Friday, April 29, 2011

Remembering David Wilkerson

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Wednesday morning I got up, went to my office and read most of the email I had received overnight.

Among my email was a daily devotion I receive and read everyday. The devotion for Wednesday, April 27, 2011, was titled "When All Means Fail" and began with, "To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable."

It continued, "Jesus said to Thomas, 'You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those who do believe and have not seen.'" (John 20:29) "You may have come to the end of your resources, facing death---hopelessness , prayers seemingly unanswered---even questioning God's existence." Concluding, "To those going through the valley of the shadow of death hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights---and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, 'I am with you...when all means fail...stand fast in your faith. Stand fast in His Word. There is no other hope in the world."

David Wilkerson

Wednesday afternoon, I got a call telling us David Wilkerson was dead. He was killed in a car crash at about 1 PM, 80 miles out of Dallas, Texas. His wife Gwendolyn, I was told, was still alive.

I have linked a news story here which details his life of ministry that touched millions of lives.

Shocked, I began remembering the David Wilkerson I knew. He impacted my life more than he could have known.

May I share it with you?

Graduating from Wapato High School in 1959, I was offered a four year music scholarship to the University of Nevada Las Vegas. In great part this came as a result of much work on the part of my High School and Jr. High music teacher, Mr. Olland Warcup. He had put much of himself into my music and I had excelled.

I'm sure he was stunned when I didn't accept the scholarship. And perhaps a little upset.

Providence provided that this 18-year-old musician did not move to Las Vegas at that time in my life.

I didn't accept it because I really didn't want to become a music teacher, which was part of the deal---and I had a girlfriend that was a couple of years behind me.

Having entered Yakima Valley College a few years later and married my high school sweet heart---the girlfriend, I had begun to think seriously about what I really wanted to do with my life. During that time a friend mentioned a new book---it was titled, "The Cross and The Switchblade". An interesting title.

It was the story of how a self described "country preacher" named David Wilkerson felt called of God to go to New York City and minister to the disillusioned youth in the inner city---the gang members, the prostitutes, the outcasts and disenfranchised.

The book profoundly impacted my life and was one of several factors in sensing that God was calling me to become a minister. Over 15 million copies have been sold over the years and in 1970 the story of the book became a film with Pat Boone playing David Wilkerson and Eric Estrada playing Nicki Cruz, a gang member converted under Wilkerson's ministry. The film has been seen by more than 50 million people in 150 countries.

By 1964, I was enrolled in Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, studying to become a pastor. In addition to going to school full time, I was also working full time and was music director at Neighborhood Church in Bellevue. By the time I reached my senior year, I was growing weary of the pace, but not the calling.

The offer to become a paid music and youth pastor during my senior year seemed like a God send, so my wife and I left our beloved church family in Bellevue and Pastor Hance and immersed ourselves in our new church in a different suburb of Seattle. At first, driving back and forth between Kirkland and classes and the "other suburb" was okay, but as our involvement increased, it became more difficult until the church offered us an apartment in the church daylight basement.

Great. $85 a month and an apartment. The youth ministry was strong and growing. The choir loft was full and they sounded pretty good. Everyone seemed to be having a great time.

But from time to time, I sensed something wasn't just right. Not just toward me, but in general.

This was before Donald Trump had his" Apprentice" show, and "you're fired" was not so popularized.

I was told I was well liked, and yes the choir and youth ministry were doing well, but I was fired anyway. All on a Saturday night.

I was stunned, crushed, embarrassed, devastated and certain I would never have a ministry following this.

"But why," I asked. My boss told me he felt the church board and some of the church leaders wanted me to be lead pastor instead of him. I had grown up in church and had never heard of such a thing.

With $85 a month you cover gas and groceries, but don't have a savings account. I moved my wife and our little child back to the Yakima Valley with her parents, and got a job to save up enough for first and last on an apartment or house.

The nights in the church basement were lonely and eerie, people tried to contact me, but I tried to avoid them. I did not want to contribute to whatever was going on. However, one evening about 8 o'clock there was a knock on my door. I opened the door to a small Mexican man whom I had never seen.

He handed me a little black hardback book and in very broken English said, "Pastor Gary, God told me to bring this to you. Please read it." I said I would, thanked him and he disappeared. I had never seen him before, nor have I seen him since.

As I looked at the book I could hardly believe it---the author was David Wilkerson. The book is titled, "I'm Not Mad At God". It is a series of short messages or lessons. My eyes fell on page 61. I wept.

Page 61 is about open doors and adversaries. Wilkerson wrote: "I can testify to the world that every open door God has placed before me has been accompanied by the greatest battles of my ministry. Every new book, every great crusade, has brought me new critics, more slander, libelous rumors---and ungracious treatment from ministers whom I believed to be my friends. They became my adversaries." His lesson was this: "Don't pray for open doors or to be effective until you are prepared to walk by faith through an army of adversaries."

I held the book tightly and read and wept and wept and read. After a couple of weeks, I had enough money to rent a house for us and enough courage to talk to the District Supt. of my denomination. I brought my wife and baby back, then met to tell the District Supt. what had happened. And ask for guidance.

Dr. Frank McAllistor was a kind and understanding man. He let me talk and tell my story. He already knew all about it. He said you will come to see this as a blessing very soon, there are serious problems in that situation, which are unrelated to you. You will not be associated with what will happen.

I soon understood.

Some years later, when I was in the church in North Hollywood, I was asked to be a guest speaker in a large church in Dallas, Texas. Just before the service began, the pastor told me David Wilkerson would be attending the service, that this was his home church.

Following the service I met David and briefly told him the story I have just told you. Particularly about page 61. As we parted, I reached out my hand, he wrapped his arms around my shoulders in a hug.

In the late 1970s through 1990, I hosted the Gary Randall Program, as many of you know from reading our bio or having been involved with us during those years. In a production meeting one day, my producer asked if I would like to have David Wilkerson as a guest. I told her it would be great, but that I had heard he did not like television, especially talk shows, so I doubted he would do it.

In our next meeting she told me he was booked. She said, "He remembers you."

When he arrived at the KOIN-TV studios a few weeks later, we hugged, exchanged greetings and I handed him a little black hard cover book and said, "Will you autograph this for me?" He said, "I think you liked page 61."

I'm holding the book now as a write this. Inside the cover is written: "To Gary my beloved friend, David Wilkerson".

I never knew him socially, nor did I spend more than a few hours with him over a lifetime, but I knew him---he helped shape my life in ways he may only now begin to understand.

Thank you, David.

Your friend Gary.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Five Truths About Planned Parenthood

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Anyone who believes PP is primarily concerned with the health of women and girls needs to look at the record.

