The Barb Wire

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Reminiscence --Tribute to Pastor Roger S. Lewis

In 1974, our family with 18-month-old Stephanie and newborn Chrissy first visited the HFM Church on a mid-summer Sunday night when the new minister, Roger Lewis, was being received, with a “pounding” if memory serves me. In a "pounding," people brought “pounds” of food as gifts for the new pastor at a reception. He was handsome and the family beautiful with their 4 blonde teen girls and younger Chip. We had lately arrived for my husband's residency in family practice at Toledo Hospital. We were grads of a Free Methodist College, so wanted to check out the FM churches in the area. We heard the church on the air, when the “song birds, Trudy and Tammy” sang a special, so I’m thinking maybe Roger preached when we heard that service, as I think he was the one who called the girls Songbirds. Or maybe Joe Conklin called them that. Jim Beam and his wife particularly noticed us and took the children to the nursery for us. Stephie loved her "Jim Beam." Ruth Barnes was a lively personality of note whom we came to enjoy. Joe Conklin led the singing in what is now the pre-school section of our church –as that is where the smaller Sunday night meetings were held. Joe impressed me as a male leader in the church, a serious and admirable Christian. We heard that other lay leader, Jim Karns, preach early on, in the transition from the old pastor to the new, perhaps the next Sunday, and I commented to him that he was gifted for preaching.

By Christmas time, I had talked my way into directing a John Peterson choir cantata, “Love Transcending.” Stephanie stood in the pew beside her Grandma, singing “love Transcending” with the choir in her little clarion voice. In those days, we soon developed an annual concert tour to the malls and the prison and a nursing home.

Roger Lewis filled our sanctuary like no other minister we have had before or since. You could count on a stirring, passionate, annointed delivery of God’s Word each week. And that’s not to say our preachers since aren’t also excellent –young Keith is truly under the anointing of God these days with his deep thinking and well-crafted, earnestly-delivered Biblical sermons and I believe we are going to enjoy great growth when we are ready –I believe Keith is preparing us for loving fellowship and outreach that will flourish.

Pastor Neville was also a godly and joyful minister loved by all; he made a successful transition when Roger left—but the fact is, we enjoyed unparalleled growth under Roger’s ministry—aided in part by Jessie Geis’s Ladies’ Bible Studies at Gayle Woods’ home and by Jim Karns’ S.S. and home teaching and community popularity. The church was a revolving door of people coming in-- and going out-- if we didn’t get acquainted and get them assimilated fast enough. People look for friendship in the smaller churches, and we were challenged to stretch out of our comfort zones to embrace all the new faces.

Before Roger, Pastor Kettinger surely laid careful groundwork with the smaller body he faithfully nurtured and discipled. Two of the assimilators of our church were the softball and basketball teams; the latter started under Burt Kettinger; in both we were Winners! The basketball team brought us the aforementioned laymen Jim and Joe, Lutherans who wanted to play basketball together. And they got converted to a more vital faith as a result. And I believe it was Jim who started a Memorial Day tradition at Camp Palmer and there was the successful youth ministry of first Joe , then Roy Webb and then Ike Ruckman and their wives in the Roger Lewis days. Assistant pastor Paul and Cheryl Walter are fondly remembered and also assistant pastor Gene Stevenson's family.

I remember the Roslyn Lewis Winter Picnic for Youth and Others as a well-attended event –and was it Bethels or Simpsons who started the Pokagon/Michindoh weekend in January? Ike always had an annual Cedar Point Day "for Youth and Others.” Aunt Betty always had the affection of the children who remember jr. church with her and the Yoder musicians fondly–and I directed the first VBS (after some years of having none) and we had 200 students and no room for them! (The women’s Bible study group had really promoted in their neighborhoods.) After that, we started to pre-register more and I think we even charged money --attendance dropped in half after that --but more recently we are growing in VBS again under Jenni Klever King.

We are back up to over 130 or so for VBS (total registrants) and 60 or so for CLC. Inga's devotionals in CLC are hitting all of us where we live --she's inspired off the cuff, she says --little prep needed. I'm enjoying teaching 4th graders to find their way around in the Bible and to know what it means to be the "children of God." We are now a diverse group in our children's ministries, racially, ethnically --and it is good. I feel we see growth in these youngsters we've had since first grade, e.g. I can see their little mental wheels turning as they contemplate the Bible verses and how it should impact their relationships and behaviors. Stephanie is teaching them the books of the Bible, Bible verses, Christian attitudes and praise in song. Junior Church always performs in the cantata.

New ministries are Angel Arms (clothing) and Angel Food Ministries --headed up by Sarah Hand. Angel Arms is not run by us but a continuation of the Clothes Closet effort which got stuck in my basement! and we still have the Food Pantry as maintained in the Lewis era. We have a knitting group for charity, also.

Roger was the leader for a lot of leaders (and thus an enabler to them in general) and the Bill Gothard home school movement also brought many earnest Christians to our church and was a discipling means for several families.

With Roslyn’s and Sue's full support and participation we enjoyed many years of a weekly church choir, attracting musicians and a now 35-year-tradition of Christmas musicals, carried on by Steph and Chris.

All of these people demonstrate the difference that committed leadership makes in a church –some events are no longer in our church because the people who led them aren’t doing those things or are not with us any more. In the case of a weekly choir, I was willing, but the singers came to feel too busy for it. I think weekly worship team became so labor-intensive, utilizing so many of our musicians, that we didn't have any more energies for a weekly choir. As it is, the weekly ensembles are sounding lovely, featuring many fine voices and a few instrumentalists.

Dave Simpson is surely the turbo behind our annual mission trips. Who would think our people could afford the cost and vacation time to go outside the U.S. to do ministry projects, as Roslyn did, showing love for Christians abroad? We’re still doing that! Who will take his place in the future to spearhead this ministry? He also took several teams to work on the Katrina relief efforts. Of course, the Winckles are our missionaries in Budapest, investing their lives in that work, sewing seeds for future generations to live out the Gospel in that land.

