Christian Times Magazine Issue 15 by Christian Times Magazine

ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

The Biggest Lie of the Democ-rats

NAVIGATING THE ETERNAL SEA

uninstalling daca CHARLES LINGERFELT

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals CHRISTOPHER GRAHN HOWARD

STEVEN P RAY

10 reasons why republicans win in 2018 mid-term elections MATTHEW SNAPE

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WELCOME Cool to see you again in this issue.

Welcome to the 15th Issue of Christian Times Magazine, Christian Times Magazine Issue 15 designed especially for people who really like News and Political articles and consider picking up a News & Political magazine. This is for readers who want to up-to-date with political, Religious and Entertainment News. While as a nation We aim to cut through the confusion and give you clear, sensible and reliable information and News from writers and experts that you can trust. Issue 15 Leading article is Uninstalling DACA by Christopher Grahn Howard. This Article is About How DACA destroy America Culture, Heritage and many illegal Immigrants entering from DACA Program and that Program should be closed permanently. We want it to be entertaining and informative, at times contrary, but above all useful. Inside you’ll find a mixture of news, features and Monthly regular columns/articles on a wide range of News and Political related topics. I hope you enjoy this Issue 15 and do let us know if there are any article you’d like to see covered in the future.

EDITORIAL ANIL ANWAR Editor-In-Chief

DAVID CLARKE Operations Editor

RAVEN YOUNGBLOOD Technical Editor

CONTRIBUTORS Christopher Grahn Howard Charles Lingerfelt Matthew Snape Steven P Ray Steve Lacroix William M Shiffer Dan Brien

Anyway, we hope you enjoy this one. Copyright © 2018 by Christian Times Magazine (CTM) All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, For permission requests, Published in United States of America

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CONTENTS 09

UNINSTALLING DACA By Christopher Grahn Howard

10 REASONS WHY REPUBLICANS WILL WIN IN 2018 By Matthew Snape

THE BIGGEST LIE OF THE DEMOC-RATS By Charles Lingerfelt

NAVIGATING THE ETERNAL SEA By Steven P Ray

CONTENTS 24

A LOVE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME By Steve Lacroix

PRESIDENT TRUMP DESERVES CREDIT FOR INVITING SPECIAL PEOPLE TO HIS UNION ADDRESS By Matthew Snape

ARTS EDUCATION AND WHY ITS MATTER By Christopher Grahn Howard

WORKERS FOR CHRIST William M Shiffer

PRAISE GOD SALVATION IS FREE OF CHARGE By Dan Brien

CARTOON OF THE MONTH By Raven Youngblood

TEXAS

PAGE 09

CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018Â

UNINSTALLING DACA

DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS TIME FOR A REBOOT By Christopher Grahn Howard

CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

PAGE 10

UNINSTALLING DACA

Photo source: National Sentinel

UNINSTALLING DACA Time For a Reboot Senior Writer Christopher Grahn Howard DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Aliens (or as many conservatives are now calling it – Democrats Against Children of America) is now at the center of a government shutdown and possibly another one looming, bringing more attention to an issue that is needed. A bit of history-- DACA was passed in 2012 and expanded via-executive order in 2014 by then President Obama. President Obama acknowledged at the time his actions might not be constitutional, and we now know they were not. DACA is mostly funded by the fees it collects for the application process. Essentially this is a program for minors who entered this country illegally with parents or family members. The program provides protections and incentives for these minors to stay in this country. President Trump signed an executive order ending the DACA program with a six month window for a resolution to the policy concerns.

The democrats are worried that there will be no bill offered by the deadline. Hence the threat of shutdown. You see, by helping these illegals, democrats feel they will creates very large voting bloc in the future, just as African-Americans were after the civil rights legislation of 1964. The irony being that in 1964, that legislation never passes without the republican minority. There were not enough democrats willing to vote for the measure. Let me be clear from the start. I love that this country is a nation of immigrants and love that we are free to become anything we want in this country if you are willing to work hard enough. I am proud

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CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

UNINSTALLING DACA

that the United States of America is a true beacon to the

realistic but harder than for those who entered legally.

rest of the people of the world who want to be free. No

Fair is fair. Fair is never easy and is sometimes hard. If

matter what country you are coming from, I want you

being an American is worth it to these “dreamers” (I

here IF…you want to make the soup better (refer to my

hate that term) they will do whatever it takes. Or not.

previous article “The Melting Pot?”) To be clear, as of

Securing the border is essential, not just to this issue

the writing of this article a deal has been struck to end

but to President Trump as he strongly campaigned on

the shutdown today—today being January 22nd. The

it. Building the wall, in some ways, is impractical.

deal requires a vote no later than February 8th, 2018.

However, there is another potential solution that I have

My guess is that the messaging of the shutdown

advocated for almost a decade now.

did/was not working for the democrats. My sources state that the new DACA deal will have a path to

The US government has spent billions training a

citizenship for these so-called ‘dreamers’and will also

military to help control the borders of other countries.

have more money on tighter boarder security. We shall

We should place a permanent detachment of our

see. The devil is always in the details. As I am sitting

military on our border to do that training. Money is

here writing this, the government shutdown has ended.

saved and our border is secured at the same time. I am not advocating for a military conflict with Mexico, nor

Concerning the DACA program, I have a couple of

am I suggesting that there should be one. Having our

thoughts. First, this program rewards illegal entry into

military training on the border would also serve as a

this country. Until there is a substantial effort to secure

deterrent to illegal entry into this country.

our southern border there will be simply an ongoing generational problem that will cost trillions of dollars in

As for solutions for DACA, there are several possible. Minors should be considered illegals first and foremost.

