A Dose Of Reality by Joseph Harris

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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-

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A Dose of Reality” www.miniedition.net

 
 
January 24, 2007 Mini Edition by Joseph  Harris    Number 169      
                                                         
        The Wickedness of Nothingness
 
     The English philosopher and politician Edmund Burke once said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."  This often used quote from the 18th century is still true today.  Look at this spiritual parallel in a parable from Jesus found in Matthew 25:14-30, as I borrow, then expand upon a few thoughts from Harold Leytham and Danny Cresswell.
     A master left different numbers of talents with three stewards, with expectations for all.  The first two multiplied their talents, but the third steward buried his so he could return it to his master.  Upon returning, the master was displeased, because he had expectations and they were not fulfilled.  The point of the parable: it is wicked to do nothing when something can be done.
     The word "wicked" can mean evil, lewd, malicious, or hurtful.  Jesus did not use the word often and used it only three times when referring to individuals.  Why was this servant wicked?  Not because he lied.  He was actually honest and admitted to burying the talent.  Did he receive it dishonestly?  No, it was given to him in good faith.  Was he immoral with the talent, like the prodigal son?  No.  So why was he wicked?  Because he did nothing with the talent.  Doing nothing when something can be done is wicked, according to Jesus. 
     There is a high cost in nothingness.  If anyone has gifts or talents and they do not use them, there will be a cost, "for it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful."  How could it possibly be costly to do nothing?  Consider these examples:
 
Physically, there is a cost in nothingness.  If you sit in a wheelchair or stay in bed for six months and never get up and use your legs, it will cost.  Your legs will become useless and you will have to learn to walk again.  If you place a patch over one eye and stop using the eye, the eye will get weak and have to be exercised for use again.  It will cost to do nothing.
 
Socially, there is a cost in nothingness.  If you ever purpose in your heart to lose friends,  there are two options.  First, be mean and hurtful, curse and slander them and tell them to get lost.  That would probably work.  Or you could try option number two.  Do nothing.  Never visit with them, do not return their calls, ignore them, and eventually they will go away.  Simply doing nothing can cost greatly.  Many have been lost to nothingness.
 
In your family, there is a great cost in nothingness.  If you as a reprobate wanted to corrupt your children so they would turn out rotten, you could teach them to do wrong, steal, give instruction in lying, etc. or you could do nothing.  Just let them go and let depravity run its crooked little course.  Never teach them standards, convictions or restraints.  Let them do anything they want to do and let them watch anything they desire to watch on TV or video and they will move on from Sesame Street to MTV and graduate on to HBO.  Just do nothing and they will corrupt in a natural progression of events.
 
Agriculturally, there is a cost in nothingness.  After planting a garden, you could transplant Johnson grass, clover, briars and weeds, in order to choke out the vegetables and lose your crop.  Or if you really want to lose your garden, just do nothing.  Never fertilize, never irrigate, never cultivate, and I guarantee you will lose the garden.  It will cost to do nothing. 
 
For any church, there is a severe cost in nothingness.  The pastor could run ads and pass out flyers advertising the closing of his church, followed by members passing along the closing by word of mouth.  Or everyone could just do nothing.  Don't win souls, don't tithe, don't attend, etc., and eventually the church will close.  Just do nothing.
     If you could donate blood to save a life and you did nothing, would you be guilty of a death?  If you could call 911 and save a life and you did nothing, would you be guilty?  Do you know what you need to do to go to an eternal lake of fire?  You could sin like the devil, drink, dope, fornicate, lie, steal, or you could do nothing.  Just never repent and accept Jesus as Savior and you will go to an eternal lake of fire of punishment as a member of Adam's fallen race. 
Is nothingness wicked?  Jesus said it was.  Are you doing something or nothing?
  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)  
 
 
January 17, 2007  Mini Edition by Joseph Harris              Number 168      
 
     If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It    or    Home Education Works
 
     I never cease to be amazed at the logic displayed by people in power.  Bureaucrats design car seat laws to protect the lives of children outside the womb, but fight tooth and nail for laws to kill them while still in the womb.  "Just say No" was an anti drug campaign supported even by liberals, but these same geniuses kick and scream when you call for sexual abstinence among teens.  And then there's the insane logic of insisting on fixing what is not broken  by creating regulations, requirements and guidelines for those who home educate, even though home educated children leave "Every Child Behind" in government schools,  when it comes to performance.   "More money and more rules" seems to always be the government's philosophy, though more regulations and more money has never guaranteed success.  Though they are not offering money to home educators, they are always offering to implement more rules and regulations.  The bottom line should be, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
     But what if it is broken?  Or what if it is smashed beyond repair?  Broken appliances can be repaired, but anything broken beyond repair has to be replaced.  Replacement is exactly what home educators are doing.  They are replacing the government education system with a program that educates efficiently and costs far less per student.  Increasingly, state and national politicians and educators are calling for more regulations for home educators.  They need to spend time cleaning up their own backyard and focus on trying to effectively educate the millions of children entrusted to their care, instead of diverting attention from their own failing system by focusing on the miniscule number of home educated children who are not being "properly taught" and might not receive the "quality" education their system offers. 
     The state superintendent of education of Mississippi recently stated that he was concerned about the students not attending Mississippi schools who are either being taught by unqualified parents or are being neglected in their education at home, even though there is no evidence that neglect is a widespread problem.  Does he really believe that if he can just get them inside a building that has a school sign out front, it will automatically increase their chance of education?  Maybe if schools focused more on an academic education, rather than social engineering, more learning would take place, and the powers that be would not have to take time to attack and hinder home educators from their serious business of education. 
     Here is the hard and unpleasant truth that is ignored, but cannot be denied: HOME EDUCATED CHILDREN AS A WHOLE, OUT PERFORM CHILDREN FROM GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.  PERIOD.  No amount of kicking, crying, screaming, and diverting attention can change this fact.  And what about socialization?  I've yet to hear an opponent who does not proudly pull this "unanswerable" argument from their arsenal.  It certainly does not deserve the attention it receives as the "felling blow" to home education.  Well rounded home educated children experience socialization with all age groups during their education, not just with their same age peers.  Studies of adults who were home educated have shown this is hardly the major issue it is touted to be.  As adults, they perform average and above in social skills.
     So leave us alone.  We, as home educators are not trying to change or even repair the current government school system.  We have chosen to replace it with what we believe to be a more effective, efficient, and in most instances, Biblical world view education, that produces good, productive, moral citizens.  If this end does not fit the mold of those in power who think they know best, they need to rethink their goal.  I also realize that the 11,000 plus children in Mississippi who are home educated, can affect the flow of money into the system to the tune of millions of dollars a year, but whose money is it anyway?  Where does the state get it?  We all know the answer.  The money comes from the people who earn it and the children belong to their parents, not the state.  Leave us alone and we will get on with the job of educating and the state can continue with it's business of socializing.      
  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.
 
    Mini Edition by Joseph Harris     Number 166      
                                                  
                 Creating Your Own 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, said, "Truth is that which is consistent with itself and corresponds to reality."  Professor 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.  Truth is that which is verifiable by facts.  Notice also truth is absolute, not relative.  The presence of truth demands the existence of that which is false.  If one thing 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.  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. 
     Every time a law is broken or enforced, it is a statement of absolute truth.  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 what, who 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 the 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 Potipher: "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 denies 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 creat 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 you are not necessarily male or female, you can now choose which gender you 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. ("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 what we should believe.  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 on the second page of our catalog for Southeastern Baptist College.  Here is printed 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."
 
   Mini Edition by Joseph Harris   Number 167      
                                                        
  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 25, 2006 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number
165      
      
WHAT IS A VOTE?

We are approaching another important election in November. Some are discouraged, others undecided, still others cynical. Unfortunately, many will be swayed by personal charm and charisma and vote for the person, not principle. Still others with a government dependency mentality will vote for cash and not character. And then there will be the party loyalists who will blindly vote the party line, regardless.