The Christmas cantata is still an ongoing and cherished tradition with an annual following –audiences were 200 plus at each performance this year. We still have our costume/décor lady in Sue –and our steady gate-keeper in the house of the Lord, Joe. And their daughters (one moved) who will always be active church teachers and singers. And our Sunday morning men’s meeting. And the Cherry St. Mission ministry. The Worship team and techies under Stephanie’s trained musicianship have improved in harmony—musically and otherwise. Bob Sutton leads the tech fellows now and he and Cindy are active in music and she in women's ministries. Worship services are still very moving, anointed, as in times before. Youth ministry continues under Tom Wood and Patty Bersinger and the Winckles with the Quiz Teams. We are seeing youth attendance in the 20’s –and we sent around 50 kids to the FM camps in Michigan last year. As the well-attended jr. high moves into h.s. we shall probably double or triple attendance in the future, as our CLC grows up and kids bring their friends.

Christmas baskets, funeral ministries under Rhoda's leadership, Operation Christmas Child, --who started that--was it Shidelers? And Salvation army bell-ringing--all thriving ministries at HFM. Sunday School for all ages offers options for adults and draws an attendance of at least 100.

Roger was a pillar of leadership in a continuum of the Free Methodist community of Christ in Holland. And one who put us on the map more than ever before as a dynamic, GROWING church. We have enjoyed many “ups” and suffered some “downs” in the years since –and all of us from Roger’s and Roslyn’s time with us have MANY MANY fond memories of friendships and activities and worship services from those days.

One activity I remember fondly is singing at the annual Thanksgiving and Easter community services at Providence Lutheran and the United Methodist Churches. Keith has recently revived our community involvement which we enjoyed under Roger's leadership.

What’s interesting to me, is that most all of the families discipled by Roger's ministry are still in Biblical churches, still leaders somewhere –we have sent musical leadership out to many other churches, e.g. –and it’s gratifying to see how many of our young men are ministers or leading laymen and even contenders for faith in the blogosphere. Steve Altman pastors a Reformed church; Keith Simpson is our own pastor, grad of Moody Bible Institute. Our Rob, a philos grad, witnesses to atheists at a philosophical level on the atheistic blogs and has led our young adult studies sometimes. Craig and Matt French and Kevin Simpson are church lay leaders in Reformed church and also active bloggers for faith and pro-life. Paul French will be our first to graduate with a masters in church music?, a true professional. Chrissy also uses her masters in choral directing for our seasonal choirs with her sister in charge. Jon Flory is a leading musician/pianist in a charismatic mega-church; our John does church music for us and his wife’s church; Alex Rodewald has come back from the military to bless our young adult group. His sister is a Christian physician in Cleveland. Carolyn Lewis Bell is musically active in a local Assemblies congregation. I know the other Lewis kids have a vibrant faith with church involvement. The Bryants run music at a Church of God. The Zywockis, Shidelers, and Geises followed Carolyn and Chip to the Assemblies Church --and are presumeably all active laymen still. As are the home-schooled Florys, Altmans, Weemes, Eversons and their children still active in other churches. The G. Knapps are active Baptists. The Squiers attend Perrysburg Alliance, where Chuck continues in sound tech ministry. A great loss was the move out of town of the Ruckmans and the Brillharts --blessing other churches, too. Sharon does music still in West Unity FM Church. Ike is a worship leader/guitarist for a small group. I imagine Kristen Klever is church involved with her husband in Spring Arbor area and her mother is with the Apostolic Church of God. I think Woodwards may be at Westgate and Thorntons are at our sister church, Crossroads, nearer their home.

We are happy to have retained many from the Lewis era in our own church, such as the many laymen mentioned above: also Mayor Yunkers, and Twp trustee Bob Bethel and family, Davolls, Phyillis Sullivan, Donna Flory, Fulshaws?, Haines, Mary Harris, Heisingers (Kathy still ministers in many ways --and we hope to get John more for singing), Honeywells, Ilsleys (Robbie Walerius), S. Knapps famiy, Courtney Lucas (Simmons), Konzens, Doris Lyon, Chuck Miller, Wartons , Peg Price, Etts, Rosie Altman, Archers, Traci Squier Bash, Colledges, Harrises (Bea Goodman), Claytors?, Camille Singh? (? means I'm not sure they come when you were pastor or later) --and we have gained many wonderful people since you left, also, like the Dusseaus? Perezes, Swans, Dawleys, Corey Fritch (Eva H's husband), Ringgers, Aaron Patchett and too many others to name --some even I am not well acquainted with yet! I'm sure I missed mentioning several who were and are vital to our church body --forgive me, dear readers. Reminiscing is imperfect --but bringing back fond memories for me and I hope for you, Roger and Roslyn. I remember fondly Inga's parents, Bob and Ingrid Lambert, both in glory now --who would have loved their 5 outstanding grandchildren being raised in our church today.

Some of our church "alumni" are home-schooling who were not home-schooled themselves. And some home schoolers now send their kids to public school! Much of OUR church leadership today came through public school –and our pastor, of course, from TCS. Our Stephanie is home-schooling for the time-being --but made sure she lived where she could have the Anthony Wayne option. She directs a music program with concerts for a home-school co-op.

One of my fond personal memories is when Roger vindicated me before the church cabinet. I had said to some people in our car for the White Water river rafting trip, that Jesus’s words were like the Pearl of the Bible –and trumped any other verses that might seem contradictory to the spirit of Christ. E.G. “eye for an eye” is biblical –but Jesus gave us a higher standard –beyond justice – which is mercy. And someone thought this was heretical to put Christ’s words above anything else, as though to argue with the inerrancy of the Bible.

So when I was brought in with my husband for interrogation on the issue, Roger said, “Is that what you said, Barbara?” “Yes.” And he said, “Well, Gentlemen, she’s absolutely right, you know. Jesus is the pearl of the Bible and His words are.” Thank you, Roger. We don't use the cabinet for such "disciplining" any more, thank goodness.

