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and journals.
"Common Sense Comments"
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July 27, 2010 Number 235
How Obamacare Will Affect Everyone
Obamacare is a disaster any way you slice it. Sane, common sense thinking Americans know that government
involvement will result in clogging up the system, deteriorating the quality of health care, and raising the cost for
all. Experience truly is often the best teacher and experience tells us, past and present, that politicians in DC do
not know what they are doing most of the time. Most are self serving and controlling and could care less what their
constituents think or want. The DC elites think they know best and all the little people are supposed to just stop
complaining, open wide and take their medicine.
When Hillarycare was almost on the table, back in the 1990's, I wrote a little explanation (Long before Mini
Edition or Dose of Reality) explaining how it would affect everyone. Thankfully, Hillarycare was just a bad nightmare,
from which we all awoke, but not so with Obamacare. I dug this jewel out of the mothballs and now present it, with little
change, as:
How Obamacare Will Affect Everyone: Fully Stated in Medical Terms for the Professional and
Explained For Laymen, in Five Major Steps
1. Extend the phlanges on your right hand (Hold out your fingers on the right hand)
2. Place them carefully on your gluteus maximus (Put your hand on your hip pocket)
3. Remove your pincheon (Take out your wallet)
4. Extract contents with forceps and send to office in sterilized container (Send all money
to the White House in a plain envelope)
5. Notification concerning the results of your specimen will be returned to you after April
15 (You didn't give enough; send more cash)
Caution: Procedure is extremely painful. (Anesthetic recommended)
Note: The above does not apply unless you are a hard working middle class American.
A remedy has been suggested by several common sense practitioners: A purgative administered in
Washington DC.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear). The writings of Joseph Harris are based on his beliefs and views and do not
necessarily reflect the beliefs and views of Southeastern Baptist College.
July 8, 2010 Number 234
Mother
Government
As government continues to grow by leaps and bounds, more demands of ownership are exercised, whether on
the national or state level. This is being seen more and more in some schools around the nation as they shut out parental
influence and claim ownership of the students. One event that has contributed to this usurpation was a 9th Circuit Court of
Appeals decision back in 2005, which stated that parents no longer have exclusive rights concerning the education of their
children. A group of parents sued a certain school district because of a sex survey given to their first graders (coming soon
to a school near you, so don't be shocked). In response, the court stated that parents not only have no voice in what schools
teach, but they also wrote "parents have no due process or privacy right to override the determinations of public schools
as to the information to which their children will be exposed while enrolled as students." That should make you feel warm
and fuzzy inside, if you are a parent. If you are a good parent, it should burn you up.
On the other hand, look at the flip side. Government schools are just laying claim to their "deserved" parental
authority. Take note of how many children today are supported by government. Since government pays for their pre-natal care,
birth, medical insurance, food, etc., why wouldn't the government be considered their mother? Government, through it's many
and varied give-away welfare programs, is the parent of millions of children in this country. It is only natural that government,
through its educational arm would assert its parental authority.
Mother government began conceiving children back in the days of FDR and has remained fertile to the present.
We are well into over 70 years of a government dependent mentality. People think the government is supposed to handle their
retirement through Social Security, additional retirement benefits through Medicaid, provide their daily bread through food
stamp programs, supply insurance through Medicare, and now Obamacare, provide housing through government subsidies, and that's
just naming some of the more well known programs.
The parental government has become a mainstream part of society. Even some law abiding, tax soaked citizens
who work and play by the rules, will try to siphon into government programs to "get back" all they have paid in; after all
it's their money. This type of thinking, at least in part, is derived from the parental government philosophy. However, the
government does not owe social services to we the people. Two generations have had an umbilical connection for so long, they
cannot begin to live and think independently. However, the teat has dried up.
So when I hear of government schools trying to usurp parental authority, I am not surprised. Government has
been playing parent for so long, it is natural for her to lay claim to that in which she has invested.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear). The writings of Joseph Harris are based on his beliefs and views and do not
necessarily reflect the beliefs and views of Southeastern Baptist College.
June 16,
2010 Number 233
Loyal to Principle, Not Party
There are some great champions for conservatism on talk radio and the internet and true
conservatives owe a debt of gratitude for their insight and encouragement. They have captivated the hearts
of millions of listeners who highly esteem their words and wisdom. Their influence has made a difference
in awakening multitudes from their drugged sleep of the opiate of the modern media.
However,
I wish they would stop trying to convince real conservatives that the only option they have in an election is for anyone
with an R attached to their name. I constantly hear how the Republican party needs rebuilding, revamping and revitalizing
as was done under Ronald Reagan, arguably the greatest president in modern American history. He did an outstanding
job in strengthening the party and turning it around. However, we do not have a Reagan today and we certainly do
not have the same quality of party he had to work with. The Democrat party has long been reprobate and incorrigible
with no hope of change. Unfortunately, the Republican party may have finally reached the same state. THIS
IS NOT REAGAN'S REPUBLICAN PARTY. Times have changed and so have people and their values.
When
something is broken, you fix it. When it is broken beyond repair, you replace it. I am tired of being lied to
by Republicans who pretend to "fix" the party long enough to get into office and then after winning, conduct business as usual.
People are FINALLY beginning to wake up to reality. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "The American people are slow to wrath,
but once that wrath is kindled, it burns like a consuming flame." I am hoping and praying this wrath will be kindled
into a fire that burns out the corruption in Washington. Yet, we will continue to hear the "wasted vote" mantra, with
pleas to not abandon the ship, but I for one am tired of plugging the holes on a sinking ship. It's time to sign on
board to another vessel, one that stays true to course and can weather the storms based on conservative, constitutional principles,
not the platitudes of a party.
Again,
I know what Reagan did in his day, but this is a new day. It is time to get out of the past and stop smothering
out a real grassroots movement that is steadily gaining momentum and has the potential to take back this country,
repeal the Marxist healthcare Frankenstein brought to life on 3-21-2010 and replace the liberals in Congress with
sane, common sense average Joes who know what makes this country work, and then safeguard their new found power
with term limits. I constantly hear how a third party will split the conservative vote and elect liberals. The
split vote will come because some conservatives will not shut up about the horrors of a third party, and keep encouraging
real conservatives to vote Republican instead of conservative. If the vote is split, don’t blame real conservatives
who vote their conscience based on principle, not promises.
It
is time to face reality and stop propping up this party dominated by liberal elites. Even now, leadership in the Republican
party is ready to accept the current healthcare monstrosity and try to make the best of it, trim it where possible, "make
it more conservative", cut their losses and go on. They cannot be trusted to repeal it even if becoming the majority
party once again. Not without a transfusion of some new blood. Remember, this is the party that ran John McCain,
and who in their right mind would consider him to be a conservative? If a real conservative with an R attached to their
name, holding to constitutional principles, guided by Biblical values runs for any level of office,
I can vote for them in good conscience, and the vote will be based on principles,
philosophy of government and value system, not on the letter following the name.
The
Republicans proved their impotence when, as the majority party for a brief time, they made no real substantive changes.
The changes made were superficial and short lived. Had they really grabbed the bull by the horns, (or should I
say donkey by the ears?) acted like real conservatives who were concerned about this country and not their own careers, they
would have established policies to cut spending, restore liberty and limit government. They also might still be in power,
since they would have won the respect and loyalty of true conservatives, who are tired of being lied to, taken for a ride,
driven off a bridge and left to drown, in a Kennedy-sort-of way
Real freedom loving, God fearing, patriotic Americans are sick
of liberalism and just as sick of faux conservatives. The Republicans had their chance, but blew it. The authentic
conservatives left in this party are the ones with enough character and sense to see that they need to stop clinging to a
name, heritage, and tradition and be guided once again by principle, not platitudes. It is time to reject those
who only want another term in office and a lucrative retirement. Time is short, freedom is shrinking
and November is getting closer. It's now or never. If a real change is not made in November, then it’s
over for this nation. America, prepare to meet God.
J oseph Harris
is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole,
as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear). The writings of Joseph Harris are based on his beliefs and views and do not
necessarily reflect the beliefs and views of Southeastern Baptist College.
June 10, 2010 Number 232
WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION
An accurate description of society today can be found in II Timothy 3:1-5. This description is not some abstract
statement of an unknown people in an unknown time. I believe it accurately and prophetically describes the time in which we
live today. Who can argue with such words and phrases describing men as “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,
proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers”
and this is only a partial list. Every one of these “qualities” can be located daily from a compilation of
newspapers.
One phrase that stands out as especially true and descriptive is “without natural affection.”
The word natural is derived from the word nature which has to do with “the inherent or essential qualities
of anything,” to give a dictionary definition. To have affection for someone means to cherish that person. This
phrase is also found in Romans 1 with reference to homosexuals who are without natural affection for the opposite sex. Having
natural affection is the norm, as in a male having natural affection for a female, a female having natural affection for a
male, and a parent having a natural affection for his or her children. In other words, it’s just the natural thing,
or that which is expected and normal. Anything contrary to that which is natural, is unnatural, naturally.
Though the Bible never mentions the word abortion, it does speak of murder and shedding of innocent blood.
The phrase “without natural affection” in II Timothy 3:3 can also describe the feeling of a mother toward
a child she may want aborted. In the animal kingdom, most mothers have an intense desire to protect their young, to
the point of the mother putting her own life on the line. With animals, this is called instinct. The mother doesn’t
think about it or have to be taught to protect her young. She just does it, therefore it is natural.
All human mothers have a God-given desire to protect their young, whether inside or outside the womb. To
dislike, even hate a child to the point of murdering the child, is to be without natural affection. But God places a natural
affection within the heart of every parent. The same can be said of any father who might abuse or kill his children. He is
without natural affection. Simply put, it is natural for him to love and protect his children, and unnatural to hate and abuse
them. The result of any mother who rejects or denies this God-given natural affection is guilt and frustration, which explains
why so many mothers who have had their children killed through abortion, eventually need some kind of emotional or psychological
counseling. They also need forgiveness from God for committing the sin of murder.
As the ungodly “celebrate” decades of killing the innocent and helpless, may God have
mercy on America and raise the awareness of this current generation concerning the horrible holocaust that has been taking
place in the name of choice, because of the lack of natural affection.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS .
(This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear). The writings of Joseph Harris are based on his beliefs and views and do not
necessarily reflect the beliefs and views of Southeastern Baptist College.
April 23, 2010 Number 231
What Exploded?
Shades of Carl Sagan! The master storytellers just keep on spinning their
yarns. Now "Ida", the missing link has been found, according to a National Geographic News story on nationalgeographic.com.
Notice examples of the unsure language found throughout the article: "missing link" (they placed it in quotation marks),
"suggests", "the closest thing", "lemur-like skeleton", "primate-like", "looks like", "big gap", "unsure". Also, there
are some unsure sentences in the article. One thing is for sure: they do not sound very sure about this new discovery.
By the way, there is a reason the missing link has not been found: you can't find what doesn't exist. All this
reminds me of the big bang theory with its “Long, long ago, in a galaxy far away . . .,” beginning.
We have heard again and again the tired old tale of everything being created by a huge explosion about
13 to 14 billion years ago. And it’s presented as unchallenged truth. I have always liked science fiction, but please:
Darth Vader and Mr. Spock sound more believable than the big bang THEORY.
Several years ago, scientists found “evidence” of when starlight
first penetrated the jet black darkness of the lifeless universe billions of years ago. By looking through their super telescopes,
they can see time as it was billions of years ago in light years. Notice how they throw “millions” and “billions”
of years around, as if they were talking about minutes. Never mind solid, empirical evidence. You are just supposed to believe
their words because their answer to the origin of the universe has GOT to be truth. Case closed. Why? Because
they are scientists and are therefore, infallible.
Science insists on empirical evidence for everything, except when certain
scientists want to pick and choose. Empirical means observable, or in layman’s terms, it can be reproduced before the
eyes. Sounds like that leaves out the big bang THEORY and the human evolution THEORY, for starters.
Robert Becker, a professor of physics at UC Davis, was once quoted as saying
in the Associated Press, “It took a long time for gravity to get its act together and start clumping the gas
together . . .” and he was talking about the formation of stars. Notice, he almost personifies gravity with intellect
and volition, and the ability to create. If only Robert would keep searching, he might reach the God of gravity,
and hit pay dirt.
I think the most unanswerable and important question in the big bang
THEORY is: What Exploded? Logic demands an answer to this question
of: “If something exploded, what was it that exploded?” Maybe more importantly, where did it come from? The big bang doesn’t answer the question of origin. It simply does, as the book
of Genesis, make an emphatic statement of existence. “In the beginning GOD . . ..” I am honest enough to
admit that both the Genesis account and the big bang THEORY require faith, but at least Genesis names GOD as the first cause
and admits faith is necessary, whereas the big bang just leaves you hanging.
“IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH.” Genesis 1:1
Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted
in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear). The writings of Joseph Harris are based on his beliefs and views
and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and views of Southeastern Baptist College.
April 7, 2010 Number 230
November’s
Coming!
To the President and Congress of the United Socialist States of America,
As you sit there feeling smug over your
latest cramming job down the throats of We the People, enjoy it while you can. November’s coming! You act like you are
really convinced that YOUR healthkill bill was wanted by the majority of Americans. Do you really believe that or do you just
not care? Maybe, just possibly, in your arrogance, you really do think it is what we need. I am convinced that in your ego-centric
minds, you think that we as Americans are stupid and do not know what we need and have to have our diapers changed and meals
prepared. Harry Reid is so blind, he cannot see or “understand” to put it in his words, why people are so upset.
Over 10,000 people showed up in protest against him in his own state, then 100 showed up in support when he announced his
bid for re-election. And he can’t see what is obvious. All of you people in Washington are blinded by self interest,
self ambition and self enrichment. Harry Reid is so blind, he couldn’t find a bowling ball in a bathtub. Remember, November
is coming!
The socialists in the White House and
in Congress decided years ago to withhold a portion of our hard earned money for our retirement, called Social Security, and
then give it back to us in increments when we retire, since we are so unable to handle our own money and make preparation
for the future. I guarantee the majority of Americans would have invested or at least preserved what you have confiscated
from them over the years and fared much better with it than you have done with the “Lock Box” you have placed
it in. By the way, we are not stupid in this matter and know the lock has been picked and the box is empty. What did you do
with our money? November is coming!
We are tired of the cramming rod. We
do not want cap and trade. We do not want to be told what kind of light bulbs to buy. You are counting on our short memory
before November, but our memory has been lengthened by anger and outrage. Understand, we are not just irritated, or mad, or
ticked off. We are red hot livid to the point of explosion. The tea parties you are seeing are real and the numbers are growing
by leaps and bounds daily. November is coming!
Here is our promise. We promise to work
just as hard, even harder than you did to pass the healthkill bill, to make sure you are not re-elected. But unlike you, we
will follow the rules and play by the book. No back room deals, no extortion, no threats of violence, just the threat that
you will not be seated again in your office. We are willing to work long hours, even consider spending money we do not have
(you should be familiar with that) to ensure you are in the employment line. November is coming!
In closing, we say thanks. Thanks for
the wake up call. We have been asleep far too long, lulled by the promises of Democrats and Republicans who have both spent
like mad, (TARP) and grown government to its largest size ever. There is no question about replacing the liberals, but the
so called conservatives need to get the boot also. Real conservatives are tired of being courted, lied to, taken for a ride,
then locked in a closet and ignored, until the next election. You blew it. Pack your bags, We the people, the real Americans,
your bosses, have spoken. November
is coming!
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear). The writings of Joseph Harris are based on his beliefs and views and do not
necessarily reflect the beliefs and views of Southeastern Baptist College.
March 10, 2010 Number 228
The Good Ole
Days of Common Sense
Looking back over some of my old writings, I came across "It Ain't Right", which was taken from Mini Edition
number 3. This edition was a commentary on a decision made by the San Francisco City Council to pay for sex change operations
for city employees. I made reference to the theme song from the old 70's show "All in the family", starring that ever lovin’
bigot, Archie Bunker. I never cared much for Archeeeee (as pronounced by Edith) but was intrigued by the song. "Those Were
the Days" was written by Lee Adams and Charles Strouse, composers of many Broadway musical numbers. The song is anything but
politically correct, which is why I probably like it. Archie and Edith never did sing all the verses, so here is the entire
set of lyrics:
Boy the way Glenn Miller played, songs that made the Hit Parade
Guys like us, we had it made Those
were the days.
Didn't need no welfare state, everybody pulled his weight
Gee, our old La Salle ran great Those were
the days.
And you knew where you were then girls were girls, and men were men
Mister, we could use a man like Herbert
Hoover again.
People seemed to be content, fifty dollars paid the rent
Freaks were in a circus tent, Those were
the days.
Take a little Sunday spin, go to watch the Dodgers win
Have yourself a dandy day that cost you under a
fin.
Hair was short and skirts were long, Kate Smith really sold a song
I just don't know what went wrong, those
were the days.
Let's examine some of the statements in this outdated song.
Girls were girls and men were men, is an absolute statement. There is nothing relative about gender. Some
colleges are offering gender neutral dorms for those students who are not sure of what they are. Talk about confusion. There
are some things that just can't be questioned and gender is one. There is a reason why "Male" or "Female" is designated on
a birth certificate. When the Bible as the absolute authority from an absolute God was abandoned, relativism was the only
road left to be taken.
Freaks used to be in a circus tent. Now they are alive and well on the street and standing with you in
the check-out line at Wal-Mart. Say what you want, but any boy with earlobes containing holes big enough to pass a marble
through, is a freak (which is defined as “oddly different from what is usual and normal“ in the dictionary). However,
to be sensitive, instead of calling them freaks, I will refer to them as alternative people.
We didn't need a welfare state because everybody pulled his weight. Now, the working few support the undeserving
many, with the prospect of their numbers growing faster than you can say "Si".
Hair was short and skirts were long. And what's wrong with short hair on men and long skirts
on women? Oh I know it's outdated, but masculinity and modesty are always in vogue in God's fashion manual. The often repeated
adage, "America is an insane asylum run by the inmates" is still true. Maybe even more than ever. Fasten your seatbelts. Culturally,
we ain't seen nuthin’ yet.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear).
February 25, 2010 Number 227
Too Big For My Britches
We have all experienced it, or will. That sickening feeling when the snap won't
snap, the button won't reach or the belt has to be buckled in a new hole. It may happen from eating too much, exercising too
little, a combination of both or just growing a little older. Some give heredity as the reason, a solution I have fled to
for refuge. Nevertheless, the feeling of tight fitting clothes is physically uncomfortable, not to mention, emotionally scarring.
There is another way we also get “too big for our britches” (to use
a good ole Southern expression). It's when we think we have arrived, we know it all, and get full of ourselves. In other words,
being too big for our britches means we are full of self and pride. I remember stretching my independence as an early teen
and sassing my mother. Her exact words were, "You are getting too big for your britches" followed with a slap on the face
in public. It was amazing how quickly my britches got back down to the right size. She took my belt up a notch.
Sometimes in life we begin to think we are doing great and mighty things, especially
for God. We begin to take credit for His work and His blessings, forgetting that we are only the conduit through which He
flows and gives blessings. When this happens to me, I try to remind myself of that planting and watering thing Paul spoke
of in I Corinthians. One person plants, another waters, but God grows the plant.
When someone tells you what a great sermon or lesson you gave or what a great
musical rendition you just delivered, beware, lest you begin believe them. You might actually think you were responsible for
doing something great. It is at this point that our britches begin getting a little snug. An important phrase I find in the
book of Acts is "and God added to the church" speaking of the church at Jerusalem. The inspired writer gave God the credit
for church growth. I wonder which church growth seminar they attended? Maybe they were just full of the Spirit, matched by
a holy life and spoke the word of God with boldness, witnessing and winning folks everywhere they went, because they just
didn't know any better. One thing is for certain; God was responsible for the growth.
I present over 100 preaching, teaching and illusion programs, Christian education
seminars, revivals, etc., each year in churches, at camps and retreats, in several states. There are professions of faith
each year. I have no idea how many, since I do not keep a record. That's God's business, and I keep horrible records anyway.
If I kept a tally of how many professions were made each year, I might begin thinking I was a spiritual giant. I am in touch
with myself enough to know my pride doesn't need any encouragement to grow. I have to beat it down constantly. There is nothing
like a good dose of scripture to deflate ego.
Just when things are going well and God's blessings are evident, beware lest you steal His thunder.
He is the potter, we are the clay. I have never seen a bowl make itself on the potter's wheel. The Master's hands are required
for the shaping and He produces the finished product. "For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" Ephesians 2:10 "I (Paul) have planted, Apollos watered,
but God gave the increase" I Corinthians 3:6.
I wrote a poem back in 1993 that speaks of someone who thought they had arrived. Here
it is:
Mr. Know-It-All
Little Johnny lay a thinking when he heard his mother call,
“Get up, today’s the day, don’t be late
Johnny Hall.”