What is a vote? It seems such a small thing. It only takes a minute to mark the box, punch the card, or pull the lever. Just what does a vote mean?A vote is an expression of freedom. The very fact that voting takes place is a reminder that we live in a country of freedom. Afghanistan recently experienced its first presidential election in history, thanks to the toppling of the Taliban. Be reminded when you enter the booth, that you have freedom to do so without an armed guard standing over you.Voting is a privilege and right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United states of America. Check out the Fourteenth Amendment. You are exercising a guaranteed right by participating in the democratic process of this Republic. We hear a lot of mumbo jumbo today about the “constitutional” right to abortion (it ain’t in there) and the “constitutional” right for homosexual marriage (can’t find that one in there either) while being told it is unconstitutional to own a gun (now the right to bear arms is in there, buddy). If we do not use the constitutional right we have to vote, we will wake up one day and find we are no longer guided by the Constitution . . . Wait, we’re already there, thanks to liberal judges and courts who are “redefining” the Constitution?A vote expresses the beliefs of the voter and endorses the candidate. When you vote, you are supporting that which you believe. If not, then why vote? When voting for a candidate, you the voter, are saying you believe in and support what the candidate believes in and supports. Whether you vote Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Constitutional Party, Independent, etc., you are revealing your innermost core beliefs. If not, then your vote is a lie. People who really have conservative beliefs, vote conservative, and people who really have liberal beliefs, vote liberal. Period. This is true regardless of party or profession. If you want to know a person’s real beliefs, check their voting record. If God and Satan were running for office, I can’t imagine a believer voting for Satan and an unbeliever voting for God. Oil and water do not mix.

Christians should vote. Voting is the single greatest expression of power the little guy in America has. And be not deceived; every vote counts.

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 19, 2006                           Number 164      
     
My Dear Wormwater......
 
     I realize among conservative Bible believers and most fundamentalists, Clive Staples Lewis is not a staple in their literary diet.  I certainly do not agree with or endorse everything from his pen, however, "The Screwtape Letters" stand alone as genius. This work is an account of an experienced demon instructing his novice demon nephew  in the ways of sabotage and subterfuge against Christianity.  Below is my version of a Screwtape letter.  
 
My Dear Wormwater,

This is just a note of encouragement for you in your ministry. I have been hearing good reports of your evangelism for our master. Your massive, intense campaign undertaken over the past 40 years has been fruitful. It is evident that lives have been changed, families transformed, churches altered, and society affected as a whole. I notice as you have used phrases such as “reaching this generation” and “discovering felt needs”, people have been encouraged to “make a decision” for our lord. Cunning is your prestidigitation indeed.

Changes in your converts are manifested in lifestyles, churlish attitudes, dress, and worship. As a demon in training, you have excelled in converting the church in your outreach program. In bringing the unconverted to our master’s ways, many churches now look, act, talk, think and dress like the world. Instead of the church reaching the world, we have successfully reached the church with the world. The majority of churches today feel the pressure to conform to new and modern standards, with only a few still holding on to “the old paths”, as they like to say. How thorough is your work. I commend you for focusing on burning the forest, not just cutting down a couple of trees.

Your “methods change, but the message remains the same” mantra was a stroke of genius. It has beguiled many unsuspecting churchmen into introducing worldly devices into their ministries and worship services they might not otherwise have tolerated. Your perfidy is unmatched. Our father below may even take note of your progress, if your perseverance is relentless.

Man has an insatiable desire to worship. Your mission is to always encourage worship, but incorporate small changes that steer incrementally away from their “worship in spirit and truth”, but with the appearance of focusing on the enemy (and always cloaked in stained glass language), yet creating a god for them to worship who is strikingly similar to their divine, yet unmistakably different.

Patience, my dear Wormwater, patience. One cannot eat a whole elephant in one meal, but even the largest pachyderm can be ultimately consumed one bite at a time. Resist the temptation to change the enemy overnight, but continue with small bites.

Your affectionate Uncle and Demon mentor,

Slewtape

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)

          ".....Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."  II Corinthians 2:11
October 5, 2006 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number 163      
      
What's Wrong With the Word Baptist?
 
     Recently, I passed a building with a bunch of cars outside on a Sunday evening.  This building had a steeple and   "New Life Center" was on the sign.  I have also seen names like "Community Church", and "Bible Church" on other signs.  I understand there are non-denominational churches, but some of these churches with generic signs claim to be Baptist.  What non Baptist churches do is their business, but since I am a Baptist, then I have an opinion to express about Baptist churches.  
     Why are some Baptist churches ashamed of their heritage and name?  I once confronted a pastor who claimed their church was a Baptist church, yet Baptist was missing from the sign.  His response was you don't have to have the name Baptist on your sign to be a Baptist church.    Technically, the sign doesn't make the church,  but why would you not identify yourself?
     As we continued talking, I realized they didn't need the word Baptist on their sign.  They accepted people into their membership who had not been scripturally baptized.  In other words, people who had been sprinkled for baptism was okay with them.  They only insisted on immersion if an individual was going to hold a leadership position in the church.  Baptism was not important enough for membership, but necessary to be a leader.  Personally, I think their real reason for lowering the bar was to increase membership by not offending Pedo-Baptists. 
     Often times, the motive for omitting the Baptist name is to get more members.  These churches don't want to be seen as denominational, narrow minded, and exclusive.  Fine.  They should just stop claiming to be Baptist out of one side of their mouth while denying it out of the other side.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
     Baptist is not only on our church sign once, but twice: Central Baptist Missionary Baptist Church.  We still insist on scriptural baptism, practice closed communion, and emphasize church authority and pastoral authority.  I believe if you are Baptist, you ought to say it.  I also believe you should say what kind of Baptist you are.  If you are Missionary Baptist, say it.  If you are Southern Baptist or Independent Baptist, etc., say it.  It just cuts down on the confusion of what people expect when they walk in the door.  Labels identify what's inside the can.   People are suspicious of unlabeled cans and should be suspicious of unlabeled churches.
      Bottom line: if a church doesn't advertise that it is a Baptist church, it isn't.
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)
A rooster that won't crow in his own yard is not fit for anything but chicken and dumplings.  Curtis Hutson                                  
 
 
August 31, 2006  Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number 162      
                                                         
Where is the Fight?
 
