SEPTEMBER 2010
GoodNewsTucson magazine A Good News Media LLC Publication
Is America A Christian Nation?
What do you think about Jesus? Alan Keyes: Under Obama ‘We Shall All Become Slaves on the Government’s Plantation’
What is the Difference Between a Republic and a Democracy
www.GoodNewsTucson.com
“Are You In?”
2
www.4tucson.com
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
GoodNewsTucson PUBLISHED BY: GOOD NEWS MEDIA LLC. 5151 E Broadway, Suite 1600 Tucson, Arizona 85711 United States Telephone (520) 745-4403 Fax (520) 512-5401 EDITOR and ART DIRECTOR: BARNEY HILTON MURRAY Barney@GoodNewsTucson.com ADMINISTRATION JASON WATSON Jason@GoodNewsTucson.com DISTRIBUTION & LOCATIONS: Good News Tucson Magazine (GNT) is distributed in printed format to over 100 locations throughout Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Catalina, and surrounding areas. The easiest way to find GNT is to visit any Fry’s, Albertson’s grocery store, 7-Eleven and CVS throughout the area. For a complete list of our locations by zip code visit http://www.goodnewstucson. com/distribution.html. Good News Tucson is a free, monthly Christian publication of Good News Media, LLC. Your comments are welcome - write to: GNT at 5151 E Broadway, Suite 1600 Tucson, Arizona 85711. We reserve the right to reject and/or edit any material submitted for publication, for any reason. Submitting commentary, letters or email automatically authorizes your permission to print your comments in future issues without your express permission. The views expressed by writers in Good News Tucson are not necessarily the views of the staff, management or ownership of GNT/Good News Media LLC, or its advertisers. Advertisements and event listings are not considered an endorsement of Good News Tucson. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole, or in part, without prior permission. © 2010 GoodNewsTucson.
7 Day of Prayer Guide Please consider joining other Tucsonans in praying each day for a specific area of our city. Sundays – Families *Reconciliation of Families *Happy, Healthy Marriages *Honor of Parents *Covenant–keeping Men *Virtuous Women *Godly Children Mondays - Government *God–honoring & wise President & Cabinet *God-honoring & wise Governor, Senators and Representatives *God-honoring & wise Mayor and Council and County Supervisors *Fair Justice System and Law Enforcement *Strong, Victorious Military Tuesdays - Schools *Righteous Superintendents *Faith–filled School Boards *Bible-believing Principals *Knowledgeable & Godly Teachers *Self-controlled Students *School Choice Opportunities Wednesdays - Business *Trustworthy Employees *Innovative Chambers of Commerce *Good Jobs and Good Work Ethic *Capital and Cooperative Bureaucracy for Businesses *Business Owners and Managers of Integrity Thursdays – Media/Arts *Television Programing Which Glorifies God *Christ-honoring Movies *Uplifting Radio Stations *Truth–Filled Newspapers and Periodicals *Porn–free Internet Fridays - Church True Cooperation and Fellowship Between Churches Prayerful, Caring Sharing Disciple Making Lifestyle Increased Love for God, Fellow believers and the nonbelievers Spirit-filled and Christ-like Christians True Knowledge and Understanding of God and His Word Saturdays - Borders *A Godly Wall of Protection *Righteousness and Justice *No Terrorism, Illegal or Covert Activity *Blessing Over the Infrastructure *Cooperation between Governments *Water
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
3
What is the Difference Between a Republic and a Democracy
I
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” SUMMARY In the Pledge of Allegiance we all pledge allegiance to our Republic, not to a democracy. The United States government was intentionally set up as a “Republic” not “democracy.” So what is the difference? A republic and a democracy are identical in every aspect except one. In a republic the sovereignty is in each individual person. In a democracy the sovereignty is in the group. That small distinction is why America has enjoyed freedom and prosperity for over 234 years. Here are some definitions to consider. Republic. That form of government in which the powers of sovereignty are vested in the people and are exercised by the people, either directly, or through representatives chosen by the people, to whom those powers are specially delegated. In a republic the group only has advisory powers; the sovereign individual is free to reject the majority group-think. Democracy. That form of government in which the sovereign power resides in and is exercised by the whole body of free citizens directly or indirectly through a system of representation, as distinguished from a monarchy, aristocracy, or oligarchy. In a pure democracy, 51% beats 49%. In other words, the minority has no rights. The minority only has those privileges granted by the dictatorship of the majority. The distinction between our Republic and a Democracy is not an idle one. It has great legal significance. The US Constitution guarantees to every state a Republican form of government (Art. 4, Sec. 4). No state may join the United States unless it is a Republic. 4
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
Our Republic is one dedicated to “liberty and justice for all.” Minority individual rights are the priority. The people have natural rights instead of civil rights. The people are protected by the Bill of Rights from the majority. One vote in a jury can stop all of the majority from depriving any one of the people of his rights; this would not be so if the United States were a democracy. In a pure democracy 51% beats 49%. In a democracy there is no such thing as a significant minority: there are no minority rights except civil rights (privileges) granted by a condescending majority. Only five of the U.S. Constitution’s first ten amendments apply to Citizens of the United States. Simply stated, a democracy is a dictatorship of the majority. Socrates was executed by a democracy: though he harmed no one, the majority found him intolerable. The further our society strays from the concept of a Republic and moves closer to a Democracy the stranger rulings in court cases will become, the more control the government will want over the people and the less freedom you will enjoy. Protect our Republic for which it stands.