Today was Johnny’s big day, first time to go to school,
His mom told him to learn a lot and keep the golden rule.
But Johnny, he thought different, at six he knew it all.
“No use for me to even go” said little Johnny
Hall.
They try to teach you English, well I done learned to talk,
My Mama showed me what to say as soon as I could walk.
And writ’in, so they tell me, can be a great big need,
But all the folks who I could write ain’t never learned
to read.
History is a bore, it sure ain’t very fun,
Who wants to study dead folks and what they lived and done.
‘rithmetic with all them numbers, makes my head to
spin,
No use to learn so many, when all you need is ten.
No sir, that school, it ain’t for me, said little
Johnny Hall,
No use for me to even go when I done know it all.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel,
MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
February 4, 2010 Number 226
The
Desecration of Granny
I am old fashioned. I'm a fuddy duddy. I am square and proud of it. I have expectations
about certain things. I expect people to be kind, decent, compassionate, and
friendly. Men should be masculine, decisive and brave. Women should be feminine, sweet and supportive. I expect children to
be obedient and respectful. And Grandmothers should be, well.... Grandmotherly.
I was flying back from a speaking engagement in Nebraska a few years ago and
saw this sweet old Grandmother on board the plane. She was with her son or grandson and he had the typical thug look. Tattoos
were all over his head and arms, with multiple piercings on the face and who knows where else. Grandma had silver hair, a
crocheted shawl with tassels, a blue flower print dress, white socks and tennis shoes. Oh, and one other thing; a colorful
tattoo right above one of her ankles. I was shocked, and I don't shock easily. The tattoo was inconsistent with Grandma's
overall appearance. It was as out of place as a piano at a Church of Christ convention.
Whatever happened to the cookie-baking-garden-making Grandmothers(to quote my wife)?
My Grandmother, who was born in 1899, was from the old school. Liquor, tobacco and cursing were never associated with
her lips. She always dressed modestly, and never wore "men's britches" as she called them. She was a Godly example for her
children and grandchildren. When staying with her in the summer time, my sisters and I always attended every service of revival
meeting at Vardaman Street Baptist Church. They had a strange habit of meeting early for morning services. Each morning service
began around 6:00 am, so people would have time to go to church before going to work. Grandma always pulled me out of bed
for these services. We did not miss a one.
The typical Grandmother of today is a far cry from yesterday. Today's Grandma is usually
more concerned about her appearance and itinerary, instead of nurturing a relationship with her grandchildren. Now you modern
Grandmothers hold on before you get your feathers in a huff. I am not saying today's Grandmothers have to fit the exact visual
stereotype of my Grandmother. There are some Grandmothers who are younger in their "grandmaternity" than my Grandmother, and
some dress or act their age, others do not. A Grandmother can still by stylish, yet dress appropriately and in modesty. Many
of today's Grandmothers are more concerned about looking young and "relating" to their grandchildren. Grandchildren do not
need a big sister, they need a Grandmother. Grandmothers should be Godly, dress modestly, and exemplify Christ in all they
do.
In the Bible, Timothy was a great preacher who was strongly influenced by his Mother,
Eunice and his Grandmother Lois. The unfeigned faith Paul spoke of, which dwelt in Timothy, was found "first in Lois....",
his Grandmother . It was then passed on to grandson Timothy through his mother, but Grandmother Lois is given the credit.
Lois is an example of a Godly Grandmother who left a heritage that inspired for generations.
I know I am an old fashioned fuddy duddy, out of step with the times, but hey, I got
it honestly. It's part of the heritage left to me by my Grandmother and I wouldn't trade it for the world. God bless Godly
Grandmothers.
Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted
in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
Politically Incorrect Limericks by Joseph Harris
No Wonder
The media keep peddling mush
If you question they tell you to hush
Their ratings keep sinking
Their “fairness” is stinking
No wonder folks tune in to Rush.
Feminists
When it comes to a woman’s choice
The feminists shout and rejoice
For the woman’s great right
In her expectant plight
But the baby inside has no voice.
Common Sense Sex
When your time has come for a mate
And you go to look for a date
God made Adam and Eve
Not Adam and Steve
Common sense will help keep you straight.
Windbags
From both parties it seems there’s no end,
It’s always the same, tax and spend,
We may have our say
Come election day,
We change bags, but still get the same wind.
December 10, 2009 Number 225
A Fairy Tale of Profiling
Once upon a time, not so far away, in the mystical land of Political Correctness,
a bank was bombed. Many people were hurt, and some were killed. There was indisputable proof as to the kind of person
who did the bombing. The bomber was a red-haired, freckled face male, who drove a blue pickup truck. Now in the Kingdom of
PC, there lived a gang of red-haired, freckled face men with blue pickup trucks. It was also known that some in
this group were bombers. And remember, it was a red-haired, freckled face man who drove his blue pickup full of explosives
into the bank and blew it up. There was also a track record of past bombings showing that 99.9 % of all bombings
over the past several years had been carried out by red-haired, freckled face men in blue pick ups.
The rulers and the police of the Kingdom of Political Correctness believed that
the red-haired, freckled face gang might bomb again, and began stopping and questioning and searching all red-haired, freckled
face men in blue pickups. Now, not all red-haired, freckled face men in blue pickups were a part of this bombing gang.
Some were tax paying, law abiding, legitimate citizens of the Kingdom of PC. But how were the police to know who was who without
investigation? Lawsuits were enacted and Politically Correct Television (PCTV) and the Council on Red-Haired Relations
(C.R.H.R.) began to yell, scream, kick and cry about how unfair it was to profile and target red-haired, freckled face
men in blue pickups.
Soon, the police began to detain and question only blonde-haired, blue eyed females
who drove red pickups. Well, everybody felt better then, except blonde-haired, blue eyed females in red pickups, but who cared,
as long as the red-haired, freckled face men in blue pickups, and their lawyers, and PCTV were happy. After all, happiness
and peace and the preservation of a few people’s rights, (over the rights of the majority) is all that’s
important, right?
Oh, yeah, the conclusion of this tale. More banks were bombed, more lives lost
and the rulers and the police of the kingdom and the kingdom itself were identified as the bad guys. Morale was devastated,
the economy sunk, and the kingdom collapsed. But hey, at least they got rid of that nasty, offensive profiling thing.
No one seemed to notice that the kingdom had lost one of it’s most precious commodities: common sense.
Moral of this tale: ALWAYS use common sense in any situation. With the current
threat on our national security, SOME profiling is a must. Profiling guided by common sense protects all and discriminates
against none. Remember the words of Lester Rolloff: “America has become an insane asylum, run by the inmates.”
Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted
in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
December 3, 2009 Number 224
Blue Christmas
That giving time of the year is here. You know, the time churches prepare fruit baskets
and meals for the less fortunate. After all, that's what we as Christians are supposed to do, right? Right!
But what about the other 11 months of the year? Your Christianity is small if the only time you practice Christian
charity is at the end of the year.
I once read an article that stated more people are depressed the few weeks following Christmas than
any other time of the year. The article also said the suicide rate was actually higher during this time. I don't
know how valid these claims are, but it makes sense.
I am sure there is more giving in December than any other time of the year. We are more likely to throw
some change into the Salvation Army bucket or pass the hat to help deprived children. And the truth is, we are actually
happier when giving than when receiving. Notice the words of the Apostle Paul when quoting the words of Jesus in Acts
20:35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Receiving gifts brings temporary happiness, but falls short of the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction
coming from helping others who are truly in need. Here's what happens: people give, give, give, during the Christmas
season and actually feel happy from their giving. They may not even realize how happy they are from the giving and make
the connection. But then Christmas ends, their giving ends, and depression sets in. They move from the mountain
top of giving, the fullest expression of their Christianity, back to the valley of selfishness of their old life, for the
next 11 months. The secret for happiness is giving all 12 months of the year.
We are more like God when giving than any other time, since giving is an expression of love. True love
always gives. Do not be fooled by counterfeit love which never gives but is always willing to receive. People
in need in December have the same needs year round. So be a 12 month giver and give, give, give. It's Christian,
it's American (Americans are the most giving people in the world) and it's the right thing to do. And you just
might avoid a blue Christmas. "For God so loved the world that HE gave...." John 3:16
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name
Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
November 18, 2009 Number 223
The First Non Black African-American President
Truth is not hard to find and is available for those who dare to seek and accept
it. The opponents of truth use any and all means to suppress and change truth. Concerning the subject of
this writing, Marxists, and liberals will play the race card and accuse me of racism, since these statements of
truth are concerning their untouchable golden child, Barack Hussein Obama. As I have stated in the past, remarks
about race are not racist. I could care less about race concerning this president. I am concerned about his Marxist
policies. I do, however, believe race was used in an appeal to vote for him and "make history" based on his racial background.
Concerning President Barack Hussein Obama I have two defining statements of truth:
First, Barack Obama is not the first Black American president.
Some voted for him to help "make history" by electing the first Black president and actually think he is the first Black president.
This "fact" has been shouted so much that no one questions it and if you speak to the contrary, people wonder which planet
you are from. Why does everyone think he is Black? Is it because he has certain physical characteristics?
Is it because his wife is Black? Is it because he attended a Black church in Illinois? Or is it because one of
his parents was Black?
And the answer is: because one of his parents was Black. Well, here
is a cold, hard fact: since his father was Black and his mother was White, then Obama is bi-racial, and neither
Black nor White. Bi-racial means, according to Websters: [biracial- bi·ra·cial,
adjective, consisting of or involving two races, esp. blacks and whites. Websters
New World Dictionary, Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.] In other words, he
is not the first Black president, he is the first bi-racial president. Period. End of discussion. It's not
up for debate. His father was Black, his mother was White, therefore he is neither Black or White, but both. Liberals
cannot stand any redefining of Obama that does not fit their agenda, especially when pertaining to race, and they will
immediately call me racist for speaking the truth. But truth is truth. Shoot the messenger if you will, but the
truth remains. He is the first bi-racial president.
If anyone wants to push the issue, the case could be made that he is actually
White. He was reared primarily by his White mother and later his White grandmother and exposed more to White culture.
And if you follow the ancient Semitic tradition, ethnicity is passed on from the mother, not the father. This is why
young Timothy, student of the Apostle Paul, was considered to be Jewish and not a Gentile. His father was a gentile
Greek, but his mother was Jewish, therefore, he was Jewish. This is also why the "seed of the woman" is referred
to in Genesis 3, concerning the offspring of Adam and Eve. Here, the woman was referred to as has having seed
and not the man.
Second, Barack Obama just may be the first African-American president.
Since there is no long form birth certificate from Hawaii available for inspection, he could have been born anywhere.
He could have been born in Hawaii and he just could have been born in Washington state and he could have
just as likely been born in Kenya, as some maintain. The bottom line: we don't know. We know what he has
said and what others have said, but we actually know nothing that can be documented. I really hope that he was
born in Hawaii, in order to avoid a constitutional crisis (as if anyone cares about the constitution anymore), but I do not
KNOW that he was born in Hawaii. And his birthplace is an important issue. IF he was born in Kenya,
then we do have the first African-American president, since Kenya is on the continent of Africa. Of course, then
he would be a usurper and disqualified from the office, and therefore cease being the first African-American president.
Conclusion: it is not possible to have a real African-Born-American president or anyone foreign born, for that matter.
Looks like foreigners just can't win............the presidency that is.............or can they?
Here's a question. If a white person born in South Africa, which is
definitely on the continent of Africa, moves to the US and becomes a citizen, what is their classification? Do
they then become an American or an African-American? Again, the cold, hard answer: they are African-American, since
they are originally from Africa, regardless of color. Just something to think about.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS.
(This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
October 20, 2009
Number 222
Modern Patriot’s Declaration of Truth
We the people are tired of being told what to
think and what we should tolerate, condone and endorse. We are tired of seeing Christianity bashed, God blasphemed, perversion
praised, and prayer and religion expelled from public and government life. We are fed up with Greenpeace, animal rights and
all manner of environmental wackism. We are disgusted with so called racism, “inequality” of rights and multi-culturalism.
We are sick of government programs funded by over taxation that reward the lazy and immoral and perpetuate misery, ignorance
and crime. We have simply had it with crooked politicians who refuse to accurately represent their constituents, but pander
to lobbyists while padding their pockets. We want the ACLU, NEA, NOW and every other liberal, God-hating, freedom destroying
group to back off and realize they DO NOT speak for the backbone of this country, but represent a liberal fringe minority.
We are at the end of our patience with appointed judges who rewrite the Constitution, then shove their distorted interpretation
down the collective American throat, through the “omnipotent power” of their federal bench. We are going broke
paying through the nose to support a government education program that falls more behind each year, educates few, disciplines
none, and frustrates many. It is God, not government who will fix our problems. May we turn to Him.
-Joseph Harris-
J oseph Harris
is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may
be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
Note: To receive 10 or 20 free copies of this Declaration of Truth on printed, laminated sheets 8
1/2 X 5 1/2 absolutely free, request at joharris@comcast.net with your mailing address included. Absolutely no cost to you.
Postage is even paid. The goal is to get the message out. Pass them out at church, to friends, on the street,
anywhere. jhh
Joseph Harris is the sole writer of Mini Edition. He has been in the ministry
since 1982 and pastored for 24 years. He is also the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in
Laurel, MS, where he has served on the faculty since 1987. His writings have been published in the Mississippi
Baptist, Sword of the Lord, Pulpit Helps, Arkansas Democrat, and online at Worldnetdaily, New Media Journal,
The Conservative Journal, The Land of the Free and many others. Joseph
has also written Sunday School and Christian Growth curriculum for the Baptist Publishing House in Texarkana, TX. Apart
from his ministry work at the college, Joseph teaches through various methods, presenting scripture and Bible principles through
a ministry magic program of illusions, speaks to young, middle and senior adult groups with an original program of comedy,
song parodies and voice impressions, conducts Christian Education workshops, speaks on the Israeli/Palestinian Issue and provides
pulpit supply, averaging over 100 appointments each year.
October 15, 2009 Number 221
STEM
CELL RESEARCH
The real issue about stem cell research is not usually discussed when the issue comes up. The issue
is not about finding a cure for diseases and infirmities. The issue is not about whether to use fertilized embryos that will
never be implanted in a uterus. The real issue is about when life begins and whether anyone other than God has the
right to play God.
If life doesn’t begin at conception, then when? To some, it may seem radical to believe that a fertilized
human egg is more than just a microscopic clump of human tissue or matter (what’s radical is to believe that a baby
is not a human life until it sees the light of day at birth). It is certain that a fertilized egg one day old, or a cluster
of stem cells, at six days, is not a developed, formed human being. But does that mean it is still not human life? And if
it is life (which it certainly is), doesn’t that mean that whoever chooses what happens to it is playing God? Let me
answer. YES!
We have seen Michael J. Fox and Christopher Reeve, before his death, paraded in front of the news cameras
to pull on the compassion strings of our hearts. A cure for these guys, and others, would be great. But at what price? It
is never right to do wrong. It is wrong to do wrong in order to do right. However, a society guided by a philosophy
of situational ethics has fine tuned the art of justifying murder and calling it choice or freedom
and now with the issue of stem cells, it can be called research.
So now murder is research for the good of all, at the expense of the helpless, and don’t think this
technology won’t expand to using whoever it needs at whatever age to experiment, given enough time and defusing of the
American people. Eugenics is just around the corner.
If I one day become confined to a wheelchair for whatever debilitating reason, don’t you dare take
another person’s life for a slim, unknown chance of curing me. One person’s life is just as valuable and sacred
as another person’s life, because we are all made in the image of God. God is the One who gives life and is supposed
to be the One to take it. Liberals believe in taking money from the “haves” and giving to the “have nots.”
We shouldn’t be surprised when we see their health redistribution philosophy is consistent with their wealth redistribution
philosophy.
So, here is the answer to stem cell research. Tread lightly and use common sense and reverence when dealing
with human life. Period. The end never justifies the means. All the potential good that may come from the research does
not outweigh violating God’s commandment to respect human life.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name
Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
September 24, 2009 Number 220
What Is Truth?
The Roman Procurator, Pilate asked the question, "What is truth?" The average,
sane, level headed common sense person of today should be able to answer this question, as well as give some qualities of
truth. One of my college professors, Dr. Elmer Towns, used to say, "Truth is that which is consistent with itself and corresponds
to reality." Webster gives these thoughts for a definition of truth: "The real state of things; the body of real events or
facts; CORRECTNESS."
Since God is the first cause of all things, He sets the standard for truth. All
truth ultimately comes from Him. If God says something is right, it is. If He says it is wrong, it is. But man does not always
agree with God. Truth stands on its own, but never apart from God. Notice also truth is absolute, not relative. The presence
of truth demands the existence of that which is false. If something is true, then the opposite of that truth is a lie. One
of the first truths uttered by God to man was absolute, concerning death by disobedience in eating of the forbidden fruit.
Satan tried to counter the truth of God with his "yea hath God said...?" statement, which has been repackaged and used on
man millions of times since Eden.
Truth is absolute, else it cannot be truth. Truth cannot be conditional. Every
time a law is broken or enforced, it is a statement of absolute truth. When truth becomes relevant because of time, culture
or situation, it loses authority and becomes a servant, not a master. When any act can be wrong for me, but right for you,
there can be no order or structure in society. Murder, theft, adultery, etc. can be justified. How can we know the truth of
what is right or wrong for a society? What sets the standard for that which is considered legal or illegal, and what is the
standard for punishment? If emotion or outcome determines right or wrong, then nothing can be ultimately right or wrong, anarchy
is the result and no one has to adhere to any laws or principles, since no act can be said to be wrong, malicious, immoral,
degrading, sinful or illegal.
The existence of moral law demands the existence of a lawgiver. Either man has
given the law or it came from another source. If man gave it, then it is not absolute, for it can be changed by man. If the
consciousness of right and wrong came from another source, then who, or what, or where is that source? If it came from a source
higher than man, then the law transcends man, and man cannot alter it.
In almost all societies world wide, it is usually wrong to steal, kill, defraud,
etc. In other words, every culture has standards of conduct considered to be good or bad. Where did these standards originate?
Even atheistic humanists will usually admit it is wrong to steal, kill, etc. Where did they get this awareness of right and
wrong? What is their standard of measurement? This universal awareness came from God, who put his law in the heart of all
men to give them a general revelation of Him as creator who is also the divine law giver.
If there is a law and it is broken, then what? Is there accountability and punishment?
The accountability is to God first, then man. Notice what Joseph said in the book of Genesis when he refused to commit adultery
with the wife of Potiphar: "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" If there is an absolute law
higher than man, there must be a lawgiver higher than man and if man breaks His law, man is accountable to Him. And now we
have the rest of the story. Man rejects absolute truth as a higher law, thereby denying a higher power, resulting in denial
of accountability to the divine judge of the universe. Conclusion? Man can now sin freely.
With the denial of a higher moral law, given by the divine law giver, the stage
is set to create your own truth. Abortion is no longer seen as murder, but birth control or a woman's choice. Being male or
female is no longer an absolute, determined by God at conception and validated at birth, but gender can now be chosen by the
person. And since no person is necessarily male or female, then anyone can now choose which gender they want to marry, that
is, if the other person has determined their gender. If neither has determined their own gender, then whoever, can marry whatever,
and become who knows what. (Can’t you just hear that pronouncement by the preacher, "You may now kiss whatever you determine
your groom-bride-thing to be.") Stealing is no longer wrong. Redistribution of goods is acceptable if one has more than another,
especially if the one lacking was born into poverty, the wrong ethnic background, etc..
People in the media tell us what is truth and what we should believe. Pseudo-Science
creates truth and tells us the earth is billions of years old, that it came from nothing with no design, and is slowly getting
better and better. And you should believe it, because it's in a textbook.
Before taking the stand of testimony in court, a witness has to swear to, "Tell
the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God" which is revealing. Notice, this oath is a confession
of man's depravity and his dependence upon God for help in telling the truth. And man certainly needs help in being truthful.
A good perspective on truth is found in this old Hebrew prayer: "From the cowardice
that shrinks from new truths; from the laziness that is content with half truths; and from the arrogance that thinks it knows
all truth; Oh God of truth, deliver us."
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
September 17, 2009 Number 219
Culturally Accepted, Scripturally Rejected
Interpretations of scripture are wide and varied. That which is as "plain as the nose on your
face" to one person, is sometimes impossible to see by another person. Personally, I know the world would be a much better
place if everyone just saw things my way. I know I would be happy. But now let's come back to reality. Background, training,
environment, bias and spirituality affect understanding, perception and interpretation.
Concerning interpretation of the Bible, known formally as Hermeneutics, perception, based on
presupposition is important. If the Bible is not viewed as being an independent authority, it has no authority. In other words,
doctrine cannot be interpreted culturally. If current human culture is the basis of the final understanding of a passage,
then the meaning of the passage changes as culture changes. This type of Bible interpretation is known as cultural relativism.
This view teaches that specific commands in scripture are not as authoritative as the actual principle found in the command.
