Having made my predictions public, you can see that I do not expect Ron Paul to win the Republican nomination. Nonetheless, I am holding out hope that the Paul candidacy can actually win the nomination. However, I told my college freshman daughter today, that in my lifetime, I have seen three presidential candidates who caught fire, yet the establishment would do absolutely anything to stop them. Those candidates have been: Governor George C. Wallace, Patrick J. Buchanan, and now Ron Paul.
I am personally convinced that Governor Wallace's assassination attempt was masterminded by those who feared the Wallace impact on the 1972 election. Buchanan won New Hampshire and was steadily gaining ground when the media, the Republican elitists, and the leaders of the so-called religious right orchestrated character attacks on Pat Buchanan.
Now, we see the stirring of the grassroots by a heretofore, little-known Congressman from Texas named Ron Paul. Ron Paul has been a hero of mine for a generation, as he has stood steadfastly against unconstitutional spending and the increasing of the size of government. If I passed by supporting Ron Paul for President, I would always remember that I did not vote for the one man who stands consistently for the Jeffersonian principles that founded this federal republic. As William Wallace said in the movie Braveheart, "and in that day, you will lie in your beds, would you trade every day from this day until then to tell our enemies, you may take our lives, but you can't take our freedom." By supporting Ron Paul, I am telling the internationalists, the neo-conservatives, the leeches on an over sized government, that you will not take our principles, our soul. We still stand for the US Constitution as originally intended. As an old man, I will smile knowing that I voted for Ron Paul and say "they knew they couldn't get our freedom without a fight."
Now, the slimy attacks on Ron Paul are beginning. No one has the troops on the ground, the grassroots contributors, the army of supporters as does Ron Paul. Ron Paul is not a charismatic man, but his support comes from the strength of belief, of principle, of the character of ideas. As Ron Paul says "freedom is popular."
This next Sunday,January 6 Fox News will be sponsoring a debate with the Republican presidential candidates. They are specifically excluding the man who has set records for individual contributions, the man who is running third in most state polls, and the man who has served ten terms as a Republican Congressman. Hopefully, Fox News will reverse their decision.
But we are seeing the ugliness as the establishment fears the Ron Paul revolution. As a Paul supporter, I say "go ahead and make our day." When the Fall election comes, and the Republican elites want Paul supporters to come elect their establishment candidate, the Paul supporters will remember this ugliness. This Fall, I watched the good ol' boys show up and overwhelm the mainstream Republicans at the Jefferson County straw poll. A few, like Jefferson County GOP Chair David Wheeler and past State GOP Chair Marty Connors, recognize the power of these devoted activists and have extended arms of friendship. But many of the GOPers were openly hostile with silly remarks like "who are these people?"
I want to tell the GOP establishment "No, you haven't seen these folks before. Keep up your haughty attitude and you will never see them again." An army for liberty has assembled behind Ron Paul. This army has been built on the principles of national sovereignty, so they are not naturally allied with the neo-cons who have supported NAFTA, GATT, the North American Union, and the CAFTA Highway. These Paul-supporting idealogues will not be bought off with promises of more government spending, since the Paul movement is a movement calling for an end to unconstitutional spending and for decreasing the size of government. These hard working common folk will not naturally fall in line behind appeals of position and status, for they are motivated by beliefs. The Ron Paul Revolution does not trust the GOP establishment and will not be motivated to support the "lesser of two evils."
I want to say to these folks who look down their noses at the Paul throng, "keep it up. They would enjoy nothing more than defeating you this Fall."
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Predictions for 2008
Regular readers of Musings from Maytown are aware that this editor is never reluctant to express opinions on every subject from sports to music to politics or theology. In branching out to make predictions for the year 2008, this editor realizes that he may be found foolish in a matter of weeks. Furthermore, this editor is waiting for the barrage of ridicule from the readers of Musings from Maytown. This editor confesses that many of his past predictions have missed the mark. Please understand that these are not necessarily as I wish them to be, but honest efforts at trying to predict what will happen.
Frankly, I want to predict that Ron Paul is elected, Alabama goes undefeated, and other matters quite different than I am predicting. Some of these predictions will be found accurate or inaccurate in days. Laugh at me if you will, but at least I put my neck on the line by making my sincere predictions for 2008.
With fear and trepidation, here are the predictions:
POLITICS
* The winners of the Iowa caucuses will be John Edwards (Democratic) and Mitt Romney (Republican). The Huckabee star is fading and Huckabee will fail to win any primary or caucus.
* The eventual Democratic nominee will be Hillary Clinton.
* The eventual Republican nominee will be Mitt Romney.
* Hillary Clinton will be elected President in 2008.
* In contrast with 2004, when evangelical voters turned out in record numbers, Romney's Mormonism will bring about a depressed turnout among evangelical voters. Reagan Democrats will vote in low numbers, due to lack of enthusiasm for either Clinton or Romney
* To boost GOP chances, President Bush will begin withdrawal of troops from Iraq, but the public will view this as too little, too late.