With the Washington State Legislature considering how to further fund Planned Parenthood, even in the desolation of the state's budget crises, and the US Congress on the same path, it seems appropriate to take another look at the myths surrounding PP.

As the 2012 budget battles began, Clare Coleman, CEO of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, took to the pages of the Washington Post. In a piece called “Five Myths about Planned Parenthood,” she argued that defunding the organization was an ignoble goal for members of Congress looking to cut the bloated federal budget.

She said she wanted to address “misperceptions” about the abortion-industry giant. She was joined in her goal on the front page of the Washington Post by reporter Sandhya Somashekhar, who painted a picture of Planned Parenthood that minimized the role abortion plays at the organization’s health-care affiliates.

In presenting Planned Parenthood as mainly focused on prevention, Ms. Coleman neglects to mention several statistics, gleaned from the organization’s own annual reports and fact sheets, that illustrate its heavy (and increasing) involvement in abortion, as well as its practices that routinely place women’s health and safety secondary to its own bottom line.

While the Washington Post declined to present an alternative to the Planned Parenthood way of thinking, there are a multitude of other facts to consider. To add to the discussion of whether Planned Parenthood should continue to be funded, let’s consider five truths about an industry that receives more than $360 million in taxpayer subsidies annually.

The National Review has written an excellent response. Click here to read it.

_____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

A Difficult Relationship With Easter

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It seems President Obama is continuing to struggle with his religious identity. In particularly his relationship with Easter.

FOX News reported earlier this week that the President had failed to release a statement or proclamation recognizing the national observance of Easter Sunday, which as most Christians know, is the most sacred Christian holiday.

The President also failed to release a statement regarding Good Friday, but did release an 8-paragraph statement heralding Earth Day.

His weekly address last weekend failed to mention either Easter or Good Friday.

Last year he did make an Easter statement proclaiming, "All of us are striving to make our way in this world: to build a purposeful life. A healthy life. A life, true to its potential. And a life that serves others."

He then added, "These are the aspirations that stretch back through the ages---aspirations at the heart of Judaism, at the heart of Christianity, at the heart of all the world's great religions."

This was offensive to many.

Many were asking why he felt the need to be inclusive in a day that is exclusively Christian. Particularly when he had exclusively proclaimed Ramadan, Hajj and Eid-ul-Fitr, with no attempt at inclusion.

In contrast, President Bush seemed more at peace with Easter. In 2008, he began his Easter statement with, "The resurrection of Jesus Christ reminds people around the world of the presence of a faithful God who offers a love more powerful than death." And continued to explain Easter and what it means to Christians.

In 2007, President Bush began with, "The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event of the Christian faith."

Reporters asked White House Press Secretary Jay Carney this week why President Obama had not given a proclamation or Easter statement.

He laughed. I have linked his laughing response.

He said the President went to church in a high profile way and it was well covered by the press.

But was it "well" covered by the press? The press certainly reported that Shiloh Baptist Church was founded by freed slaves during the Civil War, but only after some people took a closer look did we learn that Shiloh is not entirely unlike the Rev. Wright's church where the Obamas were members for 20 years.

I have linked a report from WRNO radio, however, there are a number of reports this week that are similar. I won't go into the details---you can read it and watch the short video from You Tube.

I don't question the President's right to attend the churches of his choice, I only struggle with what he really believes about many things---particularly Easter, with which he seems to have a difficult relationship.

He told his second Easter prayer breakfast meeting last weekend, "We are reminded that there's something about the resurrection---something about the resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ, that puts everything in perspective."

Yet, how do people reconcile that with his statements about those who oppose him politically as "bitter" and "clinging to their guns and Bibles."

And how does Jesus Christ become one's savior, when the one professing says, "Jesus Christ is not the only way to God," and Jesus says, "I am the only way to God."

A difficult relationship with Easter.

President Obama seems to have a basket of Easter problems.

While his people are ramping up his Christian statements and activities, those who attend church regularly have doubts. Much doubt.

The Washington Times
published an editorial this week titled, "Obama To Christians: Forget You," pointing out that among those who regularly attend church, only 36% approve of him---7 points below his national approval rating of 43%.

The editorial is suggesting that he forget about Christian church goers and focus on the folks who do not attend church and would just as soon skip the Christian stuff anyway.

Perhaps a better suggestion would be for the President to review his relationship with Easter.

Be Informed. Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

DOMA Defense Law Firm Buckles From Bullying

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King & Spaulding, an international law firm chosen by the US House of Representatives to defend DOMA, has withdrawn from the case.

The firm's statement gave no formal reason for its withdrawal. However, the reason is well known.

They were bullied.

When President Obama bailed out on natural marriage and the legal defense of DOMA, the House of Representatives promised to step up and defend it.

Speaker of the House John Boehner and his committee hired the firm and chose one of their lawyers, Paul Clement, former Solicitor General, to lead the defense.

Following the announcement, demonstrations and pickets began outside King & Spaulding's Atlanta offices. It is no secret that King & Spaulding has come under significant pressure from homosexual groups for taking the case. Boycotts were threatened against the firm worldwide if they continued with the case.

Congressman Dan Lungren, R-Calif., said the firm, "Buckled under political pressure and bailed with little regard for their ethical and legal obligations." He called it a, "Cut and run approach [that] is inexcusable and an insult to the legal profession."

So what about attorney Paul Clement?

He resigned from the firm yesterday. This was a bold and principled step. He was a managing partner.

Good call, Speaker Boehner.

In his letter of resignation he said his resignation was not about his personally held beliefs about DOMA because his personal beliefs were not the issue and not important. "Instead," he said, "I resign out of a firmly-held belief that a representation should not be abandoned because the clients legal position is extremely unpopular in certain quarters."

He simply refused to be bullied by homosexual activists.

Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, said Clement is demonstrating legal "class and integrity."

He said this case, "Illustrates the clash of the homosexual agenda and the frank intolerance that we see manifested in some of the individuals pushing that agenda."

And speaking of "intolerance" and "that" agenda---it continues on many fronts.

San Francisco homosexuals have once again mocked Christianity's holiest day of the year by staging the "Hunky Jesus Contest" in a public park on Easter Sunday.

The event featured a cross, a crown and shirtless homosexuals with beards mocking the crucifixion of Christ. I will not link it.

Blasphemy and hypocrisy.

While they drive an extreme, homosexual centered anti-bullying curriculum in public education, they bully an international law firm until the firm breaks with ethics and bails out of their contractual commitment to defend DOMA.

And they mock Jesus Christ. In a public park. And they do it every year at Easter.

If you disagree or resist their agenda, you are a bigot.

Cal Thomas is America's most widely syndicated newspaper columnist. While I do not know him personally, I have interviewed him a couple of times on television and radio. I respect his ability to communicate and appreciate his deeply held beliefs.