     Pacifism rules!  Where is the will to fight that which is wrong, sinful and ungodly?  What has happened to the fight in the average American?  The "rollover and play dead" philosophy abounds, therefore iniquity abounds.  The family, church and this nation are under a severe attack by unseen and seen forces and yet we are told to accommodate, open a dialogue, tolerate and understand and accept the enemy.  When the average Christian or patriotic American does go on the defensive, they are accused of having no love.  Billy Sunday, famous evangelist of yesteryear used to say "I love flowers, but I hate weeds." 
     Where is the fight against abortion, homosexuality, pornography, pedophilia, and alcohol?  Where is the fight for God to remain in the public square, for public prayers at state sponsored events, and where is the fight against ungodly humanism manifested in evolutionary teaching and philosophy?  What happened to the fight for Godliness in the church, striving for purity among the membership, establishing standards of dress and conduct that are decent and God honoring?
     Concerning this nation, why have the borders not been sealed and a wall built to keep out the invaders?  Immigration and naturalization laws mean nothing.  Why are lawbreakers allowed to remain in this country and not be deported back to Mexico or their homeland?  Liberal politicians, including our own President Bush are leading the way for the downfall of truth, justice and the American way, at a breakneck speed.  "Americo" is in the making and the powers that be who could do something are not just asleep at the wheel....they are in a coma.  The House and Senate both need purging by "We the People" if it's not already too late.  The Jimmy Carter philosophy of cut and run has prevailed.  Where is the will to fight for our vanishing liberties as they are challenged by the ACLU and other "freedom loving" entities? 
     Concerning the church, where are the pastors who used to follow the admonition of Isaiah 58:1 "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."    Oh, that was in the Old Testament.  Today in the church age, we follow the New Testament, some will say.  Does a New Testament pastor have any less responsibility of warning against the danger of sin as an Old Testament prophet?  Use a little common sense and decide.  A rattlesnake in the path is a danger to anyone approaching it and whoever does not warn of imminent danger is guilty of neglect, which is criminal.  Adultery,  the sale and use of alcohol among members, homosexuality and other sins can be found alive and well in the average Baptist church of today.  Pastors and parents have chosen the path of least resistance and have sacrificed the future of the church to Satan on the altar of accommodation and tolerance.  Preaching the Gospel includes preaching the Bible which includes the bitter and the sweet of the two edged sword.  Being instant in season and out of season means some teaching will be in season with the people and sweet to accept.  Other teachings will be out of season, but like a bitter medicine, will produce healing and that which is good.  So preacher, preach the word!
     Concerning the home, most parents have delegated the instruction of their children totally to the government schools and their churches.  Home education and good Christian schools are available for readin' writin' and 'rithmatic, taught from a Biblical world view.  Primary instruction in Scripture should come from the home, then be strengthened by the church.  Don't give up and give in to the world's philosophy that will indoctrinate children in anti-God thinking.  Where is the fight for the minds and souls of today's children?
     My stepfather once made a statement after hearing a young preacher's sermon: "He's got some preach in him."  Preachers need "preach" in them, but all Christians need some fight in them.  It's high time we got a dose of reality and realized the seriousness of the hour and the importance of standing for right against wrong.  After all, things are still either right or wrong.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 1, 2006  Mini Edition by Joseph Harris  Number 161      
                                                     
Israel, Terrorists and the Facts
 
     As we watch the daily news coverage of Hezbollah (which means party of Allah) shooting rockets into the land of Israel and killing civilians, most reports are almost always one sided.  Hezbollah fires 100 rockets to Israel's one air strike and the civilian casualities of the Israeli air strike are condemned as deplorable, inappropriate and too severe.  But what about the 100 rockets fired by the terrorists? Oh well, that's Hezbollah and we understand their plight.  They just want their land back.  Problem is, how can you get back what you never had? There has never been a historical indigenous group of Arab people called Palestinians. The people with historical roots deep in the land going back three thousand years, are the Jews, not this conglomerate of diverse nationalities erroneously called Palestinians (see From Time Immemorial by Joan Peters).  Historically, there has never been a sovereign Arab nation called Palestine, but there has been and is now, a sovereign Jewish nation called Israel.
     And the land is called Israel, not Palestine. When the Romans invaded under Titus in 70 AD (not CE) and finished in 120 AD, THEY renamed the land Palestine (derived from Philistia) to erase every vestige of Jewish ness from the land.  The Arabs, UN, Europe, the mainstream media, liberals, etc. all hate the Jews.  Why?  Because they are God’s earthly covenant people.  This same group usually hates Christians.   Why?  They are God’s Heavenly spiritual people.
     It’s amazing that this little strip of dirt, which holds .01 % of the world’s population, commands so much attention from the world. One third of the resolutions passed by the Security Council of the UN have had to do with Israel. Amazing how hate makes you focus.  Notice the following facts.

Fact 1The Jewish people in Israel are in the land of their ancestors.   They have an established historical connection to the land.  Hebron is where David was crowned King 3000 years ago.  Solomon ruled over most of the land almost 3000 thousand years ago,  not just the strip we see on the map today West of the Jordan River.  In establishing a homeland for the Jews in 1917,  and 1923, the Balfour Declaration and the Palestine Mandate of the League of Nations recognized, through common sense and history, that this was the ancestral land of the Jews.

Fact 2- The Israelis do not wantonly, intentionally attack civilians.  Before the airstrikes in Lebanon, leaflets were distributed warning civilians of the coming attack.  Hezbollah cowardly hides behind civilians.  Unfortunately, some civilians are always numbered in casualties of war.  How many leaflets have been distributed in Israeli cities by the terrorists before launching their rockets?  Zero.  How many were distributed in New York 24 hours prior to the 9-11 attack?  Zero.  There is simply no room for argument on this point.  Hezbollah,  Hamas and all other terrorist organizations are murdering, hateful barbarians beyond reasoning.  This is why diplomacy and dialogue will not work with them.  Defeat is the best defense.

Fact 3- The Israelis have no plans to annihilate the Palestinians or other Arabs.  They would, if at all possible, co-exist with them.  "Drive them into the sea" is the cry of the Muslim fanatics who are dedicated to the destruction of Israel.  Modern Arab maps of "Palestine" show the land as Arab Palestine with the name of Israel missing.

Fact 4- Israel has conceded land numerous times.  How much land have the Palestinians given?  Sane people know the answer.  They are takers, not givers.  Yet, as Israel continues to give more land, terrorist attacks intensify.

     Politicians and diplomats are crying for a cease fire from Israel.  Is this a possibility?  Absolutely.  Israel will cease firing when fanatics cease their unfounded acts of terrorism.  Even then, there will be no ultimate peace.  The reason is because the key element of peace is missing.  There is no peace without the Prince of Peace.  When He returns to the Mount of Olives, He will create peace by his presence as he judges the enemies of Israel and then Israel will have peace with her Messiah when she repents and accepts the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, JESUS CHRIST.

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)


                                    "I say then, hath God cast away his people? God forbid."  Romans 11:1
 
  July 31, 2006   Mini Edition by Joseph Harris   Number 160      
                                                      
The Kinship of Liberalism and Radical Islam

As terrorism continues to escalate in Israel, the chance of it hitting home in America also increases.  Here in the USA, the twin enemy of terrorism is liberalism.  The two are strikingly similar.  Several years ago, I wrote the following Mini Edition describing the kinship of the two.  Nothing has changed since the original writing, except that maybe they are more closely related now than since 9-11. 

For the last few years, something has been eating at me. Since 9-11, the interest in Islam has surged,  I have noticed something most conservatives have also noticed and watched with chagrin. It has to do with the attitude of the mainstream media and other liberals toward Islam. Anyone with common sense and a touch of objectivity can see the obvious bias of the major old established print and broadcast media outlets in this country. They are agenda driven. They have consistently displayed animosity against Christianity and the God of the Bible, while covering for and promoting their new darling religion, Islam. I kept asking why, believing the answer was more than it being just another attack against Christianity. Though I may not have the full story yet, the reason has finally hit me: blood is thicker than water. Liberalism and Radical Islam are related. Notice the following similar characteristics. (Note: though the emphasis is on radical Islam, the same comparisons can be made with Islam, to a lesser degree).

Both Are Intolerant. Only the most biased or blind would object to the statement that Islam is intolerant. Look in the countries where Islam rules. Dissenting religious views are not allowed. In America, there is an organization called the Council on American Islamic relations, or C.A.I.R. Why is there no Council on Arab-Christian Relations (C.A.C.R.) in Arab Muslim countries? This type organization is about as likely to materialize as the First Baptist Church of Mecca. Notice also the intolerance of liberalism. While trying to hide under an invisible cloak of tolerance, liberals are the most intolerant ideologues to be found. Numerous are the accounts of conservatives on university campuses who have been shouted down and harassed by the "tolerant" liberals.

Both Are Exclusive. In arrogance, radical Islam purports to be the exclusive repository of spiritual truth. This philosophy results in a militant attitude that conquers by the sword or bomb. Liberalism, especially as evidenced in the media, is arrogantly exclusive. Before losing their stronghold on "reporting" the news, liberal news people have consistently displayed their disdain for all who disagree, flagrantly pushing their agenda. Thankfully, now some people have stopped being good little drones, have begun to think for themselves, and have armed themselves with information, forming intelligent opinions.