Who Should I Vote For?
N
oah Webster, known as the “Father of American Scholarship and Education” and author of the Webster’s Dictionary, stated: “In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect party of the candidate – look to his character… It is alleged by men of loose principles or defective views of the subject that religion and morality are not necessary or important qualifications for political stations. But the Scriptures teach a different doctrine. They direct that rulers should be men “who rule in the fear of God, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness.”
520.404.6495 www.thehandybunch.com ROC 260779
We are Tucson ‘s # 1 Licensed Handyman Service We do it all so contact us about our wide variety of installation, repair, replacement & remodeling services.
Inspirational, motivational and encouraging scriptures for the workplace Executive gifts, plaques, and God's Gift Photo Frames
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
www.WorshipWhileYouWork.com
Automotive Service You Can Trust!
Transmission Service & Repair
LOOKING FOR A MECHANIC YOU CAN TRUST? LOOK NO FURTHER!
K GENERAL REPAIR K WHEEL ALIGNMENT K USED AUTO & TRUCK INSPECTIONS K AIR CONDITIONING
ED CAIN’S
K ELECTRICAL K BRAKES K IN-HOUSE TOWING AVAILABLE K COMPUTER TUNE-UP
47 Y ears at th e loca same tion!
K
FUEL INJECTION SPECIALISTS
K
KEY SERVICE OUTLET
Auto Service
3047 N. Alvernon Way � FAX 881-2636
www.edcainsautoservice.com
326-6572
Diesel High Performance Transmission Upgrades GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
5
Noah Webster
N
oah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language was produced during the years when the American home, church and school were established upon a Biblical and patriotic basis. Webster, descended on his mother’s side from Pilgrim Governor, William Bradford of Plymouth Plantation, made important contributions to an American educational system which kept the nation on a Christian Constitutional course for many years. The famous “blue-backed Speller,” his “Grammars,” and “Reader,” all contained Biblical and patriotic themes and Webster spearheaded the flood of educational volumes emphasizing Christian Constitutional values for more than a century. It is not surprising, therefore, that the 1828 American Dictionary should contain the greatest number of
Biblical definitions given in any reference volume. Webster considered “education useless without the Bible” and while he cautioned against too extensive use of the Bible in schools as “tending to irreverence,” he reiterated, “In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government, ought to be instructed... No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people...” Today when the Biblical basis of education is under systematic attack. We need to capitalize upon the availability of our first American Dictionary - the only dictionary in the world to “draw water out of the wells of salvation” to utilize God’s written word as a key to the meaning of words. Historically, it documents the degree to which the Bible was America’s basic text book in all fields. Here are some comparisons.
Two Dictionaries. Two Definitions. Which Dictionary is on Your Shelf? 1828 Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the 1981 Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary English Language
Marriage: The act of uniting a man and woman for life...Marriage was instituted by God himself...”Marriage is honorable in all...” Heb. 13.
Marriage: ...man and woman are joined in a special kind of social and legal dependence for the purpose of founding and maintaining a family...an intimate or close union
Education: Education: Education comprehends...instruction and discipline The action or process of [developing mentally or morally] intended to enlighten the understanding, correct the temper, and form the manners and habits of youth, and fit them for usefulness in their future stations. To give them a religious education is indispensable. Mercy: That benevolence, mildness or tenderness which disposes a person...to treat an offender better than he deserves. “The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy.” Num.14.
