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| Know any good doctor jokes? Here are a few of my favorites:
Doctor: I have some bad news and some very bad news.
Patient: Well, might as well give me the bad news first.
Doctor: The lab called with your test results. They said you have 24 hours to live.
Patient: 24 HOURS! That's terrible! WHAT could be WORSE? What's the very bad news?
Doctor: I've been trying to reach you since yesterday.
Doctor: "I've got very bad news. You've got cancer and Alzheimer's."
Patient: "Well, at least I don't have cancer."
I think deep down we all have a side to us that imagines being a doctor. Think about it…as soon as most people feel out of sorts, they cruise to WebMD.com or Google their symptoms before they schedule an appointment. And don’t we love to try to assess and diagnose our friends when they are ill:
Friend: *cough* *cough*
Me: Uh oh, sounds like that could be Swine Flu, or more accurately, the H1N1 virus. Or, maybe you have a rare disease called sarcoidosis.
Friend: What, are you a doctor now?
Me: No, but I watch House, so that’s pretty much the same.
Have you seen House? It’s the critically acclaimed series about an insolent, cynical genius who nails diagnoses like an expert investigator. Sort of a medical CSI meets Sherlock Holmes. Week after week, viewers get to pit their mad internet knowledge against House and watch him unravel the seemingly impossible medical mystery at hand.
House’s ill-mannered character got me thinking about another type of disease, one that is spiritual, not physical. And to many, it’s the biggest mystery of all. The symptoms are loneliness, depression, feelings of worthlessness, and broken relationships. People who suffer from this condition “will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God” (2 Timothy 3:2-4).
Wait, is that a description of House himself? It seems that the diagnosis for the worst disease ever has evaded even the most brilliant doctor. The mystery of this spiritual disease is due to the misdiagnoses and incorrect treatment it’s been given over the years. For centuries, supposed spiritual “experts” have put the blame on poor parenting, bad environments, and chemical imbalances, so the treatment must be therapy and drugs (vicodin anyone?).
But that’s about as effective as House deciding to put a Band-aid on a massive tumor. The heart of the problem lies below the surface, in the heart of House…and you…and me…and everyone on the planet. It doesn’t show up on a PET scan or MRI. The Bible says it looks like this:
Medical Diagnosis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fallen World Syndrome
100% FATAL!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Test results:
For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard (Romans 3:23).
No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.
All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one (Romans 3:10-12).
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth (I John 1:8).
This deadly killer not only debilitates and destroys your life on earth; it has eternal consequences as well—separation from God for all eternity.
But there is great news! The true and permanent cure for our condition is available, and it’s actually a simple process:
Treatment
1. As in most illnesses, the first step towards recovery is to recognize the reality of your condition. You have said wrong things, done wrong things, and thought wrong things, and because of that, you are separated from a perfect and Holy God. (Dear God, I admit I am a sinner...)
2. Acknowledge that your current condition is fatal. (Father, without Your forgiveness, I have no hope in this life or the life to come.)
3. Acknowledge that only the Great Physician's treatment is curative. (I believe Jesus’ death on the cross on my behalf is the only way to receive Your forgiveness.)
4. Take your medicine. (Father, I accept what Jesus did on my behalf...I trust in Him as my only hope of salvation.)
If you’ve been cured, you’ll know what I’m talking about. It’s like coming out of a dark and cold tunnel into a beautiful sunlit paradise where the air is clear and you sense an overwhelming feeling of love and forgiveness.
If you’ve trusted Christ, congratulations! In a spiritual sense, you are now a doctor—an even better one than House. You know the spiritual disease everyone has and what terrible consequences it carries…so what are you waiting for, doc? Get out there and tell people about the cure, before the disease of sin wreaks more and more havoc on the ones you love!
Dare 2 Share Ministries | | |
| Written by Linda Schrock Taylor
Wednesday, 04 November 2009
Yesterday, Doug Hoffman set the stage and turned the tide with his race for NY-23. Naysayers--Democrats and Republicans alike--will argue the point saying, “But he lost!” YEAH-sayers will wisely counter with, “But he almost won!” Hoffman’s run should serve as a green light for third parties; as a call to Everyman. America needs honest candidates with strong ethical principles, and in 2010 HONOR will have its best chance to make a comeback.