.Photo Source:the atlantic Photo Credit: John Moore/Getty Images

Second, they should be given student visas that must be renewed every two years, depending on their academic progress. Dropouts should be deported and students with GPAs below a 2.0 should be deported. Remember, if they really want to be here and contribute, they will. Illegal activities should also obviously be grounds for deportation.The status of the minor should not guarantee a status for parents, and they can be deported for illegal activities and/or not applying for visas as well. The dropout or failure rate of the student should impact

in the long term. I am not in favor of incentivizing illegal behavior. However, the idea of busses rounding up approximately 28,000,000 illegal immigrants and dumping them off is not the image I want to see in this country. President Trump is right to push for the removal of any illegal who violates other laws, violent or otherwise. A path for citizenship may be the only way to avoid mass deportations. Like President Reagan, President Trump may find offering an amnesty a worthwhile decision. . Like President Reagan’s amnesty it will be worthless in terms of preventing future need for amnesty programs without real border security. Reagan’s measure was only half-way, thus creating the problem we have now. Secure the border now, and then look at paths to citizenship. There are no easy answers, as much as I wish there were. The path to citizenship for these illegals needs to be

the visas of the parents as well. Those seeking to serve in the military should earn special consideration in attaining citizen status. Dishonorable discharge of any kind should result in deportation. I know this all sounds harsh and uncaring, but it is caring that we do not seek to deport all of these minors and their families for having broken our laws by illegally entering this country to begin with. I do not want to see families broken up. I don’t want to see mass deportations. But at the same time our national rule of law must be observed. Attaining citizenship must mean something, and they must be willing to work for that right and privilege. The big question is this: how much are these “dreamers” willing to work for the American dream? Do they want to live it, or are they just dreaming about the dream? Time will tell.

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CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

UNINSTALLING DACA

Americans can no longer pay for the illegal activity of

Finally, as a reminder: none of this matters if the border

others who do not have a right to be here. They may

is not secured. The problems just keep on coming, and

have a desire to be here, but that’s not the same as the

the cost will keep on rising.

right to be here. Earn it and stay-- make the soup better. Help us make America great again or get out of the way,

We must have an endgame in the plan. Illegals will

meaning go back to what is your home.

keep coming, and the cost of managing that will be a drain on things like education, jobs, training, and finally

I realize that these minors did not have a choice, but

a spiraling tax burden with no end in sight.

they have one now. Take full advantage or be left out of the American dream.

As President Trump has said, a better America is a better world. MAGA.

If you are going to be a drain on society, do that where you came from. Or stay here and make it better-- all of it. Remember, God does not sanction illegal behavior, but he will forgive and so can we.

photo source: News Boston Post

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10 By Matthew Snape Senior Columnist CTM

CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

10 REASONS WHY REPUBLICANS WILL WIN IN 2018

REASONS WHY REPUBLICANS WIN MIDTERM ELECTIONS 2018

If there was ever an ideal time for the Democrats to be slaughtered in mid-term elections, then it is now. Since Donald Trump was elected President of the United States, they have thwarted his keystone policies at every opportunity. They have taken advantage of Trump’s political inexperience and allied with anti-Trump Republicans to destroy his agenda. For them, the Trump presidency has not been about the national interest; it has been about self-interest.

The recent shutdown of the federal government will do

opposition have put illegal immigrants’ interests above

the Democrats no long-termfavors. The publicity they

the American people’s. It was Trump’s anti-

have received from the mainstream media for it has

establishment agenda which won him scores of votes

been appalling and they have played into the

from Hillary Clinton in traditional Democrat heartlands.

President’s hands, who tweeted at the time that his

If they hope to regain in the states that

- PAGE 15 -

CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

10 REASONS WHY REPUBLICANS WILL WIN IN 2018

abandoned the Democrats for Trump, they are not doing it the right way. They are alienating their core voters more. After his failure to repeal Obamacare, the President needs a stronger support base in Congress to pass through his radical measures. He has made significant changes to the makeup of the Supreme Court. Last November, he lined up five prospective conservative candidates to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. Prior to that, he named Neil Grouch to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia, which restored the Supreme Court’s conservative majority. He now needs to ensure both Houses of Congress are filled with Republican politicians who support his policies. However, there is no sufficient reason to believe the President will not win scores of victories in the 2018 midterm elections. Here are ten reasons why

Photo Credit: Lucy Nicholson | Reuters Also, Oprah Winfrey hinted that she would run for president in 2020. She was also pictured on numerous occasions with Mr. Weinstein, even though she spoke out against Hollywood’s

Republicans can win :-

sex culture. Where was she when all this was happening? Why

1. The Democrats are still tarnished for their association with

like the Clinton's and the Obama's more vocal about Mr.

celebrities. Last year’s Harvey Weinstein scandal shook the Hollywood establishment to its core.

did she not speak out then? Why weren’t Democrat grandees Weinstein when he was found guilty? If there is one card the Republicans should play well during the midterm elections, it should be this one.

2. The Democrats’ track record in US politics and history is an appalling one. This party is morally bankrupt, and many questionable individuals have been allowed to progress within its ranks. Fox journalist Katie Pavlich said in her book the Republicans have also allowed corrupt characters to strive

Photo Source CNN Numerous celebrities who trashed Trump in the mainstream media prior to his victory have been pictured with the former producer, including Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep, who are outspoken critics of the President.Before he was elected, many celebrities jumped on the anti-Trump bandwagon after his sex tape was leaked to the press. KATIE PAVLICH PHOTO COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

strive within their party too, but they do not pretend to have a monopoly over basic human values; the Democrats do. The Democrats are the party of the Kennedy's, whose most famous president, John F. Kennedy, had a suspicious background because of his involvement with Marilyn Munroe. Jessica Drake Porn actress sex with 100's of men blaim on Trump that He touched her However, Hollywood hypocrisy was exposed at its finest after many of these same celebrities who did everything in their power to stop Trump winning were pictured with Mr. Weinstein. If Hollywood teams together to produce more cringe worthy propaganda urging Americans to vote for anyone but the Republicans, like they did during the last presidential election, the GOP could play on this and remind

CBS PHOTO ARCHIVE/GETTY; ALFRED EISENSTAEDT/THE LIFE PICTURE COLLECTION/GETTY

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CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

