Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

Martin Luther said this about baptism and salvation: "Further, we say that we are not so much concerned to know whether the person baptized believes or not; for on that account Baptism does not become invalid; but everything depends upon the Word and command of God. This now is perhaps somewhat acute but it rests entirely upon what I have said, that Baptism is nothing else than water and the Word of God in and with each other, that is when the Word is added to the water, Baptism is valid, even though faith be wanting. For my faith does not make Baptism, but receives it. Now, Baptism does not become invalid even though it be wrongly received or employed; since it is not bound (as stated) to our faith, but to the Word."

Say what? Is this true? Here is what John MacArthur says about baptism.

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?


No. Let's examine what the Scriptures teach on this issue:
First, it is quite clear from such passages as Acts 15 and Romans 4 that no external act is necessary for salvation. Salvation is by divine grace through faith alone (Romans 3:22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30; 4:5; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9, etc.).

If water baptism were necessary for salvation, we would expect to find it stressed whenever the gospel is presented in Scripture. That is not the case, however. Peter mentioned baptism in his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38). However, in his sermon from Solomon's portico in the Temple (Acts 3:12-26), Peter makes no reference to baptism, but links forgiveness of sin to repentance (3:19). If baptism is necessary for the forgiveness of sin, why didn't Peter say so in Acts 3?
Paul never made water baptism any part of his gospel presentations. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Paul gives a concise summary of the gospel message he preached. There is no mention of baptism. In 1 Corinthians 1:17, Paul states that "Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel," thus clearly differentiating the gospel from baptism.
Those passages are difficult to understand if water baptism is necessary for salvation. If baptism were part of the gospel itself, necessary for salvation, what good would it have done Paul to preach the gospel, but not baptize? No one would have been saved. Paul clearly understood water baptism to be separate from the gospel, and hence in no way efficacious for salvation.

I will post other reasons from John tom. What do you think about baptism? Is it necessary for salvation? Does infant baptism guarantee salvation for the infant?
Let me know.

Pray for your Pastor

I am having a bad day.




NASCAR'S greatest driver in the past 25 yrs. is in a slump and can't even finish a race on the lead lap.
(I think it is a Hendrick Conspiracy)or (maybe Roush's constant whinnnnning about Kyle winning every race has paid off) or (maybe it is because they took 20 horsepower away and one of his tires away for every race). Whatever the reason, Sunday he finished: 28th and he is now 311 points back.






Dallas lost to the Deadskins 26 to 24.
America's Team lost to the evil empire. Could it get any worse.
I will call this black Monday.

Go watch Fireproof!

Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,Go watch Fireproof, Go watch Fireproof,...


Get the picture. No really "Go watch Fireproof!!!!!!!!!"

Spurgeon talks about Salvation

This is taken from a sermon preached by Charles Spurgeon. He talks about the things people trust in for salvation. Sounds a lot like folk in T'ville.


"Perhaps I have in my presence this morning some who are trying to gain salvation by ceremonies. You have been baptized in your infancy; you regularly take the Lord's Supper; you attend your church or chapel; and if you knew any other ceremonies you would attend to them. Ah! my dear friends, all these things are as the chaff before the wind in the matter of salvation; they cannot help you one step towards acceptance in the person of Christ. As well might you labor to build your house with water, as to build salvation with such poor things as these. These are good enough for you when you are saved, but if you seek salvation in them, they shall be to your soul as wells without water, clouds without rain, and withered trees, twice dead, plucked up by the roots. Whatever is your way of salvation—for there are a thousand different inventions of men whereby they seek to save themselves—whatever it may be, hear thou its death. knell tolled from this verse: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

More Bad Christian Music

This guy has nothing on Rodney. Rodney can moonwalk and pop and lock it with the best of them, I have seen him do it!

Is Hell the Absence of God?

R.C. Sproul gives a masterful response to this common explanation:

It is common to say that hell is the absence of God. Such statements are motivated in large part by the dread of even contemplating what hell is like. We try often to soften that blow and find a euphimism to skirt around it.

We need to realize that those who are in hell desire nothing more than the absence of God. They didn’t want to be in God’s presence during their earthly lives, and they certainly don’t want Him near when they’re in hell. The worst thing about hell is the presence of God there.

