It was only a matter of time. Here's the money-quote:
“One reason why we have the fires in California is global warming,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters Tuesday, stressing the need to pass the Democrats’ comprehensive energy package.
Like we never had droughts or fires before 1970.
I'm waiting for this quote:
“One reason we're having such brutally cold weather is global warming”.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
"The Greenest Games Ever"
Someone has said that the Global Warming cult isn't really about climate change, it's about wanting to control other people's lives.
That appears to be true in London.
Organizers of the 2012 games have announced there will be zero capacity for cars at the games, and ticket-holders will be instructed daily on how to get to the various game venues by public transport. "We have a very aggressive programme to make it the greenest Games in modern times". Worse, they say they are doing this, not just to make the games more eco-friendly, to attempt to achieve a permanent shift in people's travel habits. In other words, they want to control our lives. Cars/individualism, bad; busses/collectivism, good.
I have two observations.
Firstly, I'll believe it when I see "important people" such as politicians and celebrities taking the busses and trains or whatever to the Olympic venues. Like Al Gore's opulent Tennessee mansion, the lifestyle changes the demi-gods of global warming demand are always aimed at the hoi polloi. Like the Russian communist leaders with their chauffeur-driven limos and dachas, they always grant themselves an exemption.
Secondly, this:
Earth to the London Olympic organizers: Think of all the C02 being emitted by the airplanes jetting people to London for the Games. Think of all the C02 emitted by ticket-holders taking cabs, busses or the tube to their hotels. Think of the cost of heating/airconditioning the hotels holding these people. Think of all the energy consumed by putting on the Games. All of that -- all of it -- could be eliminated by cancelling the games, or making them a strictly local event.
After all, the Olympics are just a sporting event; it's not like they are a necessity of life.
If you really believe that the planet faces imminent catastrophe due to man-made global warming, put your money where your mouth is -- cancel the games.
Otherwise, pass sensible anti-pollution measures [C02 is not a pollutant] and get on with living life to its fullest.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
That appears to be true in London.
Organizers of the 2012 games have announced there will be zero capacity for cars at the games, and ticket-holders will be instructed daily on how to get to the various game venues by public transport. "We have a very aggressive programme to make it the greenest Games in modern times". Worse, they say they are doing this, not just to make the games more eco-friendly, to attempt to achieve a permanent shift in people's travel habits. In other words, they want to control our lives. Cars/individualism, bad; busses/collectivism, good.
I have two observations.
Firstly, I'll believe it when I see "important people" such as politicians and celebrities taking the busses and trains or whatever to the Olympic venues. Like Al Gore's opulent Tennessee mansion, the lifestyle changes the demi-gods of global warming demand are always aimed at the hoi polloi. Like the Russian communist leaders with their chauffeur-driven limos and dachas, they always grant themselves an exemption.
Secondly, this:
Earth to the London Olympic organizers: Think of all the C02 being emitted by the airplanes jetting people to London for the Games. Think of all the C02 emitted by ticket-holders taking cabs, busses or the tube to their hotels. Think of the cost of heating/airconditioning the hotels holding these people. Think of all the energy consumed by putting on the Games. All of that -- all of it -- could be eliminated by cancelling the games, or making them a strictly local event.
After all, the Olympics are just a sporting event; it's not like they are a necessity of life.
If you really believe that the planet faces imminent catastrophe due to man-made global warming, put your money where your mouth is -- cancel the games.
Otherwise, pass sensible anti-pollution measures [C02 is not a pollutant] and get on with living life to its fullest.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
"He was praying in the fields..."
A month or so ago I received a prayer request from my hosts in Africa, John and Ruth Kerr. It concerned a graduate of Trans-Africa College, where I have the privilege of teaching Apologetics classes each year. This is a story of our sovereign God's working in the life of a Spirit-filled, faith-filled believer in Jesus Christ. I hope you enjoy reading it, and I hope you will pray for the safety and success of Trans-Africa College.
* * *
KERRENT EVENTS
October 20, 2007
Greetings Friends!
A few weeks ago we asked you to pray for our recent graduate, Charles Mulumena, and his release from prison? Here's his story!
What can you say about our Charles Mulumena? He was praying in the fields, hearing the footsteps he thought were heavenly messengers! Unfortunately, when he opened his eyes he was surrounded by the police. It was The Drug Enforcement Unit. And they were taking him downtown!