* Democrats will remain in control of the Federal House and Senate. The Alabama 2nd District will remain in Republican hands.
* Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford will, by year's end, be forced to put a good face on declining city revenues. The one-cent sales tax will not bring in the money promised and the Larry Dome will be delayed in building. However, the city will (as the County did when Langford was Commission President) shift and trade on bond deals. While the city will not prosper as Mayor Langford has promised, the friends of the Mayor will continue to make big money on bond deals.
* Mayor Langford will operate under a cloud of suspicion, but the election of a Democratic President will erase any possible indictment. These type operations are not new for Mayor Langford.
* The Jefferson County Commission will continue to run a clean operation, will continue to cut waste, and will quietly improve county government to be more efficient and effective.
* The Alabama legislature will remain gridlocked with nothing done to ban PAC-to-PAC transfers, in spite of the fact that everyone in Montgomery claims to support this legislation.
* Governor Riley's Pre-Kindergarten program will pass, but the plan will not be properly funded. This program will eventually expand and continue the trend of government raising children from cradle to grave. Involving the government with Pre-K is a bad trend.
* James Fields will make history as Cullman County's first black official when he wins House District 12 in the Special Election on January 29.
* Judges Davis Lawley and Norman Winston will hold their respective District Court posts in Jefferson County elections. Both men are outstanding judges.
* In the United Kingdom, the Conservative Party will make great gains. However, the balance of power will remain with the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Nationalists who will side with Labour to place Gordon Brown back in as Prime Minister over the innovative Tory leader David Cameron.
* In Northern Ireland, Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party will remain the leading party, with Jim Alister's party faring poorly. Sinn Fein will lose support to the new merger of SDLP with Fianna Fail. Ties with the Republic of Ireland will be strengthened by this move, placing Unionists in a precarious position.
* In Scotland, Unionism will win any showdown on Scottish Independence.
SPORTS
* In spite of superior talent, the Alabama Basketball team will languish in mediocrity, with only a bid to the NIT to end the year.
* Alabama's football team will show slight improvement, but will have a 2008 record similar to the 2007 record. Fans will grow restless, not recognizing the deep pit from which Coach Saban is forced to operate. As a comment--if fans will remain supportive, Coach Nick Lou Saban will eventually build a team to compete for national championships.
* The New England Patriots will win the Super Bowl.
* The Oakland A's will win the World Series.
* The Glasgow Rangers will defeat the Celtics again and claim the 2008 Scottish Premier Football Championship. Praise God! Enjoy the Rangers theme song Follow! Follow!
Southern Baptist Life
* At the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, Southern Seminary President Albert Mohler will be nominated for SBC President and will NOT be elected. (Note: Please do not read an opinion into this prediction. This prediction is made after talking with people across Southern Baptist life).
* No substantial changes will be made at the International Mission Board. The controversial policies on the private prayer language and baptism will remain in place.
* Younger Pastors are again becoming invigorated with support for the Cooperative Program. States with low support for SBC ministries will feel pressure to give a stronger percentage. State Conventions like Alabama and Georgia will be appreciated because of strong support for missions and a strong support for the Southern Baptist Convention.
* The more liberal Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will continue to have financial problems as some churches are reverting to support for the Southern Baptist Convention.
May God grant you His best in 2008!
Frankly, I want to predict that Ron Paul is elected, Alabama goes undefeated, and other matters quite different than I am predicting. Some of these predictions will be found accurate or inaccurate in days. Laugh at me if you will, but at least I put my neck on the line by making my sincere predictions for 2008.
With fear and trepidation, here are the predictions:
POLITICS
* The winners of the Iowa caucuses will be John Edwards (Democratic) and Mitt Romney (Republican). The Huckabee star is fading and Huckabee will fail to win any primary or caucus.
* The eventual Democratic nominee will be Hillary Clinton.
* The eventual Republican nominee will be Mitt Romney.
* Hillary Clinton will be elected President in 2008.
* In contrast with 2004, when evangelical voters turned out in record numbers, Romney's Mormonism will bring about a depressed turnout among evangelical voters. Reagan Democrats will vote in low numbers, due to lack of enthusiasm for either Clinton or Romney
* To boost GOP chances, President Bush will begin withdrawal of troops from Iraq, but the public will view this as too little, too late.
* Democrats will remain in control of the Federal House and Senate. The Alabama 2nd District will remain in Republican hands.
* Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford will, by year's end, be forced to put a good face on declining city revenues. The one-cent sales tax will not bring in the money promised and the Larry Dome will be delayed in building. However, the city will (as the County did when Langford was Commission President) shift and trade on bond deals. While the city will not prosper as Mayor Langford has promised, the friends of the Mayor will continue to make big money on bond deals.
