Will an Obama Presidency close your church?
An Open letter to Pastors, in particular, and Christians in general:
Blessings to all.
Now that the buildup of the last 6 months, and the euphoria of November 4 and 5 is over, it is perhaps time to start thinking about what an Obama Presidency truly means for us a people, but more importantly, as the Church.
I have been hearing many professed Christians over the past few days scrambling to justify their largely emotionally based vote for President-Elect Obama with prayer, calls to prayer, and the following scripture: Proverbs 21:1 - The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Personally, I find the use of this scripture an affront, dishonest, and an excuse. The reality is that for many of us, we left God behind when we entered the polls, and now expect Him to fix it. For you, I respectfully refer you to 1 Samuel Chapter 15. Read the entire chapter beloved, but the key verses are here:
19 “Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?” 20 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 “But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” 22 Samuel said,
“Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.”
In reality many of you were guilty of idolatry, and still are. Here are a perfect example of some of the insanity that has been perpetuated: A song called Obama be thy name
and this little ditty: Prepare me to be a sanctuary
So now you have ‘The One’ that you wanted. What will you do when his policies cause you to choose between the State and God? With whom shall you stand? Whose report will you believe? Honestly?
Now I am sure that many of you are already angry and are planning your vitriolic responses to this missive, but I ask before you do that, that you hear (read) me out. If I am wrong then at best you have spent some time entertaining the rantings of a madman, but if I am right, then what you’re about to read is important to the future of your church.
Here’s how it will go down.
1) Firstly, let us keep in mind that in spite of press to the contrary, President-Elect Obama is NOT a Christian. Ok, before you start yelling, take a moment to watch the following short videos:
7 reasons why Barack Obama is not a Christian from www.christianadc.org
2)As he has promised, President-Elect Obama intends to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA):
Feb 11,2004 - Obama on Marriage (DOMA)
www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/
“As an African-American man, a child of an interracial marriage, a committed scholar, attorney and activist who works to protect the Bill of Rights, I am sensitive to the struggle for civil rights. As a state Senator, I have taken on the issue of civil rights for the LGBT community as if they were my own struggle because I believe strongly that the infringement of rights for any one group eventually endangers the rights enjoyed under law by the entire population. Since 1996, I have been the sponsor or a chief co-sponsor of measures to expand civil liberties for the LGBT community including hate-crimes legislation, adoption rights and the extension of basic civil rights to protect LGBT persons from discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment and credit.
Today, I am a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Unlike any of my opponents, I have a legislative track record. No one has to guess about what I will do in Washington. My record makes it very clear. I will be an unapologetic voice for civil rights in the U.S. Senate.
For the record, I opposed DOMA [ the Defense of Marriage Act ] in 1996. It should be repealed and I will vote for its repeal on the Senate floor. I will also oppose any proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban gays and lesbians from marrying. This is an effort to demonize people for political advantage, and should be resisted ... .
When Members of Congress passed DOMA, they were not interested in strengthening family values or protecting civil liberties. They were only interested in perpetuating division and affirming a wedge issue. ...
Despite my own feelings about an abhorrent law, the realities of modern politics persist. While the repeal of DOMA is essential, the unfortunate truth is that it is unlikely with Mr. Bush in the White House and Republicans in control of both chambers of Congress. ...
We must be careful to keep our eyes on the prize—equal rights for every American. We must continue to fight for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We must vigorously expand hate-crime legislation and be vigilant about how these laws are enforced. We must continue to expand adoption rights to make them consistent and seamless throughout all 50 states, and we must repeal the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” military policy.
I know how important the issue of equal rights is to the LGBT community. I share your sense of urgency. If I am elected U.S. Senator, you can be confident that my colleagues in the Senate and the President will know my position.”
January 22, 2008 Obama on the FOCA
Obama Statement on 35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Decision
www.barackobama.com/2008/01/22/obama_statement_on_35th_annive.php
Chicago, IL -- Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.
"Thirty-five years after the Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade, it's never been more important to protect a woman's right to choose. Last year, the Supreme Court decided by a vote of 5-4 to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban, and in doing so undermined an important principle of Roe v. Wade: that we must always protect women's health. With one more vacancy on the Supreme Court, we could be looking at a majority hostile to a women's fundamental right to choose for the first time since Roe v. Wade. The next president may be asked to nominate that Supreme Court justice. That is what is at stake in this election.
"Throughout my career, I've been a consistent and strong supporter of reproductive justice, and have consistently had a 100% pro-choice rating with Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America.
"When South Dakota passed a law banning all abortions in a direct effort to have Roe overruled, I was the only candidate for President to raise money to help the citizens of South Dakota repeal that law. When anti-choice protesters blocked the opening of an Illinois Planned Parenthood clinic in a community where affordable health care is in short supply, I was the only candidate for President who spoke out against it. And I will continue to defend this right by passing the Freedom of Choice Act as president.