“Can I at least go back for my Bible?,” he asked.
“No! You are coming now. We need your testimony. You can be released after you testify.” So Charles went along, assuming they’d be coming back later, like the arresting officer said. Much later, Charles was on his way into custody for four months – a morning quiet time with a twist!
They took him to the Police Station and booked him, along with a half dozen drug dealers. It turned out that those footsteps he had heard were a bunch of pushers and thieves running from the police. Poor Charles! He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Four days passed before the hearing. Charles kept busy sharing his faith with some of the lost souls in the Remand Centre. He was comfortable in the knowledge that the booking officer knew he was innocent. He would be a free man in a few days. Or so he thought!
As it turned out, the booking officer who knew his situation had been called away on the fourth day. Charles was charged along with the drug dealers! His crime? Being in possession of 3.5kgs of marijuana as confirmed by Kitwe’s Drug Enforcement Unit – a “very corrupt unit,” it is said. Charles says when he heard the charge he almost burst out laughing.
But this was the stuff of tears. Our Charles Mulumena, illustrious graduate of Trans-Africa College, youth worker-evangelist par excellence – now hand-cuffed and delivered to the Kamphinsa Penitentiary, one of the largest, and most degraded insititutions in all of Southern Africa! For at least one month, until the next hearing. Awaiting final sentencing.
Suddenly he was surrounded by some of the toughest customers in Zambia.
“You must be a Pastor,” said the ringleader, a miniature Mafioso and a murderer. “You don't look like you could kill anyone -- right boys?" They grinned and nodded their agreement -- a rag-tag bunch of petty thieves and hardened criminals. "No, he is not one of us."
“Yes, I am a pastor,” Charles replied.
“You see? A Pastor. I knew it.” He was a novelty and his gracious manner soon gained him respect and favor. In fact, from the first day at the prison, he was treated like a divine emissary.
But he was far from happy about his plight. His first night was full of tears and lamentations -- asking God the "Why" questions? And "How?" "How could a morning of prayer turn into this? ... Why, God?.... Why have you allowed this to happen to me?" Then, he says, a very supernatural peace came over him. He knew God had sent him there for a purpose.
The chaplain soon had him preaching three times daily in the auditorium. The Holy Spirit began to move. Inmates began to get saved. Arrangements were made to baptize a group of new believers. New converts included a prison guard. Two notorious Satanists, who had killed many people, were among these new Christians. So transformed were these young men, who had been steeped in witchcraft, that they became Charles’ primary supporters and "personal workers." They made sure the chapel was full for services. They brought along inmates with special needs for prayer. Miracles of healing were taking place. Charles found himself ministering to all the great host of unaddressed needs and injustices that fill such tragic dumping wards worldwide.
The month was soon past and the day for his appearing before the judge came. He was transported into town and sat in the courtroom ready to go home. But there was no judge! His Honour was away for a funeral. They would have to reconvene for sentencing -- in another thirty days! Charles was back to Kamphinsa again!
He was one sad young man as he filed out with the prison population again. But as he made his way to the truck, he spotted his “arresting officer” in the hall! And the man recognized him!
“But Pastor!... what are you doing here? You were supposed to have been released the same day!” He promised to follow it up and get Charles freed. But three more months behind bars awaited our Charles – because the judge did not appear as needed.
Fortunately, Charles was spared the normal sleeping arrangements, 54 inmates laid out like cord wood in a room the size of a school room. Someone found him a mattress and a private corner. Friends and fellow-students brought him food -- a very welcome relief from prison fare! Most important, Charles' ministry just continued to expand and grow. Special meetings were arranged for the serious offenders in the Penal Section. Many were saved and baptized.
“Over a thousand committed their lives," he said later. “I left at least 88 new Christians, committed to meeting together. God took me there.... He sent me on a mission."
Just before his release, a hand-delivered letter from Charles appeared at our door:
Dearest Dr. and Mrs. Kerr,
It's so amazing to think of you people.... Where would my life have been without you good people at TTC? I have a lot to say about the grace of God that the Apostle Paulsays is suffiecient for him.
Indeed, it is sufficient for me as well. I'm sure you have been told about my whole story that I am facingnow, though not in full maybe.
Now I have come to understand that indeed "all things work together for good to them that love the Lord," as Paul puts it. God brought me to prison for a purpose and that purpose is to accomplish His divine mission in my life.