10 REASONS WHY REPUBLICANS WILL WIN IN 2018

3. The Democrats’ economic recovery this decade has been a marginal one. Many are praising Barack Obama for rescuing the economy from the 2008 Recession. This is a huge misconception the GOP need to stress to the electorate.This could be where they can use the Democrats’ past to win.The Democrats are only interested in keeping Americans poor. Why is it that a party with a history of discriminating and enslaving black Americans is the home for black voters? Because the Democrats lie to voters about what they will do THIS OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTO OF MONICA LEWINSKY AND BILL CLINTON, TAKEN NOV. 17, 1995, WAS INCLUDED IN INDEPENDENT COUNSEL KENNETH STARR'S REPORT ON THE EX-POTUS. (AP)

for them to lift them out of poverty. Their answer to creating wealth is for the state to intervene. Because if there were no poor Americans, the Democrats would have no one to vote for them. As I said earlier, the Republicans should play on their

Bill Clinton was the first Democrat since Jimmy Carter to win a

opponent’s past. Using the subprime mortgage crisis as an

presidential victory in 1992, and then another one in 1996. Yet

example, the Democrats used this policy to create poorer

his past is far from clean. He lied under oath that he was not

Americans. The intention behind the scheme was for every

having sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky, but was caught

American, regardless of their financial background, to be

doing the opposite. assuming many of the videos circulating

given a chance to own their own home. Yet many of them

round social media of Mr. Clinton engaging in sexual activity

could not afford the mortgage rates. George W. Bush

with anyone but Hillary are accurate, then he has learnt

cottoned on to this during his first term, but the Democrats

nothing from the 1990s. Despite this, the electorate won’t be

stopped him in 2003 from reforming subprime mortgages. In

interested in the Democrats’ past. Every Republican will know

2005, the Head of the Federal Reserve warned Congress they

this is the party that supported slavery and then the Jim Crow

need to end the housing bubble. In 2006, John McCain

Laws that legalized discrimination against black Americans

brought in a bill to curb subprime mortgages, but by then the

until 1965. Most GOP voters will be aware that this was the

housing crisis was too late to stop. At least Senator McCain

party that legalized subprime mortgages under Carter’s

tried to do something about it. As a result, President Bush had

presidency in 1977 and disrupted George W. Bush’s attempts

to increase the debt ceiling that same year. A young senator

in the 2000s to reform this scheme. It is the floating voters that

called Barack Obama described Bush’s decision as a failure of

the Republicans need to convince. They will want to know

leadership, yet he did not vote on Senator McCain’s bill. And

now why they should not vote for these hypocrites. The

now, Mr. Obama takes the credit for rescuing the economy

Republicans need to play on the Democrats’ failure to support

from a mess his party created in the late ‘70s. The Democrats

the President at every turn. Even though both Houses of

take the Americans for fools. The GOP should remind them not

Congress have a GOP majority, instead of voting for policies in

to do it again.

the national interest, the Democrats have allied with antiTrump Republicans to try and cancel policies the electorate

4. The economy is recovering at a rapid rate under Trump. To

voted for. These include repealing Obamacare and the tax

coin a phrase from Mr. Clinton- ‘it’s the economy, stupid.’

cuts the President passed through Congress before

Unemployment is at its lowest in seventeen years and the

Christmas.

stock markets are reaching record highs. GDP growth in the third quarter of 2017 was three per cent. Trump’s policies have accelerated this. His tax reforms slashed corporation tax to twenty-one per cent and he has repealed other regulations that hindered growth. The Republicans must demonstrate they are proud of this record over a year into Trump’s presidency if they hope to do well this year. 5. Established Republicans are retiring at a record pace. This includes Representative Sam Johnson (Texas), who first joined the House of Representatives in 1991; Representative

As mentioned earlier, they have now put the interests of illegal immigrants before Americans and shut down the federal government. This is not a party concerned about the United States, with maybe a few exceptions. If the Republicans hope to win in 2018, they need to remind the floaters which party is on their side; the GOP.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Florida), who first arrived in Capitol Hill in 1989, and Representative John Duncan (Tennessee).These are opponents of Trump’s agenda. The President has an opportunity to field candidates who support his political outlook. Trump must also learn from the mistakes made in Alabama. Roy Moore was a disastrous candidate and the GOP should not have lost a by-election in a strong Republican area.

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CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

10 REASONS WHY REPUBLICANS WILL WIN IN 2018

If the President does not learn from his mistakes, there could

10. In September 2017, Gallup reported Congress’s approval

be more Alabama-style disasters across the United States.

rating stood at sixteen per cent. The President is succeeding in portraying Congress as an enemy of the people, and it is

6. The Republicans must play on the President’s foreign policy

working. If pro-Trump politicians can win in the midterm

achievements, which have been discredited at every turn by

elections, they can help build bridges with the President and

the mainstream media. Journalists portray him as an ‘idiot’

assist him with his goals. This may improve Congress’s

who does not know how to behave on the international stage.

reputation.

Regardless of whether one agrees with how Trump antagonized North Korea, it is clear Pyongyang has abandoned its hopes of ever launching a nuclear missile at the United States after the President reminded them of America’s military might. He also helped orchestrate Pyongyang’s and Seoul’s efforts to cast aside their differences for this year’s Olympics. Trump has also fulfilled a long-awaited promise to Israel that the US Embassy will finally move to Jerusalem, something his predecessors continually failed to do. This will play into the GOP’s Jewish support base, which has resulted in many presidents winning elections in the past. Considering Obama was responsible for ISIS’s rise, the terrorist organization is now in full retreat since the President came to power. Trump is also smoothing relations with Russia, which is critical for world peace, whilst showing he is not afraid to defend America. This is a record the President can be proud of and one he can boast to the electorate this year. 7. The Democrats are divided. Trump has transformed American politics and his opposition are unsure how to respond to that. They have flirted with nominating a celebrity as their 2020 presidential candidate to Senator Bernie Sanders, who would take the party down a leftward spiral. The media love to play on GOP divisions when it is the Democrats who are hopelessly fighting each other. The Republicans would do well to remind the electorate which party is in a mess during the midterm elections. 8. Trump is popular with his core supporters. Admittedly, the President is much more comfortable with campaigning than he is in politics. He is the first president in my lifetime to still be on the campaign trail after being elected. Sky News produced a documentary asking Trump voters what they think about the President a year after his inauguration and many of them still hold the same opinion. This will aide many pro-Trump Republicans’ chances of beating the Democrats at the polls. 9. The President has established a reputation for being one of the few politicians who delivers on the promises he keeps. Last year, he withdrew America from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, implemented his tax cuts, repealed many regulations and delivered record economic growth and job creation. But he failed to repeal Obamacare, the wall has not been legalized yet and he has not reformed the North American Free Trade Agreement. If scores of pro-Trump Republicans win in the midterm elections, it will be easier for Trump to achieve more of his core campaign pledges.