For those unfamiliar with what the FOCA is actually:
http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/issues/abortion/access-to-abortion/freedom-of-choice-act.html
http://www.lifenews.com/nat4359.html
and here is Pres-elect Obama, in his own words:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR1RD2-fabA
So in essence, President-Elect Obama plans to support that which God says is abomination (Romans 1:27, and many more) and guarantee the permanent legality of that which God hates (Proverbs 6:19, and many more) But I digress, let’s move on…
3) The Supreme Court
President-Elect Obama is well aware that the Supreme Court is the real prize in this election, something that most of you seemed oblivious to. In an age where Governors and judges are making policy, often going against the will of the people, and with 3 or 4 judges looking to retire or move on, an Obama win and Democratic Senate and House means judges appointed who are far left and farther left. With these judges in place, the ACLU (or onesuch) will challenge the Consitutional definition of marriage. The court will then decide that any definition that specifies who is eligible for marriage by sexual orientation is unconstitutional, in effect making gay marriage the law of the land. (This has already happened in CT, NY, and will soon happen again in CA, when Prop. 8 is ruled unconstitutional)
4) 501c3’s
So Brethren, what happens when a gay couple comes and wants to get married in your church? For many of you, it will be no big deal, and you will gladly perform the ceremony. But what of you who say no, on Biblical grounds? What will happen to you? Well, what will happen to you is what has already happened to Ocean Grove Methodist Camp. They told 2 Lesbian couples no, based on the Bible, they were sued, lost, and lost their 501c3. Here is some info:
A gay perspective: http://news.lavenderliberal.com/2007/09/21/ocean-grove-methodists-lose-tax-exempt-status/
A Christian perspective: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/sep/07091902.html
Most likely your church is Incorporated, and it has a 501c3. Well you will then face Federal charges that you are in violation of the Federal Anti-discrimination laws, and your church will be found guilty because as an Incorporated 501c3, you are subject to the laws of the state you’re registered in, and the Federal Government.
Then, once your 501c3 is taken away, you become a taxable entity, (in a declining economy, having to pay taxes on your tithes & offerings, your building, and your assets, what will this do to your bottom line? Additionally, as if that is not enough, then you then face:
5) Media scrutiny, Bad Press and then Civil Suits
The gay rights lobby, ACLU et al, are waiting for the opportunity to
present these cases to the Liberal Media, and to sympathetic judges. So you get sued, are portrayed as ‘intolerant’, ‘hateful’ and much worse. You then lose the lawsuit, have a multi-million dollar judgment against you, and, being unable to pay, close your doors…..
Am I crazy? Is this Plausible? Is it Possible?
I pray beloved, that I am wrong, but I really don’t think I am…
Peace be unto you
Pastor CTJ
Blessings to all.
Now that the buildup of the last 6 months, and the euphoria of November 4 and 5 is over, it is perhaps time to start thinking about what an Obama Presidency truly means for us a people, but more importantly, as the Church.
I have been hearing many professed Christians over the past few days scrambling to justify their largely emotionally based vote for President-Elect Obama with prayer, calls to prayer, and the following scripture: Proverbs 21:1 - The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
Personally, I find the use of this scripture an affront, dishonest, and an excuse. The reality is that for many of us, we left God behind when we entered the polls, and now expect Him to fix it. For you, I respectfully refer you to 1 Samuel Chapter 15. Read the entire chapter beloved, but the key verses are here:
19 “Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?” 20 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 “But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” 22 Samuel said,
“Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king.”
In reality many of you were guilty of idolatry, and still are. Here are a perfect example of some of the insanity that has been perpetuated: A song called Obama be thy name
and this little ditty: Prepare me to be a sanctuary
So now you have ‘The One’ that you wanted. What will you do when his policies cause you to choose between the State and God? With whom shall you stand? Whose report will you believe? Honestly?
Now I am sure that many of you are already angry and are planning your vitriolic responses to this missive, but I ask before you do that, that you hear (read) me out. If I am wrong then at best you have spent some time entertaining the rantings of a madman, but if I am right, then what you’re about to read is important to the future of your church.
Here’s how it will go down.
1) Firstly, let us keep in mind that in spite of press to the contrary, President-Elect Obama is NOT a Christian. Ok, before you start yelling, take a moment to watch the following short videos:
7 reasons why Barack Obama is not a Christian from www.christianadc.org
2)As he has promised, President-Elect Obama intends to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA):
Feb 11,2004 - Obama on Marriage (DOMA)
www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/
“As an African-American man, a child of an interracial marriage, a committed scholar, attorney and activist who works to protect the Bill of Rights, I am sensitive to the struggle for civil rights. As a state Senator, I have taken on the issue of civil rights for the LGBT community as if they were my own struggle because I believe strongly that the infringement of rights for any one group eventually endangers the rights enjoyed under law by the entire population. Since 1996, I have been the sponsor or a chief co-sponsor of measures to expand civil liberties for the LGBT community including hate-crimes legislation, adoption rights and the extension of basic civil rights to protect LGBT persons from discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment and credit.
Today, I am a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Unlike any of my opponents, I have a legislative track record. No one has to guess about what I will do in Washington. My record makes it very clear. I will be an unapologetic voice for civil rights in the U.S. Senate.