When we use the imagery of the Old Testament in an attempt to understand the forsakenness of the lost, we are not speaking of the idea of the departure of God or the absence of God in the sense that He ceases to be omnipresent. Rather, it’s a way of describing the withdrawal of God in terms of His redemptive blessing. It is the absence of the light of His countenance. It is the presence of the frown of His countenance. It is the absence of the blessedness of His unveiled glory that is a delight to the souls of those who love Him, but it is the presence of the darkness of judgment. Hell reflects the presence of God in His mode of judgment, in His exercise of wrath, and that’s what everyone would like to escape.

I think that’s why we get confused. There is withdrawal in terms of the blessing of the radical nearness of God. His benefits can be removed far from us, and that’s what this language is calling attention to.

(ht:Justin Taylor)

Assurance of Salvation

Are you Saved? Are you sure?

Below John MacArthur gives 12 Tests of Assurance





TWELVE TESTS ON ASSURANCE

A. Do You Enjoy Fellowship with Christ and His Redeemed People? If you regularly participate in such fellowship, that's a sign you are a Christian (cf. Heb. 10:24-26). First John 1:3 says, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ." We have fellowship with God the Father, God the Son, and everyone who has fellowship with the Father and the Son. When you were saved you entered into fellowship with Jesus Christ and His redeemed people. If you have shared in the prayers, praises, and testimonies of God's people, that's an indication you belong to Him.

B. Are You Sensitive to Your Sin?

First John 1:8, 10 says "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.... If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." If you have a continual sensitivity to the sin in your life and are in awe of holy God, that's an indication you are a Christian.

C. Do You Tend to Hate the World and its Evil?

First John 2:15 says, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." If you love the system of the world and all that it stands for, that indicates you are not a Christian. However, if you have a basic hatred of the evil in this world, even though you may fall into its trap now and then, that's an indication you are a Christian.

D. Are You Obedient to God's Word?
First John 2:3-5 says, "By this we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whosoever keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; by this know we that we are in him."

E. Do You Await the Coming of Jesus Christ?
First John 3:2-3 says, "Beloved ... it doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure." If you love Christ and eagerly await His coming, that indicates you are a Christian.

F. Do You See a Decreasing Pattern of Sin in Your Life?
First John 3:5-6 says, "Ye know that he was manifest to take away our sins, and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him." A true Christian will experience a decreasing frequency of sin in his life.

G. Do You Make Sacrifices for Other Christians?
First John 3:14 says, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." Then in verses 16-17 John says, "We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whosoever hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassions from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"

H. Do You Experience Answered Prayer?

First John 3:22 says, "Whatever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." Answered prayer is the result of keeping God's commandments and doing what is pleasing in His sight. So if you're seeing answers to your prayers, that indicates you are a Christian.

I. Do You Experience the Internal Work of the Holy Spirit?

First John 3:24 says, "By this we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit whom he hath given us." John also says, "By this know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit" (1 John 4:13). The Spirit in us cries, "Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). Although you may be experiencing doubt at the present time, if you can look back and see the Spirit's leading in the past, that's an affirmation that you belong to God.

J. Are You Able to Discern Between Spiritual Truth and Error?
First John 4:1-6 says, "Believe not every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. By this know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God; and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God; and this is that spirit of antichrist, of which ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world; therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God. He that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. By this know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." A true Christian does not fall prey to false teaching about Jesus Christ, the doctrine of salvation, and other basics of the faith.

K. Do You Believe What the Bible Teaches?
First John 5:1 says, "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." Why should you believe that? Because the Bible, which proves itself to be the Word of God, says so.

L. Have You Ever Suffered on Account of Your Faith?
The devil doesn't attack the tares; he attacks the wheat (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43). Philippians 1:28 says, "In nothing [be] terrified by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation." When you are attacked by the enemy, remember that he is judged, but you are saved.



12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5: 12-13

Gray Areas

John MacArthur on Gray Areas. Very Good

If the issue you are wondering about is not specifically addressed in the Bible, then it’s helpful to ask these questions from 1 Corinthians to help you in deciding what to do. Asking these questions (and others like them) will help you make a wise decision based on sound biblical principles.

1. Will it benefit me spiritually?
First Corinthians 10:23 says, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”

2. Will it put me in bondage?
First Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” Any questionable practice that can be habit‑forming is not wise to pursue.

3. Will it defile God’s temple?
First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” We should not do anything with our bodies that would dishonor the Lord.

4. Will it cause others to stumble?
First Corinthians 8:8‑9 says, “Food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” One should refrain from using his freedom in an area which might cause others to sin. For “by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore,” Paul said, “if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble.”