For sure a lot of people have wondered as to what could be happening with and in me. But then one thing I assure you is that I have learnt a lot here in terms of ministry and God is using me greatly to reach the lost souls. As a matter of fact our chaplain has picked me to be the pastor in charge of other cell pastors and prisoners.
Not only that, but God has also opened ministry opportunities for both me and my church that even after my discharge, I'll be ministering in prison. There are many wonders that I'll be sharing with you in person.
I'm so glad to learn that even the college community is praying for me. Be rest assured that your faithful prayers are working wonders. May the Lord God of the harvest be there for all fo you and blessiongs to all of you people.
I love you and please continue praying for I'll be appearing in court on the 12 of this month.
Goodbye for now.
Your faithful Prisoner of Christ,
Pastor Charles
Now that he's a free man, Charles spends a lot of time walking around town. We met him in front of Shoprite a few days after his release.
"I don’t believe that mission is ended," he said. "I want to continue doing prison ministry!”
And we really want to help make that happen! God has opened this door. We must make sure that this ministry continues -- and also that Charles can be an advocate for the many prisoners who, like him, have ended up in Kamphinsa without knowing why.
Join us in prayer about this! Together we can help build this ministry from the ground up!
Blessings,
John and Ruth [Kerr]
* * *
KERRENT EVENTS
October 20, 2007
Greetings Friends!
A few weeks ago we asked you to pray for our recent graduate, Charles Mulumena, and his release from prison? Here's his story!
What can you say about our Charles Mulumena? He was praying in the fields, hearing the footsteps he thought were heavenly messengers! Unfortunately, when he opened his eyes he was surrounded by the police. It was The Drug Enforcement Unit. And they were taking him downtown!
“Can I at least go back for my Bible?,” he asked.
“No! You are coming now. We need your testimony. You can be released after you testify.” So Charles went along, assuming they’d be coming back later, like the arresting officer said. Much later, Charles was on his way into custody for four months – a morning quiet time with a twist!
They took him to the Police Station and booked him, along with a half dozen drug dealers. It turned out that those footsteps he had heard were a bunch of pushers and thieves running from the police. Poor Charles! He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Four days passed before the hearing. Charles kept busy sharing his faith with some of the lost souls in the Remand Centre. He was comfortable in the knowledge that the booking officer knew he was innocent. He would be a free man in a few days. Or so he thought!
As it turned out, the booking officer who knew his situation had been called away on the fourth day. Charles was charged along with the drug dealers! His crime? Being in possession of 3.5kgs of marijuana as confirmed by Kitwe’s Drug Enforcement Unit – a “very corrupt unit,” it is said. Charles says when he heard the charge he almost burst out laughing.
But this was the stuff of tears. Our Charles Mulumena, illustrious graduate of Trans-Africa College, youth worker-evangelist par excellence – now hand-cuffed and delivered to the Kamphinsa Penitentiary, one of the largest, and most degraded insititutions in all of Southern Africa! For at least one month, until the next hearing. Awaiting final sentencing.
Suddenly he was surrounded by some of the toughest customers in Zambia.
“You must be a Pastor,” said the ringleader, a miniature Mafioso and a murderer. “You don't look like you could kill anyone -- right boys?" They grinned and nodded their agreement -- a rag-tag bunch of petty thieves and hardened criminals. "No, he is not one of us."
“Yes, I am a pastor,” Charles replied.
“You see? A Pastor. I knew it.” He was a novelty and his gracious manner soon gained him respect and favor. In fact, from the first day at the prison, he was treated like a divine emissary.
But he was far from happy about his plight. His first night was full of tears and lamentations -- asking God the "Why" questions? And "How?" "How could a morning of prayer turn into this? ... Why, God?.... Why have you allowed this to happen to me?" Then, he says, a very supernatural peace came over him. He knew God had sent him there for a purpose.
The chaplain soon had him preaching three times daily in the auditorium. The Holy Spirit began to move. Inmates began to get saved. Arrangements were made to baptize a group of new believers. New converts included a prison guard. Two notorious Satanists, who had killed many people, were among these new Christians. So transformed were these young men, who had been steeped in witchcraft, that they became Charles’ primary supporters and "personal workers." They made sure the chapel was full for services. They brought along inmates with special needs for prayer. Miracles of healing were taking place. Charles found himself ministering to all the great host of unaddressed needs and injustices that fill such tragic dumping wards worldwide.
