as the words of God Himself.
William Penn

By conveying the Bible to people thus circumstanced, we certainly do them a most interesting kindness. We thereby enable them to learn that man was originally created and placed in a state of happiness, but, becoming disobedient, was subjected to the degradation and evils which he and his posterity have since experienced.

The Bible will also inform them that our gracious Creator has provided for us a Redeemer, in whom all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; that this Redeemer has made atonement ‘for the sins of the whole world,’ and thereby reconciling the Divine justice with the Divine mercy has opened a way for our redemption and salvation; and that these inestimable benefits are of the free gift and grace of God, not of our deserving, nor in our power to deserve.
John Jay

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is their duty – as well as privilege and interest – of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.
John Jay, First Chief-Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court

The Congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools.
Resolution passed by Congress, 1782

By Law the United States Congress adds to US coinage: “In God We Trust”-
United States Congress 1864

Our laws and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of The Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian…This is a Christian nation
United States Supreme Court Decision, 1892

The hope of a Christian is inseparable from his faith. Whoever believes in the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures must hope that the religion of Jesus shall prevail throughout the earth. Never since the foundation of the world have the prospects of mankind been more encouraging to that hope than they appear to be at the present time. And may the associated distribution of the Bible proceed and prosper till the Lord shall have made ‘bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God’ (Isaiah 52:10).
John Quincy Adams

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.
Abraham Lincoln

I believe with all my heart that standing up for America means standing up for the God who has so blessed our land. We need God’s help to guide our nation through stormy seas. But we can’t expect Him to protect America in a crisis if we just leave Him over on the shelf in our day-to-day living.
Ronald Reagan

But in this country, we don’t look to career politicians for salvation. In America, we don’t turn to government to restore our souls – we put our faith in Almighty God!
Donald J Trump 2020

BILL OF RIGHTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

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HE REALLY IS A GOOD, GOOD FATHER

The One True God is a God of love, grace and mercy. He is a powerful delivering God. He truly is a good, good Father.
Enjoy this song by Casting Crowns.

Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
II Thessalonians 1:2

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MEMORIAL DAY 2021

Monday, May 31, 2021 is Memorial Day. I am again this year posting 3 very moving videos.

Sometimes people get confused – Veterans Day, which is in November, is when we remember everyone who has served our country, at any time in any capacity.  Memorial Day, formerly known as, “Decoration Day,” commemorates men and women who died while in military service to the United States.

It began as a way to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War. Later, it was extended, after World War I, to honor all American military who died in all wars –  we remember those who gave their life in service to our country.

Congress actually established an exact minute of remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance Act, adopted in December of 2000, encourages every citizen to pause each Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m. local time to remember the brave men and women who died serving this country.

Take some time this weekend to thank God for the freedoms and liberty we still have in this country – because over the years so many gave their lives.  But it is still up to each generation to protect and keep the freedoms we enjoy, because how quickly liberty and freedoms can evaporate!  Continue to pray for our country, and pray for those in government positions who truly love our country and constitution, for God to give them wisdom and courage to speak and do that which will insure our liberties and freedoms to continue.

If you don’t live here in the United States, take some time to pause and pray for God’s help and blessingS on your country.

And, regardless of where we live, how very thankful we are for the ultimate sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ – he gave his life so we could have eternal life – the ultimate freedom – freedom from death itself!

Below are 3 very moving videos that help put this remembrance into perspective.

 THANK YOU!

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PENTECOST – THE BEGINNING

It Was A Really Big Deal!

On Sunday, May 23, many Christians will celebrate, Pentecost, remembering
the events recorded in Chapter 2 of the book of Acts.  But what’s it really all about?

Have you noticed it’s not even included on most printed calendars?  Some Christians don’t understand the great significance of what took place that day. And yet,  just 8 days before it happened,  Jesus specifically spoke about about it right before he ascended.

So what exactly are we remembering that warrants celebrating?  Some say it’s all about the Apostles receiving the holy spirit.  Some say it was a unique event relevant only for those at that time.  Others say that it is something about speaking in tongues.

But could that event have an even greater significance than most realize? Is it possible it was the greatest event to date in the history of mankind? What is the real significance of what occurred that day?

Perhaps after reading this article, you might consider that what happened on that day, recorded in Acts Chapter 2, is a big deal; a really big deal!

What Happened In The Garden?

In order to gain a greater appreciation of what occurred on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2, one needs to understand what happened with Adam and Eve in the Garden. God had told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and if he did, he would surely die. If you’re familiar with the record in Genesis 2 and 3 then you know both Adam and Eve ate of that fruit.