Both Hate America, Israel and Christianity. Radical Islam hates America and Israel and all they stand for. Liberty and Christianity have both made America a target to those who would enslave us in a religious/political system that would produce hate and ignorance as it has in many countries. Liberalism hates America, Israel and Christianity with a passion. Liberalism would try and destroy that which gives it the freedom to exist. For more info, read Why The Left Hates America by Daniel J. Flynn, www.primapublishing.com.

Both Play the Race Card. Radical Muslims, supported by C.A.I.R., have opposed profiling and cried "racism," yet, profiling is just good common sense. Though not all Muslims are terrorists, all terrorists have been Muslims. Muslim victimization has been the cry of the radicals. Liberalism is also an expert at dealing the race card. When Blacks are arrested, liberals cry foul and blame everything on oppression and racism. The liberals began this mantra, but it has been taken up by self-appointed Black leaders who care more about enriching themselves than liberating and empowering their own people.

Both Denigrate Women. Radical Islam is known for its lowly view of women. Polygamy is allowed, which denigrates the role of the woman as wife. Mutilations occur and women are abused physically and emotionally in the marital relationship. Liberalism is hypocritical concerning the treatment of women. If liberals were really concerned about women, they would cry against abortion because of the emotional anguish that naturally follows when any mother kills her own child. Liberals are strangely silent when women are immorally victimized by high profile liberals such as Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton. Even the feminists are silent, proving they dont really care about the treatment of women. Liberals also promote "free speech" through pornography, which is demeaning and humiliating to women.

Both Are Preoccupied With Sex. Polygamy is not unknown in radical Islam. There is also the promise of 70 virgins for one who will die in Jihad. Only the most naive would believe the polygamist would maintain a platonic relationship with multiple wives. And who believes the 70 virgins in paradise are provided just for decoration. Though Islam teaches modesty among women, sex is still an emphasis. For the liberal, sex has long been a priority. Liberals believe in free sexual expression and encourage sexual experimentation among school children. Liberals promote the perversion and abomination, of homosexuality, showing disdain for morality and traditional family values.

So the pieces of the puzzle finally fit. Blood is definitely thicker than water. Liberals and radical Muslims are siblings. They have fallen from the same tree of hatred, intolerance, arrogance and bigotry, and the apple never falls far from the tree.

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 20, 2006    Mini Edition by Joseph Harris   Number 159      
 
The Buffer Zone of Safety
    
     In South Mississippi, NASA has a facility called the test site, where rocket engines are shipped after they are built. These engines are then strapped to huge platforms and tested before they fire rockets into outer space. Needless to say, these testings can be heard and felt for miles around and can damage buildings and structures within a certain distance of the testing. An area called the buffer zone surrounds the test site. The buffer zone is a circle of "dead" space where no one is allowed to live and the only structures found are three sided sheds. The purpose of the buffer zone is to protect people and property from damage.
     Standards in Christianity also serve as a buffer zone. When standards for righteous living are mentioned today in Christian circles, the one who mentions them is sometimes called a legalist.  What is legalistic about having a standard?  A standard is a measure or rule of authority. Almost everyone would agree there is nothing wrong with living by a standard of authority......unless that standard leads them to separation. THERE! I've said the dirty "S" word. SEPARATION.  Now here is the real problem people have with standards. Standards cramp their lifestyle of living in the flesh, of the flesh and by the flesh.
     Standards protect. Can you imagine someone walking to the edge of a cliff 200 feet high and standing two feet from the edge. What if that person moved one foot closer? What if they hung their toes over the edge? I can guarantee if they continue, they will fall over the edge. I can also guarantee if they stay ten feet from the edge, they will never fall over the cliff. The buffer zone of ten feet will protect them. It's kind of like the drunk who's trying to quit. He is less likely to slip up and drink if he stays away from the presence of alcohol, than if he walks past the liquor store every day. One problem with getting too close to sin is being able to see it's "beauty" and smell it's aroma. When I pass a steak house and smell the meat sizzlin' on the grill, it doesn't take much for me to desire a T bone. "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?" Proverbs 6:27.
     Often times, the reason some people fall into sin is because they are too close to it. However, we must remember, that resisting temptation is more than a matter of human will. It is a cooperative effort between God and man. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" Romans 13:14. James said that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us, but prior to that in the same verse, he said to submit to God. The power of God enables us to resist temptation, but we must do our part and not make provision for the flesh.
     I don't intend to sin, therefore I hide God's word in my heart (Psalm 119:11) and build a buffer between me and sin. I do not plan on being unfaithful to my wife, so I build a buffer and avoid getting emotionally attached with other women or spending unnecessary time with them, especially alone. My wife and I provide a buffer zone for our children.  We home school our children, monitor what they watch on TV and video, choose their friends and shelter them from ungodliness. I don't apologize for sheltering my kids. A shelter is a place of safety and security. Who would not want that for their children? As they grow older, they will be progressively exposed to the world, equipped under our guidance, at the right time.  I have been told repeatedly that we need to prepare our children for the "real" world.  Preparing means exactly that; training them, not throwing them to the wolves and hoping they survive.
     I am not surprised as I see sin taking it's toll and ravaging families and churches today. There is no buffer zone, therefore  it's not hard to sin. It's just a click away, to use computer terminology.
  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 5, 2006    Mini Edition by Joseph Harris    Number 158      
                                                       
Savorless Salt and Covered Candles
 
     In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 6, and 7, Jesus spoke of many things.  Above all, the main theme of this sermon is that God's people are to be different from the world in order to make a difference in the world.  Just as salt preserves meat from corruption, so Christians preserve society from moral corruption.   Also, Christians "flavor" the world with goodness, love, etc., supplying things not provided by the world.  The scripture speaks of salt losing it’s savor, which is the same as becoming tasteless and losing it's preserving power.  Can salt really lose it’s saltiness?   Mounds of salt south of the dead sea, exposed to the rain and sun, were found to be tasteless, therefore useless. When salt reaches this state, it is therefore good for nothing, as Jesus plainly stated. It has no use or any contribution to make to food, for taste or preservation. Tasteless salt is thrown out and walked upon like the dirt on the street (trodden under foot of men), since it has no value.
     A light that is lifted high or set on a hill, radiates and gives light to all below.   What good is that light if it is covered with a bushel?   A bushel measure was a common object found in most houses in  Bible times and when turned upside down, could double as a table.   Jesus said that no one lights a candle and then covers it with a bushel basket. 
     In speaking of salt and light, Jesus did not say that Christians should be the salt of the earth or ought to be the light of the world.  He said we already are.  Are you a preserving power in your group of acquaintances or in your family?  Are you providing a flavor within your own circle of people, that otherwise might not be provided?   Do you add to the morality in your community in a positive way?  If your presence effects a better environment, then you are salting your world.  I realize that the first priority of Christians is not to make this world a better place, but to bring people to Christ.  However, people who come to Jesus make better citizens and neighbors.  And as we win people to Christ, being salty makes us more effective and sets a high standard of righteousness, thereby revealing God to the lost. 
     Years ago, I refused to perform a marriage ceremony in a church setting for two professing Christians who were currently living together.  I gave counsel, advising them to repent, and show proof of their repentance by living in separate quarters,  then,  later I would consider talking with them about a church wedding ceremony.  Remember, these were professing Christians and I was not about to allow the bride to march down the church aisle wearing white, straight from a bed of fornication with her live-in lover husband to be.  Churches and individual believers have an obligation to hold up a standard of righteousness, which is a picture of the righteousness of God.  When righteousness is no longer seen, believers and non-believers begin to think everything is relative and there are no absolutes of right or wrong.  Churches dropped this ball years ago and relativism then crept into society. 
     Are you a beacon of light, as a lighthouse set on a hill, or a flickering flame that barely lights the way?  Light illuminates and reveals God to others.  Jesus said the purpose of letting our light shine was to show our good works and reveal the Father in Heaven (Matt. 5:16).  Are you a lighthouse, a torch, a match, or an ember?  Oh God give us lighthouses to rescue the perishing from the rocks of sin and hell.
  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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"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine....."