The command becomes "culturally bound" or only good for the culture of the people to whom it was originally written, so only
the principle is what lives on and can be used.
(1) This is how abortion, otherwise known as the senseless slaughter of innocent babies, can be justified.
In other words, when Jesus said, "Thou shalt do no murder", the real principle, which transcends the prohibition on
murder, is the principle of respecting another human life, which would only be a fully formed human outside the womb. With
this line of reasoning, it would be disrespectful to the mother, and a violation of her rights, to remove her option of choice.
Did you get that logic? To remove her choice of whether or not to murder, is to disrespect her and after all, that is really
what this whole "Thou shalt not murder" thing is about, in principle. This interpretation allows murder, since the higher
prohibition is against disrespect. So to remove choice from the mother is to disrespect her, but removing life from the baby
is not disrespecting the baby. The times, they are-a-changing and though murder today is culturally acceptable, it is still
scripturally rejected.
(2) Homosexuality is becoming culturally acceptable more and more as society becomes de-sensitized to this
abnormality. Men do not fit with men physically or emotionally. Women do not fit with women physically or emotionally. Though
the Bible does have something to say about homosexuality, people do not want to hear the truth. Both the Old and New Testaments
condemn it plainly, but an interpretation based on a higher principle says that infidelity in a relationship is wrong, not
homosexuality itself, regardless if the relationship is heterosexual or homosexual. In other words, fidelity in a monogamous
homosexual union would be acceptable today, though it was unacceptable in Paul's day in Hebrew culture. After all, today homosexuals
are accepted as evidenced by their being elected to public office, being allowed to adopt children, and in some states, are
given a marriage license. It's culturally acceptable, but still scripturally rejected.
(3) The trend to license and ordain women in a preaching and teaching ministry is becoming more
prevalent today, based upon an interpretation of cultural relativism. In other words, the old male dominated culture of the
Hebrews suppressed women, but modern 21st century culture liberates women, so the principle of equality must prevail.
By the way, equality is not the issue; God ordained authority is the issue. The Bible once again has prescriptive words to
follow. Paul in the inspired scriptures stated, "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a
woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was
not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression." I Timothy 2:11-14. God established the authority
of the man over the woman through the priority of creation, and the fact that the man was not deceived in the temptation.
In giving qualifications for the pastor, the inspired scriptures also state that the bishop is to be ..."the husband of
one wife..." as found three verses later in I Timothy 3:2. It is impossible for any woman to be the husband of a wife
(see number 2 above).
It is true that there are women in the Bible through whom God spoke a word of prophecy, such
as Miriam the sister of Moses, (Exodus 15:20) Deborah, (Judges 4-5) Huldah the wife of Shallum. (2 Kings 22:14,) the four
daughters of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8-9), and Anna (Luke 2:36), but they did not preach or teach in the temple or
the church in the official capacity of an office. Plus, in Exodus 15:20, Miriam, a woman is seen leading women, not men. The
truth of this consistent practice throughout the Bible is stated plainly in I Cor. 14:34, "Let your women keep silence
in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the
law." We've come a long way, baby. Women are now being elevated to positions of authority over men in churches. Many women
today are licensed to preach and ordained to pastor churches, even in some Southern Baptist churches and the Black National
Baptist Convention. Unfortunately, this practice will eventually come to pass in missionary Baptist churches (BMA missionary
Baptist churches) and Independent Baptist Churches. Never say never, in today’s Laodicean style age. It is becoming
more and more culturally acceptable, but is still scripturally rejected.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President
of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole,
as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear). To receive or discontinue Mini Edition, email joharris@comcast.net with ADD or REMOVE
Forward this Edition to a Friend.
August 27, 2009 Number 218
Why God Doesn't Always Meet Needs
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." The promises
of provision from God for His children are numerous and wonderful. God provides our every heartbeat, the food we eat and even
luxuries that we could essentially do without. He is a great God and every time in every way, always and without fail, supplies
our basic needs, ensuring that no child of His goes without the necessities of life. That last sentence is very comforting,
yet sometimes, basic needs of life are not always supplied for the child of God.
If you believe God always and without hesitation, supplies every basic need at all times for all His children
without discrimination, then you have been watching too much TBN, or at least the wrong programs on TBN. As a general truth,
God does supply our needs and even some desires. Some like to say that God will always supply our needs, not our greeds. Sounds
spiritual.
Need is determined by God, not man. That which we think we need and that which God KNOWS we need, may not
match. Does this include even basic needs such as food, water, clothing, sleep and health? YES!
Consider Job. There was a time in his life when his greatest need seemed to be good physical health.
His body was covered in boils, which brought fever, meaning he was in severe pain. One boil can cause great discomfort. Imagine
not being able to sit, turn, or relax without extreme pain. Yet, God did not immediately heal him. And remember, Job had no
idea why all this was happening. At the time, he was not aware of the dialogue between God and Satan found at the beginning
of the book. Though Job was LATER healed and blessed, God’s divine plan for Job at the time was to glorify Him through
suffering. God’s divine call for Job overruled any healing or prosperity for the moment.
Consider Lazarus the beggar in Luke 16. One thousand years earlier, David said he had never seen the
righteous forsaken or His (God’s) seed begging for bread. Yet notice, Lazarus was God’s child, but he was lacking
(1) good health, for he was full of sores (vs. 20), (2) he also lacked money for he was a beggar, and (3) he was lacking food,
for he was eating crumbs from a table. If only poor Lazarus could have just heard Benny Hinn or Kenneth Copeland preach, he
would have been well and wealthy . . . if he had enough faith. Or just maybe God’s calling for him was to glorify God
through adversity. Abraham did say Lazarus received "evil things" in life, verse 25.
Consider the great Apostle Paul. If anyone was in the will of God, and super spiritual, it was this rabbi
from Tarsus who was changed on the Damascus road. He was even the one who said God would supply all need. By the way, he wrote
this from prison. You would think his greatest need was being released so he could be free to preach the gospel. Strangely
enough, Paul gives a list of several needs of his that were not met, all while in service for God.
In II Corinthians 11:27, he mentions being "In weariness and painfulness, in watching often, in hunger
and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness." This verse specifically states Paul had need of sleep, good health,
food, water, shelter, and clothes, yet these basic needs were not met. Why? God’s specific calling for Paul was that
he endure these needs and glorify God through his suffering. And notice, Paul wasn’t complaining, he was glorifying
God.
This little nugget of truth, glorifying God through suffering, is ignored and denied because it goes against
the flesh. If the modern day prosperity crowd preached this, offerings would bottom out tomorrow. You will not hear this message
from these purveyors of prosperity whose sole purpose in life is to latch on to your loot. These "Profits" will continue to
beguile the masses (even in Baptist churches, imagine that) while padding their pocketbooks. God help them on the day of judgment
and may God help us to glorify Him through whatever calling He has given to each of us individually.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS . (This
article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
July 31, 2009 Number 217
Politically
Incorrect Limericks
Said an ape as he swung by his tail,
To his offspring both female and male,
"From your offspring, my dears,
In a couple of years,
May evolve a professor at Yale."
-Anonymous-
I love limericks. I always have. They are short, to
the point, usually funny, and hit their mark dead on when making a point. They are usually intended to be
funny. I have recently completed 30 brand new original limericks that are politically incorrect, contain humor and truth.
Some are more humorous than others, some more serious and the rest a combination. Each limerick is also named.
Ray Dombeck, a Christian chalk artist and missionary evangelist from Hattiesburg is drawing original cartoon illustrations
for each limerick and we hope to find a publisher when finished. Brother Ray travels all over the world distributing
bibles and evangelizing through his art ministry. Check out his web site at www.muralsbydombeck.com and look at some of his art work and baptistry scenes he has painted for churches.
Below are few samples of my limericks.
Fool
There once was a silly agnostic
To God he appeared rather caustic
He would only believe
In what he could see
Concerning his soul, well he lost it.
Common Sense Sex
When your time has come for a mate
And you go out to look for a date
God made Adam and Eve
Not Adam and Steve
Common sense will help keep you straight.
Missing Link
A Darwinist kept checking his list
For the link he thought others had missed
As he looked for proof
He forgot this truth
You can’t find what doesn’t exist.
Gunplay
The liberals are after your gun
Like you’re some Attila the Hun
If you don’t stand and fight
For this guaranteed right
You’ll lose every right one by one.
Insanity
Barack has a big safety net
Called spending your way out of debt
It’s like trying to lose weight
While eating only cake
Plain sense says his plan is all wet.
Cover Up
When girls grow up to be women
And start to go out a swimmin’
They go in so bare
A man’s eye’s will stare
And then his mind starts to sinnin’.
Government Schools
Public schools are so open minded
They claim to never be blinded
Our American culture
They shun like a vulture
And the kids just get more behinded.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in
Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear). To receive or discontinue Mini Edition, email joharris@comcast.net with ADD or REMOVE
Forward this Edition to a Friend.
July 7,
2009 Number 216
Too Much Government
A person's understanding of the purpose, role and scope of government is crucial.
A proper understanding of the government envisioned and established by our founding fathers is just as important. America
is not a pure democracy, but a republic under democratic rule by representation. The founding fathers envisioned government
as a protector of the people, whether in battle or in protecting the liberty and rights of people, and specifically their
inalienable rights. The role of government is not to provide healthcare, jobs, education and the plethora of what it is providing
today and has been providing for decades. For the government to provide anything to anyone, it must first take from someone
else. Government is an empty entity that does not produce or generate anything in and of itself independently.
A survey on the street will reveal that the average high school graduate will
probably struggle to name the three branches of government, their responsibilities, and how they relate to the Constitution.
The Constitution is the rule of law that is supposed to guide elected officials (Legislative Branch-Congress) as they make
laws. The Constitution is supposed to be the rule of law for the Executive Branch or President as he governs. The Judicial
Branch, the Supreme Court exists for the purpose of reaching decisions in court cases to determine whether or not a matter
is Constitutional. The Judicial branch is not supposed to make law (that's for the Legislative Branch); it is supposed
to rule on whether or not the Constitution has been upheld or violated.
It has been reported that at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787,
upon leaving the building, Benjamin Franklin was asked by a woman on the street, "Well what do we have Mr. Franklin,
a republic or a monarchy." Benjamin Franklin replied, "A republic, Madam, if you can keep it." Are we still the
same republic today in 2009 that Benjamin Franklin had in mind? As government expands and continues in an unprecedented
takeover of private business and corporations, we are quickly becoming a monarchy of tyranny. Elected officials no longer
care about the desire of their constituents. They vote their own agenda with an arrogant "We know better than you little people"
and "This is for your own good" attitude. It is time to clean house....and the senate and replace every official who goes
against the will of the people who elected them. When a rule "of the people, by the people and for the people" ceases, then
rule by an elite few is inevitable and that day has come. It has been in the making for many years as both Democrats and Republicans
in power have facilitated its progress.
When taxes are extracted (like a tooth, but more painful) from the people and they have
no control on how the revenue is spent, this is equivalent to taxation without representation. Frederic Bastiet,
French economist of the 1800's, right before the French Revolution, called taxation legalized plunder. President Calvin Coolidge
called excessive taxation legalized larceny. The nature of government, left unchecked is to grow, consume and engulf, characterized
by massive fraud, thievery and corruption. An all powerful government has historically been the tool of fascists, tyrants
and dictators who enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of the common people. While promising liberty, fairness
and equality for all, liberty and fairness disappear, but equality shines as all suffer equally in misery. Socialism does
not work. It denies the existence of human individuality and human depravity. When government takes from those who have, to
give to those who have not, the cycle has to continue. If wealth could be distributed equally among all tomorrow, the next
day some would be broke.......and need more again from those who have. The have-nots have not because they keep not. Once
again, the Bible rings true: the poor we will have always.
As we look to government to provide our all, such as medicine, food, shelter, etc. we
need to be reminded that in order for government to provide for all, it must be big enough to do so. What most do not seem
to realize is that a government big enough to give everything to everyone is also big enough to take it all away. That
includes liberty as well as material goods and services. In order for government to provide anything at all, we the people
must first give, as already stated. The more that government provides, the more we give..... and give up. Lyndon Johnson's
Great Society will pale in comparison when measured up against this Frankenstein built by our law makers and the current president
and administration. It won't be obvious now, but the years will reveal the truth when pay day arrives.
Thomas Jefferson said, "My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results
from too much government."
We can blame Obama 'til the cows come home, but congress is supporting the current massive
growth of government. It's time to clean house. IS ANYBODY LISTENING?
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist
College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph
Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
June 9, 2009 Number 215
The following is an excerpt from a title originally published as "The Life of Colonel David
Crockett," by Edward Sylvester Ellis. These words
have been reprinted many times in the past century and have been circulated over the internet for the past few years.
It is a sobering article and much needed today as it is a staunch reminder of the limited responsibility of government and
who the money appropriated by the government actually belongs to. I strongly urge you to read it and pass
it on. The truth, simplicity and clarity of the following words will make an honest person think. I
will go out on a limb and say that some will never view government spending the same after this reading. It is lengthy,
but well worth the time of any true patriot who is concerned about America in these days of the Marxinization (I
love coining new words) of this country. - Joseph Harris -
Not Yours To Give
Col. David Crockett US
Representative from Tennessee
One day in the House of Representatives a bill was taken up appropriating money for the benefit of a widow of a distinguished
naval officer. Several beautiful speeches had been made in its support. The Speaker was just about to put the question when
Crockett arose:
"Mr. Speaker--I have as much respect for the memory of the deceased, and as much sympathy for the sufferings
of the living, if suffering there be, as any man in this House, but we must not permit our respect for the dead or our sympathy
for a part of the living to lead us into an act of injustice to the balance of the living. I will not go into an argument
to prove that Congress has not the power to appropriate this money as an act of charity. Every member upon this floor knows
it. We have the right, as individuals, to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity; but as members of Congress
we have no right so to appropriate a dollar of the public money. Some eloquent appeals have been made to us upon the ground
that it is a debt due the deceased. Mr. Speaker, the deceased lived long after the close of the war; he was in office to the
day of his death, and I have never heard that the government was in arrears to him.
"Every man in this House knows
it is not a debt. We cannot, without the grossest corruption, appropriate this money as the payment of a debt. We have not
the semblance of authority to appropriate it as charity. Mr. Speaker, I have said we have the right to give as much money
of our own as we please. I am the poorest man on this floor. I cannot vote for this bill, but I will give one week's pay to
the object, and if every member of Congress will do the same, it will amount to more than the bill asks."
He took his
seat. Nobody replied. The bill was put upon its passage, and, instead of passing unanimously, as was generally supposed, and
as, no doubt, it would, but for that speech, it received but few votes, and, of course, was lost.
Later, when asked
by a friend why he had opposed the appropriation, Crockett gave this explanation:
"Several years ago I was one evening
standing on the steps of the Capitol with some other members of Congress, when our attention was attracted by a great light
over in Georgetown. It was evidently a large fire. We jumped into a hack and drove over as fast as we could. In spite of all
that could be done, many houses were burned and many families made houseless, and, besides, some of them had lost all but
the clothes they had on. The weather was very cold, and when I saw so many women and children suffering, I felt that something
ought to be done for them. The next morning a bill was introduced appropriating $20,000 for their relief. We put aside all
other business and rushed it through as soon as it could be done.
"The next summer, when it began to be time to think about election, I concluded I would take
a scout around among the boys of my district. I had no opposition there, but, as the election was some time off, I did not
know what might turn up. When riding one day in a part of my district in which I was more of a stranger than any other, I
saw a man in a field plowing and coming toward the road. I gauged my gait so that we should meet as he came to the fence.
As he came up, I spoke to the man. He replied politely, but, as I thought, rather coldly.
"I began: 'Well, friend,
I am one of those unfortunate beings called
candidates, and---‘
"Yes
I know you; you are Colonel Crockett. I have seen you once before, and voted for you the last time you were elected. I suppose
you are out electioneering now, but you had better not waste your time or mine, I shall not vote for you again."
"This
was a sockdolager...I begged him to tell me what was the matter.
" ’Well, Colonel,
it is hardly worth-while to waste time or words upon it. I do not see how
it can be mended, but you gave a vote last winter which shows that either you have not capacity to understand the Constitution,
or that you are wanting in the honesty and firmness to be guided by it. In either case you are not the man to represent me.
But I beg your pardon for expressing it in that way. I did not intend to avail myself of the privilege of the constituent
to speak plainly to a candidate for the purpose of insulting or wounding you. I intend by it only to say that your understanding
of the Constitution is very different
from mine; and I will say to you what, but for
my rudeness, I should not have said, that I believe you to be honest.
…But
an understanding of the Constitution different
from mine I cannot overlook, because the Constitution, to be worth anything, must be held sacred, and rigidly observed in
all its provisions. The man who wields power and misinterprets it is the more dangerous the more honest he is.'
" 'I
admit the truth of all you say, but there must be some mistake about it, for I do not remember that I gave any vote last winter
upon any constitutional question.’
“ ‘No, Colonel, there’s no mistake. Though I live in the backwoods and seldom go from home,
I take the papers from Washington and read very carefully all the proceedings of Congress. My papers say that last winter
you voted for a bill to appropriate $20,000 to some sufferers by a fire in Georgetown. Is that true?’
" ‘Well, my friend; I may as well
own up. You have got me there. But certainly nobody will complain that a great and rich country like ours should give the
insignificant sum of $20,000 to relieve its suffering women and children, particularly with a full and overflowing Treasury, and I am sure, if you had been there, you
would have done just as I did.'
" ‘It is not the amount, Colonel, that I complain of; it is the
principle. In the first place, the government ought to have in the Treasury no more than enough for its legitimate purposes.
But that has nothing with the question. The power of collecting and disbursing money at pleasure is the most dangerous power
that can be entrusted to man, particularly under our system of collecting revenue by a tariff, which reaches every man in
the country, no matter how poor he may be, and the poorer he is the more he pays in proportion to his means. What is worse,
it presses upon him without his knowledge where the weight centers, for there is not a man in the United States who can ever
guess how much he pays to the government. So you see, that while you are contributing to relieve one, you are drawing it from
thousands who are even worse off than he. If you had the right to give anything, the amount was simply a matter of discretion
with you, and you had as much right to give $20,000,000 as $20,000. If you have the right to give to one, you have the right
to give to all; and, as the Constitution neither defines charity nor stipulates the amount, you are at liberty
to give to any and everything which you may believe, or profess to believe, is a charity, and to any amount you
may think proper. You will very easily perceive what a wide door this would open for fraud and corruption and favoritism,
on the one hand, and for robbing the people on the other. 'No, Colonel, Congress
has no right to give charity. Individual members may give as much of their own money as they please, but they have no right
to touch a dollar of the public money for that purpose. If twice as many houses had been burned in this county as in Georgetown,
neither you nor any other member of Congress would have thought of appropriating a dollar for our relief. There are about two hundred and forty members of Congress.
If they had shown their sympathy for the sufferers by contributing each one week's pay, it would have made over $13,000. There
are plenty of wealthy men in and around Washington who could have given $20,000 without depriving themselves of even a luxury
of life.' "The congressmen chose to keep their own money, which, if reports be true, some of them spend not very
creditably; and the people about Washington, no doubt, applauded you for relieving them from the necessity of giving by giving
what was not yours to give. The people have delegated to Congress, by the Constitution, the power to do certain things. To
do these, it is authorized to collect and pay moneys, and for nothing else. Everything beyond this is usurpation, and a violation
of the Constitution.'
"
'So you see, Colonel, you have violated the Constitution in what I consider a vital point. It is a precedent fraught with
danger to the country, for when Congress once begins to stretch its power beyond the limits of the Constitution, there is
no limit to it, and no security for the people. I have no doubt you acted honestly, but that does not make it any better,
except as far as you are personally concerned, and you see that I cannot vote for you.'
"I tell you I felt streaked.
I saw if I should have opposition, and this man should go to talking, he would set others to talking, and in that district
I was a gone fawn-skin. I could not answer him, and the fact is, I was so fully convinced that he was right, I did not want
to. But I must satisfy him, and I said to him:
" ‘Well, my friend, you hit the nail upon the head when
you said I had not sense enough to understand the Constitution. I intended to be guided by it, and thought I had studied it
fully. I have heard many speeches in Congress about the powers of Congress, but what you have said here at your plow has got
more hard, sound sense in it than all the fine speeches I ever heard. If I had ever taken the view of it that you have, I
would have put my head into the fire before I would have given that vote; and if you will forgive me and vote for me again,
if I ever vote for another unconstitutional law I wish I may be shot.'
"He laughingly replied; 'Yes, Colonel, you have
sworn to that once before, but I will trust you again upon one condition. You say that you are convinced that
your vote was wrong. Your acknowledgment of it will do more good than beating you for it. If, as you go around the district,
you will tell people about this vote, and that you are satisfied it was wrong, I will not only vote for you, but will do what
I can to keep down opposition, and, perhaps, I may exert some little influence in that way.'