Roger did allow lay leadership to flourish –and we had many earnest young disciples who could all teach, given the opportunity. And Jim and Joe, in charge of Adult S.S., gave these young men the opportunity to develop. Ted Weemes, e.g., is still earnest in his faith and pastoring a Baptist church himself.

Perhaps some have grown and developed even more in faith and love by branching out and going to different churches. What we learn, for one thing, is that perfection isn’t found anywhere on earth, not even in churches –but God is strong and mighty to keep us on a straight and narrow path for life. Many of those discipled under Roger Lewis’s ministry are still strong in their parenting, their marriages, and their church involvement –still earnestly following Christ-- still Bible-believers and Christ-followers—after the pattern of their pastor and mentor, Roger Lewis --who is still, I've no doubt, an exemplary man of God.

Happy 80^th Birthday, Roger! May the Lord bless you and keep you –may His countenance shine upon you –and give you peace! And joy! and healing for your lovely wife Roslyn, whom I also love—though I’m never in touch. I have nothing but high regard for you both and special affection for Roslyn as my always supportive, musical buddy.

Love,

Barb for me and Jon

CORRECTIONS WELCOME IN COMMENTS BELOW

"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible

HAITI UPDATE FROM FREE METHODIST BISHOP

Subject: Report on Haiti from Bishop David Roller

We join with the whole world in grieving this tragic earthquake in Haiti. Our hearts and minds cannot imagine the level of devastation, and we fear the news of the next few days will compound our grief. I write on behalf of Dr. Art Brown and FMWM, as well as the Board of Bishops.

Yvonne and I left Haiti just 48 hours before the earthquake. All last week we celebrated a wonderful annual conference with the Haitian church. The Free Methodist Haitian Church is vibrant and strong, numbering some 15,000 members, and our hearts break with yours in this time of loss.

We do not have any good information yet from the Haitian church leaders as to the level of destruction of churches and schools, nor regarding the loss of life. We are working to open lines of communication with Haitian FM leaders, but have so far been unsuccessful. As soon as we can, some of us will go to assess how we might best respond to the needs. I am confident that the worldwide Free Methodist Church will again show itself to be a generous and faithful partner with our Haitian brothers and sisters.

There were 17 North American FM missionaries in Haiti at the time of the earthquake, and unfortunately Jeanne Acheson-Munos, Merle West and Gene Dufor are still unaccounted for. We believe they may have been in the multi-story FM work-team building in Port-au-Prince. That building collapsed in this seismic event, and we have grave concern for those three. We call the church to pray for them.

Another two of the 17 missionaries sustained injuries and are being med-evac'ed out of Haiti. We are hopeful, praying and expecting a rapid recovery for these two. The rest of the 17 are well, although not without minor injuries.

Free Methodist World Missions is proceeding with a plan to extract its non-essential missionary personnel from Haiti. We of course want to be available to the Haitian church for assistance.

We appreciate the many volunteers who have stepped forward offering to help in Haiti. However at this time, sending more people to Haiti would be non productive and would only complicate matters for those on the ground. We ask that no one travel to Haiti unless FMWM calls upon you as part of the response team.

We do know that our brothers and sisters in Haiti will have immediate and long-term financial needs. You may respond by giving to either Operation Hope or the Bishops Famine and Relief Fund at P.O. Box 535002, Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002. Both funds have already released money for Haiti. An on-line giving option will be announced soon.

Again, thank you for your solidarity with the Haitian church. Your prayers and love are extremely meaningful to them and to us in these days.

We will send updates as information becomes available.

Bishop David Roller

If you have concerns regarding a loved one in Haiti, call the U.S. State Department at 1-888-407-4747.
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"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Mudrake's Latest Hysterical Fear --that Palin will be Elected!

Occasionally, I wade over in the muck-bog at Mudrake's new Wordpress blog. I don't give him the satisfaction of trying to register there, however, to comment there, as he, a mysogenist, will not print the comments of Christian women. I'm sure I'm already blocked.

He wrote recently about Sarah Palin and her critics:

Mudrake would do well to note that some of Sarah Palin's book reviewers, including him, didn't even read the book. How smart was that??

We can have Bubba, notorious, lip-biting rapist and philanderer as president, whose daddy was a crook, whose mommy accidentally killed someone as an anesthetist in surgery and tried to cover up the ineptitude that led to the incident; we can have a near-socialist with ultra-radical friends and Muslim loyalties in office now, who has increased our national debt and deficit tremendously in a few months, whose wife is the most self-indulgent spender with the largest personal staff seen in the White House yet--

but the little housewife, beauty queen, popular governor, former mayor, fisher-woman, hunter, mother of 5 appealing kids, daughter and daughter in law of 2 normal, married couples, wife of a very appealing husband who seemed comfortable in his role as "first gentleman" from Wasilla, Alaska , is dangerous. And stupid.

You know why she's dangerous? It has nothing to do with her intellect --that's just the liberals' excuse. They fear her popularity and charisma in combination with her evangelical, conservative, pro-life, pro-family values perspectives. They fear she's electable!

They will work this intellectual deficit issue because it's all they can think of!! They did it to Dan Quayle, Geo. Bush, and tried to do it to "just an actor" Reagan. It intimidates candidates and probably leads them to more rhetorical blunders than they might otherwise commit. It's an offense tactic that too often works --because millions of people really ARE easy to fool --as Mudrake observes --and they WILL believe the negative press.

Liberals/democrats always claim to be intellectually superior --with their liberal social and religious views. The rest of us are all "kool-aid drinkers," "provincial," "racists and homophobes," and selfish with money, uncompassionate, etc.

The real problem with Sarah Palin is that she is a successful person in every realm of endeavor -- so of course she feels persecuted by liberals --SHE HAS NEVER BEEN UNPOPULAR BEFORE! SHE NEVER HAS HAD SUCH VICIOUS ENEMIES IN HER LIFE! What should she conclude from all this criticism? That they are out to get her.

and so they are.

May God's Will Prevail --whatever it is!!!

"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

WHO ARE YOU, MY BLOG READERS?