The month was soon past and the day for his appearing before the judge came. He was transported into town and sat in the courtroom ready to go home. But there was no judge! His Honour was away for a funeral. They would have to reconvene for sentencing -- in another thirty days! Charles was back to Kamphinsa again!
He was one sad young man as he filed out with the prison population again. But as he made his way to the truck, he spotted his “arresting officer” in the hall! And the man recognized him!
“But Pastor!... what are you doing here? You were supposed to have been released the same day!” He promised to follow it up and get Charles freed. But three more months behind bars awaited our Charles – because the judge did not appear as needed.
Fortunately, Charles was spared the normal sleeping arrangements, 54 inmates laid out like cord wood in a room the size of a school room. Someone found him a mattress and a private corner. Friends and fellow-students brought him food -- a very welcome relief from prison fare! Most important, Charles' ministry just continued to expand and grow. Special meetings were arranged for the serious offenders in the Penal Section. Many were saved and baptized.
“Over a thousand committed their lives," he said later. “I left at least 88 new Christians, committed to meeting together. God took me there.... He sent me on a mission."
Just before his release, a hand-delivered letter from Charles appeared at our door:
Dearest Dr. and Mrs. Kerr,
It's so amazing to think of you people.... Where would my life have been without you good people at TTC? I have a lot to say about the grace of God that the Apostle Paulsays is suffiecient for him.
Indeed, it is sufficient for me as well. I'm sure you have been told about my whole story that I am facingnow, though not in full maybe.
Now I have come to understand that indeed "all things work together for good to them that love the Lord," as Paul puts it. God brought me to prison for a purpose and that purpose is to accomplish His divine mission in my life.
For sure a lot of people have wondered as to what could be happening with and in me. But then one thing I assure you is that I have learnt a lot here in terms of ministry and God is using me greatly to reach the lost souls. As a matter of fact our chaplain has picked me to be the pastor in charge of other cell pastors and prisoners.
Not only that, but God has also opened ministry opportunities for both me and my church that even after my discharge, I'll be ministering in prison. There are many wonders that I'll be sharing with you in person.
I'm so glad to learn that even the college community is praying for me. Be rest assured that your faithful prayers are working wonders. May the Lord God of the harvest be there for all fo you and blessiongs to all of you people.
I love you and please continue praying for I'll be appearing in court on the 12 of this month.
Goodbye for now.
Your faithful Prisoner of Christ,
Pastor Charles
Now that he's a free man, Charles spends a lot of time walking around town. We met him in front of Shoprite a few days after his release.
"I don’t believe that mission is ended," he said. "I want to continue doing prison ministry!”
And we really want to help make that happen! God has opened this door. We must make sure that this ministry continues -- and also that Charles can be an advocate for the many prisoners who, like him, have ended up in Kamphinsa without knowing why.
Join us in prayer about this! Together we can help build this ministry from the ground up!
Blessings,
John and Ruth [Kerr]
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Male and Female Created He Them (?)
According to the book of Genesis, God created man in his image as the crowning act of creation. "Let us make man in our image... male and female created he them".
Apparently not.
WorldNetDaily is reporting today that Arnold Schwarzenegger has passed into law an education bill that would effectively ban the words "Mom" "Dad" and "Husband" "Wife" from school text books and curriculums. I've seen this coming and reported on it. But I didn't see this next one coming.
He has also banned teaching that persons are born as either male or female. That is considered discriminatory because it doesn't acknowledge people who are born "in between".
Who would have thought that stating that persons are either male or female would be considered such a dangerous idea that it must be banned from a child's education?
At the same time, in order to promote sexual choice and freedom, boys will be able to use girls' restrooms and locker rooms, and vice-versa. I'm not entirely unfamiliar with this concept. Having done a lot of professional seminars in San Francisco, I knew that there was a movement to allow a person to be whatever sex they decided to be.
What a sad day for kids.
It appears that segments of our society are in full-blown ideological rebellion against the revelation of God's word. The Bible teaches that a society can become so corrupt, and its corruption so ingrained in the fabric of the society, that God has no choice but to destroy it. I'm not saying we're there, but I am saying we are inching towards it.
