Monday, August 10, 2020, 8:55 am | Randy Thomasson
…and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 5:40-42
I want to publicly commend the California pastors who have reopened for in-person congregational meetings. In addition to acknowledging virus science and history, which informs them that the COVID-19 scare and unprecedented lockdown have been grossly overblown for evil purposes, these pastors have not forgotten or “justified away” their Biblical commands to preach, assemble, and fellowship. And they haven’t forgotten or disregarded their First Amendment guarantee of “free exercise…of religion.”
Every pastor who has reopened despite warnings or threats is showing his loyalty to King Jesus. This is not a comprehensive list, but prominent pastors taking this Biblical stand include:
Rob McCoy of Godspeak Calvary Chapel in Newbury Park (Ventura County) Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel in Chino Hills (San Bernardino County) Tim Thompson of 412 Church in Murrieta (Riverside County) John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley (Los Angeles County) Greg Farrington of Destiny Christian Church in Rocklin (Placer County) Jon Duncan of Cross Culture Christian Center in Lodi (San Joaquin County) Jim Franklin of Cornerstone Church in Fresno
What’s more, there are 3,000 other California pastors who previously committed to reopen earlier this year, in defiance of Gavin Newsom.
Who are these pastors? Their resistance to tyranny shows they’re men who are loyal to the New Testament, who know the guarantee of the First Amendment, and who recognize the threat of dying from COVID-19 is less than the seasonal flu. So it’s Christian for them to reopen — and stay open — for church fellowship and corporate worship of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. They are your role models for obeying God despite pain or loss.
No threat of a politician or judge will stop them. Neither will they submit to the unscientific, unconstitutional bullying of a public health officer. For the Word of God and the written U.S. Constitution are above these tyrants. Making this all the easier is few police are motivated to hassle pastors beyond mere warnings, if even that.
This current test of pastors is so important. For if a pastor avoids conflict and doesn’t study facts, isn’t this tantamount to avoiding pain (loving pleasure) and being a people-pleaser? Quite frankly, unless Biblical pastors get some hair on their chests now, in the face of verbal opposition and this mild oppression, how easy will it be for them — and their congregations — to, in the future, cave to even more government persecution, more infringement of constitutional liberties, and eventually, avoiding martyrdom by doing the will of the Antichrist?
Now is a time for testing — and training — of those who are true worshipers, who worship God in spirit and truth.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.” Jesus Christ in John 10:11-13
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9
“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”‘ Revelation (of Jesus Christ) 2:8-11
Monday, February 17, 2020, 11:34 am | Randy Thomasson
What can the Father of our Country can teach you about being a good citizen? And will you heed his words identifying domestic enemies (which are unconstitutional, self-seeking politicians, judges, and bureaucrats)?
A devout Christian, George Washington was first President of the United States (1789–97), the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He presided over the convention that drafted the current United States Constitution and during his lifetime was called the “father of his country.”
GOOD GOVERNMENT SPRINGS FROM THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION BASED ON THE BIBLE “Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” Source
SECOND TO THE BIBLE, THE WRITTEN WORDS AND ORIGINAL INTENT OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION IS THE SUPREME LAW OF THE LAND (NOT JUDGES) “The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.” Source
ONLY THE PEOPLE CAN AMEND THE CONSTITUTION (JUDGES CAN’T) “The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government.” Source
JUDGES THAT STRIKE DOWN THE PEOPLE’S WRITTEN LAWS ARE UNCONSTITUTIONAL THEMSELVES “Laws made by common consent must not be trampled on by individuals.” Source
HAVING A STRONG (NOT IMMORAL) MILITARY IS THE BEST WAY TO AVOID WAR “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.” Source “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” Source
THE MORAL SPLIT BETWEEN PARTIES MEANS WE ARE NO LONGER A CHRISTIAN NATION “The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism.” Source
PRESERVING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS A TOP PRIORITY OF GOOD GOVERNMENT “I beg you be persuaded that no one would be more zealous than myself to establish effectual barriers against the horrors of spiritual tyranny, and every species of religious persecution.” Source
FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS ANOTHER TOP PRIORITY “If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” Source
NO ELECTED OFFICIAL OR PUBLIC SERVICE SHOULD CUSS “The foolish and wicked practice of profane cursing and swearing … is a vice so mean and low that every person of sense and character detests and despises it.” Source
HONESTY IS A VIRTUE WE SHOULD DEMAND AND EXPECT IN ELECTED OFFICIALS “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” Source
A PUBLIC OFFICIAL MUST PROMOTE THE PUBLIC’S GOOD ABOVE HIS OWN INTERESTS “I have no other view than to promote the public good, and am unambitious of honors not founded in the approbation of my Country.” Source
TRUE CHRISTIANITY DOES THE RIGHT THING IN GOVERNMENT “I am persuaded, you will permit me to observe, that the path of true piety is so plain as to require but little political direction.” Source
A GODLESS PEOPLE CANNOT SHAPE OR MAINTAIN GOOD GOVERNMENT “Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government.” Source
WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY TIMELINE: > February 1732 – George Washington is born. The Julian “old style” calendar, which was used at the time, marks his birth date as February 11. > 1752 – The Gregorian “new style” calendar is adopted, putting Washington’s birthday on February 22. > 1789-1797 – Washington’s birthday is celebrated on both days while he is president. > 1885 – February 22 is designated as a federal holiday to honor Washington’s birthday. > 1968 – Congress passes the Monday Holidays Act. Existing federal holidays will now be observed on Mondays, to give government workers three day weekends. After much debate, Congress rejects combining Washington’s and Lincoln’s into one Monday called “Presidents’ Day.” The bill goes into effect in 1971. Source > The bill went into effect in 1971 and deemed that “Washington’s Birthday” would be moved from February 22 to the third Monday in February. Source
“O most Glorious God, in Jesus Christ my merciful and loving father, I acknowledge and confess my guilt, in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. I have called on thee for pardon and forgiveness of sins, but so coldly and carelessly, that my prayers are become my sin and stand in need of pardon. I have heard thy holy word, but with such deadness of spirit that I have been an unprofitable and forgetful hearer, so that, O Lord, tho’ I have done thy work, yet it hath been so negligently that I may rather expect a curse than a blessing from thee. But, O God, who art rich in mercy and plenteous in redemption, mark not, I beseech thee, what I have done amiss; remember that i am but dust, and remit my transgressions, negligences & ignorances, and cover them all with the absolute obedience of thy dear Son, that those sacrifices which I have offered may be accepted by thee, in and for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ offered upon the cross for me; for his sake, ease me of the burden of my sins, and give me grace that by the call of the Gospel I may rise from the slumber of sin into the newness of life. Let me live according to those holy rules which thou hast this day prescribed in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in thy sight, and therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me thoroughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith and repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object Jesus Christ the way, the truth and the life, bless O Lord, all the people of this land, from the highest to the lowest, particularly those whom thou has appointed to rule over us in church & state. continue thy goodness to me this night. These weak petitions I humbly implore thee to hear accept and ans. for the sake of thy Dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.” George Washington’s personal prayer journal, William Johnstone, George Washington, theChristian (1919)
Thursday, January 30, 2020, 7:35 am | Randy Thomasson
Should President Donald Trump be removed from office? Your opinion depends on how well you know the law.
Several years ago, I was ticketed by a California Highway Patrol officer on a county road. After assessing the lack of evidence and the government’s money motive, I decided to fight — and won.
Because I was not guilty of speeding. There was no posted speed limit sign, and also no possible way I could have violated the Vehicle Code statute that was erroneously written on my ticket.
Yet when faced with my overwhelming photographic and video evidence, the judge sided with the CHP officer, who on the second day of the trial, announced a new charge of “driving unsafely.” They saw me as a threat, so they denied me a fair trial.
Things got so bad (really, so corrupt), the final judge I ended up with ruled I was “guilty,” because I “didn’t prove” that I was “driving safely.” Stunned and angry, I told the judge, “This is America. I’m presumed innocent, and the burden of proof is upon the D.A., who’s not even here.” From 30 feet away, I looked the judge in the eye, called her ruling “a miscarriage of justice,” and promised to appeal. Up there on her dais, she had a silent fit.
In my written appeal, I documented how the court committed more than a dozen legal errors. Ultimately, since I had provided ample “evidence” that I was willing to take this corrupt denial of my rights to the full State Court of Appeal, the local court’s appellate division focused solely on the error that was the least damaging to them, and reversed my conviction. I got all my ticket money and insurance rate hikes back. I had beaten the beast!
So, you’ll understand why I’m keenly aware of the House Democrats’ impeachment charade. Because the congressional Democrats blew it on both process and substance.
PROCESS: The U.S. House Democrats committed so many errors with their hearings, their subpoenas, their witnesses, and their impeachment articles. President Trump’s attorneys on the Senate floor have painstakingly delineated these violations. In essence, “the ball” wasn’t correctly thrown by the U.S. House, so it couldn’t “be caught” by the U.S. Senate. Therefore, the House Democrats’ impeachment articles are defective on their face.
SUBSTANCE: What the U.S. Constitution calls “separation of powers,” including the constitutional right of presidents to conduct foreign policy, the Democrats call “abuse of power,” without naming a single federal statute that the President allegedly violated. And what the U.S. Supreme Court calls “executive privilege,” which is the right of presidents to not provide Congress with confidential White House documents, the Democrats call “obstruction of Congress.” Their two impeachment charges are constitutionally baseless.
In other words, the congressional Democrats are NOT supporting and defending the written federal laws and the written U.S. Constitution, and they’ve made themselves HIGHER than the President and our Constitution. This is both lawless and corrupt, and is exactly what our mostly Christian founding fathers warned against when they created a government of reliable, written laws, not a lawless government of power-hungry people. For these reasons, President Trump should be acquitted of the two groundless charges against him.
Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. Amos 5:15
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