5. Will it help the cause of evangelism?
First Corinthians 10:32-33 says, “Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.” We must think of the effect any practice might have on our testimony to the lost.

6. Will it violate my conscience?
First Corinthians 10:25‑29 contains three references to abstaining from a certain practice “for conscience’ sake.” And Romans 14:23 says, “He who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” If we are not sure whether an action is pleasing to God, we should not do it. That way our conscience will remain clear and our relationship to God will not be hindered.

7. Will it bring glory to God?
First Corinthians 10:31 summarizes all these principles by saying, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Sonseed Rocks!

The guy on the guitar with glasses reminds me of Rodney.
I could sing this song all day longgggg!!




Sing it with me. Jesus is my Friend.. Catchy isn't it.
I think they tour with Ray Boltz now.

Ray is Gay!

Yes, his mullet is gone and so is his wife. Ray Boltz has come out of the closet. After 30 years of marriage and 4 children, at the age of 55, Ray Boltz is now gay. Wow!

Below is a report from Christianity Today



Ray Boltz, who sold about 4.5 million records before retiring from Christian music a few years ago, came out of the closet Friday to announce that he's gay.
In an interview with the gay magazine The Washington Blade, Boltz said he came out to his family and some close friends in December 2004, but only now decided to go public with the news.
“I’d denied it ever since I was a kid," Boltz, 55, told the magazine. "I became a Christian, I thought that was the way to deal with this and I prayed hard and tried for 30-some years and then at the end, I was just going, ‘I’m still gay. I know I am.’ And I just got to the place where I couldn’t take it anymore … when I was going through all this darkness, I thought, ‘Just end this.’”
One reason Boltz decided to come out now might be because he's performing Sunday at Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis, and then next Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. Both congregations are a part of a denomination that embraces the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community.
Boltz is perhaps best known for his song "Thank You," about a dream in which a Christian thanks the Sunday school teacher who led him to Jesus. It was the GMA song of the year in 1990. Other Boltz hits include "Watch the Lamb," "The Anchor Holds," and "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb."
Boltz also told The Blade that he doesn’t want to get into debates about Scripture and has no plans to “go into First Baptist or an Assembly of God church and run in there and say, ‘I’m gay and you need to love me anyway.’”
For him, the decision to come out is much more personal.
“This is what it really comes down to,” he says. “If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live. It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be … I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself.”
Earlier, Boltz had alluded to the issue on his official website, saying that if people “knew who I really was, I would never be accepted."

Justin Scott Bath.

I thought I would post some comments about Justin. These comments came from his Facebook site. I know many who read this blog don't use Facebook. These comments are from friends Justin went to school with.




'I love you bro. Im glad i go to know you during high school and play ball together for a year. My prayers are going out to your family. I know you are in a better place now living the good life with our Lord.. You will be missed.."

"justin, thanks for being all that you were to everyone! you got through a hard fight! you'll will be missed greatly! we will all see ya soon"

"Justin you were an amazing guy, but you're doing better than the rest of us now!!!! Walk those golden streets and know that you were loved while you were here with us!!! You will always hold a special place in my heart!"

"Justin I miss you soo much, im sorry i didnt get to see you this year. I still remember sitting in class with you cuting up and picking on the teacher....Ill always have the times we shared together to remember you by. I will continue to pray for your family in their time of need and you will never be forgoten.Ill never forget the impact you had on my life, if it wasnt for you id probably no be here today. DO WHAT YOU DO BEST KEEP THAT SMILE ON GODS FACE!!!"

"Justin, you were such a great person & so many people here are gonna miss ya; but you're in a better place now where there isnt any pain or illness. Until we're all together again..Love ya!!!"

The family will receive friends on Monday from 5 until 7 pm at East Taylorsville Baptist Church and at other times will assemble at the residence.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4

Pray for the Bath Family

As you may have heard by now, Justin Bath passed away this morning at Baptist Hospital. Justin is son of Sgt. Scott Bath and Melissa Bath of Taylorsville. Justin has courageously fought leukemia for the past two years.



Please remember this family in your prayers throughout the next coming days as they face this difficult time in their lives.

Justin had a personal relationship with Jesus and we are certain of his eternal destination.



“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
John 14: 1-3

Need a Preacher for Sunday?

You might want to call this kid. I think he sounds a lot like Mark Marshall. I know he makes as much sense as Mark does when he preaches.

This Got Me Thinking

Over on John's blog (John Piper that is) he makes this very interesting point.