Site Meter consistently shows a reader located on the equator south of Nigeria, on the ocean --as though in a boat --and one in Indonesia --and 2 in New Zealand and a couple in the British Isles, one in Australia, one in So. Africa and one in Denmark or Sweden. Sometimes a couple in the middle east.

If you are going to visit me from some exotic far location, I wish you'd also drop in and say Hello.

I have met Gandolf, from New Zealand --but the rest of you from out of states, I'd like to meet here. As well as those of you whom I do or don't know from in-states.

So, check in and say hello from time to time! The world is shrinking!! And friendliness is a good thing --regardless of our ideological differences.

"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible

Sarah Palin --Going Rogue

I'm reading Sarah's best-seller, and so far enjoyed all the many photos and her early life and courtship.

Contrary to liberal howls and rants, this book does sound like Sarah's voice --her way of speaking, her knowledge of life in Alaska, her affection for many friends and her family. And the book does make her seem likable and virtuous. I'm impressed with her work history and all she has accomplished while being a wife and mother. Few politicians have gotten their hands dirty as she has --working in the fish industry, e.g.

She says it took 5 years to finish college because she took semesters off to work --to finish debt-free. Some have used it to suggest she was a poor student. Actually, she admits that she and her friends enjoyed the sun and surf more than their studies that first college year in Hawaii.

I can see why she encouraged her daughter to marry when she got pregnant --because she and her Todd were high school sweethearts who have succeeded at marriage.

I wouldn't wish the presidency on this lovely family --but she does have an intriguing and attractive family--with strong parents on both sides. And America loves looking at her family.

I was disgusted with Jay Leno, whom I like normally, because he has chosen to make Sarah a butt of his jokes lately. I don't think she deserves it, so I'm thinking Jay deserves to be kicked out of prime time. Maybe God is punishing him!!!

I say that not altogether facetiously, because he and others have made fun of Sarah for calling it God's will /plan that she ran for veep. Jay said it must, therefore, have been God's will for Obama to win. Well, maybe it was! So we could see just how unpopular "Change" might be! Meanwhile, Sarah, a real Christian, has ascended to national fame.

You know, that's the way we evangelical believers see life's events --because we believe in God. The Bible says if we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths. So she felt it was a call by God to run for office and nothing she sought for herself.

I've no doubt she could be a good president --with all her good values, work experience --and her passionate support for LIFE and FAITH. I'm betting she could draw good people around her to make up for any lack of Ivy League elite "brilliance," we want in our presidents. She isn't as eloquent as some, and I find her speaking voice "shrill" more than mellifluous --so those things won't help her in this media-driven age. I would recommend she speak more slowly and thoughtfully --and simply say less --and not feel obligated to "know everything" though she should bone up on "social studies" to avoid those blunders which the media so loves to exploit.

She is a "populist" more than a slick sophisticate --yet, very attractive. All the more reason for the liberals in media to demean her. If they can succeed at making her into a joke by their constant mockery, they will try to do just that.

What I hope is that Sarah and Todd will just relax and figure out how their family can make a living --and then if the GOP clamors at her door eventually, she can "follow God's will," and go where the call leads her.

Thank You, Brit Hume! He Recommended Jesus!

See Bill O'Reilly ask Brit about his comments re: Tiger Woods here on Utube.

It's refreshing to see an intelligent, respected, handsome, charismatic tv journalist take a stand for Jesus Christ.

He was talking about Tiger Woods and said Christianity was a way out of his mess. Of course, the cynics would say Brit was talking about those who USE Jesus to claim transformation and get out of trouble. But, it turns out he was quite serious in saying that Jesus offers redemption and forgiveness --which Tiger sorely needs from God first, and his family and fans 2nd.

Of course, there are those voices out there who will say, "Why? It was only sex!"

Whoeeee! Sex over and over again with women not his wife. Grounds for divorce --even by the words of Christ.

Hume is a believer. I didn't realize that. May God bless Him for confessing Christ before men. Jesus said if we don't do that, He will not defend us before the heavenly father. We all need to take that stand if we call ourselves Christians.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

A response to Chuck O'conner on Homosexuality

from Rob,

The following is a response to Chuck O'Conner to questions he posed to me in another topic on another blog. I didn't feel that that topic was the appropriate place so I have answered him here. As usual, I'm posting now and this will be proofread later.

Chuck,

You can take my silence as evidence that I'm a busy man with several irons in the fire and more discussions than I can handle in the limited time I have.

Secondly, as of late, I am more concerned about answering the topic. Are we serious about dealing with this point or not? Is agnosticism really the best Christians can do? As far as I am concerned, I've already dismantled this argument. But dguller doesn't think so and I'm hoping to respond to his points first. What you ask me is very important, but they are red herrings. I'll happily discuss them, but I don't want the topic lost because we've allowed red herrings to do what we don't want them to do, throw up a smoke screen. I could just as easily be dealing with the question of homosexuality in a thread on that, and someone could cry foul because I raised theological issues and then they'd want to ignore points I've made challenging me to prove God exists. So I'll answer your questions, and my answers will probably lead to more questions, but I'll go only so far and afterward, I want an honest grappling with the topic with the realization that we can only deal with these issues with a reasonable thoroughness one point at a time (not that I'm asking you personally to deal with the topic, but I mean in terms of what is expected of me here in this blog topic). This whole homosexuality question is very far afield of that topic. Of course, there is the connection that you mentioned (human dignity and worth) and everything is connected, but it's still reasonable to expect focus that doesn't insist on every single consideration of one's world view all at one time (which just isn't practical and thus not fruitful).

Regarding the persecuted church, if I implied that my particular church was persecuted, it was a typo. I'm a member of the body of Christ which is persecuted terribly in many parts of the world.