There are two concepts that cover this controversy, and a third that provides the antedote:
a) Creation. We were created in innocency by a good and all-powerful Creator.
b) Disorder. Through rebellion against God, we fell from our original state, and our sinful, fallen state is now passed from one generation to the next through DNA. All of the sexual confusion and perversion that is out there is due to our fallen condition. It is not liberating to "go with it". It is enslaving.
c) Redemption. We have forgiveness in Jesus Christ. More than that, we have sanctification -- deliverance, cleansing, healing, restoration. More than that, we have the promise of glorification and release from these sinful, mortal bodies in the resurrection at the last Day.
Of course, the secular mind that begins with darwinian evolution as its starting point has no place to believe either a) or b), so has little inclination to believe c).
Pity.
Secularists may think that we can do a fine job of coping without reference to God in our society, but I gotta tell ya, so far I'm not impressed.
All of life and all of reality should be worked out by working backwards and forwards from the Resurrection. The Resurrection occurred. Therefore Jesus is divine. Therefore Scriptures are indeed reliable and the word of God. Therefore, we were created, fallen, and have been redeemed in Jesus Christ, etc.
We need Jesus now more than ever.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
Apparently not.
WorldNetDaily is reporting today that Arnold Schwarzenegger has passed into law an education bill that would effectively ban the words "Mom" "Dad" and "Husband" "Wife" from school text books and curriculums. I've seen this coming and reported on it. But I didn't see this next one coming.
He has also banned teaching that persons are born as either male or female. That is considered discriminatory because it doesn't acknowledge people who are born "in between".
Who would have thought that stating that persons are either male or female would be considered such a dangerous idea that it must be banned from a child's education?
At the same time, in order to promote sexual choice and freedom, boys will be able to use girls' restrooms and locker rooms, and vice-versa. I'm not entirely unfamiliar with this concept. Having done a lot of professional seminars in San Francisco, I knew that there was a movement to allow a person to be whatever sex they decided to be.
What a sad day for kids.
It appears that segments of our society are in full-blown ideological rebellion against the revelation of God's word. The Bible teaches that a society can become so corrupt, and its corruption so ingrained in the fabric of the society, that God has no choice but to destroy it. I'm not saying we're there, but I am saying we are inching towards it.
There are two concepts that cover this controversy, and a third that provides the antedote:
a) Creation. We were created in innocency by a good and all-powerful Creator.
b) Disorder. Through rebellion against God, we fell from our original state, and our sinful, fallen state is now passed from one generation to the next through DNA. All of the sexual confusion and perversion that is out there is due to our fallen condition. It is not liberating to "go with it". It is enslaving.
c) Redemption. We have forgiveness in Jesus Christ. More than that, we have sanctification -- deliverance, cleansing, healing, restoration. More than that, we have the promise of glorification and release from these sinful, mortal bodies in the resurrection at the last Day.
Of course, the secular mind that begins with darwinian evolution as its starting point has no place to believe either a) or b), so has little inclination to believe c).
Pity.
Secularists may think that we can do a fine job of coping without reference to God in our society, but I gotta tell ya, so far I'm not impressed.
All of life and all of reality should be worked out by working backwards and forwards from the Resurrection. The Resurrection occurred. Therefore Jesus is divine. Therefore Scriptures are indeed reliable and the word of God. Therefore, we were created, fallen, and have been redeemed in Jesus Christ, etc.
We need Jesus now more than ever.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
I Never Thought I'd Live To See The Day...
A dead Tim Hortons store. An emasculated building with all the Tim Hortons signage removed and shadowy phantom imprints where the signage used to be. A Tim Hortons gone belly-up. Never thought I'd live to see such a sight. Never seen one before. Expect I'll never see one again.
Surely they must be renovating, or, more likely yet, they've moved to another spot close by, bigger and better, I thought.
Nope. Gone. Ghosted.
I get the inside dope from the manager down the street at the Wendy's. Rumour has it it was because:
a) the rents in the mall are very high, and/or
b) there was no room at this Tim's for a drive-through.
Ah, yes. That would explain it.
We're passing through Edmundston, New Brunswick, not some tony Toronto or Vancouver downtown Tim's, and ya gotta have a drive-through. It all makes sense now.
Of course, there's another Tim's, the manager of Wendy's assures us, just down the road, and you turn left.
This is something you can pretty much count on in Canada. There's always another Tim's.
Just down the road.
And that's the way the Timbit bounces.
Surely they must be renovating, or, more likely yet, they've moved to another spot close by, bigger and better, I thought.