It is Titled "Can Jesus Weep Over What He Wills"

Think about this. It is mind boggling to think about it.
Questions: What do you think?

Read post below and let me know.

We do not naturally see how Jesus or his Father can weep over something they have willed to come to pass. This is an example of how our natural intuitions need to be adjusted by Scripture.

We naturally conclude, when we see God grieved or angered over something, that he did not plan for it to happen. But God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8). We should adjust our thinking to the way God really acts.

For example, just this morning I read in my devotions these words concerning God’s judgment on the cities of Moab:

“I weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah; I drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh; for over your summer fruit and your harvest the shout has ceased.... I have put an end to the shouting.” (Isaiah 16:9-10)

Alan Harman, says in his commentary, Isaiah, “God expresses his grief over Moab, as he brings destruction on it” (137).

You see this by noticing the repeated word “shout” and “shouting”—the same word in Hebrew. “I weep...for the shout [of harvest joy] has ceased.... I caused the shout to cease.”

One implication of this, is that we ourselves, like God, may and should feel genuine sorrow over the miseries that come upon people because of God’s judgment. In fact, if we don’t, God may remove the ground of our gloating.

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.” (Proverbs 24:17-18)

Chuck Colson on Palin

Taken from Breakpoint site.By Chuck Colson

Last week, 40 million TV viewers watched Barack Obama become the first African-American nominee of a major political party.

And 24 hours later, Republican candidate John McCain set the political world on its ear by selecting a little-known woman governor from Alaska, Sarah Palin, as his running mate.

Either way the election turns out, history will be made.

Social conservatives reacted to Palin’s election with near euphoria. Social liberals reacted with fury. Why? How could a governor from a politically small state spark such strong emotions?

I believe it is this: In the life of Sarah Palin, we see the clash of worldviews playing out before our own eyes. Consider every major controversial issue in American politics and culture right now . . . and somehow, they touch her personally. Start with the most obvious: abortion.

Palin, a mother of five, is staunchly pro-life. And, as you know by now, her fifth child, Trig, has Down syndrome. Knowing full well the challenges such a baby would become, Mrs. Palin chose to bring the baby to term. Then, over the weekend, the Palin family announced that their oldest daughter was pregnant out-of-wedlock—and that the daughter would have the baby.

Both sides of the life issue reacted swiftly. The pro-abortion crowd mocked Palin for her support of abstinence-only sex education, which, they say, failed her own daughter. Some commentators took the ad hominem approach, claiming that it is fine for Mrs. Palin and her daughter to bring their babies to term; after all, they’ve got money and a supportive family.

At the same time, the pro-life side hailed Palin and her daughter as heroes for living out what they believe. I think, however, that we ought to look at this as a test for ourselves. Would your belief in the sanctity of life have stood the test if you had found yourself in the Palins’ situation? Either as a middle-aged working mom, or as the father of a pregnant teenage girl? How supportive is your church of young, unwed mothers?

Next, let’s take the war in Iraq. Mrs. Palin’s oldest son enlisted in the Army and is preparing to deploy. Critics of the war have not said much about this young man’s love of country. But his actions, like those of his mother, should cause those who support the war to reflect for a moment: How would you react to your son’s enlisting? For putting his money where his mouth is, so to speak?

Pick any other issue . . . homosexual “marriage”: She is against it. But her first act as governor of Alaska was to veto legislation that would have denied state-funded health benefits for gay partners.

Or oil drilling: She is for it—even in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, and even though she loves the great outdoors as a hunter. Earmarks? She helped scuttle the infamous bridge to nowhere. But it also seems that as a small-town mayor, she hired lobbyists to help secure millions in federal dollars to benefit her community.

Like all of us, she wrestles with her own convictions. Every flashpoint in American politics and culture seems to come together in this woman from Alaska. I am not telling you how to vote, but for once, I will urge you to watch the news and the political commentaries. Because if you can see through the smoke, you will be able to witness the clash of worldviews in real time.

Dr. Laura on Palin

Here is a quote from Dr. Laura and her concern about Palin being Vice Prez. Her concern is Palin has young children who need a Mom.
Read her words taken from her blog and tell me what you think.

Should a mother with small children be in the White House?


Quoted from Dr. Laura
"I am extremely disappointed in the choice of Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential candidate of the Republican Party. I will still vote for Senator McCain, because I am very concerned about having a fundamental leftist, especially one who is a marvelous orator, as President.