In his column this past weekend titled, "Especially At Easter, It's Easy to Mock Jesus Christ But Don't You Dare Mock Other Faiths" he says, "Mocking Jesus of Nazareth is nothing new. Whether today's Lady Gaga or a 'Hunky Jesus Contest' in San Francisco, Jesus has been the subject of ridicule by those who do not know Him."

Please take a moment and read Thomas' column. It is troubling, but informative.

Thomas concludes: "As for mocking Jesus, I give you this verse from Galations 6:7, 'Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap'."

A combination of deceit, bullying and mocking Christianity seems to be the hallmark of the present day homosexual agenda---while they demand tolerance.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

_____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Monday, April 25, 2011

Assault On Property Rights

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As a rule, we do not get involved, as an organization, in property rights issues simply because our focus is toward advancing Judeo-Christian principles in the culture and resisting the constant attempts to undermine and destroy them by those who seek to redefine marriage and family, and devalue life.

However, attorney Steven Pidgeon, who continues to represent Protect Marriage Washington in our effort to protect those who signed the R-71 petitions, has asked that this information be forwarded to as many Christians and conservatives as possible.

To help you be informed--
___________________

U.N.'s Agenda 21 is in your community
Posted: April 23, 2011 1:00 am Eastern © 2011

Anyone who reads Chapter 7 of Agenda 21 and then reads his local comprehensive land-use plan will immediately recognize that most of the provisions of the local land-use plan come directly from Agenda 21. More often than not, the elected officials who adopt these plans have never read Agenda 21, and many have never even heard of the U.N. document, signed by President George H.W. Bush in 1992.

The facilitators and professional planners have heard about Agenda 21, but frequently claim that the plan they are working on has nothing to do with the U.N. or Agenda 21. Don't believe it for one minute.

Gary Lawrence, former director of the Center for Sustainable Communities at the University of Washington, and chief planner for the city of Seattle, told an audience in London:

In the case of the U.S., our local authorities are engaged in planning processes consistent with LA21 [Local Agenda 21], but there is little interest in using the LA21 brand. … So, we call our processes something else, such as comprehensive planning, growth management or smart growth.

In community after community, the same scenario is repeated. The federal government, through the EPA or the Department of Commerce or the Department of Interior, offers special grants to communities for the purpose of developing a vision for a greener future and a plan to convert the vision into reality.

Typically, the local government will find a private consultant to "facilitate" the process. The facilitator will identify a local "steering committee," carefully chosen from people who represent various segments of the community, all of whom are known in advance to be sympathetic to the goals of Agenda 21.

Typically, the advisory group will meet in private to lay out the framework for the process and the goals for the finished product. When this is achieved, public meetings are scheduled to give the appearance of public input and ownership. Rarely are these meetings ever publicized adequately to attract the private-property owners who are most directly affected. Care is taken to see that members of local environmental organizations and social-justice organizations constitute the majority of attendees.

These public meetings are said to be "the visioning process." The procedures vary slightly from community to community, depending upon the facilitator. Remarkably, however, the "vision" in every community contains essentially the same elements: restricted auto traffic; bike trails; walkable neighborhoods; integrated housing; high-density urban boundary zones; conservation areas; green belts; and much more – directly from Agenda 21.

Once the vision document is complete, the next step is to convert it into a comprehensive land-use plan, adopted by local elected officials in the form of an ordinance that is enforceable with fines and other penalties. The plans are necessarily so long and complex that few people ever read them, other than the professional planners and enforcement officials. Many, if not most, of these comprehensive plans incorporate many, if not most, of the codes developed by the International Codes Council. Here are some of the codes:

International Building Code International Residential Code International Fire Code International Energy Conservation Code International Private Sewage Disposal Code International Mechanical Code International Fuel Gas Code International Wildland-Urban Interface Code ICC Performance Code International Existing Building Code International Property Maintenance Code International Zoning Code International Green Construction Code.

Here's a sample of what to expect. From Chapter 2 of the International Green Construction Code:

CONSERVATION AREA. Land designated by the jurisdiction or by state or federal government, as a result of a community planning process, as appropriate for conservation from development because of the land possessing natural values important to the community including, but not limited to wildlife habitat, forest or other significant vegetation, steep slopes, ground water recharge area, riparian corridor or wetland.

DAYLIGHT SATURATION. The percentage of daytime hours throughout the year when not less than 28 foot-candles (300 lux) of natural light is provided at a height of 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor.

DEMAND RESPONSE, AUTOMATED (AUTO-DR). Fully Automated Demand Response initiated by a signal from a utility or other appropriate entity, providing fully-automated connectivity to customer energy end-use control strategies.

This is a tiny sample of the rules and regulations buried deep within the innocent-sounding comprehensive land-use plans adopted by unaware local officials to achieve the politically correct label of "sustainable community."

These plans should be rejected, not simply because they arise from the United Nations, but because they infringe personal freedom and private property rights. The implementation of these comprehensive land-use plans effectively transfers to government the right to dictate to individuals what kind of materials must be used in constructing their privately owned homes. The Auto-DR provision defined above actually gives government the right to dictate the temperature in your home, and the ability to enforce it.

This is madness! This is sustainable development! This is Agenda 21!

Local tea parties, 9/12 groups and property-rights organizations must learn about Agenda21 and exactly what their local visioning statements and local comprehensive land-use plans contain. Many groups are forming study committees to analyze their local plans by section and then report back to the entire group. This way, not every individual has to read the entire plan.

If this rush to oblivion is going to be stopped, it is up to private citizens to get informed, get involved and help get into office only those people who truly respect the Constitution and the individual freedom it is supposed to guarantee.

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=290225#ixzz1KUTFTXz8

Be Informed. Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed. Be Free

___________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Friday, April 22, 2011

An Atheist and Easter

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It was the worst news I could get as an atheist: my agnostic wife had decided to become a Christian. Two words shot through my mind. The first was an expletive; the second was 'divorce.'

I thought she was going to turn into a self-righteous holy roller. But over the following months, I was intrigued by the positive changes in her character and values. Finally, I decided to take my journalism and legal training (I was legal editor of the Chicago Tribune) and systematically investigate whether there was any credibility to Christianity.

Maybe, I figured, I could extricate her from this cult.

I quickly determined that the alleged resurrection of Jesus was the key. Anyone can claim to be divine, but if Jesus backed up his claim by returning from the dead, then that was awfully good evidence he was telling the truth.

For nearly two years, I explored the minutia of the historical data on whether Easter was myth or reality. I didn’t merely accept the New Testament at face value; I was determined only to consider facts that were well-supported historically. As my investigation unfolded, my atheism began to buckle."