Nope. Gone. Ghosted.
I get the inside dope from the manager down the street at the Wendy's. Rumour has it it was because:
a) the rents in the mall are very high, and/or
b) there was no room at this Tim's for a drive-through.
Ah, yes. That would explain it.
We're passing through Edmundston, New Brunswick, not some tony Toronto or Vancouver downtown Tim's, and ya gotta have a drive-through. It all makes sense now.
Of course, there's another Tim's, the manager of Wendy's assures us, just down the road, and you turn left.
This is something you can pretty much count on in Canada. There's always another Tim's.
Just down the road.
And that's the way the Timbit bounces.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
2008: The Nobel Appease Prize
Al Gore has won the Nobel Peace Prize.
I'm not sure what a slick, highly-exaggerated Powerpoint presentation on Anthropogenic Global Warming has to do with world peace, but that doesn't matter because the Nobel Committee does. According to the Committee, global warming will result in famines, droughts, civil unrest, and war.
Yikes! If you're not in the global warming camp, you are for war and the destruction of civilization as we know it. Come to think of it, Al Gore said something to that effect.
I'm not a big fan of the Nobel Peace Prize, ever since that cuddly teddy-bear of a terrorist Yassar Arafat got the honour.
I think what the West needs instead is an Appease Prize, an annual award going to the individual/organization that has done the most to placate and/or appease Muslim fundamentalists and/or other multicultural groups demanding their way of life at the expense of ours.
As for awards, awards are nice, but the award I covet is a simple "well done, thou good and faithful servant". I count myself acutely undeserving of this, but continue to pray that I might receive grace to be counted among God's elect.
May God's freshly outpoured mercy and grace be upon all who read this.
Blessings on you in Jesus' name!
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
I'm not sure what a slick, highly-exaggerated Powerpoint presentation on Anthropogenic Global Warming has to do with world peace, but that doesn't matter because the Nobel Committee does. According to the Committee, global warming will result in famines, droughts, civil unrest, and war.
Yikes! If you're not in the global warming camp, you are for war and the destruction of civilization as we know it. Come to think of it, Al Gore said something to that effect.
I'm not a big fan of the Nobel Peace Prize, ever since that cuddly teddy-bear of a terrorist Yassar Arafat got the honour.
I think what the West needs instead is an Appease Prize, an annual award going to the individual/organization that has done the most to placate and/or appease Muslim fundamentalists and/or other multicultural groups demanding their way of life at the expense of ours.
As for awards, awards are nice, but the award I covet is a simple "well done, thou good and faithful servant". I count myself acutely undeserving of this, but continue to pray that I might receive grace to be counted among God's elect.
May God's freshly outpoured mercy and grace be upon all who read this.
Blessings on you in Jesus' name!
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Helicopters Making A Racket
Just sitting in the living room when I heard a tremendous racket outside. Went to investigate. From our back deck I saw two large, grey, military-style helicopters hovering over the Lieutenant-Governor's mansion across the way from us.
No doubt has to do with Prince Edward's official visit to the province. He is worshipping tomorrow at St. Peter's Cathedral in Charlottetown. They are doing a Morning Prayer service for him, rather than the usual Eucharist service.
Earlier this week, we went out to our back deck and witnessed the International Space Station pass overhead at around 7:30pm one evening. It took about two minutes to traverse the sky.
Man may scratch the sky, but it is God who reigns high above us all.
No doubt has to do with Prince Edward's official visit to the province. He is worshipping tomorrow at St. Peter's Cathedral in Charlottetown. They are doing a Morning Prayer service for him, rather than the usual Eucharist service.
Earlier this week, we went out to our back deck and witnessed the International Space Station pass overhead at around 7:30pm one evening. It took about two minutes to traverse the sky.
Man may scratch the sky, but it is God who reigns high above us all.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Christian Fruitcakes
Posted over at SDA by: SDC at October 7, 2007 7:39
"No one is against Allah, except those who burn in hell."
vs.
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
There's no real difference between these two unsubstantiated sentiments; just because the Muslims are deluded doesn't mean that Christians aren't EQUALLY deluded. At least most of the CHRISTIAN religous fruitcakes aren't willing to kill people to shove their particular religion down their throats.
