Helps for the Problem of Children Who Won't Drink Milk

from Good Housekeeping's Book of Menus, Recipes, and Household Discoveries (1922, 15th Edition printed December 1926), under the chapter entitled "Discoveries Concerning Children," comes the following pieces of advice from two readers:

Winifred was one of the little girls who would not drink milk, regardless of her mother's efforts. Her aversion seemed so great that mother finally stopped insisting. Then Winifred started to school. She immediately began asking for two pennies each day for recess lunch, which consisted of crackers and a glass of milk. Her mother was astounded, also elated, and asked why she wanted milk at school but refused it at home. Winifred's answer solved the question, "Well, mother, at school we drink it through a straw, and I can't smell it." --Mrs. A. R., Ind.

Perhaps your child will not drink his milk. Perhaps you are to blame for placing a large glass of milk before him and bidding him "drink it all"! There is a better way. A small pitcher and a little, flat-bottomed wine glass will do the trick. Pour a little milk at a time from the pitcher into the tiny glass and watch your child delight in taking every drop. If the child is old enough, let him pour it himself. This is a healthful method, for the milk will never be taken in large gulps. --Mrs. G. H. S., N. J.

The Great Debate over Baptism and the Covenant

For anyone--credo-baptist, paedo-baptist, or "on the fence"--interested in more about the topic of baptism and the covenant, I highly recommend the audio presentation by William O. Einwechter called "The Great Debate over Baptism and the Covenant," sold by Vision Forum. Mr. Einwechter is a covenantal baptist, theonomist, pastor, husband, and father of ten. His presentation is Biblical, well-researched, charitable, and thorough, including responses to paedo-baptist objections.

Are the Children of Covenant Believers Members of the Covenant by Baptism?

Over at Iron Ink, I commented on an article where the blog author gave his answer to the question, "Is It Possible to Be Both Theonomic and Baptist?" This led to a "discussion" over baptism and the covenant.

The paedo-baptist commenters said such things as as: we don't evangelize our children because we assume they are saved, God commands believers to bring our infants to the baptismal font, bringing the gospel to your children and waiting for a profession of faith before baptizing them is "wrong" and encourages "making a decision for Christ" (Arminian) soteriology, and babies born of believers are saved and in "the covenant."

I won't be putting Iron Ink in the side bar because of the error of hyper-Calvinism promoted on their blog.

However, I will be responding to the comments in this article over a series of posts.

The Baptist Catechism on Baptism

Q. 96: How do baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual means of salvation?
A. Baptism and the Lord's Supper become effectual means of salvation, not for any virtue in them, or in him that doth administer them, but only by the blessing of Christ (1 Pet. 3:21; Matt. 3:11; 1 Cor. 3:6-7), and the working of the Spirit in those that by faith receive them (1 Cor. 12:3).


Q. 97: What is baptism?
A. Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament, instituted by Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19), to be unto the party baptized a sign of his fellowship with Him (Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12; Gal. 3:27); of remission of sins (Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38, 22:16); and of his giving up himself unto God through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4).


Q. 98: To whom is baptism to be administered?
A. Baptism is to be administered to all those who actually profess repentance toward God, faith in and obedience to, our Lord Jesus Christ, and to none other (Matt. 3:6, 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:37-38, 8:36-38).


Q. 99: Are the infants of such as are professing believers to be baptized?
A. The infants of such as are professing believers are not to be baptized, because there is neither command or example in the Holy Scriptures, or certain consequence from them to baptize such (Prov. 30:6; Luke 3:7-8).


Q. 100: How is baptism rightly administered?
A. Baptism is rightly administered by immersion, or dipping the whole body of the party in water, into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, according to Christ's institution, and the practice of the apostles (Matt. 3:16; John 3:23; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 8:38, 10:48; Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12), and not by sprinkling or pouring of water, or dipping some part of the body, after the tradition of men.


Q. 101: What is the duty of such as are rightly baptized?
A. It is the duty of such as are rightly baptized to give up themselves to some particular and orderly church of Jesus Christ, that they may walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless (Acts 2:41-42, 5:13-14, 9:26; 1 Pet. 2:5; Luke 1:6).