" ‘If I don't’, said I, 'I wish I may be shot; and to convince you
that I am in earnest in what I say I will come back this way in a week or ten days, and if you will get up a gathering of
the people, I will make a speech to them. Get up a barbecue, and I will pay for it.'
" ‘No, Colonel,
we are not rich people in this section, but we have plenty of provisions to contribute for a barbecue, and some
to spare for those who have none. The push of crops will be over in a few days, and we can then afford a day for a barbecue.
This is Thursday; I will see to getting it up on Saturday week. Come to my house on Friday, and we will go together, and I
promise you a very respectable crowd to see and hear you.’
" 'Well, I will be here. But one thing more before I say good-bye. I must know your
name.’
" 'My name
is Bunce.'
" 'Not Horatio Bunce?'
" 'Yes.’
" 'Well, Mr. Bunce, I never saw you before, though you say you
have seen me, but I know you very well. I am glad I have met you, and very proud that I may hope to have you for my friend.'
"It
was one of the luckiest hits of my life that I met him. He mingled but little with the public, but was widely known for his
remarkable intelligence and incorruptible integrity, and for a heart brimful and running over with kindness and benevolence,
which showed themselves not only in words but in acts. He was the oracle of the whole country around him, and his fame had
extended far beyond the circle of his immediate acquaintance. Though I had never met him, before, I had
heard much of him, and but for this meeting it is very likely I should have had opposition, and had been beaten. One thing
is very certain, no man could now stand up in that district under such a vote.
"At the appointed time I was at his
house, having told our conversation to every crowd I had met, and to every man I stayed all night with, and I found that it
gave the people an interest and a confidence in me stronger than I had ever seen manifested before.
"Though I was considerably
fatigued when I reached his house, and, under ordinary circumstances, should have gone early to bed, I kept him up until midnight, talking about the principles and affairs of government,
and got more real, true knowledge of them than I had got all my life before.
"I have known and seen much of him since,
for I respect him - no, that is not the word - I reverence and love him more than any living man, and I go to see him two
or three times every year; and I will tell you, sir, if every one who professes to be a Christian lived and acted and enjoyed
it as he does, the religion of Christ would take the world by storm.
"But to return to my story. The next morning we
went to the barbecue, and,
to my surprise, found about a thousand men there. I met a good many whom I had not known before, and they and my friend introduced
me around until I had got pretty well acquainted - at least, they all knew me.
"In due time notice was given that I
would speak to them. They gathered up around a stand that had been erected. I opened my speech by saying:
" ‘Fellow-citizens
- I present myself before you today feeling like a new man. My eyes have lately been opened to truths which ignorance or prejudice,
or both, had heretofore hidden from my view. I feel that I can today offer you the ability to render you more valuable service
than I have ever been able to render before. I am here today more for the purpose of acknowledging my error than to seek your
votes. That I should make this acknowledgment is due to myself as well as to you. Whether you will vote for me is a matter
for your consideration only.’"
"I went on to tell them about the fire and my vote for the appropriation and then told them why I was satisfied
it was wrong. I closed by saying:
" ‘And now, fellow-citizens, it remains only for me to tell
you that the most of the speech you have listened to with so much interest was simply a repetition of the arguments by which
your neighbor, Mr. Bunce, convinced me of my error.
" ‘It is the best speech I ever made in my life, but he is entitled to the
credit for it. And now I hope he is
satisfied with his convert and that he will get up here and tell you so.'
"He came upon the stand and said:
"
‘Fellow-citizens - It affords me great pleasure
to comply with the request of Colonel Crockett. I have always considered him a thoroughly honest man, and I am satisfied that
he will faithfully perform all that he has promised you today.'
"He went down, and there went up from that crowd such
a shout for Davy Crockett as his name never called forth before.'
"I am not much given
to tears, but I was taken with a choking then and felt some big drops rolling down my cheeks. And I tell you now that the
remembrance of those few words spoken by such a man, and the honest, hearty shout they produced, is worth more to me than
all the honors I have received and all the reputation I have ever made, or ever shall make, as a member of Congress.'
"Now, sir," concluded Crockett, "you know why I made that speech yesterday.
"There
is one thing now to which I will call your attention. You remember
that I proposed to give a week's pay. There are in that House many very wealthy men - men who think nothing of spending a
week's pay, or a dozen of them, for a dinner or a wine party when they have something to accomplish by it. Some of those same
men made beautiful speeches upon the great debt of gratitude which the country owed the deceased--a debt which could not be
paid by money--and the insignificance and worthlessness of money, particularly so insignificant a sum as $10,000, when weighed against the honor of the nation. Yet not one of them responded to my proposition.
Money with them is nothing but trash when it is to come out of the people. But it is the one great thing for which most of
them are striving, and many of them sacrifice honor, integrity, and justice to obtain it."
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel,
MS.
June 4, 2009 Number 214
The Impossibility of Same Sex Marriage
Some things just can't be changed. In the areas of nature and science, fire is hot and
ice is cold. Wind always blows and the sun always produces heat. The aforementioned facts are not up
for discussion or debate. Facts are facts. There is no movement underway to "redefine" or "better understand" these facts.
They are accepted because they have been proven to be true.
With the advent of the destruction of absolute authority in society (which followed the
discrediting of the Bible), has also come a redefining of many things. For instance, gender is up for debate. Several years
ago, a "Christian" college offered three types of housing to its students: male, female and transgendered housing.
This special housing was for those students who were not sure of their gender. Huhhhh! Without being crass or too
improper, there is a real easy way to find out. The answer is so common sense, it does not even need mentioning.
The definition of murder was changed years ago when it began to be called by new names such
as "choice", "abortion", "birth control" and "freedom", to name a few. With this change, came the questioning of
life beginning at conception, which used to not even be an issue, but an accepted truth.
There are many absolutes in life. Here are some more: (1)Death is the absence of life, (2)a
fertile sperm and egg are required to begin a new life and (3) Politicians, both Democrat and Republican, will always raise
taxes, if given one tenth of a percent of an opportunity. The statement, "Fire is not hot"
will not change the fact that you will get fried if you jump into it.
The union of two males or two females may in fact be a union, but brother, it ain't a marriage
and no amount of name changing, redefining, "compassion" or tolerance will change the truth. And speaking
of civil unions, they should not even be allowed. A civil union for "domestic partners" is a mockery of marriage and an endorsement
of fornication and perversity by "legally" allowing two individuals of the same sex to live together and potentially
receive some of the benefits reserved for marriage.
If every federal, state and local court in the land declare that a homosexual union is
a marriage, it still will not be a marriage. There are certain qualifying factors required for a couple to be married,
but the foundational requirement of marriage, apart from a government license, is a requirement that is moral and common sense:
that the candidates be of the opposite sex.
The continued push for perversion is not just an attack on marriage. It is an attack on
God, the creator of marriage. Nevertheless, you better get ready. Buckle up tight. This abomination is coming soon to
a town near you via New Hampshire.
Once again, I end this Mini Edition with another limerick from my newly written collection
of Politically Incorrect Limericks (and soon to be illustrated and published):
Common Sense Sex
When your time has come for a mate
And you go out to look for a date
God made Adam and Eve
Not Adam and Steve
Common sense will help keep you straight.
Truth is truth and you can do one of two things with it: (1) Accept it or (2) Reject it….. but you cannot change
it.
Cold Hard Fact: If Adam and Steve had been the first couple in the Garden of Eden, none of us would be here
today.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
May 21, 2009
Number 213
THE PRIVILEGE OF FREEDOM
(A Fourth of July Tribute)
Even though July 4 is still six weeks away, here are my pre-Independence Day
thoughts about freedom. Freedom is not free. Liberty is one of the most misunderstood and least appreciated privileges enjoyed
today. The desire for liberty is built into every man by God, the Creator of man. Men desire to be free from oppression
and exercise volition for self-determination, and pursuit of this desire has led to the death of many men, women, and children,
who chose to take risks and seek liberty rather than remain in bondage.
Freedom is what America represents and is the main reason she is hated and despised by those
who seek to enslave people religiously and politically. Freedom may appear to be “free” to its recipients, but
rest assured, when freedom is obtained, someone, somewhere paid a price.
Freedom is often the result of bondage. In order to have the freedom to purchase services and
products, one must first be in bondage to employment, in order to obtain money. The bondage of a 9-5 job (or any other
hours) secures money, which gives the freedom to purchase. Even if someone purchases merchandise with money received
as a gift or a grant, someone, somewhere provided that money through their bondage of commitment to produce through their
labor.
Even the freedom for a pianist to perform comes after the bondage of lessons
and practice. It is only after paying the price of study and practice, that the freedom to perform becomes a reality.
Try playing a musical instrument with no lessons or practice and you will get the point. Men and women are free
to have sexual intimacy with one another, but only after the commitment (some would say bondage) of marriage has been made.
Marriage is a type of bondage, however, because a husband and wife promise to be bound exclusively to one another, hence
this bondage produces the freedom for intimacy with one another. “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled:
but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge,” Hebrews 13:4.
Not only must a price be paid to secure freedom, but there is also a maintenance fee. Freedom
costs, continually. The recipients of freedom must ever be aware of those who would steal liberty under the guise of promising
“more freedom for all” by playing on emotions and using “ discrimination and inequality” as a battle
cry. The erroneously named American Civil Liberties Union and other groups, promote an unlimited, one sided freedom
for abortionists, pornographers, pedophiles, homosexuals and other trans-sexual deviants, while trampling on the freedom of
normal Americans, especially conservative Christians. These groups must be confronted, yet believers in God must walk the
tightrope of being active yet never becoming activists to the point of promoting morality above the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The priority of the pulpit is to preach the gospel, however, if ungodliness is free to reign, eventually all freedoms will
be destroyed, and bondage to sin, Satan, and ungodly government will result.
The greatest freedom in the world is liberty from sin and freedom from eternal punishment in
the lake of fire, through eternal salvation, but notice the paradox of price this FREEDOM required. It was secured by the
payment of the Son of God on Calvary with the highest price ever paid for any purchase. We only have freedom through Christ
by first surrendering totally to Christ. And we do not have freedom to “come boldly unto the throne” as
God’s children until we first submit at the throne. An absolute freedom in the sense of no price being required by anyone,
does not exist. Where freedom is a reality, someone, somewhere has paid and is paying the price and carrying the burden
of liberty, so freedom can continue to exist.
Freedom is not granted by man but by God. Man can help in securing and fighting for physical,
but it is the Son of God who makes man free spiritually. Our forefathers recognized this truth and did their part in
appropriating and maintaining liberty by drafting the United States Constitution. This grand old document with its follow
up of the Bill of Rights, is the guide and rule for "We the People", but has been attacked mercilessly over the
past few decades. If the Constitution can be obliterated or even rewritten, then the enemies of freedom will succeed
in destroying the unprecedented individual liberty the citizens of this country have enjoyed as no other people
in the history of civilization. Note the following verses I have recently written in limerick style.
Our Grand Old Document
Our fathers shed blood, sweat and tears,
For freedom we now hold with fears,
This Republic is leaning
As libs give new meaning
To these truths set forth in past years.
The Constitution's not living, it's settled,
But the enemy has plundered and meddled,
They wrest it and twist
And give their own gist
And try to get everyone rattled.
We're ruled by no king or no czar,
For this, people come from afar.
From tyrants they flee
By land, air and sea,
Seeking freedom, and peace from war.
This parchment will guide us true
If kept by the faithful though few.
Though now some may shun it
And others will burn it,
It still proclaims freedom and truth.
So the people, not a king, give the rule,
Guided by it's words that stay true
If we keep it, we'll stay,
In freedom's sure way,
If we leave it, the end is our doom.
Joseph Harris 5-14-09
Let freedom ring.
This writing may be reprinted in whole, with or without the poem.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This
article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also
appear).
May 14, 2009
Number 212
(The following is a rewrite of a Mini Edition written in 2001)
I Love Animals....Really
Everyone has heard of PETA. If your computer brain cannot quite pull it up, PETA
stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The good folks at PETA are basically animal lovers turned
loony. I never cease to be amazed at their lunacy. Several years back, the Boy Scouts of America had to contend
with a Peta assault. Now keep in mind that the Boy Scouts, which is an institution as American as apple pie, have
already had to defend themselves against atheists, who were unhappy because GOD was a part of the Scouts. Next, the feminists
railed against them because there were no GIRLS in the BOY Scouts (Brilliant, Huh! That’s why there is a Girl Scouts
of America). Then, of course, the gays began harassing and suing because the wholesomeness of the Scouts would not allow
homosexual men to be scout leaders. And then, PETA launched their assault at the Scouts.
Why? The Scouts offer proficiency badges in certain areas of accomplishment, specifically
in the area of . . . ARE YOU READY FOR THIS - SHUDDER – HORRORS, etc. . . . fishing. I know what you are thinking and
I am just as shocked! Now those God-loving, gay bashing, girl hating scouts are torturing and killing innocent little fish.
I realize my sarcasm is a little strong, but PETA really got upset because fish
are being maimed and killed and scouts rewarded for the act. No joke. But death is normally what happens to fish after
you catch them. I prefer my fish be dead before I eat them. Same thing with squirrels, rabbits, deer, chickens, cows, etc.
Like I said, I LOVE animals. But then, PETA is not happy when any animal is killed for man’s benefit. God may
have created animals before He created man, but He created animals for man. Remember, God gave man dominion over animals,
not the other way around. Any animal killed should be for the benefit of man (that includes self-defense), or otherwise, I
agree that it is wrong to kill the animal, but leave it to PETA and you could never kill a mosquito or roach.
Here is still another example of how ludicrous bleeding-heart liberals can become without
using Scripture as their guide. I’ll bet no PETA member is also a joint member of PETHE, People for the Ethical Treatment
of Human Embryos, because, like their cousins in Greenpeace, they think animal life is more valuable than human life. It's
difficult to find a PETA or Greenpeace member who has the same passion for protecting human babies in
the womb, as they have for endangered animals and trees. Note the following lines I recently penned in the form of a
limerick:
Hypocrites
They save baby seals from a clubbing,
Those people at PETA are loving.
For fish, birds and deer,
They shed a big tear,
But a child in the womb counts as nothing.
Personally, I think I’ll start my own organization, PAPETA, People Against People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. All prospective members contact me.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as
long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
April 9, 2009 Number 211
More Politically Correct Junk
I have written on political correctness many times since 2001. It seems to be a mainstay
now in American culture, having become entrenched in institutions and organizations. In their desire to not be offensive,
liberals can actually be entertaining in their quest for sensitivity. Though we should not seek to be offensive, we
should also not go out of our way to change common sense words that give accurate descriptions. When words are changed,
ultimately, meanings change because words have meaning. I will repeat some thoughts and definitions and throw out
some new ones for your consideration. Over the past few years, the scourge of political correctness has caused people
to choose their words carefully to "fit in" with an understanding and tolerant society. Remember, the real goal
of PC is to redefine established definitions and effect a change in thinking, attitudes and philosophies. Replacing well established
words and phrases with less offensive, "more descriptive " words almost always changes the original understanding. Consider
the following list of words. Some are PC, others are "dressed up" to sound better.
Animal trainer...........interspecies communicator
Animals..........non-humans
Bald...............hair challenged (this one gives me a higher self esteem)
Bisexual.........sexually non-preferential
Paper...........processed tree carcass
Bum..........displaced homeowner
Cattle ranch..........cattle concentration camp
Chicken processing plant.............holocaust center
False teeth.........alternative dentation
Prostitute....sex care provider
Sex change.........gender reassignment
Foreign national without proper documentation........Illegal alien
Anti-sobriety activist..........A drunk
Mechanically dysfunctional............broken
Chronologically detained and challenged.........late
Communication through speech is powerful. Speech is communication and occurs when one expresses
thoughts of the mind with words from the mouth. Words are important and do have meaning. The word alcoholic is not
harsh sounding and not as offensive as calling someone a drunk. Unfaithful spouse certainly sounds better than
adulterer and promiscuity is more pleasing to the ear than fornication.
Jails are no longer known as institutions which incarcerate prisoners.
They are adult detention centers where detainees are housed. Why? It just sounds better. After all, we
wouldn't want the detainees to bear an extra burden of guilt by reminding them of what they really are (criminals)
and what they have really done (broken the law). Notice also, the prisoners of war in the recent war on terror are
called detainees. Call me crazy, but I like prisoner of war.
When I hear news reports of some Palestinian militant who has blown himself up along
with innocent civilians and bystanders, I have to remind myself that he is a militant not a terrorist. It just
sounds better. You've got to admit, militant and gunman both sound better than terrorist or bomber.
How about those high school drop outs? The battle is on to rename them so they will not be plagued
with lower self esteem caused by a lifelong negative label. Though I haven't heard the new title yet, I think diploma challenged
is nice. In the future I will no longer refer to myself as a professor or teacher, but a classroom facilitator,
one who inculcates (teaches) recipients of knowledge (students).
And Black people are no longer Black people, but African Americans, yet
not a single Black American I know was born in Africa, and neither were their parents, grandparents or great-grand parents.
(Here's a question: if a white person born and reared in South Africa becomes an American citizen, is that person an African
American?) This would also apply to Chinese, Italian, Arab, Korean and other ethnic groups. The correct classification
should be Americans of African descent, Americans of Chinese descent, Americans of Arab descent, etc., with emphasis on American.
I think we should return to reality in plain speech. The truth is becoming harder to find, yet
it is the truth which will set us free.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be
reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
February 26, 2009 Number 209
Quotes of Provocation
No words on earth are more sure than the words of God. His
words cut, calm, convict, heal, reveal, guide and speak in a way the words of men cannot do. Yet, there is
still a place for the words of men when they speak truth and provoke the mind. I love the common sense quotes of
great men of the past and present. I collect quotes and below are just a few of my favorites.
A popular evangelist reaches your emotions. A true prophet reaches
your conscience. Leonard Ravenhill
I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in
the places they do today. Will Rogers
He who wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill.
Our antagonist is our helper. Edmund Burke
Temptation rarely comes in working hours. It is in their leisure
time that men are made or marred. W. N. Taylor
If the people who make the decisions are the people who will also
bear the consequences of those decisions, perhaps better decisions will result. John Abrams
This country has come to feel the same when congress is in session
as when the baby gets hold of a hammer. Will Rogers
We are the salt of the earth, mind you, not the sugar. Our ministry
is to truly cleanse and not just to change the taste. Vance Havner
Success is on the same road as failure; success is just a little
further down the road. Jack Hyles
I remember another Baptist preacher who was converted from a different
faith. When asked how it happened, he said: "It was just plain carelessness. Somebody left a New Testament lying open and
I read it. Vance Havner
How can you pull down strongholds of Satan if you don’t even
have the strength to turn off your TV? Leonard Ravenhill
The government's view of the economy: if it moves, tax it.
If it keeps moving, regulate it. If it stops moving, subsidize it. Ronald Reagan
Live in such a way that you would not be afraid to sell your parrot
to the town gossip. Will Rogers
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary
safety, deserve neither liberty or safety. Benjamin Franklin
You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for
something, sometime in your life. Winston Churchhill
How do you tell a communist? Well, it's someone who reads and
Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-communist? It's someone who understands Marx and Lenin.
Ronald Reagan
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear).
December 4, 2008 Number 206
The Myth of Separation of Church and State
Judge Roy Moore from Alabama became the most hated and most
loved man of the hour a few years back. He is a man of integrity who has stood for a cause with a liberty granted him by this
country's guiding document, the Constitution. Some say the issue is about the state endorsing, even promoting religion, while
others say the real issue is about the interference of the federal government in a state government affair. In a sense, the
issue is a combination of both, but is an issue that never in a million years should have been raised. First look at
the first amendment to the Constitution and then consider some hard facts about this amendment. The wonderful thing about
being an American is you do not have to be an attorney, judge or member of any elite group to learn how to read and interpret
the constitution. Just read it, never saying what it doesn't say, with common sense as your guide, allowing it to speak as
it's own independent authority. Any other approach will result in "messing" with the grand old document, pulling out "new
and exciting truths" making it a living document, that would amaze the original writers. This season of the year is
usually when God hating liberals repeat their mantra of "separation of church and state" as they bellyache about nativity
scenes, angels and other Christian related objects, so now is a good time to be reminded of the truth of the freedom granted
us in the first amendment, concerning the exercise of religion
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people
peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
FACT # 1- The phrase "wall of separation of church and state" appears
nowhere in the constitution, and especially not in the first amendment.
FACT # 2- The amendment guarantees the free exercise of religion and
freedom of speech.
FACT # 3- The amendment DOES NOT mention government or public property
as an exception to the free exercise of religion. NO exceptions are mentioned, period.
FACT # 4- The guarantee of free exercise of religion means religious
views CAN be expressed in the political arena.
FACT # 5- Government is to remain absolutely neutral in all matters
pertaining to religion, not making laws for the promotion or prohibition of its exercise.