Lee Strobel, a successful journalist and a confirmed atheist, found upon investigation that the biblical claims of Easter were true and, "one by one my objections evaporated."

He says, "I read books by skeptics, but their counter- arguments crumbled under the weight of the historical data. No wonder atheists so often come up short in scholarly debates over the resurrection."

"In the end," he says, "after I had thoroughly investigated the matter, I reached an unexpected conclusion: it would actually take more faith to maintain my atheism than to become a follower of Jesus.

Lee Strobel is celebrating his 30th Easter as a Christian this weekend.

The Wall Street Journal recently published his story, which includes the above. Take a moment and read it this weekend.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend and may you experience His resurrection power and presence.

_____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Thursday, April 21, 2011

An Inside View of Planned Parenthood

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President Obama has repeatedly shown his support for PP in both word and deed.

In February, he once again expressed his emotional and philosophical attachment to the organization.

When asked about the incriminating videos circulating about Planned Parenthood, he said, "I think some of these issues get manufactured and they get a lot of attention on the blogoshere."

Then he said, "I think Planned Parenthood, in the past, has done good work."

In the past? Was he hedging a bit? Probably not.

Speaking of Planned Parenthood and the past----

In 2009, Abby Johnson, a clinical director for Planned Parenthood for 8 years, resigned.

After witnessing on an ultra sound of a pre-born baby trying to avoid the probe of the abortionist, she wondered why she was doing this. And then thought, never again.

Recently celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Gabrielle Union were featured in TV ads designed to pressure Congress to continue funding PP and educate the public to believe in the Planned Parenthood brand---as they want it presented. The ad claim was a familiar one: "If you don't fund PP you will be eliminating access to women's services---not abortion."

The brand claims, as do their followers, that abortion is only 3% of their operation.

What they will not tell you is this:

98% of Planned Parenthood's services to pregnant women are abortion.

That equaled 332,278 babies during the last reporting period.

Abortions equal money. Abby Johnson has written an excellent article explaining Planned Parenthood's business plan. Please read it.

And when Johnson saw the celebrity ads on TV, speaking as outsiders, she decided to make one of her own---from an insider's view.

This is a link to her 30 second TV ad. Please watch it and forward it.

She begins: "I used to tell women that abortion removed a mass of tissue, but that's not true. I had to account for the body parts of aborted babies."

She continues: "Yes, Planned Parenthood prevents pregnancies, but it also provides over 320,000 abortions each year---they won't protect your child because there's no money in doing that."

She concludes: "Abortion ends in death. Can you live with that? I couldn't."

A growing number of people are finding they, too, cannot live with that.

Life is a gift from God. Celebrate it.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Informed. Be Active. Be Blessed.

____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Misled Youth: "Deeply Craving Answers"

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Deep in the North Carolina forest, a group of young adults are conducting a worship/therapy service.

Their agony is stunning and heartbreaking. Having been a youth pastor for a number of years, I have walked with kids through this kind of darkness and despair---confusion and loss of identity.

I have linked a video of their religious service. It is 1:48 minutes. Please watch it.

You will note the wailing and the sense of hopelessness. You will also note their leader, Syndee L'ome Grace, telling those gathered with her that they are, "deeply craving answers," and "deeply hurting in America" and "we have lost our identity."

"Bring me to this rock," she says pointing to a stone in the forest, suggesting the rock gives her a sense of being alive, but the ethos of the moment suggests something far different.

They are looking to the wrong rock.

"Deeply craving answers."

"For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities---His eternal power and divine nature---have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened...they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator---who is forever praised." Romans 1: 18-25.

When people begin to worship the creation rather than the Creator, societies begin to turn from the truth of the Creator and worship the created---"Mother Earth." And in their relativism, creating new truth that justifies their beliefs.

And with their new religion comes an evil deception and cultural decline.

Romans 1: 18-25 explains that downward decline.
  • People embrace shameful lusts.
  • Women exchange natural relations for unnatural ones.
  • Men abandon natural relations with women and are inflamed with lust for one another.
  • People become driven by wickedness, evil, greed, depravity, envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice.
  • People become gossips, slanders, God haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful.
  • People create new ways of doing evil.
  • They disobey parents.
  • They are senseless, faithless, heartless and ruthless.
Paul writes in Colossians 2, "Continue to live in Christ, rooted and built up in Him."

And, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

The young adults in the video are victims of a hollow and deceptive philosophy passed off as religion.

Barbara Brown Taylor symbolizes the "exchange of truth" and "hollow philosophy" of a new age religion in her, "Green Bible," as she carefully redefines the biblical account of creation in Genesis 1 and God's directive for mankind to take dominion over His creation, reducing man to nothing more than another animal.

She challenges the fact that God exclusively created man in His image and likeness on the sixth day, teaching rather that day 6, "Starts two verses earlier, with the creation of land animals along with man."

Her conclusion? "We were made on the same day as cows"--- "we are not made of any more special stuff than the rest of creation."

This kind of belief, distorts everything we know about God. It diminishes the sanctity of human life, removes the exceptionalism God attaches to mankind, and pollutes man's understanding of God's purposes and promises for each of us.

If Christ died for the sins of people, did He then also die for the sins of land animals? What about rocks, trees, the ocean, the air and the Earth?

This kind of false teaching leads to despair, loss of identity and too many unanswered questions. It also ultimately leads people into the forest, wailing and asking, "Why?"

Mike Schut, a spokesman for the national Episcopal Churches said in their national statement regarding Good Friday ---"Might we suggest that when Earth is degraded, when species go extinct, that another part of God's body experiences yet another sort of crucifixion."

All Episcopalians do not agree. Fr. Orthohippo, a South African traditional Anglican priest says after reading the statement, "This seeming almost equation, this linking, of Good Friday with Earth Day is a clear example of how theology can be shaped to meet one's expectations."

He says, "Seriously? So littering is like a crucifixion? I think its about time someone took away the fax machine from the Episcopal Church's office of Economic and Environmental Affairs."

He suggested they all might want to spend Good Friday journaling about how "the Risen Lord is just really a great step in recycling."

So, back to the kids in the forest. Yes, they are part of Earth First and this meeting may be extreme. However, there are people walking urban sidewalks and driving through suburban streets asking the same questions, with the same sense of lost identity. "Who am I and where am I going?"---Feeling violated, confused and in need.

The ancient prophet Isaiah said, "Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold---your harvest will be a heap of ruins." Is. 17:10,11.

Who is the "Rock" of your stronghold?

That Rock is Jesus Christ. (1 Corth. 10:4)

Hundreds of millions of Christians will attend services around the world this Friday and Sunday. Most will hopefully hear that Christ died for their sins and was resurrected on the third day. Believe it.