It Isn't Work*

It isn't work, if you like to do it,
It isn't work if it gives a thrill,
If always pleasant thoughts imbue it,
If you do it gladly and with a will.

It isn't "housework"--dusting, mending,
Scrubbing floors and baking things,
Washing dishes and pans unending,
To one who laughs and smiles and sings.

It isn't work, if you find good measure
Of cheer and sun in every minute.
It isn't housework--it's home pleasure,
With a little love and laughter in it!

* I don't know the author. If anyone finds out, please tell me in a comment. Thank you, GentleDove.

Hoagies & Stogies (Reformed, Men-Only Theological Debate and Fellowship)

October 2nd, for Reformed men (men only, no women or children) in the San Diego, CA area.

From Blogorrhea:

"What is Hoagies & Stogies?
Hoagies & Stogies is a men’s fellowship for reformed, theological debate; it was created by one of my elders before he was an elder. When he was ordained, he got too busy, and he gave the reins of the ministry to me. The men gather for a simple meal of hoagies, with home-brewed beer, or soft drinks. After a while, we all refill our glasses, and those who are so inclined light up their best stogies and kick back and enjoy a theological debate. But if you are not a smoker (like me), or not a drinker (or not both!), you are still welcome. (You can consider it your mission to ensure that Christian liberty is exercised with due charity!)"

Brief Theonomy Explanation

I enjoyed this brief explanation of theonomy occasioned by a disagreement on some discussion thread on American Vision, I think.

"...The humanist, however, will assert all types of accusations and hysteria against the theonomist expressing its outrage that theonomy teaches that treason against the family, and not the State, is punishable by death. The Christian humanist is likewise appalled because we assert that adultery, for example, is a crime as well as sin, no different than murder is a crime as well as a sin. He then imagines some ecclesiastical hierarchy and "Theocratic State" is really at bottom of the theonomists thinking. This is in only in his imagination.

Another example might be the dietary laws, while most theonomists recognize these have been changed, humanists will assert all types of outlandish arguments that we might outlaw pork and lobster, for example. Of course, they will assert such arguments in disparaging jest. Their alternative is the FDA regulating every single bite of food you can purchase anywhere, you open your refridgerator and you'll find governmentally regulated cheese, milk, meat, eggs and in the end a governmentally regulated 1.6 gallon federal flush. But, oh, the horrors of possibly finding pork or lobster verbotten! :lol: It's all really quite silly and simply the necessary tactics utilized when they know they have no valid argument against our thesis..."

Read the entire response here.

Unfortunately, the "Les" person here being responded to appears to be a Baptist.

May I say something to my Baptist brethren?

I would recommend that before any Reformed Baptist anywhere publicly, on a discussion thread or a sermon or a blog article or anything, argues against theonomy, that he make effort to UNDERSTAND what he is talking about.

Please, for the sake of your Reformed Baptist brethren and for the sake of the Lord of intellectual honesty and truthful witness-bearing (Jesus Christ), learn what theonomy is.

Your pastors are not good sources because they don't know what it is either. They haven't bothered to read the books by theonomists which explain the theonomic position.

Find out what theonomy is from theonomists--read their books and articles, listen to their speeches. That way, you can be sure that you are getting an accurate representation of theonomy. Hearsay is more likely to be a misrepresentation than a representation, especially with silly books such as Theonomy: A Reformed Critique (TARC).

(If you've read TARC, you might consider reading No Other Standard by Greg L. Bahnsen, in which he defends theonomy against the critics. One interesting thing he does as a preface before each chapter is quote the critic, and then then quote one or another of his other books, showing this has already been answered. He charitably assumes that the critics have bothered to do their homework and actually have read that which they are critiquing.)

We don't want Baptists to further exacerbate their existing reputation of going into theonomy debates ignorant.

Even if you disagree with theonomy (and preferably before you disagree with theonomy), at least know what it is.

Strawman arguments (including ad hominem, fear-mongering, and vague suspicion) are worthy only of dismissal, and the one who argues thusly gains a reputation for fallacial argumentation and, possibly, stupidity or laziness. The only argument a theonomist will be interested in is a Biblical argument.

At least read Theonomy in Christian Ethics by Greg L. Bahnsen first. Thoroughly and with an open Bible.