 
 
 June 22, 2006  Mini Edition by Joseph Harris  Number 157      
                                                              
The Good Ole Days of Common Sense
 
     As I was perusing over some old Mini Editions written back in 2001,  I came across "It Ain't Right", edition number 3.  This Mini Edition was a commentary on the decision of 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 lov'in 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 "M" or "F" is checked on a birth certificate.   Ever since the Bible as the absolute authority from an absolute God was abandoned, relativism was 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.  Call him what you want, but any boy with earlobes containing holes big enough to pass a golf ball through is a freak.  Instead of calling them freaks, we might 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". 
     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.
  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)  


Fasten your seatbelts.  Culturally, we ain't seen nuth'in yet.

   February 24, 2006     Mini Edition by Joseph Harris     Number 153  
                   
     Are You PC (Politically Correct)?
 
     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.  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
False teeth.........alternative dentation
Prostitute....sex care provider
Sex change.........gender reassignment
     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 drunkUnfaithful 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)  

 
Joseph Harris is a classroom facilitator at Southeastern Baptist College where he inculcates recipients of knowledge.

 
 
Honor Thy Government
 
     According to an outrageous ruling by the infamous 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, 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).  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 wanting to lay claim to their deserved parental authority.  Take note of how many children today are supported by the 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 it's educational arm would assert it's parental authority. 
     Mother government began conceiving children back in the days of FDR and has remained fertile to the present.  We are into 70 years of a government dependent mentality.  People think the government is supposed to handle their retirement through Social Security, their retirement benefits through Medicaid, provide their daily bread through food stamp programs, supply insurance through Medicare, 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.  After Hurricane Katrina hit, people turned to the government for relief and aid, and in an emergency, limited government assistance is not a bad thing.  However, I saw people shamelessly exploiting the system to "get back what I've paid in" as justification for their actions.  People who had good  chainsaws went and bought new ones, knowing they would be reimbursed by FEMA.  People who lost food in freezers and refrigerators stood in line more than once for EBT cards, (high tech electronic food stamps) to replace this food, yet many of them also received compensation for this same food from their private insurance company.  That's called double dipping and it is wrong.      
     This type of thinking, at least in part, is connected to the parental government philosophy.  The government does not owe social services to we the people.  I also watched as people loaded and stockpiled food as it was delivered, while others who had food, partook of prepared meals intended for those who had no food.  Two generations have had an umbilical connection for so long, they cannot begin to live and think independently.
     So when I see government schools try 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)  


Government's view of the economy: if it moves, tax it.  If it keeps moving, regulate it.  It if stops moving, subsidize it.  Ronald Reagan.
 
                        
Thanks for the Validation of Christianity
 
     There is little doubt that enmity exists between the church and the world.  God is mocked, churches are belittled and individual believers are cast as backward and intolerant.  The ACLU is at the forefront leading the attack under the guise of protecting the civil liberties of Americans(and illegal aliens, muslim terrorists, etc).  In reality, civil liberties in this country are not in danger, but religious liberties are constantly challenged.  Psuedo science has waged war against God through an unproven theory on the origin of man, stating the existence of God cannot be proven, while demonstrating it's inability to prove the theory of macro-evolution through empirical evidence.  God, the Bible and morality have been kicked out of public schools and the public forum under the so-called myth of "separation of church and state" which is nothing more than a manifestation of hatred for God, facilitiated by liberal politicians, educators and eager members of the media.
     So for all the hatred, attacks and lawsuits against God and that which is Christian and moral, I say thanks for the validation.  I appreciate the validation given by this ungodly world to the God of the universe and His followers.  Jews and Christians have been attacked more than anyone in history.  The Jews have endured more attempts of genocide throughout their history than any ancient people on the face of the earth and true Bible believing Christians have been targeted throughout church history(See "Trail of Blood" by J.M. Carroll and "Foxes Book of Martyrs" by John Fox).
     Now look at some modern day feeble attacks against God and His people:
      (1)It was a representation of Jesus and not Mohammed that was placed in a jar of urine, some years back, as an "art" exhibit.  In a more recent display, the mother of Jesus was associated with elephant dung.  I hope the mothers of Mohammed, and Confucious and the mother earth goddess of the Wiccans weren't offended since they were ignored and not thought worthy of this honor.
     (2)Notice, also the commotion caused at the mention of the name Jesus in public Christian prayers.    Apparently there's just something about that name(with apologies to Bill Gaither).  Besides, what other name could a Christian use in prayer, but the name Jesus?  The problem is this: God hating, Christ rejecters have a problem with God.  Period.  That is the answer, simply put.  Franklin Graham and Bailey Smith are not afraid to use the name Jesus on national television.  See Acts 4:12.
      (3)Any attempt to take the name of God in vain is aimed at the God of the Bible, not Allah or any other wannabe deity.  Allah(who is actually an ancient Mesopotamian moon god, hence the crescent moon on the flag of Islam) is not in danger of being blasphemed.  We too often hear "gd" but who has ever heard anyone say "ad"?  (Some would say that Allah is God, but make no mistake.  The God referred to in "gd" is the God of the Bible.
      (4)And now we come to that special time of the year when we must stuff everything religious looking(of a Christian nature) into the closet.  The baby Jesus in the manger and every vestige of anything smelling of Christianity must be burned on the altar of sensitivity to the religions of others and the atheism of a few.  As usual, the so-called American Civil Liberties Union, possibly allied with some Muslims, will lead the charge this season, taking America to new heights of freedom from the shackles of the medieval Christianity that binds the civil liberties of everyone.  I admit there are some pagan connections with what is now called Christmas, so I don't fully endorse all the trappings that come with this holiday.  The main focus of this season at our home is not Santa.  However, extremists who hate God, attack that which they perceive to be Christian, then Christians get offended, so then the offendees become the offenders.  This may be America, but we are not guaranteed immunity from offense.     
     Why is such outrage expressed and such intolerance exhibited toward God and especially Christianity?  I think the answer is found in the words of Jesus to his disciples.  "In the world ye shall have tribulation...."  So just expect it.  Attacks against God and that which is perceived to be of God are normal.  However, we don't have to like or accept it.  And the same civil liberties used by the few to voice their opinion against God, are also afforded to the majority, and we should express our opposition to their opposition with zeal.  If atheism and Islam had a majority, there would be no opportunity for second opinions.  The quilt of freedom which covers this country was sewn on the framework of Christianity, which is the mother religion of this nation.
  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)  


God, the Bible and Christianity are unquestionably tied to this nation and it's beginning, providing the moral foundation for our laws.  jhh 
 