You will hopefully hear that the stone was rolled back from the opening of the tomb where they laid His body. Believe that also.

But don't just focus on the stone by the tomb, allow yourself to know that He is the Truth, the Way and the Life. Look past the stone. If you do not fear the truth, consider that Jesus Christ loves you, died for you and will bring forgiveness, redemption, purpose and hope to your life, even if it is in ruin.

Consider that while many have cast away this stone of truth, many have allowed Him to become the Rock in their life.

May God Bless you.

_________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Earth Day--A Day of Worship or Hypocrisy?

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We published a blog about another botched abortion at an Everett, Washington Planned Parenthood abortion center in March. "Abortion in Washington" found out yesterday afternoon that the patient was a 16 year old girl. You will recall, Rep. Matt Shea introduced a parental notification bill during this session. The Democratic chair person of the committee refused to give it a hearing. Such a notification law could have helped this child.

________________

Denis Hayes rose to prominence in 1970 as the coordinator for the first "Earth Day" and in 1999 was Time Magazine's "Hero Of The Planet".

Hayes was raised in Camas, Washington, and has an impressive bio, including serving as president of the Bullitt Foundation, named for the family that once owned KING 5 TV and other broadcast properties around the Northwest.

"Earth Day," with which Hayes is still closely connected, claims to be celebrated in 180 countries.

I will not speculate on Hayes' motive, although "Earth Day" is only 41 years old, its roots go back to ancient pagan times.

Anyone who has studied the global environmental movement has heard the term "Gaia".

Gaia is a revival of paganism that rejects Christianity, considers Christianity its enemy and views the Christian faith as its only obstacle to the global religion central to Gaia worship and the unity of all life forms around the goddess of "Mother Earth".

The UN and the National Council of Churches have been extremely successful in infusing the "Green Religion" into the international government body that has increasing influence and significance in the world culture.

Gaia is essentially a redefined, modernized version of the paganism condemned in the Bible. Science, evolution theory and some in the space program have given it a new face, making it sound credible in a modern world and educators have run with its message as though it were new, but it is as old as the paganism in which it is rooted.

The idea of Earth as a living, divine spirit was referenced by Plato---"We shall affirm that the cosmos, more than anything else, resembles most closely that living Creature of which all living creatures, severally or genetically, are portion."

The modern "Gaia" hypothesis, however, is credited to James Loveland, who worked for NASA during the 1960's and beyond.

He has been widely read and accepted by those who seek an alternative to the Creator God.

Loveland's theory claims that the earth's "biota," tightly coupled with the environment, act as a single, self regulating, living system in such a way as to maintain the conditions that are suitable for life. This living system, he believed, was a result of a meteor life form that occupied our planet billions of years ago and began a process of transforming this planet into its own substance.

So, according to Lovelock and others, all life forms on this planet are part of "Gaia"---a part of one spirit goddess that sustains life on earth.

From Loveland's perspective, from space, we see not a planet, but a self evolving and self regulating living system.

He named this being "Gaia," after the Greek goddess that was once believed to have drawn the living world forth from chaos.

The Gaia movement has specifically named Christianity as the greatest obstacle to human evolution and our spiritual destiny.

A document mandated by the UN-sponsored Convention on Biological Diversity, The Global Biodiversity Assessment, says Christianity, as a faith, has set humans apart from nature and stripped nature of its sacred qualities. (Global Biodiversity Assessment, Ch. 8.1 Introduction: Concepts of the economic value of biodiversity, pp. 68,69.)

While condemning Christianity as the root of all ecological evil, the document praises Buddhism and Hinduism as good stewards of "Mother Earth."

The "Green Religion" teaches that monotheism (biblical Judeo-Christianity) has separated humans from their ancient connection to the earth and in order to reverse the trend, governments, the media, education systems, artists and all other areas of influence must help revive this earth-centered belief and reconnect us to the Earth's spirit.

Al Gore expands on this belief in his book, "Earth In The Balance." ( pp.258-259)

He praises Eastern religions and new age spiritualism, while blaming Christianity for the elimination of the ancient goddess religion and calls for a new spiritual relationship between man and earth.

Chris Moody, writing for the Daily Caller and highlighting the national Episcopal Church writes,
"Two of the world's holiest religious holidays are set to fall on April 22 this year---Good Friday for Christians and Earth Day for environmentalists---and some religious leaders are preparing their flocks to celebrate both."

The Episcopal Church recognizes Earth Day as a religious holiday.

First Baptist Church in Seattle also recognizes it as such, with special services planned to honor it.

University Baptist, Seattle, also recognizes it.

So does the University of Washington---apparently.

The University of Washington recently sent out the following announcement:

"The Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety (NWCOHS) at the University of Washington in partnership with the Mountains and Plains Education and Research, the NWCOHS is pleased to help bring a very special exhibit to the Pacific Northwest, 'Holding Mother Earth Sacred'.

This presentation was held April 8, 9, 10 at Hec Ed Pavilion on UW campus.

It will also be held at the UW Bothell campus, May 16-27.

These kinds of religious events are being held across the state and the country in churches and in public education.

Earth Day is a religion. Certain Christian churches say it is. Leaders in the movement say it is.

The Seattle School Board has said they have a policy that does not permit promoting religion. They recently made this public statement. "We have a 'Religion and Religious Accommodation' policy, approved by the School Board in 1983, stating that 'no religious belief or non-belief should be promoted by the school district or its employees, and none should be disparaged.'"

Why then, are they promoting Earth Day, when its founders say it is a religious day and some Christian churches say it is a religious day and history says it is a religious day?

Is it ignorance or hypocrisy?

Is there a lawyer who will step up and raise this issue?

And why are some Christian churches in the tank with the religion of Gaia or Earth Day?

I'll talk about that tomorrow. I also want to show you a video of a group of college age kids participating in a worship/repentance/therapy service in the forest. It is both stunning and heartbreaking.

God help us.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Active. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.

__________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Monday, April 18, 2011

Spring Spheres? Truth from the Mouths of Babes

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Next weekend is Good Friday and Easter. Coupled with Christmas, these three days represent the most holy and important events in Christianity... the virgin birth, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This week, I want to share several important cultural and spiritual aspects to the days of this coming week.

This year "Earth Day" is on Good Friday. It has been described by some religious leaders as "profound coincidence," "a Providential Convergence" and "a collision."

It is really none of the above. It is as The Daily Caller has reported, a day when, "Two of the worlds holiest religious holidays are set to fall on the same day"--April 22, 2011.

Good Friday and Earth Day. They are both religious holidays. I will explain tomorrow.