* Mayor Langford will operate under a cloud of suspicion, but the election of a Democratic President will erase any possible indictment. These type operations are not new for Mayor Langford.
* The Jefferson County Commission will continue to run a clean operation, will continue to cut waste, and will quietly improve county government to be more efficient and effective.
* The Alabama legislature will remain gridlocked with nothing done to ban PAC-to-PAC transfers, in spite of the fact that everyone in Montgomery claims to support this legislation.
* Governor Riley's Pre-Kindergarten program will pass, but the plan will not be properly funded. This program will eventually expand and continue the trend of government raising children from cradle to grave. Involving the government with Pre-K is a bad trend.
* James Fields will make history as Cullman County's first black official when he wins House District 12 in the Special Election on January 29.
* Judges Davis Lawley and Norman Winston will hold their respective District Court posts in Jefferson County elections. Both men are outstanding judges.
* In the United Kingdom, the Conservative Party will make great gains. However, the balance of power will remain with the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Nationalists who will side with Labour to place Gordon Brown back in as Prime Minister over the innovative Tory leader David Cameron.
* In Northern Ireland, Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party will remain the leading party, with Jim Alister's party faring poorly. Sinn Fein will lose support to the new merger of SDLP with Fianna Fail. Ties with the Republic of Ireland will be strengthened by this move, placing Unionists in a precarious position.
* In Scotland, Unionism will win any showdown on Scottish Independence.
SPORTS
* In spite of superior talent, the Alabama Basketball team will languish in mediocrity, with only a bid to the NIT to end the year.
* Alabama's football team will show slight improvement, but will have a 2008 record similar to the 2007 record. Fans will grow restless, not recognizing the deep pit from which Coach Saban is forced to operate. As a comment--if fans will remain supportive, Coach Nick Lou Saban will eventually build a team to compete for national championships.
* The New England Patriots will win the Super Bowl.
* The Oakland A's will win the World Series.
* The Glasgow Rangers will defeat the Celtics again and claim the 2008 Scottish Premier Football Championship. Praise God! Enjoy the Rangers theme song Follow! Follow!
Southern Baptist Life
* At the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis, Southern Seminary President Albert Mohler will be nominated for SBC President and will NOT be elected. (Note: Please do not read an opinion into this prediction. This prediction is made after talking with people across Southern Baptist life).
* No substantial changes will be made at the International Mission Board. The controversial policies on the private prayer language and baptism will remain in place.
* Younger Pastors are again becoming invigorated with support for the Cooperative Program. States with low support for SBC ministries will feel pressure to give a stronger percentage. State Conventions like Alabama and Georgia will be appreciated because of strong support for missions and a strong support for the Southern Baptist Convention.
* The more liberal Cooperative Baptist Fellowship will continue to have financial problems as some churches are reverting to support for the Southern Baptist Convention.
May God grant you His best in 2008!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Jesus is Coming, part four
Here in the Christmas season, we often hear reference to the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 & 7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
One vital doctrinal teaching must be pointed out: Jesus would come as a child--a reference to His taking on of human flesh. I Timothy 3:16 declares that God was manifest in the flesh. Philippians 2 explains that Jesus took upon Himself the form of a man. But Jesus was given as a Son. He already existed in eternity past as the second person of the Trinity. We find reference in Psalm 2 to the Son of God. So, he came to take on humanity, but never ceased to be God. Jesus was God in human flesh.
The world often speaks of Jesus coming to bring peace and the implication is that if His mission had been successful, we would have world peace. Peace has not come, the supposition goes, because the world has rejected the peace that would be brought by Christ.
However, these verses conclude with the promise the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The day when Jesus rules in peace with authority over the Earth is to be accomplished by the zeal of the Lord of hosts. What does this say? The term hosts refers to an army. The promise is that Jesus will come in military power to bring peace to the Earth and take authority over the Earth.
Please note some concluding thoughts:
1. The day when the government shall be upon the shoulders of the Lord Jesus has not occurred yet, nor did it occur in relation to His first coming.
2. This kingdom will be ruled from the throne of David, fulfilling promises made to Israel.
3. This kingdom will be ruled with judgment and justice by the hand of the Lord Himself.
4. The kingdom, once established, will last forever.
5. Jesus will have universal rule and peace will reign over the entire kingdom.
6. This divine rule will be established by force as the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
I repeat, NONE of these prophecies were fulfilled in the first coming of the Lord. Jesus is coming the second time to establish His rule upon the Earth.
One vital doctrinal teaching must be pointed out: Jesus would come as a child--a reference to His taking on of human flesh. I Timothy 3:16 declares that God was manifest in the flesh. Philippians 2 explains that Jesus took upon Himself the form of a man. But Jesus was given as a Son. He already existed in eternity past as the second person of the Trinity. We find reference in Psalm 2 to the Son of God. So, he came to take on humanity, but never ceased to be God. Jesus was God in human flesh.