It is all to play for this year. But there is no reason why the Republicans cannot smash the 2018 Midterm Elections based on these 10 reasons to win.

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POD, POL, ADV By Charles Lingerfelt Campaign

The Biggest Lie of The Demo-Rats! BY CHARLES LINGERFELT

SENIOR WRITER CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE

Growing up in East Tennessee, near Knoxville, was a

was changing his “antics and politics” in Washington.

very good thing for me and my family. I was able to

My grandfather then became very disappointed and

know many good, forthright, honest people who work

frustrated with Mr. Al Gore and stopped attending

hard every day to provide a living for their families

his meetings when he would come to Campbell

and help in any way possible to meet the needs of

County. One day at 12 years of age, while rolling a

others along the way. We grew up in a simple,

truck tire through my grandfather’s front yard, I

common patriotic American home where love of God

stopped to listen to my grandfather talking with my

and country was always prevalent. We were taught

dad and two of his brothers. I heard my grandfather

the difference between right and wrong and to treat

say to his three sons, “Mr. Al Gore has gone up to

our fellow man with love, honor and respect. My

Washington DC and become like all the rest of the

father and mother always saw to it that we knew

politicians! And I am not going to support him ever

what “good manners” were and always applied the

again!” Not long after I heard my grandfather say

principal to us to make sure that we adhered. By the

that, I found out that he had met Mr. Howard Baker,

time that I was a 12-year-old lad, I knew that my

Sr.(a Tennessee Republican) and had decided to

Grandfather Lingerfelt was involved somewhat in

become a member of the Tennessee Republican

conservative Democrat politics. Eventually, I found

Party. He then “switched gears” And became active

out that he was a Precinct chair with the Democrat

in the Republican Party of Campbell County.

party in Campbell County, and also served as an Election judge in our hometown.

Through my studies of Tennessee history in the seventh and eighth grades, civics lessons in the ninth

My grandfather was known throughout East

grade and economic studies in the 10th grade, I

Tennessee as “Pop Lingerfelt.” He was an employee

became very much aware of the political objectives

in our hometown of the Fleet Oil Company for many

and incentives of both the Democrats and

years and retired with them at age 65 or so. Because

Republicans. And my grandfather and dad had a

my grandfather was so well-known in the area, not

great influence over my life as to which party I would

only by the Democrats, every time Al Gore, Sr. came

become affiliated with in my adulthood. As a young

to Campbell county he wanted to have Pop

man in high school and college, I decided that I was

Lingerfelt present in the crowd of people.

not going to participate with the Democrat party

My grandfather would accommodate him as much as

because all I saw in the party were lies - nothing but

possible - Until he began to see that Al Gore, Sr.

deception, socialistic values and lies. Through the years, I have studied both political parties: the

PAGE 19

Democrats and the Republicans. And it is my firm

CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEB 2018

PAGE 20

THE BIGGEST LIE OF THE DEMOC-RATS

But ‘the Biggest Lie’ of them all from the Democrats in America is the lie to the African American population that “we care about you and the needs of your people.” It is a lie of deception to them in the provision of “government assistance” to keep them ‘hooked to the federal government’ for the purpose of “buying their vote.” Then, in the process of returns to them, the Democrats institute programs and plans which stalemate them, their futures and their incomes.

And to add insult to injury, they promote and propagate the abortion industry with the hope that ‘The Black population’ will be “controlled” and essentially one day be nonessential, null and void. What a shame!

This poisonous lie has become so damaging and paralyzing to an entire segment of our population, and I might add, so successful and well-used that the Democrats have used it over and over again - again

Destory

USA

and again; and the Blacks have bought it “hook, line and sinker!”

I dare to tell you today in this simple but compound writing, that this segment of our society will not learn to advance themselves until they “pick themselves up by their bootstraps” and decide within the framework of their minds that they are no longer going to be subsistence and contained by a federal government which does NOT care deeply for them and their future. Unless, and until that happens, the Black population In America will continue to be, “Stuck in a society” meandering in different positions, localities belief That the Democrats are all about Big spending, Big government and Big bureaucracy. Without any doubt whatsoever, the Democrats have proven themselves to be “wasteful spenders in a huge

and places without a true meaning and purpose in mind - aimlessly going in a direction which will neither bring them hope or success and truthfulness in this life.

socialistic-style government.” There have even been times when I felt within my soul that many Republicans do likewise. But the Democrats always “play their hand,” so to speak, in the realm of Socialistic/Communistic patterns and programs.

It is in love and compassion that I write this, not in a judgmental way, but in a hope for life eternal with the blessings of Almighty God upon them, and our nation. For truly from the depths of my heart I say, “God bless America; May she be kept in the hand of the Lord, guided by the Holy Spirit we pray in the

The Democrats in this country, the United States of

name of Yahweh Jesus our savior.“

America, have lied to the people for many, many years in many different ways: through socialistic

May God help us all!

patterns and programs, through spending deficits, through political battles without policy and direction, through the establishment of fraudulent goals without tangible direction, through “robbing from Peter to pay Paul,” and flat-out lying to the people about their Social Security and Medicare.

The Democrat Party in the USA is filled with lies and deception.

Sincerely, Charles Lingerfelt Dallas, Texas USA

CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

- PAGE 21 -

NAVIGATING THE ETERNAL SEA

Fighting the establishment as a true outsider with an absence of power By Steven P. Ray, GOP candidate for governor of Iowa Theologians have long determined the term “eternal sea,”

I have thought about running for governor of Iowa for many

quoted in the Bible, as referring to the world of politics. The

years. I wanted the timing to be right for me and my family. I

world of politics, or the inner-workings perhaps, along with its

have worked many years in my career, but was nowhere close

“sausage-making” productivity, can seem to conflict with the

to retirement age. We had a long-time governor that was

role within all of us as we profess our daily Christian values.

potentially poised for retirement, at some point, but then was named ambassador to China by President Donald Trump.