But first lets take another quick look at the "Spring Spheres" issue. Most of you have heard about it, however it's worth repeating and is important to where we pick up in tomorrow's blog.

Sixteen year old Jessica told Dori Monson on Seattle's KIRO radio, that when she presented the idea to fill little plastic eggs with treats and jelly beans and other candy for some third graders, their public school teacher said she could do it, "As long as I called this treat 'Spring Spheres' . I couldn't call them Easter eggs," she said.

She decided to "just roll with it" rather than create an issue.

"But," she told Dori, "When I took them out of the bag, the teacher said, 'Oh, look, Spring Spheres' and all the kids were like, 'wow' Easter eggs. So the kids knew."

Indeed they do know. Out of the mouths of babes...

The Seattle PI's "Seattle's Big Blog" is now questioning whether or not this actually happened. That's what they do in matters like this. "The Stranger" has piled on as well.

I have been interviewed by Dori Monson. He is bright. And he knows what he is doing. I don't believe he would have interviewed Jessica had he not been comfortable with her story.

The PI has published comments and a statement from the School Board. The Board said they were unaware of the incident, then released the following statement:

"We have a 'Religion and Religious Accommodation' policy, approved by the School Board in 1983, stating that 'no religious belief or non-belief should be promoted by the school district or its employees, and none should be disparaged.'"

Two things to take away.

First, will chickens and factory workers need sensitivity training? There is a risk that some chickens may lay and workers may manufacture eggs rather than spheres in the weeks preceding Easter and unknowingly contribute to children having Easter Eggs rather than Spring Spheres, some of which could end up in the classroom. Who then is responsible? The chicken or the egg? Or the child? Or the factory worker?

Secondly. The School Board is violating its own policy. It is indeed promoting a religious belief. School districts across the country will be promoting certain religious beliefs this week and do so throughout the school year.

I will explain tomorrow.

Be Vigilant. Be Informed. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed
________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Friday, April 15, 2011

A Rebel's Cause-A Mother Speaks

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This Sunday Christians around the world will observe Palm Sunday and the Triumphal Entry of Christ into Jerusalem. Within days religious leaders and politicians would turn on Him, while the drama of an eternal plan played out on the stage of humanity.

Next Friday, we will remember the death of Christ, dying for the sin of all mankind. And then, on Sunday, the Resurrection, without which there would be no hope, no life, no redemption.

We encourage you to attend services at a biblical Christian church this weekend and next, as we observe these two most holy events.

The Triumphal Entry

(John 12:12) The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. (13) They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" (14) Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, (15) "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." (16) At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.

__________

A Rebel's Cause

Stephanie Wilson

I'm truly not a rebel by nature. But there are times when I value freedom more than my peace-keeping natural instincts. And I must admit, if I were to be completely honest, I'm not a big fan of people telling me what to do ... all the time.

First, seatbelts. I know ... they save lives, etc. And yes, I always make sure the children in my car wear them, no exceptions. Me? Not so much. When I see a police officer, yes, it snakes out from its hiding place. And yes ... I do know about the 'practice what you preach' sentiment and I agree, most of the time.

This morning I was perusing the daily news wire, as I always do, and I came across an article from the Chicago Tribune that once again brought out the rebel.

A Chicago elementary school has now banned lunches brought from home. Truly! Children are no longer allowed to bring their own food from their own home. They are also not allowed to bring certain snacks.

Okay, I get the "certain snacks" requirement. Healthy snacks were always enforced at my son's schools due to food allergies and the sugar effect on young, active children.

But ... no lunches?

"Principal Elsa Carmona said her intention is to protect students from their own unhealthful food choices," said the Tribune.

Keyword -- "their own ... food choices."

Now, I'm a mom who obsesses over fruits and vegetables. When my son was just a toddler I found all kinds of creative ways to sneak them into a variety of foods. And for the most part, it worked.

I'm also the mom of a boy just entering puberty who when asked by his Grandmother what he likes to do on our side of town replied, "Find places to eat." He is growing like a weed.

So while I believe wholeheartedly in healthful food choices for children, absolutely critical for brain development and physiology, I absolutely reject the idea of "choice" being stripped from the parents as to what their children can and can not eat while away from home.

"Some of the kids don't like the food they give at our school for lunch or breakfast," said Little Village parent Erica Martinez. "So it would be a good idea if they could bring their lunch so they could at least eat something." No arguments there. Institutional food has rarely been appealing. Think back to your college days.

We know that sugar effects children. We know, first hand, the highs and lows of eating too many refined carbs. But imagine the effects of hunger. If the children won't eat what the school serves, they go hungry. Not an option. Mother's the world over know you have to sometimes give "a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down."

The issue was raised in the Chicago Tribune article, "Any school that bans homemade lunches also puts more money in the pockets of the district's food provider, Chartwells-Thompson. The federal government pays the district for each free or reduced-price lunch taken, and the caterer receives a set fee from the district per lunch." An argument that cannot be ignored -- a question that must always remain in our parental minds. It usually is about the money.

The larger question at play here is, who is more qualified to raise your child? Who has the best interests of your child at heart? You ... or a government institution? And yes ... I do realize there are exceptions.

There has to be a place where we stand up and say 'enough.' I'm tired of trying to please the swinging pendulum of a politically correct standard ... that isn't. Just when you think you've complied, the rules change. I think, as I get older, I am learning that for me, for my family, the all things in moderation approach is what works for us.

It isn't the government's responsibility to feed my child, to discipline my child, to raise my child. It doesn't take a village -- it takes me. And I must, now more than ever before, be engaged in my child's life, his education, his health, his social life.

The village -- its what gives flavor to his world and life experiences, color in the artwork of his life. But the structure, the bones of his existence, his framework ... must come from us.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

No Womb For Paid Surrogacy In WA

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The Washington State surrogacy bill, HB 1267, did not accomplish its most important task. While they were successful in eliminating the terms "father" and "mother" in parental law, Rep. Jamie Pedersen's bid for legal womb for rent agreements has been stripped from the bill.

It has passed the Senate with a 27-21 vote. However, with significant modifications.

Leading up to the vote, a number of law makers expressed concern over Pedersen's paid surrogacy plan.

Rep. Pedersen, a homosexual activist and long time legal council for LAMBDA in Washington State, has been working to legalize paid surrogacy for several years.

While the Olympian headline spun the story, "Wash. Senate Vote Keeps Paid Surrogacy Bill Alive," it is not very "alive" in this session. Undoubtedly it will come back in 2012.

The Olympian said, "Rep. Jamie Pedersen, the bills main sponsor, said he was not disappointed by the Senate's action because it kept the bill alive, albeit in an altered form."

Pedersen said the bill, "could now be discussed until the (April 24) end of the session."