October 13, 2005   Mini Edition by Joseph Harris Number 149  
                        
Morality,the Constitution and the Supreme Court
 
     I hate being in the dark.  I like to know some things for certain,  and there are some facts I know for sure.   I know I am a male, I know I am married and I would like to know for sure if John Roberts and Harriet Miers are really conservatives.  You see, if they are real conservatives, I can rest easier about potential decisions they will make that will drastically affect my children and grandchildren.  Conservatives usually have a conscience when it comes to morality. 
     It seems logical that a conservative President would appoint conservatives.  However, there is just no definite proof.  You know a dog is a dog, a cat is a cat and a fish is a fish, because they fit certain criteria that is difficult to question.  A conservative is usually identified as such because of matching certain standards.  And a conservative is almost always known to be a conservative.  It's the liberal who is usually not forthcoming about their philosophy.  One issue of difference between conservatives and liberals is morality.
     It remains to be seen whether or not Judge Roberts is a conservative and originalist on interpreting the Constitution.  As for Miers, it is certainly anyone's guess about her.  We are being constantly reminded she is a born again Christian with a good heart.  But we are also assured her moral beliefs have no sway whatsoever on any decisions she may make.  I understand that Supreme Court decisions are supposed to be based on the law, not feelings, desires or hopes.  But can anyone completely divorce themselves from personal moral beliefs?  It is as obvious as a rhino in a bathtub that Supreme Court Justices have been guided by criteria other than the Constitution in the past.  Some even admit to international law playing a role in final decisions.  Others have been guided by emotion and contemporary culture,  as displayed in decisions on abortion and homosexuality.
     If personal and religious beliefs have no influence on her decisions, she may as well be an atheist.  At least then, as an atheist, it would be acceptable in today's society to be guided by a Godless worldview.    However, if her worldview even remotely includes God and morality, they must be left outside the courtroom door.
     We have heard that character and morals do not affect job performance(as with Bill and Monica), but I want someone with morals to interpret the Constitution, which, by the way, is based on morality.  Our law, based on the Constitution, is supposed to determine right and wrong, which has to do with morality.  Murder, stealing, etc. are either right or wrong, and they are moral issues.  Anyone not influenced by their morals does not have the courage of their convictions(sometimes known as "guts").  What good are convictions based on morality, if they are not lived?  This would be nothing more than empty philosophy or at best, theory, and theory is useless without practice.  There is a strange theory going around that humans need to eat daily to stay alive.   This theory is proven when not practiced, as evidenced by starvation and death. 
      Is it possible to separate morality from law?  Liberals demand conservatives do it, while they themselves are influenced by the immorality of evolutionary humanism, sprinkled with existential relativism and multi-culturalism.  Oh, wait, that's right!  Only CHRISTIAN morality is to be set aside. 
      The Constitution upholds inalienable rights for all.  The right to life is an unalienable right.   Murder is wrong from a moral, religious and civil perspective, therefore, this basic premise of the immorality, sinfulness and illegality of murder should have rendered the opposite decision in ROE vs WADE.  The current ruling in ROE Vs. WADE is inconsistent with the overall premise of the Constitution based on the meaning of unalienable rights(which means given by God, not man; if man can give them, he can take them away).  But the majority set aside morality, common sense and thousands of years of thinking on murder, and ruled in favor of  the "constitutional" right of a woman to murder her baby.  No one ever saw this "right" in the constitution before this decision, because judges were not in the habit of setting aside morality when rendering decisions.  The law is not amoral or anti-moral.  It is a moral instrument resting directly on the ten commandments.
     The only thing liberals want to know about a Supreme Court nominee is: will he or she continue to uphold the right for women to slaughter their own children.  Everything else is secondary.  What I want to know is: will they interpret the law through the lens of Biblical morality?  At this point, I do not know if Roberts and Miers will.  We can only pray.
  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)  

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"Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit"  Jesus

 
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 the reason of heredity, a solution I have fled to for refuge.  Nevertheless, the feeling of tight fitting clothes is physically uncomfortable  and emotionally scarring .
     There is another way we also get too big for our britches.  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 remember 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, be on guard or you may 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 local 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 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 a year in churches, at camps and retreats, etc. 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 would 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
  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)  


"I (Paul) have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase"  I Corinthians 3:6

The Fundamental Top 500

The God of Christmas

It's that time of year: carols, bells, shopping, tinsel, nativities, attacks on nativities, Santa, etc.  In other words, Christmas time.  I often feel like the Lone Ranger this time year because of mixed feelings.  I KNOW the incarnation of Christ in flesh is important, for if God had not become man, we would have no Savior.  I also know that much of what is connected with Christmas has nothing to do with His incarnation, such as Santa, elves, gifts, and the list goes on ad nauseum.  Plus, no objective student of church history can deny the unscriptural origin of Christmas trees, Winter solstice feast of Saturnalia on December 25, and other pagan connections that were "Christianized" for us by the Catholic institution, then evolved into our modern day somewhat Christian holiday. 

Christmas has pagan, secular, and Christian elements.  When the ACLU, People United for the Separation of Church and State, and other arrogant, anti God institutions try to ban the Christian displays of Christmas from "sacred" government property, it makes my blood boil.  Their interpretation of the First Amendment is biased and agenda driven.  On the other hand, some Christians decry the commercialization of Christmas, with "Let's put Christ back in Christmas" as their mantra.  That is equivilent to saying the Palestinians should get their land back.  How can they get back what they never had and how can you put Christ back where he has not been?  You see, I'm not convinced Christ has ever been the center of Christmas.  To be sure, He is mentioned, even included.......but so is Santa.  The question is, who has more visibility at Christmas, Jesus or Santa.  You can answer this question by counting the amount of times people ask kids what Santa is bringing them, as opposed to the total number of times they ask kids about the birth of Jesus.

I know I am a spoil sport but hear me out.  I am about to reveal the real God of Christmas, and it is not Santa.  The real focus and purpose and reason for the season is found downtown.  MAMMON is the driving force.  Buying and selling is done more than anything else during this season.  Buying and selling is the focus.  Don't get me wrong.  We give gifts at our house and include some of what we have inherited for Christmas in our American culture.  But our focus is Jesus, not Santa.  Our focus is also giving to others, not just buying and selling, though some buying is done in order to give.  The challenge is to keep the proper perspective and make sure mammon does not receive the adoration and undue attention it usually receives this time of year.  

  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 14, 2007                 Mini Edition by Joseph Harris               Number 170      
                                                         
And the Answer is...........God
 
     There are three great questions in life that have been asked by philosophers, preachers, humanists, scientists, farmers, and well, basically, people from all walks in life have asked these questions.  From where did I come?  Where am I going?  What is my purpose?  Though phrased differently by some, those are the main questions asked when searching for truth and the meaning of life.  At the risk of sounding simplistic and unscholarly (which is not difficult for me to do) I say the answer to all three questions is God.  Let me explain by asking the questions again.
     From where did man come?  What is the origin of man?  There are really only two options for this one.They are:
God- God is creator of everything.  As Paul states in Acts 17, when preaching to the intellectuals on Mars Hill, God is the author of plant life, animal life, human life and eternal life.  God created the dirt, then made man from the dirt.  We are sustained and nourished from the dirt.  Both plants and animals get nourishment from the dirt and man eats plants and animals.  Everything we eat is nothing more than chemically changed dirt.
Goo- Or maybe we came from nothing that exploded, then formed at the right temperature, on the right planet, in the right substance, at the right time.  Maybe life came from the random chance of proteins and acids that formed into a goo, which then produced a cell which then evolved into a cluster of cells, and then grew, eventually, into Grampa.  Than again, maybe not.
     What is the purpose of man?  Again, there are only two options for answers and they are:
Glorify God- To live for God is to put Him first in all decisions and actions.  He is to be the center of your thinking and philosophy of life.  He is to be acknowledged and worshipped daily, bowing to His will in all matters, events, and circumstances.
Glorify Self- You either live for yourself or someone else.  You tend to the needs of others or yourself.  In serving others, we serve God.  In serving self, we glorify self and not God.  Self must be dethroned and God enthroned.
     Where is man going?  And again, there are two basic answers which are:
Glory- The eternal presence of God is the ultimate destination of the believer.  After death and judgment, then the eternal presence of God will be enjoyed by all believers on a new earth in a new Heaven.  There is no other destiny, except:
Grave- By grave, I mean more than a burial plot.  I am speaking of death, hell and the grave, or the second death.  All the lost in hell will eventually be delivered to the great white throne judgment, then be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.  They will then be FOREVER separated from God, yet retain a state of consciousness. The knowledge and experience of eternal separation from God is the greatest punishment of the lost.
     When GOD is the answer to life's three greatest questions, then hope abounds.  To use a cliche, NO GOD, NO HOPE; KNOW GOD, KNOW HOPE.
  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)  