I have lived around public service and politics, and am now in my third decade of working in it, throughout my over 47 years

His lieutenant governor was to take over in mid-2017 and

of life. Public service has been sacred to me and I have

would still pose a challenge as an incumbent successor with

achieved great personal satisfaction from the time and

time to establish her own course by primary election time in

devotion of my life to serving the needs of my fellow citizens.

June 2018. This was a tough decision, but I decided to take

My time in public safety work, to serving my community on the

the plunge. If not now, I faced either a newly incumbent

city council, along with my lifetime of exposure to the

winning a first full-term to face in 4 years, or a new governor

workings of public service and politics, prepared me well for

from the Democrats who also would have a term under their

serving my fellow citizens. I always said that serving on a city

belt in 4 years as well. It seemed logical to try now, but the task

council was the best practice to running for higher office

would be guaranteed monumental. I put great faith in God

because you learn quickly how your decisions as a leader

and our Savior Jesus Christ to guide me in everything that I do.

affect those closest to you. It’s much easier to run for an office

I am not rich, independently wealthy, or come from a

where you can sit in your ivory tower and make decisions that

background where there are no worries about the future of

affect your constituents, but you are so far removed from them

myself and my family. The decision was made, but it has

that how it truly affects them doesn’t matter and, for some

proven to be just as difficult as I had imagined it would be. As

elected officials, that seems to work best.

Christians, we are taught to see the good everything we can.

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CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEBRUARY 2018

NAVIGATING THE ETERNAL SEA

As difficult as that can be, I try so very hard. We have seen so

constituents should be a more common occurrence, not an

many things of importance neglected in society and in my

anomaly that still attracts little attention. While no mere mortal

state of Iowa as well. Politics as usual, the rough eternal sea,

could ever assume the understanding of the challenges our

sweeps across the land and, yet, it seems that the electorate

Savior endured during His time on this earth, Jesus

remains apathetic, quick to criticize how government works, or

understood what it was like going against the establishment.

lacks effective response, but voters still go out and vote back-

We all learn from Him how to manage those tough times and

in the same people repeatedly. When, at some point, will

keep the faith that he taught us to behold, pursue and

people look for true change in their political leaders? When

cherish. I am trying to do the same and continue to fight for my

will people long for a true, positive change in those they elect

place in the vast eternal sea. I don’t know if this will be my

to represent them? I believe our Christian faith dictates

time, or another time will come for me to help my fellow

tolerance, even to those that have differing views. Whether it is

human beings in a role of leadership, but I will persevere with

our views on abortion from a social aspect, or on the economy,

time and with my continued faith.

Christian leaders must do their due diligence by using their leadership ability to draw people into the fold and not leave

Whenever it happens, if it happens, I will give my solemn

them out. To do otherwise creates division and, just perhaps,

promise, through my faith, that I will be a leader for everyone

gives voters no real reason to believe in a change of their

and a voice for those who felt they never had one. That is what

views for themselves. We can’t change everyone and that isn’t

we owe one another among our shared faith as Christians.

our role. Faith in God and Jesus Christ is what it takes for others to have the epiphany needed to make real change in their views toward how our society is best set to handle the future and lead our lives in devotion to our faith. Which, in turn, brings me back to the basics of maneuvering the sea of politics. We see so much that has continued to test our faith as it relates to government and politics. To run for governor, you are trying to show that you can separate yourself from others with an ability to truly lead for the people of your state. Unfortunately, those already in charge seem to have lost touch with that and many, I believe, who seek to run for higher office, are off-shoots of the establishment and more fortunate people who, by all accounts, are good people but will never bring real change because they don’t bring with them the knowledge of what they have witnessed done incorrectly in government for decades, as I have, and know the detrimental effects of an ineffective government which can have real consequences for the average citizen. I decided to run for governor as an agent of that real, needed change. I am a true outsider because I am not part of the establishment, I am not a current governor who had the job handed to them on a silver-platter, I am not a lawyer or a doctor or professional politician who didn’t have to work under the decisions they made in government that affected other real people, such as myself and others I know so well. The media is just as responsible for allowing politicians to continue in power as the voters that put them there. The media could care less that someone, such as me, who gave-up his career to try and make his state better for everyone and decided with his wife to try and live off her salary as a nurse, even though my wife gave me all the support in the world to do so. But, if I messed-up, just as others in politics have, they’d be all over me for that story. Trying to be a normal guy, running for office and trying to do well for his

Steven P. Ray, GOP candidate for governor of Iowa

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CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEB 2018

A LOVE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

A LOVE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME Valentine’s Day 2018 BY STEVE LACROIX

PHOTO CREDIT: ADAM KNOT

Have you ever wondered why Valentine’s Day and New Years Day seem to be the only two special occasions that are celebrated by every nation and country around the world? One celebrates the ending of the old and the beginning of the new, while the other one celebrates LOVE!!! Is it that love is the one word that everyone knows and yet it has so many different meanings to as many different people.

FOR RETAILERS, THIS ONE SPECIAL DAY RANKS AMONG THE HIGHEST BUSINESS-GENERATING EVENT OF THE YEAR.

If you were to ask everyone in your circle of friends “what does love mean to you”, you would hear many different versions of the meaning of love. If you were to ask these same people “how do you show love” you would get an even broader perspective about the meaning of love.

The florist change their window displays the clothing and lingerie stores change their mannequin displays, the candy stores have turned into a heart-shaped chocolate fantasy land and the Hallmark stores card displays are now ablaze with glistening red love cards everywhere you turn for everyone in your life and in all different languages too.

How is it that in this complex and technical world we live in, finding love, defining love, or showing love is not as simple as it seems. And yet for whatever meaning or reason,the word love has the most impact on people’s hearts, lives, and the environment they live in. No matter what language you speak or what your religious beliefs are, love is still love even in the animal kingdom too and it continues to live on long after your gone. Have you noticed that right after Christmas, out of nowhere there seems to be an overnight magic that happens and then suddenly BAM you caught off guard seeing red everywhere. Christmas songs have been replaced by the countless variety of love songs that you have heard throughout the years. Retail stores go into a fast forward mode pushing you into February when you haven’t even celebrated the New Year yet.