Pedersen's Democratic colleague, Senator James Hargrove D-Hoquiam, said, "When you put money into the mix, that becomes problematic and there is the potential for abuse because of the financial motive."

Others were more harsh in their opposition to paid surrogacy saying it "would commercialize pregnancy," with some comparing it to the illegal trafficking of organs, and even prostitution.

Rep. Mark Miloscia, D-Federal Way, introduced 20 amendments in what appeared to be an attempt to reconstruct or simply kill the bill.

This is one such amendment:

"In the interests of full disclosure, the legislature declares in its good judgment that couples who are unable to have children be allowed to enter into womb rental agreements with low income women, lonely military wives, or women with mental illness or disabilities. The legislature endeavors by this act to allow wealthy couples to artificially create children using surrogate woman and sell the babies to wealthy couples for the greater good of Washington state. This act, titled the Baby Selling Act of 2011, will create jobs for women of lesser means and poorer circumstances."

I personally believe it was, at least in part, the strong public contact and attendance at the public hearing that helped many of the law makers to stand firm against what Miloscia calls "womb rental agreements."

As this session nears its end, would you take a moment and contact your state representative and senator once again affirming that you strongly oppose paid surrogacy?

This issue will come back in January 2012. The community that wants it, will demand it again.

You may contact your elected official here.

Thank you for your support of this ministry.

Be Informed. Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful.

_____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Tea Parties in WA---Day of Silence

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There are 2 kinds of events happening this Friday, April 15. Tea Party events are happening across the nation and across Washington State. Secondly, Friday, April 15 is the so-called "Day of Silence" in public schools across the country.

First, Tea Party events. The following is a list of Tea Party events that we are aware of. Please try to attend one in your area. If you know of an event that is not listed below, let us know and we will help get the word out.


Push Forward Tax Day Rally
Friday, April 15, 2011
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Olympia Capitol - North Steps

2011 Tax Day Tea Party Rally
Friday, April 15, 2011
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Bellevue, WA - Corner of Factoria Blvd and SE 36th St, Factoria

Tax Day Rally
Friday, April 15, 2011
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Bellingham, WA - Guide Meridian at 3900 Bellis Fair Parkway

“It Ain’t Over” Tax Day Rally
Friday, April 15, 2011
3:00pm - 5:00pm
2nd Street Park
Yakima, WA - 2nd Street and Yakima Ave

Tax Day Rally
Friday, April 15, 2011
11:00am - 1:00pm
Sequim, WA - Corner of Washington St & Sequim Ave

Tax Day Rally on the FairTax
Friday, April 15, 2011
4:00pm to 6:00pm
John Dam Plaza
800 Jadwin Ave, Richland, WA

Tea Party Rally
Friday, April 15th, 2011
12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Snohomish County Courthouse
3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201

Rob McKenna Bellevue Tax Day Rally
Friday, April 15th, 2011
11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Bellevue City Hall
450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98009

We’re Not Going Away Rally Bellingham Tea Party
Friday, April 15th, 2011
4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Bellingham, WA - Guide Meridian near Bellis Fair Parkway

Lewiston-Clarkston Tea Party Rally
Friday, April 15th, 2011
5:30 pm
Okanogan County Courthouse
Okanogan, WA - Intersection of 3rd Avenue and Norman

Whidbey Island Tea Party
Saturday, April 16th, 2011
12:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Oak Harbor - 12:00 pm: Intersection of Hwy 20 and Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor (sign waving)
1 pm: Gazebo at the west end of Windjammer Park

Third Annual Spokane Tea Party Tax Day Rally
Saturday, April 16th, 2011
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Convention Center
334 W Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane, WA 9920

One Nation, One Flag
Friday, April 15th, 2011
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
County Courthouse, Main Street
315 West Main, Walla Walla, WA 99362

Anacortes Tea Party Patriots
Friday, April 15th, 2011 12 Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Corner at 12th and Commercial Ave.

"Rejuvenate the Home Front"
When: Saturday, April 16th
Time: 1 pm to 5 pm
Where: New Location
Fred Meyer Parking Lot
(south lot)
225 Gilkey Road, Burlington
We have a good line up of Speakers:
Clint Didier on Sustainability
Jay Devereaux on Corporate Taxes and its effects on you

Secondly, the so-called "Day of Silence" is sponsored by the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) .

This is one of several days homosexual activists have co-opted in public schools to advance their agenda.

The day is said to be a student led day in which students and faculty remain silent in protest to bullying---particularly of homosexual students. No student should ever be bullied for any reason---ever!

However, for a myriad of reasons, including the obvious disruption to a learning environment and the waste of tax dollars in the disruption, we strongly oppose this particular event. It is a sham.

We encourage you to contact your school administration and ask, "Is our school or school district allowing students and/or faculty to remain silent on Friday the 15th, in support of the Day of Silence."

Many school administrators will be evasive, telling you they are not involved, it is a student led event, implying they don't know much about it,etc., etc.,---Be respectful, but persistent and find out.

If Day of Silence is happening in your school, we strongly recommend you keep your child out of school that day in protest.

While this "Day" started on college campuses, it is now organized in high schools, middle schools and even in grades below middle school.

If you get a an email response from your school, I would like to see it. If you would forward it to me it would be helpful.

God bless you.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Informed. Be Active. Be Prayerful.

_____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Bad Apple

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Twice in 4 months, tech company, Apple, has caved in to the demands of homosexual activists.

The demand for "tolerance" has turned to an "intolerant demand" toward anyone who has a different view.

Last November, Apple took action against the Manhattan Declaration app and removed it.

The Manhattan Declaration is a statement of conscience in defense of life, marriage and religious freedom---a manifesto of faith and freedom, signed by most of America's national Christian leaders.

The Declaration says regarding homosexuals, "We respect them as human beings, possessing profound, inherent and equal dignity." The Declaration also calls homosexual relations "sin" in accordance with biblical teaching and adds, "We, no less than they, are sinners who have fallen short of God's intention for our lives."

This defines my personal beliefs and those of Faith and Freedom.

Having none of it, Michael Jones, with Change.org, a homosexual activist site, accused the Manhattan Declaration of reducing homosexuals to "little more than deviant cretins."

In response, Apple removed the Manhattan Declaration app.

Recently Exodus International, a Christian ministry dedicated to helping people who desire to find freedom from homosexuality, had its app removed because it was "offensive to large groups of people," although Apple had originally given it a "4-plus" rating, meaning it contained no objectionable material.

Those attacking Exodus sarcastically referred to their app as the "gay app" and worse. Those comments and sentiments were advanced by the press.

What was lost in their trip to tolerance is that Exodus expresses Christian love and compassion in their ministry to those seeking deliverance from the homosexual lifestyle. They use the word "heal" rather than "cure" while emphasizing their hope for the following outcome: "A growing capacity to turn away from the temptations [and] a reconciling of one's identity with Jesus Christ."