For the record, I opposed DOMA [ the Defense of Marriage Act ] in 1996. It should be repealed and I will vote for its repeal on the Senate floor. I will also oppose any proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban gays and lesbians from marrying. This is an effort to demonize people for political advantage, and should be resisted ... .
When Members of Congress passed DOMA, they were not interested in strengthening family values or protecting civil liberties. They were only interested in perpetuating division and affirming a wedge issue. ...
Despite my own feelings about an abhorrent law, the realities of modern politics persist. While the repeal of DOMA is essential, the unfortunate truth is that it is unlikely with Mr. Bush in the White House and Republicans in control of both chambers of Congress. ...
We must be careful to keep our eyes on the prize—equal rights for every American. We must continue to fight for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We must vigorously expand hate-crime legislation and be vigilant about how these laws are enforced. We must continue to expand adoption rights to make them consistent and seamless throughout all 50 states, and we must repeal the “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” military policy.
I know how important the issue of equal rights is to the LGBT community. I share your sense of urgency. If I am elected U.S. Senator, you can be confident that my colleagues in the Senate and the President will know my position.”
January 22, 2008 Obama on the FOCA
Obama Statement on 35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade Decision
www.barackobama.com/2008/01/22/obama_statement_on_35th_annive.php
Chicago, IL -- Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the 35th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.
"Thirty-five years after the Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade, it's never been more important to protect a woman's right to choose. Last year, the Supreme Court decided by a vote of 5-4 to uphold the Federal Abortion Ban, and in doing so undermined an important principle of Roe v. Wade: that we must always protect women's health. With one more vacancy on the Supreme Court, we could be looking at a majority hostile to a women's fundamental right to choose for the first time since Roe v. Wade. The next president may be asked to nominate that Supreme Court justice. That is what is at stake in this election.
"Throughout my career, I've been a consistent and strong supporter of reproductive justice, and have consistently had a 100% pro-choice rating with Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America.
"When South Dakota passed a law banning all abortions in a direct effort to have Roe overruled, I was the only candidate for President to raise money to help the citizens of South Dakota repeal that law. When anti-choice protesters blocked the opening of an Illinois Planned Parenthood clinic in a community where affordable health care is in short supply, I was the only candidate for President who spoke out against it. And I will continue to defend this right by passing the Freedom of Choice Act as president.
For those unfamiliar with what the FOCA is actually:
http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/issues/abortion/access-to-abortion/freedom-of-choice-act.html
http://www.lifenews.com/nat4359.html
and here is Pres-elect Obama, in his own words:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR1RD2-fabA
So in essence, President-Elect Obama plans to support that which God says is abomination (Romans 1:27, and many more) and guarantee the permanent legality of that which God hates (Proverbs 6:19, and many more) But I digress, let’s move on…
3) The Supreme Court
President-Elect Obama is well aware that the Supreme Court is the real prize in this election, something that most of you seemed oblivious to. In an age where Governors and judges are making policy, often going against the will of the people, and with 3 or 4 judges looking to retire or move on, an Obama win and Democratic Senate and House means judges appointed who are far left and farther left. With these judges in place, the ACLU (or onesuch) will challenge the Consitutional definition of marriage. The court will then decide that any definition that specifies who is eligible for marriage by sexual orientation is unconstitutional, in effect making gay marriage the law of the land. (This has already happened in CT, NY, and will soon happen again in CA, when Prop. 8 is ruled unconstitutional)
4) 501c3’s
So Brethren, what happens when a gay couple comes and wants to get married in your church? For many of you, it will be no big deal, and you will gladly perform the ceremony. But what of you who say no, on Biblical grounds? What will happen to you? Well, what will happen to you is what has already happened to Ocean Grove Methodist Camp. They told 2 Lesbian couples no, based on the Bible, they were sued, lost, and lost their 501c3. Here is some info:
A gay perspective: http://news.lavenderliberal.com/2007/09/21/ocean-grove-methodists-lose-tax-exempt-status/
A Christian perspective: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/sep/07091902.html
Most likely your church is Incorporated, and it has a 501c3. Well you will then face Federal charges that you are in violation of the Federal Anti-discrimination laws, and your church will be found guilty because as an Incorporated 501c3, you are subject to the laws of the state you’re registered in, and the Federal Government.
Then, once your 501c3 is taken away, you become a taxable entity, (in a declining economy, having to pay taxes on your tithes & offerings, your building, and your assets, what will this do to your bottom line? Additionally, as if that is not enough, then you then face:
5) Media scrutiny, Bad Press and then Civil Suits
The gay rights lobby, ACLU et al, are waiting for the opportunity to
present these cases to the Liberal Media, and to sympathetic judges. So you get sued, are portrayed as ‘intolerant’, ‘hateful’ and much worse. You then lose the lawsuit, have a multi-million dollar judgment against you, and, being unable to pay, close your doors…..
Am I crazy? Is this Plausible? Is it Possible?
I pray beloved, that I am wrong, but I really don’t think I am…
Peace be unto you
Pastor CTJ
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