And if it really is just too much to bother with, then please don't assume that you "pretty much get" the "gist" of "where those people are coming from." This is fearful imagination talking, with nothing but hearsay and vague suspicions to go on. Don't speak false witness or gossip. Just stick with reading the Bible as if it were the Word of God and True. You can't go wrong that way.

Just because our paedo-baptist brothers are wrong in their belief that covenantal and reformed Biblical theology requires the baptism of infants (unbelievers), doesn't mean we have to parade our own ignorance.

A Sweet First Grace

It is fun to prepare a meal together with a small child or children, in which they help to stir or add ingredients, etc. While cooking the meal together, explain to the child that God knows us and created us to be born in our family, that all our food and everything that sustains our lives is a gift from God. A gift we should be thankful and grateful for, every time we eat. (Note: allow extra time when cooking with children! It will help your patience levels :) )

A prayer to teach a small child to memorize and recite before a meal is this:

For what we are about to receive,
May the Lord make us truly thankful.

You might beforehand tell them about the exciting time Paul was on a ship with soldiers and sailors, who all fasted and worked hard for two weeks to navigate the ship because they feared the ship was going to wreck in a storm! And Paul counseled them to eat for their health and well-being. Then he gave thanks to God in the presence of all before they all ate together with good cheer. And God saved them all, although the ship was lost (Acts 27).

P.S. Small children also like to clean up and wash dishes with you. Allow extra time. Make sure everyone has their apron on (or a tea towel tied around them) to hang up afterward to dry ;)

Jesus Christ Is the Resurrection and the Life

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

(John 11:23-26)

The Bible

I love this description. I've seen it in a pocket Gideon Bible and on a bookmark. It's how I think of and feel about the Bible.

The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

Sad News

In the secret wisdom of God, He has ordained that we would only have the fragile life of my nephew in our lives for a short time. He was stillborn last evening, at 13 weeks old from conception. All we can do is trust that this is in God's hands and that He knows best.

Theonomy Resources: On Burning Books and Demolishing Idols

Awesome post over on Theonomy Resources on the irrational evil of pluralism (despite the "good intentions" of many, many of the proponents of pluralism).

Updated 10/12/10 to add: All the posts in this series are great! Be sure to read them all!

Part 1 (also linked above)
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Greg Bahnsen on YouTube

I placed the link to Greg Bahnsen on YouTube permanently in the side bar (under the Theology, Worldview, and Action section).

WSJ: Burqa Is Banned In France

On today's Wall Street Journal front page (U.S. print edition) is an article about the burqa being banned in France. This was not on the front page of the European online edition, but it did make it to the top of the European section (tab).

Right next to that article is another article about the release of an American hiker after 13 months in an Iranian prison when her mother paid $500,000 "bail" (ransom). Extortion is the Islamic way. Is that the Christian way? If not, we Christians must reject pluralism and the "tolerance" of evil.

Before I give you some highlights from the article, let me ask a question: Is this about burqa, minarets, or immigration? Or is this about the failure of "tolerance" and "religious pluralism" and the myth of neutrality in the face of an uncompromising evil?

Some highlights from the "Burqa Is Banned in France" article:

"France risked the wrath of the Islamic world on Tuesday by banning burqas and other full-body robes worn by some Muslim women, in a long-debated move that shows the depth of concern of the rise of Muslim culture in Europe."

"The vote...came as a number of European countries are trying to figure out how to reconcile the values of modern Europe with more assertive expressions of Islamic faith."

"Switzerland, for example, banned the construction of minarets..."

"In Sweden, long known as one of Europe's most tolerant societies, an anti-immigrant party that has called for Swedish Muslims to integrate more is expected to win its first Parliamentary seat in this weekend's elections."

"France is facing criticism of its tolerance on other fronts...for its campaign to deport Gypsies..."

Reformed Baptist Fellowship: The Qur’an in the Light of God-breathed Scripture: Shirk, Surah 4:48

A very interesting post by James White on Reformed Baptist Fellowship: The Qur’an in the Light of God-breathed Scripture: Shirk, Surah 4:48.