Remember typing class from way back when? “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.” The time is certainly now. If Americans will accept the challenge of reclaiming America; of putting it back on its Founding Principles, then this coming year--November 2009 through November 2010--will become the Year of the Constitution, as well as the Year of the Third Party.
Thanks to Doug Hoffman, citizens now have proof that one person can make a difference; can see the opportunity to save America. I encourage everyone to leave your disappointing alliances with Tweedle-Dem and Tweedle-Pub, and join an honorable third party. Get involved; run for offices at every level; campaign with Tea Party vigor, intent, and confidence. Third parties can only offer strong and viable candidates when good people join them and work together to achieve goals. If saving America and reinstating its fine constitution are not worthy goals, then nothing much matters anymore.
For far too long we have let the Career Political Class handle the business of the nation while we worked at our jobs; paid too many taxes; often spent too much money; and generally clocked too many hours in front of our televisions. Speaking of television, I laughed out loud when I saw the ridiculous clip of Obama demonstrating how he could mop up the mess if only people like you and me would get out of the way. As usual, I responded aloud, “Sorry, Barry, but you have no idea how to accomplish such a task. Hercules, you are not.” An outsider lacks the insights; the commitment; the fixer know-how…the ethics needed to re-found this country. It is time that regular citizens turn our attention and energy to following the upright Mr. Smith to Washington. Now Doug Hoffman has demonstrated the way for average citizens to get to Washington.
Progressives have brought America to the brink of destruction with their unconscionable bullying and the never-ending demands of Fabian Socialism. I feel certain that I speak for most of the American people when I say that it is our Right and our Responsibility to leave a constitutional; debt-free; limited government to our children and grandchildren.
We remember the lessons taught in our civics and government classes. We know that America is a “representative republic” rather than a democracy. Third party candidates should run against every congresscritter (my thanks to Claire Wolfe) who has ignored the wishes of the people to vote special interests or party agendas. The time has come to oust any and all Democrats and Republicans who have misused their office and failed to honorably and consistently serve as a representative for their constituents.
Remember ’08 in October? By the millions we repeatedly phoned and wrote to our elected representatives saying “Vote ‘NO’ on the bank bailouts.” One commentator reported that the calls to elected representatives were “running about 50/50. Fifty percent are saying ‘NO!’ and the other fifty percent are saying ‘HELL, NO!’” Congress ignored us and voted to bailout the banks. Should fatigue or discouragement slow your efforts or diminish your commitment…Remember ’08 in October, and remember the courage and determination of Doug Hoffman. Let us keep our power within our states and replace those two parties that are joined at the lip. | | |
| Q. What is an Economic Stimulus payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidge.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is for you to use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?
A. Shut up.
Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the US economy by spending your stimulus check wisely:
• If you spend the stimulus money at Wal-Mart, the money will go to China.
• If you spend it on gasoline, your money will go to the Arabs
• If you purchase a computer, it will go to India.
• If you purchase fruit and vegetables, it will go to Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala.
• If you buy a car, it will go to Japan or Korea.
• If you purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan.
• If you pay your credit cards off, or buy stock, it will go to management bonuses and they will hide it offshore.
Instead, keep the money in America by:
1. spending it at yard sales, or
2. going to ball games, or
3. spending it on prostitutes, or
4. beer or
5. tattoos
(these are the only American businesses still operating in the US) | | |
| By Chuck Baldwin's Son, Tim Baldwin
November 3, 2009
[Note: My son, Tim, writes today's column. He is an attorney who received
his Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University
in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a former felony prosecutor for the Florida
State Attorney's Office and now owns his own private law practice. He is the
author of a soon-to-be-published new book, entitled FREEDOM FOR A CHANGE.
Tim is also regarded as one of America's leading spokesmen for State
sovereignty.]