 
January 27, 2006   Mini Edition by Joseph Harris  Number 152  
                       
Sense and Sensitivity
 
     Sensitivity is a buzz word for the 21st century.  We should be sensitive to the needs and plight of others.  We should be compassionate when others are hurting and should be sensitive when there is potential for offense.  I say this in all sincerity with no trace of sarcasm.  Christianity has proven itself to be the most sensitive and caring religion in existence.  There is an abundance of hospitals bearing denominational Christian names.  Christianity expresses itself fully in ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of others.  Jesus was moved with compassion for the mulititudes that followed him and miraculously fed them on more than one occasion.  He also alleviated physical suffering by healing many.  He wept with his friends Mary and Martha, when their brother Lazarus had died, then he restored life to him. 
     Having said all of the above,  now comes the hard truth.  Sense should be used with sensitivity.  Extremism seems to dominate in this area.  People are super sensitive about race, gender, religion and politics.  No one, especially a Christian, should seek to be offensive.  I have noticed those who rant about being sensitive to the minority,  care little about the feelings of the majority.  True sensitivity is consistent and considers all, acknowledging also that not everyone will always be happy or satisfied.  100 % placation of all is impossible.
     Sensitization.  There is an attempt to sensitize people who are perceived as being "hateful" and intolerant.  These "haters" are sometimes   required by an employer to attend sensitivity seminars intended to educate in the areas of sexual orientation and gender discrimination. 
   There are attempts to sensitize the population to the importance of the vanishing spotted owl, endangered Alaskan    caribou, diminishing rain forests, freshwater turtles, etc. 
    We are encouraged to understand the "peaceful" religion of Islam, study the Koran and not practice profiling among young Arab  males, thereby being sensitive and not offensive.
    Christians are supposed to give up time honored traditions of Christmas displays and greetings, proving sensitivity to those who may not be Christian. 
    Desensitization.  There is also a desensitizing program alive and well.  Through incremental exposure in the news and entertainment industry, we are desensitized to the abnormality of homosexuality and told we must accept as normal what less than 5% of the total population practices.  Hollywood's recent gem of perversion, Brokeback Mountain, is a fine example.  This film contains queer cowboys.  What's next?  A love story about truckers?  The latest piece of propaganda in the news is a story of how straight couples across America are turning out in droves to see this "love" story.
     We are desensitized to the horror of murder through abortion when we are shown how poor downtrodden women will be saddled with unwanted children and die in horrible back alley deaths if murder once again becomes illegal.  Abortion is called a right, a choice and even birth control.  Genocide is also population control, but it is the instrument of dictators, tyrants and despots and is wrong.
     We are slowly being desensitized and re-educated in gender and gender roles in society.  There are fundamental differences between males and females, yet gender confusion is not uncommon today.  We are told there are some "gender neutral" individuals who aren't sure of their sex and/or sexual orientation and are in a quandry trying to decide "what" they are.  It's really a simple matter.  Boys and men are males and girls and women are females.  Men are to be decisive and masculine, protecting and providing for their families while providing spiritual leadership in the home and church.  Women give and nurture life, pursuing Motherhood as their highest calling while providing stability as the heart of the family, being a keeper at home and supporting the husband in his leadership. 
     Sensitivity is important and Christians should be senstive, but sensitivity should be guided by good old, plain, down to earth common sense.  Common sense will also guard against being desensitized. 
       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 proverbial frog in the pot of water is now boiling.
 
August 2, 2005   Mini Edition by Joseph Harris  Number 147 
 
Things You Cannot Say In America, Thanks To Political Correctness
(A follow-up to "News Headlines You Never See")
 
     Have you ever known anyone with a martyr's complex?  I mean, someone 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 alived 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, 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 is betraying conservatives"
 
"Illegal Aliens" (instead of Mexican immigrants)
 
"The Catholic church is not the true Christian church"
 
"Palestinian gunmen are nothing more than murdering terrorists"
 
"George Bush is betraying conservative Christians"
 
"Home educated students excell 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.
  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)  

"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

July 21, 2005   Mini Edition by Joseph Harris   Number 146  
 
News Headlines You Never See
 
     There is a prevailing thought circulating about media bias.  Some think news outlets are unfair and biased in their reporting.  Just in case this is true, I have come up with some news headlines I would like to see.  Some of these reflect the media just reporting the truth as it is, and other headlines are reflective of what ought to be.  Muse over the following headlines, then email me your own headlines at  joharris@comcast.net so I may do some musing myself.
 
Senate Approves Federal Judge Appointee With Pro-Life Record
 
President Bush Closes Borders, Revokes Amnesty Policy
 
ACLU Sues School On Behalf Of Members Of Bible Club
 
Teddy Kennedy Attacked By Media
 
Israeli Suicide Bomber Kills 10 Palestinians In Supermarket Explosion
 
Muslim Religious Leaders Excommunicate Islamic Terrorists
 
Teddy Kennedy Fails Driving Test; Passes Swimming Exam
 
United Nations Denounces Palestinian Terrorism Against Israel
 
Supreme Court Hands Down Majority Decision Not Based On International Law
 
Test Scores In Public Schools Through The Roof
 
Planned Parenthood Sponsors Abstinence Rally, Highlighting Sessions That Condemn Abortion
 
New Study By The American Psychological Association Proves Homosexuality Is A Chosen, Deviant, Self Destructive Lifestyle
 
Poll Shows The Majority Of Americans Believe The United States Not Responsible For The 911 Attack
 
Commission Of University History Professors Publishes Book Documenting The Judeo-Christian Foundation Of America
 
Airport Security Screeners Use Profiling To Detect Terrorists
 
Teddy Kennedy Becomes A Born Again Believer And Apologizes For 40 Years Of Liberal Activism
 
And finally, the headline I would love to see:
America Becomes A Nation That Exalts Righteousness.
 
  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)  


Forget the grain of salt.  Take the news with a saltshaker.

         
 
March 1, 2005   Mini Edition By JosephHarris  Number 141 
 
A Question of Responsibility
 
     According to a news report from Orlando Florida, a new craze has hit teenagers: garage jumping.  Thrill seekers are jumping from one parking garage roof to another, with some roofs as high as six stories or 80 feet.  As expected with such lunacy, some have fallen and been injured. 
     The family of one boy who fell and fractured his shoulder, is filing a lawsuit against the city and parking garage for not having a fence to keep  jumpers from jumping.  The city has since erected some length of fence, but a jumper can still get around the fence and jump.  The suing family stated that the garage should "take responsibility" before another jumper jumps.  Huhhh?  How about this for a solution: put up a sign that says "Don't Jump, Idiot", but then that would be too common sense of an approach.  Plus, it may offend idiots.
     If anyone is crazy enough to take such a risk, they will go find an unfenced building somewhere else and jump anyway.  Where does responsibility begin?  It begins with the individual. 
    Where does the placing of blame stop?  Should we place fences on streets and highways to keep people from walking in front of moving vehicles?  If not, can local or state governments be sued for not restricting walkers who may get struck by automobiles?
Remember the individual who sued McDonalds over the hot coffee?  After placing a hot cup of coffee between the legs while driving, this person received burns from splashed coffee.  McDonalds then began placing on each cup warning signs of "Hot Coffee" (which is tantamount to "Cold Ice") when they should have spent a few cents more and also printed "Don't Place Between Legs or Knees While Driving" on each cup. 
      The shirking of responsibility is nothing new.  In the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve both did their share of placing blame.  Eve told God the serpent gave her the fruit to eat, so it was his fault.  Adam placed a double blame with one stroke and told God the problem was the woman He(God) gave to Adam.  When Aaron, the brother of Moses was asked where he got the golden calf, his answer, "Well we put our gold in this fire, and out came this calf", like the calf made itself.  And last but not least, King Ahab called Elijah the one who "troubleth Israel", yet Israel's real problem was Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel. 
     When people refuse to take responsibility for their actions, then everyone else is fair game to blame.  Couples divorce with a no fault divorce.  If it was not the fault of either involved, then how did it happen.  A young person robs a store, but it's not his fault.  His defense attorney later claims society has failed the youth.  The list could go on and on.  There are sometimes external circumstances that contribute to, or predispose individuals to make certain decisions, but ultimately, each individual has to be held accountable for his or her own actions.  Accountability, followed by acknowlegment and confession, reduces problems and paves the way for making right decisions in the future. 
  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)  
Acceptance of personal sin is neccessary for salvation.