As I've recently posted about how to evangelize a Muslim, this is very relevant. I appreciate his sum up of the monotheism of Christianity, and how best to present the doctrine of the Trinity to a Muslim:

"It is not that God “needs” a Son, as the Qur’an mistakenly says. It is that God has eternally existed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to deny this revelation of God by accepting a lesser view of God that comes from a later self-proclaimed Scripture is to dishonor the testimony God has given of the Son."

Reformed Baptist Fellowship: A Mormon on a Mission

An interesting discussion is shaping up on Reformed Baptist Fellowship: A Mormon on a Mission regarding "religious pluralism" and the mission of Glenn Beck to spread a Mormon (LDS) view of history in the media. Check out the comments--very relevant to my recent posts about the myth of pluralism within a society.

How Can We Evangelize the Muslims?

In an earlier post, I suggested that the Christian response to Muslim threats and extortion should be to love them by 1) giving them the gospel and discipling them in Christ, and 2) by restraining their civil evil in the civil sphere by God's law exercised by the State (civil magistrate).

It's important to emphasize that the Christians' weapons of warfare, in terms of changing hearts, are not physical or material, but spiritual in nature (2 Cor. 10:3-5). Our way as Christians is not the Muslim way of "conversion by the sword"--threats, violence, oppression, and extortion. Christians understand that a heart change, repentence and regeneration, cannot be worked or performed by outward acts of the law, by "penitentiaries," or by force, or by violence. While civil laws and the State, if they are covenantally obedient to God's law, will restrain outward evil in society, they are powerless to effect a change of heart.

One primary way to love the Muslim people, as with all other unbelievers, is to evangelize and disciple them (Psalm 40:10; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 16:25-27. We cannot allow this evil to continue; we must evangelize every Muslim in the world, that God will call His own out of that religion of darkness into His light, and take their stony hearts from them and give them hearts of flesh, by His Spirit, through the Word (Ezek. 11:19; Ezek. 36:26; 2 Cor. 3:3; Rom. 10:17).

It's important to understand their religion/ideology, how that works out into their culture, and therefore, how to best reach them with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. I list a few resources below that I hope will be of assistance to you.

In all the stories of Muslim conversions to Christianity that I have heard, it is done by 1) witness of the gospel in worked out in Christians' lives--the love, the high standard of Biblical morality, the warm hospitality shown to Muslims when they are invited to visit a meeting of a Biblical church or to visit the home of a godly Christian family; and 2) the word of God graciously shared.

Muslims believe that Islam is an extension of the (corrupted, they believe) revelations of the Pentateuch, the Psalms, and the gospels of Jesus. Many are very curious about Jesus and His teachings; however, never contrast Jesus favorably with Mohammad. It may be best to never mention Mohammad in your own conversation, though the Muslim may talk about Mohammad. Don't worry, the Holy Spirit will bless the Word of God, even apart from and void of our clever arguments about how true Christianity is and how false Islam is. (We Christians must be clear in our own minds, however, that Christianity is true and Islam is false.) If God works, then the Muslim's heart will be regenerated by His Word and Spirit.

"Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [GD: The Lord has delegated His earthly vengeance in some evils to the civil authority as His representative and minister, see the very next passage, Romans 13:1-5; therefore, this instruction is to Christians who are not acting in the capacity of civil magistrate.] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:17-21,see also Prov. 25:21-22)"

More Resources:
* A Christian's Evangelistic Pocket Guide to Islam by Malcolm Steer
* Books and videos from Daniel Shayesteh, http://www.escapefromdarkness.org/
* Goëkson Cik, in Europe where the darkness is spreading, is courageously working to bring the gospel to the European Muslims. Here is an interview (for iTunes) by Gary DeMar with Cik (number 34, "Evangelism or Cannibalism").
* Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) is a Christian organization that seeks to bring relief and the gospel to persecuted Christians around the world, including Muslim persecution. They give updates on Muslim attacks on Christians throughout the world. You can help by giving to this organization.
* The Persecution Project specifically aids Christians persecuted by Muslims in the Sudan.
* As I've mentioned before, Jihad Watch gives news and updates on Muslim attacks and threats around the world. (As we know, Muslims don't only attack Christians; they also attack Hindus, Jews, humanists, and other Muslims.)
* a YouTube video of a UK documentary about the persecution of ex-Muslim Christians in the UK.
* YouTube's Muslims4Jesus Channel

If you have other resources that have assisted you in your witness and evangelization of Muslims, or that you have heard as being a blessing to other brethren as they labor in this mission field, please name the resources in a comment.