The world often speaks of Jesus coming to bring peace and the implication is that if His mission had been successful, we would have world peace. Peace has not come, the supposition goes, because the world has rejected the peace that would be brought by Christ.
However, these verses conclude with the promise the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The day when Jesus rules in peace with authority over the Earth is to be accomplished by the zeal of the Lord of hosts. What does this say? The term hosts refers to an army. The promise is that Jesus will come in military power to bring peace to the Earth and take authority over the Earth.
Please note some concluding thoughts:
1. The day when the government shall be upon the shoulders of the Lord Jesus has not occurred yet, nor did it occur in relation to His first coming.
2. This kingdom will be ruled from the throne of David, fulfilling promises made to Israel.
3. This kingdom will be ruled with judgment and justice by the hand of the Lord Himself.
4. The kingdom, once established, will last forever.
5. Jesus will have universal rule and peace will reign over the entire kingdom.
6. This divine rule will be established by force as the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
I repeat, NONE of these prophecies were fulfilled in the first coming of the Lord. Jesus is coming the second time to establish His rule upon the Earth.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
God Save the Queen!
Today, at 11 AM CST, Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain became the oldest living monarch in British history, passing the record of Queen Victoria as the previously oldest monarch in the history of the United Kingdom. More than one British citizen has assured me that the Queen is a saved woman. Her image is pristine, her reputation unsullied, and her actions always dignified.
At the outset, let me state that a monarchy would not serve the United States well, since the American dream is predicated on a Constitutional Republic. But the monarchy has well served the British Empire and Queen Elizabeth has been a model of honor and character. I realize that praising a Queen is strange thinking for most Americans, and I repeat that I would be opposed to establishing a monarchy in our system. However, the system has worked in the British Empire for several reasons:
1) A British King or Queen inherits that title, hence they have been trained from birth to operate as leader in the United Kingdom.
2) The Throne has likely saved money for Great Britain, since they need not hold Presidential elections nor carry on pensions or protection for Presidents.
3) Great Britain has been spared much of the loss of support for the head of state, due to the lack of competition for the office of King or Queen.
4) A King or Queen can stand apart from politics, allowing them to be neutral and represent the nation without conflicts of interest.
5) Public office holders must act in accordance with the wishes of their respective political parties, while a King or Queen may act without regard to political influences. Like a nation's flag, the Throne of the United Kingdom stands above politics.
6) A monarch is a better representative of unity than a President.
7) A monarch provides continuity as opposed to the upheaval of constant elections.
We should pray for the continued blessing upon Queen Elizabeth and desire that she is succeeded by one with sound principles and devotion to faith. Remember, one of her titles is Defender of the Faith. Queen Elizabeth took office with a commitment to stand for and defend the principles of the Protestant Reformation. In 1701, the Act of Settlement determined that the Throne would always be occupied by a Protestant Christian. Pressure is on in the United States, pressure placed by Irish nationalist groups, to ask our government to seek to persuade Great Britain to change the Act of Settlement so that a non-Protestant can sit on the Throne of the United Kingdom. Frankly, this is none of our business and I would hope that our Congress and President stay out of this issue.
This Summer, my son and I stood in Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom and I could not help but join in and sing God Save the Queen. May all Americans and friends of Great Britain pray this prayer on this historic day.
One additional note: Queen Elizabeth is properly the Queen of all of the United Kingdom, and not just England. The United Kingdom includes Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. May this Union remain strong.
The Royal Family
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Jesus is Coming part three
The seed thought of a subject in Scripture is normally found in the first mention of that truth. In considering the return of Jesus Christ to Earth, let us take note of the first mention of our Lord's return.
The scene is the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God cast out the first couple with words of curse. Humanity would earn a living by the sweat of his brown. The Earth is cursed as sin and death have entered into the world. The ground is covered with thorns and thistles and the woman will endure pain in childbearing.
But then in Genesis 3:15, we find God granting a promise to Eve. Relating to the serpent, God told the serpent he will crush your head and you will bruise His heel. Obviously, this promise is a double reference to both the cross experience where Jesus was bruised by the hands of wicked men. Let me interject, that Satan instigated the wicked men who crucified the Lord Jesus, but we also know that the death of Jesus on the cross was in the original plan of God as Acts 2:23 tells us that cross of Christ was arranged by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Isaiah 53 tells us that it pleased the Lord to bruise Him, a reference to our Lord's death serving to satisfy the demands of the justice of a Holy God.
But the key is that God promised that the coming Seed would crush the serpent's head. When will this occur? We know that all things are not yet under the feet of the Lord Jesus. In the first coming, Jesus came as the Lamb for sinners slain. God had declared Jesus as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
The Scriptures present Christ in Eternity Future as the Lamb of God who comes to conquer. Revelation 20 tells us that Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire that burns forever.