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What can we compare love to? Is love like a diamond, multifaceted with flaws unseen to the naked eye with each one having its own uniqueness and endless blend of various characteristics? Is love like the ocean that runs deep with ebbs and flows that change from day to day? One day the ocean is as calm as can be and the next day it can be filled with Mother Nature’s fury causing havoc everywhere. Is love like the sun that covers the world with burning passion and heat while you are in its presence during the day?Or is love like the stars in the sky that are too numerous too count yet can be seen from far away as they light up the darkness of the night sparkling with their own garment of praise? Is love all of these things and more or is love indescribable with our limited words and finite knowledge as human beings? Has love changed throughout time from generation to generation or is it the meaning of love that changes with the seasons? It seems like in our modern day vernacular and

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CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEB 2018

conversations that the word like and love are used simultaneously, but how can that be? Have we lowered our expectations of love or have we elevated the meaning of like to embrace the power of love in a more subtle way with less commitment in exchange for the freedom to roam and choose as we please? The irony to all these questions are the answers that are a maze and very complex depending on who you ask and what they say.They are not set in stone and easy to read or as some would say as simply being just black and white. There are no right or wrong answers either for its all a perception of how we view life through our own set of unique filters and the environment we live in. Lets see what the scriptures have to say about love. 1 John 4:16 states: “God is love, whoever abides in love abides in God and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:19 states: “We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:7 states: “Let us love one another because love comes from God…” John 3:16 states: “For God so loved the world that He gave…” 1 Corinthians states: “Now these three remain; faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” John 15:13 states: “This is my commandment to you, that you love one anotheras I have loved you.” So we see from the word of God that love comes from God and it is God’s gift to us to give to one another. God’s love is unconditional, fearless, powerful, life changing and neverending. God commands us to love the ones he brings across our path. These are divine connections God has prearranged for us to show his love to one another, for we are all God’s children and belong to His family. God is love and since we are all created in His image and likeness then we too are love. God gave and so must we give also for love changes lives one act of kindness at a time. It doesn’t matter if you are single or married for your status is not what’s important. What’s important is that we choose to be a vessel of God’s love pouring it into the hearts and lives of the people we encounter everyday. It does not matter where they live, their religious status or the color of their skin.

A LOVE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

What matters most is that we obey and choose to make a difference in the lives of those that God has entrusted into our care each and everyday. We are a blessed society living in a world where the use of technology now connects us to people we would have never encountered before. We have to opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people around the world from our own cell phones or computers just by the words we speak and the actions we take. Yes showing God’s love can costs you deeply, it cost God his Son to show us His love. His one act of kindness changed the course of humanity to make the world a better place. Loving people will cost you your time, your talent, your treasure (money) and even some heartache and pain every now and then, but it’s a lifestyle worth living all the way to your very last breath. When you impart yourself by investing into the lives of others you are now living a lifestyle of giving. When you live to give and give to live you have become a reflection of God and are now experiencing and living out “A love that lasts a lifetime” while fulfilling the great commission. You were called and chosen by God for this life-long mission and you play a vital role in fulfilling His great commission. It doesn’t matter if you were conceived through a loving relationship or not, what matters most is that you are loved and you give your love to your world. That, my friend, is your legacy, and your legacy is“A love that lasts a lifetime”. For you are “A love that lasts a lifetime”and the world needs you!!Your legacy will live on in everyone else long after you’re gone for true love never dies.The world will be a better place because of you. You will have left your mark in the hearts and lives of the countless number of people that came across your path. You will never know the extent of how much you made the world a better place until you receive your eternal reward and given your everlasting crown to wear. When we truly experience God’s love and value our responsibility with it then everyday can be Valentine’s Day and the world will be a better place where love and the prince of peace reigns once again.May this Valentine’s Day be one you’ll always cherish and remember. May everyday be Valentine’s Day because you choose to make a difference in someone’s life while making the world a better place to live in. Happy Valentine’s Day from my heart to yours.

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CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 | FEB 2018

PRESIDENT TRUMP DESERVES CREDIT FOR INVITING SPECIAL PEOPLE TO HIS UNION ADDRESS

This is the first State of the Union address given by U.S. President Donald Trump and his second joint-session address to Congress. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

President Trump deserves credit for inviting special people to his first State of Union Address Instead of focusing on the positive people who help make America great every day, the United States' mainstream media have concentrated on many of the blunders leading up to president Trump's State of Union Address. CNN reported on typos featured on tickets to the annual event. The New York Times claims Melanie Trump has been missing since details of the President's supposed affair in the mid-2000s has been disclosed. The Washington Post claims #Donald Trump will use this event to display his campaign donors on live television.

"President Trump deserves credit from journalists for inviting many distinguished Americans to his State of Union Address" Many of these special people include Agent Celestino "CJ" Martinez. Agent Martinez served as a Supervisory Special Agent for the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations Unit. He spent his fifteen-year tenure dismantling transnational criminal organisations like MS-13.

Aviation electronics technician Ashlee Leppert watched the President's annual speech. After serving in the United States Coast Guard, she rescued dozens of Americans from Hurricane Harvey. She helped lift a woman to safety on a helicopter basket. Officer Ryan Holets was present at the event too. He served as a police officer in New Mexico. He was shot at twice and almost died. They also adopted a baby from parents who suffered from opioid addiction. And finally, the President invited Corey Adams, a skilled welder at Staub Manufacturing Solutions. Him and his family were able to become first-time homeowners thanks to Donald Trump's tax cuts. This is the real news the mainstream press should be reporting on, not trivial details. #president donald trump

Matthew Snape Senior writer Christian Times Magazine

PHOTO CREDIT: ADAM KNOT

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day 2018

Happy

ARTS EDUCATION AND WHY IT MATTERS By Christopher Grahn Howard

As a conservative republican I am often taken to task over education issues, which is fine because I believe that much of modern education is ruining our children’s future. Lowest common denominator education only brings down the rest, but that’s not what this article is about. Today I want to take some conservatives and even more liberal educators to task.