The Obvious Media Bias
     Does anyone in their right mind doubt the obvious media bias toward liberalism?  Anyone, liberal or conservative, who is fairly objective, can see the truth with closed eyes.  For those with their heads in the sand, this previous Presidential election should have been an eye opener. 
     (1)First, look at the Dan Rather fiasco.  Rather was caught red handed.  Period.  He reported and initially defended a lie.  His liberal agenda helped him to convince himself the National Guard story about President Bush was true.  So much for "reporting" the news.
     (2)Next, look at the pre-election polls and their prediction of a Kerry win.  The "polls" showed the race as razor thin or with Kerry having an edge.  Of course, they were dead wrong. Is anyone going to question why?  Does the media care?  The news people care only as long as it promotes their agenda, or man.  As I said the entire previous week, it was nothing more than propaganda hype.
     (3)Then, the scandalous exit polls were introduced, with the obvious purpose of influencing voters.  These "polls" showed Kerry winning with a wide margin.  Obviously, those polled after leaving the booths, lied about who they voted for......or maybe, just maybe, those polled were target groups in certain geographical areas.  And the answer is....the majority of those polled were women from metropolitan areas, which means it was a manipulated poll.  Case closed.  Whether those in the   news media were responsible for or involved in these polls is not the issue.  They were all too eager to accept the skewed results and happily report them.  
     (4)There is also the matter of the media jumping on the munitions looting story in Iraq, which by the way, was all a bunch of houey (pronounced whooeey).  No matter.  It helped to cast doubt on the President's leadership and try to achieve their goal: stop Bush at any cost, even the cost of the truth. 
     (5)Notice also the pass given to the darling Kerry on his senate and Vietnam record.  This obvious traitor to America was always handled with kid gloves on these issues.  The ones treated as traitors were the many honorable Vets who dared to question the golden boy and his patriotic Purple Hearts.
     (6)Did anyone also notice how reluctant the networks were to call a victory for President Bush?  At the beginning of the night, when it didn't matter, they were calling states right and left for George Bush.  But when the number of electoral votes got within range of the magic "270", suddenly the declarations stopped.  Answer: obvious media bias. 
     If they were not so biased, they might begin to understand the people of this country.  If they would stop shoving their Godless agenda down America's throat, and begin to listen to the average person, they would realize THEY are out of step with reality.  The message sent on homosexual marriage was loud and clear.  Notice all the marriage amendments that were passed in the 11 states on election night.  He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear.  The average person in this country does not want perversion exalted, condoned and endorsed.  Wake up ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN (and all others including print media).  Come back to reality.  The political conservative revolution has just begun. 
   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)  

And lest we forget, though a conservative revolution is refreshing, only a return to God will effect the real change that is needed in this country.  II Chronicles 7:14

 
March 31, 2005          Mini Edition By Joseph Harris           Number 143 
 
Do You Have a "Get-Out-Of-Hell-Free" Card?
 
     Do you remember playing Monopoly and having to go to jail?  If the wrong card was drawn, you had to go to jail.  You could not pass Go, but had to "Go directly to jail."   There were two ways to get out of jail: pay cold, hard cash, or draw a Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free" card. 
     Concerning paying for salvation, some people today think they can pay their way out of hell.  They do good works, tithe, attend church, help the poor, etc.  They stop sinning and start doing good.  They turn over a new leaf, without trying a new life.  They try a Bible education, ignoring Biblical regeneration.  They might even try reformation, which falls short of regeneration.  The most futile effort in the world is the attempt to earn salvation.  The more they try, the more they fail, and the more they fail, the more they try, becoming trapped in the proverbial vicious cycle.
     Concerning the "Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free" card, some equate salvation with a "Get-Out-Of-Hell-Free" card, which includes the wonderful "Sin-As-You-Go" card.  In other words, a decision with no repentance.  Churches are plagued with this superficial "plan" of salvation, based upon a "sinners prayer" which often amounts to nothing more than mental ascent to a few verses in Romans.  These "decisions" usually result in nothing more than baptism and church membership.  Afterwards, fruit is not produced, holiness is not sought, and God is not imitated.  Yet, "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new."  II Corinthians 5:17.  How can this verse mean anything other than what it is obviously saying?  The new has come, the old has "passed away"( a euphemism for death), replaced by the new.   
     A salvation that excludes repentance is akin to making ice cream without milk: it can't be done.  Turning to Jesus means turning from sin, otherwise there is an inconsistency.  Nowhere does the Bible teach that sinners can come to God, but do not have to live for Him.  Being a new creation in Christ means salvation from hell FOLLOWED by service for Him.  "For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them"  Eph. 2:10    Responsibilities and obligations come with salvation. 
     It may sound radical to some, but as a rule, saved people do not consistently live the lifestyle of those who are not saved.  We have to be careful about packaging the "plan of salvation" as a neat formula consisting of progressive steps spoken in  a 1-2-3, repeat-after-me magical formula. It is entirely possible to lead an individual through the steps  whereby they say all the right things, but only accept the PLAN of salvation and miss the MAN of salvation, Jesus Christ.  This is what I did at age 10, then again at age 14.  I was also baptized and received into BMA churches.  I did not, however, actually meet the Man who took my place on Calvary until age 21.     My profession then became a possession and my heart, attitude, and actions changed drastically.  Empty professions can result from many things: insincerity in the sinner, lack of understanding, unclear presentation by the evangelist, and, lack of drawing by the Spirit, to name a few. 
     In bringing people to Christ,  the sinner must be drawn by the Holy Spirit, and crushed by the Spirit over his or her deplorable sinful state, through conviction by the Holy Spirit with Scripture.  It is the Spirit and not the evangelist, who convicts(to cause to see) the sinner.  When the Spirit is not actively working on the sinner's heart, convincing the sinner of his or her state, there can be no regeneration by the Spirit through the Word.  An empty profession of faith can occur. 
     Conviction of the Spirit produces contrition and a burden of guilt of the sin debt.  Sound, Biblical instruction (with verses that can be used from Romans) is necessary in leading the sinner to Christ, leading being the key word.  Selling an individual on the Gospel or talking  him or her into making a decision is not the responsibility of the evangelist.  Though we have a definite responsibility in evangelism, we have to resist the temptation to do God's work for Him.  WE lead them, WE present the Gospel clearly, and We urge them to repent, but we do not coerce, badger, drive or herd them.  People who do not want God do not need to be talked into an empty profession with false security.  When sinners are not open to God, they need prayer.......... and a return visit.
     I am not speaking of Lordship salvation.  I am simply advocating thoroughness in dealing with sinners concerning their eternity.  The subject of Heaven or Hell is serious business and there is no room for sloppiness, a hit-and-miss attitude or a watered down appeal when dealing with  souls.  Jesus said "Repent and believe the gospel" and it hasn't changed in 2000 years. 
 
  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)  

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent"  Acts 17:30

"But My God Shall Supply all Your Need".......Are You Sure?
 
    "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.......but not always true.
    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 lie down without extreme pain with each movement.  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 the 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 from jail 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 watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings 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 onto 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 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)  

What is your thorn in the flesh?  II Corinthians 12:7-10