In His first coming, Jesus came to offer Himself as the sacrifice for sinners. He humbled Himself to the death of the cross (Philippians 2), offering Himself as a lamb silent before his slaughterers (Isaiah 53). But in the second coming of Christ, Jesus will put down Satan, defeating Him and ending Satan's reign of terror on this Earth.
Yes, Ephesians 2:2 calls Satan the Prince of the Power of the Air. II Corinthians 4:4 calls Satan the god of this world. But as Martin Luther's great hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God triumphantly states the Prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him, his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, one little word will fell him.
The scene is the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God cast out the first couple with words of curse. Humanity would earn a living by the sweat of his brown. The Earth is cursed as sin and death have entered into the world. The ground is covered with thorns and thistles and the woman will endure pain in childbearing.
But then in Genesis 3:15, we find God granting a promise to Eve. Relating to the serpent, God told the serpent he will crush your head and you will bruise His heel. Obviously, this promise is a double reference to both the cross experience where Jesus was bruised by the hands of wicked men. Let me interject, that Satan instigated the wicked men who crucified the Lord Jesus, but we also know that the death of Jesus on the cross was in the original plan of God as Acts 2:23 tells us that cross of Christ was arranged by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Isaiah 53 tells us that it pleased the Lord to bruise Him, a reference to our Lord's death serving to satisfy the demands of the justice of a Holy God.
But the key is that God promised that the coming Seed would crush the serpent's head. When will this occur? We know that all things are not yet under the feet of the Lord Jesus. In the first coming, Jesus came as the Lamb for sinners slain. God had declared Jesus as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
The Scriptures present Christ in Eternity Future as the Lamb of God who comes to conquer. Revelation 20 tells us that Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire that burns forever.
In His first coming, Jesus came to offer Himself as the sacrifice for sinners. He humbled Himself to the death of the cross (Philippians 2), offering Himself as a lamb silent before his slaughterers (Isaiah 53). But in the second coming of Christ, Jesus will put down Satan, defeating Him and ending Satan's reign of terror on this Earth.
Yes, Ephesians 2:2 calls Satan the Prince of the Power of the Air. II Corinthians 4:4 calls Satan the god of this world. But as Martin Luther's great hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God triumphantly states the Prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him, his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, one little word will fell him.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
What is Mormonism?
In a recent post, we discussed the false doctrine of Mormonism. Some took offense at my statements that Mormonism is NOT Christianity.
Check out this video that has been viewed by over 600,000 on YouTube.
Check out this video that has been viewed by over 600,000 on YouTube.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Cherryholmes nominated for Grammy
Regular readers of Musings from Maytown have read about the dynamic Cherryholmes family band. Well, this exciting group has been nominated for a Grammy award for Best Bluegrass Album for their latest CD Cherryholmmes II: Black and White. The award will be presented on February 10 at 7 PM CST on CBS television.
For more information on the electrifying Cherryholmes group, check out Cherryholmes or you can read the article Bluegrass on Steroids from an earlier article here at Musings from Maytown.
These folks have fun singing and utilizing their gifts from God. The Cherryholmes family demonstrates how one feels the pleasure of God in fulfilling that which God has ordained for them to do. The Reformers often used the slogan Coram Deo to emphasize that all of life is lived before the face of God. Whatever your vocation, work as unto God.
The Olympic sprinter Eric Liddell delayed a missionary career to represent Scotland in the Olympics. Liddell testified that God had given him the gift to run and said "when I run, I feel his pleasure." When I hear Cherryholmes, somehow I believe that this family feels the pleasure of God.
For more information on the electrifying Cherryholmes group, check out Cherryholmes or you can read the article Bluegrass on Steroids from an earlier article here at Musings from Maytown.
These folks have fun singing and utilizing their gifts from God. The Cherryholmes family demonstrates how one feels the pleasure of God in fulfilling that which God has ordained for them to do. The Reformers often used the slogan Coram Deo to emphasize that all of life is lived before the face of God. Whatever your vocation, work as unto God.
The Olympic sprinter Eric Liddell delayed a missionary career to represent Scotland in the Olympics. Liddell testified that God had given him the gift to run and said "when I run, I feel his pleasure." When I hear Cherryholmes, somehow I believe that this family feels the pleasure of God.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Mormonism, Mitt Romney, and My vote for President
This week, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney gave a speech relating his faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, Latter Day Saints to his campaign for the presidency. Romney's speech garnered high marks, with many comparing this speech to a historic speech by John F. Kennedy in the 1960 campaign. In 1960, numbers of Protestant leaders had objected to Kennedy's election on the basis of his Roman Catholicism. Kennedy's answer to their concerns is a historical landmark of effective political speeches, especially relating to thorny questions on church and state. As an interesting side note, Kennedy's primary antagonist on this issue was Norman Vincent Peale, theological liberal and author of The Power of Positive Thinking.