So how "large" are these "groups of people" who are demanding that Apple drop the app?

Gary Gates, demographer-in-residence at the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCLA, has recently found there are not nearly as many as claimed.

Alfred Kinsey said in the 1940's that 10% of men were "predominantly homosexual."

That myth has been advanced by the press and homosexual activists seeking to increase their political clout.

Gates says pin pointing a solid number is an "elusive task" but using 5 different studies, he has concluded that there are 4 million adults who identify as being gay or lesbian, representing 1.7% of the over-18 US population.

1.7% ?

So 1.7 % are the "large numbers". Even if every homosexual in the country is an activist, and I doubt they are, is that the "large number" who are picking the Apple and forcing them to be intolerant toward those with whom the activists disagree?

Or is there something else in play?

Does Apple have a double standard?

While sanctimoniously rejecting the "offensive" apps from the Manhattan Declaration and Exodus, Apple continues to carry "GrindR," an app that facilitates homosexual hook-ups and more than half a dozen apps advertising "sex positions" and God only knows what else, that tens of millions of Christians find offensive..

Bad Apple.

The "tolerance" trip has made a left turn and has traveled beyond to "enforced tolerance" using intolerance to enforce it.

Peter Sprigg, with Family Research Council, has written an article on the matter titled, "Apple's Censorship: Rotten to the Core."

He notes that Apple's double standard is striking.

"Supporting the natural definition of marriage as the union of male and female (as 45 of 50 states do) is not 'hate,'" Sprigg says.

And supporting the personal freedom and autonomy of those who seek sexual orientation change "demonizes no one" he says.

He admonishes Apple, as a technology leader, to facilitate, not stifle public debate.

Whatever their motive, Apple is clearly not motivated by "large numbers" of people.

Bad Apple.

Be Aware. Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active.

Thank you for supporting us.

_____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Monday, April 11, 2011

"Silence Strengthens the Sins of Tyrants"

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We took a few days off last week from our daily publishing, giving some who work with us the opportunity to be with their kids during Spring Break and giving me, personally, some time to think, reflect, plan and pray.

There is much to think, reflect and pray about. Some new plans have taken root. We will be announcing them at the appropriate time as we move forward in the coming months.

There is a growing awareness that something is very, very wrong in our country. And it is becoming more and more apparent that many of our leaders do not know what to do.

There is a verse in Chronicles 12:38 that refers to the, "Men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what to do."

Martin Luther, the great reformer said, "The preacher who does not rebuke the sins of the rulers through God's Word spoken publicly, boldly and honestly, strengthens the sins of the tyrants and becomes a partaker in them and bears responsibility for them."

Silence strengthens the sins of the tyrants.

I have been criticized for speaking out as directly as we do on the issues of abortion, family, marriage, morality and other issues that, according to His Word, matter to God. I'm sure many of you, too, have been snubbed or criticized for speaking out on these issues.

I have been asked, "Gary, why are you so passionate about these things. What can you do? It's bigger than you are." Indeed it is.

A young man was walking along the beach throwing starfish into the water as fast as possible, saving them from baking in the sun and dying. He would pick one up and sail it back into the ocean. Then another and another. A gruff old cynical man came along asking what the young man was doing. After the explanation, the old man said "There are thousands of starfish on this beach; you surely don't think you can save them all do you? What difference can you make? Does it matter?"

The young man looked at the old man, then at the starfish in his hand and said, "It will make a difference to this one," as he threw the starfish into the water.

We may not win every battle, but we must engage and resist every effort to destroy our culture.

We are at a critical cultural crossroads in our country and our communities. We are killing millions of pre-born babies, redefining marriage, re-engineering the family, inverting morality, normalizing perversion and silencing those who disagree, using enforced "tolerance."

Tolerance has become the new American virtue, enforced by intolerance toward those who disagree.

Too many of our of nation's leaders wallow in decadence and deceit while too many people look on with apathetic indifference. Too many so-called conservative politicians are asking us to set aside the "social issues" for political gain, while too many people of faith nod in agreement.

"Gary, why are you so passionate...?" Because we have compromised the Truth for a publicly acceptable "relevance" hoping to fill our churches, while surveys show that our kids are walking away and the pews of many---not all, but many churches are more vacant then when we became "relevant".

We must not condone what God seeks to redeem.

I am a preacher, ordained with my denomination since the early seventies. The preacher who does not speak out becomes a participant in the wickedness of the tyrants of our culture, its decline and its demise.

I refuse to become that preacher. With God's help, I refuse to be silent.

America does not only need a change of administration, but a spiritual awakening. A re-birth. A restoration. And I believe it will come.

I am asking for your financial support. It allows us to continue to act and speak. To not be silent. These are perilous times.

A few weeks ago, Iran's Ahmadinejad told his country that the Twelfth Iman is coming; the revolution is now underway in the Middle East and the "final move has begun" to destroy America and Israel.

His "Twelfth Iman" is Islam's counterfeit version to the Messiah. There are many counterfeits.

We are at a crossroads. God's will, will be done, but what part has He called you and me to do?

In the winter of 1943, a group of university students in Munich calling themselves, The White Rose, began a desperate effort to awaken the young people of that nation to the malignant evil that had engulfed their country. Led by a 25-year old student named Hans Scholl, they distributed leaflets across the campus in a doomed effort to provoke resistance to the Hitler regime. Six leaflets were written. Number Four in the series included this desperate plea, a plea which could have been written today, and a plea which could have been addressed to us.

Scholl wrote, “Everywhere, at all times of greatest trial, men have appeared, prophets and saints, who cherished their freedom, who preached the one God and who with His help brought the people to a reversal of their downward course. I ask you now, as a Christian, wrestling for the preservation of your greatest treasure: Why do you hesitate? Why are you inclined toward intrigue, calculation and procrastination? Are you hoping that someone else will raise his arm in your defense? God has given you the strength! God has given you the will to fight! We must attack the evil now, where it is strongest!”

Their valiant effort was crushed after only a few weeks. Scholl and his young comrades were beheaded by the Gestapo. They died for their faith, but their words reverberate down across the years to us in America today, to a nation that has been blessed more richly than any other nation in the history of mankind. Their words come to us:

“Why do you hesitate? God has given you the strength! God has given you the will to fight!“

Thank you for standing with us in this battle for our soul, our culture and our country. We may not save every starfish or win every battle, but every time we raise our arm and voice in defense of God's principles and values, it does make a difference.

Your donation today will make a difference for this ministry. We can only continue with your support.

From my heart, thank you.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Active. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.

_____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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