After the release of my last column "Freedom's Destruction by
Constitutional De-Construction," I received so many responses to my
statement, "The people of the states once again reject this national
form of government and assert and defend the principles of federalism," that
I felt the need to develop this subject more thoroughly. The question I
received was: "How can I choose federalism once again?" Indeed, answering
this question is crucial to injecting a cure for the sickness and illness of
tyrannical, national control over the people of the states. Undoubtedly, we
are going to need an acute dosage to even begin ridding ourselves of the
disease destroying the body of our once-great federation.
The reality is, the answer is not complicated. The more relevant question
will likely be, what portion of the cure(s) must we implement. This will
require a diagnosis of the degree and seriousness of the disease's attack on
our Confederate Republic. Let us analyze briefly the seriousness of the
attack so that we may proportionally and accordingly respond and defend
against the encroachments on our constitutional freedoms, guarantees and
powers.
Keeping in line with my last article and the position that the national
system of government (under which the United States currently operates) is
completely contrary to the federal system that our founders and
Constitution's ratifiers bequeathed to us, a fact is established: We the
People of the United States of America have been denied our natural and
compactual rights under God and the Constitution. Again, how can it be
argued that it is now legally and morally right and proper to do what our
Constitution did not create or authorize? How can freedom exist in a country
where we supposedly believe in the "consent of the governed" when that
consent has been usurped by force? Consequently, our right of defense is
activated.
Make no mistake about this: the US Constitution did NOT create a national
government, but rather created a federal government whereby the states were
coequal with the federal government in the exercise and defense of the
powers granted to them by the people of each State. The founders and
ratifiers of the Constitution expressly rejected the notion that the federal
government has supreme sovereignty. The issue here is not whether there are
"national components" of the procedures in the system, such as voting for
the House of Representatives by the people. We know that the founders
implemented a few elements of national-type procedure in the US
Constitution, just as they did even in the Articles of Confederation.
Rather, the bottom-line issue is, whether the states have coequal power to
exercise and defend their powers--and their citizens--and whether the
Federal government has the power to force the states to accept its own
interpretation and (de)construction of the Constitution. If the union of the
United States was formed by the people of the states in their capacities as
the sovereign of each State, creating a FEDERAL government, then the states
are coequal in power and do have the right to exercise and defend their
powers. If the union of the United States was formed by the whole of the
people as a mass body politic, without regard to the sovereign states,
creating a NATIONAL government, then the states are mere corporations of the
parent company, called the Federal government.
I need not expound the answer to this question here, because I have done so
in numerous other articles before, proving that the union was formed by the
states as states, and not by the people as one nation. The conclusion is
more than provable that the founders and ratifiers of the Constitution did
not create a nation, but created a federation, and actually expected the
states to be the active guardians of freedom for their own people. Thus,
what methods can we use today to once again choose federalism over
nationalism?
There are five basic methods by which the people of the states can counter
the attacks of the federal government's prolonged tyrannical usurpations of
power. They are: (1) Change of Politicians; (2) Checks and Balances; (3)
Constitutional Amendment; (4) Constitutional Convention; and (5) Revolution.
1. Change of Politicians. Alexander Hamilton notes in Federalist Paper 21,
"The natural cure for an ill-administration, in a popular or representative
constitution, is a change of men." This method of cure is no mystery, and
has been the mode of "change" in the US for the past 50 years. Dare I say,
this method has proven to be anything but effectual? Please show me how
changing the Federal government from Republican to Democrat and vice versa
has done ANYTHING to reinstitute our federal form of government, provided by
the Constitution. Both parties in the federal government do absolutely
nothing to revert rightful power to the people of the states. I shall not
waste any more valuable time or words on this ineffectual method. (Then
again, if we had a majority of congressmen such as Ron Paul in Washington,
D.C., we wouldn't be having this discussion to begin with.)
2. Checks and Balances. There are two types of checks and balances: (a)
federal against federal, and (b) State against federal. Since the early
1900s, the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal
government have usurped power from the states. To say that the people of the
states can count on the three branches of the federal government to check
each other in this regard and to maintain a Federal form of government is a
joke. All three branches maintain that they possess the sole power (through
the judiciary) to interpret and construe the Constitution, and that all
others (i.e., the states) must submit thereto. This is in fact the very
definition of nationalism, which the Constitution's ratifiers rejected.