Could a Bible-believing Christian vote for a member of the Latter Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormons)? Is Mormonism compatible with biblical Christianity? Should Romney's Mormonism preclude his serving as President? Consider these questions with me.
1. What is Mormonism and how does Mormonism relate to Christianity? Mormonism, as a religious movement, began in 1840 when a twenty-four year old Joseph Smith claimed to have visions from God, Jesus, and the angel Moroni. Supposedly, Smith's visions directed him to dig up some gold plates that had been placed there by the Angel Moroni in AD 400 in a New York hillside. These plates were supposedly written in some unknown language called Reformed Egyptian. Translated by some God-given ability, the plates became the Book of Mormon, a purported account of the ancient inhabitants of North America between 600 BC and AD 400.
Is Mormonism Christianity? Consider that Mormons believe:
* Jehovah God was once a human as we are now. Mormonism says that he progressed to become a god, one of many gods.
* Man has the ability to progress and become a god.
* Jesus was the first spirit child of God the Father. Subsequent spirit children children are angels and humans. Mormons do not hold to the doctrine of the Trinity, rather Mormons teach that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are individual gods. When Mitt Romney stated "I believe in Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord" he does NOT mean what evangelical Christians mean when we confess Christ as Saviour and Lord.
* The Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants possess the same authority of Scripture.
* LDS organizer Brigham Young openly stated in Journals and Discourses 7:333 "How many gods are there, I do not know. There has never been a time when there were not gods."
* the Garden of Eden was in Missouri. Jesus appeared to those in America in His time.
* Everyone will eventually be saved, though there are three levels of celestial glory. Mormons teach salvation through baptism. In fact, Mormons practice baptism for the dead, whereby Mormons will go to an LDS Temple and be baptized in the name of their ancestors.
For more information on Mormonism check out
Mormonism
Mormonism is NOT compatible with historic Christianity. Mormonism is a non-Christian cult.
2. Should Mormonism preclude Mitt Romney from serving as President?
Consider that in Scripture, many non-believers served well in government and were used of God for good. Evangelical theologian Wayne Grudem gives several examples of non-believing leaders serving for the public good. In Genesis 41, we read how God used Pharaoh to raise up Joseph and exalt Joseph so that Joseph could be used of God to bless Israel. In Daniel 2, we read how Nebuchadnezzar was used of God to protect the Prophet Daniel and raise up Daniel's Jewish friends to places of leadership in Babylon. Cyrus, King of Persia, was used of God to restore Jewish exiles to their homelands (Isaiah 45:16; Ezra 1). God used Darius, King of Persia to protect the Israelites (Ezra 6), to raise up Esther as Queen, and to give Mordecai authority to speak out for the people of God.
Historically, God's people have often fared well with unsaved leaders. Consider that the Church flourished in the times of the Peace of Rome, before persecution came. Our own nation has been served well by principles of Thomas Jefferson, a Deist, but a man sound in his thinking on limited government.
Mitt Romney is not a Christian, as the Bible defines saving faith. However, Hillary Clinton gives a good testimony of a salvation experience as a young person in a Methodist Church. Frankly, her testimony is better than most that I hear from some with much better credentials with the evangelical community. Hillary spoke of forgiveness of sins through the atonement of the shed blood of Christ. Read the testimony of Hillary Clinton and others at Redeem the Vote!
Yet, my political views are poles apart from that of Hillary Clinton. I would disagree with Senator Clinton on her support of big government solutions for every problem, her liberal social views--including a pro-choice position on abortion, and her internationalist approach to national sovereignty.
3. I do not support Mitt Romney for President for other reasons besides his Mormonism.
* Governor Romney supported tax hikes and increasing the size of government as Governor of Massachusetts. Romney's record on taxes
* Mitt Romney even supported universal health care in Massachusetts, boasting that he included private initiatives. He is not a free-enterpriser, but one who likes government involvement in private matters.
* Romney has been all over the board on social issues. Check out Mitt Romney Deception
* Romney has a mixed record on Second Amendment issues.
Romney on Gun Rights
* Romney takes a weak position on closing our porous borders. Presidential candidates on immigration
In conclusion, we are not calling a Pastor but electing a President. While I would like to know that my President knows the Lord, I am more concerned (at least as far as my vote is concerned) that the candidate takes the right position on the issues. Hence, I would vote for a conservative Mormon (Cleon Skousen) over a liberal Baptist (Jimmy Carter). On the other hand, I do not believe that Mitt Romney would tackle an out-of-control government. Hence, I will not be voting for Mitt Romney for President in the primary.
Could a Bible-believing Christian vote for a member of the Latter Day Saints (commonly known as the Mormons)? Is Mormonism compatible with biblical Christianity? Should Romney's Mormonism preclude his serving as President? Consider these questions with me.