God had said, “In the day you eat, you will surely die,” meaning that very day. Yet, if you continue reading, they both lived for many, many years. Was God wrong?

In taking a closer look at how God originally designed human beings, one can see that Adam and Eve were formed, made, and created with two life forms: soul life, and spirit life.

The absence of life is indicated by the word, “death.” What died that day for Adam and Eve was the spirit life God intended for all human beings to have. They lost spirit life.  It was the spirit life that enabled them to have a close personal relationship with God.

When they lost spirit life, they still had a physical body and soul life. But they lost their connection with the Creator. And, this loss of spirit life was passed on to all men and women. This was a cataclysmic event, with devastating consequences on all of mankind.

Through the centuries there have been hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, volcanoes, wars and other devastating events, including the pandemic that came upon the world last year.  But what happened in the Garden when Adam sinned was the worst disaster for human beings that has ever happened.

Even though there were only two people immediately affected, the consequences would be felt by billions and billions; the consequences would affect every single human being ever born, with the exception of Jesus Christ.

God’s Plan

Not understanding what happened when Adam sinned is one of the main reasons there is a lack of understanding the great significance of what happened on the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts, Chapter 2.  People fail to see the connection. But after the fall in the Garden, God set in motion a plan to redeem mankind, which would include restoring His spirit to human beings.

During the process of God’s plan, you can read in the Bible about how God gave certain individuals His spirit on a temporary basis; but it was not available to any and all human beings. For God to restore what Adam lost, it would require the completed work of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, to fulfill all that was necessary.

God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who willingly did His Father’s work in carrying out God’s great plan of redemption.  He laid down his life, a ransom, a full payment for the sins of the whole world.  And God raised him from the dead to die no more.

Jesus taught his followers on many occasions about the coming of holy spirit. It was a major topic at the last Supper.  The first time he got together with his disciples, after he was resurrected, he talked to them about receiving the holy spirit. On the day of the ascension, right before he left, the very last thing he talked about was receiving the holy spirit.

A New Beginning!

In Acts Chapter 2, after the twelve received the holy spirit and began manifesting one of the nine manifestations, namely speaking in tongues, Peter stood up and preached.  He taught them about Jesus Christ, the savior, and how God had made Jesus both lord and Christ, and that God raised him from the dead.

Peter also talked about holy spirit. He concluded his message by exhorting those listening to, “repent” (change their minds), get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and that they too would receive “the gift holy spirit.” About 3,000 accepted the invitation.

Part of the great significance of that day was that it was the beginning of holy spirit available for all of mankind. That was the day when God officially made His holy spirit available to anyone who accepted Jesus as lord and believed God raised him from the dead. Peter in fact, later referred to that day as, “the beginning.” It was truly a new beginning for mankind!

And while Adam and Eve could and did lose the spirit of God, this time around, God made it permanent. He has given those who believe in Jesus (that he is lord and that God raised him from the dead) eternal life, which means you cannot lose it. The reason God wants everyone to have His spirit is so that we could not only live forever, but also have a close personal relationship with Him by way of His spirit in us, just like He had with Adam and Eve in the Garden before the fall.

God Has Leveled The Playing Field!

Today we hear a lot about equity, equality, advantage, disadvantage, privilege, etc.  But beginning on that day of Pentecost, God leveled the playing field for anyone who believes in Jesus.  For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

God is offering tremendous advantage and privilege to “whosoever!”

In the Old Testament, only certain people had the spirit of God.  But today, each and every born again believer has the spirit of God, and the ability to operate all 9 manifestations of the spirit.  God made that reality available beginning on the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts, Chapter 2.   No wonder Peter later referred to that day as “The beginning.”

In the Old testament, the bloodline from Abraham, were God’s people, by His choice, and He promised to be their God. And we can read about some absolutely astounding things God did for His people.

But since that day of Pentecost recorded in Acts, Chapter 2, there is a new arrangement.  The Bible clearly states that for those who are born again, God Almighty is not only our Father, but He is our God.  That day marked the beginning of what is called, “the Church of God.”  It is God’s Church!

What a great day in the history of mankind that day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts Chapter 2, really was!  God opened the door for anyone and everyone to receive His gift of eternal life, His gift of holy spirit, and, all the rights, privileges and abilities that go with it.

We can choose to read and believe what God has written to us in the New Testament Church epistles about who we really are and all God has freely made available to us.  It’s up to us to learn how to utilize and operate this gift of holy spirit that God has freely given to each one of His children.

Talk about having privilege!  God’s children, the born again ones, are truly the most privileged people on the face of the earth!   That day of Pentecost really was a very big deal!  It truly was the greatest event to date in the history of mankind!