Mercy: Compassion or forbearance shown esp. to an offender or to one subject to one’s power...an act of divine favor or compassion...a fortunate circumstance.
Truth: Truth: Conformity to fact or reality...We rely on the truth of Sincerity in action, character, and utterance...the body of scriptural prophecies. “Sanctify them through thy truth...” real thing... a judgment...that is true or accepted as true. John 17 6
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
Get away from the city this Sunday and come worship with us in the splendor of God’s creation. We are a non-denominational, Christ-centered, Bible-believing church that seeks to simply love God and love our neighbors.
overlooking Saguaro National Park East
Sundays, 10:30 a.m. 5825 S. Old Spanish Trail For more information, call 647-0994 or visit www.SaguaroButtes.org
STROM BASEBALL INSTITUTE Your online directory for places of worship, faith-based news and events, talent listings, resources and church web services.
When you decide to go to church, for you and your family, make TucsonChurches.org your first stop. find your purpose
To search for a church by denomination or by zip
For the latest in faith-based events
Private lessons are available!
Brent Strom Major League Pitcher and Coach
All staff are professional coaches
These clinics are not for “uncommitted” players! These clinics are not for “weekend tournament players!” We stress total performance starting with nutrition of the body and finishing with the optimum baseball skills to make you the “best that you were meant to be.” We are looking for a few “elite athletes.” If you are one of them then click on our website and complete an early bird registration. Check out our ou program. 8484 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85710-4010
520-971-9210
Email: SBIDelivers@aol.com
Website: www.SBIDelivers.com
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
7
What do you think about Jesus? The most common responses to the Jesus question are: “He was a good man. I admire Him a lot, but Jesus was not God.” “He was a great teacher, but Jesus did not rise from the dead.” “Jesus never did any of the miracles recorded in the Bible.” “The real Jesus was nothing like the Jesus described in the Bible. The church changed the Bible at one of the church councils.” “There is no evidence that Jesus ever existed. Jesus is a myth like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.” As Christians, we need to be prepared to help people with any one of these responses. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) These responses are often made by those who have reasonable questions about Christianity. These repeated statements deserve to be examined by the facts that can help people learn who really don’t know. Let’s deal with each statement one by one. 1) “He was a good man. I admire Him a lot, but Jesus was not God.” One example where Jesus claimed to be God is in John 10:30-33: “I and the Father are one.” Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” “We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” Jesus claimed to be God so you have to accept that fact or reject Him as a liar. If He was a liar he was not a good man. If he wasn’t lying – He is God as He claimed. 2) “He was a great teacher, but Jesus did not rise from the dead.” The resurrection of Jesus is unique. No other religion in the world claims anything similar to it. The resurrection of Jesus has more historical evidence confirming it than any other miracle in ancient history. After His 8
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
resurrection, Jesus appeared to over five hundred of His followers on multiple occasions. Jesus talked and ate with them. They not only saw Jesus: “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33 (NIV) 3) “Jesus never did the miracles recorded in the Bible.” It is significant that Jesus’ enemies never denied that He performed miracles. Rather, they claimed that He did His miracles through evil means. If Jesus’ contemporaries affirmed that Jesus was a miracle worker, then the evidence for His miracles must have been overwhelming! “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” John 10:37-38 (NIV) 4) “The real Jesus was nothing like the Jesus described in the Bible. The church changed the Bible at one of the church councils.” This question cannot stand up against the overwhelming historical evidence that most of the many scripts that were written and exist today predate the first church council in A.D. 325. There are more than 14,000 Old Testament manuscripts, some date back as far as 400 B.C., and there are over 5,300 manuscripts of the New Testament, with nearly 800 of them written before 1000 A.D. There are no variations or alterations between manuscripts. It might be possible to manipulate them over time if there were only a few manuscripts, but it would be nearly impossible to go all over the world, find all the known manuscripts and change them. Through archeology we are still discovering new Biblical manuscripts today. They also are the same. The evidence is overwhelming that the Bible taught today is historically accurate as is the description of Jesus. 5) “There is no evidence that Jesus ever existed. Jesus is a myth like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.” It is popular to say that the only ancient references referring to Jesus are found in the Bible. The truth is that many ancient historians refer to Jesus. For example, the Roman historian Tacitus referred to Jesus at least three times in his writings. Suetonius, who was on the staff of Emperor Hadrian in the early second century, wrote about Jesus. The Jewish historian Josephus, as well as the Jewish Talmud, mentioned Jesus. Believe in Him or not, the evidence is overwhelming Jesus is the real deal.