1. What is Mormonism and how does Mormonism relate to Christianity? Mormonism, as a religious movement, began in 1840 when a twenty-four year old Joseph Smith claimed to have visions from God, Jesus, and the angel Moroni. Supposedly, Smith's visions directed him to dig up some gold plates that had been placed there by the Angel Moroni in AD 400 in a New York hillside. These plates were supposedly written in some unknown language called Reformed Egyptian. Translated by some God-given ability, the plates became the Book of Mormon, a purported account of the ancient inhabitants of North America between 600 BC and AD 400.
Is Mormonism Christianity? Consider that Mormons believe:
* Jehovah God was once a human as we are now. Mormonism says that he progressed to become a god, one of many gods.
* Man has the ability to progress and become a god.
* Jesus was the first spirit child of God the Father. Subsequent spirit children children are angels and humans. Mormons do not hold to the doctrine of the Trinity, rather Mormons teach that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are individual gods. When Mitt Romney stated "I believe in Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord" he does NOT mean what evangelical Christians mean when we confess Christ as Saviour and Lord.
* The Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants possess the same authority of Scripture.
* LDS organizer Brigham Young openly stated in Journals and Discourses 7:333 "How many gods are there, I do not know. There has never been a time when there were not gods."
* the Garden of Eden was in Missouri. Jesus appeared to those in America in His time.
* Everyone will eventually be saved, though there are three levels of celestial glory. Mormons teach salvation through baptism. In fact, Mormons practice baptism for the dead, whereby Mormons will go to an LDS Temple and be baptized in the name of their ancestors.
For more information on Mormonism check out
Mormonism
Mormonism is NOT compatible with historic Christianity. Mormonism is a non-Christian cult.
2. Should Mormonism preclude Mitt Romney from serving as President?
Consider that in Scripture, many non-believers served well in government and were used of God for good. Evangelical theologian Wayne Grudem gives several examples of non-believing leaders serving for the public good. In Genesis 41, we read how God used Pharaoh to raise up Joseph and exalt Joseph so that Joseph could be used of God to bless Israel. In Daniel 2, we read how Nebuchadnezzar was used of God to protect the Prophet Daniel and raise up Daniel's Jewish friends to places of leadership in Babylon. Cyrus, King of Persia, was used of God to restore Jewish exiles to their homelands (Isaiah 45:16; Ezra 1). God used Darius, King of Persia to protect the Israelites (Ezra 6), to raise up Esther as Queen, and to give Mordecai authority to speak out for the people of God.
Historically, God's people have often fared well with unsaved leaders. Consider that the Church flourished in the times of the Peace of Rome, before persecution came. Our own nation has been served well by principles of Thomas Jefferson, a Deist, but a man sound in his thinking on limited government.
Mitt Romney is not a Christian, as the Bible defines saving faith. However, Hillary Clinton gives a good testimony of a salvation experience as a young person in a Methodist Church. Frankly, her testimony is better than most that I hear from some with much better credentials with the evangelical community. Hillary spoke of forgiveness of sins through the atonement of the shed blood of Christ. Read the testimony of Hillary Clinton and others at Redeem the Vote!
Yet, my political views are poles apart from that of Hillary Clinton. I would disagree with Senator Clinton on her support of big government solutions for every problem, her liberal social views--including a pro-choice position on abortion, and her internationalist approach to national sovereignty.
3. I do not support Mitt Romney for President for other reasons besides his Mormonism.
* Governor Romney supported tax hikes and increasing the size of government as Governor of Massachusetts. Romney's record on taxes
* Mitt Romney even supported universal health care in Massachusetts, boasting that he included private initiatives. He is not a free-enterpriser, but one who likes government involvement in private matters.
* Romney has been all over the board on social issues. Check out Mitt Romney Deception
* Romney has a mixed record on Second Amendment issues.
Romney on Gun Rights
* Romney takes a weak position on closing our porous borders. Presidential candidates on immigration
In conclusion, we are not calling a Pastor but electing a President. While I would like to know that my President knows the Lord, I am more concerned (at least as far as my vote is concerned) that the candidate takes the right position on the issues. Hence, I would vote for a conservative Mormon (Cleon Skousen) over a liberal Baptist (Jimmy Carter). On the other hand, I do not believe that Mitt Romney would tackle an out-of-control government. Hence, I will not be voting for Mitt Romney for President in the primary.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Best Female Country Vocalist--Mandy Barnett
Mandy Barnett? She sings regularly at the Opry and when Nashville wanted someone to sing the music of Patsy Cline for Always...Patsy Cline, they selected Mandy Barnett. I suppose I will wonder why she is not more famous, but Mandy Barnett has a powerful voice. More importantly, for country music, she has the cry in her voice. Carrie Underwood is great, but I honestly rate Mandy Barnett a notch above Carrie. Check out the song
Best Bluegrass Group--Cherryholmes
To close out 2007, I am going to present the Musings from Maytown Awards for the best in several music genres. These are not Awards simply for 2007, but plan to list the best of the best for all times. Again, the awards are simply based on my personal opinion. I will begin by presenting my opinion on the best in Bluegrass--Cherryholmes. In coming weeks, I will recognize great artists in other genres.