As for the states' check against federal usurpations of power, most ignorant
or disillusioned people would say that they lost that right when the
Confederate States of America lost the Civil War in 1865, and from that
point onward, the states could not check the federal government through
arresting action. They suggest that to conquer equals the right to rule: a
notion completely rejected in American jurisprudence. Time does not allow me
to expand on this erroneous doctrine, so I will simply say, How ludicrous!
The fact is, the Federalist Paper writers expected the states to be the
guardians against federal tyranny. This necessarily meant (as they
expressed) that the states develop actual arms of resistance to such
encroachments. This, of course, shows, once again, the FEDERAL character and
nature of our form of government: the states were not subservient to the
federal government's dictates, but were coequal in power to protect their
own authority and freedoms through their State Constitutions.
Thankfully, we are seeing a current resurgence of State activism to be the
voice and arm of the people to protect and perpetuate the US Constitution.
While the federal v. federal checks and balances have proven to be less than
fruitful, the states today are taking their role more seriously in this
regard, just as our founders and ratifiers demanded. It is this State power
of active and passive nullification and resistance that will once again
protect federalism and freedom in America. Therefore, it is this State power
that affords us the best opportunity to defend liberty and restore
constitutional government, and that we should expend most our energies to
revive.
3. Constitutional Amendment. The US Constitution requires three-fourths of
the STATES to amend the Constitution. Most certainly this is an effective
tool to reverse and prevent evils in government. Our founders expected that
this process would protect freedom and the principles of freedom. However,
as we have seen since 1865, the amendment process has been used only to
increase national power and decrease State power. From the states being
denied power in the Senate, to the income tax and "privileges and
immunities" clause of the fourteenth amendment, the nationalists of the
twentieth century have had their heyday by deepening their squeeze of
national ideals over federal. Ironically, the attack on federalism has come
through the same document protecting our federation: the Constitution. (The
illegality of amendments being used to propagate principles contrary to
freedom and federalism is for another article and discussion.)
That being said: if there were enough states to amend the Constitution to
clarify federal doctrines, limit federal government power, and reinstitute
original State powers, then it most certainly would be beneficial. Praise
the day when such amendments would be ratified.
4. Constitutional Convention. I have heard this method suggested by some in
certain circles of the "patriot movement," and while I understand the
suggestion of calling a constitutional convention to rewrite the
Constitution, I believe that to do so would likely create more problems than
what we are dealing with today. However, there is a caveat, as explained
below.
To convene a constitutional convention, states would have to send delegates
(just as in 1787) for the purpose of discussing and drafting a Constitution.
Not even getting into the legal issues and ramifications inherent in such a
method, a very practical question is raised: Would a majority of the people
convening at such a monumental event even possess the understanding,
knowledge and belief needed to perpetuate and protect the principles of
freedom and federalism? By virtue of what I see throughout the US today, I
venture to say, No. I believe one of the greatest contributions to national
ideals defeating federal ideals is that the people (including on State
levels) do not understand, know or believe in the principles expressed by
our founders and their forefathers.
Thus, to call a constitutional convention would most certainly place us in a
worse situation. That said, there is one positive that could result from
this. If the Constitution were re-written, it would require the ratification
of the states that wanted to join a new union under a new contract
(Constitution). In this case, it very well may provide a way for the people
of the states to decide which path they wanted to take: national or federal.
In other words, those states that yet wanted to live under Federalism and
not Nationalism could reject the new compact and could declare themselves
independent or seek to form yet another compact among like-minded states.
(Of course, this could happen anyway, per number 2 above--even without a
constitutional convention--making any proposed Con Con a dangerous and
unnecessary action.)
5. Revolution. Revolution simply means a change of power. For those who
perceive such a term as being a bad thing, why do they not then demonize the
current illegitimate system of national government, because this current
system is not the one the states ratified back in 1787? If a squatter turns
your property into his, are you not within your rights to remove him, his
family, his friends and his belongings completely from your property?