"Victory Mosque" at Ground Zero

Today marks the 9th anniversary of the Islamic terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001.

And today around the U.S. there will be protests against the proposed "victory mosque" at Ground Zero in NYC.

We Christians need to understand that the Muslims are talking "peace" and ecumenical brotherhood, pleading pluralism, because they are not yet in positions of power. Though they've obviously become more bold since the election of Mr. Obama to the U.S. Presidency.

This is how they worked when taking over Europe. Now they are the majority there, and the Muslim terrorism, threat, murders, tortures, and extortions are a way of life now for all who will not honor Islam, Muhammed, and the Koran.

From its inception in AD 600 to now, the Islamic way is "conversion by the sword." Opposite to Christianity and our Lord Jesus Christ, whose ways are pleasant and whose paths are peace (Prov. 3:17).

We MUST stand against Islam NOW, when they are in the minority in this country. The current placation, accomodation, and fearful pluralism advocated by prominent Christians and the humanist media is not the Christian, or even the pragmatic, response now.

Now is the time to reject pluralism and Islam definitively. Now is the time to be the Church Militant, not the "church wimpitant."

P.S. I am not a Zionist Christian. This isn't about eschatology. It's about standing, as followers of Christ, against evil, terrorism, oppression, and all who would oppose the Lord Jesus Christ.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Is. 5:20)

They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. (Is. 59:5-8)

Track the Growing Threat of Islam

Track the growing threat of Islam at Jihad Watch, and contend with Islam at every point. We must not let Muslims get a foothold in the the U.S., as they did in Europe and are now taking over Europe.

Don't be so neutral and pluralistic, that you become unable to distinguish right from wrong.

Burning Korans (Qurans) on 9/11/2010 ?

By now you've probably heard about the plans to build a mosque on the 9/11 Ground Zero site, and how pastor Terry Jones and his little church in Gainesville, FL, planned to burn Korans on 9/11 in protest of the mosque and the offensiveness of the planned building site.

Then after calls and visits from government officials, a televised speech by Mr. Obama, Muslim death threats for the pastor and for U.S. soldiers in Muslim countries; and after meeting with a Florida imam, during which the imam said they would relocate the planned mosque, the pastor called off the Koran-burning event.

Now it's come to light that the plans to build the mosque on the 9/11 site are continuing, despite Trump offering to buy the development site. I guess the imam lied.

AFA's OneNewsNow has reported on this news, and as always, has an interesting take on these developments. They have a story/commentary regarding the "hypocrisy" of the U.S. government in condemning the Koran burning, although the U.S. military burned Bibles last year in Afghanistan.

A few thoughts I have about this story, so I can wrap up this post and retire for the night:

1) Planning to build a mosque on the site of the Islamic terrorist attacks is offensive, deliberately provocative, and a gloatingly evil thing to do. What are they going to do? Have the grand opening September 11, 2011? Arrogant wickedness.

2) People are concerned that our U.S. military might be killed by Muslim terrorists if Christians burn Korans in Florida. Isn't the U.S. involved in a war in Muslim territory? Aren't our U.S. servicemen's lives in danger right now? Aren't Muslims out to kill U.S. servicemen right now? Aren't we at war, at least in part, because of the attacks of 9/11/2001? If you're so worried about their lives, Mr. Obama, then why don't you bring them home, like you campaign-promised you would two years ago? I guess Mr. Obama lied.

3) The Islamic Allah is a false god, and the Koran is not holy. It is unholy and demonically-inspired.It is good to destroy evil books, for they propogate evil ideas and evil acts (Matthew 15:19; Acts 19:18-20) Like all people who have not been regenerated by the Holy Spirit for the sake of Jesus Christ in the plan of the Father from all eternity, Muslims are under sin's dominion. They need the gospel, and it's Christians' duty to love their enemies by giving them the gospel. It is also Christians' duty to love their enemies and their brethren by restraining evil in the socio-political sphere. Extortion, such as threatening and plotting to kill people if copies of the Koran are burned, is evil in Jehovah's sight and, I think, still illegal (so far).