This is my fourth article in Musings from Maytown on Cherryholmes. Rather than repeat material already published, I will simply present an instrumental number by Cherryholmes featuring BJ and Molly Kate,two of the best fiddlers to be found anywhere.
According to their website, Cherryholmes will appear in Hoover, Alabama in April, 2009. Hopefully, we can bring Cherryholmes to the Heart of Dixie sooner than April, 2009.
Cherryholmes
This is my fourth article in Musings from Maytown on Cherryholmes. Rather than repeat material already published, I will simply present an instrumental number by Cherryholmes featuring BJ and Molly Kate,two of the best fiddlers to be found anywhere.
According to their website, Cherryholmes will appear in Hoover, Alabama in April, 2009. Hopefully, we can bring Cherryholmes to the Heart of Dixie sooner than April, 2009.
Cherryholmes
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Jesus is Coming, part two
Jesus is coming! What is the basis of our Lord's return?
In Acts 1, we read of Jesus' ascension to Heaven and find that an angelic messenger announced to the awaiting disciples this same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven will so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into Heaven.
Follow on to Hebrews 9 and you find extensive discussions on Christ going into the Heavenly tabernacle to make intercession for our sins. The passage concludes So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
In Acts 3, Peter was preaching to a group of Israelites who had observed the miraculous power of the Name of Christ in the healing of a man who was lame from birth. Peter used the occasion of the miracle to proclaim the truth of Christ. In his sermon notice the words of verses 20 and 21 and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. Whom the Heaven must received until the times of restitution of all things...
Jesus came to this Earth, born of a virgin. Jesus lived a life without sin. Jesus died as the Worthy Sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins and Jesus rose from the dead to conquer death.
Today, the Lord Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for His own. We are declared right with God on the merits of Christ alone. And the fact that Jesus was offered for us, rose again, and is at the right hand of God is the foundation for the promise that Jesus will one day, yes one glorious day, return to Earth.
In Acts 1, we read of Jesus' ascension to Heaven and find that an angelic messenger announced to the awaiting disciples this same Jesus which is taken up from you into Heaven will so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into Heaven.
Follow on to Hebrews 9 and you find extensive discussions on Christ going into the Heavenly tabernacle to make intercession for our sins. The passage concludes So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
In Acts 3, Peter was preaching to a group of Israelites who had observed the miraculous power of the Name of Christ in the healing of a man who was lame from birth. Peter used the occasion of the miracle to proclaim the truth of Christ. In his sermon notice the words of verses 20 and 21 and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. Whom the Heaven must received until the times of restitution of all things...
Jesus came to this Earth, born of a virgin. Jesus lived a life without sin. Jesus died as the Worthy Sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins and Jesus rose from the dead to conquer death.
Today, the Lord Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for His own. We are declared right with God on the merits of Christ alone. And the fact that Jesus was offered for us, rose again, and is at the right hand of God is the foundation for the promise that Jesus will one day, yes one glorious day, return to Earth.
Poll Results
The Presidential poll continues as we link to Newsvine, a national poll with individual polls on over 1,400 websites. Musings from Maytown signed on with Newsvine with only two weeks left in the month, yet this website finished in the top 100 for traffic on this poll.
Visitors to this site may vote once a month, so your slate is clean as of December 1. Please vote on the Presidential poll. You may select one of many candidates from either the Democratic or Republican field. Congressman Ron Paul remains the leading Republican on Musings from Maytown with Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson fighting it out for second place. John Edwards leads among the Democrats on this website.
Last week, we polled your predictions on the SEC Championship game. Twenty six of you correctly predicted that the LSU Tigers would win, eight predicted the Tennessee Vols, one guessed the game would end in a tie, and seven just didn't care.
For my friend James Turner's sake, I tried to pull for Tennessee, but when the camera would flash Phil Fulmer's image, I found myself for LSU. Sorry, James. Alabama fans can like the Vols but Fulmer is a different story.
Visitors to this site may vote once a month, so your slate is clean as of December 1. Please vote on the Presidential poll. You may select one of many candidates from either the Democratic or Republican field. Congressman Ron Paul remains the leading Republican on Musings from Maytown with Mike Huckabee and Fred Thompson fighting it out for second place. John Edwards leads among the Democrats on this website.
Last week, we polled your predictions on the SEC Championship game. Twenty six of you correctly predicted that the LSU Tigers would win, eight predicted the Tennessee Vols, one guessed the game would end in a tie, and seven just didn't care.
For my friend James Turner's sake, I tried to pull for Tennessee, but when the camera would flash Phil Fulmer's image, I found myself for LSU. Sorry, James. Alabama fans can like the Vols but Fulmer is a different story.
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