IN A WORLD OF TOUGHER BUDGETS, LOWER TEST SCORES, AND A NEW “SPECIAL” PROGRAM EVERY YEAR; IT BECOMES TOUGHER FOR SCHOOL BOARDS AND SUPERINTENDENTS TO MAKE THE BUDGET WORK. I get that. However, it stuns me when I see so many schools cutting arts education to make ends meet. First, studies strongly suggest that music education improves test scores, math, foreign language, computer, comprehension, memory, and even reduces stress. Theater arts education helps with memory, public speaking, and vocabulary. Dance helps with foreign language, math, confidence, and obviously the physical benefits are fantastic. This is just to name a few of the benefits.So WHY would a school board look to cut any of these proven education models for an untried methodology? What really gets me is that despite these studies,school districts across the country are cutting band and music programs. In many instances this is done in favor of PAGE 29 | CHRISTIAN TIMES MAGAZINE

programs that are questionable at best. If a district has the money to do both, however, then they should go for it. For the record, I am fortunate that my children were in schools where arts education was not cut. Many are not so lucky. As a conservative republican I cannot emphasize enough the importance of arts education in the development of children. I have mentioned some of the benefits above, but please allow me to discuss even more. Participation in the performing arts will introduce a child to all kinds of people, and guess what? In real life they will meet all kinds of people. This is a good thing. As Christians we can get a bit judgmental at times, but we need to remember: even if they do not believe it, they are children of God. Differences aside, teamwork is one of the best skills learned in the performing arts. Great ensemble music comes from each individual doing their part, doing it well, and playing in tune…tempo, volume and concert with the others. If you want the ultimate teamwork-building opportunity for your child,have them join marching band or drum corps during the summers. The marching arts is the best example of this teamwork. Admittedly, I speak from experience. I was in marching band, concert band, and jazz band in high school and college, all while not even being a music major in college. In addition I spent nine years in the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps organization. I served as president of the board of directors to the St. Louis Ballet. Each of these experiences was amazing. I learned to work with all kinds of people, to be in step with them, to be in tune with them, and to work together with them. Teamwork, collaboration, and just the ability to get along are often underdeveloped skills. And learning to enjoy the work of a team even if there are people you do not enjoy the company of is a real experience in maturity.It forces you to not get your feelings hurt over every little thing as you realize that the only way the group does well is if every

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individual does well. One cannot succeed if their brother stumbles. Yes, it is biblical like that. Dance is even more of a team effort. The ensemble looks best when each member is in perfect sync with the other. Even soloists must maintain tempo and tone with the ensemble. Arts education is the path to better students and better citizens. Each performing art has advantages, each has different costs, and each has unique challenges. Most of all, each is worth the effort and worth of having a school board champion. The best example I can give you is from when my son was in middle school. They had an awards event for good grades. This picture was just for the kids receiving the award that weren’t involved in music education. The other kids were performing at that event. The outcome is a stark contrast-- a clear distinction. Why is a conservative republican so concerned with music and arts education? First, I want what is best for our kids. I want a solid, complete education that prepares children to live, work, and play in a proper, well-developed civilization.

My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain. John Adams We still need to study math and all the other core subjects, but in our world we still need the beauty of the arts. Second, I was raised in an arts driven family. As stated above, I have been involved in the arts my whole life. My life has been enriched by my arts education. Aside from the aforementioned benefits, I have experienced beauty and peace, expression and poetry in motion, most of all something that people of all types can endeavor to do together. That is the greatest lesson. You may find it silly but participating in the marching arts, as they are called, was the greatest educational experience of my life. Marching with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps taught me so much more than just about music. The dedication involved in working a show, the depth of teamwork, the exposure to so much of the world are just a few of the amazing experiences I got out of them. Mastering oneself to benefit the entire production is the greatest lesson. The individual must master their performance, their business, and most of all their emotions. To be successful one must get into superior physical and mental shape, must learn to do their work with over one hundred other people. Imagine working together on a production with that many people for a whole year. Living together on tour for a summer. The lesson this teaches young adults is beyond compare. If your children do not have this opportunity, get them into marching band. The exposure to new music that they may never have heard of before is so important. The physical activity will clearly also be of benefit. Discipline required, patience needed, and the thrill of performance are just more reasons to not only maintain but expand these programs.

ARTS EDUCATION AND WHY IT MATTERS

Again, performing arts education must be maintained, expanded and championed. The benefits are tangible and lifelong. The ability to transfer these skill into other subjects are real; math, language, computer, physical education, teamwork, poise, discipline and public speaking skills are just the obvious benefits of these activities. Why would this not be a priority in education? Thankfully my school district supports performing arts education. I pray yours does as well. If not, then get better candidates for your school board. I would argue this may be the most important office with which to get involved. Whether they’re conservative or liberal does not matter, the best possible education is of primary importance. Help me champion smart, cultural, and better citizens.