If you’d like a signed copy of my new book, “What Does It Mean?  Click Here

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HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

rose - 1Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms!

In these days of cultural upheaval, I’m glad there is still a day set aside to honor moms.  And we should.  That’s why I’m once again  re-posting the following for Mother’s Day 2021, because Mom’s are very, very special!

If you like it, share it with someone!

MOM

Some governments use the word “ministry” to describe various functions, like ministry of finance, or ministry of education. The word “ministry” means service. Therefore, the minister of education would be one who serves the country with regards to education.

I believe being a mom is a ministry, a very, very unique service.

No woman can ever study hard enough or prepare long enough to be

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TODAY IS OUR 50TH!

1971

Today, Kathy and I celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary!

I am truly thankful to God for blessing me with such a great woman.  Words fail me as I am so deeply grateful for her love, and for all she means to me.  I am so blessed to have a spiritual woman, a virtuous woman, by my side; one who truly  believes God’s Word!

Proverbs 31:10-31 sums it up!


Proverbs 31:10-31

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

 

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JESUS CHRIST IS ALIVE!

Peter Looked Inside And Saw...

Jesus Christ is alive!  God raised him from the dead!

The video below is from Casting Crowns singing, Glorious Day. Below the video is an article I posted in 2018.  When Peter looked into the tomb he saw two very significant items.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is without question the greatest event in the history of mankind thus far. A detail, often overlooked in John’s Gospel account of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, sets there like a sparkling gem if you understand the burial customs in the time of Jesus.

Over the centuries, and even today, different cultures have practiced various burial customs. There were a number of Jewish burial customs in the first century. One of those was to wrap or wind the body “in fine linen, putting spices in the folds.” The napkin was “a handkerchief which was employed

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WHAT SKIN COLOR ARE YOU?

The Most Privileged People On Earth!


Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most popular quote is from his, I Have A Dream speech.  He said, “I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” It was a powerful statement based on a great biblical truth.

When God sent the prophet Samuel to Jesse to anoint one of his sons as king, Samuel, looking at Jesse’s oldest son, assumed he was the one to anoint. But God said to Samuel, “…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7b

What if we in this country would see people, all people, as God sees them? Sadly, many in our culture today continue to make skin color the dominant and ultimate issue.

In the video below, the comedian Sam Adams, takes a lighter look at skin color, and makes the point brilliantly. He says that he is not black; he tells his audience what color he is, and why. Following the video are some of my thoughts about skin color, racism, privileged people and identity politics.


Racism

On the serious side, we are living in turbulent times here in the United States where the term “racist” seems to be at the forefront in almost every discussion about almost every issue. It’s not only sad, but it’s alarming that these days, if you don’t agree with certain people, seemingly for any reason, they quickly label you a racist.

No one can argue the fact that there are people in this world who have prejudices, sometimes very extreme prejudices, against other people who look or act differently than they do. That is not going to change. We all inherited a sinful nature after the Fall, recorded in Genesis 3. And so, there have been, there are, and there will always be those who display disdain or worse toward certain other people.

I’ve read a number of articles, and one recently by Ken Ham, entitled, Are There Really Different Races? He pointed out a number of things I have believed for a long time. It’s a rather lengthy article but well worth your time to read it. https://answersingenesis.org/racism/are-there-really-different-races/

There Is Only One Race

Regardless of culture, geographical location, or skin color, we are all human beings. We are all descendants of Adam. The Bible makes this abundantly clear in Acts 17:26: “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;”

The word “men” in that verse is the Greek word, anthrōpos. It means human beings; all human beings. According to God’s Word, we are all related, by blood. Regardless of culture, geographic location or skin color, there is only one race, the human race.

One can take the time to do some honest research regarding “racism.” The origins of what we today call, “race” began in the mid 1800’s. There are many scientific studies and related articles that debunk so much of what many believe and promote as racism.

The United States Is NOT “Systemically Racist”

I wholeheartedly disagree with the highly promoted notion that the United States of America is a “systemically racist” country. Systemic means predominate. Those who promote that are saying the whole of the US has been and still is today, predominantly against human beings they label as, “black people.”

As this country grew and evolved, people from many different cultures, geographic locations and various skin colors arrived and faced difficult times. Those labeled as, “black people,” suffered and endured more than any other group of people. But our country has made huge progress.

We are no longer living in the 1860’s. We are no longer living in the 1960’s.

We elected a man, labeled as, “black,” to the highest office in the country; not once but twice! Add to that there are today, US Senators and Representatives, as well as State Senators and Representatives; there are Governors, Mayors, City council members, and judges at every level including the Supreme Court. And how about “black” billionaires, millionaires, revered sport figures, large and small business owners, teachers, doctors, literally every walk and station of life. And we need to include all the contributions made to the arts, including literature, music and films. And this country is systemically racist? No. .