Religious Persecution Intensifying In American Capital
O
n May 5, 2010 Mrs. Maureen Rigo, an Arizona teacher at Wickenberg Christian Academy, was taking an educational tour of the Capitol with 10 students and three parents. The first stop of the day was the front steps of the Supreme Court, where they took a few pictures before quietly gathering on the bottom level of the steps to pray. According to ADF they were holding no signs and speaking only in a conversational tone; nevertheless, a court police officer quickly approached them and told them to stop. Just in the last few months Arizona school children are told they can’t pray in front of the Supreme Court building ... Two University of Texas Arlington employees are fired for praying over a co-worker’s cubicle after work hours ... In Cranston, R.I., a High School banner causes controversy when a parent complains it contains a prayer and demands that it be removed. “There are more legal challenges to prayer in the United States than ever before,” says Annie Laurie Gaylor, cofounder of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, an atheist organization whose business is booming as Americans increasingly tackle church vs. state issues. “We’ve never had more complaints about government prayer,” Gaylor says. “We have just hired a second staff attorney in July. It’s turned into a cottage industry for our attorneys.” The foundation has had a huge volume of complaints about prayer in the public sector, including numerous issues involving civic and government meetings where sessions have traditionally begun with a prayer or moment of silence. In Augusta, Ga., the city’s law department just issued a legal opinion defending the city’s practice of a premeeting prayer, saying it does not violate federal law. The statement was in response to the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s letter to the mayor’s office urging him to stop the invocations at the start of meetings. The foundation sent similar letters to three cities in South Carolina. “These are flagrant violations of the laws,” Gaylor says. Not so, says Nate Kellum, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, which is representing the Arizona school children and their teacher, Maureen Rigo, who say they were told they couldn’t pray on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington. “Religious liberties are under attack across the country,” Kellum says. “My sense is that there’s some type of kneejerk reaction, almost an allergic reaction, if someone sees the expression of religion,” he says.
And the bulk of the complaints are directed at Christians, he says. “There’s an overreaching presumption that there’s something wrong,” he says. But Gaylor says there’s no country in the world where religion flourishes as much as in the United States, and she says conflicts over public expression are going to increase. “Fifteen percent of the people are not religious,” she says. “There’s an increasing plurality of faiths. It’s inevitable there’s going to be this clash with more people being offended.” Kelly Shackelford, president of the Liberty Institute, represents the two University of Texas employees who were fired for praying over a co-worker’s desk after hours. The co-worker was not there at the time and didn’t know until months later why the employees were fired. The university, in legal documents, said it the employee’s prayer had been deemed harassment. Judge Terry Means of the U.S. Federal District Court in Ft. Worth rejected that argument. “One of the women just said ‘amen’ while the other prayed,” Shackelford said. “So she was fired for just saying ‘amen.’” “It’s just so crazy!” he said. “There’s hostility, and there are folks who want to change this country and want to engage in some kind of religious cleansing.” Shackelford is also part of the legal team that filed a brief on Thursday defending the National Day of Prayer, which a federal judge ruled unconstitutional in April. Though the Justice Department announced one week later that it planned to appeal the judge’s ruling, and despite President Obama’s proclamation of National Prayer Day the next month, the Liberty Institute along with the Family Research Council took legal action because of what they claim is “the Obama Administration’s weak defense of the NDP.” The council’s president, Tony Perkins, issued a statement saying, “The President’s attorneys failed to cite any of the key cases that would require immediate dismissal of this lawsuit because the plaintiffs lack standing to bring it. FRC plans to mount a robust defense of this important national event that a liberal judge has attempted to scrub from the public square.” Shackelford says, “The thing that makes [America] unique is that we believe our freedoms don’t come from government, they come from God.” But it’s exactly beliefs about God that form the core of the legal conflicts, and will continue to do so -- because whether people believe in God is something no court can have jurisdiction over. Source: www.AllianceDefenseFund. org GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
9
Alan Keyes: Under Obama ‘We Shall All Become Slaves on the Government’s Plantation’ Thursday, August 05, 2010 By Penny Starr, Senior Staff Writer
“Why should I feel proud of someone who wants to destroy the unalienable rights of unborn children?” Keyes said Wednesday during the event at the National Press Club. “Why should I be proud of someone who, in fact, wants to return this entire country to the condition in which my ancestors sadly found themselves?” Keyes compared the institution of slavery with liberalism and socialism. “What did it mean to be a slave?” Keyes asked. “It meant that you actually had guaranteed shelter, guaranteed clothing. Your master guaranteed your food, your clothing, your shelter and a job. “Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?” he said. “That’s exactly what the Obama faction and the leftists and the socialists and the so-called ‘liberals’ want to pretend is what all Americans should aspire to.”