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WORKERS FOR CHRIST

BY WILLIAM . M . SHIFFER

WORKERS FOR CHRIST TIME TO CLOCK IN

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest,” Matthew 9.36-38 NASB. I had several years of academia completed by the time I had begun in ministry. It was probably halfway through seminary when I started preaching and ministering part time at a nursing home near the campus. I had not spent much time in these kinds of facilities and was not sure what to expect. Upon arriving, I saw a need that stunned me. Nearly every Sunday, I watched some fifteen to twenty-five faithful enter the activity hall to hear the gospel preached. Either wheeling themselves or by assistance, they would come. There would always be a core group who would attend when I was there. Some of them were unable to verbally communicate. I tried not to preach more than twenty minutes while there. I did this for a number of reasons, but mostly because it was a very lonely community. It was important that all of them were spoken to, and they were asked about their well-being. I heard a lot of interesting life stories. Some were tragic. One resident told me it was easy to lose track of time living there.I began to frequently have thoughts like “How many of these people have been forgotten by family?” The possibility of residents not ever meeting their great-grandchildren was often something I considered. I began to play chess on occasion with one of the regular attendees. I tried to meet small needs. They were like sheep without a shepherd.Very quickly Matthew 9.36-38 became a defining verse to my ministry. At that time, I saw need in a nursing home.But just recently, my wife discovered a large homeless population in the town of our residence. Rather frequently, there is someone on the interstate exit ramp begging for food—not money— food.James addresses helping such people: “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but has no works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is in need of daily food, and one of you say to him, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?,” James 2.14-16, NASB. You and others can give food to these people when they are seen, but are these needy ones being spiritually fed too? In this way, Matthew 9.36-38 applies to these homeless people too. It is more that probable that many of them are sheep without a shepherd. In Matthew’s narrative preceding the Lord’s statement, He had healed the woman with a hemorrhage, people in synagogues,’ an official’s daughter, and some blind men. From there He continues and preaches. He felt compassion for them. Do you feel compassion for the people with no one to shepherd them to Jesus? My citation of Jamesis not to say that if youdon’t have resources to give then you should neglect to witness for the gospel. By no means! You may or may not give them food and clothes. You may or may not visit forgotten people to help relieve loneliness and heartache. Whether they are

receiving material possessions or not, give them what they need spiritually—the gospel! Always our example, Jesus met physical needs and did not omitthe gospel of the kingdom. He preached it in the cities while going through them, and He healed people from their diseases. The good news of God’s salvation to men was not left out, Matthew 4.17, 9.35,Mark 1.15. When the Lord makes His “the workers are few” statement in Luke, the context is different. The statement occursin chapter tenduringthe passage of seventy people being sent out to preach the gospel. He gave them instructions, He says: “Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick and say to them, ‘the kingdom of God has come near to you. But whatever city you enter and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your city which clings to our feet we wipe off in protest against you; yet be sure of this, that the kingdom of God is near,’ Luke 10.811NASB. A positive or negative response to sharing the gospel does not determine success or failure. Unsuccessful evangelism occurs only when you do not give the gospel to others. Notice that in this referenced passage, Luke 10.8-11, Jesus tells them to take nothing. Having nothing to give is no excuse to not evangelize. So why the silence? It is obvious that many Christians are not sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. If they were, the world would not be in its current spiritual condition. More and more often I am reading of Christians suffering persecution in other countries—even to the death. This is nothing new, the Lord told us it would happen. There are probably people in close proximity to you of whom you could help and evangelize. You could just witness to them. I could list numerous ideas in this text, but you may have some of your own that are more creative. Churches and Christian websites will have materials such as tracts or resource. Are not the souls of people important? The workers are few. What are you doing?

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PRAISE GOD SALVATION IS FREE OF CHARGE

BY DAN BRIEN

THE FATHERS MERCY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST

Romans 3:21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. The Gospel of Jesus The Father sent his Son Jesus down to planet earth to save our souls from God’s judgement. The moment Jesus’ feet touched the ground, and he began to preach, the Father was saying, “I am offering you a salvation free of charge. All you have to do is believe I am really that loving. This kindness comes through faith in my Son Jesus Christ. He preached to the multitudes, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ” My Son was saying, “God loves you. Your sins are forgiven, the punishment for your sin has been paid in full. Enter my kingdom right away, don’t delay. Take advantage of my kindness. The door to my kingdom is open, just walk right inside. Yes! I am that loving!” John 3:16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. The Father knew long before he placed Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden, even before the foundations of the earth, that his creation would be a prisoner of sin. And although its hard to comprehend, considering how patient & loving the LORD is towards people, God himself is responsible for binding man to sin. The scripture says he predestined men & women to have a sinful nature, a corrupt nature so overpowering, that we are powerless to obey God's truths without divine intervention. You’ve heard someone say, “to err is human, but to forgive is divine”. Yes brother & sister, it’s true. Romans 11:32 For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone. Galatians 3:22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. Before the coming of Christ, the Israelites were under the law of Moses, a strict set of rules & regulations required to please God. But the law itself was not based on faith in God’s love, but rather on a written code, called the “letter of the law”. So it weakened by their sinful nature. It was flawed because it could do nothing to help them overcome sin. That’s because the moment you tell somebody, “Don’t touch that” or “Don’t go there” The first thing they desire to do is, “Touch that” and “Go there” Our sinful nature rises up in rebellion against the command. So God in his great mercy decided to send Jesus to save people free of charge, if somebody is willing to believe God. Romans 7:5 For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. 6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

The term “the law” is based on works and it literally means, “Trying to please God by human effort”. Not lying, stealing, getting drunk, or committing murder...etc. But man cannot please God by human effort, as his deeds show. So the Father showed this love for us by sending his Son to win the ultimate victory. He lived a sinless life. He trusted God by keeping his eyes on the Spirit of his Father in heaven, and was made perfect through his death on the cross. After rising from the grave, he was reunited with his Father by the Spirit of God. Then he sent his Spirit to live in the hearts of believers, as a down payment guaranteeing our salvation. Romans 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The Spirit of Comfort If we love God he places his Spirit in our hearts. The Holy Spirit is the comforter, and he is the one who makes us perfect, as he leads & guides us, and teaches us the truth. We receive the Spirit by faith, and you have his comfort in your life, whether you know it or not. Romans 10:9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. John 14:23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Verse 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 “I am leaving you with a gift— peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Jesus Save Me Right now you can know Jesus Christ as your person Lord and savior. Pray with me. “Oh Lord, I am a sinner. I need your salvation from my sin so I can escape God’s eternal judgement for the sins I’ve committed. I accept you Jesus, and the Father into my heart right now as my personal Lord and savior. I believe you are the Lord, Jesus, and I believe God raised you from the dead. So I am saved. You will never leave me, nor forsake me. And your peace is over my life. Thank you for the salvation you gave me, free of charge. And thank you for letting me dwell in your house in heaven forever and ever. Amen! You Daily Life Remember Jesus saved you, Not your good deeds. When you sin, realize you can approach the throne of grace with confidence because you are God’s child, your sins are forgiven. The door to heaven is always open. Jesus is standing there with his hand towards you today. Love in Christ

Pastor Dan Brien

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