Are there some people in this country who are prejudiced against other human beings? Without a doubt. Are they the majority? Far from it. But there are those today pushing hard to get people to believe that if you have a much lighter skin color, you are a racist whether you know it or not. If you disagree, it’s because you are denying it, and you’re still a racist.

There are some people who are prejudiced against other human beings for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to language or accents, lifestyle, beliefs, and, yes, color of skin. Human nature is far from perfect. But to say those who have a lighter skin color are all racists, is the same prejudice in reverse. And we are told over and over that those with the fairer skin color have more privilege in society than people of color.

When it comes to privilege, why do those with seemingly intellectual privilege get to be surgeons and scientists? Is that fair to those who do not possess equal intelligence? What about those with athletic privilege? Is it fair they get to play major league sports and make millions while others do not? And how about those with great voice privilege who end up with lucrative recording contracts. Is that fair to the rest of us?

Without a doubt some people have more advantage than other people for a variety of reasons. Perhaps a better question would be, “What about those who choose to work hard, overcome whatever obstacles or disadvantages they face to become successful?” Is that fair for those who do not?

The Real Privileged People

As I mentioned earlier, God’s Word is plain: there is but one race, the human race. In the Old Testament God highly favored a certain group of people, the descendants of Abraham. As such, they were much more privileged than the other people during those days. When they followed God’s words, He protected and took care of them.

And when the time came, God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. And Jesus Christ fulfilled all that was necessary to redeem mankind. Since then, God lovingly offers an invitation to “whosoever.” And that invitation comes with tremendous privilege, real privilege.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God so loved the world. It doesn’t say, white people, tall people, rich people, etc., it says, “the world,” all people. The invitation is to “whosoever,” anyone and everyone in the whole human race. Those who accept the invitation by confessing the Lord Jesus and believing in their heart that God raised him from the dead are saved! They are born again; they obtain eternal life. And in doing that, they become the most privileged people on the planet!

All the people on the earth are not God’s children; only those who get born again. The Bible says those who are born again are God’s children. To think that God Almighty could literally be your Father! Now we are talking about some privilege!

The New Testament reveals and details tremendous privilege that God’s children have, including obtaining eternal life, receiving God’s spirit within, access to the Father by way of the spirit, all trespasses forgiven, made righteous in God’s sight, no longer under the Law, a verdict of not guilty, a guarantee of meeting Jesus Christ in the clouds when he returns, and many more exceeding great and precious promises!

Talk about privilege! Born again Christians are the most privileged people on the face of this earth. And, as such, we are delighted to invite others to the party!

Identity Politics

For those who are born again, when it comes to identity politics, there’s absolutely no room for any of that with God’s children, regardless of skin color, nationality, station in life or any other category.

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

The Bible teaches that those who are born again are all part of One Body, and each member is important and needed, with their different longsuits and abilities to contribute so we can serve one another. And the head of this One Body is Christ.

Born again ones can discover from the Bible all the rights, privileges and abilities they have as a child of God, and take advantage of them, or not. They can choose to trust and believe God to help them in their everyday lives. Or, they can choose to be a victim, finding a reason why their life is so difficult, while others are successful. Those who do choose to trust and believe God will be blessed.

Meanwhile, in our country, shouldn’t Christians be demonstrating the love of God toward all people? If God loves all people, shouldn’t we do the same? Shouldn’t we reject those who seek to divide us by promoting identity politics, and instead see every person as an American, with the freedom and opportunities this great country affords them? And shouldn’t we lovingly promote godly principles instead of succumbing to the secular culture that seems to be gaining more ground day by day?

Until we stop looking at skin color, unique talents and abilities, station in life and all the rest, and do what God does, not look at the outward appearance, but look at the heart, we are going to have problems and divisiveness in our country. We could start by teaching our children to not look at the color of someone’s skin, but on the content of their character.

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2021 – THE NEW YEAR HAS ARRIVED!

Here’s Something That Will Not Change In The New Year


The New Year is here.  2020 finally comes to a close. Lots of people are hoping for a new and better year ahead. After 2020, that’s kind of an understatement.

Many are praying for lots of things to change for the better, while others are making new “resolutions” for their lives in the upcoming New Year. But there is something that will not change in this New Year.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about being “born again.” He clearly pointed out two literal births. We read in the first chapter of the epistle of I Peter about being “begotten of God,” and, “being born again.” It says in verse 23, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” There is something amazing in that verse.

We easily understand what it means