It is a fact that Americans (nationalists, federalists and even monarchists)
believed in the natural right of revolution--that every generation has the
God-given right to effect change by revolution when change cannot be
reasonably expected and effected through other more peaceful means.
Coming full circle, then: To what degree has the federal government usurped
its powers? This question is crucial because, as our forefathers expressed,
resistance should be enacted proportionally to the usurpation. While there
may be some who think that "it's not all that bad," I suggest that it is
much worse than we think it is. We are at a point today when we are not only
fighting for State sovereignty and a federal system, but we are fighting for
national sovereignty (according to the LAWS OF NATIONS as expressed by
enlightenment philosophers and jurists), against those who desire that the
US become part of the global community.
The evidence around us is beyond reasonable doubt: we the people of the
United States have been fraudulently denied our rights under the laws of
Nature and Nature's God, and under the US Constitution. The rights to resist
this tyranny already exist. The methods to choose federalism and freedom
have their hands out, offering to help us. It is time we choose which method
or methods will best reach the ultimate goal of freedom. And as I said, I
believe a revival of State sovereignty--whereby states are resolved to
exercise the authority they have per the terms of their charter
(Constitution)--is the most attractive and effective method currently
feasible to reclaim federalism and freedom in America.
Note: Visit Tim's web site at:
www.libertydefenseleague.com | | |
| Imagine 6 billion people blacking out simultaneously for 137 seconds and catching a glimpse of their lives 6 months into the future. That’s an awesome concept for a television series. ABC thought so too, as evidenced by their show FlashForward.
I’m not sure I’d really appreciate a glimpse into my future. How about you? Given all the incredible changes that even a day can bring, a six-month life direction snapshot might push me into the land of obsessive/compulsive control freaks.
Then again, a “flash forward” may also be a reminder of the predictable and mundane aspects of life. How the same old, same old might just be the same old stuff on a different day. In my case, I’d probably catch a riveting scene of a hopeful and heavier me reading an article on NFL.com about how the luckless Oakland Raiders might win three or four games next year.
What do you think you’d witness? And even more importantly, what would you want to see? You’re finally dating that hottie or hunk that has given you butterflies since grade school? Or maybe you’re getting a report card that shows an effort and success you never expected or thought possible?
Not to alarm you - or maybe alarm you just a little - but there were real “flash forward” scenes revealed nearly 2,000 years ago. They were not fantasy drama scenarios dreamed up by a human mind. These, rather, were veritable pictures of the final destinations and destinies of all of humankind painted by the very hand of God.
Flash Forward #1 - God’s Throne (Revelation 20:11-15)
And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
This is the “flash forward” for all people who reject God’s free offer of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. Their ultimate end is one of eternal punishment. You can reject this “flash forward” simply because you don’t like it, but that will not change the reality of that heartbreaking day.
Flash Forward #2 - The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15)
For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
On the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
This is the destination for all people who accept God’s free offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. After we trust in Jesus for salvation, we are given an opportunity each day to grow closer in our relationship with Him through prayer and Bible study, and most importantly, through sharing the good news of salvation with those God puts in our path. If we ignore those opportunities, we’ll still get into heaven, but ‘like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames’… In other words, the smell of smoke may be on our eternal clothes! ???
Scary? Yes… Real? Most certainly. But the good news is that you can start living in light of these “flash forwards” today. If you have not trusted in Jesus Christ as your only hope of salvation, do so right now! You do NOT want to be separated from God’s presence for all eternity. If you have trusted Christ, but are living a “On Sunday, I love Jesus, but Monday through Saturday, I party like a rock star” kind of life, you should know that your eternal destiny will be characterized by remembering missed opportunities and regretting your lost rewards.
Here’s a great six-month “flash forward” for you. Picture yourself starting the day with praise to God, asking for the power of the Spirit, and finally taking the step to share the gospel with your friends.
Or maybe you have an even better one?
Bottom line: God’s “flash forwards” are set…what are you going to do about them?
Dare 2 Share Ministries | | |
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