Did you notice fact # 5? Government should keep its nose out of religion.
It can't be for or against religion. All rulings that forbid prayer, Bible clubs and such from government school property
are illegal, or to use the big word of the day, unconstitutional, according to the first amendment. Rulings that forbid the
expression of anything religious, whether on public or private property, are unconstitutional.
Notice also, the phrase "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment
of religion" is one of the most misunderstood phrases in the constitution. Most believe it is speaking of the establishment
of a state church. The first amendment is not primarily for preempting government from establishing a state religion, as most
think. Look at the amendment again. The word "respecting" means "in regard to" or "pertaining to" an establishment or institution
of religion. The first part of the amendment simply means that "congress shall make no law (for or against) pertaining to
any religious organization, institution or establishment." The instituting of a state endorsed church or denomination would
be automatically prohibited on these grounds alone.
The first amendment is all about freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM
religion. The idea that government, politics and society should be free FROM religion is a hatched up notion of God hating
liberals via the ACLU, PAW and numerous other freedom destroying institutions. Not only does the amendment PREVENT government
from interfering in expression of religion, it calls for protection of the rights of individuals as they practice the free
exercise thereof. The ACLU should be protecting, not prohibiting free exercise. Note also, the word "exercise" means to act
upon, not simply give mental ascent to a creed or set of beliefs. We are not only allowed freedom of belief, but the freedom
to live out and express those beliefs. This means the Boy Scouts of America have a constitutional right to reject homosexual
leaders, thereby exercising or practicing their belief. It means parents have a right to home school or send their children
to a Christian school if they so desire.
Religion that cannot be practiced in daily life is useless. Don't believe
the liberal lie of the left. Religion and free expression of it is not illegal. It is not only legal, but guaranteed
by government. Thank God. Let freedom ring.
Thousands of pages of American history would have to be burned to delete all
references to God and religion among the documents of the founding fathers of this country.
Joseph Harris is
the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole,
as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
October 30, 2008 Number 205
Insanity
What is sanity? Clear, sound rational thinking. Insanity is the opposite.
Insane people do crazy things because they think crazy thoughts. We live in an insane society that perverts (reverses) truth
and calls Christianity insane. A Biblical example of this is found in Isaiah 5:20. 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! As usual, the Bible has something to say about insanity.
Notice first a Biblical view of insanity from a person full of the
devil. Mark chapter 5,_A Wild Man. There are parallels today in people who may not be totally possessed
as this man was, but who are influenced by the devil as they exhibit certain characteristics that parallel this Biblical account.
Notice, he had unrest and was crying. Insanity or mental problems are often characterized by emotional unrest
and outbursts of crying. He was also unloved by himself and others as shown by the self destruction as he
cut himself with stones. Lack of love for self today is also exhibited by people who cut, pierce and
mark their bodies in a permanent, self destructive way in the piercing and tattoo culture, usually done in the name
of style and fashion. Notice the man was also unclothed and this is certainly seen today as nakedness in
public is more and more common. But look at verse 15.…after coming to Jesus, he was sitting, clothed and
in his right mind. He had peace, love and covering.
Next, notice a Biblical view of insanity from a person filled with
the world and self. Luke chapter 15,_A Worldly Son. He was rash in his thinking as he requested his inheritance
early. He was riotous in his living as he spent all in partying. He ended up in poverty and filth in the pig pen.
He was drunk with insanity on the wine of the world, but then verse 17 states he..."came to himself" which means
he was out of his mind (insane).
For a third example, look at a Biblical view of sanity from a
person filled with the Spirit. Acts chapter 26,_A Witnessing Preacher. Paul is accused of being insane
by the governor, Festus, simply because he was living for God, doing what comes natural for a believer. Paul has: (1)
Given his testimony of salvation, verses 12- 15. This should be normal for every believer, but the world will look at
you cock-eyed if you go around telling how you were saved. Paul also: (2) Witnessed to everyone, verse 20, which every
believer is called to do. Paul also was: (3) Obedient to God, verse 19. Obedience to God often brings mocking
and ridicule from unbelievers because they just don't understand why real Christians do certain things. Paul was accused
of being insane (verse 24) simply by being an obedient believer in Christ. The world still does the same today to true
believers. So do not be dismayed. To live for God is sane.
A fourth example from the Bible is found in II Timothy 1:7, A
Well Taught Convert Paul told Timothy that God has given a "sound mind" to His children, verse 7.
Living for God is sane. Doing the right thing is sane. Insanity is when the world says black is white and
white is black and bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter, but rest assured, living for God is right and sane. Stay grounded
and assured in the Word of God. "The thoughts of the righteous are right... " Proverbs 12:5. Life
is easier and less complicated if you live by God's rules. Breaking His law brings complications, troubles,
sorrows and consequences. People who do not steal have less complications and consequences in life. People who
do not kill have better lives than murderers. People who do not lie live easier lives than liars and deceivers.
Doing right has its rewards.
To live for God, we must guard our sanity. Titus 2:6, II
Cor. 10:5, Phil. 4:8, A Walk of Watchfulness Think purposefully on the virtues of Phil. 4:8. Guard
your mind as ordered in II Cor. 10:5. Doing right is done on purpose and rarely by accident. Doing wrong comes
naturally. Think right and sanely.
Insanity Says, “Live for now”........Sanity Says “Live
for eternity”
Insanity Says, “If it feels good, do it”.......Sanity Says,
“If it feels good, watch it”
Insanity Says, “Live together first, and see if it will work”.......Sanity
Says, “Commit to marriage first, then make it work”
Insanity Says, “ All religions lead to Heaven”.......Sanity
Says, “Jesus is the Door”
Insanity Says, “ Wait until later to accept Christ”.......Sanity
Says, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” Proverbs
27:1
Joseph Harris is
the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole,
as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
October 9, 2008 Number 204
Snow White and the Seven Church Members
Several years ago, when my daughter was around five years of age, we
rented the Disney classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I vividly remember the scene where the dwarfs came in and
found Snow White asleep in their loft. Some of them had apparently never seen a woman and didn't know "what" she was.
Grumpy recognized her and said, "Stay away from her. She's a woman and they've got wicked wiles." One of the other
dwarfs asked him what wicked wiles were, and he paused then said, "I don't know, but I'm a'gin 'em."
I had never realized before that Grumpy was an old hard headed Baptist. Of
course then my mind began to wander and before long, the preacher in me took over and I had a sermon with a parallel
between the seven dwarfs and seven different kinds of church members that can be found in just about every Baptist congregation
today. Some are good, others bad, and a few just downright worrisome.
Doc was the first dwarf and obviously the leader of the group.
He pulls them all together and keeps things going. He could be called "Doc" because he might effect healing when it
is needed. Docs are a healing balm in each church and provide direction, calm the storms and bring peace through
their spiritual maturity and leadership.
Sleepy was the dwarf who was always sleepy, night or day.
He can be seen yawning and snoozing throughout the film. I've known several church members who are sleepy. Some
actually do sleep during the church service, but the average "sleepy" member is asleep at the wheel, snoring while Rome burns,
the devil destroys their home and church and souls go to hell. The Bible says to "Awake thou that sleepest, and
arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. Eph. 5:14.
Grumpy's name speaks for itself. Though very perceptive,
he was never happy. He chose to be a grump, always emphasizing the negative, walking on the dark side. The only
time he ever smiled was when Snow White kissed him on top of his bald head, then when he realized he was actually happy, he
immediately wiped off the smile with a "Harumph!" It seems there is always a Grumpy in every church whose motto is,
"Every silver lining has a cloud" when their motto should be, "This is the day the Lord hath made, I will rejoice and
be glad in it, even if it is a rotten day." Grumpys have few friends, but need loving, because their grumpiness
is often an attention ploy.
Happy was the exact opposite of Grumpy. He saw the positive
in every situation and spread cheer and hope. The Happys in every church are a needed blessing as they lift the fallen
and bind the wounded. Their "cheerful heart doeth good" to all as the goodness of the light
of God shines in the darkest of valleys that every church must sometimes pass through.
Sneezy was apparently allergic to something. He was often
seen with his finger under his nose, trying to stifle a sneeze. Now let me use a little sanctified imagination here
(which is the birthright of every preacher) and describe the Sneezy in every church. They are allergic to work and commitment.
Ask them to help in Vacation Bible School and you get an allergic reactive sneeze. Challenge them to be faithful to
church and another "ACHOO" spews out. Preach on tithing and a fit of violent sneezes come forth. Sneezy just can't
handle it.
Bashful was just as his name stated: extremely shy. He
could talk, but hardly did. He wasn't a bad guy, didn't cause any trouble and was not disliked. He was just
bashful. Churches are full of his brothers and sisters today. They are good people and they will talk about golf,
deer hunting, fishing, shopping and the latest styles, but are tight lipped when it comes to talking about Jesus. They
spend hours a day with family, school mates and co-workers, and never even mention Jesus, much less tell of His saving grace.
These incognito Christians would probably cause their friends to drop dead of shock if they began telling the wonderful words
of life in their daily conversation.
Dopey is last but not least, though he appeared to be the youngest.
One thing was for certain about Dopey. You never heard him say a negative or derogatory word about the other dwarfs,
Snow White, or even the wicked queen. Of course he never said a word about anyone or anything......period. Dopey
never talked. Often times, people talk too much and when they do, the conversation can turn negative, ungodly or
destructive. In the Disney film, Bambi, Thumper said that his father told him that "If you can't say somethin'
good about somebody, don't say nuthin' at all." Oh, for more Dopey Christians in churches today.
"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.
I Thessalonians 4:11.
Now which one are you?
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear).
September 18, 2008 Number 202
Racism, Discrimination, and Segregation
Political correctness is a scourge in the media today. Reporters and
pundits are usually too afraid to speak the truth on any issue that might be connected to race, unless it is to label someone
a racist. Consider the recent shameless debacle of the character assassination of nominee Charles Pickering. He is a good,
decent man, and is not a racist. I know this to be a fact from personal acquaintance with the man. His real crime is being
a conservative who is nominated by President Bush.
Concerning racist language, I do not believe anyone should intentionally
slander or use hurtful words against another race, culture, gender or person. But hurtful words exist and are a part of history
with numerous examples in many American literary works. The writings of Mark Twain and the poet Carl Sandburg come to mind.
People today refer to the slang word "nigger" as the "N" word, afraid to actually say it within the literary context in which
it may be found, thereby equating it with vulgarities and obscenities that are censored and bleeped out. I do not personally
think this word should be used in a derogatory manner, BUT, to place it on the same level as vulgar and obscene four letter
words that are unmentionable is ridiculous. I do not believe the word should be used in an offensive manner to denigrate and
hurt people, but most of the ones who are crying "foul" have made a career of being offended. Vote pandering liberals and
race baiting Black leaders such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have almost succeeded in having the word removed from history,
literature, and classic films, labeling anyone who might use or read the word in a quote, as a white supremist, card carrying
Klan member who would lynch all Blacks if only given the opportunity. Ridiculous! Disney has never re-released the classic
Song of the South film. The movie is set in the time of American slavery, a very real part of American history, but
there would certainly be an outcry if it was ever released again.
Among these thin skinned individuals are Blacks who do not even like
to use the word "Black" but refer to themselves as African Americans, though few, if any of them were born in Africa or have
even visited there. The correct terminology would be, Americans of African descent, as in Americans of Italian descent, Americans
of Arab descent, etc. In other words, any American of foreign descent is American FIRST. But multi-culturalism has robbed
many of pride in their American heritage.
The mere mention of an individual's race is not racist. In other words,
all racial references are not racist(remember the Rush Limbaugh flap). Facts are facts and cannot be changed. According to
the media, in their quest to not offend, when a murder occurs and the suspect is a Black person, then excuses are made
for his behavior. But if a Black person is killed by a white person, the White murderer is immediately considered a racist.
If a certain crime statistic reveals a higher percentage of Blacks or Hispanics are incarcerated as opposed to Whites,
the cry "racism" is heard, yet, if the data is accurate, facts are facts. That is not racism, just factism. Truth is color
blind.
I once read a news story about a Black mother who left her small kids
alone at home during the day for weeks on end, while she went to work. The first response I heard was how this incident was
proof of the lack of child care available and how the government must provide more child care workers or funds for her to
pay for child care. To decry the crime of the woman was equated with racism. And the problem, according to the media, was
not that she was irresponsible in her actions, but that the government was failing to help her raise her children. Child care
is not the responsibility of government.
A common cry from some Blacks of today is that of victimization. They
are "victims" in a White man's world. The truth is, they really have been victimized.....by White and Black liberals.
Those who claim to be for the little guy, the poor and the minorities, have actually created a slave system of government
dependency, thereby robbing these groups of the liberty to be all they can be, discovering their untapped potential. They
have been successful in hypnotizing many blacks, including many Black preachers, into believing they cannot make it on their
own and their economic salvation lies in the Democratic party and the promises of self appointed Black saviors. But the tide
is turning and there is a growth in conservatism among Blacks today, as they throw off the man made shackles, reject government
socialism, accept responsibility and begin to think for themselves. Until more Blacks take this step, they will remain in
the racist world of Jesse Jackson, who is the king of racists.
Does any of this mean there is no such thing as racism? Certainly
not. Racism is a part of humanity. It is virtually as old as the human race. Racism is also wrong. There is a litmus
test which can be used to determine if you are racist. For instance, if you believe any individual is going to act a
certain way or be predisposed to do certain things simply because of their color of skin or ethnicity, then you are a racist.
If you think someone is more likely to be lazy, steal, be immoral, etc. simply because they are of a certain race or ethnic
group, then you are racist.
If a certain act, acts, lifestyle, or philosophy seems to be more prevalent
in one people group than in another, then culture is the culprit, not race. For instance, a people group speaks a certain
language, not because of some inward racial programming, but because of culture and geographical location. There is, however,
one inward trait which is inherited by all, regardless of race, and that is depravity. Sin is inherited by all from father
Adam and only ONE person ever missed inheriting sin.....Jesus Christ. And that was simply because Joseph, who was descended
from Adam, was not His father. The presence of sin is the root cause of racism and bigotry in mankind.
Is there a word from the Bible on racism? Is there any scriptural precedent
on how man should treat man? In John chapter 4, Jesus was so concerned about the eternal destiny of the hated Samaritans,
verse 4 states, "He must needs go through Samaria." The Jews hated the Samaritans and the Samaritans hated the Jews.
The Samaritans were half Gentile, so race, as well as religion was an issue. Verse 27 tells us the disciples marveled that
he even talked to the woman.
The book of the Acts gives conclusive proof that the gospel is for
all men everywhere. Notice in chapter 8, Phillip the evangelist was sent on a divine mission to the Ethiopian Eunuch to explain
the gospel so he could be saved. In chapter 9, a son of Abraham, Shaoul the Rabbi was saved on the Damascus road and later
sent out as a missionary in chapter 13 with Barnabas. In chapter 10, God had to twist Peter's arm to convince him to take
the gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. Even then, Peter argued with God about the issue. Imagine, correcting God, but racism
blinds to the truth and the God of truth. Chapters eight, nine and ten shout out a powerful message that God is no respecter
of persons. The Ethiopian in chapter 8 is a descendant of Ham. Paul in chapter 9 is a descendant of Shem and Cornelius in
chapter 10 is a descendant of Japheth. Each one is descended from one of the three sons of Noah, representing the three main
people groups in the world.
Then notice the scripture in Matthew 24:7. The rise of racism is a
sign of the end time preceding the return of Jesus Christ. "For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom..."
No doubt, wars and rumors of wars are also an end time sign and kingdom against kingdom describes this prophecy, but nation
against nation describes racial strife. The word "nation" is speaking of nationality, tribe, race and ethnicity, or race against
race. There seems to have been an increase in racial tension world wide over the past several years. The issue of "ethnic
cleansing" in Bosnia was racial, not just religious. And racial problems in this country, especially in metropolitan areas,
seem to be on the rise.
The Bible makes no distinction between Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, etc.
It does, however, make a distinction between Jew and Gentile, but the New Testament then erases this distinction in Christ,
since the middle wall of partition has been broken down. There is one other very strong distinction of two classes of people
found in the Bible: the haves and the have-nots. Whoever has the Son has life and whoever has not the Son does not have life,
but the wrath of God abiding on him. A true believer (one of the haves) filled the love of God, will not make an issue of
race.
A fallacy often found today is the assumption that all discrimination
is wrong. Everyone discriminates. I discriminate when choosing what to watch on TV, or what to view as entertainment,
or who I want to spend time with. Is that wrong? I explained this one day in one of my classes at Southeastern
Baptist College. When I "got off on" the issue of race and prejudice, some of the students, Black and White, began
to get uncomfortable. I told the students to take notice at lunch time and watch as students left the campus to go eat
at different restaurants in town. My point was that birds of a feather would flock together. Sure enough, most
of the guys segregated from the girls and went together, the girls teamed up and went out and most of the Black ministers
gathered up and went out to eat together, as well as our non-traditional ministerial students (non-traditional because they
are older than the younger college kids and have families) who "discriminated" against all the rest, and grouped together.
Did any of these groups discriminate against any of the other groups? No. They made discriminate choices concerning
who they wanted to spend time with, but did not discriminate AGAINST anyone. At gatherings, religious and secular, I
have seen men gather with men to fellowship, women gather with women, and among the children, boys with boys, girls with girls,
rednecks with rednecks, professionals with professionals, but you get the picture. People of similar gender or interests
or backgrounds or culture, gravitate to one another. They are not shunning others, just simply choosing their comfort zone.
When allowed to choose, humans, as a rule, choose to segregate with their own kind, whether by race, gender, class
or socioeconomic level.
Bottom line: Talking about facts of race is not racism. All discrimination
is not wrong, and mutual segregation by choice is a normal accepted practice.
Joseph Harris welcomes the hate letters of all who disagree with him
and God.
Joseph Harris is
the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be
reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
August 6, 2008 Number 201
Hate Speech
Disagree with the ungodly on any point, at any depth, and you are a hatemonger using hate speech. Period.
This is the open and shut verdict pronounced by the media today. Speak against homosexuality, pedophilia,
bestiality, adultery, and other acts plainly denounced by scripture, and you are a hateful hater of the ones guilty
of the acts. The same is true if you speak the truth about Islam and it's mandate to persecute or kill unbelievers. If
you insist on calling a specific candidate by his full name, Barak Hussein Obama, then
you are hateful, trying to smear his name, (actually the name Hussein does a good enough job of smearing itself). If
you speak the truth about illegal aliens, you automatically hate all Mexicans. Whether or not you boycott McDonalds
over their obvious in-your-face decision to support homosexuality and same sex marriage, you still have the right to
exercise your constitutionally guaranteed free speech and the right to choose where to spend your money. Speaking
of rights, everyone should have the right to exercise their free speech without being called a hater.
I have noticed that liberals are almost always guilty of what they accuse others of doing. They cry
"tolerance" and then are intolerant of everything that opposes their agenda. Just recently, a group
of lesbians shut down a speech given by Ryan Sorba, called "The Born Gay Hoax" at Smith College in Northampton, MA, by
storming the room and shouting him down. Security did nothing. When they accuse others of bigotry, I have found
they are usually greater bigots. They want free speech for filth, but not for the reading of the Bible (but
the Koran is ok) or for prayers to be offered on "sacred government property" (What an oxymoron).
Just recently, some "gays" called for a boycott of a San Diego hotel, because the owner donated a sum of
money for the promotion of the referendum to be placed on the California ballot to protect the sanctity of marriage and oppose
so-called marriage of the same sex. Turn about is fair play. I wonder how the wording would sound if covered,
in fairness, by the media? "This just in: A group of left wing, mean spirited homosexuals have just
called for a boycott of a luxury hotel, based on the politics of the owner. This boycott appears to
be motivated by hate. Hatred has no place in our culture." By the way, you can imagine the
success of their boycott. The hotel was booked solid the next week.
Is anyone naive enough to believe they will ever read or hear words similar to the preceding news report
coming over the airwaves or in print, with today's biased reporting? The last line, "Hatred has no place in our
culture" is an exact quote from a McDonalds spokesman concerning the AFA boycott, indicating the boycotters hate
homosexuals. Just for the record, I do not hate homosexuals, but do hate homosexuality, a self destructive, sinful,
chosen lifestyle. I once heard someone say they hated cancer, after it claimed the life of their loved
one. With today's spin, that individual must hate everyone with cancer. How hateful.
If you are guilty of hate speech, then you can be found guilty of a hate crime. And this is the
goal. Both Canada and Sweden have hate speech laws on their books to protect deviants. Hitler's fascism began with
silencing his opposition and this is exactly what homosexuals, C.A.I.R., Jesse Jackson, Democrats and liberal Republicans
(Remember the McCain-Feingold folly), Barry Lynn, N.O.W., and many others are trying to do. Silence the opposition.