My response:
SDC: Thanks for quoting Christ. If I had to choose between listening to him or you, it would be no contest. As for substantiation of claims, the miracles Christ did, the voice from heaven saying "This is my Son", and the little matter of Christ's resurrection from the dead are all evidences that substantiate his claim to be in unique communion with the Father. The fact that the leaders of the early church chose death rather than renounce their eye-witness testimony of Christ's resurrection is further substantiation. As is the pouring out of the Holy Spirit -- an experiential dimension that continues to this day and to which millions have attested.
Now, what are your credentials as a purveyor of truth?
"No one is against Allah, except those who burn in hell."
vs.
"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
There's no real difference between these two unsubstantiated sentiments; just because the Muslims are deluded doesn't mean that Christians aren't EQUALLY deluded. At least most of the CHRISTIAN religous fruitcakes aren't willing to kill people to shove their particular religion down their throats.
My response:
SDC: Thanks for quoting Christ. If I had to choose between listening to him or you, it would be no contest. As for substantiation of claims, the miracles Christ did, the voice from heaven saying "This is my Son", and the little matter of Christ's resurrection from the dead are all evidences that substantiate his claim to be in unique communion with the Father. The fact that the leaders of the early church chose death rather than renounce their eye-witness testimony of Christ's resurrection is further substantiation. As is the pouring out of the Holy Spirit -- an experiential dimension that continues to this day and to which millions have attested.
Now, what are your credentials as a purveyor of truth?
Monday, October 01, 2007
Separation of Church and State?
Someone asks, "Correct me but... Canada's initial players did have the express intention to be secular, because of fear of the 'Roman' French. Yes?"
My response --
I doubt if the the word "secular" was even part of their vocabulary.
* Parliament began until very recently with prayer in Jesus' name.
* The Parliament Buildings have Bible verses carved in stone, where it's difficult for secularists to get their hands on them, testifying to the reign of the Messiah.
* Canada's motto "from sea to sea" is an allusion to the coming Messiah's reign.
* Marriage, in keeping with judeo-christian beliefs, was rooted in human biology and the presumptive rights of children, to be born, and raised in a two-parent family consisting of one mother and one father.
* Supreme Court judges to this day invoke God's aid in fulfilling their mandate.
The doctrine of separation of church and state simply means that the Church, as an organization, should not run the state, and, importantly, vica-versa. It does not mean that a state cannot be suffused with values that derive from the religious values and beliefs of its citizens.
If, however, Canada wants to have strict separation of Church and state, then for starters we can
-- abolish all laws against stealing
-- abolish all laws that require persons to make truthful statements (such as tax forms)
-- abolish all laws against murder
-- abolish all laws that contribute to the idea that we are our "brother's keeper" and that we ought to take care of one another
-- abolish all notions that humans have intrinsic worth and dignity -- a particular contribution of judeo-christian thought based on being created in the image of God.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
PS -- I'm in Essex Junction, Vermont tonight, and I discovered that there's an Uno's Pizzeria in Burlington, VT. I'm a happy guy!
My response --
I doubt if the the word "secular" was even part of their vocabulary.
* Parliament began until very recently with prayer in Jesus' name.
* The Parliament Buildings have Bible verses carved in stone, where it's difficult for secularists to get their hands on them, testifying to the reign of the Messiah.
* Canada's motto "from sea to sea" is an allusion to the coming Messiah's reign.
* Marriage, in keeping with judeo-christian beliefs, was rooted in human biology and the presumptive rights of children, to be born, and raised in a two-parent family consisting of one mother and one father.
* Supreme Court judges to this day invoke God's aid in fulfilling their mandate.
The doctrine of separation of church and state simply means that the Church, as an organization, should not run the state, and, importantly, vica-versa. It does not mean that a state cannot be suffused with values that derive from the religious values and beliefs of its citizens.
If, however, Canada wants to have strict separation of Church and state, then for starters we can
-- abolish all laws against stealing
-- abolish all laws that require persons to make truthful statements (such as tax forms)
-- abolish all laws against murder
-- abolish all laws that contribute to the idea that we are our "brother's keeper" and that we ought to take care of one another
-- abolish all notions that humans have intrinsic worth and dignity -- a particular contribution of judeo-christian thought based on being created in the image of God.
And that's the way the Ball bounces.
PS -- I'm in Essex Junction, Vermont tonight, and I discovered that there's an Uno's Pizzeria in Burlington, VT. I'm a happy guy!
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