At first, I thought it amusing that McCain picked a pretty, smart, and tough female to counter the racist/sexist accusations going back and forth between parties. I remember how Oprah Winfrey got caught in the cross-fire as she stepped up to the political table to support Obama with pride that a black man could rise to such heights in the USA, only to get slammed by feminists who told her it was gender, not race, that she should back. Understandably, Ms. Winfrey pulled back from it all.

Forget gender and race. I’m frankly and sadly caught in the dilemma of having to balance policy versus example in touting a candidate for the office of the First Family. I was ferociously attacked (what’s new?) when I spoke out strongly against Bill Clinton’s dalliances in the Oval Office. That situation quickly turned into a debate whether “private has anything to do with public.” Nonsense. Role models are very important. Children and young adults look to those who are visible and successful as a road map of what is acceptable behavior and emulate those actions over the morals and values their parents and churches have taught and tried to reinforce. It’s a tough go these days, when the “bad that men or women do” is used for entertainment purposes without judgment, or is excused because of political or financial considerations.

I’m stunned - couldn’t the Republican Party find one competent female with adult children to run for Vice President with McCain? I realize his advisors probably didn’t want a “mature” woman, as the Democrats keep harping on his age. But really, what kind of role model is a woman whose fifth child was recently born with a serious issue, Down Syndrome, and then goes back to the job of Governor within days of the birth?

I am haunted by the family pictures of the Palins during political photo-ops, showing the eldest daughter, now pregnant with her own child, cuddling the family’s newborn. When Mom and Dad both work full-time (no matter how many folks get involved with the children), it becomes a somewhat chaotic situation. Certainly, if a child becomes ill and is rushed to the hospital, and you’re on the hotline with both Israel and Iran as nuclear tempers are flaring, where’s your attention going to be? Where should your attention be? Well, once you put your hand on the Bible and make that oath, your attention has to be with the government of the United States of America.

I am positively moved that neither Sarah nor her daughter were willing to terminate the lives of their unborn children. This is in sharp contrast to Obama’s statement that “When it comes specifically to HIV/AIDS, the most important prevention is education, which should include…which should include abstinence education and teaching children…teaching children, you know, that sex is not something casual. But it should also include - it should also include other, you know, information about contraception, because, look, I’ve got two daughters, 9 years old and 6 years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby.” (March, 2008)

So, one Vice Presidential candidate and her daughter demonstrate, under conditions of great stress, that babies are valued human beings, not punishment. However, that same VP candidate came forth in April of 2008 with a proclamation for “Family Child Care Week,” in which she wrote: “These professionals are positive role models for the children they care for and the communities they serve.” Clearly, Palin sees the need for positive role models. I suggest that they be Mommy and Daddy, and not the hired help.

Child-care facilities are a necessity when mothers and fathers (when they exist at all) are unwilling or incapable of caring for their offspring. Unfortunately, they have become a mainstay of the feminista mentality that nothing should stand in the way of a woman’s ambition - nothing, including her family.

Any full-time working wife and mother knows that the family takes the short end of the stick. Marriages and the welfare of children suffer when a stressed-out mother doesn’t have time to be a woman, a wife, and a hands-on Mommy." end of quote

What do you think?

Palin

Love her or hate her--- Palin gave a great speech last night.

Choice #2 "I choose the Bible as God's Word"

1) It is inspired
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16


knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:20-21


Proof of Inspiration

1. The unity and harmony of the Bible
2. The historical and scientific accuracy of the Bible
3. The Fulfilled prophecies of the Bible
4. The preservation of the Bible


2) It is inerrant

• Without error
Inerrancy states that what is inspired is true or truth.

• With authority
Inerrancy states that what is inspired is authoritative.



What should we do?
1. You should honor the Word of God…
-5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
Nehemiah 8

2. You should read the Word of God
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:16

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
Psalm 119:9

"Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He [the Lord] expounded unto them [the disciples], in all the scriptures, the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27)


3. You should apply it.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
James 1:22



4. You should Choose the Bible as God’s Word

Here is why I choose the Bible as God’s word.

1. It has changed my life

2. It has challenged my life.

3. It has brought conviction to my life.

4. It has cemented my life and faith.

King James Only

What version of the Bible do you read?


This man lists: 7 common sense reasons why we should keep the KJV BIBLE in our churches


I want to know what you think about Bible versions. Is the King James the only God inspired version? Should we read other translations? Let me know.

Pray for Louisiana