Let your voice be heard. Speak the truth with charity, but always in boldness. "Open rebuke is
better than secret love." Proverbs 27:5. And remember this old axiom from childhood: "Sticks and
stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" which is just a proverbial way of saying "Grow Up".
Joseph Harris is
the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be
reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
July 16, 2008
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
199
Special Mini Edition. Guest Editorial By Brother Ritechus N. Dignation
Things That Just Rip My Gizzard
I have a list of things that really get next to me. I mean these things just
chap my hide, rip my gizzard and generally hack me off. Everyone probably has a list like this. Ever' once in a while, it's
good to blow off a little steam, so here are some things that are on my hit list.
(1) Church Fundraisers- The Lord's got a plan for financing His church and
her ministries. That plan don't include selling donuts, having spaghetti suppers, holding car washes and rafflin' off the
family dog. God's plan is called the "open your wallet and give cheerfully" plan. Church members ought to tithe and give above
the tithe for special things. If the young'uns want to go on a trip, the church ought to be able to take care of it, instead
of sendin' them traipsin' up and down the streets sellin' junk that nobody wants to buy anyway. Why, if ever'body in every
church just tithed, the church would have to hold special meetin's just to figure out how to use all the extra money for the
Lord's work.
(2) Unfaithful Church Workers- The sorry way in which elected workers treat
the Lord's work is a shame. I've seen Sunday School teachers not show up and never tell 'nary a soul they weren't coming.
I've seen committees elected to take care of important business (any business for the Lord is important) and never hold the
first meetin'. If they performed on their money payin' job the way they work for the church, they would be fired before noon
on Monday. The Lord's work is not second rate.
(3) Stingy Church Treasurers- Let me explainify. I'm talkin' about treasurers
who treat the church's money as their own private stash. In one church I pastored, the treasurer had a coniption every time
the church voted to spend a penny. The church once voted to spend $50.00 on needed supplies. When I went to the money man
for a check, he balked, turned red in the face, wrote the check and threw it at me. I considered givin' him a holy slap, but
declined. The church voted to spend that money. Well, he later resigned and we commenced with spendin'.
(4) Dead Preachin'- Nothing is harder to endure than dead preachin'. Old
Brother E. M. Bounds used to say, "Dead men preach dead sermons, and dead sermons kill." I know a preacher who literally puts
the congregation to sleep. His people say church is where they get their best nap. Late one night, one of his members couldn't
get to sleep, so she called up this preacher and asked him to give her a little devotion on the phone. She was snoozin' in
no time. Now, I know what your thinkin', and No, the preacher don't have to rant, rave, yell, stomp, snort and foam at the
mouth to give some good preachin'. Ever'body's different. But every preacher ought to be excited and enthusiastic about his
message. And folks can tell if you ain't.
Now send me a list of your gripes. Brother Ritechus N. Dignation
The books, Rantings and Ravings From Brother Ritechus N Dignation, Book 1 and
More Rantings and Ravings From Brother Ritechus N Dignation, Book 2 can be purchased online at www.josephharrismagic.net with a credit card through PayPal or they are available for $6.00 each (includes postage) by writing to Joseph
Harris 77 Neil Road Ellisville, MS 39437.
Joseph Harris is the Vice
President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long
as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
July 8, 2008 Number
198
Things You Will Never See, Things I Would Like To See
In the tradition of Mini Editions 146 (News Headlines You Never
See) and 147 (Things You Cannot Say In America), I am listing in this edition some other things you will not see as well
as some stuff I would like to see.
Things You Will Never See
Ted Kennedy as the head of Mother’s against Drunk Drivers. (Or Teddy teaching swimming lessons)
Libya, China and Sudan heading the human rights commission in the UN. (Actually, it's been done)
The ACLU suing for the right for students to pray and read the Bible in schools.
The Head of the Palestinian Authority observing Hanukkah.
Jesse Jackson elected as the head of the Sons of the Confederacy. (Or him accepting)
Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, and the Dixie Chicks going overseas to entertain the troops.
Bill Clinton teaching a course on abstinence, self control and honesty.
Things I would Like To See
PETA holding a fundraising bar-b-que. (I would buy tickets)
The NAACP actually working for the Advancement of Colored People instead of causing further division
and animosity between the races.
For once I would love to hear an objective, complete, well rounded, factual news report from NBC, CBS, NBC, CNN,
MSNBC, and all other liberal XYZ outlets.
A franchise of Greenpeace sawmills and fur outlets.
I would like to see the big boy media ask Barak Hussein Obama some real, hardball questions.
I would like to hear Republicans admit that John McCain is not a conservative.
I would like for Islam to come clean and admit that Mohammed evangelized by the sword, hated Jews, and was intolerant
of all who disagreed with him, and that if given half a chance, Islam would force all "infidels" to convert.
I would pay ten bucks to hear any liberal Democrat say that Senator Robert Byrd is a racist.
I would pay twenty to hear a Republican say that Trent Lott is not a racist.
I would love to read in Time or Newsweek or any publication by the American Psychological Association that
homosexuality is a destructive, chosen behavior and still a major cause of the spread of AIDS.
And last, it would be great to see Barry Lynn organize a See You At the Pole prayer meeting on public school
property.
Send me your lists. jhh
Joseph Harris is the Vice
President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long
as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
June 19,
2008 Mini Edition
by Joseph Harris Number 197
The Right Foundation
A good foundation is always important.
A solid foundation is essential in the construction of a building. A strong academic background is important for success in
higher education. The parable Jesus told about the wise man and the foolish man is more than just a children’s
Bible story. Rock is always preferable to sand for a foundation.
America’s "multi-cultural diverse" society is built upon the sand of man’s wisdom and not the
rock of God. Our public government education system is built on the sinking sand of humanism and relativism and
not the solid rock of absolute truth. American politics is built on the sand of public opinion instead of principles
based upon God’s wisdom. Many modern churches are built upon marketing to the consumer's needs with no regard for what
pleases God. I could go on with examples, but you get the picture.
Though it sounds too simple, the basic "why" of man’s problems is traced directly back to the
exclusion of God. Now don’t go to the illogical conclusion that the presence of God means the absence of all problems,
or you might get initiated into the "name it and claim it" club and begin your own program on TBN. "Man . . . is born unto
trouble," according to a wise man who well knew by experience.
Notice, the Bible does not begin with a plea for salvation or how to live a holy life or how to be
victorious over sin. It begins with the foundation of the existence of GOD. Genesis 1:1 does not even try to prove the
existence of God. It assumes His existence. The scripture simply says, "In the beginning, GOD . . ." Belief in
God as Creator is foundational because if you do not accept the existence of the Creator, nothing else matters. Acceptance
of God as Creator precedes acceptance of God as Savior. The foundation must precede the building. This fact explains
why Satan tries to supplant the Creator and creation with evolution. If there is no Creator, there is nothing. Zero. No beginning,
no ending and nothing in between, hence we are all animals with no purpose for existence and no destination but the grave.
Wow, what hope and comfort evolution gives!
Christianity supplies something no other religion, philosophy or world view can completely give: (1) beginning;
(2) purpose, and (3) destination. Christianity provides a perfect trinity of explanation of: (1) origin of everything (God),
(2) the meaning of life (glorify God), and (3) the conclusion of it all (eternity with or without God). Notice, God is the
center of the threefold explanation.
God is essential. Man is not capable of ultimate success apart from God because of depravity, and real
success is more than having money or things. Man, left to himself, apart from God, will always degenerate. Since Adam, every
person has entered this world with a predisposition to turn away from God and commit sin. Every society in human history
that ignored God eventually crumbled.
When it comes to your life, don’t just include God. Build your life around Him. Place
God at the center. Put Him first in your life, first in your marriage, first in your finances, and first in your work.
"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 3:11.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This
article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
June 5, 2008 Number
196
Surprised?
An old saying tells us that life is full of surprises, but some
things should not catch us by surprise. And especially those events that give a forerunner of their happening.
When the ungodly seem to win a victory over morality and purity, some Christians seem surprised. Their surprise
almost surprises me.
Who is surprised over the news from California about "gay" marriage,
as the same sex marriage ban was overturned by that wide majority vote, 4-3? A homosexual "couple"(Ain't no such thing)
can now apply for a marriage license. We have already seen the hand writing on the wall in Massachusetts, which
is a hotbed of homosexuality, with homosexual sympathizers. Remember, this is the home of Barney Frank, the queer
representative of the fourth congressional district of Massachusetts. And don't forget their illustrious senator, Chappaquiddick
Ted, that moralizing Kennedy who left Mary Jo Kopechne to die trapped in the car submerged in water, while
he swam to safety, then waited nine hours to report the accident. With elected officials like the aforementioned
men, who could possibly be surprised at anything that might come out of Massachusetts. And now California, a state
known for it's liberalism, has a handful of judicial activists telling the dissenting majority of the population that
the will of the majority is worthless. 61 % of the people of California approved the ban on homosexual marriage.
The phrase "homosexual marriage" is a paradox that voids itself. It's kind of like talking about cold fire, dry water
or Christian adultery. It is a self canceling paradox. Is that redundant?
Was anyone surprised with the removal of Judge Roy Moore as Chief
Justice of Alabama, a few years back? Why be surprised when God and his commandments have already been removed?
The natural step of progression is to remove God's man. And remove him they did. The nine member Court of
the Judiciary, presided over by Judge William Thompson, voted to remove Judge Moore. The only surprising
thing about this event was that Thompson led the court in prayer at the beginning, asking God to bless the proceedings of
the court. This was laughable....asking God to bless the removal of the very man who has tried to keep God's blessing
on the people by honoring God's laws. Insanity rules.
Then there is the display of ungodliness, vulgarity and filth on
the airwaves. No one is surprised or shocked anymore, and I'm speaking of regular TV. X rated programming has
been on the television for 30 years, since the advent of pay TV as found on HBO, SINemax and other purveyors
of pornography. When the filth switched over to "mainstream" TV, no one was surprised.....or cared.
This is nothing more than the natural course of events. We have been de-sensitized to that which was previously
shocking. We may not be surprised, but we should be ashamed.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear).
LESSONS FROM COMICS
I hope the kid in me never grows up. For instance, I like to read the Sunday comics. It’s amazing what
can be found in what we used to call, when I was a kid, the funny papers. Sometimes they are profound and true to life.
A few years back, I came across a series that was new to me. “Zits” was the name of the comic
series. The beginning panels showed a woman pulling out a pair of rubber gloves and attaching a face mask, kind of like a
filter. She then took a pair of tongs and pulled a tape from a VCR and dropped it in a garbage bag with a look of disgust
on her face as if she smelled a bad odor. The last panel contained the only dialogue in the strip. Two guys were sitting in
front of the TV, watching her actions, and the first one made a remark about how the woman (the other guy’s Mom) did
not like coarse language. The second guy responded with an exasperated look on his face saying the movie was only rated PG-13.
How true to life. I expect this attitude from the world, since society has become so de-sensitized. Things
are accepted today that would not have been tolerated 40 years ago. I do, however, expect something different from professing
Christians, who seldom use much discrimination in their choices of TV and film entertainment. I have been told, “Well,
it’s only rated PG or PG-13" as if the rating alone makes it acceptable. Usually, films with these “mild”
ratings contain obscene, vulgar, and profane language. When you point out the adultery and homosexuality that might be in
the film, the excuse is, “Well, this is real life. These things exist in the real world.” True, and these things
are usually not rebuked in the real world either. A film containing these themes at least has some redeeming value when it
shows the consequences, tragedy, and destruction of these and other sins, instead of presenting them in an amoral, nonjudgmental
way. Plus the world view presented and promoted by the film should be considered. And remember, the Motion Picture Association
rates films, and this group is not comprised of conservative Bible believers.
A steady diet of filth, perversity, blasphemy, nudity, hedonism, etc, etc, does have an affect on
the consumer. We as Christians believe constant exposure to the Word affects people. How can we not believe constant
exposure to the world will do the same? In the name of entertainment, professing Christians will subject themselves
to vile, lewd, anti-God behavior and language, while they as Christians abstain from the use of the same language and lifestyles
portrayed on the screen. This is inconsistency with a capital I. If you do not use profanity, then don’t pay
to hear others use it. If you don’t take God’s name in vain, then don’t promote it by endorsing it and financially
supporting the ones who profane God. If you do not believe in adultery, homosexuality, etc., then don’t laugh at the
crude humor and applaud when it is practiced by others. And any woman who bares her body for millions to see is on the
level of a harlot and should be prayed for, not exalted and adored as a sex symbol.
I’m not saying bury your head in the sand, but I am saying we should use plain common sense guided by Scripture.
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” Beware what you allow into
your heart, “For from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Sadly, this simple comic strip of
few words, speak volumes.
Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article
may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
IS
MORMONISM CHRISTIAN?
Forgetfulness is a part of human nature. The older I get, the more human I become. This tendency to forget is one
reason why we as Christians must read our Bibles regularly. We usually know truth when we see it, but tend to “forget”
when not constantly reminded.
For instance, amid the glimmering and positive image that is used to portray Mormonism, let’s not forget
that it is still a cult which denies fundamental Bible doctrines. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was established
by Joseph Smith around the mid 1800's. He was disgruntled with the divided religious denominations of his day. Smith claims
that when he asked God to show him which one of the current churches was the true church, God told him none of them . . .
they were all wrong. God then stated he wanted JS to be his true prophet and “restore” the true gospel back into
the world, since it had been lost through the corrupt churches.
Smith didn’t restore the lost truth anymore than the reformers recovered true doctrine that had been “lost”
through the Catholicism of the Dark Ages. The truths which the reformers claimed to restore were still being proclaimed and
practiced by true Bible believing churches, known throughout church history by various names, and persecuted by Catholicism.
From the time Christ started His church, to the present, true churches have perpetually existed preaching true doctrine. Bible
doctrine has been “messed with” throughout church history, but was never lost.
Joseph Smith, using a buffet line mentality, picked and chose what he wanted from Christianity, sprinkled in a
tablespoon of Freemasonry, added a dash of mysticism and created the smorgasbord of Mormonism. The problem is, God never hired
him as the chef.
Mormonism claims JS is the last prophet for mankind, but Hebrews 1:1 plainly states Jesus is God’s final
prophet, and that excludes Mohammed also. Mormonism teaches Jesus is a god, while the scriptures teach Jesus is God, and not
just divinity, but deity. Mormonism teaches salvation by righteous works and accountability before the judgment seat of a
trinity of God, Jesus and Joseph Smith. All this and more, was supposedly revealed to Joseph Smith by an angel from Heaven.
Again, lest we forget, Mormonism is not true Biblical Christianity, but a mutated corruption, sprinkled
with a fairy tale element (man may become God), which corrupts the simplicity of the Gospel (II Corinthians 11:3). “But
though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you, than that we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
Galatians 1:8
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This
article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
April 3, 2008
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
193
I'm
Just Thankful
What shall I render unto the Lord for all He has done for me? How can I ever repay His goodness, gifts, and blessings.
Well, I can’t. But I can sure try. Reflecting upon the goodness of God should overwhelm and humble each recipient.
We often take for granted the "little" things in life, like life itself, good health, family, friends, and material blessings.
I have tried to list a few things below for which I am extremely grateful.
I'm thankful that, in this nation founded on Christian principles from scripture, we can still assemble
and preach the Gospel of Jesus, which is the only answer to our sin problem.
I’m thankful that with the privilege of being a US citizen, I can own property and bear arms to protect
my family, if needed.
I'm thankful that I can still make my small voice heard at the voting booth.
I’m thankful I live in America and not a country dominated by Islam.
I’m thankful that my wife loves me and supports my ministry work, and am especially thankful for our
daughter and son.
I’m thankful for the prayers of God’s people for one another in times of distress, trouble, heartache,
sickness and mourning.
I’m thankful God called me to preach and placed me in a preaching/teaching ministry twenty five years
ago.
I’m thankful for the hundreds of students in my college classes over the past 21 years, for
teaching me as I taught them.
I’m thankful for my Christian heritage from a Godly preacher father and mother who are now
in Heaven.
I’m thankful for my five brothers and sisters.
And last of all (no offence to Yankees here), I’m thankful I was born and bred in the south where I
learned to hunt and eat squirrels and rabbits, set trot lines for catfish, gather eggs from the chicken yard, pluck chickens,
eat cornbread dressing, grits, "taters," "mater" gravy and biscuits, learned to pick and shell peas and beans, raise corn
and squash, bale and haul hay, run cows, fall asleep on the porch at night, hear good old fashioned preaching and singing
in a country church, etc., etc. Now that’s living.
Folks, I’m just thankful. And I’m especially thankful for you Mini Edition subscribers and the
readers of Mini Edition in the papers that reprint it weekly and monthly, and the editors. God bless you. You have been so
encouraging. Now go tell someone you appreciate them.
Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article
may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
March 20, 2008
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
192
Why You Should Not Home School Your Children
The education debate continues. Should kids be sent to public government schools, private and/or Christian schools, or be home schooled?
The choice should belong to the parents. As I have written on this issue in the past, it seems to have generated more
response that just about any other topic I have written on in the past 7 years. And I usually lose subscribers, since
they view my pro-Christian school and home schooling views as an attack on them personally, if their kids attend government
schools. This is not an attack, but my opinion and view. Just put on your thick skin and you will be okay.
I received the tongue-in-cheek article "Why You Should Not Home School
Your Children" and liked it so much I decided to add my own thoughts. The author was anonymous, so I can't give credit.
See if you can determine which ones I added. By the way, my wife and I home school our children (as if you couldn't
guess) If you are a home schooler, send this to some of your home school buddies. jhh.
Why You Should Not Home School Your Children
Most parents were educated in the under-funded
public school system, and so
are not smart enough to home-school their own children.
Children who receive
one-on-one home-schooling will learn more than others,
giving them an unfair advantage in the marketplace. This is undemocratic.
How can children learn to defend themselves unless they have to fight off
bullies on a daily basis?
Where else will they learn true US history
and how the righteous North punished the ungodly South
in the "civil" war?
In order to learn how to cope in the real world,
they must be totally immersed in ungodliness
and gutter language at an early, impressionable
age.
Ridicule from other children is important to the socialization process.
Children in public schools can
get more practice "Just Saying No" to drugs,
cigarettes and alcohol.
It is the best option for becoming culturally
sensitized in the areas of racism, homophobia,
and gender discrimination, not to mention being taught the true "facts" of our founding fathers
Publicly asking permission to go to the
bathroom teaches young people their
place in society.
The fashion industry depends upon the peer pressure that
only public schools
can generate.
Public schools foster cultural literacy, passing on important traditions
like
the singing of "Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg..."
Home-schooled children may not learn important
office career skills, like
how to sit still for six hours straight.
~Author Unknown
Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article
may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
March 5, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number 191
Moses was High All Right ....On the Mountain
In case you haven't heard, Moses was on drugs. Yep, he was just some whacked out old man hallucinating about the burning
bush and about God on Mt. Sinai, because of partaking of the bark of the acacia tree. Before you think I am speaking tongue-in-cheek,
these are serious allegations from a psychology professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This professor also claimed that
the Israelites used mind altering substances as a basic part of their worship. After reading these claims and other outrageous
musings from Breitbart.com, I noticed a glaring absence in the professor's statements: PROOF. No biblical, archaeological
or historical proof was ever mentioned in the article. Here are some exact words or phrases found in the article: (1) "Israeli
researcher claimed" (2) "a professor...wrote" (3) "very probable" (4) "was probably" . There was, however, one emphatic, statement
made, by the "researcher", concerning himself: he has "dabbled" with drugs. Hey, that's where I prefer to get my historical
bible truths: from a psychology professor who is also a self professed drug user.
He does give one tidbit of "proof" as to the drug use of Moses and Israel by referring to some obscure and
irrelevant example about some modern day tribe in the Amazon that uses drugs in religious ceremonies. He never bothers to
close the cultural, linguistic, geographical and time gap between the Old Testament Israelites and the modern day Amazons.
He then recounts his own spiritually based religious visions while on a similar drug used by the Amazons which, once again,
must be proof positive that Moses did drugs. This professor must be a Democrat or the Israeli equivalent, since no one in
the media has bothered to call his hand on his obvious lack of proof. You know the old liberal media philosophy: if it slams
God or Bible truth, then it must be true, and don't you dare question it. This discovery was considered "news" and most internet
search engines will give several references to this discovery.
This is great news for fornicators, adulterers, liars, thieves and all other commandment breakers. If Moses
was just some dope head, then the ten commandments would naturally be the ravings of his wild and drug influenced imagination
and therefore, not authoritative (the truth is, God authored the ten commandments, not Moses).
The woods are full of doubters, skeptics and atheists. They never seem to tire of attacking God and the Bible,
but I get weary when their opinions are treated as gospel truth with no challenge.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS .
(This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear).
November 29, 2007
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
189
A Thermostat
or a Thermometer?
In almost every
modern home, there is a little box on some wall called a thermostat. It controls the climate in the house. Also
contained in the box is a thermometer, which measures the temperature inside the house. The thermostat responds
to the temperature of the thermometer, based on its setting. One measures, one makes a difference.