4) The U.S. government is not being hypocritical by condemning the Koran burning, while ordering the Bible burning. It's being ANTI-CHRISTIAN. They are anti-Christian, and they are acting in conformity with those anti-Christian beliefs; there's nothing hypocritical about it. Notice why the pietistic Christians think it's "hypocritical," though? Because the pietistic Christians believe in the myth of pluralism/neutrality. Are the AFA people saying they would be happy with anti-Christian practices, as long as anti-Islam practices are allowed, too? Is that their "principle" they want to stand for?

5) The myth of pluralism/neutrality is being exploded before our eyes (yet AGAIN). Oh Lord, please let the Christians understand that neutrality is a myth, the way the Muslims understand so well. They know how to manipulate the language of it, though; check out the WSJ article, "religious freedom and diversity." Hah! They know what the pietistic Christians and humanists will fall for!

(Note to Christians: Non-Christians are not morally opposed to bearing false witness. Another note to Christians: A person cannot lie about something and not lie about that same thing at the same time. Note 3 to Christians: Pluralism is a myth and breaks the law of non-contradiction. Note 4 to Christians: Wake up! And I say that with love, yet urgency.)

6) Appeasing insanely evil people is a mistake. Evil extortionist murderers do not get to control our actions. If we give into them, instead of restraining their evil, as best we can within our sphere of delegated biblical authority, we will become their servants and be abused by them, and they will become stronger and even bolder.

7) Hey, good on Trump! New Yorkers with even an ounce of the work of God's law on their hearts (Rom. 2:14-16) must be sick about this thumb-nosing mosque at the site of their city's devastation at the hands of Muslim terrorists. It's obviously gone beyond mere economics for the Marxist Muslims, though; they're single-mindedly, and un-neutrally, committed to their ideology at all costs.

8) Christians should repent of our sins, including our national sins, including for promoting and preaching "neutrality" instead of the crown rights of King Jesus Christ, who is the risen and ascended King of kings, and pray for forgiveness that God would not bring judgment on our nation or "appoint terror" (Lev. 26:15-17) over us through wicked idolators (Dan. 9:13-15).

9) We shouldn't feel sorry for or pity (Deut. 19:13; Deut. 19:21) the Muslims for the "threat" of having some copies of the Koran burned in protest of their murder and approval of murderers and then flaunting the murder with the building of a mosque on the scene of the atrocity. I think it was the WSJ that sympathetically murmured about how "vulnerable" the Muslims feel because of the possibility of a Koran-burning event. Which would make someone really feel vulnerable in reality--a "threat" of your "holy" book being burned in a distant state, or death threats from insane jihadists who know where you live and go to church?

10) This is probably the most courage I've seen U.S. Christians display in quite awhile. I'll be praying for this pastor and congregation in Florida. That God will be with them and give them strength and the wisdom to do the right thing.

Thou shalt not kill. (Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17)

My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate. I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. (Psalm 7:10-17)

For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The LORD shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. (Psalm 37:10-15)

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. (Prov. 8:13)

They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.(Prov. 28:4)

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. (Matt. 12:30)

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Cor. 6:9-11)

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9-11)

For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (1 Pet. 3:12-16)

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. (1 Tim. 1:8-11)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby 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, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 Jn. 4:1-3)

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:3-4)

National Confession of Christ Jesus as King of Kings

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. (Is. 33:22)

From the above quote from the book of Isaiah, we see not only how the founders of the United States came up with the three branches for our federal government (judicial, legislative, executive), but also that the state is to serve God as his federal (representative) minister (servant) of righteous judgment in civil affairs. This is from where we in the West get the idea of "civil servant." (See also, Romans 12 and 13, where the nation-states are charged with being ministers of God for the protection of the godly and the punishment of evildoers, where the civil state has been given that jurisdiction by God in His Word.)

God has instituted three forms of government for human society--family, church, state. Each has its own hierarchy, jurisdiction, and sanctions; and each is directly accountable to Jesus Christ, Ruler over all. (In this post, I'm mainly focusing on Christ as Lord of the nations, and the peoples' obligation to confess Christ as their Lord--nationally, corporately--and to bow the knee to Him (Ps. 95:6; Is. 45:23; Rom. 14:11; Phil. 2:9-11), willingly now, or reluctantly at the Last Day.)