Former U.S. Ambassador Alan Keyes at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010. (CNSNews.com photo/Penny Starr)
Washington (CNSNews.com) – Alan Keyes, a conservative activist and former diplomat, said Wednesday that President Barack Obama and liberals in Congress are promoting a dependence on government that mirrors slavery. Keyes appeared with more than a dozen other black conservative leaders at a gathering in Washington to condemn accusations by the NAACP that the Tea Party movement has a racist faction. Keyes said real racism occurs when race is connected to ideology -- as was the case, he said, when Barack Obama was campaigning for president. “The notion that you owe some allegiance or vote to an individual simply because of the color of their skin” is racist, Keyes said. He said such a notion was “constantly pushed at me by the American media” during the Obama campaign, when black Americans were expected to “feel proud” of Obama. 10
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
Keyes said he grew up wrestling with the heritage of slavery and understanding its true meaning. As a result, he said, “I have seen through that phony promise of socialism, that government-dominated largesse. It simply means that we shall all become slaves on the government’s plantation.” Keyes said Tea Party activists advocate government by consent of the people and that black liberals are using the “moral capital” earned by those who fought for civil rights as a political tool. “That moral capital is now being wielded as an instrument of political war by those who are seeking to pretend that somehow or other there is an ideological definition of what it means to be a black American. I don’t know whether people realize how racist that assumption is.” Keyes added: “The notion that somehow or another – the fact that you take a different point of view about political issues, about economic approaches, about fundamental issues of human character and decency; that that somehow means that you’re a traitor to your race is patently racist.”
Choosing ACS to install your new air conditioning system... means less stress & more time to enjoy your perfect climate! Your home’s climate control is always important, but even more importantly, is that you have the best company installing the best product that will keep you enjoying your investment, and perfect climate for years to come... ACS is that company!
If your HVAC system is outdated or over 8yrs old, we can install a new qualifying Trane High Efficiency system that will save you 40-60% on average in energy. It will potentially pay for itself over the life span of the unit by lowering your power bill and saving you money while you enjoy your cleaner, more efficient, perfect home climate.**
00* 800 CleanEffects
$
REBATE
Whole Home Air Purifier
Call now and receive up to
Commercial & Residential Climate Control
in qualifying incentives!
520.829.0962
www.acshvac.com
We service all makes and models. Second Opinions are always
FREE!
Open Saturdays!
*All offers exclusive to ACS and valid on qualifying systems only and may vary depending on models purchased. Rebate and financing offers may not be combined. Federal tax credit subject to federal guidelines.Visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits and consult a tax professional for more information. Special financing offers valid on qualifying systems only. The Home Projects™ Visa™ card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to purchases charged with approved credit at participating merchants. Regular minimum monthly payments are required during the promotional period. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date at the regular APR if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment. Please call us with any questions so that we can give you the best information available. Tax credit is subject to federal guidelines. Utility rebate for TEP customers only. Offers expire 8/31/10. **Based on the life span of 12-15yrs with a minumum savings of $100 each month.
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
11
Is America A Christian Nation?
Eve, marriage has been recognized as a holy union between one man and one woman. Out of that n order for our nation’s Founding Fathers to agree union children are born in a family with a father and a mother to love and nurture them, teaching them in principle to documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights how to become healthy, productive and responsible citizens of the nation. it was necessary to have a common understanding of law, government, social order and morality. That When marriage and family become meaningless the understanding came from a common acceptance ethics (what ought to be) of the society are reduced of principles that has become known as the Judeoto the morality (what is) of a plurality of the people Christian Ethic. This common ethic which framed in that society. The traditional healthy family is the systems and values that formed the America the key learning center for each new generation to we all enjoy originated from the Old and New understand the common values and norms of the Testament of the Bible. society in which they will one day take an active role The issue at hand is not whether each of the founders as a citizen.