As a Christian, are you a thermostat or a thermometer? A lot of Christians are nothing
more than a thermometer. They take on the temperature of their environment. At church, they are holy, kind, patient
and considerate. Away from the church crowd, they are rude, crude, impatient and act like their worldly environment.
They do nothing more than reflect and emulate their environment.
Thermostat Christians make a change in the temperature of their environment. When backbiting
begins, they refrain and instead use edifying words. When confronted in anger, they answer softly and not in wrath
for "The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God", according to Brother James. They are not affected
by the cold or the heat. They walk to the beat of the Holy Spirit, since they are filled with Him and they
make a difference in their environment.
When Peter stood by the fire warming himself, as Jesus was being tried illegally, he took on
the climate of the world. When confronted with his identity and association with Jesus, he lied, then swore. Peter
reflected the temperature of the world. He was a thermometer.
When Demas forsook Paul and loved this present world, he was a thermometer and of no use to Paul
or God.
The Macedonian believers, however, became a thermostat and made a difference and along with Paul,
became "ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia" (I Thess. 1:7) and they also became a thermometer
as they took on the climate of Paul and God, "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord..." (I Thess. 1:6).
Three well known thermostats in the Bible were the Hebrews in Daniel who would not bow to the
king. When everyone else was doing it, they absolutely refused to bow to a man made image. They were so locked
in to God that they vowed to not bow whether, God preserved them or not. The issue for them was not deliverance,
but integrity.
Oh God give us some thermostat Christians who will stop reflecting the temperature
of this world and its filth, and who are more concerned about pleasing the Holy God of the universe, as they set
the temperature of Godliness in their family, church, work place and community.
November 20, 2007
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
188
Illegal Immigrant TV Spinoff Shows
Spinoffs of popular TV shows have been common over the years. Some of
the first and most popular spinoffs came from creator/producer Paul Henning, beginning with such great shows as
The Beverly Hillbillies, followed by its spinoff of Petticoat Junction, finally followed by Green
Acres. Well, I have some spinoffs from old and new popular shows, with a theme: Illegal Immigrant
Spinoffs. When my creative mind starts turning, stuff usually comes pretty fast. This is how all
the junk you get in email gets started on the internet (Remember my Muslim Southern Gospel Quartet, The Jihad Boys), but also
remember this: you got in on the ground floor with this one, cause they are straight from my hot little brain.
Three's Company with the spinoff Thirty's Company. A story about
30 illegals living in one rent house in shifts.
Chico and the Man, followed by Chico and the man, and the woman, and the children,
and the grandparents, and the cousins and.....A show about one extended family's realized dream to come to the USA.
Dora the Explorer with the spinoff, Dora the Border Explorer.
Children's show about a little Hispanic girl who finds new and exciting ways to cross the border.
Go Diego, Go with the spinoff, Go Back Diego, Go Back. Diego
is Dora's cousin who apparently has also explored along the border.
8 is Enough. This spinoff is called 8 Million is Enough, showing
how even 8 million illegals will drastically affect the US economy, notwithstanding the 12 million already here.
Mr. Roger's Neighborhood spinoff is called Senor Roger's Newly Repopulated
and Diverse Neighborhood. A minority of American citizens find themselves the only English speaking people
in their neighborhood.
Law and Order has a spinoff called No Law and Disorder, a show about
how immigration laws are not enforced and the consequences that follow.
LA Law. This spinoff, LA Immigration Law, is a daring, cutting
edge program about a law firm that dares to prosecute illegals in, of all places, Los Angeles. Caution, graphic violence
involved.
For those who get offended, get a life and a sense of humor. The truth is the truth and illegals
are illegal and no amount of spin can change the truth. We can either accept the truth or reject it, but we can
not change it.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS.(This
article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
November 16, 2007
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
187
WE’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY!
According to officials in Montgomery County in Maryland, individuals can now choose their gender (Worldnetdaily.com,
November 14, 2007). If you as a male, "feel" or "perceive" you are female, you are. Same thing for females who
think they are males. This will certainly save a lot of money on "gender reassignment" surgeries, if you want to overlook
one small fact: it's absolutley insane. Sane thinking people are concerned about people of the opposite sex using the
same public facilites as the oppostie sex, such as restrooms, showers, locker rooms, etc. and their proposed law would allow
this, even though the officials deny it.
Think of the possibilities. If anyone wants to change their race, just use the power of the mind and
presto, it's done. Whites can be black, Blacks can become Asian, and so on. Never mind some absoutes that were
established at birth. Absolutes are no longer absolutes. What you think, perceive and feel is now the standard
for reality. I wonder if I can convince my bank that I really have a balance in my checking account of $300,000.00?
If this is my perception, then the bank will just have to accept it and validate all the checks I write, because I believe
I have $300,000.00 in my account. Don't argue with my reality.
On a related issue, I am reminded of a story I read a few years back. The University of California in
Los Angeles has long been known as a hotbed of liberalism, especially evident in the 60's. It’s no surprise that feminism
is strongly supported and taught at UCLA. What’s surprising is the presence of a campus group known as the Independent
Women’s Forum, a conservative organization. The IWF claims to be a counter-organization of the NOW, National Organization
for Women, or as I fondly refer to them, the National Organization of Whiners.
We are often cautioned against placing a stereotype on individuals or groups, but it’s kinda hard
not to with liberals. They are so predictable. One stereotype of a liberal group is this: THEY can downgrade, denigrate and
devil anyone they choose, but let just ONE word be said in opposition against them or their ideology, and they cry incessantly
like the thin-skinned babies they are. It’s true almost every time; the great "preachers" of tolerance suddenly become
extremely intolerant when they are on the receiving end of criticism. So if the stereotype fits . . . well, you know
the rest.
The Independent Women's Forum ran an advertisement in the student paper challenging what they called "The
Ten Most Common Feminist Myths" and the outcry began. The feminists cried "hateful" and "damaging to the UCLA community" for
starters. Now, all the IWF did was tell the truth with hard facts and statistics about some of the following feminist myths:
(1) One out of every four girls experiences rape or attempted rape by a male on college campuses; (2) Girls don’t receive
as well an education as boys; (3) Gender is a social construction, . . . and so on.
Now, the IWF did say the feminist professors at UCLA were "factually challenged" and were "male bashers,"
but hey, the truth usually hurts. Someone needs to say it. Groups like the National Organization for Women have for too long
had free reign given to them by the major liberal news media outlets and it’s refreshing to hear someone tell
the truth. Liberal groups have been unchallenged for so long, they just can’t handle it when they are confronted with
truth. Unfortunately, most have been inoculated to the truth by their own self deception.
What saith the Lord concerning male and female? The man was first formed, then the woman, Paul said,
and the order of creation establishes the authority of the man. Concerning sin, the man was in the transgression, but the
woman was deceived, therefore it was "by one man sin entered into the world", not one woman, according to Romans
5. Paul also stated that a woman was not to usurp the God-given authority of the male. There has been a rash of
women "preachers" over the past few decades, but scripture is plain on this issue, for those who will accept truth and not
be guided by feelings and emotion.
Ladies and Gentlemen, males and females are different. They have different roles, different positions in the
home, and different areas of ministry. They are just as different emotionally as they are physically. Women have no place
in the foxhole and men just can’t nurture like women can. And no one can change their gender by wishing, hoping
or having surgery. God does not make mistakes and He does not place a male in a female body or visa versa.
Departure from the Word of God can only lead to switched roles and confused, unfulfilled men, women, and children.
Hey, I have a novel idea! How about we try it God’s way for the next generation? We’ve come a long way baby. Now
let’s shift into reverse. Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS.(This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name
Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
Check out my latest product, Southern Charm Drinking Chocolate, by clicking on the cup, and request
a free sample.
September 28, 2007
Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
185
Stepping on Snakes
I have never stepped on a snake, but have come close a couple
of times. I have actually had something worse happen to me. One night, I went into an empty house we owned, checking
it out because of recent robberies in the area. When trying to close the back door after entering, I noticed the door
would not close all the way. I had been having trouble with the striker plate on the door and thought it just needed
an extra push. I pushed and shoved and the door still would not close. Irritated, I yanked the door open to see
if the head of a screw was sticking out. I immediately found what was keeping the door from closing. As the door
flew open, a four foot rat snake fell down on my head. He had been wedged at the top, in between the door and the casing,
keeping the door from closing. As he fell down on my head and slid down my face and on to my arms, I yelled and jumped
backwards several feet in one leap. That's a pretty good feat, when you weigh 240 pounds and stand at 5'9.
I had a pistol on me, but by the time I got it out and ready, the snake was gone and I wouldn't have been able
to hit him anyway. That was too close to a snake, for me.
Would you rather err on the side of righteousness or unrighteousness? Would
you rather get close to a snake or remain at a distance? Christian liberty may say, "I can do it, I have a right,
it's allowed", but Christian maturity says, "For me to live is Christ and I love God and want to protect my testimony."
It has always amazed me at the length to which people will go to get near sin, but won't even begin to pay the price
to get near God. If you are more interested in getting closer to sin than in getting closer to God, something is wrong.
Getting near a snake doesn't guarantee you will be bitten, but it increases your chances.
I am concerned when Christians spend more time looking for loopholes
that allow them freedom to indulge in, or partake of, or associate with that which is questionable for Christians. It
is an indictment that they are more focused on themselves than on God. Plus, there is always potential danger, for sin
can bite like a snake.
I spoke
at a church this past Summer and was grieved at what I saw. There were several women there who were not dressed modestly.
These were decent and attractive women. We sometimes use the phrase "good looking". It was more than that.
These were nice looking women who were "hot", to use a description of today. Their attire, which was
skimpy and tight, made them hot. If their dress had been decent and modest, the word "hot" would
not be appropriate and they would have just been nice looking, Godly women. I am not judging their character,
because they were probably moral women, but it was difficult to see Godliness with so much skin showing. People
who know me will say, "Well there he goes again, harping on dress, when there are more important things." There certainly
are more important things, but dress and appearance also have a place of importance. Loophole seekers are
always turning attention away to "more important" things. And even if I DO harp on certain things, it's usually
because everyone else's harp is broken, and they are silent on certain issues. There is a direct connection
between immodest dress and inflamed lust and increased sexual desire in today's society. There is also a direct
connection between going into the woods or to a lake and finding a snake. Going where snakes live increases the chance
of finding and even stepping on snakes. Staying away from snake habitations decreases the possibility of seeing and
stepping on snakes.
Hungering and thirsting after God, with a desire to please Him decreases opportunities to sin and dishonor Him. WHY
are Christians so concerned with this world, it's styles and fashions, programs and all it has to offer when they could feast
on the things of God and the genuine peace, joy and fulfillment that comes only from dedication to Him?
Legalist? Legalism? The word has to do with adhering to law. I'll take law any day over lawlessness.
And watch out for snakes.
Joseph Harris is the Chairman of Biblical Studies at
Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS.(This article may be reprinted in whole, as long
as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
September, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
184
Family
Values
Have you ever had a tempting offer that seemed too good
to be true? One example that comes to mind would be the work at home ads that promise you will make $10,000 the first month and as much as you want after that. The old saying of "If it
sounds too good to be true, it probably is" is an axiom of truth.
Last year, I received a offer that could have been
a lucrative deal, if only that pesky Christianity stuff had not gotten in the way. The casting producer for a show
on ABC contacted me about being on their program. She said it was a hit show on ABC's Disney family hour. Since
I do not watch much TV, and never watch regular network programming, I had never heard of the show, but everyone I asked had
heard of the show. The casting producer was looking for an illusionist and his family, and came across my
web site. The appearance on the show, and the filming, which would take a couple of weeks of my life, would pay $20,000.00. I
admit, this amount caused me to raise an eyebrow, but if my family and I had appeared on the program, it would have
been the end of my ministry. The potential to corrupt my children was assured, because of the nature of the program.
I declined and asked a few friends if they were interested, but that was before I found out how corrupt the show was, otherwise,
I would have thought twice about asking them. I still have not watched an episode of the show and do not plan on it.
The offer came soon after asking God for some extra income for a specific matter.
AND it was on ABC's DISNEY FAMILY hour. I was assured it was a family show. Surely, this was God answering prayer.
I learned long ago that the world doesn't have a clue, when it comes to real family values. I remember renting
a cartoon film from a video store when my daughter was young, and asking the clerk about the film. She assured me it
was a clean, child friendly, wonderful animation. Five minutes into the film, curse words began. I turned it off,
took the film back and, with charity, told the employee the film was not a children's film. (This was not a Disney
film, but Disney dropped the ball long ago concerning family values)
But back to the "family" show. Just because a show is centered around
a family or families, this doesn't mean it is fit for family consumption. After checking into the situation, it
appeared they wanted a Christian family, but I suspect it was for the opportunity to mock Christianity and challenge
real family values. Even though I was encouraged by some to consider it, it was never a possibility from the
beginning.
The importance of a stable, Godly family cannot be overstated. No single
institution has been attacked as vehemently and viciously, as the family has been attacked. The emasculation of
the male, blurring of the roles of the sexes, and laxation of the discipline of children, have all weakened the family in
the last 100 years. Family values begin with placing value on God as the foundation of the family, led by the Father
and supported by the Mother. Discipline and standards, motivated by love, will establish the children in habits,
manners and a Christian world view philosophy of life that glorifies God, strengthens churches and produces good
citizens. Parents have only one shot with their children. That's why it's so important to guard them from that
which would steal their innocence and purity.
Joseph
Harris is the Chairman of Biblical Studies at Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted
in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
August 24, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
183
Modeling the Love of Christ
An old song from 1965, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David
and performed by Jackie De Shannon, has lyrics that state, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love, no
not just for some, but for everyone..." The song was popular and contains a lot of truth. The whole truth is,
the love that is needed is the love of God. Love is always powerful, but the strongest force in the universe
is the love of God. It will reach down, heal, overcome, and empower to the fullest, in every situation.
The best preaching, witnessing, singing, etc. in the world misses it mark, if not fueled by the love of God. In
service and ministry for Christ, it is the love of God overflowing in our hearts that motivates us or as Paul puts it, "...the
love of Christ constraineth us..." II Cor. 5:14.
Love cannot just be preached about or spoken
of: it must be seen. Imagine if God had only TOLD us that He loved us, instead of SHOWING it. Empty words would
not save us. God backed up his words by sending Jesus to die for us, thereby proving His love. "But God commendeth
his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8. God then raised Jesus
from the dead, completing the plan of salvation, sealing it and justifying us by the empty tomb.
Seeing the love of God in Christians profoundly influenced me
in my early Christianity. When yet lost, I was deeply influenced by a Godly woman, Mrs. Ann Lombardo, from New
Orleans, Louisiana. I was a lost heathen living in Bay St. Louis in 1980 when I first met her. She would
come to the Bay St. Louis/Waveland area and stay in a weekend home several times each year. When she walked
into my place of business, I knew something was different. As I assisted her (I was a shoe salesman)
she asked me if I knew Jesus Christ as Savior. I fumbled out some answer about being saved, then she said, "Oh
that's so good. Isn't He a wonderful Savior?" I mumbled something back and got away from her.
The love of God in this born again former Catholic was overpowering.
The next weekend, she was back. Surely she did not need
more shoes. Actually, she had targeted me and was back to talk about Jesus again. Though she had already
asked if I was saved, she asked again....and again.....and again, because she knew I didn't have a clue about salvation, even
though I professed to be saved. She was a great customer and I sold many pairs of shoes, but the love was so real and
conviction of God was so strong, I actually dodged her when I could. Her words haunted me: "Isn't He a wonderful
Savior?" She was the only complete stranger in my life who had ever asked me if I was saved. A few months
later, I did find out that HE'S A WONDERFUL SAVIOR!
I went off to Bible college for one year at Southeastern
Baptist College and the next year returned to Bay St. Louis as a summer missionary, assisting Brother Thelbert Hill,
missionary pastor of Central Baptist Church. Guess who walked into church one Wednesday evening? Mrs.
Ann Lombardo. She introduced me to a friend who was staying with her for a couple of months, Mrs. Minnie Jester.
She loved working with children and was known to kids by her nickname, Miss Boots. These two ladies had a
passion for souls and especially for children. They invited me to help in a backyard Bible school at
Mrs. Lombardo's summer home. I packed every kid I could find into my car every morning the next week and
watched these two ladies teach Bible and LOVE those kids, most of whom were thrown away and neglected by their parents.
Miss Boots talked to those kids with finger puppets, served them drink and cookies and hugged their dirty little
bodies.
I did not realize at the time how much these ladies influenced
me as Jesus radiated through them. SEEING the love of God in them strengthened me then and later, and even now
as I recount these memories. I do not know where they are today or if they are still alive. I never knew
much personally about either, except that Ann Lombardo lived in New Orleans and Minnie Jester, in her younger days,
had been the personal secretary to J. Edgar Hoover. What I do know is that they kept the first and second
great commandments and loved the Lord their God with all their heart and soul and mind and each loved her neighbor
as much as herself. God bless you ladies. Thank you for showing Jesus to me.
Joseph
Harris is the Chairman of Biblical Studies at Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted
in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
August 3, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Reprint
YOUR
SUPREME COURT AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
I have never understood the decision of the Supreme Court to protect virtual child porn as free
speech. In a decision that had to do with invalidating portions of the Child Pornography Act which was passed by Congress
in 1996, the court basically said that REAL photographs of REAL children involved in REAL sexual acts are illegal and not
protected as free speech, BUT computer generated images that APPEAR to be of children, which APPEAR to be involved in sex
acts are okay. In other words, hand drawn or computer generated pictures that appear to be of minors in acts of simulated
sex, are protected as free speech.
Well, that sounds as clear as the tax code. Only two judges dissented. Hats off to Justices
Antonin Scalia and William Rehnquist. Apparently, only two judges on the highest court in this country are thinking with any
sanity and common sense. Imagine, if it has not hit you yet; the highest court in this land believes that virtual child pornography
has merit and needs protecting.
One charge by opponents was that predators can use this now legal porn to entice and lure children
into the real thing, which is exactly what they do with all kinds of porn. Now the predators can show legal pictures of children
supposedly engaged in sexual acts, to real children, to entice them and further break down barriers of inhibition. In response
to this charge, Justice Anthony Kennedy, who wrote for the majority, said that candy and video games can also be used for
immoral purposes, but are not prohibited just because they have potential for misuse. IS HE SERIOUS? This is the worst case
of comparing apples with oranges I have ever seen. Child porn compared with candy? Is anyone out there with me, or am I the
only one wondering what this guy is doing on the bench, with that kind of reasoning.
Let’s follow through with their reasoning of the pictures not being real and the sexual
acts only simulated. How would they respond to:
Hate Crimes - pictures of homos being beaten or lynched, simulated of course and computer
imaged. No actual pictures of real people.
Minority Bashing - handrawn, naturally, featuring minorities being trashed and abused
by hand drawn skin-heads and “good ole boys” (with virtual tobacco spit stains)
Animal Abuse-Lab rats being mercilessly tortured and maimed, just pretend, of course,
with only simulated torture of computer generated images, complete with fake cries for help.
I wonder if today’s judges and courts would fight for free speech protection of the above
mentioned proposals. Why not? After all, it’s only simulation.
Our high court should be concerned with protecting children, but instead has sided with those
who would hurt, misuse and abuse our children. Remember the words of Jesus. It would be better to have a millstone tied around
your neck and drowned than to hurt innocent children. God help us.
July 13, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph
Harris Number 182
WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION
An accurate description of society today can be found in II Timothy 3:1-5.
This description is not some abstract of an unknown people in an unknown time. I believe it accurately and prophetically describes
the time in which we live today. Who can argue with such words and phrases describing men as “lovers of their own
selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection,
trucebreakers, false accusers” and this is only a partial list. Every one of these “qualities” can be found daily from a compilation of newspapers.
One phrase that stands out as especially true and descriptive is “without
natural affection.” The word natural is derived from the word nature which has to do with “the
inherent or essential qualities of anything,” to give a dictionary definition. To have affection for someone means
to cherish that person. The
phrase is also found in Romans 1 with reference to homosexuals who are
without natural affection for the opposite sex. Having natural affection is the norm, as in a male having natural affection
for a female, a female having natural affection for a male, and a parent having a natural affection for his or her children.
In other words, it’s just the natural thing, or that which is expected and normal.
Though the Bible never mentions the word abortion, it does speak of murder
and shedding of innocent blood. The phrase “without natural affection” in I Timothy 3:3 can also describe
the feeling of a mother toward a child she may want aborted. In the animal kingdom, most mothers have an intense desire
to protect their young, to the point of the mother putting her own life on the line. With animals, this is called instinct.
The mother doesn’t think about it or have to be taught to protect her young. She just does it, therefore it is natural.
All human mothers have a God-given desire to protect their young, whether
inside or outside the womb. To dislike, even hate a child to the point of murdering the child, is to be without natural affection.