In the Bible, God explains that Christ is the King of kings (1 Tim. 6:12-16; Rev. 17:14; Rev. 19:16). All judges and rulers of the earth are to serve the LORD with fear and kiss (or pay homage to) the Son, the Messiah (or Anointed) of God, lest He be angry and the civil states be destroyed (Psalm 2).


from "National Confession Primer," by William Gould, in Explicity Christian Politics: The Vision of the National Reform Association, edited by William O. Einwechter, The Christian Statesman Press, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1997:

"The Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) explicitly teaches the duty of national confession:

Every nation ought to recognize the divine institution of civil government, the sovereignty of God exercised by Jesus Christ, and its duty to rule the civil affairs of men in accordance with the will of God. It should enter into covenant with Christ and serve to advance His Kingdom on earth. The negligence of civil government in any of these particulars is sinful, makes the nation liable to the wrath of God, and threatens the continued existence of the government and nation (Chapter 23, paragraph 4).

It is the duty of every Christian citizen to labor and pray for his nation's official and explicit recognition of the authority and law of Jesus Christ, Preserver and Ruler of nations, and for the conduct of all governmental affairs in harmony with the written word of God (Chapter 23, paragraph 6)."

from "National Confession Primer," by William Gould, quoting the Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (Pittsburgh: Crown and Covenant Publications, 1980).

Where Sin Abounded, Grace Did Much More Abound

The salvation won by Christ for His people is a salvation of all in His creation that was destroyed and corrupted by sin (the turning away from obedience to God's righteous ways). In this interadvental period, we Christians have been saved (justified), are being saved (sanctified), and await God's final redemption (glorification) in His second coming on the Judgment Day, the final day of history (Matt. 13:24-53; Rom. 5:10-21; Rom. 8).

The gospel is indeed offered to all for their salvation, but the power of it appears not everywhere: and that it is the savor of death to the ungodly, does not proceed from what it is, but from their own wickedness. By setting forth but one Salvation he cuts off every other trust. When men withdraw themselves from this one salvation, they find in the gospel a sure proof of their own ruin. Since then the gospel invites all to partake of salvation without any difference, it is rightly called the doctrine of salvation: for Christ is there offered, whose peculiar office is to save that which was lost; and those who refuse to be saved by him, shall find him a Judge. But everywhere in Scripture the word salvation is simply set in opposition to the word destruction: and hence we must observe, when it is mentioned, what the subject of the discourse is. Since then the gospel delivers from ruin and the curse of endless death, its salvation is eternal life.

John Calvin, Commentary on Romans, 1:16

Excerpt from "The Crown Rights of Jesus Christ" by Andrew Sandlin

"This is what salvation is all about: restoring former rebels to their rightful place as obedient servants of God (Rom. 6:16-17).

Man's sin, like Lucifer's, constituted cosmic rebellion. The penalty was death (Gen. 2:17). God's program of redemption is calculated not chiefly to dismiss that penalty (though this it certainly does), but rather to restore man to his rightful place as an obedient son called to exercise dominion in the earth (Ps. 8:4-8; Eph. 1:3, 10, 18-23). Keeping sinners out of hell is merely the by-product of God's plan to reinstall covenant-keeping man in his original task as His vicegerent in the earth (Gen. 1:27-28). This is why the godly are placed in the earth: to extend His kingdom and His righteous reign throughout the whole earth (Rev. 2:26-27)...

...A salvation that merely keeps souls out of hell is, as Rushdoony notes, fire insurance; it is not biblical salvation."

from Andrew Sandlin's essay, "The Crown Rights of Jesus Christ" in Explicitly Christian Politics: The Vision of the National Reform Association, edited by William O. Einwechter, published by The Christian Statesman Press, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1997.

Thrilling News-I'm an Aunt!

I'm thrilled to announce that my sister and brother-in-law are expecting their first child early next year! The due date of my precious little niece or nephew is March 23, 2011. I'm already planning my next visit to North Carolina!

Thank you, God, for this gift of new life!!