I
were Christians or not. The issue is that they shared a common agreement on seven key principles they believed formed the basis of any civilized nation. Principle #1 – The Dignity of Human Life “You shall not murder.” Exodus 20:13 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39
The scriptures emphatically teach the great importance of the respect and preservation of human life. In the Declaration of Independence our nation’s Founding Fathers wrote that everyone has “unalienable rights,” and that those rights are given by God and that among those rights are “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Americans have believed so strongly in that principle that we have sent our brave military men and women around the world to defend that right. Principle #2 – The Traditional Monogamous Family “And Adam said, ‘This is now bone of my bone and flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of the Man.’ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:23, 24 Our society has been built on the foundation of the biblical understanding of marriage and family. The family unit is the backbone of a healthy social order. Since the joining together of Adam and 12
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
Principle #3 – A National Work Ethic “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10 Keep in mind that in the beginning of the American society the pilgrims were risk takers. They were willing to risk their very lives to escape religious persecution. Once on this new continent, it took a great deal of fortitude and courage to survive. From those independently minded pilgrims it became deeply ingrained in the psyche of future generations a willingness and desire to give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. This American spirit has no desire to simply exist on handouts from government or to depend on the generosity of others. It has been this national work ethic that has allowed America to create the greatest, most prosperous and strongest nation in the history of the world. Through every challenge in our history the people have helped one another and lifted our nation up to overcome every obstacle. Principle #4 – The Importance of a God-Centered Education “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 We see in Proverbs 1:7 that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. “ Our Founding
Fathers understood that to understand our form of government required knowledge of God and the Bible. Most of America’s oldest universities such Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Dartmouth were founded by preachers or churches as schools of theology. Harvard University, founded in 1636, adopted “Rules and Precepts” which stated, “Let every Student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life.” George Washington clearly stated the importance of God-center education when he said, “Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail to the exclusion of religious principle… It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” Principle #5 – A Godly Covenant “Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a place that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing, I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3 “Therefore know that only those who are of the faith are sons of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7 The definition of a covenant is a decision involving two individuals or groups of people stating that they will keep a promise or fulfill an agreement between them. The book of Genesis records the story of God making a covenant with Abraham. The basis of that covenant was that if Abraham would follow God, obey His laws and commandments, God would bless Abraham with generations of children that would outnumber the stars in the heavens (Genesis 15:5). Abraham believed God, obeyed his Word and he became the father of many descendants and many nations. This principle of the covenant states that if a person or a nation obeys God, observing the moral truths found in the Bible, that person or nation will be blessed. If they disobey, they will bring punishment upon themselves. For most of our nation’s history,
Americans have accepted the belief that good deeds produce good results and that people who were “God-fearing” in their language and their lifestyle would be blessed by God. Proverbs 14:34 states, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Principle #6 – Common Decency “You shall love your neighbor as youself.” Matthew 22:39 Simply put, this basic tenet is that a decent nation is made up of decent people. For most of our history, Americans could be counted on to do the decent, right and honest thing. Engraved on the Statue of Liberty are the words: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed to me; I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” This symbol of freedom stands to remind the world that America is a nation of common decency. Principle #7 – Our Personal Accountability to God “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 Perhaps the greatest restraint against acts of evil toward others is the knowledge that every person and nation is accountable to Almighty God for their actions. Individuals will be accountable after they die, but nations are judged here on earth. The Bible teaches that we are individually responsible for our actions and that we are held accountable for what we do as well as what we don’t do. There are many examples throughout the Bible of nations receiving judgment for doing wrong and blessing for doing what is right, noble and just. American statesman Daniel Webster was once asked, “What is the most sobering thought that ever entered your mind?” He quickly responded, “My personal accountability to God.” Our individual as well as our national peace and prosperity is directly tied to our obedience to laws of God. GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
13
New Website!
In an effort to serve you better, we are pleased to announce the launching of our new website! We have added new functions for increased interaction and information. We are also on Facebook. VISIT us at www.goodnewstucson.com and www.facebook.com/goodnewstucson.
14
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
G N T You Have A Lot To Lose By NOT Attending Church!
EXCITING NEWS! Oasis Church now meets on Saturday evenings at 6:30 PM instead of Sunday Mornings. Our new location is the Rincon Mountain Presbyterian Church at 8445 E. Tanque Verde Road, 85749 520-546-0101 www.theoasischurch.net
8484 E Broadway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85710-4010
(520) 885-7170 www.GabrielsGrooming.com
“We treat your pet like Family”
GOOD NEWS TUCSON • www.GoodNewsTucson.com
15