As for Barb who is my mother and her blog, The Barb Wire, we generally agree on many things but we have important disagreements. There are a few matters regarding homosexuality that I would not see with her eye to eye. I don't know if she brought up her "first thought" theory, but I'm not a fan of that. I do believe that many if not most homosexuals frequently have their attractions without the instigation of a choice, and just because a first thought is suppressed doesn't mean there won't be a second, third and fourth and so on. We share a blog and we agree on many things, but we are independent thinkers and I'd be cautious with a guilt by association approach. For one thing, in some ways, I am not as conservative as she is. And she is not as theologically nuanced as I am. I'm pretty sure that John Loftus himself has said that he wouldn't necessarily agree with everything that anyone wrote for a topic on his blog.

The thing about gender is that it goes to the very heart of who we are. Our sexual natures are sacred and the sexual relationship provides a foundation for gratifying both the individuals and the couple in a way that nothing else does. Marriage, the union in general and the sexual union, involves a gratification where the significance and worthiness of each one's existence is exalted. So in Genesis, with this issue, it is extremely inadequate to note that God created humanity as male and female and stop there. The whole formula is that God "created the human in the image of God, male and female he created them." Our relationships with neighbors, friends, siblings, children and parents all reflect the image of God, but only the marriage relationship was explicitly mentioned (though I think community in general is implicit as well) in that passage that describes our divine likeness which I think is the most metaphysically important statement anywhere. Nothing is more important nor more sacred than personhood in general and persons in specific (with God as the supremely personal being) and gender is part of the design that manifests the sacred.

We don't have to fully express that sacredness (we can stay single, though we still will almost always relate to people in a gendered way.) There are disappointing ways (which were tolerated) in which our sacred nature can be expressed (particularly polygamy). And then there are ways that trample and disgrace that aspect of our reflection of the divine image. Infidelity does this and so does homosexuality.

As a Christian, I know I am at odds with the world in much that I believe. The world reverses this claim (above) about homosexuality which I believe is one of the powerful deceptions of our time. Supposedly, we are to believe that homosexual orientation is innate and immutable. To the eyes of the world, suggesting to someone that they should seek healing is the real profaning of the sacred, of the dignity of humans and turning these people into a shell of what they are supposed to be. They look to science to support these claims, and yet the appeal to science has been without integrity and should make us skeptical. For years, the voices have been shrill, insisting that it has been demonstrated that homosexuality is biologically determined and those who don't accept this are bigoted, uneducated, hateful and so on. They take statements like this from the APA on homosexuality and run with it: "There is considerable recent evidence to suggest that biology, including genetic or inborn hormonal factors, play a significant role in a person's sexuality."

The APA however has reversed this statement, now noting that there is no scientific consensus on the origins of homosexual attraction (click to page 4 to see the exact quote). Maybe the science was never so intemperate in these claims, but the culture and the homosexual movement have used them as a weapon to promote a view of orientation as innate --though the science could be stretched only so far and has blunted that weapon.

You ask about homosexual 14th amendment rights. I agree that people with same- sex attraction should have all their legal rights. I certainly don't consider same-sex marriage to be one of those rights because I don't believe the basis is a matter of equality since homosexuality isn't an innate, normal, immutable expression of humanity and homosexual relationships cannot be equal to heterosexual ones. I oppose violence against gays, not only because it is something that is wrong to do against people who are redeemable, because there is no biblical justification for it (as we are no longer under the old covenant but under the new which is entered freely and not via birth) and because the sympathy spurred by anti-homosexual violence is mixed in with support for homosexuality itself.

As for this last question:

Your faith commitment to entrust revealed truth equal to (or greater than?) empirical evidence as a basis for decision making leaves open the question of human rights.

Christianity does not provide support for denying anyone human rights. Of course, under the old covenant, those who lead people from God were punished by death. I see in this a lesson that our relationship with God is measured as important as life itself, but this cannot be used as a basis to deny unbelievers rights under the new covenant in which evil is to be opposed through peaceful means. There simply is no room for denying the rights of believers on that account, though believers who are unfaithful may be expelled from the body of believers. That is the model we are given, not legal sanctions against unbelievers, not a denial of their rights.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

David Baumgartner writes against Lutheran Church

On December 30, 2009, the Toledo Blade printed a letter from a Mr. Baumgartner of Bluffton, Oh., saying that St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Maumee was "judgmental" because most of their members voted to pull out of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "because that denomination approved allowing its pastors to be homosexual."

He says "Jesus's message of love was not selective and indeed encompassed society's rejects, the poor, and the scorned."

True enough. So why does that mean homosexuals should pastor churches?

He says, the church is "ignoring Jesus' express, vital, institution-defying, inclusive teachings of love, which never judges and is unconditional."

Well, true enough that the love is unconditional. But righteousness has Biblical definition and homosexuality is biblically defined as "an abomination", i.e. sin in God's sight.

As for judging, Jesus said He is going to judge and separate His sheep from the goats on the basis of their compassionate works toward the poor and imprisoned --or lack thereof. We know elsewhere in scripture that we are saved by faith and not by works --and yet, "faith without works is dead."

We are to repent of sin as Christians --and not continue in willful, unrepentant doings. A practicing homosexual in the pulpit would be doing just that --willfully unrepentant and therefore not qualified to lead Christ's flock.

Ah, but Mr. B. wants us to know that science is sure that homosexuality is congenital --from the womb --intrinsic like left-handedness. That's one theory --which has not been proven. Another idea is that since we see some homosexual activity in nature among other life forms, it must be "natural" among humans. Yet, humans have always prided themselves on not being animals. Promiscuous creatures, predators and those who eat their young and hump your leg are ALSO found in nature. Doesn't make it right for humans. Many psychologists believe there are environmental/experiencial reasons why people are homosexual. Just as a pedophile has often been a victim of pedophilia himself, so a homosexual has been influenced in various ways to have abnormal sexual interest. Compassion is an appropriate response for the Christian toward the homosexual as toward all sinners; condoning homosexual acts is not.

Until Christ gives me a clear message otherwise, I will continue to theorize that homosexuality resembles adultery, pedophilia, incest, and rape -- sexual temptations to avoid at the first inkling. I believe we can bar the mind's door to illicit sexual thoughts and activities and not have any of these addictions. Granted, heterosexual inclination is VERY strong in most people --as God intended. He DESIGNED woman for man to fulfill that sexual need in covenanted marriage. Sodomy, however, is NOT His design for sexual union.

