We Must Fight

I know that it is rude to 'mix politics and religion'. But, the truth is that politics is the outworking of religion. Every person is religious. The question is what is your religious bias and how does it affect your political stance.

I am going to stick my neck out and make a few statements that some will call brash, others whom I love will disagree and some well meaning people will call me foolish.

1. Many, if not most, of American Christians today are consumed with material interests; beit work, pleasure, financial prosperity, and others. They are so consumed that they cannot see the war raging in our culture. And, frankly, they don't care unless it affects their comfort or cash.

2. Most American Christians, and Americans in general, are ignorant of their history.

3. Most American Christians, and Americans in general, are ignorant of news. Liberals get their pablum from the 'mainstream press'. And, Conservatives get their pablum from the 'new media'. If they, in either camp, say it then it must be so.

Case in point: The current presidential primary. One candidate in particular will serve as an example. Mike Huckabee. This man has been lambasted from both sides. He has been decried as a liberal by the 'conservative new media'. He has been derided as a theocrat from the liberal media. He is neither. He is a man who acts upon moral principles that stem not from the Constitution, but from Scripture. As wonderful as our Constitution is it is not an ultimate authority in morality.

His actions as the governor of the State of Arkansas are excised from context and pointed to as proof that he is a liberal by the likes of Rush, Hannity, Savage, Town Hall, and more. Seen in the context of the politics of that state it can be shown that he did more to act on conservative principles than seems possible. Remember two things: Governing a state is different that governing a nation. And, Arkansas has the most lop-sided Democratically controlled government in the nation. They know this. Yet, they refuse to give context to his actions. I know that I have no voice compared to those I cited above. But, someone has to say it.

I do know that ultimately politics are not the answer to this nations ills. The answer is a church militant with the Gospel; willing to forgo this crazy notion that all men are good. All men are bad, and as such they must either be controlled by the spirit of God within them or the sword. The Founding Fathers of this nation knew this and said as much. They also said that only Christian men of good moral character were suitable for public office. How far we have strayed from that ideal.

So, I am going on record: I support Mike Huckabee. He is not perfect. No candidate is. Some say voting for him is a 'wasted vote'. (If everyone I heard say that they would vote for him, but it would be a 'wasted vote' because he is not electable WOULD vote for him he would carry this state.)

Happy Birthday Mars' Robert!

Two hundred and one years ago today a boy was born to an American hero of the War of Independence, Henry 'Light Horse Harry' Lee. This lad would grow, graduate from West Point, have a distinguished career in the United States Army, and become known to all as Robert E. Lee. Robert Edward Lee was an amazing man. His abilities as a military commander are the stuff of legend. His tactics and strategy are still studied today. His character, faith in God as revealed in Scripture, and duty stemming from that faith, are a role model to all men today. He was a knight in the truest sense of the word.

His commitment to the Word of God led him to a devotion to family and community that is rare today. It is this same commitment that inspired and emboldened the men of his father's generation. That generation set in paper the 'givens' of liberty and founded a nation built upon them. Robert E. Lee learned from his father the intentions of the Founders. He gained his fame in the defense of those same principles against a Federal Government run wild in an unconstitutional movement to strip the states, and by extension, communities and families of their inalienable rights. The actions he undertook to defend his beloved Commonwealth of Virginia and the Confederate States of America are legendary. The loss of that cause does not negate its legitimacy.

Robert E. Lee was beloved by those who fought under his command. On more than one occasion when his blood was up in battle he strove to inspire his men by riding through his men's lines toward the enemy coming within range of the enemy. The men pleaded for him to retire to his rightful and proper position in the rear. His courage was unassailable. The men who followed him respectfully and lovingly called him "Mars' Robert." They marched hundreds of miles on meager rations, often unshod and poorly clothed. Yet, in battle they were a force that frequently won against overwhelming odds.

I'm a descendant of one of those men. He left such an impression upon my Great Great Grandfather, James Russell Underwood, that one of his sons was named Robert Edward Underwood.

Happy Birthday, Sir.

Deo Vindice

Birthday Musings

One year ago a transition occurred in my life and the lives of many loved ones. I resigned the church that I served as pastor. The people there were good folks who loved God. It became obvious that my theological position and ministry philosophy were not in line with the direction that the lay leadership were embracing. So, I resigned. It was difficult. It came as surprise to many in the congregation. It was a painful experience.

Several families in the congregation were not in agreement with the positions the leadership held. They each left the congregation. Meeting in a home Bible study they decided to form a fellowship and subsequently asked me to lead it. From this beginning a congregation developed: Providence Family Fellowship. What a blessing this fellowship has become to each of us. We come from widely varied backgrounds. Yet, in the middle of the variations a strong, warm, God seeking fellowship has been forged.

We are a Reformed Baptist fellowship who practice a family integrated approach to ministry. We meet in homes. We have seen real spiritual growth take place in each member from the little to the large; growth that would have been almost impossible in the an age segregated format.

It has been a year. It is hard to believe that it has been a year and it is hard to believe that it has been only a year. Our lives have been knit together in a manner that is so natural that it is difficult to describe. The men have grown in their abilities to lead their families.

All of this has been by God's great grace. What a precious and marvelous God we serve. Praise be to him!!

Happy Birthday Providence Family Fellowship!

Well, well . . .

This blog is still here!

Seriously, after months of insanity I'm resigning from the Rat Race. Therefore, there will be more moldy cheese for the winner.

The past several months have been an interesting period in life for me. I've learned a lot; much of which is probably not new to many.

After all that has taken place; all the energy expended, tears shed, sore muscles, sleepless nights, early mornings, intense conversations, and much more I now am even more convinced that Micah 6:8 sums it up.

'He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?'

Sublime wisdom from heaven.