But God places a natural affection within the heart of every parent. The same can be said of any father who might abuse or
kill his children. He is without natural affection. Simply put, it is natural for him to love and protect his children, and
unnatural to hate and abuse them. The result of any mother who rejects or denies this God-given natural affection is guilt
and frustration, which explains why so many mothers who have had their children killed, eventually need some kind of emotional
or psychological counseling. They also need forgiveness from God for committing the sin of murder.
As we “celebrate” decades of killing the innocent and helpless,
may God have mercy on America and raise the consciousness level of this current generation concerning the horrible holocaust
that has been taking place in the name of choice, because of the lack of natural affection. Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College
in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear)
June 22, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris
Number 180
Revolt or Revival?
The revolt has arrived! The coup has come! The truth is finally beginning to come out. After YEARS of enduring
a liberal dominated media (and government), the winds of change have blown in like a hurricane. Conservative talk radio continues
to grow by leaps and bounds and this phenomenon has even filtered down to television via the Fox News Network (I know they
are not as fair and balanced as they think, but it's a start). Reasonable, sane, common sense minded, conservative Americans
have had enough.
We the people are tired of being told what to think and what we should tolerate, condone and endorse.
We are tired of seeing Christianity bashed, God blasphemed, perversion praised, and prayer and religion expelled from public
and government life. We are fed up with Greenpeace, animal rights and all manner of environmental wackism. We are disgusted
with so called racism, “inequality” of rights and multi-culturalism. We are sick of government programs funded
by over taxation that reward the lazy and immoral and perpetuate misery, ignorance and crime. We have simply had it with crooked
politicians who refuse to accurately represent their constituents, but pander to lobbyists while padding their pockets. We
want the ACLU, NEA, NOW and every other liberal, God-hating, freedom destroying group to back off and realize they DO NOT
speak for the backbone of this country, but represent a liberal fringe minority. We are at the end of our patience with appointed
judges who rewrite the Constitution, then shove their distorted interpretation down the collective American throat, through
the “omnipotent power” of their federal bench. We are going broke paying through the nose to support a government
education program in public schools, that falls more behind each year, educates few, disciplines none, and frustrates the
majority.
Talk radio has led this revolution in the electronic media. Many are the voices and pundits crying aloud
day and night. Each is a voice crying in the wilderness and their success is due to the fact that there is an audience for
their message.
But let’s not lose focus of this hard truth which is bittersweet news. Their message is refreshing
for the political conservative, but morally and spiritually, there is a void. The conservative Bible believer realizes this
hard truth. There is no real national conservative, Bible-believing voice (Biblically known as a prophet) that hits at the
crux of the problem, giving the real solution. Conservatism as a philosophy can only go so far and only do so much. Morality
can contribute to the solution, but is not the solution (hey, even lost people can be moral). The real solution is the Gospel
of Jesus Christ, preached and lived by God-called preachers in true New Testament churches, backed up by church members who
are born again believers. Soul winning, intercessory prayer and holy living will do more to change culture, affect society,
empty prisons, close abortion clinics, shut down dope dealers, transform homosexuals, clean up government and kill pornography
than any other one thing or combination of things.
The conservative revolt has been welcome and refreshing, true enough, but are we as true Bible believers willing to lay
hold on the real solution as just described? Probably not, because it will cost. Jesus never said following Him would be easy.
He likened it to taking up a cross and dying. The solution requires believers to die to self, die to the world, and live for
God. Until we are willing to pay the full price, do not expect any real changes.
Here is the answer: “If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, seek my
face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14. You
are either playing or praying. Which is it? Work for the night is coming.
Things You Cannot Say In America
Have you ever known anyone with a martyr’s complex, who enjoyed persecution and actually felt worthless in life unless
they were being maligned? These hapless individuals even manufacture persecution during slow seasons. Now if you happen to
be one of these individuals, or would like to be persecuted, boiled in oil, flayed alive and then beheaded, this article is
for you.
In the Kingdom of Political Correctness, some things are just no-no. Truth, honesty and facts are nowhere to be found in
this land of make-believe. Expediency, self promotion and personal enrichment are usually the motivations for being PC. Purveyors
of PC lie, dodge and twist the truth, re-phrasing sentences and re-defining well established definitions in order to change
thinking on issues. Residents in this fairy tale kingdom can be found in government positions, universities and colleges,
pulpits, schools, and any place of influence. They eat at the foundation of absolute truth, especially as found in Scripture
and shoot their venom at all who oppose and expose their insidious ways. They have succeeded in silencing many who might otherwise
speak the truth in boldness, having beaten them down to believe that “fairness” and “compassion” are
paramount and must reign as the standard used to judge what is spoken or printed.
To ensure you end up thrown into the torture dungeon of the Kingdom of Political Correctness, you might begin by spouting
off at the mouth with some phrases that have to do with gender roles and sexual identity. These subjects will ensure your
place on the stretching rack. To get you started, here are some things you cannot say in America:
‘Men and women are different”
“Homosexuality is a sin”
“Islam is not a religion of peace, but produces terrorists”
“Jesus” (spoken while leading in a public prayer)
“Mothers should stay at home and make motherhood their career”
“The Republican Party has betrayed conservatives”
“Illegal Aliens” (instead of undocumented immigrants)
“The South was right” (States rights trump federal legislation anyday)
“The Catholic institution persecuted Bible believers throughout church history”
“Palestinian gunmen are murdering terrorists, not freedom fighters”
“George Bush has betrayed America with his amnesty policy for illegals”
“Home educated students excel above traditional students”
“Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are racists”
“The Constitution is not a living document”
So there you have it. Things to say, just for starters, that are sure to bring reproach in today’s multi-cultural,
pluralistic, God-hating, Christ-denying society. See you in the dungeon.
“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!” Isaiah 5:20 Joseph
Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted
in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
June 8, 2007 Mini
Edition by Joseph Harris
Number 178
Absolute Absolutes, Absolutely
The law is authority and law is based on authority.
Where does authority begin. It must have a source. There are basically two views, which as you might guess, contradict
one another. (1) Authority is derived from man, as groups collectively bestow power upon government or magistrates,
to govern the people. (2) Authority is derived from God, then man organizes government, based upon the commandments
and principles of God. If authority comes from man, then there are no absolutes. What man deems to be wrong,
is indeed wrong, as long as man declares it to be wrong. Man may then change the law and what was wrong is then, no
longer wrong. However, if God declares something to be wrong, then an absolute absolute is established, which is immutable.
Thomas Hobbes, 1588-1679, was a British philosopher and infidel, who advocated
that authority is derived from man under the common consent of the governed. If authority comes from man, then nothing
is moral or immoral, but amoral. The phrase "inalienable rights" from the Declaration of Independence, speaks of authority
that transcends man. They are also sometimes called natural rights. "Inalienable" means they are fixed and not
contingent on or awarded by human power. The right to life is an unalienable power. According to English philosopher,
John Locke, who was diametrically opposed to the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, the main fundamental rights were the right to
"life, liberty and estate", estate being the right to own property.
Are not all three of these challenged increasingly in today's world?
The right to life was challenged and blown away years ago, when the right to murder innocent, unborn children in the womb
was legalized. Our liberties are under fire as an ever growing government continues to encroach on "we the people" with
insane rulings from agenda driven judges, from the right to own firearms to the right to disagree with and voice an opinion
against that which is perverse and abnormal, in the realm of what defines a family. And certainly, the right to own
property is challenged through eminent domain cases, with an increase in abuse, as a philosophy of socialism continues to
grow among elected officials. By it's own admission, the Federal Government owns more than 600,000,000 acres of land
and it increases every year. Woven into the fabric of the institution of this nation, was the desire of the right to
own property.
A prevailing theme throughout the Bible is the theme of authority.
Whether the story is the garden of Eden, Israel in Egypt or the promised land, the united or divided kingdom, Jesus in the
Gospels, or the presentation of the King of Kings in the book of Revelation, authority is the final issue. Will man
rebel against God, or will man submit to God? That is always the final issue. Either God is the absolute authority
of the universe, to which all men are accountable, or He is not. If He is not the final authority, then nothing
matters, man can live as he chooses and die, entering into nothing with no reward or punishment. Or man can submit
to God, through repentance and faith in the blood of Jesus, live for Him, fearing Him and keeping His commandments, thereby
entering into the joy of his Lord at death.
You know, if I'm wrong and atheists are right, then no one has to
give account to a higher power. But If I'm right................. You tell me the best common sense choice.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear)
May 25, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris
Number 177
Pirates Rights
We hear so much today about rights. I want my rights. He wants
his rights. They want their rights. Everybody wants what's coming to them. These "rights snatchers" have
several things in common. Their most distinctive common thread is thin skin. They are easily
offended. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165.
ILLEGAL ALIENS from Mexico, are the new up and coming minority and
heart throb of the news media. They want their rights too. But it's not like their basic human rights in
this country are being violated. They have the right to life, among other things. No ILLEGAL ALIEN can be indiscriminately
killed at the whim of any legal citizen. The rub comes in when they claim, as a right, something that should be
an earned privilege for legal citizens, such as government benefits, or the legal right to drive a vehicle,
or constitutional rights, etc., which SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR LAW ABIDING CITIZENS. Where, oh where, is
common sense?
First, they are breaking the immigration laws of this country by arriving
and remaining here illegally. Regardless of their reason for coming, the issue of legality must remain paramount.
If the debate gets sidetracked as to why they came here, or that they have family here, then emotion
begins to rule and feelings dictate how they must be dealt with. When laws are not enforced, then authority is destroyed,
and when there is no authority, situational ethics become the authority, which means laws are written in Jello.
And our immigration laws are as firm as lemon Jello. Notice, the color of lemon is yellow.
So not only are ILLEGAL ALIENS breaking the law, they are flaunting
their criminality in arrogance, demanding to receive more than hard working, lifelong citizens, who have paid their dues,
are receiving. They also have the gall to be "offended" when called on the carpet. Now, all the old guard career
offendees, led by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, have to battle just to get in line and be heard, since more
and more minorities are jockeying to be heard with their list of offenses. Blacks are offended at the Confederate flag,
Mexicans are offended because they are called ILLEGAL ALIENS, Muslims are offended because someone points out that terrorists
are, coincidentally, Muslim, American Indians are mad because some sports team is named the Braves. You get the picture.
I'm here to proclaim the rights of a downtrodden group who has never had
a voice: pirates. I'm not talking about the modern day sissy pirates who make and sell CD's and DVD's illegally.
They wouldn't last two seconds under Captain Hook. I'm talking about swashbuckling, rope swinging, ship burning, booty
stealing, brawling pirates. Historically, I believe pirates have been misunderstood. I know that pirates murder,
commit pillage and rape, but they should be granted amnesty. You have got to be compassionate and understand their background
and condition. After being cooped up on a ship with a bunch of smelly men, all walking around and saying "Arrrrrgh",
for months at a time, you would rape and plunder too. Besides, who are you to deny someone of making a living?
How can anyone sit in judgment of pirates? So they push the envelope
legally. They only do what they do to make a living. Murder, stealing, and destroying property is a part of their
job description. It's what they do, not who they are. I'm sure most pirates are decent, patriotic, God fearing,
family loving, hard working (you ever tried loading a cannon ball into a cannon?) people who want to better themselves
and contribute to this country.
Pirates have gotten a bad rap. They are belittled in today's society.
Now days, no little boy wants to grow up and be a pirate. They only want to play pirate in their childhood. It
is a slap in the face to name a ball team the Pirates, or Buccaneers. Imagine the outrage if you heard of such teams
as the Tacoma Terrorists, Minneapolis Muslims, Mighty Mexicans, or New York Negroes. We would never
hear the end of it. But no one ever speaks up for the minority group of pirates when they are mocked and ridiculed.
If you are a pirate or descended from piratage, then you may consider
joining the Council on American Pirate Relations, better known as C.A.P.R., for a fair representation. And hurry!
The Mexicans are winning at the present. For crime statistics on ILLEGAL ALIENS, go to www.familysecuritymatters.org.
Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist
College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
To receive or discontinue Mini Edition, email joharris@comcast.net with ADD or REMOVE Forward this Edition to a Friend.
May 18, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number 176
TERRORISM BY ANY OTHER NAME IS STILL TERRORISM
ALF does not stand for an alien life form that is brown and furry. An ELF is not
a small creature with pointed ears who works for Santa. Can you guess what they are? Here’s another hint. ALF and ELF
are responsible for illegal activities such as trespassing, arson, and fire bombings. ALF stands for Animal Liberation Front
and ELF is the Earth Liberation front. They are both terrorist groups, according to an official definition given by the FBI.
These wacko nuts release animals that do not belong to them, from facilities such as
testing laboratories and mink farms. They set fire to buildings and businesses, including restaurants that serve meat. They
have even burned restaurants, such as McDonalds. These groups break the law and create mayhem in the name of compassion for
mistreated animals and the abused earth, bringing deliverance from the exploitation of “evil” capitalists.
Their compassion is usually one sided and misplaced. A few years ago, I heard a representative
from Greenpeace speak at Southern Mississippi University. Though they are not as destructive as ALF and ELF, they still
have a misguided passion. He literally cried about how the baby seals in Alaska were being clubbed to death to provide
furs for selfish humans. Actually, he would have protested whether the death was from clubbing, lethal injection, or old age.
When asked about their position on abortion, he conveniently dodged the issue by stating that since abortion was such an emotional
issue, Greenpeace had not adopted a position. Yet, emotions ran high over baby seals. Conclusion? Animals are more important
than humans. Like I said, misguided compassion.
When illogical wackiness takes over, expect anything. I will not be surprised when I
hear of a movement to stop killing plants, since they have life. Plants rights might be one effort I would support. I would
never have to mow the lawn again, thereby sparing the lives of millions of baby blades of grass and all the microscopic life
they support. Hmmm. This has possibilities. No more hedge trimming or tree pruning. Yard work would become extinct. Of
course, we could no longer then eat vegetables. This would spare a lot of innocent squash, lettuce, and tomato blood. The
result: we would all starve to death, because all we could eat would be cardboard, Styrofoam, and air. It would
be worth it, because plants, animals, and the earth would be saved from the real villain, man. Oh happy ecology day!
Sounds logical, if you are a misguided, bleeding heart, plant/animal/earth worshiping nut. On the other hand, if you
want to come back to reality, read and believe Genesis 1:26-30, 9:1-3, and I Timothy 4:3-5.
Philosophies that are divorced from sound Bible doctrine and good common sense can breed
violence and terrorism. Whether planting bombs, hijacking planes or burning buildings, no one has a right to disregard and
violate the rights and property of others in the name of liberation, and that includes abortion clinic bombers. Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern
Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and
www.miniedition.net also appear)
May 10, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number 175
Blind Watchmen and Dumb Dogs
Isaiah 56:10 "His watchmen are blind: they
are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber."
I do not know if a better description can be found to fit
the average Baptist preacher of today. The Old Testament prophet was speaking of the lax prophets of his day, but his
words apply to modern day church leaders who are asleep at the wheel, or to give a better ecclesiastical example, asleep
in the pulpit.
A blind watchman sees no one and therefore, warns no one.
A watch dog that will not bark is nothing more than a biscuit eater. He doesn't pull his own weight and is a danger
to those who depend on his faithful bark. The modern day professional preacher is willfully blind and purposefully
silent, when it comes to warning of the dangers and consequences of sin. In this age of enlightenment, we have arrived at
the place where sin is no longer preached against. Instead, Bible principles are taught, Bible studies are held, prophecy
conferences are offered and social gatherings in churches are at an all time high.
The average Baptist preacher places a premium on being spiritually
politically correct, non-judgmental, sensitive, purpose driven, and popular. He shudders with horror that he could
be seen as legalistic, mean spirited, narrow minded, old fashioned and out of touch with the times, and especially out
of touch with youth. As a result, these preachers become blind watchmen and dumb dogs who facilitate the destruction
of their sheep as they plunge headlong down the slippery slope of the world with it's philosophies, standards, dress
code, attitude, and actions.
Baptist preachers as a rule, no longer preach against drinking.
I know all the arguments that can be given for taking just one drink, but not getting drunk, but why would you want to get near
a rattlesnake? And even if Dad can "handle" it, can Jr. handle it when he grows up? Remember
the church covenant. I just read about a wedding reception of some prominent Baptists in our town. The write
up in the paper recounted how they celebrated at the wedding reception with dancing, wine and beer. How blatant.
God help their preacher to grow a backbone and love his people by warning them of this serpent in a bottle.
Baptist preachers hardly ever preach against sexual
immorality and homosexuality and pornography. Churches are full of immorality in the pew and broken homes attest
to this fact. I have been told that it doesn't matter if the preacher preaches against it or not, people will do what
they want to do regardless. That is true to a certain extent, but there is a direct correlation between silent pulpits
and the increase of ungodliness in churches and society.
Baptist preachers won't usually dare touch the issue
of dress and appearance. Just who does the preacher think he is, telling people what to wear and not to wear.
I'll tell you who he is. He is the man of God who watches for the souls of his people (Hebrews 13:17) and
he has every right to condemn nakedness, and tight clothing that reveals the body and fires the sexual imagination and blurs
the line of demarcation between the sexes. Make no provision for the flesh, and don't flaunt the flesh either.
Baptist preachers won't preach against tattoos, body piercings
on men and women and earrings on men, because they want to "reach" them. Reach them with what? You do not
have to look like the world to reach the world. When Paul said he bore in his "body the marks of the Lord Jesus"
(Gal. 6:17), he wasn't speaking of a tattoo of Jesus. I understand that it is through the preaching of the Gospel
that men are saved, but there is never a teaching of separation that follows the preaching of the Gospel to those who
have been saved. Jesus said to preach the gospel to every creature (evangelism) and Paul said to preach
the word (to those who have been evangelized), reprove, rebuke and exhort with all long suffering. It
is not an either/or situation. We are to preach the gospel and preach the whole counsel of God, which
includes reproving, rebuking and exhorting.
I was once told, as a young preacher, to not preach against
"things" but just preach the gospel and love people. The preacher who gave me this advice didn't preach against sin
and railed against those who did. It was later found that during his ministry he had done just that: preached
the gospel and loved people. Actually, he loved many people, many women that is, to whom he was not married.
By the way, warning people of danger is loving them.
Baptist preachers seldom preach about hell and eternal punishment
of the lost in an eternal lake of fire. Hell should never be preached without the cross of Calvary as the emphasis,
but the cross is often preached with no mention of hell. Why is there a need for the cross if there is no hell?
Baptist preachers do not often preach on the authority structure
of the home, with the husband as the head and the wife as the completer. Parents are to be in charge of children, administering
correction and discipline through love, training them to be submissive to parental authority in preparation for their
submission to God in salvation.
Baptist preachers often fail to preach against ungodly entertainment
via television and videos. Christians should not watch others commit acts that are ungodly and which they themselves
do not commit. Christians should not listen to others profane, mock, and blaspheme the name of God, especially when they themselves
refrain from such wickedness. Exposure to such filth de-sensitizes the believer to sin and it's consequences, breaking
down barriers and inhibitions, weakening believers and preparing them for a fall.
Baptist preachers are hesitant to preach against corruption
among politicians, afraid of offending those who vote for liberals based on party alone. Right is right and wrong
is wrong. Just call it for what it is.
Preaching against sin heightens awareness of right
and wrong and re-establishes the standard of absolutes. There is a God and a devil, a right and a wrong, a heaven
and a hell, and everyone is going to one or the other. Preaching standards of right or wrong help to remind there
is a standard for which God's children are to live up to. Specific, pointed preaching is effective. Telling people
they need to live a Christian life and please God only tells them what to do, without telling them how to do it.
If the Ten Commandments were written by man with today's understanding, they would be condensed to one statement, "Thou
shalt not do wrong." Though the preceding statement is true, it doesn't say anything specific about sin. I
once heard a vague sermon against worldliness. Worldliness was never defined, no examples were given, and no consequences
were listed. The preacher just said it was bad and we ought not to be worldly. I left the sermon agreeing
that worldliness is bad, but without a clue as to whether or not I was worldly.
In most cases where there is an emphasis on evangelism,
there is no emphasis on instruction in righteousness for the newly saved. The emphasis is to "reach" them by appealing
to them or relating to them or understanding them. After reaching them with salvation, we need to reach them with right
living. They are not to be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2) but be conformed to the image of
Christ (Romans 8:29). To be conformed means to be pressed into the mold of something, which means
submission. Modern Christianity places an emphasis on hanging on to your "rights", and fitting God into your life, instead of totally
surrendering to God in submission to His will and standards. When we don't preach separation from sin and the world
for God's children, it undercuts the preaching of the Gospel and therefore affects the harvest long term,
for future generations.
We have a full generation in power today who have not
heard the truth about sin, and brother, it's evident in churches, politics, schools, families and the workplace. May
God be merciful to those preachers who are not living up to their calling to preach the word.
Joseph Harris is the Vice
President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long
as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear)
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