A pastor or church elder should be, as the Bible says, the husband of one wife--or celibate like Christ and Paul.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church has made a Biblical decision while the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has not.

"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible

Monday, December 28, 2009

Reading Rev. David Jeremiah's 2008, Best-Selling, Prophecy Book

I'm reading Dr. David Jeremiah's 2008 book on Biblical prophecy, What in the World is Going ON? --one thing it tells is how the inscription on the eastern top of the Washington Monument is "Laus Deo" --Praise be to God. I knew about that, but there is a display that allows the public to see a replica of this inscription --which the Nat'l. Park Service has recently turned toward the wall --saying that they did so to "correct a mistake."

We are fools to be revisionist historians, hiding and stripping this nation of evidence of its religious heritage --considering that from the beginning of America's founding --from Columbus's comments in his journal that he thought he was opening the world to the Gospel of salvation in Christ with his explorations, God's hand is evidenced through the faith of the founders. Yes, I know all the evil that attended our history in America --and the hypocrisy of various of them --but it wasn't just the European and western Christians who sinned in every generation since creation's fall.

American Protestant Christianity has still been the world's greatest force for good with their Biblical knowledge and application --even some hellfire and brimstone preaching converted some pretty tough old sinners into decent citizens --and the USA has been the most blessed of nations for our global generosity, Christian missions, and beacon of freedom --all influenced by people who had a biblical sense of right and wrong, and the value of every individual --and the values of both justice and mercy.

We are rightly measured and judged by our Savior Jesus Christ --and corrected in our sins. But it is never a sin to correct to say "Laus Deo." "Praise be to God!" Not even as a nation.

Or to say, as did the Jewish man Irving Berlin, "God, Bless America!" It is a prayer --and every president utters it in his speeches.

Atheists, relax. You get to disbelieve all you wish! But don't help to remake us in Europe's image--secularistic, humanistic, socialistic, childless, gay, weak in family life --and ultimately overrun with a Muslim majority and their ideas of law and freedom.

"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible

Friday, December 25, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS, BLOG FAMILY, ET AL!

Christ is Born! The Annointed One of the Creator has been sent --and has descended to be born of a Virgin Jewish girl --and because of His atonement on the cross --and His resurrection--and His power in miracles and raising the dead --and because His father loves us all enough to give us a chance at immortality AND power over sin and death --we all have the hope of resurrection to eternal life --instead of the hopelessness of mortality and the sorrow of death. We all know that we can live to please God instead of ourselves (which will be pleasure to ourselves as well) and find victory over temptations through repentance for sin --

⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

A Merry Christmas indeed!!!

Peace on earth --good will to men-- from our heavenly Father.

"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible

Monday, December 14, 2009

Blade Writer Thinks Gay Issue is Minor for Lutheran Church

A Letter to the Blade:

Fred and his wife both taught my children at AW Schools. Fred is a retired minister in the Evangelical Lutheran church--same as St. Paul's Lutheran in Maumee which recently voted to secede from the parent denomination.

Fred should remember that Luther was kicked out of the Catholic Church after disagreeing with it on a list of 99 issues. So what would happen if the St. Paul's congregation would refuse to receive a gay minister or perform gay marriages? The split is inevitable. And the issue is BIBLICAL, not socially minor. It is the church divider of our day.

Luther hoped to reform Catholicism instead of being excommunicated. St. Paul's Church probably knows that their denomination has been left-leaning on theological and social issues for decades. Better to secede than put up with their unbiblical stand on marriage --no small social issue.

Any church that wants to be truly Biblical cannot condone gay marriage or ordination for practicing homosexuals --same as for unrepentant, sexually active adulterers, rapists, pedophiles, incestors, fornicators, porn users.

The Bible blesses one proper arrangement for sexual intimacy--marriage between a man and wife --and warns against the rest as sins.

"God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life."--the Bible

Saturday, December 12, 2009

An Invitation to

Christmas ~
From Our Home to Yours!

A musical program ~
Compiled by Stephanie Rohrs Hulbert

December 18 & 20, 7:00 pm

At the Holland Free Methodist Church
6605 Angola Road ~Holland, Ohio

Sharing Traditions ~ Gretchen Bersinger, Gail Warton, Sue Conklin,
Diane Bethel, Jean Knapp, Inga Wood, Pastor Keith & Rachel Simpson

Cantata Choir, Jr. Church Singers, Andrew Winckles,
The Perez Family, the Youth Dancers, Courtney & Andrea, the Junior
Church Choir, The Rohrs Family, Bob Sutton,
Children’s Nativity, Costumes by Conklin
and Cookies by the Church Ladies ~ Nursery Provided

Share this invitation to our 35th annual
not-to-be missed holiday Christmas Praise Concert.

Also ~ Candlelight Christmas Eve Service ~ 6 pm

Hey, Matt? Do you really think nativity scenes are idolatrous??

You never know what you'll see at Mudrake's. (Well, actually, it is pretty predictable!) But my Christian brother Matt suggested in a comment over there --maybe with tongue in cheek --maybe not--that nativity scenes were idolatrous.

If he really thinks that, I hope he also doesn't take any photographs as they might qualify as graven images of things on the earth.

Granted, some Catholic laity around the world seem to relate to the statuary of Catholic churches as pagans do to idols --praying to them. Missing the point that God is Spirit --and He is everywhere --and we do not reach Him or praise Him through a statue. But I believe Catholic doctrine denies deifying and worshiping Mary. Maryology is a medieval development --and some say it improved the lot of women and mothers. Some say it is an adaptation of the Mother Earth/Mother/Goddess pagan worship. Whatever, Mary is a special lady who found favor with God --and did all that God asked of her.

I think the creche scenes such as we enact in our church Christmas programs are, like the Christmas carols, re-telling the "greatest story ever told." Drama was one way the medieval church told Bible stories before people had access to the Bibles --"morality plays," they called them. Re-enactments of this timeless, true tale help to make the story come alive again and again --

The Virgin Mary had a Baby Boy --
Immanuel, God with Us --
He shall save His people from their sins!
Glory to the new born king!
Joy to the world --the Lord has Come!

and finally

He rules the world --with Truth and Grace!

Friday a Full Moon at the Blade Letters Forum???

A lady from Archbold, Sarah Maxwell, a Democrat, complained in a Blade letter printed yesterday, that GOP Rep. Bob Latta was making a "slur" against the Democrats when he referred to "democrat party." She insists the word can only be a noun and never an adjective --and thus should be "democratic party."

But then, what of the Republicans? Should they be the Republicanic Party? Isn't the word used as both an adjective and a noun? Why shouldn't Democrat be used the same way???

In fact, the dictionary does refer to democrat as a noun and republican as both noun and adjective. Yet, the dictionary had an example using democrat as an adjective in the name of a wagon --a "democrat wagon." So the word was a modifier/adjective for wagon in that case.

I think it's the height of silliness to think that everybody knows that the Party is the Democratic Party and not the Democrat Party --considering that the GOP is the Republican Party, filled with Republicans. While Ms. Maxwell seems to have slight dictionary support for insisting that democrat is only a noun, I think she's really paranoid for her party to think Latta intends a slur when he refers to the "democrat party."

Now, my husband's Uncle George is another story! He referred to the Damocrats!

Then, silly letter no. 2: a fat person of 400 pounds declared his self-loathing and said we over-weight Americans should --in effect, "carry our own weight," and pay for our condition --that we all lack self-control (duh!) and should pay extra for ourselves. Well, I guess we DO pay extra for the food! And so far, my med chart and expense doesn't look like those of smokers --who start having CAD (coronary artery disease) in their 40's. While the gentleman, Jason Craig, made valid observations about obesity, I can't help but wonder WHY??? Does he really want us to pay more for health insurance or be taxed for our weight? Is he nuts? considering his own condition??? Would he think we should be denied health care unless we could pay more for it than most others?

Finally, Rebecca Swinney somehow knows exactly how much is owed the city in traffic fines for getting caught on camera running red lights at intersections -but she has apparently never figured out why the city isn't collecting. Fine enforcement is lax because of the much publicized concern that the cameras cause more accidents than they prevent --as people jerk to a stop when the light changes --causing rear-end collisions. WHO LIKES THOSE CAMERAS? Almost nobody but Ms. Swinney, apparently.

And finally, Bruce Whalen, native American, is offended that the IRS is treating people of native American heritage JUST THE SAME AS THEY TREAT ALL THE OTHER AMERICANS! When are the natives going to forgive the past and realize they are no more entitled to the continent by accident of birth than the rest of us who were born here? And we ALL resent the IRS! You can see what hanging on to the grudges of ancestors will do for a nation--just look all over the middle east. Americans should ALL let bygones be bygones and protect this almost "shining city on a hill," this place where the beacons of liberty and opportunity still shine for native Americans and immigrants alike --who are willing to forgive and forget and move forward.

Whooeeee! Kooky letter day at the Blade!

Monday, December 7, 2009

CLINTON-GORE EMBARRASSING MOMENT

Thanks again to Mike Johnson's wonderful article in the ADF magazine, Truth and Triumph

I thought I had heard that a similar event took place at a Catholic Youth Conference in Colo. when Gores and Clintons remained seated, embarrassed looking, when both the Pope and Mother Theresa made pro-life statements and the crowd wildly cheered. I know similar embarrassments occur when democrat politicians attend Catholic funerals where priests make pro-life statements.

This is truly an example of speaking truth to power, as ADF points out. May we never stop doing it! May we always keep our FREEDOMS to do it!!! and not go to jail or die for our convictions in the USA --as is happening elsewhere.

MY CHOICE FOR QUOTE OF THE YEAR-- ON ACLU: MIKE JOHNSON, ADF

Alliance Defense Fund's Senior Legal Counsel, Mike Johnson wrote:

He goes on to say:

Read his whole article HERE.

MICHAEL MEDVED ON THE LEFT VS. PUBLIC ED.

See this article HERE.

Medved has pointed out the upside down perspective in left-wing propaganda regarding First Amendment concerns today:

WHO IS RADICAL, ANYWAY???

Michael's view is similar to my observation that the Christians have not been the radical change-agents here, as the Left would have us believe. E.G., the LEFT implies the traditional definition of marriage, the practice of public prayers by public agencies, the posting of The Ten Commandments, the free expression of religion in courts, congress, and schools, are all NEW and a NEW THREAT to American freedom --and yes, unconstitutional.

In fact, it is RADICAL to deny Americans the traditional right to pray and express faith most anywhere and most any time they wish (granted, there are places and times when free expression might be inappropriate or impolite and we won't all agree about that.) It is radical to make Americans afraid for their religious expression and belief --and radical to scare everybody with threat of lawsuits for religious free expression --and radical to redefine marriage and family to mean any creatures sharing a bed and a house.

Eastern Michigan U Denies Degree for Values Viewpoint

Julea Ward is a very together and very attractive, accomplished A student (African-American, incidentally) with two master's degrees, a teacher who decided she'd like to be a school counselor. The problem? She was assigned in her practicum to counsel a gay student wanting counsel re: a gay relationship --and she does not believe in such relationships because of her Christian beliefs. Though she had a 3.91 GPA there, her professors stated they would weed from the program students who would not embrace the school position of affirming clients in homosexual relationships.

She asked her advisor if she should disclose her Christian faith on the "informed consent" paper given to the potential clients for counseling during the practicum. The advisor said not. But she explained her beliefs --and knew them to be a "values-based conflict," with gay clients. Such conflicts are allowed as a reason for assigning a client to a different counselor. She wasn't refusing to counsel homosexuals; but she knew she was not to establish rapport with a client with whom she was going to have a values clash, but instead, refer them to someone else.

But Julea's advisor said she would undergo an "informal review" for her refusal to approve homosexuality. Her professors concluded that Julea was "in violation of EMU's code of ethics." She was to either 1. change her belief system through a remediation program --or 2. withdraw voluntarily from the program --or 3. request a formal review hearing. In option 3, which she chose, in which she was allowed no outsiders or legal representation, the panel decided to dismiss her from the program.

THIS MONTH, The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) will defend Julea who has sued the school for reinstatement in the program. Read about her case HERE.

Obviously, EMU has a problem with religion-based values and the definition of marriage. As do most of our state universities. We shall see more and more that Bible-believing college and grad students are discriminated against for not affirming homosexual acts and relationships, unless we help our ADF and ACLJ attorneys do this very important work of defending students like Julea.

We recall a similar case of an African-American woman administrator in human resources at U.T. Does anyone recall her name or how her case resolved??

Saturday, December 5, 2009

READ NEWSWEEK, Dec. 7, 2009, RE: OBAMA, ABORTION, ENTITLEMENTS, ECONOMIC COLLAPSE OF USA

Newsweek,12/7/2009, titled HOW GREAT POWERS FALL announces on the cover: Steep debt, slow growth, and high spending kill empires--and America could be next --by Niall Ferguson.

This issue also has a pro-choice writer telling that Democrats are mad at Obama for not insisting that gov't fund abortions. But, in fact, his Blue Dog democrats dare NOT vote for gov't-funded abortions; the abortion liberals do not have a majority in the nation's polls or in the Senate. They managed to put gov't-funding of abortion in the House version of the health reform bill--but it ain't gonna happen in the Senate! Hurrah for common sense and decency! and LIFE!

Reality of opposition has come to this president --as it did to Bush. You cannot get the majority to go your way--and still get re-elected --on some of these hard core controversies.

Here's another Newsweek tidbit: THE WAR ON TERROR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR FINANCIAL MESS --AMOUNTING TO 1.8 PERCENT OF GDP. THE DEFICIT IN 2009 IS ABOUT 11.2 PERCENT OF GDP ACCORDING TO THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE --GREATER THAN ANY IN THE PAST 60 YEARS. And the war is only a fraction of it. It is nowhere near the cost of a world war, according to Laurence A. Tischy, prof of history at Harvard and the author of The Ascent of Money.

Prof Tischy says, in effect, "It's the Entitlements, Stupid!"

Consider that 40 per cent of adult Americans do not pay any taxes (tv source --don't recall who) --and many of these get the earned income tax credit --a gift from the gov't for working, so that working will be more profitable to them than sitting on the public dole. So only 60 percent are paying INTO the gov't, and the rest are all taking FROM. The 40% of non-contributors grows because we aren't making babies!! and we are aging!

And the Dumb Donkey Democrats want to add national healthcare to this scenario and tax higher the job generators making 250,000 and above. Nevermind that there aren't enough people in this income bracket to pay for all those entitlements to people who are not paying much, if anything, into the system. Nevermind that high taxes on the "haves" eliminates jobs and hurts small businesses especially --who provide most of the jobs (with the exception of Gov't bureaucracy --whose only money comes from the tax-payers because gov't MAKES nothing.)

HIGHEST STUPIDITY! DEMS WANT GOV'T TO PAY FOR ABORTIONS AND REQUIRE ALL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS WITH GOV'T-SUBSIDIZED PATIENTS TO PARTICIPATE. Besides being morally indefensible, WE NEED CHILDREN!!!! We need good parents, also, to raise responsible, educated, moral, working citizens. Otherwise, the kids we do make end up on the dole and there is no income to tax for the entitlement programs.

Everybody will have to tighten their belts --including the seniors --of which I am technically one, though not yet gov't-dependent --in order to get us out of this mess.

And we are at the state where NOBODY VOTES LESS FREEBIES AND LESS MONEY FOR THEMSELVES. EVERYBODY WANTS TO KEEP ALL THEIR SO-CALLED ENTITLEMENTS --AND OBAMA AND THE DEMS ANNUALLY PROMISE THEM MORE!!! THEY GET ELECTED ON WHAT THEY CANNOT DELIVER! BECAUSE THE GOV'T MONEY COMES FROM THE WORKERS AND JOB GENERATORS --WHICH WE ARE MAKING FEWER OF.

You can't get blood from a turnip --which the nation has become!

What a mess!!!

Friday, December 4, 2009

CHRISTIANS AND CULTURE WARRIORS SHOULD SUPPORT DISNEY'S "A CHRISTMAS CAROL"

Disney's A Christmas Carol is a delightful remake of the classic tale. Christians should support such efforts by secular film makers. What I liked: the use of Christmas carols throughout and one juxtaposed with a cross on a steeple ( I think it was on a steeple) --there were several in the graveyard scene, of course.

You see many holiday movies that use the melodies and occasional phrases from Christmas carols --but this Christmas Carol has LOTS of carols about Christ, the newborn KING.

I might like some of the other versions better--Scrooge, the Albert Finney musical, Kelsey Grammer's Hallmark version and of course, the George C. Scott film.

But seeing the story in 3 D is fun for all, great "special effects," and some wonderful scenes of Old England and many dizzying 3D flights over the countryside and cities in the bleak midwinter. Snowfall in 3D is lovely. This one may be the most fun for kids --who know the story and are old enough not to be frightened by the ghostly aspects and death theme. We took our grandsons, 9 and 8, who seemed to like it --at one point saying, "awesome!"

I think it was the Jim Carrey Scrooge whom I would have liked better had he seemed more like Jim Carrey! This Scrooge is a bit over- charicatured -- the characters are not as "real" --but close. Is that necessary in order to have 3 D, I wondered? This Scrooge's nose and chin nearly meet --even in his supposedly attractive YOUTH! It's hard to see the beautiful sweetheart's attraction to him!

Once again, Scrooge's joy at finding himself alive on Christmas morning, is a true "born again" experience! Having been convinced of the reality of Christmas future --if he does not change --Scrooge is transformed and as giddy as a school girl in spring on Christmas Day. He has a NEW nature! and ever after, "he keeps Christmas well!"